MEET THE CANDIDATES


The WVSCA is pleased to announce our slate of candidates for our 2026 election! Voting is open to members only and is conducted electronically via Election Runner. If you are an active member of the WVSCA, please check your email for voting information and instructions.

Voting is open March 2, 2026 through March 14, 2026 at 11:59pm.

If you have questions about the election, please contact Annette Culberson at annette@wvschoolcounselor.org.


MELONIE DOLIN

School Counselor | Putnam County Schools

I have been a proud member of WVSCA since November 28, 2022, and I am honored to seek a position on the Board of Directors. As a high school counselor with over five years of experience, I have the privilege of working daily with students, families, and staff, which gives me a clear and current understanding of the challenges and needs within our public schools.

Being “in the schools” every day allows me to bring firsthand knowledge of the supports counselors need to best serve their students. I firmly believe in the mission of WVSCA and the vital role it plays in advocating for and supporting school counselors across West Virginia. Through professional development, networking, and resources, WVSCA strengthens our ability to make meaningful impacts in our schools and communities.

Serving on the Board would allow me to give back to an organization that has already provided me with valuable support and connection. I am passionate about continuing to build strong, collaborative networks among counselors and ensuring our voices are represented in state-level conversations about student success and well-being.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES

      • Empathy and Connection. As a school counselor, empathy guides every interaction I have—with students, families, and colleagues. I believe strong leadership begins with understanding others’ perspectives and creating a space where people feel heard and valued. This quality allows me to build meaningful relationships and foster collaboration within my school community. My ability to connect with others helps me identify needs early, offer appropriate support, and motivate positive change. Empathy also strengthens my advocacy for both students and fellow counselors, ensuring decisions are guided by compassion and awareness of the human experience behind every challenge.
      • Collaboration and Advocacy. I believe effective leadership means bringing people together to achieve common goals. Collaboration is at the heart of my work as a counselor and professional advocate. I strive to create partnerships with teachers, administrators, and community organizations to develop solutions that truly benefit students. My advocacy extends beyond individual needs to promoting systemic changes that support the counseling profession. I listen, communicate clearly, and seek consensus while remaining focused on achieving positive outcomes. This balance of teamwork and advocacy allows me to lead with both integrity and purpose, advancing initiatives that strengthen schools and support student success.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

      • Marshall University MA special education/autism 2. Marshall University MA Counselin
      • LPC license
      • Mentoring certification
      • Accounting degree

WVSCA Participation

  • I have attended the WVSCA conferences as a partcipant the last 3 years.

Other Board Experience

  • I was an active member of the leadership team for 4 years. I I have attended most mental health conferences held in WV.



ANGEL ELSWICK

School Counselor | Mercer County Schools/ Timberwood Elementary

I wish to serve on the WVSCA Board of Directors because I am deeply committed to advancing the school counseling profession in West Virginia and supporting the students, families, and educators we serve. As a practicing school counselor, I see firsthand the impact our work has on student well-being, academic success, and school climate. I want to use my experience to help shape policies, initiatives, and professional development opportunities that strengthen our statewide community of counselors.

Serving on the Board would allow me to collaborate with other passionate professionals to advocate for equitable access to services, elevate the visibility of our role, and ensure that counselors have the resources and support needed to meet the growing needs of students. I am especially interested in promoting best practices, expanding professional learning, and strengthening connections among counselors across districts and grade levels.

I believe in the mission of WVSCA and want to contribute my time, creativity, and dedication to further its goals. By serving on the Board, I hope to help move our profession forward and amplify the voices of counselors working in schools every day.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES

  • One of my strongest leadership attributes is my ability to build collaboration among students, staff, and families. I believe meaningful progress happens when people feel heard and valued, so I work intentionally to create open communication, shared decision-making, and a positive team atmosphere. By encouraging diverse perspectives and fostering trust, I help groups move toward solutions that support our school community. Collaboration not only strengthens relationships it also ensures that our work reflects the needs of those we serve.
  • Another key strength is my adaptability and advocacy. I am able to remain flexible, calm, and solution-oriented during times of change or challenge. I approach each situation by identifying practical next steps and guiding others toward steady progress. A major part of this work includes advocating for school counselors and the services we provide, ensuring that students receive comprehensive support and that counseling programs are understood, valued, and utilized effectively. By staying grounded, proactive, and vocal about the needs of our profession, I help create a stable and supportive environment for both students and staff.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

      • Mountain State University B.S. in Organizational Leadership
      • Mountain State University M.S. in Strategic Leadership. Liberty University Masters of Education in School Counseling

      • Certified In: Child Abuse and Neglect, Youth Mental Health Concentration on Substance abuse, Assessment of Child Abuse: Medical Perspectives and Clinical and Forensic Perspectives, Strategies for Families at risk for Physical Abuse, Eating Disorders and Self Harm.

WVSCA Participation

      • 2025 Participated in the Day on the Hill at the WV Legislature
      • 2025 WVSCA By Laws Committee

Other Board Experience

      • 2025-President of the LSIC Committee
      • 2020-2025 - Leadership Team
      • 2020-2025 -Wellness Committee
      • 2023-2025 - Professional Development Committee



ANITA GILLESPIE

School Counselor | Kanawha County Schools

I would like to serve on the Board of Directors because I feel very strongly about advocating not only for our students, but for ourselves, and the counseling profession as a whole. Counseling, in general, is a fast growing field, and I would like to play a part in the developing of ideas and best practices in order to make our students shine. I believe in the power of building connections, having compassion on, and collaborating with my students to make a positive and lasting change. I strongly believe that mental health is equally as important as physical health, and will work as hard as I can to help our passion be heard and felt by others. By working alongside colleagues that are just as passionate as I am, I feel I can help other school counselors rise to their potential. I believe that we, as school counselors, are one of the most important and influential professionals within the school environment. I would love to be on a board that works diligently to uphold that importance and esteem. I would like to join as an advocate for positive change for our students and communities alike.

oices are represented in state-level conversations about student success and well-being.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES

  • One leadership attribute I have that is very important is empathy. I have a heart for connecting with people and validating their emotions. I quickly build trust with my students just by listening and seeing things from their perspective. I help them feel "heard". My ability to understand and respond to others' needs is, in my opinion, a great quality of leadership.
  • Another leadership attribute I have is resilience. As a school counselor, one faces difficult and often dire situations. I have the ability to work through those challenging times without getting discouraged or giving up. I tend, to a fault sometimes, to keep fighting or working until I find a way to help in a situation. When I come up short or don't get the outcome I intended, I learn a lesson and take those lessons with me to reference in the future.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

      • West Virginia State University - Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education
      • Marshall University - Master of Arts in Counseling with an emphasis on School Counseling

      • Permanent West Virginia Teaching License

      • West Virginia School Counseling License

WVSCA Participation

      • West Virginia School Counselor Association Conference in 2023

Other Board Experience

      • Faculty Senate President - Andrews Heights Elementary School
      • Leadership Committee - Andrews Heights Elementary School



LAUREN HENSLEY

School Counselor | Wayne County Schools - Buffalo Middle

The past three years serving on the WVSCA Board of Directors has been such an amazing experience, and I would love to continue serving on the board because I am deeply committed to advancing the profession of school counseling across West Virginia and ensuring that every counselor is equipped to support the academic, social, and emotional success of all students. As a current board member and practicing middle school counselor, I have witnessed firsthand the power of collaboration, advocacy, and professional development in strengthening our statewide counseling community.

Remaining on the board will allow me to continue contributing to initiatives that elevate counselor voice, promote equity, and align our practices with both state standards and student needs. I value the opportunity to represent and support counselors in the field—especially those working in middle schools—by sharing practical perspectives, innovative ideas, and a student-centered approach.

My goal is to help WVSCA continue to lead with integrity, inclusion, and purpose. By working together, we can ensure that every counselor in West Virginia feels supported, connected, and empowered to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their students.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES

  • Collaborative Leadership: I believe effective leadership begins with collaboration. As a school counselor and board member, I prioritize creating environments where every voice is valued and collective ideas lead to meaningful action. I work to build trust and partnerships among counselors, administrators, and community members to achieve shared goals. Collaboration allows me to bridge perspectives, encourage professional growth, and strengthen our statewide network. By listening actively and fostering open communication, I help ensure that decisions made at the board level reflect the real needs and experiences of counselors working directly with students every day.
  • Vision-Driven Advocacy: Advocacy defines my leadership philosophy. I lead with a clear vision for equitable, student-centered counseling programs that empower all learners to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. I use my voice to promote ethical, data-informed practices and to elevate the role of school counselors in shaping supportive educational environments. Whether at the local or state level, I strive to align policies and initiatives with the needs of students and counselors alike. My leadership focuses on turning vision into action—ensuring that every effort contributes to stronger programs, professional recognition, and positive student outcomes across West Virginia.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

      • Cedarville University, B.A. Integrated Language Arts Education (Grades 7-12)
      • Marshall University, MA School Counseling with Violence, Loss, & Trauma Certificate
      • 21-22 WVSCA Middle School Counselor of the Year
      • 23-24 WVSCA Middle School Counselor of the Year
      • M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction: Adolescent Literacy from Concordia University
      • ASCA U Specialist Training: School Counseling Association Leadership Specialist
      • ASCA U Specialist Training: Closing the Achievement Gap Specialist
      • ASCA U Specialist Training: Cultural Competency Specialist
      • ASCA U Specialist Training: Legal & Ethical Specialist
      • ASCA U Specialist Training: Career Development Specialist
      • ASCA U Specialist Training: Students with Special Needs Specialist
      • ASCA U Specialist Training: Bullying Prevention Specialist
      • ASCA U Specialist Training: Grief and Loss Specialist
      • ASCA U Specialist Training: Mental Health Specialist
      • ASCA U Specialist Training: Trauma & Crisis Management Specialist
      • ASCA U Specialist Training: Anxiety & Stress Management Specialist

WVSCA Participation

      • Current WVSCA Board of Directors Member (2023-present) & Chair of Government Relations Committee

      • Presented at WVSCA Conference 2025 - Day on the Hill

      • Presented at WVDE SAIL Conference 2025 - Panel Discussion with WV School Counselors

Other Board Experience

      • Current SCUTA Ambassador
      • Current Member of MU Counseling Advisory Board
      • Current member of the SREB Crisis Recovery Network for West Virginia
      • Member of ASCA Rural School Counselors Affinity Group



KIMBERLY RICHMOND

School Counselor | Oak Hill Middle School

I am seeking to serve on the WVSCA Board of Directors to advocate for both our profession and the students we serve across West Virginia. My experience on my school's leadership and PBIS teams has shown me the power of collaborative decision-making, while presenting at conferences on using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) with students and staff has deepened my commitment to sharing evidence-based practices across our professional community. These experiences and seven years at Oak Hill Middle School have prepared me to contribute meaningfully to board discussions and initiatives.

I am particularly driven by two interconnected goals: supporting fellow counselors across West Virginia and ensuring our students receive the support they deserve. The recent increase in middle school counselor-to-student ratios represents a significant setback for our students' well-being and academic success. We must continue advocating for ratios that allow counselors to provide effective, individualized support. Our students—especially in middle school during such critical developmental years—cannot afford to have their access to counseling services diminished.

I believe board service offers the opportunity to amplify counselor voices in policy conversations and to strengthen our collective advocacy for both our profession and the students and families who depend on us.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES

  • Thinking without a box. Over the years, it seems as though most people let themselves get hemmed into a particular way of thinking that keeps them from seeing many perspectives; however, I am not one of those people. I constantly search for different ways of doing things, which makes me somewhat quirky: I am never "boxed in" by a particular viewpoint. I continuously seek new channels and pathways to better myself and, hopefully, others along the way. This way, we are never frozen on a singular path but open to trying new things in our lives.
  • Convictions without a box. While thinking outside the box is a formidable leadership attribute, it means nothing if you don't do anything with those thoughts. I act on my thoughts as convictions and advocate for activities or whatever is on the path to get done, done. I am a go-getter, but I do not trample on people to get what I want done. I do my best to convince people that I am correct or that the way or what I want done is correct. I was told when I was young that I would argue, "Red was white."

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

      • WV Institute of TechnologyNB, BS Business Mgmt
      • Marshall University, BA Counseling
      • NBCC, NCE
      • Multiple Webinars and Certificates from them

WVSCA Participation

      • N/A

Other Board Experience

      • N/A



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