ALCA Annual Conference Keynote Speakers
S. Kent Butler, Jr.
S. Kent Butler, Jr. holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, with a concentration in Counseling Psychology, from the University of Connecticut. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and Nationally Certified School Counselor (NCSC). Dr. Butler presently serves as President of the American Counseling Association (2021-2022) and is an ACA Fellow.
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Joyce Marter
Joyce Marter is a national keynote speaker and international corporate and continuing education trainer. She pens the Mental Wealth blog on Psychology Today and is routinely consulted as a mental health expert in the media, featured in such outlets as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, CNN and MTV. She is the author of The Financial Mindset Fix: A Mental Fitness Program for an Abundant Life which was published by Sounds True in July of 2021.
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Maranda Griffin
Dr. Maranda Griffin, LPC, LMHC, QS, BC-TMH has been described as the leader’s leader, coach’s coach, friend’s friend, and champion’s champion. Formally trained in Counselor Education, Counseling and Psychology, and Elementary Education. Dr. Griffin prides herself on helping agencies and individuals soar through her business, MG Consultation, LLC where she focuses primarily on coaching, counseling, and consultation. Her motto is I believe in people; I want to see people win!
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ALCA Annual Conference Presenters
J. C. Ausmus
J.C. Ausmus, M.S., M.A. is a third year doctoral student in Counselor Education & Supervision at Auburn University. Her populations of interest include college students, athletes, and those living with disordered eating behaviors. |
Michael Azar
Michael Azar lives in Opelika, AL and is currently finishing his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University. |
Brittney Barnett
Brittney Barnett is a 3rd year doctoral student in Auburn University's Counselor Education Program. She's practiced utilizing cognitive behavioral and play therapy as both an agency and school counselor. |
Dr. C. Barker Tate-Braxton
Dr. Barker has worked with children and families for over forty years as a special needs educator, teacher educator, evaluator, and counselor. |
Astra Barkley
Astra has 20 years of experience in nonprofit sector, school setting, agencies, and private practice. She is pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education at Auburn University. |
Dr. Stephan Berry
Stephan Berry is an Associate Professor of Counselor Education at Troy University. His primary research interest is in school crisis management and trauma-informed schools. |
Dr. Daniel Birdsong
Dr. Daniel Birdsong is a school counselor in Alabaster City Schools and an adjunct instructor in the Graduate Counseling Program at the University of Montevallo. |
Cara Blakes
Cara Blakes received her Master's in Counseling from UAB. She is an LPC, NCC, and a Board Certified Tele-Mental Health Provider. Cara serves as Director of Counseling Services at Birmingham-Southern College and owns a private practice. |
Mahalian Boykin
Dr. Boykin is a graduate of Alabama A&M (BA & MS) and Argosy University (EdD). She has worked with youth and families for over 20 years. |
Megan Bridges
Megan Bridges works with individuals suffering with addiction. She has 8 years experience in the field of animal assisted therapy. |
Dr. Joy Burnham
Dr. Joy Burnham, LPC, NCC is Professor in Counselor Education at UA. Her research has been on children's fears and school counseling topics. |
Madalyn Caldwell
Madalyn Caldwell is Licensed Professional Counselor. She enjoys working with clients of all ages to overcome trauma recovery, life transitions, anxiety, and depression. Madalyn has a passion for helping new parents cope with perinatal mental health. |
Dr. Jamie Carney
Dr. Jamie Carney is a Human Germany Sherman Distinguished Professor at Auburn University. She serves as the Coordinator of the Counselor Education Doctoral Program. |
Dr. Keith Cates
Dr. Cates is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), a Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH), and is Endorsed as an Infant Mental Health provider. |
Dr. Brandi Chamberlin
Brandi Chamberlin is the Counselor Education Department Chair at Liberty University. Her research interests include cultural humility and other multicultural considerations. |
Terri Coleman
Terri is a school counselor of over 10 years with 16 years in education. She and her school were recently awarded the Alabama School Counseling Program of Distinction, The Recognized ASCA Model Program, and Elementary School Counselor of the Year. |
Joanna Collins
My goal as a therapist is to meet people where they are, hold their stories with care, and partner with them to create sustainable change. |
Shawndrika Cook
Shawndrika L. Cook is a Licensed Professional Counselor and currently owns a private practice, The Cultivation Center (TCC). |
Tylon Crook
Dr. Tylon Crook, is currently an Associate Professor with Liberty University. His research focus includes social justice advocacy, implicit bias, the school-to-prison pipeline, and crisis and trauma within racial minority groups. |
Dr. Chris DaSambiagio-Moore
Dr. Chris DaSambiagio-Moore, LPC is an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education at UNA. His professional interests include emerging adults, video gamers, play, and the use of technology in counseling, counselor education, and supervision. |
Amy Davis
Amy P. Davis, Ph.D., NCC, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counselor Education at the University of North Alabama. She has 10 years experience as a school counselor and specializes in school counseling and play therapy. |
Cindy Davis
Cindy Davis is the only counselor from AL to be named Finalist for ASCA Counselor of the Year. She serves as the Program of Distinction Liaison and multiple award recipient. |
Dr. Heather Delgado
Heather Delgado is an assistant professor; her research interests include grief/loss issues, suicide intervention & prevention, & counselor identity development. |
Elizabeth Dennis
Elizabeth Brittany Dennis is a doctoral student in Counseling Education at Auburn University. Her experience is in community mental health with children and adolescents. |
Dr. Necoal Driver
Necoal H. Driver, Ph.D., LPC is an Associate Professor at Troy University. She has been a Counselor Educator for over 15 years. Her research interest include: Social Justice and Policy, Multiculturalism and Ethics Issue. |
Dr. Nivisch Edwards
With a Doctoral degree in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida, Master's degree in Community Counseling from Andrews University, and Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Syracuse University, Dr. Nivischi has been a practicing clinician for over 20 years. She operates a virtual private practice, is a Counselor Educator, and conducts research on female faculty success, racial microaggression, and couples issues. She has presented nationally and internationally on these topics. |
Dr. Hillary Ellerman
Hillary P. Ellerman, PhD, ALC, NCC is a graduate of the Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral program at Auburn University. She is currently working to gain full licensure in private practice working specifically with children and adolescents. |
Dr. Glenda Elliott
Glenda R. Elliott, Ph.D. is associate professor emerita, UAB Counseling Program and retired licensed professional counselor and certified counselor supervisor; co-founder of ALGBTICAL; recipient of numerous ALCA awards . |
Michelle Essary
Michelle earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary. She has experience working in individual, couples and group settings, has a board certification in neurofeedback, and owns a practice in Hoover. |
Rachael Estes
Rachael has 5 years' experience working with at-risk youth in custody of the AL DYS. She currently works with adolescent adjudicated for illegal sexual behaviors problems. |
Dr. Stephen Finzo
Over 25 years experience in the field of mental health. My speaking engages participants through humor in the process of learning to navigate challenges effectively. |
Mary Kathryn Fletcher
Mary Kathryn Fletcher currently lives in Montgomery, AL and is currently finishing her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University. She is currently serving as a clinical intern at Sequel Youth and Family Services. |
Dr. Kristy Ford
Ph.D., LMHC, NCC |
Jaina Glaze
As a public school teacher and then as a minister serving the church, counseling has always been a skill set in demand. Working in a church, I bring creativity into my work. |
Dr. Latonya Graham
Dr. Latonya Graham is a Board Certified Counselor with licensure in both NC and AL. Currently, she serves as the HC Director of Counseling Services. Her research interests include ethics, aging population, and racial disparities in mental health. |
Dr. Deborah Grant
Dr. Grant is a Professor of Practice/Core Faculty / School Counseling Program at the University of West Alabama. She is the owner of Rise Counseling and Wellness, LLC |
Maranda Griffin
Dr. Maranda Griffin, LPC, LMHC, QS, BC-TMH has been described as the leader’s leader, coach’s coach, friend’s friend, and champion’s champion. Formally trained in Counselor Education, Counseling and Psychology, and Elementary Education. Dr. Griffin prides herself on helping agencies and individuals soar through her business, MG Consultation, LLC where she focuses primarily on coaching, counseling, and consultation. Her motto is I believe in people; I want to see people win! |
Jennifer Guffin
Jennifer is a second-year doctoral student at Auburn University completing her degree in Counselor Education. She currently works in private practice and teaches at Auburn. |
Dana Hampson
Dana is the co-owner of The Balanced Life, LLC. She is a seasoned therapist, instructor and business consultant. |
Dr. Paul Hard
Dr. Paul Hard is a Counselor Educator at University of Auburn Montgomery. |
Lindsay Harrell
Lindsay Harrell, MS, LPC, NCC is a Counselor Education & Supervision doctoral student at Auburn Univ. She currently works with children/adolescents/adults in private practice. |
Antonia Hill
A native of Birmingham, Antonia has plans to break the stigma of seeking mental health services in her community by providing quality care, access, and education. |
Tonya Hillman
Tonya has worked in the Mental Health field ten years. Graduated from a CACREP accredited master's program and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. She is leading research on Emotional Intelligence. |
Dr. Laura Hodges
Dr. Laura I. Hodges an Assistant Professor in school counseling at Troy University. Her areas of interest include child abuse, mandated reporting, and bullying prevention. |
Celia Hodnett
Celia is currently pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and is an ALC in Alabama. |
Linda Holloway
Dr. Linda J.M. Holloway is an associate professor at Alabama State University where she serves as the Program Coordinator. |
Jared Hood
Jared is an LPC who enjoys working with kids, teens and families. He is a Montevallo and Southwestern BTS graduate. He is also a writer, musician, runner and triathlete. |
Andrea N. Hunt
Andrea N. Hunt is an Associate Professor of Sociology, Director of the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion, and Special Assistant to the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of North Alabama. Her teaching, research, and community work cover a range of interrelated topics including trauma, identity, career development, recovery narratives, and inclusive practices. |
Whitney Jerkins
Mrs. Whitney Jerkins has been working in the mental health field for five years. Mrs. Jerkins is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama and currently works in private practice in Montgomery, AL. |
Dr. Christi Jones
Christi Jones is an assistant counseling professor at Faulkner University. She has also served as an elementary school counselor for 15 years with Tallapoosa County Schools. |
Stephen Killen
Stephen has worked in a variety of residential care settings over the past five years focusing primarily on an adolescent population. |
Belinda Kock
Belinda is a graduate of The University of Montevallo, with her M.Ed. in Counseling. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor, has received her Certification of Thanatology from the ADEC, and is a QPR trainer for ASPARC. |
Madeline LaPolla
Second year doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Auburn University. |
Erika Leonard
Ericka is a school counselor with over twenty five years in education. She is currently pursuing her specialist degree with hopes of obtaining her LPC in the near future. |
Dr. Stacey Lilley
Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC |
Zach Ludwig
Zach Ludwig is the Director of Regulatory Services for Bradford Health Services. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and approved counselor supervisor in Alabama. |
Dr. Shannon McCarthy
Dr. Shannon McCarthy is an Assistant Professor of Counseling at UAB. Her research interests include family, school, community engagement, and qualitative research methods. |
Kezziah McDaniel
With 20 years of experience in the fields of mental and behavioral health and substance abuse, Dr. Kezziah McDaniel is still an avid learner and seeks every opportunity to enhance her knowledge and skills. |
Billie Miller
Billie Joyce Miller has fifteen years experience as a primary school counselor. She has a M.S. degree in Counseling and a B.S. degree in Art. |
Theresa Mitchell
Theresa has over 20 years' experience, including both outpatient and inpatient work. She has specialized experience in the following: adolescence, family dynamics, couples/relationships, substance abuse, and maladaptive sexual issues. |
Tammy Montgomery
Tammy W Montgomery is the owner of Brighter Day Behavioral Health Counseling Services. She is an experienced educator of 15 years and a Veteran of the United States Army. |
Dr. Poppy Moon
Dr. Poppy Moon is a professor at the University of West Alabama. She has created & illustrated a variety of guidance materials. |
Dorothy Moore
Dorothy Moore is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Counselor Educator and Supervision at Walden University. |
Kelli Muncher
Kelli Muncher holds degrees from Samford ,OSU, and UWA. She has presented at CLAS and the ALSCA conference. She is part of the team that were elected as School Counselors of the Year for Jefferson County Schools for the 2020-2021 School Year. |
Dr. Celeste Neil
Dr. Celeste Neil received her PhD in Counselor Ed & Supv at UA in 2015. Although a retired educator of 30+ yrs, she continues to provide services for children, adolescents and adults. Her last 30 years in public ed were with Vestavia Hills Schools. |
Dr. Latofia Parker
My name is Dr. Latofia Parker and I am a counselor educator at the University of Montevallo. I currently serve on the ABEC Board as Vice Chair . I live in Alabaster with my husband and two sons. I love to read and take long walks. |
Monica Peak
Monica Peak, ALC, NCC has an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She is in private practice at Gulf Coast Family Services in Spanish Fort, AL, and currently working toward an Ed.S. at Auburn University at Montgomery. |
Dr. Quinn Pearson
As a counselor educator at UNA for the past 25 years and a clinician in various settings (outpatient, addictions, college, and K-12 school), wellness and creativity have informed my approach in educational and clinical settings. |
Jessica Penot
Jessica Penot has been in practice for over 20 years and specializes in trauma, adults with autism, and gender dysphoria. Jessica owns Tree of Life Behavioral Health. |
Emma Quadlander
Emma Quadlander is a second year doctoral student in the Counselor Education & Supervision program at Auburn University with an interest in grief, trauma, and PTSD. |
Dallas Rabig
Dallas Rabig is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds an Infant Mental Health Clinical Mentor Endorsement through First 5 Alabama. |
Dawn Rayburn
Ms. Rayburn worked as an agency counselor for 4 years before she began her career as an educator. Having spent the last 22 years in both poverty stricken and affluent schools, she has a wide perspective on students and their learning. |
Ashley Redondo
I am a School Counselor in Columbus, GA. I have 5 years of school counseling experience in elementary and high school. I obtained my LPC in 2018. I specialize in school, children/adolescents, multicultural competency, and social justice counseling. |
Kaycee Roberts
Kaycee Colon Roberts is a 2nd year doctoral at Auburn University. Her research interests include death and non-death related loss, as well as elderly and veteran population. She's worked both private practice and community mental health. |
Candace Robinson
I received my BA in Art Therapy and MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Currently, I work as a therapist, providing intensive outpatient counseling services for children. |
Tina Runyan
An elementary school counselor with 11 years experience & 12 years as career tech/high school counselor . I am married to my best friend and the mom to twin boys who are at AU. |
Fanicy Sears
Fanicy H. Sears is a Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and Board Certified Telemental Health Therapist in Birmingham, Alabama. She received M.Ed in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Montevallo. |
Dr. Tarmen Siaway
Dr. Tarmen Siaway is a clinical counselor at the Samaritan Counseling Center and an adjunct professor at Jacksonville State University. Dr. Siaway is dedicated to serving the community with integrity and compassion. |
Dr. Robyn Simmons
Dr. Simmons is a Professor of Counseling. With 25 years'™ experience, she is a LPC-S and a RPT-S. Dr. Simmons publishes and presents on play therapy, creativity, and trauma. |
Amy Smith
Amy Smith currently serves as a College Counselor. She is passionate about eliminating barriers to college and career readiness. Amy has twenty-three years of school counseling experience. |
Ann Smith
I have been in education for 17 years and 13 years as a school counselor. I have been a school counselor at Hewitt Trussville High School, Munford High School, Talladega County Central High School, Hoover High School and Birmingham City Schools. |
Bill Smith
29 year veteran educator, Strength/Conditioning coach and high school coach. Currently, the Head football coach at Huffman High School in Birmingham, Alabama. |
Sean J. Stevens
Sean Stevens currently serves as the Program Coordinator of Instructional Services for the Alabama State Department of Education where he is responsible for leading the frameworks, systems, and supports that are needed by Alabama schools to provide standards-driven instructional innovation that is both evidence-based and centered around the student learner as a whole. |
Dr. Kevin Stoltz
Kevin B. Stoltz, Ph.D., ACS, NCC, is a Professor of Counselor Education at the University of North Alabama. He specializes in assessment, research, and career counseling. |
Dr. Margaret Taylor
Presenter has years of experience in counseling law enforcement officers with mental health concerns. Presenter is involved in implementing a mental fitness program for LE. |
Dr. Chippewea Thomas
Dr. Thomas is an administrator and a full professor at Auburn University. She is responsible for providing campus-wide leadership engaging faculty in outreach and she teaches. |
Shannon Treadwell
Shannon Treadwell NCC, ALC is from Gadsden Al. She currently works as a Substance Abuse Counselor. She has has earned her Bachelor in Social Work from UAB with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. |
Dr. Jessica Tyler
Jessica Tyler is an Assistant Clinical Professor and private practitioner. Her expertise entails the use of CBT, ACT, EMDR, and yoga-informed therapy in working with trauma, and training on the suicide prevention. |
Dr. April Upshaw
Experience providing counseling in various settings (in-home, group home, and residential care facilities) to foster children, their parents, and their extended families for the purpose of reunification and permanency. |
Dr. Doris Vaughans
Doris Vaughans Ph.D. owns a private professional counseling practice, Tuscaloosa Center for Cognitive Therapy and is currently a professor for Portland Institute of Transition and Loss. Her specialty areas are loss and grief, depression, and anxiety. |
Dr. Nisha Warbington
Dr. Nisha Warbington holds a Ph. D. in Counselor Education and a M.H.S. in Human Development from the University of Alabama. |
Dr. Dayna Watson
Dayna Watson is an Assistant Professor of Counseling at UAB. Her research includes issues of social class and poverty in counseling, and community-school collaboration. |
Meagan Weaver
Meagan Weaver, Ed.S. is the Mental Health Coordinator. |
Dr. Melissa Werner
Dr. Werner is a Zurich trained Jungian analyst who works with children, adolescents and adults. |
LaShunda Wilson
LaShunda is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. She graduated from Troy Montgomery in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She works with youth who have experienced trauma. |
Dr. Priscilla Wilson
I am from Anniston, Alabama. I am an Associate Professor in the Counselor Education Program at Jacksonville State University and an LPC (Alabama). |
Heather Windham
Heather D. Windham is a doctoral student in Counselor Education at Auburn University, while previously working as a middle school counselor. Her primary research interest is in school counseling academia and professional advocacy. |
Richard Yoakum
Director, Samford Counseling & Wellness |
Dr. Paige Zeiger
Paige served the CMHC field for 15+ years, named SACES 2018-2020 Emerging Leader, awarded ALCA 2019 Research Grant w/research interests: CACREP-awareness, compassion fatigue. |
