Leadership and Advocacy

    One of the most valuable aspects of this program has been deepening my understanding of leadership and advocacy. During the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) advocacy action day, I learned the power of using my voice to support others and push for meaningful change. In my local community, I have been advocating for increased conversations around suicide and the need for improved access to crisis services. My experiences as a peer mentor have provided me opportunity to encourage students early in the PhD program, to help them navigate the program and find their voice.

    Even in times of uncertainty, speaking up is crucial—and leadership often means being willing to step forward when others cannot. This directly echoes the calling in Proverbs 31:8-9, "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves...defend the rights of the poor and needy" (NIV).  These experiences reinforced my commitment to advocacy, mentorship, and the responsibility of using leadership positions to influence positive change.

CACREP Doctoral Competencies (2024):

A. Theories, models, and skills of leadership

B. Leadership and leadership development in professional organizations

C. Leadership in counselor education programs

D. Accreditation standards and program accreditation processes, including self-studies and program reports

E. Management and administration in agencies, organizations, and other institutions

F. Leadership roles and strategies for responding to crises and disasters

G. Strategies of leadership in consultation

H. Current sociopolitical and social justice issues and how those issues affect the counseling profession

I. Models and competencies for counselors and counselor educators advocating on behalf of the profession and professional counselor identity

J. Models and competencies for advocating for clients at the individual, system, and policy levels

K. Strategies of leadership in relation to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice issues

L. Culturally sustaining leadership and advocacy practices

M. Ethical leadership and advocacy practices

N. Role of self-care in advocacy and leadership
 

Artifacts 1 - 5 were completed during COUC 860 Leadership and Advocacy
    "This doctoral level seminar course is designed to foster professional identity as a counselor educator and leadership/service to the counseling profession. There is a focus on leadership principles and theories, including their application to counselor education. Students will work for a self-reflective model in order to discover and assess their own leadership skills and potential and to consider how that potential can be applied to their field of counselor education. Professional, ethical, social, spiritual, and religious advocacy issues are also addressed throughout this course." (Syllabus).
 

Artifact 1: Social Justice Action Plan
Leadership & Advocacy Competencies: H, I, J, K

    This paper includes a personal reflection on social justice and advocacy, including personal privilege, systems of oppression, and being multiculturally literate.


Artifact 2: Leadership Philosophy
Leadership & Advocacy Competencies: C, K, M, N

    My personal philosophy on leadership and advocacy within the counseling profession, including counselor professional identity, training, and personal future directions.


Artifact 3: Advocacy Presentation
Leadership & Advocacy Competencies: H, I, K, L, N

    This presentation was completed with a group of students, to advocate for mothers in doctorate programs to receive additional support to excel academically and graduate from the program.


Artifact 4: Leader Interview
Leadership & Advocacy Competencies: B, E, G, K, L, M, N

    I interviewed the director of a local university counseling center, to learn more about being a leader in this field and develop programs to further support members of the community. Personal reflections on the interview are included.


Artifact 5: Leadership and Advocacy Discussion Boards
Leadership & Advocacy Competencies: A, B, C, D, I, J, K, L, M

    These discussion boards were completed to spark conversation among classmates regarding various topics for leadership and advocacy in the counseling profession.

 

Artificats 6 and 7 were completed during TRMA 820: Disaster Mental Health and Community Response.
"This course examines the nature and effects of natural disasters on individuals and groups in affected communities. In addition, preparation for potential events on both a personal and community level is discussed. Large scale disasters addressed include tornados, hurricanes, wildfires, blizzards, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, avalanches and landslides, sinkholes, and droughts, as well as pandemics and large-scale civil unrest. Related topics may be added as needed. In addition to preparation and counseling responses, interaction with national, religious, and governmental relief agencies will be examined" (Syllabus).
 

Artifact 6: Reading Reflection Journals
Leadership & Advocacy Competencies: E, F

    These journals were completed following the required course reading for each module, focusing on key ideas, personal impacts, and Christian worldview integration.
 

Artifact 7: Discussion Boards
Leadership & Advocacy Competencies: E, F

    These discussion boards provide reflections on the material by applying knowledge to active shooter and tornado scenarios. Additonal reflection on biblical application and disaster ministry is also included.

 

Leadership and Advocacy Presentations:

Brinkley, M., Cicalo, N., Cobarruvias, S., Kimonyi, D., McKinnon, J., Smith, M., Strivings, A., Taylor, N., & Vaile, S. (2024, April 12). Exploring the counselor education and supervision doctoral program [virtual panel presentation]. Rho Eta Sigma of Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society, Liberty University.

Taylor, N. (2023, August 10). Wellness: The balance of self-care and boundaries. Blue Ridge Montessori School, Lynchburg, VA.
 

Advocacy Letters:

Leadership & Advocacy Competencies: H, I, J, K, L

Medicare Coverage Expansion to LPCs
    This letter was written to Senator Mark Warren, Senator Timothy Kaine, and Representative John McGuire to request their support of expedited approvals for Licensed Professional Counselors to bill Medicare following the Mental Health Improvement Act of 2021.

Counseling Compact
    This letter was written to Senator Mark Warren, Senator Timothy Kaine, and Representative John McGuire to request their support of Virginia participating in the Counseling Compact to promote licensure portability across state lines.

Equal Health Care for All Act
    This letter was written to Senator Timothy Kaine, Senator Mark Warner, and Representative John McGuire requesting their support of H.R. 3068/S. 4065 to improve access to quality healthcare for all individuals.

988 Lifeline
    This letter was written to President Joe Biden and Senator Timothy Kaine requesting their support of the 988 Lifeline.

Moms Matter Act
    This letter was written to Senator Mark Warren, Senator Timothy Kaine, and Representative John McGuire to request their support of H.R. 3312/S. 1606 to expand access to maternal healthcare in community-based programs.

Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act
    This letter was written to Senator Timothy Kaine, Senator Mark Warner, and Representative John McGuire requesting their support of H.R.1477/S. 722 to expand eligibility of 529 savings plans to include earning and maintaining professional credentials.

Leadership and Advocacy Experience

Treasurer (February 2025 - Present)
Rho Eta Sigma chapter of Chi Sigma Iota.
Liberty University

CES Student Mentor (August 2023 - Present)
Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies
    Provided peer mentoring to other PhD students who were beginning the program including QE exam preparation and general information about the program.

Advocacy Volunteer (August 2024 - Present)
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
    Participated in local Out of the Darkness walks and Advocacy Action Day in Richmond, Virginia.