Anna Flores Locke

CANDIDATE STATEMENT:

My leadership journey began as the first elected graduate student representative on the ACA Governing Council under Dr. Cirecie A. West-Olatunji's leadership, and I aspired to be in her seat one day. When the North Atlantic Region of ACA nominated me for this role, I initially hesitated; I didn't think that day was now. However, after thoughtful consideration, with faith, and external motivation from my mentors, I accepted this opportunity to shape our profession through ethical leadership. I am dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in our profession. Our practices must inspire trust and confidence.

I am committed to the three W's—Women, Wage  and Writing: 

• Promoting Women's Mental Health and Reproductive Rights: I will advocate tirelessly for policies that support women’s mental health and reproductive rights, recognizing these as fundamental to overall well-being. 
• Wages in the Counseling Profession: Addressing wage disparities is crucial. I will work to ensure fair compensation that reflects our dedication and expertise, advocating for better pay and conditions for all counselors. 
• Writing as Advocacy: Writing is a powerful medium for change. I will encourage and support our community in using their voices to advocate for the issues that matter most, shaping public opinion and influencing policy.   

My greatest asset in this role is my deep connection to the social justice needs of our profession and communities of color. As a Latina counselor educator, twin mom, small business owner, and professor, I share the experiences of our diverse community. Now is the time for leadership that truly represents who we are today and what we aspire to be in a globally connected society.

Together, we can lead with integrity, advocate for essential rights, and elevate our profession.  Thank you 

What inspired you to pursue leadership within the ACA, and why do you believe you are the right person for this role at this time?

When I was first elected as the graduate student representative on the ACA governing council under the presidency of Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji, I had the privilege of speaking and being heard—a moment that forever inspired and empowered me. That early experience as a doctoral student set the stage for my ongoing commitment to leadership in our beloved profession.

Leadership within ACA is not just about guiding an organization; it’s about promoting the mental health and well-being of all communities, especially those who are marginalized. As a Latina counselor educator and supervisor, private practice owner, and twin mom, addressing marginalization and oppression is more than my professional duty—it is my life’s mission. My nearly 20 years as a community mental health provider in both urban and suburban contexts have given me a real-world understanding of the needs and barriers faced by community’s seeking liberation.

Teaching at a public university in the Bronx and raising sixth graders keeps me connected to the developmental needs of children and adults in today’s complex political and global landscape. This perspective is crucial as we navigate the challenges our profession and society face.

If elected as president, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in our profession, ensuring that our practices inspire trust and confidence. My greatest asset in this role is my deep connection to the social justice needs of our profession and communities of color. As a Latina counselor educator, twin mom, small business owner, and professor, I understand and share the experiences of our diverse community.

Now, more than ever, we need leadership that truly represents who we are today and what we hope to become as our society becomes increasingly interconnected on a global scale. Together, we will lead with integrity, advocate for essential rights, and elevate our profession to new heights.

The new ACA governance structure is designed to allow Division and Region representatives to engage in the “Big Issues” of the counseling profession, and to lean on their expertise to help advance ACA. How would you hope to support the Divisions and Regions to serve our members?

As you consider your vote for the next president of our organization, I want to share with you the vision and commitment I bring to this role—focused on three critical areas: writing, wages, and women’s rights.

Writing for Change: Writing is a powerful medium for transformation, and we, as counselors, must use our voices to confront oppression and advocate for justice. In my recent publications, including an award-winning textbook, I intentionally shared authorship with mentees and graduate students. This wasn’t just about sharing credit—it was about empowering the next generation of counselors, giving them a platform to tell their stories, and building their confidence as advocates. Under my leadership, I will foster a culture where our collective writing drives change, influences policy, and amplifies the voices of those we serve.

Fighting for Fair Wages: It’s time we address the exploitation within our profession. Expecting graduate students to work for free or minimal pay is unacceptable, and it must end. I am committed to initiating actionable steps to ensure fair compensation at every level of our profession. Additionally, the fact that only half of our graduates obtain licensure is a crisis. Without licensure, their ability to practice and earn a living wage is severely limited. I will work tirelessly to remove barriers to licensure, ensuring our graduates can fully contribute to the profession and receive the compensation they deserve.

Championing Women’s Rights: As a Latina woman facing infertility, I know firsthand how deeply personal the issue of reproductive rights is. In a profession predominantly composed of women, advocating for women’s rights isn’t just important—it’s essential. I will lead our organization in taking strong, clear stances to protect and advance women’s rights, both within our profession and in the broader societal context.

Currently, as the North Atlantic Region Representative of AMCD, I have successfully advanced the needs of our region through collaboration and a commitment to equity. My approach is inclusive and collaborative, recognizing that real progress is made when we work together. I cannot achieve these goals alone—I need your support to bring this vision to life.    Dr. Cirecie A. West-Olatunji, a leader I deeply admire, often reminded us to think with a “20,000 feet perspective”—to think big, dream, and see the big picture. That is the mindset I bring to this role. I am ready to lead ACA toward a future that is equitable, just and reflective of the diverse voices within our profession.

I ask for your vote, not just for me, but for the future we can create together. (Generated with support from ChatGPT, 2024). 

EDUCATION:

• PhD, Counselor Education, Montclair State University 
• MA, Counseling Psychology, Northwestern University
• BA, Psychology, University of Chicago 

CERTIFICATION(s) and or LICENSES: 

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (New York), 2021 Certified Telehealth Provider, Approved Clinical Supervisor, Licensed Professional Counselor (New Jersey and Puerto Rico), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor 

CURRENT POSITION:

Latina Counselor, Educator, and Author

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Doctoral Lecturer (Counselor Education – Lehman College),Associate Professor (Alliance Grad School of Counseling Online – Nyack College), CACREP Liaison (Alliance Graduate School of Counseling – Nyack College),  Director of Field Placement and Clinical Internship (Nyack College), Doctoral Fellow (Counseling and Educational Leadership – Montclair State University), Supervisor (Circle of Care for Children and Families), Program Manager (Beacon Therapeutic Center), Counselor/Owner (Charlandra Counseling Services), Clinician (Youth Consultation Services; Association House of Chicago), Therapist (M&S Psychotherapy, Bridge Youth and Family Service)

ASSOCIATION EXPERIENCE:

American Society of Reproductive Medicine (Completed the Mental Health Professional Group (MHPG) Certificate Course, Parts 1 and 2), Resolve: The National Infertility Organization, Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA), New York League of Puerto Rican Women

ACA/DIVISION/BRANCH MEMBERSHIP:

Counselors for Social Justice (Elder Council Member 2020 – Present, Past President 2019 –2020, President 2018 -2019, Elected board member - student and community representative 2014 – 2016, Inaugural leadership fellow 2016 -2017, ACA conference coordination committee chair 2015 – 2018, Advocacy committee chair 2016- 2018), Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (Elected first voting graduate student rep on ACA governing board, Mentor in ACA mentorship program), Association for Counselor Educators and Supervisors (Editorial fellow for Association’s Journal, Webinar Subcommittee for Diversity and Inclusion Interest Network), NARACES

AWARDS and HONORS:

Textbook and Academic Authoring (February 2022 Most Promising Textbook Award Recipient), Professional Women’s Network (August 2021 International Literary Award Recipient), Negocios Now (40 under 40 Awardee), New York League of Puerto Rican Women (2019 Education Honor Awardee), Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (2016 Emerging Graduate Student Awardee), New Jersey State Association of Twins’ Mothers Club (Awarded educational scholarship ($1200)), North Atlantic Regional Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (2014 Emerging Leader Awardee ($200)), Montclair State University (CEHS Student Research Award ($300 - 2 time awardee); Carla M. Narrett Graduate Research Award; Doctoral Fellowship ($15,000 stipend awarded for three years)) 

PUBLICATIONS: 

• Butler, S.K. & Shillingford, A. (2024, in progress). Intersectional Counseling Skills: The Journey to Becoming a Culturally Inclusive Counselor.
• Cognella (featured contributor with Lehman student authors). Nicholson, M.T. (2022). Mental Health Champions: Why & How Dr Anna Flores Locke Of Charlandra Counseling Services Is Helping To Champion Mental Wellness. (featured contributor). Young, N. (2022).
• Infertility Among Latinas: 7 Resources to Help You Cope. (featured contributor), Marie, S. (2022).
• What’s the Infertility Journey Like for Non-Carrying Partners? (featured contributor) 

PRESENTATIONS: 

Flores Locke, A. (2023). Using ACT with Infertility Counselors. ASRM Annual Convention. New Orleans. Flores Locke, A. (2023). How Counselor Educators are Intentionally Decolonizing Research. Invited Expert. Counselors for Social Justice. Virtual Event with more than 30 participants. Flores Locke, A. (2023). Business and Mental Health. Invited Mental Health Expert. Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. Metaverse provided. Virtual Event with more than 30 participants. Flores Locke, A. (2023). Building a Mental Health Tool Kit. Invited Mental Health Expert. IBM. Virtual Event with more than 300 participants. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

Woodcliff Lake Board of Health Appointed Member (2022–2023), Parkside Community Church (2022–Present; Elder, Anti-racism committee)