Keynote Speakers
Aja Burks, Ph. D., LMSW
Resilience as Resistance: Reframing Historical Trauma and Collective Survival in Marginalized Communities
Program Abstract
Resilience is often framed as an individual’s ability to “bounce back,” yet this narrative frequently overlooks the historical and systemic forces shaping adversity in marginalized communities. This keynote reframes resilience as collective resistance, a legacy of survival rooted in cultural memory and intergenerational strength. Utilizing Critical Race Theory, liberation psychology, and trauma-informed frameworks, participants will explore how counselors can honor historical trauma while uplifting the collective resilience that has sustained communities for generations.
Program Description
Resilience is one of the most celebrated concepts in mental health, yet it is often narrowly defined as an individual’s ability to overcome hardships. While well-intentioned, this framing can unintentionally obscure that structural conditions such as racism, colonialism, and systemic violence, that shape both trauma and survival in marginalized communities.
This keynote invites counselors to reimagine resilience through a broader, historically grounded lens. Rather than viewing resilience solely as individual coping, we will explore how resilience has long functioned as collective resistance. A set of cultural, relational, and community-based survival strategies developed in response to systemic oppression.
Through reflection and storytelling, attendees will be invited to consider how this reframing can transform counseling practice, counselor identity, and the way we teach resilience to future counselors. Counselors will leave with renewed inspiration and practical strategies for integrating historically grounded, culturally responsive approaches into their clinical work.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to
Critically examine dominant individualistic models of resilience and how they can obscure historical trauma, systemic inequities, and structural oppression.
Reframe resilience as collective resistance
Apply resistance-informed perspectives to counseling practice, identifying strategies that honor cultural memory, community healing, and historically informed trauma work.
Bio
Aja Burks, Ph. D., LMSW, is core faculty at Saybrook University, the owner of Transformative Mind Counseling LLC., and the founder of the Michigan Black Therapy Fund. A fund created to provide free services to the Black community in Michigan. Aja received her Ph. D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Wayne State University and received her master’s degree in clinical social work from Michigan State University. In her private practice, she strives to make the lives better of individuals with anxiety and depression and those who have experienced childhood and racial trauma. Aja has been a featured panelist at numerous conferences and workshops on the topic of mental health and trauma in the African American community, implicit bias, anti-racism, and decolonization in counseling. Aja is the past co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Interest Network (DIIN) in the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES). Aja’s research interests include anti-racism pedagogy and practices in counselor education and supervision, decolonization within counseling, race-based stress and trauma impact on client care, and culturally responsive and inclusive supervision. Aja's passion is purely in teaching, research, and creating a space to discuss race and cultural issues in counseling, on campuses, and beyond.
Janee' Beville, MA, LPC
Showing Up Whole: The Courage and Clinical Power of Therapist Authenticity
Program Abstract
As mental health professionals navigate increasing cultural polarization, systemic strain, and rising burnout rates, the demand for clinical excellence has never been higher. Many therapists were trained to master interventions without fully integrating their identities, lived experiences, and values into their professional presence. The result is often quiet over-functioning, emotional disconnection, and performance-based practice. In this keynote, we will explore authenticity as a core clinical competency, examine the cost of self-silencing in clinical work and consider how authenticity strengthens compassion and connection. This keynote invites counselors to move beyond performance and toward alignment, fostering both clinical effectiveness and sustainable careers.
Program Description
Counselors are often taught to prioritize technique, professionalism, and neutrality, but they may miss the opportunity to explore the power of their authentic presence in the therapy room. In today’s climate of cultural polarization, increasing mental health needs, and rising counselor burnout, the ability to practice with congruence and self-awareness is more critical than ever. Authenticity is a clinical competency that shapes therapeutic alliance, trust, and long-term outcomes.
In this keynote, Janee’ Beville, a counselor and leader practicing in West Michigan, will share insight from her clinical work and leadership experience navigating identity, differences, and professional expectations within complex systems. Participants will explore how authenticity strengthens cultural humility, fosters deeper connection with clients across diverse backgrounds, and sustains counselors in demanding professional environments. Through reflection and practical guidance, attendees will be invited to examine where they may be performing rather than practicing from alignment and how showing up whole can transform both the therapeutic relationship and the counselor’s professional journey.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to
Identify at least three ways therapist self-awareness and congruence influence the therapeutic alliance and outcomes.
Examine the components of the “W.H.O.L.E. Therapist Framework” and how they support authentic therapeutic relationships.
Apply at least one strategy to strengthen authentic presence while maintaining ethical boundaries and cultural humility in therapeutic relationships.
Bio
Janee’ Beville is a Grand Rapids, MI native and proud graduate of Ottawa Hills High School whose work and relationships reflect her personal ministry: helping people become the best version of themselves.
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Licensing Supervisor. Janee’ earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Interpersonal Communication, followed by a Master’s degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from Western Michigan University. With 15 years of experience, she is the founder and CEO of Beville Counseling, a mental health therapy practice where she and a team of 10 diverse therapists serve Michigan residents ages nine and up. The practice is committed to excellent clinical care, culturally responsive services, and the training and support of emerging therapists. Janee’ also provides workshop facilitation, speaking engagements, and consultation on a range of mental health topics.
Beyond her clinical work, Janee’ is deeply engaged in her community. She is an active member of the Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she currently serves as Chair of the Physical and Mental Health Committee. She is a former board member of Our Mental Health Collective, Meaning in Colors, and the Michigan Youth Worker’s Association, and is a 2022 graduate of the Urban Core Collective’s Transformational Leadership Program.
Janee’ believes one of her core purposes is to embody peace, creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Grounded in compassion, validation, and a belief in the power of healing, she is committed to helping others find joy in the journey.
When she is not supporting clients or leading her team, Janee’ enjoys practicing violin as an adult learner, traveling, spending meaningful time with friends and family, and relaxing at home with her dog, Londyn.