Statement of Leadership & Advocacy
To me, advocacy is not an action that we learn, it is the process which unfolds when we care enough to grow alongside our clients, students, colleagues, and communities. As such, it is my belief that the roles of leader and advocate, which are core components of my counselor educator identity, would be incomplete without the guiding spirit of servitude. Advocacy is an integral part of the work that we train our students to do each and every time they sit across from the clients that they serve. Every time we genuinely reflect a feeling, we advocate for the validity of that experience. When we simply hold the space, we promote an environment of support. It is through this training and experience that I believe that competent counselors make the best leaders. Competent counselors are aware of their biases and values. Additionally, they are aware of the impact that their voice has on those whom they serve and they use this voice to advocate for the advancement of those groups and individuals that have been oppressed by various barriers. In my personal experience, I have had the honor to serve in leadership capacities that range from local to international levels. Most notable would be my service as the: Co-Chair of the Student Advocacy Committee of the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (2014-2019); Editorial Assistant for Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation (CORE; 2020-2021); member of the American Clinical Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), Neuroscience Taskforce (2018-2021); and member of the American Counseling (ACA) Publications Committee (2020-2021). Throughout these experiences, I am honored to have been able to serve a diverse group of individuals with various needs and goals.
