American Counseling Association Forms New Advisory Council

Alexandria, Va. (July 1, 2026) — Today, the American Counseling Association (ACA) has seated its inaugural Advisory Council for 2026 to 2027, consisting of representatives from each of ACA’s 20 divisions and four regions, plus one student representative. The establishment of the Advisory Council alongside a newly seated Board of Directors represents an important moment in the evolution of ACA’s governance structure, which is intended to prepare the association for a more sustainable future. 

The Advisory Council will provide advice, counsel, expertise and insight to the ACA Board of Directors on major initiatives and matters of strategic importance to the association, including issues of concern, threats and opportunities for the profession, as well as recommendations for policy changes and content development.

“ACA divisions play an important role in representing the many areas of counseling practice and expertise. They bring unmatched perspective and, within our new structure, will act as a critical bridge between leadership and members,” said incoming ACA President Victoria Kress, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC. “In addition to providing advice and counsel to the board, they will have influence over the development and communication of strategic initiatives that we undertake to respond to concerns in the counseling profession.”

2026-2027 Advisory Council Members

• Raime Thibodeaux, LPC-S, NCC – American College Counseling Association
• Michael Todd Hartley, PhD – American Rehabilitation Counseling Association
• Rochelle Cade, PhD, LPC-S – Association for Addiction and Justice-Involved Counseling
• Janelle Jones, PhD, NCC – Association for Adult Development and Aging
• Casey A. Barrio Minton, PhD, NCC – Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling
• Hayley L. Stulmaker, PhD, LPC-S – Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling
• Ruth Ouzts Moore, PhD, LPC, NCC – Association for Creativity in Counseling
• Mariaimee Gonzalez, PhD, LMHC, LPC – Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
• Amanda M. Evans, PhD, LPC, NCC – Association for Humanistic Counseling
• Angela Coker, PhD, LPCC, LPC – Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development
• Kendra L. Jackson, PhD, LPC, LSC – Association for Specialists in Group Work
• Craig Scott Cashwell, PhD, LPC, NCC – Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling
• Frances L. McClain, PhD, LCPC – Association of Counseling Sexology and Sexual Wellness
• Duane K. L. France, MBA, LPC – Military and Government Counseling Association
• Kathy M. Evans, PhD, LPC, CCC – National Career Development Association
• Lauren Shure, PhD – Counselors for Social Justice
• Mark A. Saunders Sr., PhD, LMFT, LPC – International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors
• Latoya A. Haynes-Thoby, PhD, LPC, NCC – International Association for Reliance and Trauma Counseling
• Seneka Rachel Gainer, PhD, LPC-S, LMFT – National Employment Counseling Association
• Robert McKinney, PhD – Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities
• Rebecca L. Christiansen, LPC-MH, LPCC, NCC – Midwest Region
• Elizabeth Boyer Fier, LPC, NCC – North Atlantic Region
• BJ Broadan Barksdale, MEd, LPC-S, NCC – Southern Region
• Amanda C. DeDiego, PhD, LPC, NCC  – Western Region
• Jackeline Bicas – Graduate Student Member

Learn more about ACA’s new governance structure on the website.

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About the American Counseling Association
Founded in 1952, the American Counseling Association (ACA) is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. ACA represents more than 62,000 members and is the world’s largest association exclusively representing professional counselors in various practice settings. Driven by the belief that all people can benefit from the power of counseling, ACA’s mission is to promote the professional development of counselors, advocate for counselors, and ensure that ethical, culturally inclusive practices protect our members’ clients and all people who seek counseling services. For more information, visit the ACA website and follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky and YouTube.