The presenter is a Counselor Educator (19 years) and Counselor (25 years), currently serving as a Professor within the region. Scholarly interests include: establishing accessible counseling services for underserved populations, couple and family counseling, rural counseling practice, clinical supervision, qualitative research methodologies, and integration of the arts into counseling and teaching. She has published one book, multiple book chapters and papers, given many presentations, and received over 13 million in external grant funding.

Nishita Raut is an LPC-Associate, under the supervision of Dee C. Ray, Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S in Texas. Nishita is an International student in second-year of her doctoral program at the University of North Texas that focuses on three areas clinical skills, research and academia. Nishita has been operating from a holistic, multicultural therapeutic approach in providing therapeutic services to diverse group of individuals belonging to various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, age ranges, sexual identity and value systems, presenting with mental health concerns. Nishita has experience of working in varied levels of care and counseling facilities. Nishita is fluent in English, Hindi and Marathi and wishes to make advances in bilingual counseling and supervision.

The presenter is a Professor of Counselor Education with 16 years experience. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) in Illinois. Her scholarly and research interests include women and parenting in higher education, wellness, mentoring, substance abuse, and assessment and diagnosis.

Anna Lieber (she/hers) has over 25 years of experience in behavioral health in direct client care, program development, and administration. Anna is the current Clinical Director of Westminster University’s Counseling & Counseling Education program, and her clinical work is currently focused on clinical supervision, suicide treatment/prevention, and continued learning. Prior to starting at Westminster Anna was the Chief Clinical Officer of a large psychiatric hospital and oversaw all inpatient and outpatient clinical services. Anna is passionate about behavioral health and the mental health counseling field and uses her drive to enhance the mental health profession by giving back through service. Anna is the Past-President of the Utah Mental Health Counselors Association, a Utah Crime Victim Reparations and Assistance Board member, and provides numerous trainings to therapists and medical providers. Anna is a Nationally Certified Counselor and member of the NBCC, American Association of Suicidology, ACA, ACEs, AMHCA, and the LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapist Guild of Utah. Anna has extensive experience in treatment and program development for many disorders and populations, including developmental trauma, military issues, dual-diagnosis, addiction, psychosis, PTSD/trauma, anxiety, mood, personality, LGBTQIA+. Anna’s clinical interests include chronic suicidal behaviors, personality disorders, trauma/PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorders, suicide prevention/postvention, and clinical supervision.

Dr. Heather Ambrose holds a Ph.D. from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX where she majored in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is an Associate Professor in the School of Counseling at Walden University, where she has taught for 12 years. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. She has an expertise in training clinical supervisors in addition to providing supervision for counselors-in-training and counselors seeking licensure. Dr. Ambrose is a Past-President of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) and the past secretary for ACES. She also serves as a Site Team Chair and a Site Visitor for the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). She currently volunteers as a leader for a youth support group for LGBTQ+ teens, where she provides positive support and mental health education to the attendees. Dr. Ambrose lives in Layton, Utah with her husband, their two greyhounds, and their cat.

Dr. Anna Bartkowiak is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling at Montana State University. She is a Certified Clinical Domestic Counselor (NAFC) and Registered Play Therapy - Supervisor and has worked at the local domestic violence shelter, Haven, for the last 18 years.

The presenter has been a licensed mental health counselor for over a decade, licensed in 4 states and nationally certified. The presenter has maintained a successful private practice for over a decade and has provided individual and site supervision for new counselors/CITs for many years. The presenter is a past president of the state professional counseling association in which they practice. In their current position as a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision, the presenter currently provides both group and individual supervision to Counselors In Training in a CACREP accredited university counselor training program.

Alli Bristow, PhD, LSC, LCPC, NCC, is an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at the University of Montana. She is a National Board Certified Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and a licensed school counselor in Montana. Alli is a former school counselor and crisis therapist in Arizona and Montana. Her current research interests are in supporting school counselors in training in using evidence-based practices to improve retention and prevent burnout. Alli provides individual supervision to school counseling interns and was named the 2023 Montana School Counselor of the Year. She is a strong advocate for rural school counselors and is deeply committed to supporting students, families, and the school counseling profession

Erin Burgess, MS, LPC (they/she) is a Licensed Professional Counselor and current doctoral student in Counselor Education & Supervision at Idaho State University, specializing in Marriage, Couple and Family counseling. She completed her MS in Professional Mental Health Counseling—Addictions Specialization at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR, and was awarded the NBCC Foundation Minority Fellowship in Addiction Counseling in 2022. Her research interests include how to best prepare CITs to help clients explore sexuality, as well as best practices in the treatment of clients with SUDs. Clinically, she has worked in multiple residential centers where she has supported clients in recovery, advocated for client rehabilitation needs, conducted individual and group counseling with justice-involved youth who use substances, and developed group counseling curriculums centering creative interventions when working with Black and Brown youth.

Kara Carnes-Holt (she/her), Ph.D., LPC, RPT-S, CCPT-S, CPRT-S, is a Professor and the Department Chair for the Department of Counseling and Human Services at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. She earned her PhD. in counseling at the University of North Texas. Kara is a professional counselor, a registered play therapist, and an approved play therapy supervisor (RPT-S). She is also the founder and former director of the Rocky Mountain Center of Play Therapy Studies. Kara has special interests in utilizing humanistic play therapy, CPRT, and expressive arts interventions as they utilize the therapeutic relationship as the primary and foundational agent of change for children, adolescents, and their families. She has a personal and professional passion for supporting adoptive and foster families.

Dr. Katie Christensen is an Assistant Professor in the CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Westminster University in Salt Lake City, UT, where she serves as Chi Sigma Iota Chapter Faculty Advisor. She earned a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dr. Christensen specializes in grief counseling, reducing sizeism within the counseling profession, and supporting emerging counselors, which are showcased through her teaching, research, clinical practice, leadership, and advocacy efforts. Dr. Christensen is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of Utah where she primarily works with adults and couples. She has presented at national and international counseling conferences on topics of grief counseling, sizeism within the counseling profession, and multicultural considerations in counseling and counselor education.

Claire has a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Northern Colorado and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado and Missouri. Claire is currently an Assistant Professor at Regis University, where she teaches mostly counseling skills based courses. She also has a counseling private practice in which she works predominantly with the LGBTQIA+ population. Claire's research interests include the exploration of humor in the classroom and how it impacts CIT learning and relationships, as well as creativity within our varying roles as counselor educators and supervisors.

As a PhD candidate in Counseling Education and Supervision along with MAs in both teaching and counselling, the presenter has extensive knowledge and experience in teaching and counselling. With knowledge of CACREP standards as both a master's and PhD student and as an adjunct in a CACREP accredited program, the presenter has rich experience integrating technology into a variety of courses including MFC Ethics & Law, Introduction to MFC, and MFC Counseling and has also been a guest lecturer in multiple CACREP accredited counseling courses. Additionally, the presenter has a deep background counseling children and adolescents, first as a school-based mental health clinician and then as a private practice practitioner specializing in treating children, adolescents, and families.

Amanda DeDiego, PhD, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH is an Associate Professor of Counseling at the University of Wyoming. She has a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Tennessee and holds a MS in Community Counseling from the University of North Georgia. Her research agenda focuses on counselor development and issues of healthcare equity and access. She incorporates creativity into her practice, teaching, research, and community engagement. She is the author of two textbooks with Routledge publishers, nine book chapters, and 35 peer-reviewed articles. She is PI on several grant projects focused on addressing health equity needs in the community. She holds leadership positions on the board of multiple counseling organizations including Association for Creativity in Counseling, RMACES, and serves as a Governing Council Representative for the American Counseling Association.

Dr. Kelly Duncan serves as the Executive Director of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. She has been involved in the profession of counseling for over 30 years and has worked as a counselor educator since 2003. Dr. Duncan had the privilege of serving as a counselor educator at three universities, coordinated a university counselor training clinic, and was a dean of a School of Education prior to joining the ACES staff. She was the executive director of a state counseling branch for 15 years. Her background in counseling and association management allows her to meld her skills in her current role. Since coming to ACES, Duncan has worked to highlight the work of the association more visibly and to facilitate collaborations between ACES and other counseling affiliate groups. She spearheaded the increase in research grant funding for members along with expanding ACES’s continuing education offerings resulting in its new learning management system. Promoting professional counselor identity and advocating for counselor educators and supervisors continues to be a key focus in her role as executive director. She is a licensed professional counselor in the state of South Dakota.

Dr. Kristy Eldredge is a Full Professor at The Chicago School in the Counselor Education – Online program, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Currently, living in Denver, Colorado, she provides individual psychotherapy with adult survivors of complex trauma, including sexual abuse, human trafficking, and organized abuse. She is also an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) through the NBCC, a a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and a Board Certified Telemental Health Clinician. Within the university, she serves as the Co-lead for curriculum in the CMHC-online and Counselor Education and Supervision Online programs.

Dr. Anna Elliott's teaching and supervision is grounded in a social constructivist philosophy where collaboration and empowerment are central. Her coursework as an instructor has included intersectionality, family theories, rural counseling, diagnosis, trauma, and clinical lab courses. As an active mental health clinician, she specializes in working with families, adolescents, and trauma recovery from a relational-cultural psychodynamic approach. Dr. Elliott's research and scholarship centers around enhancing counselor development and improving and increasing mental health access. On a micro level, this involves exploring what factors enhance counselor-in-training development. On a macro level, her grant activity and research focus on how to systemically address mental health needs in rural communities.

Sara Ellison is a doctoral candidate at Auburn University and part-time faculty member at the University of West Georgia. She works in private practice in Atlanta, GA with adolescents and adults. Her research interests include trauma and resilience, disorders of overcontrol, and social justice supervision practices.

Rachael Estes is a third-year doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision at Auburn University and has worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 5 years of clinical experience. Rachael has previously worked with at-risk youth adjudicated for illegal sexual behavior using Trauma-Focused CBT and is currently working in private practice. Her clinical specialties and interests include trauma, ADHD, student-athletes, social media impacts, and resiliency in supervision and the counseling profession.

Dr. Franklin is an Asst. Professor in the Counseling Department at Montana State University, and has been a counselor in Montana for 20 years. She is the School Counseling Program Leader, the Director of the Center for Mental Health Research & Recovery, and School Liaison for the Rural Mental Health Preparation/Pathway Program. In both her research and service, Dr. Franklin is committed to understanding and supporting the unique mental and behavioral needs of rural school communities and Montana kids.

Heather J. Fye, PhD, LPC, NCC is an assistant professor at the University of Alabama. Heather has previously worked in the mental health and school settings, including child protective services, nursing home social services, elementary school counseling, outpatient counseling serving youth and their families, and a college counseling center. Her research interests include wellness, stress, burnout, and trauma informed care for counselors and their clients/students.

Sandra Gavin, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS, is an Associate Professor of Counselor Education at Adams State University. A Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Approved Clinical Supervisor, she teaches graduate courses in both the MA and PhD programs, including topics related to social justice and identity development in advocacy. Sandra’s research centers on enhancing counselors-in-training’s self-efficacy and competence in working with LGBTQIA+ populations and exploring the role of mentorship in counselor development. In addition to her academic role, she maintains a private practice serving diverse clients and clinical needs. She also serves on the Editorial Review Board for the Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling and as the Trustee of Membership for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities.

Aundrea L. Gee, MEd., CRC, is an Assistant Professor at Montana State University Billings and a Doctoral Candidate at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. She earned her master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Kent State. Her research interests include TBI acquired by adults during the mid-career stage of life, TBI and co-occurring mental health disorders, and disability advocacy.

Dylan Gonzales is an LPC-Associate, under the supervision of Dee C. Ray, Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S in Texas. A first generation, second-year doctoral student in the University of North Texas that specializes in both group therapy and play therapy. In his career, Dylan has explored the impacts of the therapeutic relationship of culturally diverse individuals across the life span. More recently, Dylan has moved to the world of play therapy with the desire to explore the effects of humanistic play therapy on diverse populations and aims to move the modality toward a more culturally inclusive space. Dylan is an existential play therapist who emphasizes the importance of entering the child’s realm in an experiential manner. Through this deep authentic relationship, Dylan believes that healing occurs. He currently provides play therapy services to Latinx Children in the Denton Independent School District along with services at UNT’s Child and Family Resource Clinic. Dylan is a doctoral supervisor for master's level counselors-in-training and has focused on working with practicum students transitioning into internship.

Dr. Tara Gray, Clinical Faculty in the Counseling Department at Prescott College, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, Licensed Professional School Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor with over 30 years of experience across settings, including private practice, university clinic and career centers, residential treatment, and K-12 schools. Dr. Gray has been teaching and supervising in graduate counseling programs since 2010 and specializes in ethical, compassionate, evidence-based counseling across diverse populations, counselor education, clinical supervision, group counseling, child and adolescent counseling, school counseling and social justice and advocacy. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Association for Play Therapy, the Colorado Providers Association, and the Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance. Dr. Gray just published in the The SAGE Encyclopedia of Multicultural Counseling, Social Justice, and Advocacy. Dr. Gray has taught over 75 graduate counselor education courses in 3 different CACREP programs and has served over 5,000 clients and students to date. Dr Gray has presented over 50 presentations and has published 13 articles on best practices in counseling. She has earned 7 awards and written 19 grants funded at over half a million dollars. Dr. Gray has also served in over 30 different professional service, volunteer leadership roles. Dr. Gray serves clients in her private practice, Dr. Tara Gray Counseling & Wellness, in Telluride, Colorado.

Hey all! My name is Alexandra Green (she/her/hers), I’m a first-year doctoral student at Idaho State University! I’m originally from the beautiful Flathead Valley in Montana. I attended Montana State University for both my undergraduate degree in applied psychology and my master's degree in clinical mental health. In addition to my schooling, I have served in the Army National Guard as a medic for about ten years now. Through my work in counseling and the Army, I’ve become passionate about working with trauma survivors, specifically military and first responders. My research interests are the intersectionality between neurodivergence and the military/first responder populations. My goals are to improve understanding of those who identify with these populations and how best to serve them. When I’m not in school I love to hit the trails for hikes or running, the river for fishing and kayaking, or really anything that gets me and my pups outdoors in some sunshine!

Darius Green is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. He holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and completed his M. Ed. in Clinical Mental Health & Addictions Counseling. He is a Licensed Professional Counseling Candidate in Colorado and a National Certified Counselor. His professional interests include police violence, abolition, racial trauma, cyberbullying, cyber hate, and integrating social justice into counseling.

Dr. Henderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (ID), certified school counselor (ID), and National Board-Certified Counselor. She is also an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education at Liberty University where she works as Core Faculty within the Counselor Education and Family Studies program. Dr. Henderson teaches both school counseling and clinical mental health counseling courses. Her research interests include school counselor site supervision and post-graduate supervision, wellness and burnout prevention within counseling and counselor education, and career counseling.

Dr. Vasti Holstun is an associate professor in a CACREP accredited counseling program. Prior to becoming a counselor educator, Dr. Holstun was a school counselor for 16 years. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice in Colorado Springs, CO, where she continues to provide counseling to children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Holstun publishes and presents at state and national conferences on the following topics: burnout, compassion satisfaction, and self-care for counselor educators, integrating spirituality in counseling, mental health in schools, and counseling supervision. Dr. Holstun is the President-elect of the Colorado Counseling Association (2024-2025 tenure). She is an associate editor for the Journal of Humanistic Counseling and the editor of the new Journal of Faith Integration in Counseling.

Renyi Huang, M.S. is a doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Counseling program at ISU. Prior to moving to Idaho, she completed her master's training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. During her master- and doctoral-level internship, she had the privilege to work with children and families that are impacted by child maltreatment (i.e., abuse and neglect) using evidence-based approaches like TF-CBT, PCIT, and ITCT. Her research interests include group counseling, multicultural issues in counseling, basic counseling skill training, counseling outcome research, and integration of technology in counselor education.

Dr. Karli Iceman is an Assistant Professor within the School of Counselor Education at Adams State University. Prior to coming to Adams State University, Dr. Iceman worked at a private practice in Michigan where she specialized in working with teens, adults, and couples in the Metro Detroit area. Dr. Iceman came from a doctoral program that provided her with opportunities to supervise masters-level counselors-in-training. Currently, Dr. Iceman teaches classes in the master’s program where she supervises master’s students in Pre-Practicum, Practicum, and Internship courses. In addition to supervision, Dr. Iceman’s research focuses on online counselor education.

Dr. Brad Imhoff earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Ohio University. He is the Director of the MA in Addiction Counseling program and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counselor Education & Family Studies at Liberty University. Dr. Imhoff’s scholarly interests include the understanding and treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder, substance and behavioral addictions, and counselor well-being and self-care.

Veronica Johnson (Roni) is a professor and chair of the Department of Counseling at the University of Montana, and a licensed clinical professional counselor. She has been a counselor educator for over 15 years. Roni's clinical experiences include group home work, college counseling, adult mental health, and couples counseling. Her teaching and research interests include clinical supervision and supervision training, development and maintenance of intimate relationships, professional ethics, and forgiveness in intimate relationships.

Sonah Kho is a doctoral candidate at the University of Wyoming and holds National Certified Counselor and Provisional Professional Counselor credentials. Identifying as an international counselor from an Asian background, she is dedicated to enhancing multicultural competency, advocating for minority graduate students, and supporting international students in counselor education programs through scholarly and conference activities.

Taewon Kim is a third-year Assistant Professor in the M.Ed. in School Counseling Program at the Department of Psychology at Utah State University. He completed his Master's degree in Educational Counseling at Seoul National University and has over three years of experience as a military counseling officer and supervisor in the Air Force. His research interests focus on multicultural counseling, school bullying, relationship factors and methodologies in counseling research. His dissertation was titled Counselors’ Collectivism/Individualism and Working Alliance: The Role of Self-Differentiation and Countertransference. He is an active member of professional organizations including the American School Counseling Association (ASCA), American Counseling Association (ACA), Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD), the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), the Korean Counseling Association (KCA), and the Korean Counseling Psychological Association (KCPA).

My broad scholarly interests include Qualitative research, instructional theory, couple and family counseling, and ethics. More specifically, I am interested in the influences of postmodern philosophy on the areas above (i.e., use of reflecting teams, social constructionist theory) and its impact on the future of counselor education. Additionally, I am concerned with increasing the field's awareness of the importance of training counselors in the skills of prevention as well as remediation (i.e., treatment) and who (and whose interests) will influence the future of counselor education. In my free time, I enjoy golfing, skiing, hiking, spending time with my wife, daughter and son, listening to Bob Dylan, and of course, obsessing about the Green Bay Packers (I am originally from Wisconsin). Feel free to call or e-mail me for further information. he/his/him

Kanbi Knippling, PCLC, NCC (she/her) is a fourth-year Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral student at the University of Montana. Her clinical, advocacy, and research interests include providing trauma-informed care for individuals with disabilities as well as working to address mental health disparities for persons with non-dominant identities. Her current research is focused on exploring the experiences of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users in navigating mental health systems.

Jessie Koltz is a third year Assistant Professor, and the Program Director of the M.Ed. in School Counseling Program in the Department of Psychology at Utah State University. Jessie is a Nationally Certified Counselor, Nationally Certified School Counselor, Licensed School Counselor, and licensed Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of Utah. She was a practicing school counselor from 2013-2021 in K-12 settings in VA, NV, and CA and was the director and founder of Mindful Health Initiative, an adventure-based counseling 501(c)3 located in Reno, Nevada during her doctoral program. Her dissertation was entitled Supporting Perceived Academic Stress: An Online Delivered Counseling Intervention for Middle School Students. Her most recent publication is entitled Mindful Teaching, Leadership, and Reflection Practices, and can be found in the book Habits of Mind: Designing Courses for Student Success by Julia M. Gossard, Ph.D. & Chris Babits, Ph.D.

Dr. Rebecca Koltz is a Professor in the Dept. of Counseling. She serves as the department head and marriage, couples & family program lead. Her research interests include understanding challenges and strengths associated with rural counseling, exploring wellness and prevention across the life span with a specific focus on aging, understanding counselor self-care and prevention, integrating creative approaches in counseling and teaching. She has over 6 million in external grant funding developing a training process for counselors interested in working in rural communities. She has published 26 papers, 2 book chapters and 3 books.

Ashley Kreeger, NCC, LPC, ACS (she/her) is a National Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor and Assistant Professor with the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, working in the Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She completed her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling at Denver Seminary. She has over 18 years of clinical experience working with children and adolescents struggling with anxiety, OCD, and behavioral concerns. She is the director of the Unlicensed BHC Pathway Program, a training program for post master’s level clinicians. She has been a clinical supervisor for 10 years and has earned her Approved Clinical Supervisor credential. She is dedicated to helping train the next generation of clinicians in the field.

Dr. William B. Lane Jr. is an Assistant Professor and the Program Lead of the Counseling Program at Western New Mexico University. He is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in New Mexico and has experience providing supervision and working with diverse populations within the K-12 setting. He has worked as a child advocate providing trauma-informed counseling to sexual abuse survivors. He has additional experience working in private practice with individuals, couples, and the LGBTQ+ community. His research interests include improving the supervisory working alliance and telemental health counseling, supervision, and education.

Jade Letourneau is an associate professor in the counseling program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. earned her PhD from Idaho State University and her MS from University of Southern Maine. She is licensed to practice in Utah, Maine, and New Hampshire. Her research interests include all things qualitative, culturally responsive gatekeeping, and spirituality and religious issues in counseling.

Ananda Lettner has been working as a mental health counselor in the state of Idaho since October of 2021. She is currently a doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Counseling program at Idaho State University specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Environmental Policy at Luther College in Decorah, IA and her Master’s of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI. She has interests in environmental justice, integrated behavioral healthcare, and trauma-informed care and supervision.

Dr. Shannon Lollar is an assistant professor at the University of Montana. She teaches across the CACREP core, but really enjoys teaching counseling theories, and multicultural counseling. She has been practicing clinically for over 10 years, is EMDR trained, and works across the lifespan specializing in individuals who have experienced sexual trauma, first responders, and is a certified child-centered play therapist-supervisor, and is trained in child parent relationship therapy, and works with both children and families with their varying needs. Dr. Lollar also provides supervision for folks seeking CCPT certification as well as provisionally licensed counselors.

Leah Finch is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the states of North Carolina, New York, and Montana. She earned her Masters of Arts in Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2017. She has worked in private practice, mental health consulting, college counseling, career counseling, and has taught adjunct in graduate counseling programs. She is currently a PhD student in Counselor Education and Supervision at The University of Montana.

Angel Manjarrez, MA, LPC (CO) is a doctoral student at Oregon State University and adjunct faculty at Regis University. He is currently an LPC working as a community mental health agency, primarily with Spanish-speaking clients. His dissertation research focuses on the provision of neuroeducation to Spanish-speaking clients currently receiving counseling services in a community setting.

Dr. Martinez is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), a registered site supervisor in the state of Idaho, as well as nationally credentialed as an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). She has a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Counseling and teaches full-time in Counselor Education. She provides Telemental Health Counseling services for people located anywhere in the state of Idaho, as well as in-person equine therapy and equine-assisted learning services at her farm in Southeast Idaho.

Lillian Martz is a Doctoral Candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at The University of Montana and part-time school counselor at Seeley-Swan High School. Her dissertation work is focused on evaluating a brief positive psychology group intervention with secondary students to determine effectiveness for improving overall wellbeing and academic performance. Her research interests include positive psychology interventions for adolescents, risk and protective factors for suicidality among adolescents, advocating for school counselors, and crisis counseling training for school counselors. She has been a licensed professional school counselor since 2009, working in elementary and high schools in Virginia, Montana, and Washington. She currently holds a class 6 license for school counseling and a PCLC professional counseling candidate license in Montana. She has presented more than a dozen times on topics related to school counseling at local, regional, and state conferences. Lillian is a member of the board of directors with the Montana School Counselor Association where she is co-chair of the Conference Committee and Chair of the Professional Development Committee. She is passionate about social justice and is a member of the inaugural class of National School Counseling Fellows with the Center for Equity in Postsecondary Attainment hosted by San Diego State University where she and other fellows are working on leadership and advocacy projects supporting school counselors and an active member of Counselors for Social Justice. When she’s not working on her research, teaching, or providing counseling services, she enjoys spending time with her husband and getting outdoors!

Andrea McGrath, PhD, LPC, LIMHP, LAC is an Assistant Professor of Counseling at Doane University. She holds licenses for mental health and addictions counseling practice in Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Her focus of clinical practice is primarily with adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use concerns. Her research interests includes counselors/trainees in recovery from substance use, clinical supervision, and ethical practice in both substance use and mental health settings. She currently serves on the board of the Wyoming Counseling Association, Nebraska Counseling Association, and Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision.

Rob McKinney is an Associate Professor in the department of Counselor Education at Gonzaga University. He earned his M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Illinois University and his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at Kent State University. He is proud to be a member of ACA, ACES, SAIGE, and CSI, the latter of which he is a Chapter Faculty Advisor at GU. He is also a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington. His professional and research interests include multicultural counseling considerations, LGBTGEQIAP+ considerations, spirituality in counseling, and counselor preparation.

David is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado and Oregon who owns a private practice in Colorado. He is currently pursuing his PhD at Walden University. David previously worked as Clinical Director for North Albany Wellness Center in Albany, Oregon for four years and prior to that as a Clinical Supervisor for Marion County Mental Health in Salem, Oregon for 12 years and Adjunct Instructor at Corban University in Salem, Oregon. His research interests include couples therapy and remediation.

Dr. Hana Meshesha is a faculty member in the Department of Counseling at Idaho State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Montana in 2023. Dr. Meshesha has extensive experience working with college students and individuals with substance use disorders, and previously served nearly a decade as a faculty member at the University of Gondar in Ethiopia, where she trained and supervised future mental health professionals. Her research interests include trauma, forgiveness, disability, clinical supervision, and international counseling. She currently serves as the Chapter Faculty Advisor for ISU’s Chi Sigma Iota chapter, Phi Omicron Chi.

Dr. Raissa Miller is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Counselor Education at Boise State University. Dr. Miller has over a decade of clinical experience working with individuals across the lifespan in community agency and private practice settings. Dr. Miller is an active researcher with particular interests in the integration of neuroscience and counseling, the evaluation of counseling training and interventions, and the application of rigorous qualitative methodologies in the counseling field. She is the Associate Co-Editor of the neuroscience section of the Journal of Mental Health Counseling. Dr. Miller has published over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles and is the co-author of the book The Neuroeducation Toolbox: Practical Translations of Neuroscience in Counseling and Psychotherapy.

Dr. Michael Morgan received his PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Purdue University in 2002. He has been teaching at the University of Wyoming's CACREP accredited MS and Ph.D. program since 2003. He has a post-graduate certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health from the University of Massachusetts, Boston and is level one certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics from the Child Trauma Academy. His clinical experience includes both school counseling and clinical mental health work. He specializes in couples counseling and trauma-informed counseling. He received his LMFT in 1999 and has maintained a private practice since that time. He has published research on clinical supervision, clinical work with children, supporting veterans and their families, and on counselor empathy.

Kari is a licensed clinical mental health therapist and member of the ACA and ACES. She provides mental health therapy for residents of Wyoming, Montana and Colorado offering both in-person and telehealth services. Kari operates her private practice through a transformative feminist lens and focuses on supporting women. Kari was born and raised in Montana. She understands rural living, life in open spaces and the importance of community and neighbors- she understands survivability and unpredictability and how loneliness and fulfillment can exist at the same time. Because of this relationship to nature, Kari spent the first part of her therapeutic career providing wilderness and outdoor therapy to youth. She then transitioned into training staff and running family therapy retreats in the outdoors. In Spring of 2024, Kari had her first child. This personal transformative experience led her to examine her approach working with other parents. Through this examination, she realized her education and training for providing perinatal support was inadequate. Since then Kari has focused her ongoing education on perinatal mental health support. She has received Maternal Mental Health training through the Postpartum Support International and is conducting her dissertation on maternal mental health. Kari is currently working on her Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision from her M.A. Alma Mater, Saybrook University.

Dr. Kristin Myers is an Assistant Professor in the Applied Psychology and Counselor Education program at the University of Northern Colorado. In addition to her time at UNC, Kristin has been in the field of education for the past 20 years as a school counselor and at the Colorado Department of Education. Her research interest areas include children and youth in foster care, children experiencing homelessness, educational equity, trauma, and in preventing school violence. Kristin is thrilled to teach future school and clinical counselors at UNC. When Kristin is not working, you can typically find her in some tropical location scuba diving.

Dr. Bonnie Nicholson is an Assistant Professor and the Professional Counseling External Placement Coordinator in the Department of Applied Psychology and Counselor Education at the University of Northern Colorado. Bonnie specializes in working with systems, including couples and family therapy. Bonnie is currently serving as the membership chair of RMACES. Areas of interest include cultural humility and broaching, intimate partner violence assessment, and best practices for working with blended families.

Elizabeth Norris, PhD, LPC (CO, GA), NCC is an Assistant Professor of Counseling at Denver Seminary and a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice specializing in trauma-informed care. She is licensed in both Colorado and Georgia, is trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and provides trauma trainings, debriefings and crisis care both domestically and internationally. Her research agenda covers trauma and counselor development, with particular expertise in counselor burnout, organizational culture, and wellness. She currently serves as the Faculty Advisor for the counseling Honor Society, Chi Sigma Iota with a focus on mentorship.

Dr. John O'Malley, the Chair and Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling at Regis University is distinguished by his Jesuit approach to education and counseling. He completed his Bachelor of Music at the University of Denver, followed by a Master of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Wyoming. Dr. O'Malley's professional journey includes significant roles as a faculty member at the University of Denver and Johnson & Wales University. His teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in Jesuit values, focusing on understanding and empowering the whole person and engaging authentically with the experiences of others.

Department Chair and Professor - Graduate Studies in Counseling - Rollins College

Dr. Shawn Parmanand received both his Master of Counseling and his PhD in Counselor Education & Counseling from Idaho State University. His master's degree focused on clinical work with marriages, families, and couples. Dr. Parmanand is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, a nationally approved clinical supervisor, and a certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. Currently, he works as a Counselor Educator in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Southern New Hampshire University. He maintains a small private practice where he meets with a variety of client populations, with a specialty in working with children who have survived sexual abuse. A majority of his clients are couples, with an emphasis in working with those who are experiencing difficulties related to infertility. Parmanand has worked in counselor education as a faculty members since 2010. He has served in leadership roles as both the Membership Chair and Treasurer for the Idaho Counseling Association. Parmanand regularly presents at the state and national level. In addition, he has published a number of journal articles and book chapters. His research interests include Emotionally Focused Therapy with couples, infertility issues, group treatment modalities, and incorporating lived experience into counselor education.

Dr. Ashley Ascherl Pechek is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado and has over 18 years of counseling experience. She is a National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC) and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). Her areas of expertise are working with at-risk youth and military families. Dr. Pechek earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision in 2018, and she is currently an Associate Professor at the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven. In addition, she has taught in online CACREP-accredited programs for over a decade.

Heather Pendleton-Helm is a Professor and Department Chair at the University of Northern Colorado in Applied Psychology and Counselor Education. Heather has been full-time faculty since 2004 and has been actively engage in the professional through leadership at the regional and national level, including serving as the Editor of the ACES journal Counselor Education and Supervision. Heather is also a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and continues to work with children and adults in private practice. Her research interests include childhood grief and loss, doctoral student professional and identity development, vicarious trauma, and supervisory dynamics.

Dr. Melanie Person is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Counselor Education at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington where she directs the Master of Counselling program offered in British Columbia, Canada. She has a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and doctorate in Counseling and Counselor Education from Idaho State University. Melanie is passionate about teaching and research related to counselor development and professional identity, in addition to supporting the research identity development of students. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Washington and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Idaho. In conjunction with her role as an educator, Melanie has maintained a private practice for the past 15 years specializing in working with individuals with personality disorders, addictions, and adolescents.

Sara Polanchek is the Clinical Director in the Department of Counseling. In this role, she oversees the clinical supervision of the department’s counselors-in-training and directs the operation of the Counselor Training Clinic (CTC). She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University and a Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Montana.

Kathryn currently lives in Colorado with her personal canine therapist, Lulu. She works in the field, pursuing a variety of professional hats including modern Archetypal work, play therapy, supervision, and affiliate professor. She is passionate about individuating imagery, cooking shows, outdoor activities, Lulu and generally reducing the stigma of mental health for her community.

Dr. Rapp resides in beautiful North Idaho with her family and golden retriever. She runs and operates a small private practice in downtown Coeur d'Alene and is a Core Faculty member in the CMCH program at Capella University.

Dr. Kylie Rogalla has been a Counselor Educator in CACREP-accredited counselor training programs for the past 13 years (2013 - present) and practicing as a licensed counselor for the past 17 years (2009 - present). She received a Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision from the University of Northern Colorado (2015), including two doctoral minors in Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership (HESAL) and Applied Statistics and Research Methods (ASRM). Dr. Rogalla specializes in intimate partner violence, trauma recovery, and unspoken forms of grief research. Her clinical experiences include crisis shelters for domestic violence survivors, alternative high school settings, and telemental health services for adults experiencing trauma and comorbid substance use concerns. Dr. Rogalla’s professional credentials include Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Board Certified Telemental Health (BC-TMH) provider, and she is Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy trained.

Dr. Katrina Ruggles is Clinical Faculty in the School of Counselor Education at Adams State University and is licensed in Colorado as both a Professional Counselor and School Counselor. With 26 years of experience in clinical mental health and school counseling, she brings practice-informed insight into counselor preparation. She teaches both clinical mental health and school counseling students across a variety of synchronous and asynchronous courses and intentionally works to infuse leadership and advocacy competencies throughout the curriculum. Dr. Ruggles has served on multiple counselor leadership boards and professional committees, including the Colorado School Counselor Association Professional Development Committee and Government Relations, supporting advocacy efforts at the state school board and within legislative committees. She also serves on a statewide leadership board of school counselor educators across higher education institutions and has contributed as a regional career curriculum leadership committee. Her work emphasizes preparing counselors-in-training to develop a strong professional identity as advocates and systems change agents.

Sabina Sabyrkulova is a doctoral candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at the University of Montana, Missoula, where she anticipates completing her degree by August 2024. Her dissertation research focuses on exploring counselor educators' experiences and approaches in addressing problems of professional competence (PPC) among doctoral students. Sabina holds a Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Montana, Missoula. With a background in counseling, Sabina has gained experience working with diverse populations in rural areas of Montana, addressing a range of presenting issues. Passionate about advocacy, Sabina has been involved in various initiatives, including emphasizing the significance of school counseling, supporting her clients, and raising awareness about international and underrepresented student issues. She has also presented on topics such as substance use, professional ethics, supervision, and mental health in developing countries.

Kelsey is a licensed professional clinical counselor with supervisory designation at Clintonville Counseling and Wellness in Columbus, Ohio. They primarily work with teens and adults surrounding issues of gender and sexuality but have experience in helping clients from many backgrounds and presenting problems. Kelsey is a clinical faculty member at Adams State University in the Department of Counselor Education. They obtained their PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Adams State University in 2023, their MS from Wright State University in 2016, and their BA from The Ohio State University in 2012. They practice, teach, and supervise primarily from person-centered and feminist theories. Along with working with LGBTQ+ teens and young adults, Kelsey's passion lies in providing education. They have presented at national, state, and regional conferences on LGBTQ+ issues and counseling techniques, have held independent CE events on LGBTQ+ issues and have provided education to middle- and high-school educators on LGBTQ+ youth. They are also involved in the Ohio chapter of SAIGE as a regional representative and Information/Technology support, and recently joined the national SAIGE board as the IT chairperson.

Matthew Schramm is a first-year Counseling Education & Supervision doctoral student at the University of Montana. He previously worked as a high school counselor in Colorado and is currently practicing as a mental health clinician in Missoula. Matthew earned his Master's in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Robyn Trippany Simmons, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC received her Ed.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Alabama in 2001. She serves as Professor and Director of Faculty Development in the Department of Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands. Dr. Simmons’s research and clinical interests include sexual trauma, vicarious trauma, play therapy, counselor education curriculum, supervision, and professional identity issues.

Elisabeth Simpson, Ph.D., CRC, NCC, is an Assistant Professor in the Mental Health Counseling Program at Methodist University. Dr. Simpson completed her doctoral degree in Counselor Education & Supervision from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has previously worked in the counseling programs at West Virginia University and Fort Valley State University. Dr. Simpson currently serves as a Co-PI on the Innovative Training Grant, AIR4VR, through the Rehabilitation Services Administration. She has experience developing and teaching graduate courses in online and in person programs. Dr. Simpson completed her Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from West Virginia University (WVU) and is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) and nationally certified counselor (NCC).

Cortny Stark is an Assistant Professor, and the Substance Use and Recovery Counseling Program Coordinator with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Department of Counseling and Human Services. She is also a telehealth therapist with the Trauma Treatment Center and Research Facility, providing trauma reprocessing and integration, clinical services for substance use and process addictions, and supporting transgender and gender-expansive youth. In addition to her role as a clinician, Dr. Stark provides supervision for provisionally licensed counselors seeking their Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential, is a Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) member, and facilitates nationwide trainings with the Motivational Interviewing Training Center out of Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Stark’s research utilizes qualitative and mixed methods, and focuses on LGBTQQIA+ issues in counseling, leader development, integrative approaches to trauma reprocessing and integration, trauma-informed care, and substance use and recovery.

Dr. Madeleine (Maddy) Stevens is an assistant professor at Adams State University and holds a Ph.D. in counseling and supervision, an MA in Art therapy, and a BA in liberal and studio arts. Dr. Stevens is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in two states and a licensed and nationally board-certified Art Therapist. In all she does, Dr. Stevens brings a creative arts-oriented approach, a humanistic lens, and an interest and commitment to compassion.

Dr. Karrie Swan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (WA), Licensed Professional Counselor (MO), a Child-Centered Play Therapy- Trainer/Supervisor, a Child-Parent Relationship Therapy Trainer/Supervisor, and a Certified K-12 School Counselor. Dr. Swan specializes in expressive modalities, including play therapy, expressive arts, transpersonal counseling, and dream work, approaches that are congruent with an Indigenous worldview as she is an enrolled tribal member. Dr. Swan is an experienced rural-based counselor with specific experiences in working with Native American children, teens, adults, and families on a western state reservation.

Dr. Jose Luis Tapia Jr. (he, him, his) is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. He graduated with his PhD in counseling at the University of North Texas. His research is focused on disability-responsive care across the lifespan. Dr. Tapia-Fuselier is currently President of the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Education. He has served as the graduate student representative for the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, the national Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), and the National Council for Rehabilitation Education. Dr. Tapia has been highlighted for her service by the American Counseling Association with the Arthur A. Hitchcock Distinguished Professional Service Award, the Outstanding Graduate Student Leadership Award by ACES, and Doctoral Student of the Year from the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association. He has served in various committees in ACES and ACA to promote the profession of counselor education and advance equity and inclusion for graduate student and new professional members. He has a clear passion to serve the fields of counseling, rehabilitation counseling, counselor education in advancing the voices of others and promoting equitable and inclusive practices. Lastly, Dr. Tapia has served the community in public and private rehabilitation settings as well as, in private and community practice for 7 years. He has provided individual, relationship, play, and family therapy with a special focus in serving people with disabilities in three languages (English, Spanish, and American Sign Language). He is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and National Certified Counselor. Additionally, he is a Certified Child-Centered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Certified Child-Parent Relationship Therapy-Supervisor and has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Ty Tedmon-Jones, MA, LPC (WY & CO), LCAT (NY), BC-DMT [ he | him | his ] received his master’s degree from Antioch University New England in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling Psychology and is a doctoral candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at the University of Wyoming. Ty has diverse experience in clinical areas ranging from Early Childhood Mental Health to Inpatient Psychiatric Rehabilitation and has 20 years of clinical training and experience in the field. Ty is licensed as a Professional Counselor in the states of Wyoming & Colorado, a licensed Creative Arts Therapist in the state of NY, and is a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist.

Dr. Michell Temple, ACS, CRC, NCC, CCPT, CTMH, LPC (CO,GA), LPC/MHSP (TN), serves an Assistant Professor of Counseling at Denver Seminary and a private practice Rehabilitation and Mental Health counselor, educator, and supervisor at Temple Renovation Center, LLC. She is also the Immediate- President of the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns. She is a member of the 2019 Cohort of the NBCC-F Mental Health Doctoral Fellowship. She has worked in higher education and community settings. She has published on the topics of ethics education in counselor training, rehabilitation counseling, manualized spiritual integrated therapies, and resilience. Dr. Temple her research interests include human relationship dynamics, ethics and counselor identity development, resilience, stress, and wellbeing.

Karen has been in private practice in Lafayette, Colorado, since 2007. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling at Concordia University Irvine, CA. She has been an Adjunct Professor for the Townsend Institute Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling program since 2017. She and members of her cohort presented at the Colorado Counselors Association 2022 conference on “Supervision in the Spotlight: Examining Competency, Dispositions, and Supervisory Relationships with the CCS-R” and “Imposter Phenomenon Among Counseling Students and Professionals: Pathways Toward Self-Compassion,” at the Mediterranean Region Counselors Association 2023 Conference in Hungary on “Imposter Phenomenon Among Helping Professionals Assisting Communities in Crisis,” and at the Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (ACES) 2023 conference on “The Evaluative Role of Supervisors: Examining Competency, Dispositions, and Relationships.” Karen has volunteered with the ACES Advocacy Interest Network and the RMACES By-Laws Committee. She has published two books: Surviving the Scarlet Letter: Freedom from Shame and the Journey Forward Workbook: Daily Steps to Achieve Emotional Balance & Healthier Relationships.

Dr. Paula Tipton, LPC (CO) LCPC (IL) is an Associate Professor of Counseling at Denver Seminary and has maintained a private practice for over 25 years that focuses on helping individuals and couples with their relationships. She has been a part of numerous multicultural teams that were committed to living out and teaching healthy relational dynamics. Dr. Tipton has published research on counseling and spirituality and her other research interests include complex trauma and toxic spirituality.

Dr. Matt Tis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Psychology and Counselor Education at the University of Northern Colorado. He holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado. His research interests include improving CES admissions processes, advocacy for LGBTQ+ populations. Dr. Tis also maintains a small private practice in Castle Rock, CO.

Bethany has been a counselor educator since 2019, teaches CACREP core classes, has researched the classroom climate created when religion and spirituality are topics of conversation, and routinely discusses spirituality with students.

Jessica Meléndez Tyler is an Associate Professor of the Practice at Vanderbilt University and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) also licensed as a Licensed Counseling Supervisor (LPC-S). She is a humanistic counselor who uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to assist adults in overcoming challenges and traumas. Dr. Tyler's research interests align with her professional work, focusing on suicidal clients, crisis counseling, collegiality, trauma-informed care, women's issues, cultural resilience, perfectionism, healthy social media behaviors, working with veterans and their dependents, and counseling supervision trends. She has presented over 40 peer-reviewed scholarly presentations at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels. Dr. Tyler has won practitioner and supervision awards on the state and national levels. Additionally, she contributes to The Thoughtful Counselor podcast and provides training on Suicide First Aid (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training- ASIST) and healthy social media practices for helpers and community members.

Pam Vance, LPC, CRC (she/her) is a doctoral student in Counseling Education and Counselor Supervision at Idaho State University. She integrates values exploration in her work with clients, students, and supervisees. She believes awareness of personal values and biases is fundamental to ethical counseling practice. Pam's other CES interests include eco counseling and integrating nature into classroom settings. Pam recently graduated with her master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling which emphasizes disability wellness and disability counseling competencies.

Arianna is a LCPC and LSC in Montana.

Sunny Volano (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, and doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision at Adams State University. She owns and operates a rural private practice in North Georgia, where she provides trauma-informed counseling, supervision, and continuing education. Her clinical work focuses on trauma, religious coercion, and spiritual harm, and culturally responsive assessment across the lifespan. Her scholarship examines power, coercive control, and the ethical integration of spirituality in counseling practice and training. In counselor education, she integrates trauma-informed, experiential, and culturally sustaining pedagogies that emphasize relational accountability, cultural humility, and ethical decision-making.

Dr. Elizabeth Wiggins is a dynamic and engaging counselor educator who believes in utilizing experiential learning opportunities, both online and in-person. She comes to Colorado Christian University with experience as a clinical mental health counselor and school counselor. Having worked with individuals from kindergarten through adulthood, Wiggins believes in helping others to develop the skills they need to be successful in school, work, relationships and life. Wiggins is passionate about researching counselor development and the use of holistic interventions in counseling. Her work with aromatherapy as a therapeutic tool represents her non-traditional, innovative, and personalized approach to counseling. Her research has been presented at local, state, and national conferences.

Dr. Ariel Williams is an Assistant Professor, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Nationally Certified Counselor. She earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Montana in 2019. Passionate about teaching novice counselors, Ariel strives to create inclusive, challenging, and inspiring classroom experiences. She believes that strong relationships are at the core of learning, both in the classroom and in the counseling room. Ariel has been providing clinical counseling since 2012 and more recently has pivoted to practicing remotely through a telehealth platform with a holistic model of healing. While she identifies as a generalist and enjoys the diversity of working with all different kinds of people and presenting concerns, Ariel has a particular interest and training in working with people who have experienced trauma. Ariel uses her clinical experiences to inform teaching practices and is committed to staying up-to-date and informed by the most current research literature. Ariel’s research interests relate to the experience and process of counseling supervision, creativity in teaching and counseling, and counselor wellness.

Adam Wilson is an associate professor of counseling and served as chair of the School Counseling program at Denver Seminary (2018-2024). He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, specializing in child and adolescent clinical populations. He also directs the School Counseling Mental Health Initiative (SCMHI), a research initiative seeking to better understand effective mental health interventions in schools.

Lexi Wimmer (she/her) is a clinical assistant professor at Marquette University as well as a licensed professional counselor and licensed addictions counselor in Colorado. She has clinical experience in residential, intensive outpatient, in-home, and outpatient settings with adolescents and adults. Practicing from a primarily narrative and interpersonal process perspective, she works with adults and adolescents in Denver, CO. Her research interests include spirituality, especially shifts in religious/spiritual beliefs, post-traumatic growth, and transformation in counselor development.

Counselor Educator and Program Director for CMHC Program at North Park University

Nicole Xenos, MA, LPC, PhD-Candidate (she/they) is the owner of The Painted One Healing; a private practice in Boulder, Colorado that specializes in multiracial identity development and healing from Narcissistic abuse. Nicole has a Master’s degree in Transpersonal Mindfulness Based Counseling Psychology from Naropa University and is currently a PhD-C at Saybrook University. Alongside their clinical practice, Nicole is also a visiting instructor at Naropa University where she teaches Multicultural Foundations and Gestalt theory. Nicole is a Queer, neurodivergent, multiracial woman of color and single Mother to four wonderful children. Nicole believes that our identities impact our experiences in all spaces from higher education to mental health and is passionate about bringing liberation, transformation and social justice into all spaces and courses she is a part of.

My name is Dr. Chad Yates. I joined the ISU Department of Counseling in 2013. I received my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Kent State University and my M.A. in Community Counseling from the University of Toledo. At ISU, I teach Prepracticum Counseling Techniques, Addictions Counseling, Group Counseling Techniques, Small Group Activity, and Advanced Psychological Testing and Assessment. I also supervise students within our practicum course. My research interests include educational practices in addiction and the treatment of substance use disorders. I also research the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) within counseling and addictions counseling. For a description of my current research and past research, please visit my ResearchGate page (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chad_Yates). I enjoy providing service to ISU and my campus community. I currently serve as a Faculty Senator for ISU and as a board member of the ISU Human Subjects Committee. I also coordinate the ISU Safe Space Program. ISU's Safe Space program fosters an inclusive environment that challenges oppression and supports LGBTQ+ students by providing education and resources for faculty and staff at ISU committed to inclusion and equity. For more information about ISU's Safe Space Program and upcoming trainings, please visit our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/isusafespace/?ref=page_internal). I am fortunate to serve as the Counseling Coordinator of ISU’s Northwest Center for Fluency Disorders (NWCFD). The NWCFD offers a two-week interprofessional intensive stuttering clinic for adolescents and adults who stutter, which is a collaborative effort between the Departments of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Counseling at Idaho State University. This unique clinic is the first of its kind in the world that has Speech Language Pathologists and Counselors working together to treat the holistic needs of clients who stutter through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based mental health approach. Please visit our website for more information. My personal interests include hiking, camping, skiing, and golfing. I love living close to Yellowstone and Teton National Park. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family.

Nyah Allgood is a current Clinical Mental Health Counseling masters student and graduate assistant at Gonzaga University. She graduated from GU in May 2023 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Italian Studies. She is passionate about multicultural considerations and has participated in cultural exchange programs in Spokane, WA, and Florence, Italy, both virtually and in-person. Nyah is enrolled in an Introduction to Multicultural Counseling class. She is currently seeing clients at the GU Counseling Center.

Dr. Autrey is a full-time professor at City University of Seattle. She integrates expressive and social media into her teaching pedagogy though the use of poetry, visual arts, and music to deepen student learning holistically. Her main areas of research include the integration of nature-based treatments with traditional child-centered play therapy and the therapeutic benefits of outdoor education in childhood. Dr. Autrey’s advocacy focuses on climate justice informed practices within mental health and reform within the graduate admissions process to increase equitable access for marginalized populations.

Eric Baltrinic, PhD, LPC is the Assistant Director of Training and Evaluation for the Counseling Center at the University of Alabama. Eric has extensive experience teaching and training counselors, and working with clients in several clinical settings.

Dr. Lynn Bohecker specializes in counselor education and supervision, and marriage and family counseling. She is full-time core faculty in counselor education and is the Director of The Counseling Center at Tree City Church of the Nazarene. She has taught graduate level research and supervision courses and presented both basic and advanced research workshops. Dr. Bohecker’s research interests include advanced clinical supervision, integrating spirituality in counseling, and Narrative Counseling approaches and she has peer reviewed publications on these topic areas. She is also senior editor for the new journal of Faith Integration in Counseling and former Associate Editor of the Journal of Humanistic Counseling. Dr. Bohecker teaches research methodologies for doctoral students and publishes research independently and with doctoral students.

Charisse Bordeaux (she/her/hers), MS, LPC, NCC, QMHP, is a Ph.D. candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Adams State University and a clinical mental health counselor born and raised on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. She is a co-founder of Tokata Etuŋwaŋ Wakaŋyeža Owičakiyapi (TEWO), a Lakota matriarch-owned mental health and consulting program focused on increasing access to culturally grounded counseling, education, and professional development in tribal and rural communities. Her work centers Indigenous children, families, and communities and the integration of Indigenous knowledge and ways of healing within the counseling profession.

Alli Bristow is a second-year doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at the University of Montana and a High School Counselor at Florence-Carlton School District in Florence, Montana. She is a National Board-Certified Counselor (NBCC) who received her Master’s in Community Counseling in 2003 and Montana School Counseling Licensure in 2006. Her early work involved crisis counseling and response services for a suicide prevention agency in Phoenix, Arizona. In the past 15 years, she has worked with students and staff in K-12 rural schools, providing individual and group counseling for students. She also provides site supervision for graduate-level school counseling interns from the University of Montana and is the 2024 Montana School Counselor of the Year.

Angelica Castillo (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a second-year doctoral student at Idaho State University’s Counselor Education and Counseling doctoral program. Angelica has 4+ years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, children and adolescent survivors of sexual abuse, and dual-diagnoses. As a fluent Spanish speaker, she has rendered bilingual counseling services and education regarding mental health to the Latine population.

Brandi Chamberlin received her Master of Arts in Counseling degree in 2004 from Cincinnati Christian University and her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Liberty University’s CACREP accredited doctoral program in 2019. She is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia and has worked in a variety of clinical settings since 2004. Dr. Chamberlin has served in administration and leadership positions within higher education for over fifteen years. Her primary research interests are in online counselor education, wellness, and cultural orientation. Dr. Chamberlin has published and presented on counselor education, the Strong Black Woman schema, multicultural competency, and wellness locally, regionally, and nationally. She has expertise in CACREP accreditation processes and programmatic assessment.

Ryan Cheung is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and Program Coordinator for the NAU-Yuma Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP program. Prior to arriving at NAU in 2024, Ryan earned a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Northern Colorado.

The presenter is a licensed mental health counselor with 13 years of counseling experience, and she is currently a Ph.D. student in Counselor Education and Supervision in a CACREP-accredited program. The presenter has taught various courses in CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling programs as an adjunct instructor and as a doctoral intern.

Thomas A. Field, PhD, LMHC (MA, WA), LPC (OR, VA), LPC-MH (SD), NCC, CCMHC, ACS, is an associate professor and department head of counselor, adult, and higher education in the College of Education at Oregon State University. Thom holds a PhD in counseling and supervision from James Madison University. His research focuses on the integration of neuroscience into counseling practice and professional and social justice advocacy. He has published numerous articles and authored two books on the topic of neuroscience integration. Thom is currently a member of a research team that is studying the development of an emerging counseling theory called neuroscience-informed cognitive behavior therapy. Since 2017, Thom has served as the associate editor of the Neuroscience-Informed Counseling section of the Journal of Mental Health Counseling. He is a former coeditor of the “Neurocounseling: Bridging Brain and Behavior” column in Counseling Today magazine. In addition to performing faculty responsibilities, he has helped clients with mental health concerns since 2006 and maintains a small private practice.

Kellie Forziat-Pytel holds a Ph.D in Counselor Education and Supervision from the Pennsylvania State University. She currently works as an Assistant Professor/Core Faculty at Commonwealth of PA-Lock Haven University. Dr. Forziat-Pytel is a nationally certified counselor (NCC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in PA. She has 9 years of experience in the professional counseling field in a variety of settings. She is also a consultant with the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State University, who is partnered with the Department of Defense, on projects that work to improve program processes related to children and adults facing abuse. Dr. Forziat-Pytel’s specialty area consists of military, trauma, grief and loss, and their impacts on individuals, families, and the community.

Kim Gonzalez is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a certificate in Adventure Therapy. Over the past 2 years, she has been an active participant in experiential learning across 18 courses. Her positive personal growth through active learning inspired her to examine the impact of hands-on training experiences and classroom-based experiential learning moments by polling and interviewing other students regarding their experiences. She looks forward to sharing practical strategies to advance experiential education and shape the next generation of counselors.

Alyson Hatten, NCC, LPC, RPT (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, working in both the Pediatric Mental Health Institute and the Child Health Clinic at Children’s Hospital Colorado. She received her master of science in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology from UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. She has spent the majority of her 20-year career in academic medical centers providing individual, dyadic, family, and group therapy to youth and caregivers, as well as mental health consultation in early care and school settings. She has provided clinical supervision to pre-licensed and licensed professional counselors in community and hospital-based outpatient counseling centers. She currently provides consultation and teaching to medical providers in training, including nurse practitioner students, physician assistant students, medical students, and pediatric and family residents as an integrated behavioral health provider in pediatric primary care.

Dr. Renée Howells (she/her) is an associate professor at Idaho State University. Her primary research interests center on topics of advocacy, accessibility, and working interdisciplinarily in mental health and higher education. She is particularly passionate about disability inclusion and cultural representation, with a focus on working with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Her scholarship and clinical expertise surround the phenomenon of grief, loss, and trauma intervention throughout the lifespan.

Cade Kirkhart, MCoun, LCPC, NCC (he/him) is a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision at Idaho State University with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and completed his MCoun in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Idaho State University in Meridian, ID. In his clinical work, Cade specializes in working with folx dealing with trauma, depression, and anxiety. His research interests include clinical burnout, imposter phenomenon, and group counseling.

Sierra Lee holds a PCLC provisional license and works as a counselor in Bozeman, Montana. She was a graduate student in the counseling program at Montana State University, from which she graduated in 2023. At MSU, she participated in social justice-related research initiatives. She prepared and delivered educational presentations about managing microaggressions at the College of EHHD at MSU, RMACES 2022 Conference in Coeur d’Alene, and ACES 2023 in Denver, CO. As a person of color at a predominantly white institution (PWI), Sierra is driven by her personal experiences with microaggressions and critical race theoretical analysis of systemic racism within the educational systems. She strives to find ways through education and training to promote a sense of belonging for students of color in the counseling field.

Dr. Robert Paul Maddox II is a counselor educator at the University of Wyoming at Casper. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, an Ed.S. in Counseling Education, and a M.A. in Community Counseling. Additionally, he is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with experience in school and clinical mental health counseling. He currently serves as the University of Wyoming (UW) Counselor Education program’s CACREP Liaison. Additionally, he is the Play Therapy Online Graduate Certificate Program Coordinator at UW, and he also coordinates the counselor education program's school counseling track at UW’s Casper branch campus. Dr. Maddox has published articles and presented at numerous state, regional, national, and international conferences regarding a variety of topics such as ethics, school counseling, play therapy, experiential learning, data utilization, assessment, program evaluation, and accreditation.

Zac McInerney is a second year Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral student. With seven years’ experience working with diverse populations in the mental health field, he has been a professional counselor for five years and is fully licensed as a counselor in the state of Wyoming and Colorado. Zac has served as an instructor and co-instructor in clinical courses teaching on trauma-informed care, and he conducts research on the topic of trauma-informed care. Zac currently practices with clients, supervisees, students, and professional counselors following the principles of trauma-informed care.

Dr. Mendoza is an Assistant Professor at Montana State University. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor in the state of Florida and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montana. Dr. Mendoza worked for 10 years in higher levels of mental health care before becoming a counselor educator. Now, she focuses on student-centered education and intervention research at the Human Development Clinic at MSU. Dr. Mendoza worked in Rural Mental Counseling after relocating to Montana and is actively enjoying joining the Rocky Mountain West and learning about the mental health needs of the region

Brittany M. Miller is a research associate with the School Counseling Mental Health Initiative (SCMHI) at Denver Seminary. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor.

Jayna Mumbauer-Pisano is an associate professor in the Department of Counseling at the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. Her scholarship centers on graduate student wellness, child and adolescent counseling, and incorporating creativity in counseling.

Jayna Mumbauer-Pisano is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling at the University of Montana, in Missoula, Montana. Dr. Mumbauer-Pisano graduated with her PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida in May, 2019. She received her Master of Arts degree in School Counseling from Wake Forest University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Vanderbilt University. Jayna’s counseling experiences include counseling children and adolescents in elementary and high school, facilitating group counseling for adolescents with disabilities, and counseling adults at a community counseling clinic. Jayna has presented on issues relating to counseling and education at state, national, and international conferences. Her research focuses on clinical supervision, creative interventions in counseling, and graduate student well-being.

Jennifer Murdock Bishop is a professor and doctoral program coordinator at the University of Northern Colorado in Applied Psychology and Counselor Education. She is a 2007 graduate of the University of Wyoming with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and received her MA in Counseling and BA in Housing, Fashion and Interior Design from Chadron State College. Her research interests include community engaged scholarship with graduate students, career transitions and college students, online learning, and the use of creative instructional strategies in counselor training. Recent publications include understanding the impact of career values on career satisfaction: Utilizing card sorts in career counseling in the Career Planning and Adult Development Journal and Collegiate athletes and career identity in Sport, Education & Society. Jennifer has earned 11 internal grants and two external grants to support her research. In the state of Colorado, Dr. Murdock is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Special Services Provider-School Counselor and nationally she is a National Certified Counselor, an Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a Certified Career Services Provider.

Kirsten Murray, Ph.D., LPC is a Professor at the University of Montana. She has been a counselor educator for 18 years, and a counselor for 23. Her scholarly interests and publications focus largely in the areas of couple and family counseling, clinical supervision, qualitative research methodologies, and establishing accessible counseling services for underrepresented and underserved populations. She has published one book, multiple book chapters, papers, presentations, and has been awarded over 10 million in external grant funding.

Meaghan has been a counselor educator since 2014, and worked for several years in Washington state, and is excited to be back to the Rocky Mountain Region. Her research interests include professional identity development (advocate, counselor, and supervisor), and the provision of mental health services in rural environments. She was recently certified as a Therapeutic Game Master, and is interested in integrating table top role playing games into her clinical work and counselor training. She also loves to camp and hike with her two dogs and her partner.

Presenter 2 is a counselor educator and licensed clinical professional counselor. Their research, professional work, writing and teaching interests lie at the heart of counseling, the “therapeutic relationship”. Presenter 2 has a particular interest in supporting counselors-in-training as they endeavor to put theoretical concepts into practice.

Alexandra is a mental health counselor and doctoral student basing out of Laramie Wyoming. Associated with the University of Wyoming Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral cohort of 2027.

Theresia Richardson is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and certified clinical trauma professional (CCTP). Theresia graduated in 2012 from Seattle University with her Master of Arts in Education in Counseling with a specialization in Community Counseling. Following graduation, she entered private practice where she serves individuals, couples, and groups touched by trauma and/or addiction. Currently, Theresia is also a second-year doctoral student at the Chicago School in the Counselor Education and Supervision program.

John Robbins, PhD, LMFT is an Associate Professor for Walden University's Clinical Mental Health Program. He is also President of PassageWise, LLC, a training and consulting company focused on guiding healthy and effective professional practices to mental health professionals and companies around the United States. Dr. Robbins is an AAMFT Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor, providing clinical supervision for professionals seeking licensure. He is a member of the AAMFT Ethics Committee and is appointed to the AAMFT Board of Directors beginning in 2027. Dr. Robbins’ professional passion is twofold: training student and Associate mental health professionals in the practice of marriage and family therapy and training supervisors in working with new counselors in the mental health field. Prior to joining Walden, he served as the Director of Clinical Training for the COAMFTE accredited MA-MFT program at Argosy University - Salt Lake City. Dr. Robbins has over 150 presentations focusing on counselor self-care, creative ways of practice, expanding maneuverability and range in the counseling room, maintaining a self-reflective habit as a clinician, at-risk adolescents, substance use treatment, and suicide prevention. In 2000, he received national acclaim in USA Today for his cutting-edge work in the area of integrating spirituality and psychotherapy. His book with Haworth Press, entitled The Power of Spirituality in Therapy: Integrating Spiritual and Religious Beliefs in Mental Health Practice, was published in 2004.

Dr. John Robbins, LMFT is a Core Faculty member for Walden University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. He is an AAMFT and Utah approved supervisor, providing clinical supervision for professionals seeking licensure. Dr. Robbins’ professional passion is twofold: training student and Associate mental health professionals in the practice of counseling and training the trainers and supervisors in working with new counselors in the mental health field. Prior to joining Walden, he served as the Director of Clinical Training for Argosy University - Salt Lake City. Dr. Robbins has done extensive training of mental health professionals in self-care, creative ways of practice, expanding maneuverability and range in the counseling room, and maintaining a self-reflective habit as a clinician. He has over 100 presentations focusing on these topics, as well as counselor self-care, at-risk adolescents, and suicide prevention.

Counselor Educator and Director of Clinical Training for CMHC Program at North Park University

Sabina Sabyrkulova is a doctoral candidate in the CACREP-accredited Counselor Education and Supervision program at the University of Montana, Missoula. Sabina Sabyrkulova is a mental health clinician (LCPC) in the state of Montana offering telehealth services to diverse populations in rural areas.

Dan Salois, PhD, LCPC, is a faculty member at the University of Montana in the Department of Counseling. He teaches a range of classes including Fundamental Skills, Group Work, Diagnosis, and Counseling Theories. Dan enjoys supervising practicum students and interns as they move towards graduation and licensure. His research focuses wellness in three different areas: college students, educators in Montana, and athletes. He is currently involved in studies focusing on the impact mental health counseling may have for injury prevention in athletes, and burnout and secondary traumatic stress in educators. In his private practice Dan has a focus on working with athletes and student athletes as they navigate unique pressures to promote their mental health and perform in their given arena. He is also the Clinical Supervisor at Tamarack Grief Resource Center where he works with license eligible clinicians and clients.

Dan Salois, PhD, LCPC, is a faculty member at the University of Montana in the Department of Counseling. He teaches a range of classes including Fundamental Skills, Group Work, Diagnosis, and Counseling Theories. Dan enjoys supervising practicum students and interns as they move towards graduation and licensure. His research focuses wellness in three different areas: college students, educators in Montana, and athletes. He is currently involved in two IRB approved studies focusing on the impact mental health counseling may have for injury prevention in athletes, and burnout and secondary traumatic stress in educators. In his private practice Dan has a focus on working with athletes and student athletes as they navigate unique pressures to promote their mental health and perform in their given arena. He is also the Clinical Supervisor at Tamarack Grief Resource Center where he works with license eligible clinicians and clients.

Dr. April Schottelkorb, Ph.D., LCPC (MT), RPT-S, CCPT/CPRT-S/T is a Montana native and owner of Big Sky Pediatric Counseling & Consulting, in Kalispell, MT. April is a former counselor educator and school counselor who specializes in counseling individuals of all ages, with a particular specialty in play therapy with neurodivergent youth.

Matthew Schramm is a first-year Counseling Education & Supervision doctoral student at the University of Montana and serves as the RMACES student representative. With a master’s degree in counseling and human services from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Matthew previously worked as a high school counselor in Fountain, Colorado. He is now a preliminary licensed clinician in the state of Montana, providing individual counseling and client-centered play therapy services.

Alison has a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Northern Colorado and is a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Registered Play Therapist. Alison is currently an Assistant Professor at Regis University. Alison enjoys working with children and infusing aspects of play into the classroom. Alison's research includes the exploration of improv comedy in treatment of mental health.

She was educated in a large, diverse city and during that time worked with children and adults diagnosed with disabilities and living in poverty. She brings this knowledge to RMACES where she is earning a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at a member institution. She continues to work in the community as a licensed counselor and conducts research applicable to a range of disabilities and improving quality of life.

Paul is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Services at the University of Scranton. Previously, he was clinical director of UAB Medicine - Department of Psychiatry's outpatient programs, managing eight grant-funded programs for indigent patients with severe mental illness, and developing two programs for individuals residing in homeless shelters. He is a licensed professional counselor - supervisor, and his research interests include improving social justice outcomes through clinical supervision.

Tina Tis lives in Castle Rock, Colorado with her husband and 3 children. She received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health in 2012. She owns a private practice with her husband and recently took a job as the school counselor at an elementary school.

Hello! My name is Pam Vance (she/her/her’s), and I am a second-year doctoral student studying Counselor Education and Supervision at Idaho State University on the Meridian campus. I grew up in the central mountains of Idaho which fostered a love for forests, mountains, and lakes. In my free time, I hike and camp with my family, play outdoor volleyball, and practice yoga. I recently graduated with a master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling which emphasizes disability wellness and disability counseling competencies. Other CES interests include eco counseling and integrating nature into classroom settings.

My research and scholarship focus on the mental health of student athletes, with particular attention to well-being, resilience, and the identity and transitional challenges athletes face, including performance pressures, injury recovery, and career transitions. As a former Division I football player, I bring firsthand understanding of athletic culture to this work. These pursuits have led to the creation of an Online Athlete Counseling Graduate Certificate at Idaho State University, which will be available in Summer 2027. Clinically, I practice from a trauma-informed lens that recognizes the unique stressors in competitive sport and life, integrating Gestalt and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support sustainable growth and authenticity.

Janine Wanlass PhD is the founding and Program Chair of Westminster University’s Counseling & Counselor Education Program. Janine is a psychoanalyst and psychologist practicing in Salt Lake City, Utah. Janine is a member of ApsA, past director of The International Psychotherapy Institute (IPI) in Chevy Chase, Maryland and current chair of IPI’s Combined Program in Child Psychotherapy and Child Analysis; Program Director and Professor of Counseling and Counselor Education at Westminster University; and Director of the online psychoanalytic psychotherapy training program at the International Psychotherapy School in Moscow, Russia.

Dr. Wathen is an Associate Professor in the Counseling Department at Palo Alto University and the director of PAU's Center for Educational Excellence. Her research and writing center on innovative pedagogy and andragogy both online and in person, Group Counseling, and mental wellness needs for those with chronic illnesses and organ transplantation. She has over 10 years of teaching experience and has written, presented, and published on creativity in teaching.

Dr. Angela Weingartner is an Associate Professor and the Professional Counseling Program Coordinator in the Department of Applied Psychology and Counselor Education at the University of Northern Colorado. She is a licensed professional counselor and nationally certified counselor. Dr. Weingartner's research interests include increasing counselor-in-training self-efficacy surrounding risk assessment and utilizing the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) as a relationship building tool in supervision, leadership, and teaching

Callie (she/her/hers) is currently a doctoral student at Adams State University. She has experience with providing support and guidance to individuals facing various mental health challenges, including working with all ages in trauma, grief and loss, substance abuse, OCD, and other related disorders. Callie is passionate about working with those she supervises and their continued development. She is licensed in Ohio as an LPCC-S and LMHC in Washington State.

Courtney E. Allen-Pavlak, PhD, LPC holds a doctorate in Counseling and Counselor Education and a M.Ed/Ed.S in School Counseling from the University of Florida. She is a Professor at Adams State University in the School of Counselor Education. Before becoming a counselor educator, Dr. Allen-Pavlak worked as a school counselor and as a clinical mental health counselor for many years. As a counselor educator, Dr. Allen-Pavlak's primary areas of interest center on researching and incorporating Narrative theory and other creative techniques into counselor development, scholarship, and praxis. Dr. Allen strongly believes in the power of discourse to shape our identities and create change. In addition to teaching, she currently has a small private practice in counseling.

Stacy Andrews, LPC is the founder of True Grit Performance Counseling in Colorado Springs, CO, where she specializes in treatment of complex trauma in high-achieving adults. Stacy is also a doctoral student at the University of the Cumberlands. Her research interests include creativity in counseling and the treatment and prevention of complicated grief. Stacy lives in Colorado Springs where she enjoys hiking, equine therapy, and playing with her cats.

The presenter has been a licensed mental health counselor for over a decade, licensed in 4 states and nationally certified. The presenter has maintained a successful private practice for over a decade working with a variety of family systems. The presenter is a past president of the state professional counseling association in which they practice. The presenter is currently completing their Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision in a primarily rural state and continues to be invested in understanding ways to increase accessibility to counseling services for clients in rural areas in ways which are supportive and responsive to the culture within those communities.

Ryan M. Cook, PhD, LPC, ACS is an associate professor at the University of Alabama. Ryan has previously worked in both inpatient and outpatient community-based settings. His research interests include clinical supervision and counselor development.

Currently, serving as an Associate Professor in the CACREP accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s program at The Chicago School, Dr. Erickson brings a variety of teaching experiences to the online university environment and has accumulated twenty-three years of knowledge from teaching hospitals, global technology as a curriculum developer and corporate trainer, treatment centers, and as a middle and high school counselor. She earned her Ph.D. in Education and Human Resources from Colorado State University, with an emphasis in Counseling and Human Development and Family Studies, is a member of numerous professional organizations, has presented at state, national, and international conferences, and authored professional publications. Her work with expelled students fueled a passion for cultural competency and for assisting at-risk youth with whom she continues to work in her small private practice.

Dr. Kristine R. Gonzalez is an Assistant Professor of Counseling for the Master of Arts in Counseling Program at Western New Mexico University. She received her PhD in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in May 2023. Dr. Gonzalez also provides counseling to a diverse population of individuals as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas for Enriched Roots PLLC.

Edmore Mangena is a first-year Ph.D. student in counselor education and supervision with an MA in clinical mental health counseling. Counselor supervision and rural mental health have become very important to my academic pursuits due to my 17 years of practice in rural communities. My experiences have inspired research to make practice in rural communities both easier and more efficient for counselors and also inspired involvement in rural mental health study.

Kim Parrow holds a PhD from the University of Montana and served as the Moser-McKinney Fellow of the Phyllis J. Washington College of education and Human Services. She is a licensed professional clinical counselor, certified clinical trauma professional, EMDR-trained clinician, parenting plan mediator, and Level 2 Gottman Method couples therapist. Dr. Parrow is the co-author of Intimate Relationships: Skills and Strategies that Lead to Success and Relationship Factors in Counseling: A Guide for Evidence-Based Practice in Practicum and Internship.

Brittney received her doctoral degree in Counseling and Supervision and her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Tennessee Technological University (TTU). Brittney is currently licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider in Tennessee and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wyoming. Brittney is a faculty member in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at the University of Wyoming. Her educational background includes a focus on child development and humanistic counseling strategies to support children’s overall development. Brittney’s research focuses on holistic wellness related to nature connection and EcoWellness. Additionally, her main research area explores the relationship between nature contact in childhood, positive and negative experiences in childhood, and various mental health experiences. Brittney has provided mental health services as a licensed counselor in an inpatient setting, intensive outpatient program, partial hospitalization program, private practice, and university counseling center.

Dr. Rigsbee (he/him) is a professor in the School of Counselor Education at Adams State University, Alamosa, CO. Dr. Rigsbee’s professional counseling background is in community mental health and he is licensed in the State of Colorado as an licensed professional counselor. Dr. Rigsbee teaches in the MA in counseling program and the doctorate in counselor education and supervision program at Adams State University. In the MA program, he teaches combined practicum and internship classes that consist of clinical mental health and school counseling students.

Amy Robinson is pursuing their M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Gonzaga University. They received their B.A. in Psychology from Gonzaga in 2023, with minors in women’s and gender studies and film studies. They are taking an Introduction to Multicultural Counseling class and are especially interested in working with LGBTQ+ clients. At their clinical placement, they are working with middle and high school students in Medical Lake School District.

Emily Sallee is an Assistant Professor of Counseling at the University of Montana as well as the Executive Director of the Montana Safe Schools Center housed at UM. Emily engages in professional advocacy by serving on the MSCA Board of Directors as Board Chair and in various other roles throughout the state. Her research interests include adolescent suicidality and non-suicidal self-injury, school violence and prevention, and advocacy for the role of professional school counselors. Emily is also the part-time school counselor at a K-8 frontier school and has a small clinical practice working with youth. While other people’s kiddos tend to be easier to work with, Emily has three of her own to wrangle, in addition to a growing menagerie and ever-increasing lists of books to read, foods to eat, and trails to run.

Shantelle Tjaden, LPC, NCC, C-AAIS is a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Counseling at Idaho State University. Shantelle is a Certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS) through the Association for Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP). Shantelle is the assistant director of the Research on Anthrozoological Relationships (ROAR) lab.

Trained in clinical mental health and school counseling, Dr. Laura Bruneau has a B.A. in psychology from Miami University, an M.Ed. in community counseling, and a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Kent State University. Dr. Bruneau is passionate about training the next generation of counselors to be ethical, reflective, and engaged practitioners. Her specialty areas of interest include creativity in counseling, bibliotherapy, and animal-assisted interventions. She serves as Assistant School Director in the School of Counselor Education at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, and enjoys mentoring doctoral students in their research and professional development.

Dr. Benjamin C. Jenkins, a National Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, stands out in the field of Rehabilitation and Counseling Education and Research, holding the esteemed position of associate professor and Chair of Advanced Clinical and Education Programs Department at Western New Mexico University (a Hispanic-serving institution). His impressive background is fortified by a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling from The University of Texas-Pan American (Now UTRGV - the largest HSI in the United States). Dr. Jenkins' influential career, marked by over a decade of dedication, has been pivotal in reshaping rehabilitation and counseling practices and education. His leadership has revolutionized program curricula, accreditation, and faculty development, emphasizing accessibility, inclusivity and excellence. Renowned for his research on the impact of disability within families, particularly among Hispanic communities, Dr. Jenkins has significantly contributed to academic literature, enhancing the counseling profession's body of knowledge and practice.

Sidney Knight, LPC practices in Colorado and serves adults in Pueblo through her work in community mental health. She earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Nebraska, Omaha and is currently pursuing a PhD in counselor education and supervision from the University of the Cumberlands. She is passionate about treating trauma, fostering resilience, and creativity in the counseling field. She loves spending time with her husband and 2 dogs, riding horses, and reading fiction novels.

Clare Maguire is a School Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor currently in private practice in Missoula, Montana. She has spent the past twelve years working as a school counselor in K-8 schools across California and Montana. She holds a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and School Counseling from California State University, Sonoma. Her clinical interests include attachment theory, utilizing expressive arts in practice, and climate change. She has served in practicum and internship site supervisor positions for school counseling interns and currently supervises post-masters' counselors working towards LCPC licensure.

Dr. Manzanares has been a counselor educator for twenty-eight years and was instrumental in the development of one of the largest public CACREP accredited online programs. Dr. Manzanares has over twenty years of experience with instructional technology and distance learning practices. He has served as an instructional technologist, professor, and department chair and is currently serving as the undergraduate coordinator of the university’s online programs.