When considering counseling psychology and its history I think of the humanity underlying many of its values, and its emphasis on considering individuals holistically. For example, the division’s increasing emphasis on social justice grew, in part, from a collective desire to advance our diversity interests, and we must maintain our commitment to apply our knowledge to help others thrive. From this advocacy mindset we must continue the growth that has occurred under the leadership of our predecessors. We must remember that we have benefited from our past and enjoy more resources than most individuals worldwide. The recent International Counseling Psychology Conference helped us recognize common professional beliefs and reminded us of the collective potential to advance counseling psychology’s relevance globally. We have done well advocating for our members locally, and we can increasingly persist in partnering with others and find creative ways to tackle some of humanity’s greatest needs including peace and reconciliation, trauma, and social and economic development.

The division has increased its APA voice significantly over the past decade, our journals have high impact ratings, our clinicians are influential, and we are considered an active division. With that comes a responsibility for continued strong leadership for our educational, scientific, political, and practice members. I plan to provide that leadership and represent you conscientiously and respectfully both within the division and with larger organizations (e.g., APA, IAAP). Additionally, I plan to address perceived irrelevancy of counseling psychology at the institutional level as evidenced by recent program closures, proving that we must communicate our integral value to university and community missions. Means to continue doing so include international cooperation, social advocacy, and cross-discipline professional relationships.

My involvement with Division 17 includes being Co-chair-elect of the International Section, currently acting as the section Treasurer, and previous involvement in various division and CCPTP task groups, TCP Editorial Board, convention Program Co-chair, and Hospitality committee member. I have also chaired multiple accreditation site visits, am involved with three other APA divisions, and am on the Executive Board of the Counseling Psychology division of the International Association of Applied Psychology.

I am humbled to be considered for this position. With the position comes a responsibility to work collaboratively with the Executive Committee, foster listening to all voices within the division, and maintain the momentum that has already made Division 17 a strong, focused, and visionary division.

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