2024-2025 NBCCF Scholars

Tonya Jackson Barthmaier (she/her) – Columbia, South Carolina

Tonya Jackson Barthmaier is a graduate of the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff and Webster’s University. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Columbia International University.

Upon graduation, Tonya intends to work closely with military service members and their families, focusing on mental health support and resilience-building. Having served in the military since 1996, transitioning from a junior soldier to a commissioned officer, she has firsthand experience with the unique challenges faced by service members, including deployment stress and reintegration struggles. This journey has cemented her commitment to enhancing mental health services within the military community. Earning the scholarship will enable attendance at counseling conferences and further qualifications in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These opportunities will help her establish a stronger professional identity, learn evidence-based practices, and advocate for improved mental health care for service members and their families. Her vision is to develop a cutting-edge program that seamlessly blends traditional counseling with holistic healing techniques, offering comprehensive support to those who serve.

Angelina Capcino (she/her) – San Diego, California

Angelina Capcino is a graduate of the University of Maryland Global Campus. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at the University of San Diego.

Upon graduation, Angelina is committed to furthering her service to the military and their families. Drawing from her experience as a Navy veteran, she deeply understands the nuances of military culture and its profound impact on daily life, both in uniform and after transitioning out. Her approach to counseling is rooted in the wellness model, where she views each client as a unique constellation of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual influences. She is particularly interested in evidence-based treatments for trauma and co-occurring disorders, with a specialized focus on bringing awareness to and addressing military sexual trauma. Additionally, she seeks to explore expressive therapy techniques and their role in honoring how intersectionality and culture show up in trauma and healing. This scholarship presents an invaluable opportunity to enhance her capabilities in cognitive-behavioral practices for trauma, participate in counseling conferences, and advocate within professional associations such as NBCC and the American Counseling Association. She eagerly anticipates the chance to connect with fellow professionals in the field, seeking consultation and mentorship, and expanding her resources to provide the most ethically and clinically appropriate treatment for veterans and their families.

Hailey M. Losievsky (she/her) – Vass, North Carolina

Hailey M. Losievsky is a graduate of Lipscomb University. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program with a specialization in military and family culture at Walden University.

After graduating, Hailey intends to work with activeduty service members and veterans to advocate for the unique mental health needs of the military population. She is particularly interested in evidence-based holistic therapies to treat symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma. She intends to leverage her experience as an Army veteran, military spouse, and military brat to provide a comprehensive and understanding counseling approach. Earning this scholarship will allow her to attend counseling seminars and conferences that will enhance the breadth of her knowledge and skill set, help her complete specialized training in specific therapeutic interventions, and afford her the opportunity to continue to be an advocate for military and veterans’ mental health.

Kristi Morrison (she/her) – Honolulu, Hawaii

Kristi Morrison is a graduate of California State University, Chico. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Colorado Christian University.

Kristi intends to work within the military community upon graduation, specifically with military dependents. There is a great need for mental health services during deployment and reintegration. She intends to advocate for the ones holding down the home front during these stressful times. Earning this scholarship will support her in pursuing the necessary education while completing her internship experience.

Robert Nelson – Sanford, North Carolina

Robert Nelson is a graduate of Concordia University and Concordia Seminary. He is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Liberty University.

Robert is an active-duty Air Force chaplain and regularly counsels and leads workshops and resiliency events. He currently supports service members through post-traumatic growth and struggles with moral injury. Upon graduation, he intends to continue supporting active-duty members, veterans, and family members. He practices a holistic model of treatment integrating spiritual, social, physical, and mental health into his care. Earning this scholarship will help him to attend courses and conferences and learn from evidence-based practices that will help him to better serve the military community along with their families.

Jessica Renee Szpila (she/her) – Saratoga Springs, New York

Jessica Renee Szpila is a graduate of the University of New York at Albany. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at the State University of New York at New Paltz.

Upon graduation, Jessica aims to dedicate herself to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families, drawing from her experience as a military and first responder spouse. She feels deeply privileged to give back to the community that has given her so much and is passionate about addressing the unique mental health challenges these individuals and their loved ones face. She hopes to utilize animal-assisted interventions to provide additional support and healing to these families and individuals. This scholarship will enable her to attend specialized conferences focused on counseling for veterans and first responders, allowing her to further develop her professional identity and learn evidence-based practices tailored to the needs of these underserved populations. Additionally, she hopes to use this opportunity to advocate for greater recognition and support for counseling services within these communities.

Ashara Vaughn (she/her) – Chesapeake, Virginia

Ashara Vaughn is a graduate of Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Liberty University.

Upon graduation, Ashara intends to work with military personnel and their families and is driven by her compassionate understanding as a disabled veteran. She is dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by this population, including trauma and the impacts of military life. Her personal experiences provide her with deep empathy and insight, fueling her commitment to providing effective and culturally competent care.

Earning the military scholarship will be instrumental in her professional development, allowing her to enhance her skills through Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training and other evidence-based trauma therapies. This training will equip her to better serve military clients, particularly those coping with PTSD and other service-related mental health issues. The scholarship will also support her attendance at counseling conferences, where she can further her professional identity, learn the latest best practices, and advocate for the needs of military families. She is committed to using her education and personal experiences to bridge gaps in mental health services for military populations, ensuring they receive the compassionate and effective care they deserve. Her goal is to be a leading advocate and practitioner in the field, dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of service members, veterans, and their loved ones.

Sherri Amen (she/her) – Fort Morgan, Colorado

Sherri Amen is a graduate of Colorado State University and the University of Denver. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Adams State University.

Upon graduation, Sherri intends to work with families starting at the postpartum stage at the newborn visit and continuing as the child grows, with an integrated behavioral health approach in a medical clinic where she is currently a HealthySteps Specialist. Earning this scholarship will allow her to receive her master’s degree.

Brooke Davidson (she/her) – Cody, Wyoming

Brooke Davidson is a graduate of Montana State University. She is currently a master’s student in the mental health counseling program at the University of Wyoming.

After graduation, Brooke will continue working with the rural population of Wyoming. As a trauma-informed yoga teacher and outdoorswoman, she would love to integrate somatics, mindfulness, and land-based practices into her work with clients. This scholarship will support her through her year of internship and open the door to further trainings and connections with other practitioners. She is honored to receive this scholarship and to serve as an advocate for rural populations, as she sees both the beauty and struggle inherent in rural life.

Melissa O. Marlowe (she/her) – Marion, North Carolina

Melissa O. Marlowe is a graduate of Appalachian State University and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Montreat College.

Melissa is working with Freedom Life Ministries, a re-entry organization serving three rural counties in western North Carolina. The scholarship will allow her to gain additional knowledge to serve a community that substance use disorders and criminal justice involvement have stigmatized. She plans to collaborate with agencies across rural counties to implement programs to help them sustain recovery and not recidivate. She is entering her encore career of making a difference in the lives of those she will serve in the coming years to overcome barriers of substance use disorders and criminal justice involvement.

Nick Marshall (he/his) – Roseburg, Oregon

Nick Marshall is a graduate of Post University. He is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Bushnell University.

Nick, a military veteran with 23 years of service, is dedicated to helping others. After graduation, he plans to support individuals in rural areas of Douglas County, Oregon, aiding them in overcoming generational poverty. Drawing from his own experiences, he also feels a strong calling to assist current and former military members, law enforcement officers, and EMS community members. His passion lies in guiding people through their struggles and helping them achieve their fullest potential, fostering hope and resilience in their lives.

Ashley Schroeder (she/her) – Mountain Lake, Minnesota

Ashley Schroeder is a graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato, and the University of Northern Iowa. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Adler Graduate School.

After completing her studies, Ashley is committed to remaining with Greater Minnesota Family Services, serving as a dedicated school and family counselor in the close-knit rural community of Mountain Lake, Minnesota. This scholarship is instrumental in her journey toward furthering her education and professional growth. Through graduate coursework and participation in professional conferences, she aims to deepen her understanding of evidence-based methodologies, thus strengthening her professional identity in her role as a counselor.

Scarlett Iglesias Hoyos (she/her/ella) – State College, Pennsylvania

Scarlett Iglesias Hoyos is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo. She is currently a doctoral student in the counselor education program at The Pennsylvania State University.

Scarlett focuses her research and professional practice on immigration, mental health, and trauma. Her work focuses on supporting Spanish-speaking counselors in training Spanish-speaking Latino immigrants, addressing the unique counseling needs of these populations. Understanding the cultural, linguistic, and social barriers exacerbating mental health challenges, Scarlett would like to create and become involved in initiatives that enhance the capacity of Spanish-speaking counselors. Her professional goal is to provide mentorship, training, and resources to ensure that counselors are well-equipped to support Latino immigrants, extending critical mental health services to an often underserved community.

The Dr. Nicholas Vacc Scholarship presents opportunities to further her impact by building a robust community of professionals passionate about immigrant mental health. She aims to foster collaborations with other experts, leading to innovative solutions and better support systems for immigrants experiencing trauma. Additionally, Scarlett seeks to use the scholarship as a platform to advocate for policy changes and increase awareness of the mental health struggles of immigrants. Through education, community building, and professional collaboration, she believes it is possible to create a more supportive environment, helping immigrants overcome trauma and thrive.

Edwin Lobato Castillo (he/his) – Temecula, California

Edwin Lobato Castillo is a graduate of California State University San Marcos. He is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy: Ánimo–Latinx Counseling Concentration program at California State University Fullerton.

Upon graduation, Edwin plans to work with underserved minority populations, mainly focusing on Latinx individuals and immigrants. He aims to bridge the gap in mental health support for these underserved populations, providing crucial services and advocacy where resources are often scarce. This scholarship will allow him to learn evidence-based practices and strategies specifically tailored to these communities. By attending conferences and workshops, he aims to become a stronger practitioner in the mental health field. Through this opportunity, he seeks to better prepare himself to support, advocate for, and uplift Latinx individuals and immigrants facing unique challenges, ensuring they receive the compassionate care and representation they deserve.

Inasia Belton (she/her) – Newark, New Jersey

Inasia Belton is a graduate of Denison University. She is currently a master’s student in the clinical mental health counseling program at Montclair State University.

After graduation, Inasia hopes to work with youth from underrepresented populations, primarily BIPOC and ethnic minorities and those of low-income backgrounds. Her primary goal is prioritizing outreach to underserved communities that are often overlooked and face numerous hardships stemming from structural discrimination. She intends to share her expertise with the Black community, utilizing her experience and background to address public health concerns. The fellowship will empower her to pursue her mission, which underscores her career.