2025-2026 Officer Nominations

Please read the nominees' statements of interest below about why they would be a good fit for the SACES team (nominees listed in alphabetical order). ONLY SACES members can vote; you may cast your vote ONE time. Members must log in to your SACES account to vote. You should use the same email address that you use to sign into the ACA/ACES websites. If you have forgotten your password, select "Forgot password," so you can reset it and proceed.

The ballot will close at 11:59 pm EST on October 10th, 2025 (10/10/25). If you have questions regarding the SACES nominations or elections, please contact Dr. Isabel Farrell, SACES Past-President at past-president@saces.org.

Please follow this link to the voting ballot.

President-Elect
CVs are hyperlinked to the candidate's name.

Taneka Gash, Ph.D., PLPC, RSW

I am writing to express my interest in self-nominating for SACES President-Elect (2026-2029). My passion for SACES and ACES, combined with membership and volunteer experience across various committees, leadership roles, and presentations, demonstrates a strong commitment to the counseling profession and its mission. I am passionate about the important work we do to support the mission and can effectively demonstrate readiness and enthusiasm to serve as SACES President Elect. I believe that my experiences and qualifications align, and I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to this position. I am also eager to learn and grow as I continue striving to become educationally enhanced and in developing personally and professionally. 

As a SACES leader, I am interested in providing meaningful contributions. This entails aiming to enhance and empower counselor educators and supervisors in promoting diverse scholarship.  Additionally, facilitating research collaboration, mentoring emerging scholars, support research funding opportunities, foster inclusive networks and support marginalized communities. I am also interested in championing advocacy efforts and embracing diversity to foster innovation, address the needs of our diverse membership and establishing and implementing short-and long-term goals to support initiatives and a sense of community. By focusing on these areas and incorporating SACES values, I can engage in a collaborate effort to make a substantial impact. 

I am an Alumna of the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans, Louisiana. I obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Fall 22’ with a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and serve on Dissertation Committees. I also earned a Master of Education in School Counseling from Nicholls State University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Northwestern State University. My commitment to counselor education and values of the profession began in 2005 after battling and surviving a terminal illness with the medical declaration of death and battling breast cancer. In Spring 2023 at the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans, Louisiana and I had the distinct honor of supervising and educating master-level and doctoral students/candidates within Practicum, Internship I, Internship II, and Triadic Supervision. I also had the opportunity of educating students in ethics. 

My leadership style embraces an eclectic mix, drawing from seemingly disparate approaches like laissez-faire, visionary, pacesetter, and autocratic to maximize effectiveness. My eclectic leadership style, blending diverse approaches with key attributes like empathy, clear communication, and a focus on collaborative efforts. This allows me to adapt to various situations, empower through autonomy while ensuring accountability, a crucial balance for maximizing effectiveness and building strong relationships. 

My career has been enriched by leadership roles within several key associations, notably within the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES), the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA) and its divisions, as well as with Chi Sigma Iota International. These positions have allowed me to cultivate and showcase valuable leadership skills and contribute to the advancement of the counseling profession. These leadership positions have undoubtedly provided opportunities to apply and further develop skills like leadership, communication, problem-solving, creativity and adaptability, among others. 

Rebecca Lynn Pender Baum, Ph.D., LPCC-S (KY), NCC, RPT-S

Please accept my nomination for President Elect of SACES. I have been a counselor since 2008, supervisor since 2010 and a counselor educator since 2012. I am a professor at Murray State University and own Bluegrass Family Counseling, LLC. Education and supervision of future counselors and newly licensed professionals is at the core of where my passion rests. I often offer the required 15 hour supervision training to counselors who aspire to be supervisors in Kentucky. I believe that it is paramount that we continue to develop relationships and partnerships with the supervisors in our local agencies because without them, our profession truly would not be possible. I am seeking consideration for this leadership position because I have seen the commitment to furthering counselor education and supervision that SACES has and I would like to contribute in the continuation of excellence that SACES is known for.

Throughout my time as a counselor educator, I have held numerous leadership position. I’ve spent time as a member of NCACES, RMACES and SACES. While each region of ACES has unique needs, I find SACES, spanning across the United States, full of unique needs, populations, and possibilities. From the east coast, to the southwest, from urban to rural, the needs are vast but the ability to collaborate is like none other. Having now lived in a few different areas within the country, I know I still have a lot to learn but also a lot to offer. My leadership style is grounded in the ideals of shared governance. I believe an executive board exists because multiple perspectives are important. While I am not afraid to step in and make decisions when needed, I do value reflective practices and working with others to tackle challenges and decision making so that a unified voice can operate in the best interest of the organization.

Through my previous leadership positions, I have learned a lot about professional organizations and the tasks that the executive board has the privilege of engaging in. I have served as the President of the Kentucky Counseling Association, President of the KY Association for Specialists in Group Work and am currently chairing the advocacy committee for KCA. I served as the President of the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors. I just completed my time as Chair and Past Chair of the Southern Region of the American Counseling Association. It is through those experiences, coupled with my time as an educator and supervisor, that I hope to contribute to SACES. As I look at the responsibilities listed in the SACES bylaws, I believe I can be an asset. I have experience in planning and hosting successful conferences, running social media platforms and communication with membership, and experience with strategic planning and development. Recruitment and membership development are paramount to the success of any organization and, with the help of the executive board of IAMFC, I was able to double membership during the pandemic.

I believe the values of counselor education and supervision are grounded in fostering development, promoting social justice, honoring diversity and holding the highest standards of ethical and competent practice. Throughout my career, I have worked to always keep these values at the forefront of my work and as a guiding vision in any leadership role. I am grateful for the experiences I have had thus far and would appreciate consideration in running for President Elect of SACES.

Secretary-Elect
CVs are hyperlinked to the candidate's name.

Alexander M. Fields , Ph.D., LIMHP, NCC, ACS

I am honored to submit my letter of intent for the Secretary-Elect position for the Southern Associate for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES). Since the beginning of my journey to become a counselor educator, SACES has served as one of my primary professional homes. Notably, through my experiences as the SACES Webmaster (2021–2023) and an Emerging Leader (2022–2024), I have gained a deep understanding of SACES’s operations and the collaborative spirit that fuels its success. Indeed, prior involvement with SACES has provided me with valuable insights into the Executive Committee’s (EC) functions and highlighted the essential role the Secretary plays in maintaining continuity, clear communication, and organizational integrity.

The Secretary-Elect position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the heart of SACES operations. I am particularly drawn to the role’s responsibilities, including supporting continuing education opportunities, documenting EC meetings and decisions, and promoting transparency for members across the region. My background in organizing SACES’s digital infrastructures (e.g., leading transitions in website management, maintaining digital records, and communicating with members) positions me well to support and maintain the SACES Google Suite, update operations materials, and ensure accessibility across platforms. In this role, I would bring not only technical precision but a commitment to servant leadership and equity-minded service.

As a scholar-practitioner deeply committed to counselor education, this position is an opportunity to amplify the voices and contributions of our diverse community. In addition to my roles within SACES, I serve on the editorial boards for Teaching and Supervision in Counseling (TSC) and Counselor Education and Supervision (CES), and I am an Associate Editor for the upcoming Wellness Counseling Quarterly. In combination with my experience leading multiple projects focused on best practices for preparing the next generation of counselors, I have strengthened my commitment to promoting the values of scholarship, supervision, and professional identity development. Service on the EC is an extension of that commitment and a platform to advocate for initiatives that highlight member achievements and promote best practices through sound scholarship.

My leadership style is collaborative, structured, and strengths-based. I am intentional in creating systems that foster efficiency and clear communication while valuing the perspectives of my colleagues. I aim to promote a culture of transparency and shared leadership within the EC that extends to all SACES members. As Secretary-Elect, I would be particularly attentive to the accuracy and accessibility of documentation, clarity of meeting minutes, and archival of historical materials to promote both continuity and innovation in SACES Activities.

In closing, I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this leadership role. SACES has given me so much throughout my development as a counselor educator, and I welcome the chance to give back in meaningful and sustained ways. I look forward to the potential to serve our members with care, professionalism, and a spirit of collaboration.

Shauna Moore Reynolds, Ed.D., LCPCs, LPC, NCC, ACS

It is with great respect for the mission and enduring contributions of the Southern Association for  Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES) that I submit my application for the position of  Secretary-Elect. I am deeply committed to advancing counselor education, supervision, and  leadership that is grounded in scholarship, cultural humility, and service to the profession. 

I am drawn to the role of Secretary-Elect as it presents a meaningful opportunity to contribute to  the operational excellence and strategic vision of SACES. With significant experience in  academic administration and professional service, I recognize the critical importance of  maintaining accurate records, ensuring organizational transparency, and supporting  communication among members. Serving in this capacity would allow me to apply my  organizational and leadership skills to sustain the integrity and effectiveness of SACES. 

If selected, I would bring over two decades of combined academic, clinical, and administrative  leadership. My prior roles as Department Chair and Director of Clinical Training have equipped  me to manage complex documentation, coordinate stakeholder communication, and uphold the  highest standards of ethical practice. Additionally, I would seek to support initiatives that expand  culturally responsive supervision, mentorship of emerging leaders, and collaboration across  member institutions, reinforcing SACES’ commitment to equity and professional excellence. 

My career reflects a longstanding dedication to preparing competent, reflective, and socially  responsible counselors. As a faculty member at Johns Hopkins University and previously at The  Chicago School of Professional Psychology and Loyola University Maryland, I have integrated  scholarship, teaching, and service to promote ethical practice and cultural responsiveness.  Beyond the classroom, I have contributed to the field through national presentations on trauma informed supervision, ethics, and supporting historically marginalized communities. My pro  bono clinical supervision and volunteer service further exemplify my commitment to the core  values of the counseling profession: service, advocacy, and social justice. 

I describe my leadership style as collaborative, transparent, and service-oriented. I prioritize  inclusive decision-making and the empowerment of colleagues and students alike. My leadership  has often involved stepping into interim roles to maintain departmental stability and support  institutional goals during times of transition. I value listening deeply, facilitating dialogue, and  ensuring diverse voices inform organizational decisions. 

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated effectiveness in administrative leadership, record  keeping, and organizational governance. My service includes roles such as Program Chair for the  Maryland Counseling Association Emerging Leaders Program, Regional Director and Division  Lead for the National Association of Black Counselors, and active membership in ACES and Chi  Sigma Iota. These roles have strengthened my skills in documentation, member engagement, 

strategic planning, and professional collaboration—all of which align with the responsibilities of  the Secretary-Elect position. 

In summary, I believe my academic leadership, dedication to ethical and culturally responsive  counselor education, and commitment to service uniquely qualify me to support the mission and  strategic objectives of SACES. I would be honored to contribute my expertise and passion as  Secretary-Elect to advance our shared vision for the profession. 

Thank you for your consideration. 

Elisabeth B. Simpson, Ph.D., CRC, NCC

I am honored to express my interest in serving as Secretary-Elect for the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES). I am eager to serve in this capacity to support the ongoing development of our field, contribute to the operational excellence of the organization, and give back to a professional community that has greatly influenced my own growth as a counselor educator and leader. With over 11 years of experience as a counselor educator and continued commitment to service and leadership within my institution and the profession, I see this role as a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the growth, organization, and impact of SACES. The position aligns strongly with my strengths in communication, organization, and collaborative leadership, and I am eager to support the mission and operational excellence of this vital regional organization.

The responsibilities outlined in the SACES bylaws for the Secretary-Elect role reflect work I have done consistently throughout my academic and clinical career. I am well-prepared to keep accurate and timely minutes for Executive Committee and General Assembly meetings, and to maintain and monitor contact information for State ACES Presidents and conference updates. I have extensive experience managing documentation and institutional reporting and am confident in my ability to collaborate with leaders in the profession to ensure information is communicated to our members. I bring a collaborative and service-oriented leadership style that values efficiency, accountability, and relationship-building. I view leadership as a process grounded in transparency, shared responsibility, and open communication.

Throughout my academic career, I have been actively involved in faculty governance and service. I have served as Secretary of the College Academic & Student Affairs Committee, where I managed meeting records, tracked proposals, and helped maintain procedural accuracy. I have also contributed to institutional service through roles on the Faculty Senate, Faculty Affairs Committee, and as a chapter officer (Treasurer) for Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. I have experience as a Program Coordinator and have over five years of service in the role of Clinical Placement/Field Experience Coordinator.  These experiences have developed my administrative skill set and strengthened my ability to work across teams, synthesize and present information clearly, and track timelines and deliverables with care. 

As a counselor educator, I am dedicated to advancing the profession through teaching, mentoring, supervision, and advocacy. As a clinician and supervisor, my approaches are grounded in empathy, accountability, and ethical practice. As a long-standing member of professional counseling organizations, I value innovation, inclusivity, and responsiveness to member needs. I view service to professional organizations like SACES not as an obligation but as a responsibility that strengthens our collective voice and supports the professional development of our members.

If elected, I will bring professionalism, efficiency, and a strong service ethic to the Secretary-Elect position. I will actively participate in all meetings and would be proud to support the important work of SACES and to contribute to an organization that plays such a central role in shaping the future of counselor education.

Thank you for your consideration.

Want to get more involved with SACES? Please fill out an interest survey here.