Elections

Want to run for GSCA office and join in decision making to continue the growth and prosperity of your state organization? Contact Brian Law, Past President/Nominations and Elections Chair for more information at blaw@gocats.org or call 229-549-7965.

Please click here to view the criteria for nomination.

Please click here for the nomination form.

Please click here for the aspiring president "consent to serve" form.

Please click here to access the aspiring president-elect candidates' questionnaire.

Congratulations to the following 2010-11 GSCA Executive Committee and Governing Board Members:

Executive Committee
President Demetria Williams
President-Elect Gail Smith
Past President Sonya Wright
1st Vice President Patricia M Merritt
2nd Vice President Dr. Tina Daniel-Reasey
Secretary Leslie Hamilton
Treasurer Bill Culbreth
Parliamentarian TBA upon EC approval (appointed by President)

Governing Board
Elementary Level Worksetting VP Laurie Montgomery
Middle Level Worksetting VP Dr. Cindy Murphy
Secondary Level Worksetting VP Dr. Myrel Seigler
Region Chairs will be elected by the 12 various regions TBA

Please read below for an introduction to each board member.
 

President-Elect

	Gail Smith Currently Serving as Government Liaison
Length of GSCA Membership	10 + years
Length of ASCA Membership	7 years
Current/Previous Positions in GSCA	Government Relations Chair for 5+ years Member-at-Large on Executive Committee
Other Professional Memberships	Cobb School Counselors Association (CSCA) American School Counselor Association Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development GAE NEA Georgia Association of Counselors Educators and Supervisors
Leadership Roles in Other Professional Organizations	CSCA Vice-President Cobb County School District Crisis Response Team Data Elements Committee--Georgia Department of Education Education Partners Committee--Georgia Department of Education Presented at district and state conferences Community Advisory Committee for the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services at Georgia State University
Professional Honors, Awards and Recognitions	Cobb County High School Counselor of the Year LPC NBCC NCSC
Position Statement	As an active member of GSCA, CSCA, ASCA and supervisor of School Counseling in my district, I am knowledgeable of the issues impacting school counseling and the students of Georgia. I have worked as the Government Relations Chair/Co-Chair for the last six years to advocate for our profession to bring about the much needed transformation to a statewide comprehensive school counseling program. I have developed relationships with decision-makers and work to assist them and other stakeholders with understanding the role of the professional school counselor in impacting student performance. As a district supervisor, I am implementing a comprehensive school counseling program which maximizes the impact school counselors have on school improvement, graduation rates, and overall school climate. I see Georgia School Counselors Association as a vehicle for this transformation to occur statewide, and I have the vision and voice to effectively lead our state in this direction.
Interview Questions	1. As president of GSCA what are two goals that you would like to accomplish in your leadership?  I want to increase member involvement through improved communication via region chairs who can serve as conduits for more efficient/effective two-way communication between the members and executive committee. The needs of students and school counselors vary across the state, and the voices of all school counselors should be heard. I want to help school counselors to advocate for themselves and our profession. Decisions are made at the state and national levels that impact our jobs, and I want to strengthen our self-advocacy by having Government Relations along with the Executive committee to develop, implement and monitor a legislative agenda.  2. What experiences in GSCA, your profession, or other areas will enhance your ability to serve as an effective president of GSCA? I will be an effective president for GSCA because of my experience as a school counselor, supervisor, leadership with GSCA Government Relations, GSCA Executive Committee, involvement with ASCA, involvement with Georgia Association of Educators, and my willingness to take risks to support and protect the role of the school counselor.  3. With over 1300 members of GSCA and you running for the office of president of this organization, why you? I have worked with school counselors, educators, and leaders across the state. This networking experience has allowed me to meet key decision makers who respect my input as a school counselor leader. My knowledge in this area can help me to empower Georgia school counselors and to promote our profession.

First Vice President

Patricia M. Merritt

As a counseling professional, I bring over 30 years experience at both the elementary and middle school level. I recognize first-hand the importance of building positive self-esteem in students and emphasizing the goal-setting and decision-making skills needed to set educational, occupational and personal goals. These same skills are critical to the success of any individual assuming a leadership role. In other words it applies to me because “I practice what I preach.” Over the years, I have committed my time and energy to reach out to new counselors entering the profession; mentoring, encouraging and introducing them to GSCA so that they will realize early in their careers, the importance of affiliating with the organization, and the benefits of the strong support network. My position on the GSCA leadership team and executive committee along with my guidance and counseling experiences have prepared me to represent you as your next First Vice President.

Second Vice President

Dr. Tina Daniel-Reasey

“Thank you for not giving up on me” the hand crafted card made by a senior is one of me most treasured possessions. I value the words, the sentiment and knowing I made a difference in a young man’s life. This is why I am a school counselor and why I wish to represent other school counselors in the GSCA organization. We all want to make a difference in the young lives we influence, advise and inspire. Using data, following the ASCA model, collaborating, and consulting are all a part of a well-rounded ethical comprehensive counseling program that allows me to touch a child’s life and make a difference. As the Second Vice President, my desire would be to inspire other school counselors through innovative ideas, plans, and programs. I would like to be a voice and a listening ear for all of the many wonderful counselors across our state.

Secretary

Leslie Hamilton

Having served in a variety of leadership positions on a school and county level I am now looking for an opportunity to serve in a broader role. The continued growth and strength of GSCA, and in turn our profession, is dependent upon the willingness of members to serve as leaders. By working together as a united group we can continue to educate administrators, local school boards, and legislators regarding the role of counselors in student achievement. Serving as secretary of GSCA would give me the opportunity to support the organization and would provide an avenue to influence other s to support the work of school counselors.

I am organized, responsible, and committed to carrying out tasks that are assigned to me. My experience serving on many school and county level committees and as Region II chair have prepared me for this leadership role.

Treasurer

Bill Culbreth

The position of Treasurer of GSCA is vital to the successful operation of the organization and impacts all aspects of GSCA. Having previously served in numerous positions in GSCA, including Treasurer and President, I believe I can successfully serve as Treasurer. I pledge to follow the by-laws for this office and provide the appropriate leadership in this position.

Elementary Worksetting Vice President

Laurie Montgomery

I decided to become a school counselor when one of my children was having some anxiety in school and his school counselor was able to help him. This experience led me to get my Masters in School Counseling, focusing on the elementary setting, where I have been for eight years. Every day is a creative challenge and exciting as well as rewarding. This is a profession in which I learn constantly how much I depend on the experience and support of others, like the counselors in GSCA.

My goals as the Elementary Worksetting VP are to support this wonderful profession with many fine programs like we have had in the past. I have gotten so much from the mentoring of counselors in current leadership positions and I would like to assist in bringing as much training and inspiration to all counselors in Georgia.

Middle Worksetting Vice President

Dr. Cindy Murphy

Over the past several years, I have been honored to serve GSCA in several leadership roles. This service has afforded me the opportunity to make many new friends and grow as a professional school counselor. I have met many wonderful counselors in GSCA who are working diligently to meet the needs of students across Georgia. I would like to continue my service to GSCA as Middle Worksetting Vice President. If elected to this position, I would advocate for all students, especially those in middle grades, and continue to facilitate the professional development of middle school counselors across the state.

Secondary Worksetting Vice President

Dr. Myrel Seigler

I am interested in running for the Secondary Worksetting Vice-President of Georgia School Counselor’s Association because I recognize the need to continually improve the counseling services offered to our high school students. I have 28 years of educational experience; 7 years teaching special education in middle school and at a state Hospital, 4 years as an elementary school and high school assistant principal, 3.5 years as a middle school principal, and 14 years as a counselor at the high school level. I have obtained an Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership and my specialist degree is in School Counseling.

My goals while serving in this capacity would be to address the issues surrounding high school in a manner that best represents the members and philosophy of our organization and that best meets the needs of the students we serve.

Top