Welcome To ALCA CHapter 5!

Formerly The Alabama Association for Counseling and Development, a branch of the American Counseling Association, The Alabama Counseling Association is an educational, scientific, and professional organization whose members are dedicated to the enhancement of human development throughout the life span. Association members recognize diversity in our society and embrace a cross-cultural approach in support of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of each individual.
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2018 Counseling Conference
Connect with others and get great advice!

Officers

President - David Marks

David works as the K-12 School Counselor at Valley Head High school in Dekalb County.  David is in his third year as the school counselor, and his 13th year of education.  Before becoming a School Counselor, David was a 6th grade teacher.
David earned his Bachelor,s Degree from Jacksonville State University and his Master's Degree from the University of West Alabama.
David currently resides in Rainsville, Alabama with his wife Sheena.  Along with working with ALCA V and being a School Counselor, he owns a rustic wood working business called Ole Tyme Kreations, a webdesign and social marketing business, and oversees the live service video and audio ministries at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church.

President-Elect - dr. Shalonda Gaddis

20 Years in Education (Teacher & Counselor)
Professional Degrees from: Talladega College (BA), 
Jacksonville State University (MS), 
Educational Leadership Doctorate -Samford University
Licensed Professional Counselor
Wife & Mother
Trusted Friend
Sunday School Teacher
Daily interactions with students, teachers, parents,
administrators, and other stakeholders throughout the community. 
​THINK! IS IT TRUE,  HELPFUL, IMPORTANT, NECESSARY, KIND?
TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED

WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPAL THING; THEREFORE GET WISDOM: 
AND WITH ALL THY GETTING GET UNDERSTANDING    -PROVERBS 4:7

Treasurer - Dr. Jerry Kiser

​Dr. Jerry D. Kiser is Professor of Counseling at Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama. Jerry attended Thomas Nelson Community College, Christopher Newport College, Old Dominion University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and completed his Doctorate in Counseling at the College of William and Mary. After working in private practice providing individual, marriage, and family counseling, Jerry joined the Commonwealth’s Attorneys Office providing counseling services to individuals who became involved with the criminal justice system as a result of domestic violence, child sexual abuse, and/or rape. Over the last twenty plus years, Dr. Kiser has dedicated his life to the training of professional counselors. Blessed by God to have experienced the Goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Living!

CEU Coordinator - Mindi Amberson
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Mindi Amberson is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is almost ready to apply for her RPT!  Mindi earned her bachelor's degree in Social Work from Jacksonville State University. She earned her Master's Degree and Ed. S. in Community Agency Counseling from Jacksonville State University. She also maintains her school counselor certification.  While a diverse background in social work and counseling may not seem like a perfect fit for a school counselor position, it has made the transition a beautiful experience for her. She believes in the power of community partnerships, and has used relationships in her county to bring a fresh approach to a comprehensive counseling program to Wellborn Elementary.  Mindi is completing her fifth year as the school counselor at Wellborn Elementary, and has over 12 years of social work and counseling experience. She will begin July 2018 in a new role at Garrett Counseling, transitioning from counselor to Assistant Clinical Director. She is excited to continue to bridge her love for school counseling and clinical mental health counseling.  

She has presented at the Alabama Counselor’s Conference,  National Title I Conference, and JSU’s Social Work Day. Mindi is a member of Alabama Counseling Association Chapter V, Alabama School Counselor’s Association, National School Counselor’s Association, Alabama Educational Association, National Education Association, and our local Children’s Policy Council.  She is also an active member of Anniston-Calhoun Junior League. Mindi was awarded the Alabama School Counselor of the Year Award for 2017, as well as Teacher Hall of Fame for JSU 2016-2017 school year.

Mindi is married to Justin Amberson and they have four children. Self care is always a must for counselors and she enjoys this time by being a bookworm, a google nerd, and finding anyway to enjoy nature. ​