Leadership

A Message from the TACES President: Heather Kiernan, LPC-MHSP-S

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the Tennessee Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (TACES) for the 2026–2027 term. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside counselor educators and supervisors across Tennessee who are committed to strengthening counselor development and our profession.

As we begin this year together, I hope to build on the strong foundation established by those who have served before me while creating opportunities for our members to connect, grow, and lead.

During the 2026–2027 year, TACES will focus on:

• Strengthening Collaboration and Connection
We will continue creating opportunities for counselor educators and supervisors to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another across academic and clinical settings.

• Expanding Professional Development and Resources
TACES will provide opportunities for members to grow through webinars, trainings, and other resources that support effective counselor education and supervision. We also encourage members to contribute to the Tennessee Counseling Association Journal and to serve as peer reviewers. Your expertise and scholarship help strengthen our profession and provide valuable opportunities for professional engagement.

• Empowering Members to Lead and Advocate
We will encourage members to use their voices and professional expertise to support students, supervisees, colleagues, and the counseling profession. Leadership and advocacy can take many forms, and every member has something valuable to contribute.

TACES is strongest when our members are engaged and willing to share their knowledge, experience, and ideas. I encourage you to get involved—attend an event, present a webinar, contribute to the journal, volunteer as a peer reviewer, serve on a committee, or simply connect with another member.

I am excited about what we can accomplish together this year. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to working alongside each of you as we continue to strengthen counselor education and supervision throughout Tennessee.