Cynthia Boyle

Cynthia R. Boyle, PhD, LMHC, ACS, LCPC, LPC, NCC

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

I am a multi-licensed clinical mental health counselor with over 16 years of direct practice experience through Boyle Counseling & Consulting LLC in Waterloo, Iowa, providing individual, couples, group, and family counseling across a wide range of presenting concerns. I recently completed my PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Montana, where I served as instructor of record, clinical supervisor, and doctoral teaching assistant. My scholarly work focuses on ableism in counselor education, the experiences of counselors-in-training with disabilities, and accessible practice — reflecting my commitment to an equitable, inclusive profession. I have presented at ACA, ACES, AMHCA, NCACES, RMACES, and other national and regional conferences. I am also a nationally Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS-6197).

ASSOCIATION EXPERIENCE

My association leadership spans state and national levels over two decades. I served as President-Elect, President, and Past President of IMHCA (2008–2011) and as a board member from 2005–2011, giving me direct experience with governance structures and member advocacy that mirrors regional director work. I recently reactivated the Montana AMHCA chapter and served as President of PCA Montana (2023–2026). I continue to serve on the AMHCA Accessibility Taskforce and AMHCA National Conference Planning Committee (both 2024–present), and as IMHCA Member at Large (2025–present). I am an active member of ACES, NCACES, and co-chair the RMACES Accessibility Committee. As a founding member and president of Chi Sigma Iota chapters at both the master's and doctoral levels, I understand how to build and sustain professional community across all levels of the profession.

GOALS

As Midwest Regional Director, my vision centers on three priorities aligned with AMHCA's strategic direction.

  • First, I will strengthen communication between Midwest state chapters and the national board, drawing on nearly two decades of association relationships to support regular outreach, listening sessions, and responsive advocacy.
  • Second, I will develop emerging leaders by creating mentorship pathways and spotlighting chapter-level work through AMHCA platforms, including contributions to the Advocate.
  • Third, I will bring expertise in accessibility and equity to board-level conversations, ensuring AMHCA's policies, conferences, and resources reflect the diverse membership we serve. I am fully committed to monthly board meetings, annual conferences, and representing Midwest counselors with both their lived realities and the profession's future in mind.

CANDIDATE VIDEO

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AWARDS AND HONORS

Nominated, RMACES Outstanding Graduate Student Leadership Award (2024); Awarded Bertha Morton Scholarship, University of Montana (2024); Nominated, ACA Robert H. Rencken Emerging Professional Leader Award (2024); Awarded CSI Chapter Development Grant (2023)

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Mental Health Trainer, First Congregational Church (2025–present); AMHCA Accessibility Taskforce (2024–present); UM LGBT+ Ally (2022–2025); PETPALS therapeutic animal visitation program (2008–2011); Frontline peer support program, UNI (2003–2005)



PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

20+ peer-reviewed conference presentations at ACA, ACES, AMHCA, NCACES, RMACES, and others; dissertation published via ProQuest (2025); manuscript in preparation on accessible conference planning in counselor education; newsletter publication, IMHCA (2007)