Leadership and Advocacy

Competencies

a) theories, models, and skills of leadership
b) leadership and leadership development in professional organization
c) leadership in counselor education programs
d) accreditation standards and program accreditation processes, including self-studies and program reports
e) management and administration in agencies, organizations, and other institutions
f) leadership roles and strategies for responding to crises and disasters
g) strategies of leadership in consultation
h) current sociopolitical and social justice issues and how those issues affect the counseling profession
i) models and competencies for counselors and counselor educators advocating on behalf of the profession and professional counselor identity
j) models and competencies for advocating for clients at the individual, system, and policy levels
k) strategies of leadership in relation to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice issues
l) culturally sustaining leadership and advocacy practices
m) ethical leadership and advocacy practices
n) role of self-care in advocacy and leadership

Benchmark Social Justice Action Plan

Meets Criteria H, I , J, K

Social Justice

This paper for COUC 860 is a personal reflection of my ethical obligation and commitment to engage in advocacy and social justice activities by increasing self-awareness to help create a proactive social justice action plan.

Philosophy of Leadership

Meets Criteria C, K, M, N

Leadership Philosophy

This paper for COUC 860 includes my personal philosophy on leadership in the counseling profession as well as an advocate both for the profession and for my clients.It allowed for self-reflection on identifying my “why”.

Leadership and Advocacy Discussion Board

Meets Criteria A, B, C, D, I , J, K, L, M

Discussion Board

This discussion board post from COUC 860 allowed for interesting and engaging conversations between classmates around various leadership and advocacy topics.

Nature, Importance, and Assessment of Needs and Values

Meets Criteria B, E, G, H, K, L, M, N

Advanced Career Needs and Values

This reflective journal from COUC 850 allowed me to consider unique challenges and needs of diverse populations and the role of social factors on career development, choice, and adjustment.

Leadership and Advocacy Group Project

Meets Criteria A, B, C, I, K, L, M, N

Peer Mentorship Project

This group project in COUC 860 gave me experience working with a group of my peers to plan and implement a counseling advocacy initiative, incorporating principles of leadership and advocacy.

Leadership and Advocacy Presentations

Brinkley, M., Cicalo, N., Cobarruvias, S., Kimonyi, D., McKinnon, J., Smith, M., Strivings, A., Taylor, N., & Vaile, S. (2024, April 12). Exploring the counselor education and supervision doctoral program [virtual panel presentation]. Rho Eta Sigma of Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society, Liberty University.

Women on the Move Conference Opening Speaker and Panelist

Southeastern Summit for Behavioral Health

Leadership and Advocacy Experience

President Elect/President (October 2024- present)
Rho Eta Sigma chapter of Chi Sigma Iota
Liberty University

CES Student Mentor (August 20204- present)
Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies

Executive Board Member (October 2023- present)
Licensed Clinical Counselors of North Carolina
NC Division of AMHCA

Board Member (February 2021- December 2022)
Military and Government Counseling Association of North Carolina
Division of NCCA

Reflection

1. Reflect on the process of developing leadership level knowledge, skills, and practices in this competency. What has been especially impactful/meaningful/important to you personally and professionally?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities I have had while being a student at Liberty. I have served as a student mentor, an instructor for the CSDR program, a team leader for group projects, and the president for one of the CSI chapters at Liberty.

2. Describe an area of strength that you have developed while in the program in this area of competency. What is one way you plan to utilize this strength in your vocation?

As strange as it seems, I have learned to advocate for myself during this program. I have learned the value of boundaries and freedom in saying “no” when it is appropriate. I think this advocacy will strengthen me as a leader and a counselor educator because I will be modeling what I am teaching.

3. Describe an area of challenge/growth opportunity in this area of competency. What is your plan to develop excellence in this area?

A growth opportunity for me has been seeing how all of my interests have dovetailed beautifully with this degree, and I am excited to utilize the skills that I have seen modeled for me in leadership and advocacy.

4. Reflect on how faith in Christ relates to this competency.

I think of the poem by Leonard Ravenhill, “Power me for the Load” when I consider how the Lord has equipped me to be a leader and an advocate. I know that He will complete the good work that He has begun in me.