The University of Tennessee at Martin counseling program received positive recognition at the 2025 Tennessee Counseling Association’s annual conference.
A notable highlight was the presentation titled “Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Foster Youth for Reducing Placement Changes Based on Behavior,” delivered by counseling graduate student Bethany Mesaros of Morrison and Dr. Derrick Shepard, assistant professor of counseling
This session attracted a significant audience, reflecting strong interest in the topic and the quality of the research presented.
In addition, several counseling students and program alumni contributed meaningfully to the conference in various capacities.
Their involvement as presenters, volunteers or attendees underscored the program’s active engagement within the professional counseling community and demonstrated a continued commitment to excellence and professional growth.
PHOTO: Posing at the 2025 Tennessee Counseling Association’s annual conference – held Nov. 13-16 in Franklin – are (l-r) Ashley Dooley, a graduate counseling major from Culleoka; Dr. Derrick Shepard, assistant professor of counseling; Rebecca King Rowland, a graduate counseling major from Hermitage; and Bethany Mesaros, a graduate counseling major from Morrison. Two alumni of the UTM counseling program not shown in the photo are Punam Patel, who is now on staff at Centerstone, and Amanda Gienow, a doctoral student in the Counselor Education and Supervision Program at Lindsey Wilson University.
