President's Letter: Our Courage and Potential

Happy fall, fellow school counselors! I just love this time of the year. The colors all around us are changing and the air, depending on where you live, is crisp, cool and fresh. It’s a wonderful time to reflect and be mindful of people and things that we are grateful for. This newsletter is full of my gratitude for counselors in Arkansas.

I want to share a quote with you from Brene Brown that I read the other day:

“A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.”

This quote truly resonated with me and caused me to think about our amazing ArSCA leaders. Our state and regional board members work many hours behind the scenes to help strengthen our organization. ArSCA leaders attended the Leadership Development Institute last month to collaborate with each other to develop strategies to promote advocacy, learn about opportunities with the Army, discuss legislative issues pertaining to school counseling, and discover resources for parents to use that address current issues and behaviors. The speakers for the day were Dr. Carla Wood of the United States Army Recruiting Command and Nick Newbold from Cook Center for Human Connection. The professional development and resources gained were beneficial, and regional presidents will share this information with counselors in each region. I want to thank all of our ArSCA leaders and speakers for dedicating their time and effort in making this day a success!
 

 
We greatly appreciate Conway Behavioral Health Hospital for hosting our Leadership Development Institute and taking us on a tour of the facility. CBHC’s goal is to ensure that Little Rock’s North Metro community has access to world-class mental health treatment. Each patient receives comprehensive services in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.

Words cannot express the gratitude that I have for our ArSCA leaders, sponsors and school counselors who work diligently each day to make an impactful difference in the lives of students. I pray you have an amazing and productive month and until the next time, be blessed!

ArSCA President 2023-2025 Kelli Dockery

 
ArSCA Board and regional officers at Leadership Development Institute
 
From Left: Angie Huff, past ArSCA president; Kelli Dockery, current ArSCA president; Allison Spraggins, past ArSCA president; Terri Callaway, Southeast Region president; Emmie Foster, Northeast Region president; Angie Millard, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Committee; Tahnee Bowen, past ArSCA president/Technology Committee; Debbie Drake-Gordon, past ArSCA president/Critical Incident and Crisis Committee; Jane Stewart, VP Elementary; Deanna Smith, Central Region president; Kanechia Sergeant, SE Region president-elect; Robin Sparks, past ArSCA president; Kassie Haynes, Northeast Region secretary, Laquieta Stewart, past ArSCA president/historian; Donna Wilchie, ArSCA secretary; Rodney Ford, DESE program advisor; Samantha Herbner, Southwest Region treasurer; Nick Williams, Central Region president Elect; Nathan Watkins, Southwest Region president; Annick Downing, VP Post Secondary; Nick Ridenoure, Northwest Region president
(Not pictured: Robin Finley, Susan Whatley, Debra Myton, Linda Whitside and Carrie Johnston)