VOTE FOR THE LPCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-2026
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT ELECT
This is a three (3) year term: President Elect, President, Immediate Past President
Dr. Tonja Simmons Lee, PhD, LPC, CPCS
Dr. Tonja Simmons Lee, nominee for President-Elect of the Georgia Licensed Professional Counselor Board, is a dedicated leader and advocate for the counseling profession, with extensive credentials—including Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC), and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS)—Dr. Lee has spent her career advancing mental health services and strengthening the professional community. She also serves as the Board Chair for NAMI Central Georgia and is a trainer for multiple evidence-based programs. Her leadership is driven by a passion for expanding membership, enhancing professional development, and advocating for licensed professional counselors across Georgia.
ETHICS CHAIR
Dr. William Carroll, PhD, LPC (Incumbent)
Dr. 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. Dr. Carroll has considerable experience with autism (ASD).
His goals are: to assist members with ethical decision making and to share the Corey, Corey, & Corey ethical decision making chart that is on the LPCA website. Special thank you to Julia Whisenhunt, the past Ethics Chair.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CHAIR
Vicki Blount, LPC, CPCS, MAC (Incumbent)
Serving on the LPCA board for the past two years, has been rewarding especially with LPC Week. I am very interested in your needs for continuing education.
My three (3) goals for the coming year as an LPCA Board Member:
1. LPC Day at the Capitol and LPC Week 2026: Continue to be an active participant in assisting with promoting LPC Day at the Capitol and LPC Week.
2. New Topics of interest and New Presenters/Speakers: Poll members to find out their top three topics of interest – wants and needs
3. Offer trainings to help the new presenters/speakers become skilled and effective presenters.
Dr. Suneetha B. Manyam, PhD, LPC, CPCS, CRC, BC-TMH (Write-In)
Dr. Manyam is a tenured professor at Mercer University in the Department of Counseling. As a counselor educator, she has been training and supervising the future counselors for the past 17+years. She actively engages in scholarly research in the areas of counselor wellness, mindfulness techniques, trauma healing, microagressions, and multicultural advocacy. As a licensed clinician, Dr. Manyam is serving couples, families and clients from 5-75 years in the areas of anxiety, stress management, trauma, grief, acculturation issues for the last two decades.
Dr. Manyam states, "It will be my honor to serve on the board for the upcoming year if selected. As a lifelong learner, I value the continuing education tremendously and believe that it is a must for the counselors to keep abreast of the best practices/trends in serving clients from multiple cultures. Moreover, I served on the board before and am passionate about LPCAGA’s mission and values."
My three (3) goals for the coming year as an LPCA Board Member for 2025-26:
1. To continue coordinating and actively engaging in LPC week and LPC day at the capitol
2. To assist in designing or reviewing proposals for innovative continuing education tools and workshops that help the LPC community
3. To collaborate and create a series of workshop opportunities for counselor self-care with experts nationally and internationally as appropriate.
Best email and phone to reach me: manyam_sb@mercer.edu
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR CHAIR
Brittany Briscoe, LPC, NCC (Incumbent)
Brittany Briscoe states, "I have had the honor of serving on the LPCA board for the past two years. These years have been some of the most rewarding of my life. Throughout this time, I’ve learned so much, grown professionally and personally, and developed an even deeper passion for our field and supporting our clients.
I am excited to offer my continued service as your Communications Chair for another year, with the hope of helping us stay connected, learn from each other, and grow together as a community."
My goals for the 2025-2026 board year are as follows:
- Enhance our social media channels with targeted content, including interviews, press releases, and content tailored to our field and audience.
- Create engaging social media "shorts" to share insights about the field, spotlight pioneers and key figures, and celebrate everything we do.
- Strengthen connections within the mental health communications community to foster solidarity, share valuable content from other organizations, and stay well-informed about trends, developments, and opportunities in the counseling field. This will ensure we can meet the diverse needs, passions, and aspirations of our community.
Communication is key to building strong relationships internally within our organization and externally with others in our field. Through this position, I hope to help cultivate these relationships so that we can work together more effectively. Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
Dr. Kelly Veal, PhD, LPC, CPCS
Dr. Veal received her PhD in Counselor Education from Auburn University in 2015. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CAADC), and a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS). She is also the owner The Veal Group, LLC, a private practice that engages in counseling, coaching, and consulting. Dr. Veal has extensive experience working with addicted populations and trauma. As a part of her advanced professional training, she is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy which is the focus of her private practice. She is actively engaged in the LaGrange College community where she serves as the advisor to the Student Affiliate Organization (SAO) for the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCA-GA).
Goals:
1. Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the professional development of LPCA-GA members, including identifying current trends and needs within the counseling profession.
2. Form and lead committees focused on specific projects, such as creating industry guides for professional counselors, to facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices.
3. Conduct surveys to gather insights into the professional development needs and preferences of LPCA-GA members. Use this data to tailor programs and initiatives accordingly.
Jessica Renard, MEd, LAPC, MCLC
Jessica Renard states, "Helping clients move past sexual trauma to find satisfying sex lives is one of my passions. I help my clients understand, love, and appreciate their bodies. Connections are important." She loves working with poly, kink, LGBTQIA+, queer-identifying and non-binary individuals.
SUPERVISION CHAIR
Tracy Kissinger, MEd, MS, LPC, CPCS (INCUMBENT)
Tracy Kissinger is a former Special Education teacher and retired Adolescent and Family Therapist. She holds a Masters of Education degree in Special Education and Masters of Science degree in Counseling Psychology. Before entering private practice, she worked as a family therapist, case manager, education therapist, and the Substance Abuse Coordinator in the adolescent department at a private psychiatric hospital in Atlanta. After retiring from seeing patients in private practice, she has stayed active as a Clinical Professional Counselor Supervisor. She is currently an active volunteer consultant with the LPCA-GA.
Tracy states, "I am passionate about the vital role of supervision in counseling for the future of the profession. Currently I am co-chair and see the struggles of Supervisors and supervisee. My priorities for the upcoming year include, establishing a Tele-Supervision Credential, helping with the newly revised CPCS recertification process, and establishing clear guidelines for the CPCS program."
Goals:
- Create advanced supervision trainings that promote growth in clinical supervision.
- Develop the best regional/national supervision program by reviewing what is successful in other states and programs.
- Introduce supervision models that informed by neuroscience.
- Create a standard for evaluating the quality of supervision and supervise experience.
YaRon Brown, MEd, LPC, CPCS
YaRon Brown states, "I am deeply committed to fostering excellence in clinical training and supervision. As a dedicated supervisor, I recognize the challenges that both supervisors and supervisees face in navigating the evolving landscape of mental health care. By creating high-quality training programs and internship opportunities, I aim to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world clinical practice, ensuring that future therapists are well-prepared to serve their communities."
Goals
- Strengthen the CPCS Certification Program by refining its structure and standards to promote greater consistency in supervision practices, ensuring that all supervisees receive high-quality, cohesive training and mentorship.
- Expand and Elevate Supervisor Training Opportunities by developing advanced, research-based workshops and resources that equip supervisors with the latest tools, techniques, and best practices to foster both their professional growth and the development of their supervisees.
- Advance the Quality of Supervision by integrating neuroscience-informed supervision models and evidence-based methodologies, enhancing supervisors’ ability to understand and support the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development of supervisees.
COMMITTEES
District Representatives
Lei Phyu Tun, LPC, NCC
Lei (pronounced like a Hawaiian flower Lei ) born in Myanmar (Burma) SE Asia, has been volunteering at LPCA 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 Canisius College, NY. She was the LPCA Georgia Society of Association Executives, GSAE Intern Grant Award Winner.
Lei says she wants to serve, "to continue to invite our members to bring their colleagues, who are not members, to see firsthand how they can be more involved in their profession. Help you as a member of LPCA find more resources, and provide opportunities for everyone to advocate for their clients and for their careers."
Goals:
Foster connection among LPCs in ATL district. Help get the virtual LPC Roundtables program set up so members can “drop in” at lunchtime to talk about their concerns and solutions.
Dottie B. Chambers, LPC, CPCS
Dottie states, "I want to continue to serve as the Central Chair in order to continue carrying out the mission of LPCA in the Middle Georgia area and provide leadership and support to LPCA in central Georgia."
Goals:
1. Continue to foster and improve meaningful connections through learning and collaborative events within the Middle Georgia community
2. Continue to provide education about LPCA and benefits of membership in order to increase our member base involvement and outreach to non-members
3. Continue to be a voice for LPCA members to ensure their needs/questions/concerns are addressed
4. To increase collaboration with other organizations /community members in order to build support for the mission of LPCA
Jeannie Powell, MS, LPC, CPCS
Jeannie states, "I want to help other LPC’s gain any new information about legislature, licensing, and other important news for counselors in the state of GA as well as help other LPC’s connect with each other."
Jeannie Powell has been a LPCA of GA member since January 2022 and currently serves on the board as the newly elected Central District Co-Chair. Jeannie obtained her B.S. in Psychology and her Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology from GSU. She has worked with The Methodist Home/Lighthouse for the past 23 years. In 2018, Jeannie accepted the position of Director of Community Services for Lighthouse for Families where she provides oversight, management and supervision for DFCS and Superior Court visitation services and other therapeutic services. She is a Certified TF-CBT Therapist, has specialized training in Reactive Attachment Disorder, Play Therapy, and Family Centered Practice. Jeannie is TAC trained, DBT informed, CPP trained, Triple P certified, and EMDR trained.
Goals:
To help connect LPC’s with each other in Central Georgia District by helping to organize a minimum of two events over the course of the year; To help communicate information from LPCA of GA to LPC’s in the Central Georgia District
Patricia J. Whalen, LPC, NCC, CST
Patricia states, "I am a LPC and a certified Christian Sex Therapist specializing in complex trauma, also IFS Level 1 and Level 2 trained working towards certification. I am bi-lingual (English/Spanish) and work with survivors of adverse childhood experiences; couples facing infidelity or other sexual problems, as well as emotional abuse, grief, and life changing events. I am the owner of Hope for Shattered Hearts LLC Counseling and Consultation.
I am the Coastal Co-Chair and I want to continue to serve - LPCA was instrumental in helping me acquire my LPC in a timely manner. Therefore, I want to be able to pass it forward."
Goals:
1. Create a Network of LPCs in the Coastal Area.
2. Expand the knowledge that LPCA offers to the Coastal Region.
3. Let LPCA have as strong a presence in the Coastal Area as it has in the greater Atlanta are.
Dr. Jihene Ayadi , PhD, LPC, CPCS, ACS, NCC
Dr. Ayadi has nearly 14 years of experience in providing mental health services in outpatient settings to adults, military staffs, veterans and their family members. She has presented regionally, nationally, and internationally. She is actively working and collaborating with peers on conducting research for peer reviewed publications. I am an Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and the Clinical Coordinator at Troy University, the Augusta Campus. I have earned am MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Valdosta State University, and my Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from University of Arkansas. She is also a Certified QPR Gatekeeper Trainer for Suicide Prevention and a Certified EMDR provider.
Jihene states, "My goal is to provide more opportunities for the Eastern District LPCs, LAPCs, and graduate students to have their concerns voiced and their suggestions shared with the board to better serve our communities."
Connor Thornton, LAPC
Connor Thornton is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor in Georgia who has been practicing since 2023. She has a Master's in Education with a Major in Counselor Education and a Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Connor is able to best support her clients by developing relationships. These relationships foster a supportive and safe space for clients to process their emotions and understand themselves more fully.
Beth Bowman, MS, LPC
Beth is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of West Georgia. She has over 33 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings including the inpatient hospital setting (State of GA), non-profits, crisis assessment and intervention and private practice. She has provided clinical and administrative supervision to clinicians as well as project management for crisis programs in both the public and private sector. Beth has worked with individuals throughout the life span, in addition to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Beth states, "My Goal is to continue to help build the LPC community in North Georgia and offer connections to members."
Loriann Merritt, MEd, LAPC
Loriann states, "I graduated from Valdosta State University in May 2023 with a Master of Counselor Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I work at L.E.A.F. Therapy Services in Valdosta, where we aim to make therapy affordable and accessible to all."
Goals:
- Strengthen the existing professional connections in our District and create new ones when possible.
- Offer opportunities for networking, socializing, and educational events.
- Be an advocate for our profession by engaging in events in our communities, providing information about our organization to students and recent graduates, educating the public about our profession, and being involved in removing barriers that make it difficult for us to provide services.
- Have the opportunity to have an open line of communication with members of the Southern District.
Olga Maxwell, LPC, NCC, CPCS
Olga Maxwell states," I’m so incredibly excited and so honored to be nominated for this position again! I am currently employed as the Area Director for AmericanWork, community mental health provider in Columbus, GA. Additionally, Olga is a practicing clinician and a clinical supervisor. She currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the Counseling and Psychology Program of Troy University in Phenix City, AL.
I’m motivated by a desire to make a difference in the counseling profession, to make improvements in the field of counseling, to bring excellency and to learn from the best."
Goals:
- To offer Coffee and Chats quarterly in our District, so the members are able to network, socialize and build meaningful connections.
- To offer in-person CE workshops for the members of our District at least once a quarter, so the members have access to high-quality CE’s for low
- To continue to be the main point of contact for the members of my District.
- To spread the awareness about the Association by attending community meetings and events.
- To recruit new members, specifically amongst students and new professionals.
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