Exploring Leadership Opportunities, Big and Small!
presented by Rebecca Christiansen, MS, LPC-MH, LPC, NCC, QMHP

The counseling profession advances through those who choose to lead. What does this mean? Leadership can be exercised in various ways across multiple levels. This presentation will focus on leadership opportunities, from grassroots volunteerism to serving on boards at the state or national level. We will discuss how to tap into your personal strengths and passions, as well as ways to find the best leadership for you. The presentation will also explore the benefits of leadership, both personally and professionally.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will discuss the skills required to be a leader and engage in self-reflection on what leadership qualities they possess.
2. Participants will learn about the structure of SDCA and ACA, including the various leadership positions within each.
3. Participants will learn about the benefits of leadership.

Day on the Hill Presentation:
presented by Ashley Seeklander, MS; and Duane Kavanaugh, MS, NCC, CCMHC, LPC/MH, QMHP

This presentation will go over what to expect when you attend Day on the Hill on Friday, February 20, 2026. Learn what your expectations are for Day on the Hill, the committee hearing schedules, and how to advocate for your profession. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to describe the purpose, structure, and expectations of Day on the Hill, including participant roles and professional conduct during legislative engagement.
2. Participants will be able to identify committee hearing schedules and legislative processes relevant to Day on the Hill in order to effectively plan and participate in advocacy activities.
3. Participants will be able to apply ethical and professional advocacy strategies to communicate with legislators in support of mental health and school counseling services and the populations they serve.

Advocacy Presentation:
presented by Ashley Seeklander, MS; and Duane Kavanaugh, MS, NCC, CCMHC, LPC/MH, QMHP

Why advocate? Because your profession depends on it. This presentation will go through the ins and outs of Legislative session, how to use the sdlegislature.gov site and the MyLRC+ site, and how to contact your elected officials. You will get practical and hands-on ways to advocate for mental health, counseling, school counseling, and the populations we all serve. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will be able to describe the structure and timeline of the South Dakota legislative session and identify specific opportunities for professional advocacy related to mental health and school counseling.
2. Participants will be able to access and use the SDLegislature.gov and MyLRC+ platforms to locate, track, and interpret legislation impacting counseling practice and the populations served.
3. Participants will be able to apply ethical and effective advocacy strategies by identifying appropriate elected officials and selecting methods for professional communication to support mental health and school counseling initiatives.

 Members: Free Attendance
Non Members: $35.00 Fee
Register Here

   The South Dakota Counseling Association has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2042. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The South Dakota Counseling Association is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. This organization, The South Dakota Counseling Association approval ID 1058, is approved as a provider for continuing education by the: South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.