Leadership

A Message from TACES President: Dr. Matt Simmons

I am humbled and honored to serve as the President of the Tennessee Association of Counselor
Education and Supervision (TACES) for the 2025-2026 term. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve
and collaborate with counselor educators and supervisors in our great state to enhance effective
counselor development. I am committed to leading through this next year with active collaboration,
integrity, and resource development to continue making TACES stronger.

During this next year, we will:

• Increase Resources for Supervisors: We will aim to promote and create resources through webinars, workshops, and trainings to help develop effective supervisors. Having high-quality resources will not only help new and seasoned supervisors but will also promote quality counselor development.
• Increase Collaboration among Counselor Educators and Supervisors: Whether you are a counselor educator or a supervisor (education or clinical setting), it is important that we collaborate on how to effectively develop counselors in our state. This further aids in developing strong independent practitioners to further help clients.
• Maintain Effective Communication: Maintaining and sustaining communication will be a priority in strengthening TACES. By keeping lines of communication vibrant and ongoing, we empower our members to share insights, celebrate successes, and collectively address challenges. In doing so, we not only reinforce the fabric of our organization but also inspire innovation and unity throughout our professional community.

I am excited for what we can do together through TACES. I encourage members to connect, share their
ideas, and stay tuned for upcoming updates. Let us collaborate and innovate to strengthen our
community and enhance counselor development.

Open Leadership Positions

Secretary

Committee Members

President-Elect: Heather Kiernan

President-Elect-Elect: Dr. Marisa White

Treasurer: Dr. Kristel Headley

TCA Journal Editors| Dr. Patrick Murphy and Dr. Lisa Davies

Graduate Student Poster Committee | Dr. Natae Feenstra

Awards Committee: Daniel Latham

Social Media Chair: Dr. Tabitha Cude

 Past Presidents of TACES

2024 – 2025 | Dr. ZeVida A. Jones

2023 – 2024 | Dr. Patrick Murphy

2022 – 2023 | Dr. Claire Dempsey

2021 – 2022 | Dr. Laura Smith

2020 – 2021 | Dr. Tiffany Wilson

2019 – 2020 | Dr. Jay Tift

2018 – 2019 | Dr. Steve Zanskas

2017 – 2018 | Dr. Gina Frienden

2015 – 2016 | Dr. Stephanie Gotay

2014 – 2015 | Dr. Rebekah Byrd

2013 – 2014 | Dr. Christina Mick

2012 – 2013 | Dr. Michelle Stevens

2011 – 2012 | Dr. Carolyn Brewer

2010 – 2011 | Dr. Jeffrey Freiden

2009 – 2010 | Dr. LuAnnette Butler

2008 – 2009 | Dr. Teah Moore

2007 – 2008 | Dr. Kristi Gibbs

2006 – 2007 | Dr. Jeannine Studer

2005 – 2006 | Dr. Jan Turner

2003 – 2005 | Dr. Robin Lee

2000 – 2003 | Dr. Jennifer Adams

1998 – 2000 | Dr. Gina Frieden

1997 – 1998 | Dr. Nancy Nishimura

1996 – 1997 | Dr. Ellen Slicker

1995 – 1996 | Dr. Bill Poppin 

1993 – 1994 | Dr. Ginny Dansby

Other Past-Presidents:
Dr. Keith Carlson, Dr. Marla Peterson, Dr. Chuck Thompson, Dr. Larry DeRidder

Past Secretaries

2023 – 2024 | Dr. Claire Dempsey

2021 – 2022 | Dr. Stacie Guthrie

2016 – 2020 | Dr. Claire Dempsey

2014 – 2015 | Dr. Megan Hersher

2013 – 2014 | Dr. Sandy Terneus

2011 – 2012 | Dr. Eva Gibson

2009 – 2011 | Dr. Shawn Spurgeon

2007 – 2009 | Dr. Melinda Gibbons

2006 – 2007 | Dr. Joel Diambra

2005 – 2006 | Dr. Kristi Gibbs

2004 – 2005 | Dr. Brenda Rambo