Written in collaboration with @Rebekah Harris
The strength of AMHCA comes from the dedicated volunteers who lead our association and help shape its future. Our Board of Directors is made up of clinical mental health counselors from across the country who bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and a shared commitment to serving our members and advancing the profession.
We recently asked each Board member to share a little about themselves and what inspired them to serve. Get to know the leaders behind AMHCA and learn what motivates them to give their time and expertise to the association.
Nicole Kratimenos, Ed.D., LMHC, NCC, QS, C-DBT, BC-TMH
President
Why I Serve
"I wanted to help strengthen our profession while supporting the counselors who do this work every day." Meet Dr. Nicole Kratimenos, LMHC, NCC, CRC, QS, C-DBT, BC-TMH, the newly appointed AMHCA Board President, dedicated to advocating for counselors and helping shape the future of the profession.
About Me
Outside of her leadership role, Nicole brings a unique global perspective to her work. She's Greek and South African, speaks three languages, and credits her multicultural background with shaping the way she connects with others.
Denise Takakjy PhD, LPC-PA, NJ, CT, LPCMH-DE, NCC C-DBT, BSL, PhD, LPC-PA, NJ, CT, LPCMH-DE, NCC, C-DBT, CATP, BSL
President-Elect
Why I Serve
"I wanted to strengthen a profession that's often overlooked despite its impact." Denise serves on the Board because she believes in elevating the voices of clinical mental health counselors and helping shape a future where the profession is fully recognized and supported.
About Me
Outside of her professional work, Denise loves cruising—especially to Alaska. While she enjoys being near the ocean and taking in the views, she jokes that she prefers to admire the water from the ship rather than swim in it!
Courtney Ackerson, LMHC
Past President
Why I Serve
"I'm passionate about making sure the mental health counseling workforce is well supported and thriving." Courtney values AMHCA's dedicated focus on supporting clinical mental health counselors. She believes a strong professional community helps counselors stay connected, supported, and equipped to provide exceptional care.
About Me
Service is also an important part of Courtney's life outside of AMHCA. She volunteers as a board member for her neighborhood association, serving the largest and most diverse neighborhood in Des Moines, Iowa.
Megan Boyd, PhD, LPC
Southern Region Director
Why I Serve
"I joined AMHCA to build a community with clinical mental health counselors across the country." Megan joined AMHCA more than a decade ago to connect with clinical mental health counselors nationwide. Through her continued service on AMHCA's committees and Board of Directors, she proudly advocates for counselors and supports the profession's commitment to providing affirmative, ethical care.
About Me
Outside of her Board service, Megan is also an author. Alongside Dr. Thommi Lawson, she co-authored From Self-Care to Soul-Care: Restorative AF Practices for Clinicians, released in 2022, offering clinicians practical approaches to sustainable well-being.
Seth Wizwer, LCMHC
North Atlantic Region Director
Why I Serve
"I felt there was a greater need for representation for our region." After serving as President of the New Hampshire Mental Health Counselors Association, Seth became involved with AMHCA's Board to help ensure the North Atlantic region had a strong voice at the national level. He has proudly served as Regional Director for the past seven years.
About Me
Outside of his Board service, Seth owns a private practice in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he works with children, adolescents, and adults. In his free time, he enjoys skiing during the winter and spending summers at his lake house in Pennsylvania.
Heather Crowell, LCMHC, MLADC, LCS, LMHC, LCPC, LPC, PMH-C
Treasurer
Why I Serve
"I was excited to meet other Clinical Mental Health Counselors who were passionate about our profession." Early in her career, Heather hadn't yet discovered AMHCA. After connecting with the Association through a group practice, she found a community of clinical mental health counselors who shared her passion for the profession. That experience inspired her to become more involved in advocacy—first through her state association and eventually on AMHCA's Board of Directors. Today, Heather is proud to bring that same passion to her role as Treasurer, helping strengthen the future of clinical mental health counseling.
About Me
Outside of her Board service, Heather owns two horses and enjoys competing in horse shows against other adult riders—a hobby she affectionately calls her "equestrian comeback tour."
Shazia Naurin, Ph.D., LPCC-S, NCC, CCMHC, ACS
Secretary
Why I Serve
"I joined AMHCA to uphold my professional identity as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor." Shazia joined AMHCA to strengthen her identity as a clinical mental health counselor and to stay connected with fellow professionals doing outstanding work across the country. Through her service on the AMHCA Board of Directors, she helps advance the profession and support the counselors who serve their communities every day.
Cindy Boyle
Midwest Region Director
Why I Serve
"Our professional associations are one of the most powerful tools we have to create change." Cindy believes professional associations play a vital role in connecting counselors, advancing the profession, and advocating for better client care. Through her service on the AMHCA Board of Directors, she helps ensure counselors stay informed, engaged, and united in their advocacy. For Cindy, serving on the Board is also a way to give back to a profession that has given her purpose, community, and the privilege of walking alongside people during some of life's most difficult moments.
About Me
Outside of her Board service, Cindy teaches water aerobics—bringing the same passion for wellness into the pool that she brings to counselor education.
Heather Tustison
Western Region Director
Why I Serve
"AMHCA's commitment to excellence drew me to become both a member and a leader." Heather was drawn to AMHCA by its longstanding commitment to excellence in training, education, professionalism, ethics, and leadership. Today, she's proud to serve on the Board of Directors, helping advance the profession and support clinical mental health counselors across the country.
About Me
Outside of her Board service, Heather is a self-proclaimed Potterhead. She's visited the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London twice, authored three Harry Potter trivia books, and hosts a monthly Harry Potter trivia night at a local theater.
Derek Parker
Director at Large
Why I Serve
"AMHCA provides a voice for clinical mental health counselors across the United States." Derek values AMHCA's unwavering focus on supporting clinical mental health counselors and the important work they do every day. He believes the Association plays a critical role in advocating for clinicians on the front lines and strengthening the profession nationwide. As Director-at-Large, Derek is excited to serve AMHCA members and help advance the voice of clinical mental health counselors across the country.
About Me
Outside of his Board service, Derek has a long list of shows he'd like to watch—but whenever he gets the chance to relax, he almost always ends up rewatching The Office or The Big Bang Theory.