Roanoke Area Counselors Association - ROACA

05/21/2026

We are proud to present the 2026 Nancy Quinn McCoy Humanitarian Scholarship to Emma Spangler of Lord Botetourt High School! Each year we award one local high school senior who has a passion for their community and intends to pursue a future in a helping field.
Emma has her sights set on being a school counselor and is already a positive influence within her community. Congratulations! We can’t wait to see how you to continue impact the world!

This yearly scholarship is made available by the proceeds from ROACA events. Thank you to everyone that attended an event to help raise money for our next generation of helpers!

04/25/2026

The Roanoke Area Counselors Association Spring Forum was a success!

This year’s theme was "Grounded in Community. Skilled in Complexity." The theme came to life as professionals from across the region gathered at the Maridor in Roanoke, VA for a day of learning, connection, and growth.

We were honored to host four engaging and impactful sessions:

Under Development: Serving Populations Needing Additional Considerations
Presenters: Drew Edwards, LPC; Noelle Edwards, MA

User-Friendly Approach to Psychodynamic Treatment for BPD
Presenter: David Southall, LPC

Complex Family Systems: Clinical Training on Parental Alienation
Presenters: Kim Piche, LPC, LMFT; Lisa Teegarden-Cabay, PhD, LCP; Heather Massey, LPC

Introduction to Animal-Assisted Counseling
Presenter: Trent Davis, PhD, LPC
Contributor: Abbey Lynch, BA

Thank you to our presenters for sharing their knowledge, and to everyone who participated and contributed to such a meaningful experience. We appreciate this community and its dedication to supporting clients with skill and compassion.

We look forward to continuing to learn together while building connections!

04/24/2026

📣 Calling all graduate counseling students and those who support them!

The Virginia Counselors Association is accepting applications for the 2026 Michele Dowdy Emerging Leader Program, a selective leadership and mentorship opportunity designed to support the next generation of counseling leaders.

Please apply or share with students you believe would benefit from this experience!

Deadline to apply: April 30, 2026

04/17/2026

Today is the final day to register for the Roanoke Area Counselors Association Spring Forum! Come to learn. Stay to reconnect. Leave with tools you’ll use immediately. This is approved for 5 NBCC CE's!

Register today before it closes!
https://www.vcacounselors.org/event/2026ROACAspringForum

Registration closes on Friday!

Some of the most important clinical work happens in the most complex spaces,
with clients who challenge us, systems that stretch us, and communities that deserve thoughtful, responsive care.

That’s exactly what this conference is about.

Join us for Rooted & Responsive: Strengthening Clinical Practice in Complex Communities: a day focused on building real skills for the work we’re actually doing.

Come to learn. Stay to reconnect. Leave with tools you’ll use immediately.

Register Now! Registration closes Friday 4/17!

https://www.vcacounselors.org/event/2026ROACAspringForum

04/15/2026

Registration closes on Friday!

Some of the most important clinical work happens in the most complex spaces,
with clients who challenge us, systems that stretch us, and communities that deserve thoughtful, responsive care.

That’s exactly what this conference is about.

Join us for Rooted & Responsive: Strengthening Clinical Practice in Complex Communities: a day focused on building real skills for the work we’re actually doing.

Come to learn. Stay to reconnect. Leave with tools you’ll use immediately.

Register Now! Registration closes Friday 4/17!

https://www.vcacounselors.org/event/2026ROACAspringForum

03/19/2026

Rooted & Responsive: Counseling in Complex Communities

Join us for the Roanoke Area Counselors Association Spring Forum on April 24, 2026 at The Maridor in Roanoke, VA.

Spend the day connecting with counselors from across the region and gaining practical, real-world strategies for working with complex cases and diverse communities. You’ll leave with tools to support your students and clients while staying grounded in the work you do every day.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Register here: https://www.vcacounselors.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2047885&group=

01/25/2026

What a great night at the ROACA Winter Social! It was wonderful to connect with fellow counselors last week. We look forward to seeing everyone at future ROACA events. Stay safe and warm, everyone!

01/21/2026

We’re looking forward to seeing you tomorrow evening at The Green Goat!

Join ROACA for our Winter Social on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 6:00 pm at The Green Goat. Come enjoy a relaxed evening of connection and conversation with fellow counselors as we celebrate the new year.

📍 The Green Goat | 802 Wiley Dr SW
⏰ 6:00 pm

We hope to see you there!

12/23/2025

Join ROACA for our Winter Social on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 6:00 pm at The Green Goat. Come enjoy a relaxed evening of connection and conversation with fellow counselors as we celebrate the new year.

📍 The Green Goat | 802 Wiley Dr SW
⏰ 6:00 pm

We hope to see you there!

12/23/2025

There’s still time to submit your proposal for the Roanoke Area Counselors Association’s upcoming continuing education events! We are looking for passionate professionals who want to share their expertise, inspire others, and contribute to the growth of our counseling community.

Whether you have a favorite technique, a new perspective on mental wellness, or a creative approach to client care, your insights matter. Our goal is to create engaging, educational, and supportive spaces that help us all grow personally and professionally, while having a little fun along the way.

We welcome presentations on:
• Emerging trends in counseling and mental health
• Burnout prevention and self care for helpers
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice
• Creative interventions and experiential techniques
• Ethical and legal considerations in counseling
• Any topic that supports counselor wellness and development

Submission Deadline: Tuesday, January 6
Submit your proposal here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdByvj06r_HRU5E9KFumTzEhmbDIeIjgXY30sWd08zrOu61jg/viewform?usp=header

Let’s continue to collaborate, connect, and uplift one another as we help those who help others. We can’t wait to hear your ideas!