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A Warm Welcome to Our New President for the 2023-2024 Cycle

07/27/2023 4:07 PM | Tom Linley (Administrator)

We are excited to let you know that Ara Mascarenas, a well-respected colleague, and passionate mental health professional, will be our President for the 2023-2024 term.

Currently working as a registered mental health counseling intern at the Home for Balance Psychotherapy Group, Ara helps kids, teenagers, and young adults dealing with issues such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, behavior issues, self-esteem, and trauma. She enjoys incorporating elements from art therapy, somatic experiencing, and internal family systems into her counseling sessions.

Her journey in mental health services spans over five years and has taken her through various roles in diverse clinical settings, including schools, clinics, and outpatient services. Recently, Ara was a school counselor at NSU University School, where she provided individual and group counseling to students on academic, social, and personal issues. She was also a university lecturer where she developed and taught undergraduate courses in Abnormal Psychology for Spanish speakers. Lastly, she has also contributed to the research field with her presentations at conferences and publication on digital media, teen mental health, and relationships.

Ara’s educational background includes a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University where she is a part of both the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Psi Chi Honor Society. Ara completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of British Columbia.

In the past, Ara served as Vice President and Secretary of the organization. In her new role, she is eager to provide a supportive environment for members, increase opportunities for professional development, and heighten public awareness about the significant role of mental health counselors in our society.

Despite her professional commitments, Ara believes in the importance of a balanced life. When not immersed in her work, she loves spending time with her family, playing tennis, exploring new places, and diving into a good book.

Before we look forward to this exciting new chapter, we would like to take a moment to express our deep appreciation for our outgoing President, John Davis, LMHC. His tireless dedication and exceptional leadership have significantly shaped our organization. John will remain on the board as Vice President. Our executive team is further supported by Tom Linley, our membership coordinator and webmaster as well as Sean Williams of West Palm Accounting our CPA. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to our amazing volunteers that make this all possible.