Celebrating 40+ Years of ICSA

About This Page

This page illuminates the history of ICSA (name changed from American Family Foundation in 2004) and the cause to which its directors, staff, volunteers, and supporters are dedicated. We trust that this historical retrospective will strengthen your support for ICSA’s important work.

ICSA members have access to all ICSA periodicals back to 1979, as well as many other resources.  If you are not already a member, please become one.

Table of Contents

ICSA Pioneers

Kay Barney, founder and first president of ICSA/AFF, was an executive with Raytheon Corporation. He currently enjoys an active retirement.

John G. Clark, MD (1926-1999). Because of Dr. Clark’s courage in standing up to harassment The Psychiatric Times named him 1991 psychiatrist of the year, describing him as "a quiet, courageous man of conviction, who was fighting an all-too-lonely and unappreciated battle against well-financed, ruthless organizations." 

Guy Ford (1922-2007). Though he was never formally the president of AFF, Guy functioned in that capacity during the 1980s. His guiding hand kept AFF firmly anchored to reality during its crucial early years.

Herb Rosedale (1932 -2003) was AFF's president from 1988 until his death. He gave pro bono legal advice and help to thousands of families, former group members, clergy, helping professionals, and others. When Herb died so many unsolicited emails arrived that we put together a special Rosedale Memorial Reflections,. Rosedale Memorial Collection. His impact on AFF/ICSA cannot be underestimated.

Margaret Thaler Singer, PhD (1921-2003), University of California, Berkeley, was one of the pioneers in the cultic studies field. Her writings and down-to-earth talks had great influence in the field. See Singer Memorial Reflections. Singer Memorial Collection.

L.J. West, MD (1925-1999), Director of the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, pioneer in the cultic studies field, and chief organizer of the Wingspread conference, gave great credibility to the cultic studies field.

Videos: ICSA History Collection