LPCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023 to 2024

 

 

 Immedicate Past PRESIDENT: Bryan Stephens, MBA, MA, LPC, CPCS.   Bryan G. Stephens, MBA, MA, LPC, CPCS. Bryan is on a mission to transform the workplace and service experience. He is the founder and CEO of “TalkForward”, a consulting and training company, utilizing Bryan’s clinical and management expertise to develop managers and teams in a corporate environment. As a licensed therapist with strong understanding of developing human potential, he is dedicated to the development of Human Capital to meet the need.

With 17 years of Executive Management, Bryan spent over two years as the Interim Chief Executive Officer in a public behavioral health agency, with over 450 employees and an annual $27 million budget, establishing and executing major goals and objectives and providing leadership, direction, and guidance for Agency activities.
A specialist in clinical supervision, Bryan began training therapists in small and large groups, while Ethics Chair on the Board of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia in 2012. Bryan has an Executive MBA from Kennesaw State University, Coles School of Business, and both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  This is a THREE (3) Year Term (PE, P, IPP)  Email:  [email protected]

 

PRESIDENT ELECT:

David Markwell, PhD, LPC, LCMHC, NCC, ACS, CPCS, BC-TMH, CART, EAS-C.  David Markwell is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC).  He is licensed in Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina.  He is a Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH) and a Registered Telemental Health Provider in Florida.   He has counseling offices in Marietta and McCaysville Georgia.  As a supervisor he holds the Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) credentials.  He is also the former Clinical Supervision Chair for the LPCA (Licensed Professional Counselors Association) of Georgia.   

Treasurer 2019-,2020-,2021,- 2022 - 2023

Tom Parrott, LPC, DMin,  is a graduate of Midwestern College and has been practicing counseling for 9 years. In addition, Tom is a CPA, holds a Masters of Accountancy, and has many years in business and in the IT world. He is currently working with Grace Counseling and Psychotherapy. Tom is very active in his community as a psychotherapist, building houses, consulting with business for financial success.  This is a Three (3) Year Term.

ETHIC CHAIR 

Julia Whisenhunt, PhD, LPC, CPCS. Julia is an Associate Professor of Counselor Education in the Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Speech-Language Pathology at the University of West Georgia. Dr. Whisenhunt is also the Director of the Ed.D. program in Professional Counseling and Supervision. Dr. Whisenhunt earned her M.A. in Psychology and Ed.S. in Guidance and Counseling from the University of West Georgia and her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Practice from Georgia State University. She holds licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) in the State of Georgia, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Certified Professional Counseling Supervisor (CPCS) in Georgia. Dr. Whisenhunt has instructed psychology and counseling courses since 2004. She is trained as an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) facilitator who specializes in the areas of suicide prevention and self-injury. Dr. Whisenhunt has published peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and presented at the international, national, regional, and state levels.

ETHICS Co-Chair

Dr. William "Will" Carroll has been a counselor since 2003, working first for the state of Georgia with juveniles and troubled teens, opening his private practice since 2009 specializing in young children, students and young adults who have a variety of mood, social, and/or neurological issues. Will has considerable experience with autism (ASD).

 

 

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION CHAIR:

Janesta Nairn, LPC, CPCS. I am currently working as a Social Services Program Manager at Fulton County Juvenile Court and an Adjunct Professor at Rasmussen University. I received my Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. I work primarily with juveniles and their families to define their dreams and build skills to help divert them from formal court proceedings. With such a vulnerable population, the opportunities are endless once committed to pushing through the clients/families' embedded trauma and societal weights of the clients/families. I am an active volunteer in my community and the secretary of Powder Springs Toasters.

COMMUNICATONS DIRECTOR CHAIR:

Keisha Pou-Buchanan, PhD, LPC, CPCS. Keisha is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, since 2007 and holds a Doctorate Degree in Counseling Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. She obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology from Morris Brown College.

Keisha’s clinical experience includes outpatient and inpatient settings, substance abuse clinics, at-risk adolescent group homes, family services & juvenile justice agencies. She has facilitated numerous training over the years for several local counties, domestic violence shelters, schools, insurance companies and local churches/community centers on a variety of mental health and clinical issues.
She has been in private practice since 2007 and have over 15 years of experience in counseling. In addition to having a private practice, she is an Associate Professor at Liberty University and a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CHAIR

Corey Milsap, PhD, LPC, LMHC. Corey has worked in a variety of mental health and education related positions in West Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, and Georgia. As an educational consultant, school psychologist, and licensed professional counselor, she provided consultation and training to parents, teachers, and administrators.
Dr. Milsap has assisted both local education agencies and state education agencies in restructuring schools in positive ways when the educational movement called for greater accountability at every level. Her experience includes using techniques for linking assessment to interventions when consulting with teachers to enhance the classroom performance of students. Dr. Milsap’s seminars are founded on peer-reviewed research, experience, training, and education that have been shared with educators and mental professional in local agency trainings, seminars in various states, and local conventions.  Corey completed her higher education at Marshall University and Argosy University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, MA in Ed Admin, Ed Specialist in Adult and Technical Ed, MA Psychology, Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, and Ed Specialist in School Psychology. Additionally, Dr. Milsap has earned a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University (VA).   As a licensed professional counselor (GA), licensed mental health counselor (FL) and licensed school psychologist (FL), Dr. Milsap provides individual, family, group, and couples therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Additionally, she provides psycho-educational evaluations. Dr. Milsap enjoys working with military personnel, veterans, and their families. Dr. Milsap strives to help individuals persist through difficult times to find their true potential. 

 

--------------COMMITTEES-------------------

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: District Representatives
LPCA of GA has seven Districts: Atlanta, Central Coastal, Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western.

ATLANTA:

    Joanna Goulding, LPC, NCC.  Currently works as a bilingual Psychotherapist (Spanish) in the Dunwoody area. She is also the co-director of the non-profit organization Alive and Well, designed to provide counseling services to the undeserved in the Atlanta area. Joanna previously worked as a Psychotherapist at CETPA, the largest Hispanic Mental Health Clinic in the Southeast. Her Prior career experience in Healthcare sales and marketing is a bonus in the counseling industry. Joanna is an active volunteer in her community, especially at her local schools.

Co-Chair Lori Rader-Jacobs, LPC, NCC. Lori is the Director of the Betrayal Trauma and Partners program at Capstone Counseling and Coaching, serving the Dunwoody and Marietta areas of Atlanta. Helping individuals and couples heal from the pain of problematic sexual behavior is her passion. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Richmont University and a Bachelor’s in Business from Georgia State. Her experience also includes treating children, adolescents, and young adults with eating disorders in an in-patient setting and working with addictions and anger management counseling in the court system. In her prior life Lori was a health insurance broker and business owner which provides additional perspectives to her clients.

CENTRAL:

  CHAIR   Joseph “Joe” Wolstencroft, PhD, LPC, CPCS. Joe has been an active member of the mental health field for over twenty-five years, with his own counseling center, Dr. Wolstencroft includes training and providing sports psychologist to elite amateur and professional athletes and stage performers in mental performance conditioning. He is also registered with the Supreme Court of Georgia as a registered neutral, commonly referred to as a mediator.

 

COASTAL:

   Joy Welcker, PhD, LPC. Joy is the owner and Clinical Director of Brighter Brains Integrative Health, a private practice offering empirically validated, brain-based interventions for holistic health and wellness. Joy has a doctorate in clinical psychology from Fielding Graduate University and Education Specialist from GA Southern University. Providing neuropsychological assessment, EEG neurofeedback, and evidence-based psychotherapies for individuals, families, and groups. Specialty populations included children, adolescents, and young adults with reactive attachment disorder, trauma histories, executive dysfunction, and learning problems.

EASTERN:

  CHAIR   Valencia Ayers, LPC, CPCS, NCC. Valencia, licensed since 2014, has been working in the behavioral health and addiction field for the past 20 years working with women, men, and at-risk youth in various clinical settings. Valencia currently works for the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs as a Social Science Specialist (Crisis Responder) since 2018. Valencia has a bachelor’s in social work from Coker College in 2005, master’s in mental health counseling in 2007, and a second master’s degree in human resource development in 2009, both from Webster University. She also obtained additional certifications as a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor/LPCAGA, Master Addiction Counselor/NCC AP, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional/IATP.

NORTHERN:

 Britney Allen Turk, PhD, LPC, NCC. Britney is the owner and director of Mountainview Counseling in Gainesville, GA, a private practice serving the mental health needs of children, adolescents, adults, and couples through counseling and biofeedback services. Certified in dialectical behavior therapy, mental health integrative medicine, and HeartMath, a biofeedback intervention, Britney works with children, adolescents, and adults with behavioral and mood problems, relationship issues, addiction, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and anger management. Additionally, Britney is an adjunct instructor at Brenau University and Lanier Technical College. Her research interests are in the area of parental burnout, HRV biofeedback, and emotional intelligence. 

SOUTHERN:

 A.J. Ramirez, ED.D; LPC; CPCS . A.J. is the owner of L.E.A.F. Therapy Services in Valdosta, Georgia. L.E.A.F. Therapy Services is geared toward providing affordable high-quality counseling services to the South Georgia area. In addition to running a private practice Dr. Ramirez teaches fulltime in the department of Sociology and Women and Gender Studies at Valdosta State University and as an adjunct professor in the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality program at Florida State University. Her academic interests include sexism, gender discrimination, LGBTQ issues, and education reform by incorporating systemic approaches. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of North Georgia, her Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Doctor of Education degree with a concentration in Sociology from Valdosta State University.


WESTERN:

 Louis Boynton, ll, PhD, LPC, NCC, CPCS. Over the last few years Louis has been working in the profession of psychology as an educator, researcher, and practitioner. He has written grants and managed grant projects in disaster mental health, a new professional avenue. Currently, Louis is President of a nonprofit (managing a disaster mental health website gadisaster.info), with a private practice, and a mobile assessment counselor for Southern Crescent Pines Behavioral Health.

 

Find your District Below:

Atlanta District: Clayton - Cobb- DeKalb - Douglas - Fayette - Fulton - Gwinnett - Henry - Newton – Rockdale

Atlanta District Representative(s):  Joanna Goulding, LAPC, NCC and Lori Reder Jacobs, LAPC, NCC

Central District: Baldwin - Bibb - Bleckley - Butts - Crawford - Crisp - Dodge  - Dooly - Hancock - Houston - Jasper - Johnson - Jones - Lamar - Lauren - Macon  - Monroe - Montgomery - Peach - Pike - Pulaski - Putnam - Schley - Spalding - Sumter - Taylor - Telfair - Treutlen - Twiggs - Upson - Washington - Wheeler -  Wilcox – Wilkinson

Central District Representative(s): Joseph “Joe” Wolstencroft, PhD, LPC, CPCS

Coastal District: Appling - Bacon - Brantley - Bryan - Bulloch - Camden - Candler  - Charlton - Chatham - Effingham - Evans - Glynn - Jeff Davis - Liberty - Long  - McIntosh - Pierce - Tattnall - Toombs - Ware – Wayne

Coastal District Representative(s): Joy Welcker, PhD, LPC

Eastern District: Barrow - Burke - Clarke - Columbia - Elbert - Emanuel - Glascock - Greene - Jackson - Jefferson - Jenkins - Lincoln - Madison - McDuffie - Morgan - Oconee - Oglethorpe - Richmond - Screven - Taliaferro - Walton - Warren – Wilkes

Eastern District Representative(s): Valencia Ayers, LPC, CPCS, NCC

Northern District: Banks - Bartow - Catoosa - Chattooga - Cherokee - Dade - Dawson - Fannin - Floyd - Forsyth - Franklin - Gilmer - Gordon - Habersham - Hall - Hart - Lumpkin - Murray - Paulding - Pickens - Polk - Rabun - Stephens - Towns - Union - Walker - White – Whitfield

Northern District Representative(s): Britney Allen Turk, PhD, LPC, NCC

Southern District: Atkinson - Baker - Ben Hill - Berrien - Brooks - Calhoun - Clinch  - Coffee - Colquitt - Cook - Decatur - Dougherty - Early - Echols - Grady - Irwin -Lanier - Lee - Lowndes - Miller - Mitchell - Seminole - Terrell - Thomas - Tift -  Turner – Worth

Southern District Representative(s): A.J. Ramirez, EdD, LPC, CPCS

Western District: Carroll - Chattahoochee - Clay - Coweta - Haralson - Harris - Heard  - Marion - Meriwether - Muscogee - Quitman - Randolph - Stewart - Talbot - Troup     - Webster

Western District Representative(s): Louis Boynton II, PhD, LPC, NCC, CPCS, and  Eleanor Wassenberg, Nominated

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PAC Political Action Committee:

 DR. Johnnie L Jenkins, III LPC, CPCS, RPT-S, My job is to help, when people are in conflict, they cannot hear what the other says.  Mr. Jenkins is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Certified Professional Clinical Supervisor in Georgia with more than 20 years’ experience.  Mr. Jenkins’ private practice experience includes working with families. He holds memberships in the American Counseling Association, the Association for Play Therapy, the Licensed Professional Counselor Association of Georgia, and the Georgia Association for Play Therapy. He holds the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mercer University in Macon, GA and a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology.  Mr. Jenkins was an adjunct at Argosy University Atlanta teaching classes in Play therapy, Child and Adolescent Counseling, Family and Couples Counseling, and Practicum and Supervision.  He was also Chair of the Human Services Department. Mr. Jenkins is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy from Walden University..

THE GEORGIA JOURNAL OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING EDITOR

2021 2022 EDITOR of the Georgia Journal:  Gregory K. Moffatt, PhD, LPC, CPCS

 Dr. Moffatt has been a professor of Counseling Psychology for almost three decades and currently serves as Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Point University. Previously he was a part-time instructor at Georgia State University.  Dr. Moffatt has extensive experience on the subject of violent behavior. He was a regular lecturer at the FBI National Academy and has consulted numerous Corporations, law enforcement agencies, and schools. He remains a regular consultant and profiler with the Atlanta Cold Case Squad.

 

PAST JOURNAL EDITORS: 

2019-2021 Kristy L. Christopher-Holloway, Ed.D, LPC, NCC, DCC, ACS  CONTACT:[email protected] 

 Dr. Kristy Christopher-Holloway is an assistant professor, the founder and director of New Vision Counseling Center, LLC, a group private practice in Douglasville, GA, and founder of New Vision Consulting and Training, LLC. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Board Certified Tele-mental Health (BC-TMH) provider, a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS), and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). As an educator and trainer, Dr. Christopher-Holloway works with many helping professionals including counselors, counselors-in-training, social workers, as well as medical professionals.

 

 

 

2004-2015 W. David Lane

David Lane, is a professor in the Department of Counseling in the College of Professional Advancement at Mercer University, and is the founding faculty member of the Counseling Program.
Dr Lane, LPC, LMFT, NCC, CPCS, prior to coming to Mercer, he was the founder and Coordinator of the Community Counseling and Marriage, and Family Counseling Programs at Columbus College (now Columbus State University). While at Columbus he worked with Ft. Benning and the Department of the Army to create a program to train Army Chaplains in Marriage and Family Counseling. The program was highly successful and the Army sends these Chaplains all over the world to work with soldiers and their families.

 

2002- Valeria A. Conkey

1999- 2002  Susan R. Boes 

1995-1999 Linda C Painter

1994-1995 Glenda Isenhour

 

LPCA Foundation:  

 Darrell Brooks, LPC, CPCS Past LPCA President.   In my new advisory role,  I reflect on my time as President, having strength goes beyond the demeanor of leadership. Strength is more of being available to the members and to handle both the positive and negative aspects of the position.  Always remember,  live with love, work with passion, and do something that would make your momma proud.

Mr. Brooks, while President of LPCA created the The Capitol Committee, advocacy volunteers responsible for working in partnership with the LPCA PAC, LPCA Lobbyists, CEO to make sure LPCs are include in the law(s).  The Capitol Committee works with legislators, special interest groups, lobbyist, and legislators’ staff on key strategies, challenges, and needs.  The “committee” will attend special events, fund raisers, visit their representative and senator(s) and write copy /reports to be distribute to members.

 

LPCA ADMINISTRATION

Gale MackeGale Marshall Macke, CEO  For the last 20 years Gale has served as the executive director and CEO for one of the nation’s leading advocate for counselors, LPCA!  Gale manages the association’s affairs, directs legislative efforts, and oversees efforts to build public support for counselors and to expand learning opportunities and services for members. She also represents counselors before the state Licensing Board-GA Composite Board of PC, SW, MFT, the Georgia Legislature and Congress. Gale joined LPCA in 2002 and previously served as a subcontractor for retiring VP of Goldman Sacks, CFO and Director of public relations/communications for several other companies.   

 


Eric Rodgers, LPC

Chief Operating Officer

Joined the LPCA Board of Directors as a Student Rep and was the LPCA Student Counselor of the Year for 2018 and then volunteered to the the LPCA Newsletter Editor.  Eric as Student Rep created the LPCA Graduation Cords and Sashes for our students who are Presidents of the LPCA SAO or serve on the LPCA SAO board.   

 

 

 

 

 Andrew Blackmore

Andrew was a school counselor in Virginia Beach City Public Schools for eight years in addition to being the Head Coach, Varsity Soccer & Golf before moving to corp. world. Now in Georgia, Andrew looks forward to becoming an LPC.  We know you will enjoy talking to him on the phone and meeting him at LPCA workshops 

 

 

 

 And a group of amazing volunteers:

Lei P. Tun, LAPC, born in Myanmar (Burma) SE Asia, has been volunteering since she was a student. She was also a  delighted to have as a staff member as she worked towards licensure.  Ms. Tun graduated from the University of Rochester, NY.  She was the LPCA Georgia Society of Association Executives, GSAE Intern Grant Award Winner.

 

 

LPCA ByLaws CLICK HERE 

Board Report FORM  CLICK HERE