Leadership

President – Alex Monceaux
Alex Monceaux holds an MA – English and an M. Ed - Human Development, teaches English as a Second Language at TIEP at Lamar, Lamar University, and serves as Clinical Field Supervisor at Lamar University’s Cardinal Community Clinic. He enjoys researching: formative/summative assessments, use of repetition and managed stress for content mastery, coaching writing, and instructional evaluation in education.  He also researches identity formation & articulation in transitory life periods in counseling and Mental Health. Some of Alex’s hobbies include hiking, travel, canoeing and rafting, and spending time with his family. 
Alex.Monceaux@lamar.edu

President Elect/ Vice President – Wendy L. Greenidge 
Wendy Greenidge is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Special Populations at Lamar University. With over fifteen years of experience in the field of mental health counseling, she is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and holds several certifications in counseling sub-fields. Wendy is a Fulbright Scholar Alumna with a strong interest in advocacy and establishing and improving international mental health programs. Her research interests primarily focus on increasing utilization of professional counseling services through culturally appropriate interventions. More specifically, her work examines the psycho-cultural correlates of help-seeking in international populations and develops strategies for reducing the barriers to help-seeking. Wendy is also interested in counselor wellness, play therapy, family counseling and infusing technology and expressive therapies in counselor education programs and counseling practice. She has published numerous articles on her interests, presents at the local, national and international levels and also facilitates mental health workshops internationally.
wgreenidge@lamar.edu

Treasurer – Lauren Buckley
Lauren Buckley is the new Treasurer for the Southeast Texas Counseling Association (SETCA). She is the College and Career Transitions Counselor for Adult Education at Region 5 ESC in Beaumont, TX. She was previously District Counselor for Evadale ISD. In her spare time, she enjoys family time with her husband and two daughters and teaching with the children's ministry at her church.
lbuckley@esc5.net

Treasurer-Elect – Eileen O. Burch
Eileen is a LPC-Intern and currently works as an academic advisor. She volunteers at Elijah's Place which provides ongoing grief support services to children who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling. Eileen also volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association by co-leading a support group for caregivers.
eileen.burch@lamar.edu

Secretary - Julia A. Ayala 
Julie Ayala is the Mental Health Professional at Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center in Beaumont, Texas. She also owns Texas Counseling and Rehabilitation Services, Inc. Ms. Ayala is a Licensed Professional Counselor; Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider; Clinically Certified Forensic Counselor; Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor; Master Addiction Counselor; and a Certified Anger Resolution Therapist. She earned her BS degree in Education from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. In addition, Ms. Ayala holds a MS in Educational Administration; a MS in School Psychology; and a MS in Counseling, all from the Univeristy of Dayton, in Dayton, Ohio. In her free time, Ms Ayala and her husband enjoy spending time with their two granddaughters and traveling. 
jayala@co.jefferson.tx.us

Secretary-Elect – Cherry Woodsmall
Cherry Woodsmall holds a B.S. In Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin and a M. Ed. in Counseling and Development from Lamar University. Cherry is the counselor at Hampshire-Fannett High School where she has been for 13 years. She has also worked as a 2nd and 4th grade teacher and as a middle school counselor. She enjoys helping and encouraging students who are in danger of dropping out of school into getting their diploma and informing students about college and scholarship/financial aid opportunities. In her free time she enjoys fishing, spending time with family, and running. 
cwoodsmall@hfhorns.net

Legislative Liaison – Rachael Ammons Whitaker
Rachael is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in counselor education at Mississippi State University. She has worked as a graduate research assistant, behavioral therapist, school counselor and is currently a visiting assistant professor and field practicum coordinator at Lamar University in the department of Counseling and Special Populations. Rachael is currently the assistant editor for the Journal of College Counseling and has recently published research in social justice through early intervention: understanding coping skills and mental health symptomology among pregnant women in high risk areas as well as best practice in autism: ACA best practice series. She has participated in numerous grants under the direction of her dissertation chair Dr. Kimberly Hall in funding over a hundred thousand dollars for school counselors in training. Her current research passion involves best practice for counselors in online programs and school counselor job identity within our changing school systems. She has participated in additional trainings in green zone military training, technology for the future classroom, and preparing college campus for mental health issues. Rachael has volunteered in teaching boy scouts about disability awareness, presented on child behavior modification in the classroom and positive behavior intention for school counselors. Rachael was recently honored by the American Counseling Association as winner of the Courtland C. Lee Multicultural Excellence Scholarship Award. This award is presented to a graduate student in counselor education whose dedication and academic work demonstrate excellence in the theory and practice of multicultural counseling. Rachael’s passion for cultural and legislative advocacy fuels her love for the counseling profession.
rammons@lamar.edu

Historian – Vacant

Senator – Vacant