Rebecca Padgett, (LPC-NCC-MSL), is a master level therapist trained in evidence-based treatment using Trauma-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma (ITCT), and Child and Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI). Rebecca is licensed in both Missouri and Pennsylvania and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Rebecca’s work and training in TF-CBT has allowed her to roster in the State of Missouri as a trauma therapist. Rebecca published a children’s book in 2020 titled, “Liberty’s Journey” A Foster Care Placement Story,” which focuses on the first 24 hours a foster child is placed in a new home. Rebecca’s integrative knowledge of business systems utilizing her Masters in Leadership from the School of Business at Grand Canyon University, allows for integrative systemic development within mental health organizations. Rebecca operates a small private practice in Pulaski County, Missouri. Rebecca works as the Director of Student Counseling at a Missouri College and is an Adjunct Professor at another University where she teaches master level courses for new and developing students. Rebecca believes in giving back to our mental health community and remains a site supervisor with four universities to oversee students within practicum and internship experiences. Rebecca’s primary service demographics include children (ages 6 to 17) and adults. Types of services include marriage and family therapy, vicarious trauma services for mental healtprofessionals, psychoeducation services as connected to wellness, trauma-informed parenting, trauma therapy for children and adults, and individual therapy. Rebecca currently holds a chair for the Missouri Mental Health Counseling Association where she assists in the development of education initiatives for licensed professional counselors and supports the awareness of public policy as impacts counselors across Missouri.

Samantha is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience working across multiple sectors of behavioral health, from community mental health and substance use treatment to higher education and healthcare leadership. She currently serves as Clinical Manager for a residential psychiatric and transitional housing facility in Southeast Missouri, and is an adjunct professor in the social sciences department at Mineral Area College. Her work is grounded in compassion, ethics, and a deep commitment to improving systems of care for the people of Missouri. Samantha holds a Doctor of Behavioral Health in Clinical Practice from Cummings Graduate Institute and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University, a CACREP-accredited program. She is currently pursuing a Master of Legal Studies in Healthcare Law from the University of Oklahoma to further expand her ability to advocate for ethical and accessible mental health services. Throughout her career, she has supervised and led multidisciplinary teams, presented at state and national conferences, and participated in community-level initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and improving access to care. She has served in leadership roles with the Coalition for Heroin and Opioid Prevention, the Crisis Intervention Team Council, and the Association of Doctors of Behavioral Health, and remain an active member of the Missouri Mental Health Counseling Association and the American Association of Mental Health Counselors. Professionally, she is passionate about integrated care, behavioral health policy, counselor supervision, and substance use disorder treatment reform. Personally, she is a proud mother to two amazing teenage daughters. Samantha finds balance and joy in gardening, getting lost in a good book, and enjoying the quiet company of two (very spoiled) cats. She brings to this work not just clinical and administrative expertise, but a deep personal investment in building a better, more compassionate mental health system for Missouri.

Megan Bearden is a graduate of Evangel University in Springfield, MO, where she received her undergraduate degree in psychology and her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has also completed her doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision through Regent University. Megan most recently worked for her local community mental health center as a school-based clinician, partnering with public schools to provide therapy for children and adolescents within their schools. She lives in Springfield, MO, where she serves as an associate professor for Evangel University in the clinical mental health master’s program. Megan has a passion for partnering with the next generation of counselors through education, training, supervision, and professional development.

Theresa L. Keown, PhD, LPC, NCC / Associate Professor, Program Director for the Master of Science in Clinical Counseling program at Central Methodist University’s College of Graduate and Extended Studies (CGES), digitally delivered, Treasurer for Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association. Originally, from Glendale Heights, IL, graduated from Chicago State University with a Bachelor of Arts - emphasis in Psychology, later earning a Master of Science degree in Counseling from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater; (CACREP-accredited) in 2003 with an emphasis in community mental health and marriage, and family counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri, a National Certified Counselor and is currently ASIST and EMDR and Gottman Level 1 trained and DBT-informed. Employed by CMU since 2006, pursuit of the continued improvement and expansion of the Clinical Counseling program has been paramount. Current and previous experience as a therapist span across all demographic populations of children, adolescents, families, and couples in a variety of venues including clinics, mandated clients, residential treatment facilities and private practices, therapeutic treatment foster-care, in-home therapy since 2003. Professional memberships include the American Counseling Association and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, American Mental Health Counselors Association, Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association, along with various other organizations. Treasurer for Missouri Mental Health Counselors Association since 2017.  Owner of Caring Connections Counseling, LLC

Kathryn is a graduate of the community mental health counseling program at University of Missouri-St. Louis, holding a dual degree in clinical and school counseling.  Her work has included experience in the non-profit, education, and private realms, holding focus on the idea that psychotherapy can, and should be, a means of developing social good.  Kathryn now owns and operates a small private practice in St. Louis City, her work is heavily influenced by philosophical counseling and the Existential-Humanistic movement.

Dr. Anderson has over 30 years of experience in various mental health settings including community mental health centers, schools, and managed care organizations. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. He has been the Ethics chair for MMHCA for nearly 10 years. Members are always welcome to ask questions regarding ethical dilemmas they may experience. Currently, Dr. Anderson works as an Outpatient Therapist and Clinical Supervisor at Pathways Community Health in Owensville, MO. He has a M. A. in Counseling from Michigan State University and a Ph.D in Counselor Education from the University of Iowa.

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Lara has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, is a licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She has worked in the field of community mental health for over 15 years. In that time she has worked in a crisis stabilization unit, residential facilities, outpatient case management and an outpatient counseling center. She currently provides clinical and administrative trainings as well as supervision and mentoring in her role as Senior Project Coordinator at University Health - Behavioral Health. She is passionate about finding and utilizing a person’s strengths to help them build the life they want. Outside of mental health she teaches Lifespan Development Psychology and Abnormal Psychology at various community colleges and universities. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, seeing movies, and traveling the world.

With a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from Missouri State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas, Les brings a wealth of experience in education and mental health. His 19-year career as a foreign language teacher and high school counselor has deepened his understanding of the diverse needs of students and families, making him a natural fit for private practice. Les utilizes Integrative EMDR Therapy and Family Systems Therapy to help clients develop healthy coping skills, strengthen relationships, and navigate life transitions. His practice is rooted in creating an accepting, judgment-free environment where clients can work toward fulfilling their potential and achieving meaningful, long-term goals.

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Professional Issues and Public Policy Committee shall be responsible for monitoring the activities of the state and national legislatures and other appropriate regulatory bodies and to advise and inform the Association of developments relative to these groups that affect the welfare and working conditions of mental health counselors. They shall develop and promote any activities to advocate for legislation. They shall coordinate with the Student Services Committee to establish and lead student Legislation day.

Dr. Brian Sheble is a school psychologist and licensed professional counselor who currently provides assessment and counseling services to children, teens, and adults in his private practice Growth Mindset Assessment and Counseling, LLC located in Creve Coeur, MO. Brian earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology from the University of Missouri- St. Louis, Educational Specialist in School Psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University, and Bachelor of Arts in Education from Lindenwood University. Brian’s dissertation “Validation of the Barkley Deficits of Executive Functioning Scale” garnered him the Department of Education’s Dissertation of the Year Award. Brian is a member of the Editorial Review Board for the Psychology in the Schools one of the premier journals in school psychology. Brian has also served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis where he taught teachers how to administer/interpret standardized assessments and use the assessment results to link them to research based interventions. Brian is a National Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCHMC), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional-Level Two (CCTP-II), and Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (C-DBT). In the past he has served as a board member of the Missouri Association of School Psychologists.