2022 Addictions Counseling Fellows

Laura Marie Adkerson (she/her) – Cincinnati, Ohio

Laura Marie Adkerson is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling and addiction counseling program at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

After graduation, Laura plans to help underserved populations of all ages by using neurofeedback interventions. She plans to specialize in addiction, trauma, nonverbal autism, and non-suicidal self-injurious behavior. Laura plans to become a Board Certified Coach, a neurofeedback provider, as well as achieve dual licensure in addiction and clinical counseling. She aims to become a psychedelic practitioner soon after graduation as well with a plan to move to Oregon to work with legal psilocybin therapy. Laura also has an interest in working with rural communities. Winning this fellowship has provided Laura with the opportunity to study neurofeedback as well as to attend conferences and trainings to work with underserved populations.

Isabel Anderson (she/her) – Boone, North Carolina

Isabel Anderson is both a graduate of and a current master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Following graduation, Isabel plans to work in nonprofit community mental health, primarily serving individuals who are experiencing home insecurity and financial instability. She would also like to work with at-risk youth and women escaping trafficking, prostitution, and domestic abuse. She is passionate about mindfulness-based relapse prevention and holistic approaches. Earning this fellowship will lend to her development as a competent and effective counselor through conferences and trainings.

Skye Anfield (he/him) – Portland, Oregon

Skye Anfield is a graduate of New York University and is currently a master’s student in the professional mental health counseling addictions program at the Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling in Portland, Oregon.

Skye is the director/founder of Arbor House Portland, a sober living facility that provides residential and wrap-around recovery services to women, non-binary, and femme-identifying individuals in Portland. His work is centered on making substance use disorder (SUD) treatment more accessible, both in terms of providing low-cost/low-barrier services and providing services that are universal and culturally competent for individuals of all populations.

Skye takes a relational–cultural approach to SUD treatment and is an advocate for criminal justice and expungement reform. Upon graduation, Skye intends to continue his work with women, BIPOC women, LGBTQ+ women, first-generation women, and immigrant women in recovery from SUDs. As an NBCC MFP Fellow, he looks forward to building relationships with counselors who share a similar mission and drive to make addictions treatment more equitable. Being awarded this fellowship allows for Skye to seek culturally relevant trainings and expand his skills in serving individuals with comorbid substance abuse disorder and severe mental illness.

Sylvanus Sky Ariole (he/him) – Woodbury, Minnesota

Sky Ariole is a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt located in Rivers State, Nigeria, and Argosy University. He is currently a master’s student studying co-occurring disorders recovery and counseling at Metro State University in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Sky intends to work with newly arrived immigrants, refugees, and their families accepted to live in the United States. Upon graduation, Sky’s goal is to work as a mental health provider with social service agencies or organizations that help new immigrants or refugees achieve self-sufficiency in their host communities and achieve their full potential as new Americans. Earning this fellowship will allow him to attend counseling conferences to establish a stronger professional identity as a counselor, learn evidence-based practices to better serve new immigrants and refugees, and advocate for the counseling profession.

Brian R. Baldonado (he/him) – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Brian Baldonado is both a graduate of and a current master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at The University of New Mexico. After graduation, Brian plans to work with adolescents who struggle with substance abuse, and especially those who live in marginalized communities where mental health resources are inaccessible.

He is passionate about helping people with an addiction learn to process their underlying trauma, and he hopes to gain competencies in trauma-focused addiction treatment throughout the fellowship and his school journey. Brian will graduate from his program in the summer of 2023 where he has mainly focused on trauma and addictions. Earning this fellowship will allow him to attend conferences, trainings, and other educational opportunities to help solidify the goal that he has to serve underserved populations.

Susie J. Brooks (she/her) – North Branch, Minnesota

Susie Brooks is a graduate of Hanze University in Groningen, Netherlands, and Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She is currently a master’s student in the addiction counseling program at the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School in Center City, Minnesota.

Upon graduation, Susie intends to implement a substance use prevention program within the K–12 school where she serves as founder and head of school. She will incorporate CBT and DBT in their middle and high school life skills class, and she will also set up her practice as an addiction counselor, targeting adolescents within the community at-large where substance use among this age group ranks highest in the state of Minnesota. Earning this fellowship will allow her to attend counseling conferences to establish a stronger professional identity as a counselor, learn evidence-based practices to better serve underserved populations, and advocate for the counseling profession.

Erin Burgess (she/they) – Portland, Oregon

Erin Burgess is a graduate of Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, and is currently a master’s student in the mental health counseling program with a specialization in additions at Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling in Portland, Oregon.

After graduation, Erin hopes to enter a doctoral program. Clinically, she intends to work with BIPOC youth and individuals with personality disorders. Within research, she hopes to focus on emotional dysregulation and substance abuse. Being awarded this fellowship will provide her with much needed assistance to continue her journey through higher education, allowing her to advocate for and help those with marginalized identities.

Ryan Burwell (he/him) – Colorado Springs, Colorado

Ryan Burwell is a graduate of Columbia University in New York City and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program with an addictions emphasis at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs.

Ryan intends to shift the traditional paradigm by providing culturally competent, affirmative treatment for LGBTQ+ and other marginalized people. Additionally, he plans to advocate for the counseling profession by promoting social justice and discourse aimed at dismantling oppressive systems that continue to stifle these communities. Within the realm of addiction, he takes a compassionate stance in propelling the harm reduction movement forward in place of shame-based, abstinence-only practices. It is his goal to destigmatize drug use and save lives in the process. This fellowship will provide him professional networking opportunities and ongoing training to help him accomplish his mission of serving minority communities disproportionately affected by substance use and addiction.

Danielle Capparelli (she/her) – Boone, North Carolina

Danielle Capparelli is a graduate of Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program with a certificate in addictions counseling at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Upon completing her master’s program, Danielle hopes to serve individuals in rural Appalachia who have limited access to mental health services. She has a passion for group work and humanizing substance use disorders. This fellowship will give her the opportunity to network with other professionals and establish a counselor identity dedicated to serving and advocating for underrepresented populations.

Trevor Carlson (he/him) – Coon Rapids, Minnesota

Trevor Carlson is a graduate of Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota, and is currently a master’s student in the alcohol and drug recovery and co-occurring disorders recovery counseling programs at Metro State University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

After graduating, Trevor intends to work with people in the Minneapolis area experiencing complications with socio-economic status in addition to complications associated with behavioral health conditions. Participating in this fellowship will serve to increase capacities in navigating and developing resources applicable throughout the recovery community. He is interested in minimizing barriers to treatment and supporting access to a dynamic experience encouraging self-determination.

Shelton Clark (he/him) – East Orange, New Jersey

Shelton Clark is a certified alcohol and drug counselor. He is a graduate of Hampton University and is currently a master’s student studying alcohol and drug abuse counseling at Kean University in Union, New Jersey.

Antonio D. Conway (he/him) – Orwell, Ohio

Antonio Conway is a graduate of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio.

Andrés I. Correa (he/him) – El Paso, Texas

Andrés Correa is a graduate of The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and is currently a master’s student in the addiction counseling program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas.

After graduation, Andrés intends to work with majority underserved and underrepresented communities (e.g., Latinx, LGBT, POC). Andrés also hopes to expand on his current work with adolescents struggling with mental health issues by partaking in clinical counseling experiences and mentorship that will enable him to serve these, and other, populations that are at high risk for substance use disorders. Born and raised in El Paso, a border community with Mexico, he also hopes to use the knowledge and expertise he will acquire through the fellowship to help break down the bias and stigma that often revolves around mental health in Hispanic/Latinx communities.

Angela L. Cupnii (she/her) – Pendleton, Indiana

Angela Cupnii is both a graduate of and a current master’s student in the clinical addiction counseling program at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana.

After graduation, Angela intends to continue working with incarcerated youth who are struggling with substance use disorders and providing education and support to youth who are at risk for developing an addiction. Adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system are often an overlooked and underserved population, and Angela is devoted to working with and advocating for incarcerated youth who are experiencing patterns of addiction and battling a lack of mental health resources and support when they return home.

She also has a particular interest in working with adolescents with co-occurring disorders. Earning the fellowship will allow her to further develop her knowledge and skills. It will also provide her with opportunities to connect with other professionals in the addictions field, build expertise, learn evidence-based practices, and better serve this population.

William Ignacio Delgado (they/them) – El Paso, Texas

William Delgado is a graduate of The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and is currently a master’s student in the addiction counseling program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. Upon graduation, William intends to work with people who have developed alcohol and/or opioid use disorder in the West Texas region. This fellowship will allow William to develop a stronger professional identity by training in evidence-based practices that are specific to Latinos. William believes that professionals should reflect the community in which they work and so should the approach to treatment.

Kala Diane Hall (she/her) – Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Kala Hall is a graduate of the University of Idaho and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Upon graduation, Kala is continuing her focus on serving the homeless population. She contends that individuals who are homeless experience various barriers before they are able to seek mental health and addiction counseling treatment.

She hopes to transition from her role as a case manager to an addiction counselor in her small, nonprofit clinic that provides health care to the homeless experiencing trauma, substance abuse, and acute and chronic health conditions. The fellowship will provide Kala with various skill sets that will allow her to recognize her identity as a counselor, collaborate, connect, and learn from other professionals to better serve vulnerable populations.

LaQondra M. Harding (she/her) – Fort Wayne, Indiana

LaQondra Harding is a graduate of Purdue Fort Wayne and is currently a master’s student in the addiction counseling program at Purdue University Global.

LaQondra commits to providing substance use disorder services to a multitude of underserved communities after graduation. She would like to keep her scope of help wide for different underserved populations as she wants to remain hopeful and optimistic for each group and community of people. It is important for LaQondra to gain optimal knowledge on substance use/abuse and addictions within different populations so that she is better equipped to serve individuals who come from unfamiliar backgrounds or individuals who may be more difficult to help because of any unforeseen barriers. She believes that the behavioral health needs of all people deserve to be met regardless of any factors that may be present, and she is excited for the many opportunities to strengthen her skills, build her professional counselor identity, and gain pertinent knowledge in the realm of substance use/abuse and addictions counseling.

Jazmine Jackson (she/her) – Severn, Maryland

Jazmine Jackson is a graduate of Towson University in Towson, Maryland, and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland.

Jazmine plans to work with Black women, particularly those who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community in combating substance abuse issues, imposter syndrome, and stereotype threat in both suburban and rural communities. She intends to help give these women the wellness skills they need to support themselves and foster healthy relationships with one another and the people they care about. Jazmine is passionate about both accessibility and ethics in the counseling profession and intends to be an advocate in both areas. The Minority Fellowship Program grants Jazmine the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals in the counseling profession, grow and develop skills from seasoned addictions professionals, and foster an authentic counselor identity to empower and support her future clients.

Josh Krawczyk (he/him) – Seattle, Washington

Josh Krawczyk is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Seattle University. Upon graduation, Josh intends to work with underserved and underrepresented clients affected by trauma and addiction. He plans to continue working with clients in the Seattle area who face barriers to treatment, including barriers related to race/ethnicity, income, and complications due to co-occurrences of mental illness and addiction in particular.

Josh currently works as a Substance Use Disorder Professional–Trainee and looks forward to continuing to grow in his professional identities as a mental health professional and advocate for his clients. Earning the NBCC MFP Fellowship will also allow him to continue working in crisis intervention and suicide prevention in the community. In the future, he hopes to combine these areas of knowledge and contribute to growing bodies of research, and perhaps teach as well.

Lindsey Drachenberg Laube (she/her) – Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Lindsey Laube is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program with a concentration in alcohol and drug abuse at the University of Wisconsin–Stout.

Having grown up on a farm in rural Wisconsin, Lindsey has a passion for working alongside individuals in rural areas to address mental health disparities within themselves and their communities. Further, she hopes to help small communities engage in processing past trauma, especially surrounding mental health care, and encourage the integration of all areas of their identity. The fellowship will aid her in the ability to network with other professionals who are passionate about rural mental health care and attend trainings and conferences to learn how to best work with and serve all individuals well. She is beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to be an NBCC MFP Fellow and learn from the pioneers in the profession.

Elijah Laws (he/him) – Lexington, North Carolina

Elijah Laws is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University and is currently a master’s student in the mental health rehabilitation counseling program at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro.

Kristy M. Ledford (she/her) – Evans, Georgia

Kristy Ledford is a graduate of the University of Maryland University College and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Kristy intends to continue her current work providing substance use disorder services to underserved groups in rural and inner-city areas. Part of her plan includes community outreach and networking. It is her belief that she can empower individuals as they work together in their recovery to pursue active roles in community and mental health. She wants to continue educating and connecting individuals with resources. One specific way that she plans to serve this community is by becoming EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained and utilizing this intervention in treatment, reinforcing her belief that these underserved populations deserve access to better care and treatment that may not otherwise be available to them. She feels called and considers it a privilege to be able to walk alongside others as they learn more about who they are and how they can tap into the resources that already exist within them to bring about desired changes.

Dasaeb Lopez (he/him) – Austin, Texas

Dasaeb Lopez is a graduate of the University Autonoma of Tamaulipas in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and the University Autonomy of Nuevo Leon U.A.N.L. in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. He is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas.

Upon graduation, Dasaeb intends to work with multicultural LGBTQ+ and transgender individuals who have experienced chronic physical pain, addiction, eating disorders, and substance abuse. He plans to work with groups who are underserved, marginalized, and non-served, providing group therapy and advocating for their social justice by providing a culturally competent mental health service.

Dasaeb aims to remain culturally sensitive to issues of race, discrimination, microaggressions, diversity, and multi-generational differences and transmission. He strives to provide a person-centered focus of hope and support when working with clients who are part of an interracial/intercultural relationship of mixed-race identities struggling with cross-cultural issues. He intends to work with a culturally competent bilingual approach by working with the Hispanic American population in Austin, Texas. He also intends to work in the field of pain psychology and support groups for individuals who suffer from chronic physical pain, disabilities, and pre/post surgery recovery by utilizing dialectal behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Sandra Lorden (she/her) – Fort Worth, Texas

Sandra Lorden is a graduate of both Tarrant County College and Tarleton State University in Fort Worth, Texas. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Tarleton State University

Earning this fellowship will allow her to attend counseling conferences to engage in professional, educational, and community seminars, webinars, and networking practices to help build her professional identity as a counselor. Learning evidence-based practices, participating in team building, developing awareness, and training in therapeutic treatment-planning will allow her to better serve and advocate for those women within the criminal justice system.

Earning this fellowship will allow her to attend counseling conferences to engage in professional, educational, and community seminars, webinars, and networking practices to help build her professional identity as a counselor. Learning evidence-based practices, participating in team building, developing awareness, and training in therapeutic treatment-planning will allow her to better serve and advocate for those women within the criminal justice system.

Loren Manning (she/her) – Carmel, Indiana

Loren Manning is a graduate of Ivy Tech Community College and the University of Southern Indiana. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Walden University.

Michael L. McLean (he/him) – Clayton, North Carolina

Michael McLean is a graduate of Cape Fear Community College, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Michael intends to work with impoverished communities, particularly those who identify within the gang-affiliated communities and those dealing with substance use disorders. He would also like to work with people who are often underrepresented based on their race and ethnicity and people living in rural areas with limited resources, where mental health services are typically lacking. Earning this fellowship will allow him to attend counseling conferences to establish a stronger professional identity as a counselor, learn evidence-based practices to better serve underserved populations, and advocate for the counseling profession.

Lillie McLean (she/her) – Atlanta, Georgia

Lillie McLean is a graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and the David A. Clarke School of Law at the University of the District of Columbia. She is currently a master’s student in the rehabilitation counseling program at Mercer University. After graduating, Lillie plans to work with families and individuals living with a disability and/or who have been affected by addiction. She aspires to assist underrepresented and marginalized populations who are often resistant to utilizing mental health resources. She has a strong desire to expand the importance of wellness and self-care within underserved communities once she graduates. Earning this fellowship will support her graduate education, offer opportunities to connect with seasoned and accomplished professionals, and deepen her understanding of addiction and rehabilitation counseling.

Lore Matin McSpadden-Walker (they/them) –Rochester, New York

Lore McSpadden-Walker is a graduate of SUNY: The College at Brockport in Brockport, New York, and Manchester University in North Manchester, Indiana. Lore is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at SUNY: The College at Brockport where they will also earn a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification.

Upon graduation, Lore intends to provide trauma-informed, harm-reduction–focused mental health counseling services for LGBTQAI2S+ individuals who have a history of substance use disorder. Their research is aligned with ecotherapeutic and narrative counseling theories and techniques, and they look forward to integrating outdoor and horticultural therapies into their work with their future clients. Earning this fellowship will enable them to attend educational workshops to help establish a stronger professional identity as a counselor, deepen their research into using ecotherapy and decolonized mental health counseling approaches with underserved populations, and develop presentations related to these areas of research.

Guadalupe (Lupe) Meyer (she/her) – Boise, Idaho

Lupe Meyer is a graduate of Brigham Young University and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Idaho State University. Lupe intends to work with individuals affected by domestic abuse and substance addictions, including women and children. She also intends to provide counseling services and substance use treatment in both English and Spanish.

Lupe has an interest in learning about trauma and the evidence-based interventions used for treatment. Earning this fellowship with allow her to attend conferences and trainings that will help establish her professional counselor identity. She hopes to help increase awareness for the mental health profession and reduce the stigma surrounding it. This fellowship will also give her the opportunity to create a network of support from other mental health professionals and learn how to best serve and advocate for the underserved communities in her area.

Dakota P. Milligan (he/him) – Bozeman, Montana

Dakota Milligan is both a graduate of and a current master’s student in the clinical mental health and additions counseling program at Montana State University. Dakota intends to work with adolescents and young adults dealing with mental health and substance use challenges, especially those identifying as LGBTQ+ and living in rural settings. He is excited to attend conferences and connect with peers and mentors through this fellowship to gain valuable knowledge and experience for his work in the mental health field. He hopes to also engage in advocacy for underserved and minority communities in his home state of Montana.

James Paul Moore (he/him) – Littleton, Colorado

James Moore is both a graduate of the Metropolitan State University of Denver and a current master’s student in the clinical behavioral health program with an emphasis in addiction counseling. James is a Certified Addiction Specialist in the state of Colorado and has been a professional in the addictions field for 5 years. Upon graduation, he plans to practice as a Licensed Addiction Counselor and work to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. He plans to continue his work with individuals from underserved populations, especially people of color who are struggling with mental health and substance use co-occurring disorders. He currently works as a clinical case manager and enhanced outpatient counselor at WellPower in Denver. Through this fellowship, he hopes to gain meaningful experiences and education in working with clients from diverse backgrounds to better serve underrepresented communities.

Carissa Noel (she/her) – Surprise, Arizona

Carissa Noel is both a graduate of and a current master’s student in the addiction counseling program at Grand Canyon University. After graduation, Carissa intends to work with adolescents who struggle with substance use disorders in underserved communities, especially within the Native American population. She has a passion and advocates for harm reduction, prevention-education, as well as medication-assisted treatment. Earning this fellowship will allow her to attend webinars and conferences and expand and gain knowledge/skill sets needed to provide evidence-based practices to the individuals that she intends on serving. She is grateful for this opportunity to contribute to the counseling profession and within the area of addiction treatment.

Kendra Olson (she/her) – Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Kendra Olson is a graduate of Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota, and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at the University of Wisconsin–Stout. Kendra plans to work with adolescents and adults who struggle with substance abuse, and especially those who live in marginalized communities where mental health resources are inaccessible.

She is passionate about helping people with an addiction to process their underlying trauma and hopes to gain competencies in trauma-focused addiction treatment throughout the fellowship. Earning this fellowship provides opportunities for Kendra to grow professionally and will help her to be a supportive advocate and clinician as she works to decrease stigma surrounding addiction treatment. This fellowship will also allow her to gain knowledge about treating addiction in underserved populations and will connect her with mentors and conferences that will help her become a humble, competent clinician.

Robbie Osak (he/him) – Visalia, California

Robbie Osak is a graduate of the University of San Diego and is currently a master’s student in the clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling program at Fresno State University. Robbie intends to work with incarcerated adults and rural youth who have substance use disorders. He will also pursue his Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. He is currently interested in the idea that the opposite of addiction is human connection. The fellowship will allow him to pursue deeper learning around substance use, and he is greatly looking forward to networking with fellowship colleagues.

Thomas Andrew Pitts (he/him) – Boise, Idaho

Thomas Pitts is a graduate of the University of Oregon and Oregon State University. He is currently a master’s student in the addiction counseling program at Boise State University. Thomas plans to serve adults in Idaho who struggle with addiction with an added emphasis on advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. He also looks forward to working with those from rural backgrounds, as Idaho is made of many rural communities, and those in rural communities often face added stigma when pursuing mental health and wellness. Earning this fellowship will also help empower Thomas to develop a professional identity as an addiction counselor, collaborate with Idaho addiction professionals to serve underserved communities in Idaho, and build a larger professional network both inside and outside of Idaho.

Lisa Purtue (she/her) – West Bend, Wisconsin

Lisa Purtue is a graduate of Moraine Park Technical College and Marian University. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

DeJaunté Marquel Reynolds-Villarreal (he/him) – San Antonio, Texas

DeJaunté Reynolds-Villarreal is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Texas A&M – San Antonio. Upon graduation, DeJaunté intends to make many contributions toward the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community in mental health spaces. With his experiences as a minority, he feels as though he is able to bolster and empower those around him with empathy and compassion. This fellowship has not only instilled confidence in himself and his path, but has also allowed him greater opportunities to help his peers in need.

Tammy Rife (she/her) – Zephyrhills, Florida

Tammy Rife is a graduate of The Ohio State University and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

Daniela Vianey Romero (she/her) – Washington, D.C.

Daniela Romero is a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso and is currently a master’s student in the forensic psychology professional counselor licensure track with a concentration in addiction studies at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Upon graduation, Daniela intends to work with underserved communities within the forensic setting, including adults and juveniles in correctional facilities, families involved with the foster care system, and/or military families. Her commitment would be to minority populations in need of substance use disorder services. Daniela believes the legal system is in need of mental health services and advocacy, specifically regarding substance use, as it is still criminalized by our justice system, encouraging the systemic disparities found in minority groups that experience these disorders. Earning this fellowship will allow her to attend counseling conferences and professional trainings that further her understanding of addictions counseling. She will establish a stronger professional identity, advocate for social justice, and improve her counseling skill set to better serve underserved minority populations.

Kourtney J. Royster (he/him) – Burlington, North Carolina

Kourtney Royster is a graduate of Clemson University and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling with an addictions concentration program at Walden University.

Kourtney intends to work with underserved minority communities, specifically the teen and young adult population, by providing addictions and other counseling-related services. He plans to connect resources to disenfranchised Black and Latinx communities to promote positive mental health and reduce the disparities experienced among these groups, hopefully establishing a facility to provide mental and physical health services. Earning this fellowship will allow him to continue his education as a counselor, enhance his own professional identity, and build professional connections in the counseling profession.

Aloki Shah (she/her) – Austin, Texas

Aloki Shah is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas.

Upon graduation, Aloki intends to work with the growing homeless population in the Austin area. There is a great disparity of treatment for these individuals, and Aloki wants to join the community of helping professionals who work daily to provide resources and services to those in need. She would also like to work with underserved populations that are struggling with substance use disorders, such as low-income youth who do not have the monetary resources to access proper care. By earning this fellowship, Aloki will have the opportunity to learn from mentors who have experience in her intended field and attend conferences featuring expert panelists. Through these experiences, she will also be able to strengthen her foundation as a counselor and better serve her clients.

Lindsay Gilley Sheek (she/her) – Clemmons, North Carolina

Lindsay Sheek is a graduate of High Point University and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program, seeking a certificate in addictions counseling at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. After completing her master’s program, Lindsay intends to work with and serve the mental health and substance abuse needs of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in rural areas. Earning this fellowship will award her opportunities to establish a strong network of fellow counselors, experience new learning opportunities through conferences and webinars, and become a strong advocate for the mental health needs of her community. She is honored and grateful to be a part of this fellowship program.

Harry Eugene Simmons (he/him) – Richmond, Virginia

Harry Simmons is a graduate of Virginia Union University, Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, and Nova Southeastern University and is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental counseling program at Capella University.

After graduation, Harry plans to work with clergy students at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology who are responsible for providing spiritual care to their constituents and church-based services for addressing current unmet behavioral health service needs in their communities. He hopes to contribute to their education and training by developing and implementing the first community mental health curricula for a Historically Black College and University Graduate School of Theological Education for clergy. Being chosen for this fellowship is fate turned into destiny and an opportunity to blaze a new path. Being selected for the NBCC MFP will give Harry the opportunity to develop and further hone his knowledge and skills, connect with other professionals, build expertise, and better serve underserved populations through educating and empowering clergy in the classroom. Harry considers it an honor and privilege to be a part of the MFP.

Andrea C. Strempke (she/her) – Paradise, Texas

Andrea Strempke is a graduate of Texas Woman’s University and is currently a master’s student in the rehabilitation counseling program at the University of North Texas. After graduation, Andrea intends to work with individuals experiencing co-occurring mental and substance use disorders, particularly those within the criminal justice system who are incarcerated due to their substance use disorders in her rural community.

Presently, she is the founder of a nonprofit organization that provides much-needed items for families in her rural community such as clothing and basic-needs items for the children and self-care items and psychoeducation for their caretakers. Andrea plans to further grow this nonprofit to add free or low-cost services for substance use and mental health issues for local families, particularly those involved in the criminal justice system.

This fellowship will award her the opportunities to establish a professional identity in her field as well as develop a strong network of fellow counselors. She is looking forward to experiencing amazing educational opportunities through mentorship, conferences, and webinars, and to becoming a strong advocate for in-prison rehabilitation reform.

Erika Strong (she/her) – Portland, Oregon

Erika Strong is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and is currently a master’s student in the professional mental health counseling program with a specialization in addiction at Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. Erika is also completing an eating disorder certification. Upon graduation, Erika intends to devote her service to both adolescents and adults experiencing co-occurring diagnoses, including mental health and processing/substance use and eating disorder diagnoses. She also plans to work primarily with low-income individuals who are typically underserved in the world of mental health and addiction treatment. As an NBCC MFP Fellow, Erika looks forward to forming connections with other counseling professionals and embracing the exciting educational opportunities that will help her become a more effective counselor.

Mary Veronica Sweeney (she/her) – Farmington, Minnesota

Mary Veronica Sweeney is a graduate of the Harvard School of Education and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at the University of Minnesota.

Mary Veronica has been a lifelong investigator and practitioner of the creative process as it optimizes learning, enhances developmental stages and is critical to human flourishing. She has given keynote addresses on the moral imagination and presented her research most recently on the neuroscience of creativity in innovative counseling interventions. Her graduate work in addiction studies as an NBCC MFP Fellow focuses on the affordances of creativity for addiction treatment, as it serves the distinct gifts of marginalized minorities such as LGBTQ+ older adults and immigrant populations. She plans to complete doctoral studies guided by her passion for designing technologies that increase access to care for underrepresented communities.

Tina Y. Tseng (she/her) – Fremont, California

Tina Tseng is a graduate of Cal State University, East Bay, and is currently a master’s student in the addiction counseling: integrated recovery for co-occurring disorders program at the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies.

After graduation, Tina intends to work with underserved populations who have struggled with mental health and substance use addictions. She has worked with Second Chance, a nonprofit outpatient program, for the past 3 years and is determined to establish a strong professional identity as a counselor and mental health specialist. Tina is passionate about bridging the gap between substance use and mental health programs. This fellowship has confirmed that when you have a purpose you will find a way. After completing her master’s in addiction counseling, Tina intends to eventually pursue her PhD and gain experience in the research development of addiction science.

Latara Williams Barnes (she/her) – Little Rock, Arkansas

Latara Williams is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pulaski Technical College and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She is currently a master’s student also at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock studying in the rehabilitation counseling program.

Upon graduation, Latara wants to establish a nonprofit organization that will serve ethnically diverse populations and provide community outreach services. Her faith and passion are the inspiration for wanting to start a nonprofit organization. She wants to see people spiritually, mentally, and physically healthy. Earning this fellowship will assist her in building relationships and in gaining knowledge, all while learning new skills and practices. She will advocate for addictions counseling and mental health services in the African American community and represent as an African American female counselor in her hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas.

KathyAnn P. Wilson-Beauford (she/her) – Joppa, Maryland

KathyAnn Wilson-Beauford is a graduate of SUNY: Empire State College Finger Lakes Campus in Rochester, New York, and is currently a master’s student in the addiction counseling program at Grand Canyon University.

Upon graduation KathyAnn intends to work with adults struggling with co-occurring disorders. She is determined to assist in eliminating disparities to receiving mental health and substance use services for the population mentioned by linking those in rural and impoverished areas with such things as transportation, treatment, housing, education, employment, and any other needed services to foster care and growth. KathyAnn plans on collaborating with community organizations to assist in providing advocacy and outreach for those who are resistant to care or unable to access care because of socioeconomic circumstances. She believes bringing awareness to adults struggling with co-occurring disorders is important to finding and receiving needed resources to maintain a high quality of living. Receiving the fellowship will afford KathyAnn the opportunity to expand her knowledge in the profession of counseling, as the opportunities for learning, advocacy, and linkage will be presented.

Humayun Zafar (he/him) – Oakdale, Washington

Humayun Zafar is a graduate of and currently a master’s student in the co-occurring disorders recovery counseling program at Metropolitan State University. Humayun identifies as an immigrant of Southwest Asian ethnicity and as a Muslim, he is connected within the Somali and other Muslim communities. Humayun is also a United States Marine Corp veteran and connected with the veteran community. Humayun also has a solid understanding of Deaf culture. As an NBCC MFP Fellow, and upon graduation, Humayun intends to work with individuals from underserved populations, especially individuals who are a part of the Muslim community from all walks of life who are struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.

Humayun finds empathy and understanding in the human struggle of life based on folks being marginalized, disenfranchised, isolated, and being negatively affected through sexism, Islamophobia, racism, and other forms of oppression and discrimination. Humayun’s passion is to assist clients in discovering positive tools and coping mechanisms for optimal health. Humayun is bilingual and wants to bridge the language barrier gap for Urdu and Hindi speaking clients who have had difficulty receiving treatment due to being non-English speakers, stigma within the community, and misunderstanding by those who are providing care in the field. Through this fellowship, Humayun will gain meaningful experience and the ability to conduct research and apply it to better serve the Muslim and other underrepresented communities.