06/29/2022

Message from New PCA President

Greetings to all Members of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association:

I am deeply honored to serve as President of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association (PCA) effective July 1, 2022 to June 30^th, 2023. I have been involved with PCA for several years and am excited to continue as a servant leader of PCA in this new capacity. Taking a step back, we can appreciate the great strides PCA continues to take serving professional counselors in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Much like the rest of the world, PCA has adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic, and were able to return to an in-person conference this past year. We have also taken strides to continue to advocate to Pennsylvania legislature for initiatives such as the Counseling Compact.

Speaking of the Counseling Compact, it is a priority for me to continue to take the necessary steps to ensure Pennsylvania is on the right path to signing the compact, which allows licensed professional counselors to practice in other compact states without the need for multiple licenses. Our leaders and government relations committee are working diligently on the compact and other government issues affecting counselors of Pennsylvania.

The 54^th Annual PCA Conference will be held from October 14–16, 2022 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Cranberry. The turnout for proposals and registration thus far have exceeded my expectations, and I cannot begin to express my excitement and gratitude for all of the engaging presentations members of PCA will be delivering at the conference in just 3 and a half months. The PCA conference is always a fulfilling time of the year, serving as an annual meeting of comraderies, learning, and fun. Personally, as a highly extroverted person, I look forward to engaging with many of you then!

I would also like to acknowledge the challenges we are facing as country. Politically, socially, and environmentally, we are constantly faced with hardships that affect our daily lives. As we navigate these circumstances in an often-divided country, my hope is that PCA is a united organization, where our members can find universality and solace in one another. As a profession, we are stronger together. Correspondingly, it is paramount we continue to advocate for underrepresented groups, bridge inequality gaps, and build connection between all corners of the state to build a strong and culturally informed counselor community in Pennsylvania.

Looking ahead, I would be remiss if I did not thank outgoing PCA President for the 2021-2022 membership year, Dr. Deborah Duenyas. I am grateful for all the learning experiences she provided me, and the many ways she has helped grow and strengthen PCA this past year. Finally, I would like to thank the PCA membership. Without you all, nothing within PCA is possible. I encourage you all to use PCA as the powerful professional resource it is. Take advantages of the wonderful opportunities your membership with PCA provides you with. Please, get involved with PCA as a leader, reach out to our division and committee leaders with ideas and initiatives, the door is always open for everyone.

I’m looking forward to serving in this journey with you all!

Best,

Matthew L. Nice, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, ACS
Pennsylvania Counseling Association, President 2022-2023