2026 Executive Board Nominations
President-Elect
The President-Elect shall serve for one year prior to the year in which they take office as President, one year as President, and one year as Past President for a total of 3 years. The President-Elect supports the current President and prepares to assume the presidency at the end of the current term. This role helps provide leadership continuity by learning organizational operations, participating in planning, and assisting with board initiatives. The President-Elect may lead special projects, chair committees, and act on behalf of the President when needed. The President-Elect attends and participates in quarterly Governing Board meetings. The President-Elect has voting rights at the quarterly Governing Board meetings. The President-Elect, along with the current President, will attend the ACA Midwest Regional quarterly meetings. They shall immediately succeed to the office of the President upon death, resignation, or other incapacity of the current office holder. The President-Elect must be a member of the American Counseling Association and the Michigan Counseling Association. All officers must be residents of the State of Michigan or employed in Michigan.
Nominees:
Lisa Walker, PsyD, LPC
I have been a licensed professional counselor in MI since 2010. My direct service experience is diverse- with the common thread of working with underserved and under-resourced populations. I have worked at the local and national levels to influence policy. My strong connections to legislative officials positions me to lead the MCA and will ensure Counselors have input into the policies that affect us and those that we serve.
Treasurer-Elect
The Treasurer-Elect shall serve for one year prior to the year in which they take office, and two years as Treasurer for a total of 3 years. The Treasurer-Elect works alongside the Treasurer to become familiar with the organization’s financial processes, reporting practices, and budgeting responsibilities. This role assists with financial oversight, reviews budgets and financial statements, and supports efforts to maintain accurate financial records and sound fiscal management. The Treasurer-Elect prepares to transition into the Treasurer role. The Treasurer-Elect may lead special projects, chair committees, and act on behalf of the Treasurer when needed. The Treasurer-Elect attends and participates in quarterly virtual meetings. The Treasurer-Elect has voting rights at the quarterly Governing Board meetings. They shall immediately succeed to the office of the Treasurer upon death, resignation, or other incapacity of the current office holder. The Treasurer-Elect must be a member of the American Counseling Association and the Michigan Counseling Association. All officers must be residents of the State of Michigan or employed in Michigan. All officers elected will have voting power in the Governing Council meetings.
Nominees:
Jennifer Bellinger, LLPC, CAADC-DP
During my time in my master’s level counseling program, I had the opportunity of serving on the Mu Kappa Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota’s Executive Board for 3 years, holding various positions- President, Treasurer, Marketing/Outreach Coordinator, and Addictions-Member-at-Large. These experiences cultivated strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a proven commitment to ethical stewardship and confidentiality—essential qualities for responsibly managing board finances. I excel at building trust, maintaining transparency, and making balanced decisions that prioritize long-term stability. Drawing from my professional experiences of client-centered care, documentation, and resource coordination in a regulated field, along with officer experience, I am dedicated to serving this board with integrity and am enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn from the current MCA Board. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kelley Yell, LLPC (Nov 26' LPC)
Kelley Yell, LLPC, is the owner of Guided Solutions Counseling in Troy, Michigan, where she provides counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. She is a Certified Trauma and Resilience Specialist, Gottman Level 2 trained, and specializes in communication, relationships, ADHD, and neurodivergence. Kelley brings experience in private practice, school counseling, program development, and financial management as a small business owner. Her background in education, counseling, and organizational leadership provides a strong foundation for serving as Treasurer of the Michigan Counseling Association Board.
Secretary-Elect
The Secretary-Elect shall serve for one year prior to the year in which they take office, and one year as Secretary for a total of 2 years. The Secretary-Elect assists the Secretary in maintaining official organizational records and supporting effective board communication. Responsibilities may include helping prepare meeting agendas and minutes, maintaining governance documents, and ensuring compliance with recordkeeping requirements. The Secretary-Elect learns the procedures and responsibilities necessary to transition into the Secretary role. The Secretary-Elect may lead special projects, chair committees, and act on behalf of the Secretary when needed. The Secretary-Elect attends and participates in quarterly virtual meetings. The Secretary-Elect has voting rights at the quarterly Governing Board meetings. They shall immediately succeed to the office of the Secretary upon death, resignation, or other incapacity of the current office holder. The Secretary-Elect must be a member of the American Counseling Association and the Michigan Counseling Association. All officers must be residents of the State of Michigan or employed in Michigan. All officers elected will have voting power in the Governing Council meetings.
Nominees:
Allison Arnekrans, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH
Dr. Allison Arnekrans is a Professor in the Master of Arts in Counseling Program at Central Michigan University, a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and Board Certified Telemental Health Provider. She brings extensive leadership experience within professional counseling organizations, having served in multiple elected positions, including Secretary for the Michigan Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Secretary for the North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and Secretary for the Ohio Association for Counselor Educators and Supervisors. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated strong organizational skills, attention to detail, efficient management of records and communications, and consistent follow-through on professional commitments. Her experience in counselor education, association leadership, and committee service positions her well to serve as Secretary-Elect of the Michigan Counseling Association and support the organization's mission and membership.
Elizabeth Carr, LPC, NCC, ACS
Elizabeth H. Carr, MA, LPC, NCC, ACS, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, and behavioral health leader with over 15 years of experience in clinical care, integrated healthcare, supervision, and counselor development. She currently serves as a Technical Expert with the MCHB TA Innovation Center and provides clinical supervision and consultation to counselors across Michigan. Elizabeth is passionate about advocacy, professional development, and strengthening the counseling profession through leadership, mentorship, and collaboration. She is committed to advancing MCA's mission of supporting counselors and promoting access to quality mental health care throughout Michigan.
Hillary Coolbaugh, PhD, LPC, NCC
Dr. Hillary T. Coolbaugh, PhD, LPC, is a counselor educator, clinical supervisor, and licensed professional counselor based in West Michigan. She recently earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Liberty University and has experience as a clinician, supervisor, researcher, and instructor. Dr. Coolbaugh's professional interests include counselor development, clinical supervision, trauma-informed care, and advocacy for marginalized populations. She is passionate about advancing the counseling profession through leadership, education, ethical practice, and service to both counselors and the communities they serve.
Student Representative (Appointed)
The Student Representative serves as a liaison between the board and the student community, providing perspectives, feedback, and insight on issues affecting students. This role participates in board discussions, contributes to organizational initiatives, and helps communicate information between students and leadership. The Student Representative advocates for student interests while supporting the mission and goals of the organization. The Student Representative attends and participates in quarterly virtual Governing Board meetings. The Student Representative does not have voting rights at the quarterly Governing Board meetings. The Student Representative is a member of the Michigan Counseling Association. All officers must be residents of the State of Michigan or employed in Michigan.