Foundation Connections

 

When a colleague invited her to attend the NBCCF Bridging the Gap Symposium in Atlanta, Lisa Kelley, NCC, LCMHCS, thought it would be a good professional development opportunity. What she didn’t expect was to leave inspired, connected, and ready to take action. “I met the NBCC Foundation staff there and learned about how I could contribute,” she says. “It was clear the Foundation was doing the kind of work that truly makes a difference in communities that often get left behind.”

She knew she wanted to be a part of that, and her approach to volunteerism is as intentional as her clinical work.

 

As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in Charlotte, North Carolina, she already had years of experience supporting others through grief and trauma. She runs a group practice, supervises her staff toward licensure, and speaks nationally on mental health topics. But mentoring through the NBCC Foundation felt like something different. It felt personal.

 

“Being a mentor was a perfect fit for me,” she says. “I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned, and I want to help prepare the next generation of counselors so they can start strong and serve their communities well.”

 

That mentorship has become one of the most meaningful parts of her work. She recalls one MFP Fellow who faced a serious ethical dilemma at her internship site—one that involved a client’s safety and a lack of proper support from supervisors. “She came to me unsure of how to move forward,” Lisa says. “I helped her understand her responsibilities, advocate for the client, and protect them. She gained confidence from that experience, and it reminded me how vital mentorship really is.”

 

The relationships she builds as a mentor are more than just professional support. They’re an opportunity for shared growth. “I’ve learned so much from my mentees, especially about other cultures and faiths,” emphasizing that the journey of a counselor is never solitary.

 

Despite the time demands, she says volunteering is one of the best decisions she’s made. “You’ll never regret giving back. Supporting future counselors means supporting their clients, their communities, and future generations. It’s a ripple effect.”

 

That same belief in impact is what moved her to become a donor. For her, giving financially is a natural extension of her commitment to the profession. “The Foundation’s mission aligns perfectly with my personal values,” she says. “I want my practice to reflect the community we serve, and that means supporting the development of BIPOC counselors who can help clients feel seen, safe, and understood.” She believes that investing in future counselors is critical to breaking cycles of generational trauma within underserved communities. “There is a tremendous need for counseling services in underserved communities,” she explains, underscoring the importance of well-prepared, diverse mental health practitioners. Her financial support reinforces the belief that, when counselors join forces to uplift one another, every act contributes to safer and more supportive communities.

 

Whether she’s guiding a new counselor through a tough moment or giving to ensure the next Fellow has access to the right training, her commitment to the Foundation is deep and lasting. “This work doesn’t end with one person,” she says. “What happens today in the life of a counselor or a client can impact families and communities for years to come.”

Her message to others in the profession is simple: start where you are, and do what you can. “You don’t have to give everything,” she says. “But give something. Your time, your guidance, your support. It all matters.”

Read more articles »