2024-2025 CCE Training Awards and Scholarships
CCE Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
Matthew Armes – Berryville, Virginia
Matthew (Matt) Armes is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and National Certified School Counselor (NCSC). He provides counseling from various clinical orientations, including CBT, humanistic, existential, choice, and person-centered. He leans toward a humanistic and existential approach and often incorporates Choice Theory and person-centered theories. Armes enjoys working with adolescents, exploring and navigating social and emotional challenges such as identity, personal loss, and/or parental dynamics. He is also interested in supporting young adults in their 20s and 30s presenting with issues related to trauma, anxiety, grief, or family concerns (relationships, finances, raising children, etc.). He is comfortable supporting clients presenting with issues related to emotional abuse, PTSD, and faith-based counseling. His goal as a CCE Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) is to support the preparation and growth of other new and aspiring counselors’ journeys within the profession through coaching and supervision.
Dr. Jillian M. Blueford (she/her) – Denver, Colorado
Dr. Jillian Blueford is a Clinical Associate Professor and School Counseling Program Director at the University of Denver. A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Fellow in thanatology, Dr. Blueford specializes in grief and trauma counseling and child and adolescent grief approaches. Since 2014, she has supported individuals and families in various settings, including schools, community agencies, inpatient residencies, and private practice. Dr. Blueford’s scholarly work focuses on grief counseling training, trauma-informed care, and child and adolescent grief, with numerous contributions in peer-reviewed publications, webinars, podcasts, panels, and professional conferences. With the support of the CCE Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) Training Award, she will fulfill her goals of refining her supervisory approaches and supporting novice professional counselors with their clinical development. Dr. Blueford plans to grow her supervisory capacity throughout the Denver area.
Brian Joseph Carreira (he/him) – Morristown, New Jersey
Brian Joseph Carreira is a counselor at Therapy Resources of Morris County in Morristown, New Jersey, where he serves individuals and couples in his local community, helping them to increase their sense of well-being, consistently do what matters, and strengthen their relationships. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). He has extensive experience working with individuals with a range of mental health issues, as well as grief and loss, and relational concerns. He draws from his current role and prior work as a chaplain in an inpatient psychiatric hospital. His goal as a CCE Approved Clinical Supervisor is to guide those engaged with becoming licensed counselors to develop confidence, skills, and an enthusiastic commitment to helping clients in their communities find a greater sense of health, purpose, and well-being.
Kenna De Fina (she/her) – Mishawaka, Indiana
Kenna De Fina is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 10 years of experience. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and is independently licensed in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. She specializes in treating anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Her primary treatment modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, and eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). De Fina is committed to continuously advancing her knowledge of current, evidence-based therapeutic practices focused on giving her clients the best care. Her goals as a CCE Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) are to empower and guide other counselors through quality supervision, helping other helping professionals feel competent in providing quality, ethical, and compassionate care to their clients.
Dr. Chancey Fort (she/her) – Madison, Mississippi
Dr. Chancey Fort is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Professional School Counselor (PSC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), National Certified School Counselor (NCSC), and Registered Play Therapist (RPT) in Madison, Mississippi. She is the owner and provider at Beyond Integrative Counseling + Consulting. Dr. Fort has extensive experience working with diverse populations in school and clinical settings, helping individuals navigate life challenges and mental health disorders. Dr. Fort currently serves on the board of directors for the Mississippi Association for Play Therapy. As a recipient of the CCE Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) Training Award, she aims to enhance the counseling profession through her dual roles as a counselor educator and supervisor. Committed to being a gatekeeper of the profession, she focuses on developing competent counselors equipped with the necessary skills and ethical standards to support their clients effectively. Her goal is to foster a culture of excellence in clinical supervision, ensuring that emerging professionals are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of mental health care and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Gabrielle A. Guildford-Johnson (she/her) – Oceanside, California
Gabrielle A. Guildford-Johnson is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with experience working for private practice and as a mobile crisis counselor for 988. She also has extensive experience working with the military community and the diverse community of Prince George’s County, Maryland. She is currently a doctoral student at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, doing research, presentations, and teaching graduate students as a teacher assistant. Johnson plans to provide education and supervision to inspiring counselors.
Dr. Amena A. Humphrey (she/her) – Orlando, Florida
Dr. Amena A. Humphrey is a Depth Psychotherapist and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). She is currently employed at AdventHealth as a Mental Health Consultant for team member support. She is involved in teaching classes on trauma-informed care and classes on compassion fatigue and burnout in order to help health care workers recover, heal, and become resilient. She is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and has her own private practice. She wrote her dissertation on breast cancer: “Healing Shadow – Sexual Dysfunction after the Dismemberment of a Breast.” Dr. Humphrey has extensive medical and psychological training and loves to work with patients who struggle with a medical diagnosis such as breast cancer, other types of cancers, neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, myasthenia gravis and migraine headaches, mental health disorders, trauma complex PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Her goal is to become a CCE Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) so she can mentor and train interns by providing supervision to them in order to expand their knowledge and skills, and to help them grow. She plans to continue to provide the sacred space necessary to help patients heal, give voice to their narratives and interpretations of their human experience.
Dr. Amber K. Jones (she/her) – Chesapeake, Virginia
Dr. Amber K. Jones is a dedicated mental health professional and the owner of Roots and Wings Connections Family Counseling in Chesapeake, Virginia. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She brings a wealth of expertise and a compassionate approach to her work with clients from all backgrounds and life stages. Though she serves individuals across the life span, Dr. Jones finds particular fulfillment in working with families and couples, helping them navigate the complexities of communication, trust, and intimacy. Grounded in systems theory, Dr. Jones’s therapeutic approach honors the interconnectedness of relationships and environments, guiding clients to develop healthier patterns of interaction and understanding. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Jones is deeply invested in the broader counseling community and its future practitioners. She mentors aspiring counselors and provides guidance to established professionals, helping them refine their clinical skills, build meaningful professional networks, and remain abreast of emerging best practices.
Lakesha L. Jones (she/her) – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lakesha L. Jones is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), Independent Clinical Supervisor (ICS), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Jones is working to obtain her PhD in counselor education and supervision at Mount Mary University. She is currently the Program Administrator at a nonprofit agency overseeing its outpatient clinic, the crisis mobile team expansion, and adult services, mental health, and substance use programs. Jones has over 10 years of experience working with culturally diverse populations, including clients who have substance use disorders; complex trauma; severe and persistent mental illness; a history of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse; high-risk youth; and people who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and/or human trafficking. Her commitment to leadership and clinical excellence is evident in her training on clinical supervision and documentation. Jones’s goal is to deliver expert tailored clinical supervision, consulting, and training to help advance mental health professionals’ careers and provide exceptional client care.
Board Certified Coach (BCC)
Achovia D. Jones (she/her) – Seven Springs, North Carolina
Achovia D. Jones aims to deepen her impact as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) Intern, and National Certified Counselor (NCC) by integrating advanced strategies into her clinical supervision and program development roles. Jones will focus on expanding access to culturally sensitive, holistic approaches that address the intersection of trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and addiction within underserved communities. She also plans to mentor emerging clinicians, fostering the next generation of professionals equipped to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. Through this award, Jones is committed to promoting resilience, empowering recovery, and driving systemic change to improve mental health and substance use treatment outcomes. She will also use this opportunity to further her expertise in trauma-informed care and addictions counseling.
Megan Romano (she/her) – West Grove, Delaware
Megan Romano is the Director of Counseling at Goldey-Beacom College in Delaware, where she is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in student wellness, trauma, and addiction. With extensive experience in mental health, Romano is dedicated to helping students navigate challenges and achieve personal growth. In addition to her role at the college, she serves as the Chapter Advisor for Gamma Phi Beta Sorority at the University of Delaware, where she manages the advisory board and collaborates closely with collegiate members. As she works toward becoming a Board Certified Coach (BCC), Romano’s objective is to integrate coaching practices into her counseling work, with a focus on executive coaching. She plans to empower individuals and organizations by fostering leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Her ultimate goal is to help others unlock their full potential, become confident leaders, and cultivate a balanced, sustainable approach to success. She is passionate about using coaching skills to make a meaningful impact, both in her professional counseling practice and as a mentor for the young women she supports in her volunteer role. By blending counseling and coaching techniques, Romano hopes to create lasting change in the lives of those she serves.
Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH)
Ingrid A. Aikman (she/her) – Washington, D.C.
Ingrid A. Aikman is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at a community-oriented mental health organization in Washington, D.C. She has cultivated her expertise as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) through extensive internships in individual psychotherapy and group rehabilitation programs. Aikman is committed to assisting individuals and families as they navigate the complexities associated with mental illness, developmental disabilities, abuse, and neglect. She employs an integrative psychotherapy approach in her practice, reflecting her commitment to coordinated care. Aikman will utilize this training award to effectively reach and support clients with barriers to in-person therapy such as mobility issues or geographical constraints. The Board Certified-TeleMental Health (BC-TMH) credential will help her implement best practices for virtual counseling while meeting the specific demands of the online environment for Washington, D.C., residents.
Isabella C. Ashley (she/her) – Birmingham, Alabama
Isabella C. Ashley is a dedicated counselor with a strong passion for providing mental health support in innovative and accessible ways. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with a background in psychiatric care, working with adults with severe mental illness and in outpatient services with couples and families. Ashley is committed to expanding her ability to offer effective, evidence-based mental health services through telehealth platforms. With a goal to bridge the gap in mental health access, Ashley aims to ensure clients receive personalized, high-quality care regardless of their location. The Board Certified-TeleMental Health (BC-TMH) credential will strengthen her expertise in managing confidentiality, navigating technology, and providing culturally competent support through virtual means. Ashley is particularly focused on enhancing outreach to underserved populations and integrating digital tools to create a more flexible, client-centered experience. Driven by the desire to empower clients and reduce barriers to mental health care, she is eager to foster a supportive, safe, and effective online counseling environment for individuals seeking help.
Dr. Cerenity CarMichael (she/her) – Orlando, Florida
Dr. Cerenity CarMichael is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Orlando, Florida, where she is dedicated to advancing accessible and adaptable mental health care. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and has extensive experience serving diverse and underserved communities, focusing on individuals facing systemic barriers to mental health care, including geographic isolation, physical disabilities, and stigma surrounding traditional therapy. Dr. CarMichael is committed to promoting culturally sensitive care and addressing disparities in mental health access, particularly for BIPOC individuals and families. Her goal as a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) is to expand the reach of mental health services by offering flexible and inclusive virtual care that empowers clients to receive support in the comfort of their homes. She plans to use this credential to develop innovative initiatives and mentor future counselors by sharing best practices in telehealth and cultural competency.
Dr. Danielle Henderson (she/her) – Abington, Pennsylvania
Dr. Danielle Henderson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania who specializes in treating OCD and anxiety disorders. In addition to working in private practice, she trains and teaches therapists how to specialize in treating OCD with exposure and response prevention (ERP). Dr. Henderson’s goal as a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) is to continue advancing her skills in treating OCD and contribute to the profession through innovative approaches. Additionally, she plans to develop training modules for OCD treatment that incorporate these principles, making them accessible to other counselors and ultimately improving the quality of care for clients. Dr. Henderson plans to apply the insights and skills she gains to support and guide other professionals more effectively, contributing to their growth and the advancement of the profession.
Dr. Joy Hutchinson (she/her) – Morgantown, West Virginia
Dr. Joy Hutchinson is a trauma counselor who is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) in Tennessee and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She has extensive experience working with first responders, addressing substance use, violence, trauma, and related issues. Dr. Hutchinson works at West Virginia University and maintains a private practice, where she is committed to helping clients overcome barriers, address stigma, and lead purpose-filled lives. She plans to use this award to further her training in providing telemental health services, recognizing the growing need for accessible and flexible mental health care. This training will enable her to deliver high-quality, ethical, and evidence-based care to diverse and underserved populations. It will also support her in gaining specialized knowledge in secure telecommunication platforms, ethical and legal considerations, and strategies for fostering therapeutic connections in virtual environments. Additionally, she aspires to advocate for incorporating telemental health training in counselor education programs.
Dr. Miranda López (she/her) – Edinburg, Texas
Dr. Miranda López is a binational, bilingual counselor currently residing in her native town of Pharr, a deep south Texas city 11 miles north of the Mexican border. Dr. López is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the state of Texas. She has worked as faculty in higher education for more than half a decade in a recognized Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). She has also served as a mental health reservist for a national emergency management and response team, affording her the opportunity to provide mental health services to immigrant youth since 2016. Dr. López has over 10 years of experience in case management, intake evaluations, and individual and group counseling. In addition, she possesses half a decade of career counseling, grant writing, and grant management skills. Her professional experience has allowed her to provide services in the areas of substance abuse, chronic illness, and mental and behavioral disorders. Dr. López has been an advocate for traditionally underrepresented groups such as Hispanic/Latino communities, individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Her goal as a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) is to provide accessible holistic mental health services via telehealth for traditionally underserved communities. She hopes her contributions to the profession will empower her clients with personal, educational, vocational, and mental health endeavors.
India S. McWhorter (she/her) – Hickory, North Carolina
India S. McWhorter is a counselor and private practice owner based in Hickory, North Carolina. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) for Counseling and Wellness at Lenoir-Rhyne University, where she provides individual and group mental health counseling and program outreach to graduate and undergraduate students. In addition to supporting college students during their journey, McWhorter enjoys working with adult clients who experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief, racism-related and other complex traumas, and identity exploration. Her style of therapy is relational and often draws from existential, gestalt, and narrative-based interventions, and she is passionate about providing services for students of color and those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Her goal as a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) is to increase access to quality therapeutic services across North Carolina.
Robbie Osak (he/him) – Visalia, California
Robbie Osak is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) and addictions counselor at a treatment center in California’s central valley. He is providing dual diagnosis care to people with disabilities, co-occuring disorders, justice-involved individuals, and people with diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Osak is a past NBCCF MFP Fellow and currently serves on the steering committee for the Alternatives to Violence Project, California. With the Board Certified-TeleMental Health (BC-TMH) credential, Osak hopes to expand mental health care to people with addictions throughout a broader region with high-quality telehealth services.
Tamika Thomas – Denver, Colorado
Tamika Thomas is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and owner of Urban Collective Counseling, LLC, in Denver, Colorado. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and has extensive experience working with diverse and underserved communities, including adolescents, individuals, and families affected by trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use challenges, grief, and other mental health disorders. Her goals as a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) are centered on expanding her practice to incorporate comprehensive telemental health services, ensuring that clients have access to quality mental health care regardless of geographical or logistical constraints. The BC-TMH credential is instrumental in achieving this vision, providing her with the expertise to deliver effective, ethical, and culturally responsive telemental health services.
Lisa M. Thompson-Gibson (she/her) – O’Fallon, Illinois
Lisa M. Thompson-Gibson is a Staff Therapist in Graduate Medical Education at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She provides clinical support to physicians engaged in residency or fellowship training. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri, and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. Thompson-Gibson has worked with emerging and young adults in clinical and non-clinical capacities. She has worked in college counseling and had prior positions in student affairs, international education, and law school administration. Thompson-Gibson conceptualizes clinical care through a developmental lens informed by postmodern feminist theory and social justice considerations. She is a trained equity and diversity facilitator and a mindfulness instructor. She practices using an acceptance and commitment therapy framework and references relational cultural theory, attachment theory, and developmental theory. She trained as an Art Therapist and is an Adjunct Instructor in the art therapy counseling program that she attended. Thompson-Gibson has a small private practice and often sees clients virtually. Her goal in obtaining the Board Certified-TeleMental Health (BC-TMH) credential is to enhance her ability to better serve clients and the larger mental health counseling community.
Laura Trudell (she/her) – Clearwater, Florida
Laura Trudell is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida, where she has specialized in children and adolescents for over 20 years. She has extensive training in child development and childhood trauma. As a National Certified Counselor (NCC), she is committed to helping children overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop the emotional intelligence necessary to thrive in life. Trudell’s combination of empathy, creativity, and expertise creates transformative experiences for her young clients. She works collaboratively with each family to provide guidance and support while fostering a supportive and nurturing environment. Her clients find her warm, caring, nonjudgmental attitude and ability to use humor appropriately help children feel more at ease and quickly build rapport. Trudell’s goals as Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) are to enhance her therapeutic techniques to best suit individual clients’ needs and to increase client engagement by developing strategies to improve client participation and commitment to the therapeutic process.
Sherri Washington (she/her) – Punta Gorda, Florida
Sherri Washington is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Qualified Supervisor (QS) in Florida, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in New Hampshire, and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She owns Phoenix Wellness Collective, LLC, and holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Washington has experience ranging from community mental health to private practice, serving children, teens, and adults. She has worked with clients with various mental health disorders, including issues related to intimate partner violence and life transitions. The Board Certified-TeleMental Health (BC-TMH) credential will enable her to provide telemental health services to a broader network of individuals.
Darren C. Wiley (he/him) – Frostburg, Maryland
Darren C. Wiley is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) for a public school system in Maryland and the owner of a small virtual private practice focusing on serving diverse and underserved populations with their mental health needs. He is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and has a variety of clinical experiences, primarily working in the nonprofit, community mental health sector of the counseling profession. His current goal in obtaining the Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) credential is to advance his skills and be able to best serve overlooked populations needing mental health counseling through telehealth services.
Mihee Woo (she/her) – State College, Pennsylvania
Mihee Woo is dedicated to advancing mental health and wellness education while addressing stigma, particularly within international communities and other underserved populations. As a National Certified Counselor (NCC), she is actively working toward licensure in Pennsylvania to broaden her professional impact. Additionally, as a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH), Woo’s goal is to refine her expertise in delivering effective telemental health services. She understands the transformative potential of virtual platforms in overcoming barriers to care, especially for individuals facing geographic isolation or cultural stigma that limits access to mental health support. Through her efforts, Woo strives to create inclusive, accessible avenues to wellness, empowering individuals to overcome systemic challenges and achieve meaningful growth.
Janene Yost (she/her) – Huntsville, Alabama
Janene Yost is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) currently working with adults in the north Alabama area. She is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and has experience working with individuals affected by mental health disorders, trauma, and general life stressors from childhood to adulthood. Yost’s goal as a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH) is to deepen her understanding of ethical and legal considerations in using telemental health counseling and improve her knowledge of proper protocol while engaging in virtual counseling with her clients.
Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF)
Emily Sheera Collings (she/they) – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Emily Sheera Collings is a psychotherapist at a group practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Her specializations include disordered eating and body image, as well as LGBTQ+ affirming therapy and neurodiversity affirming therapy. They also have significant training and experience in trauma and loss, with a particular focus on perinatal loss. Collings’s goal as a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) is to support neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ clients, as well as clients with eating disorder histories, in finding fulfilling careers that are affirming of their identities.
Ayanna T. Lewis (she/her) – Springfield, Illinois
Ayanna T. Lewis is committed to serving students and alumni in at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) in the Career Development Center. Lewis has a background in library media services in Chicago, and in Montessori guiding and service in Colorado and the United Kingdom. Literacy and access to information are important to her. She brings a unique perspective to career advising in her current role at UIS.
Alisha W. Singh (she/her) – Boynton Beach, Florida
Alisha W. Singh is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), coach, and consultant, specializing in support for first responders, armed services members, and the LGBTQ+ community. She holds certifications as a Certified Trauma Professional, Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT), and is trained in eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Licensed in Florida and Virginia, Singh is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with a background in human resources. Her goal as a Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF), leveraging her HR expertise, is to assist individuals navigating career transitions or job loss. Her mission is to give back to her community by offering professional career coaching and guidance.
