Palo Alto University Showcases Leadership and Community at ACES 2025

The Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Conference held October 8-11 in Philadelphia, brought together counselor educators, researchers, and practitioners from across the country to exchange ideas, celebrate progress, and shape the future of the counseling profession. This year, Palo Alto University made an exceptional showing, with faculty, students, and alumni leading, presenting, and facilitating sessions that embodied the conference’s spirit of collaboration and innovation.

Palo Alto University’s Influence and Leadership

PAU’s presence was visible throughout the week, reflecting the university’s deep engagement in counselor education and its ongoing commitment to innovation, inclusion, and professional excellence.

Dr. Margaret Lamar, Professor and Associate Department Chair of Doctoral Education and a Past President of ACES, captured the pride many felt in seeing PAU so strongly represented.

“Never have I been more proud to be part of the PAU community than this year at ACES,” Dr. Lamar said. “There is a lot of work being done in the field of counselor education and supervision around strengthening our professional identity, assessing our education practices, and advocating for our profession within higher education and at the legislative level.”

PAU’s influence at ACES extended well beyond its presentations. Several faculty members hold significant leadership roles within the national organization and its regional division, the Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (WACES), underscoring the university’s growing impact on the profession. Dr. Chi Li serves nationally as Secretary of ACES, and Dr. Donya Wallace advances equity and inclusion across the organization as the DEI Member-at-Large. In the Western region, Dr. Shreya Vaishnav leads as WACES President, with Dr. Donna Sheperis serving alongside her as President-Elect, helping shape strategic direction for the years ahead. PAU’s leadership presence also includes its students: doctoral student Jennifer Kiehl represented the university as the WACES Graduate Student Representative, reflecting the strength and promise of PAU’s next generation of counselor educators.

Scholarship and Collaboration in Action

Throughout the four-day conference, PAU faculty and students shared research and perspectives that reflected both academic rigor and real-world application. Sessions explored topics ranging from leadership and advocacy to supervision, cultural responsiveness, and technology in counselor education.

• 4 days of sessions, panels, and collaboration
• 25+ PAU faculty, student, and alumni presenters
• 10+ education sessions plus multiple poster & roundtable presentations
• 4 PAU faculty serving on the ACES Governing Council
• 1 community gathering - the ACES PAU Social (~30 attendees)
  

   

Connection Beyond the Conference Hall

While the conference showcased PAU’s academic and professional contributions, it also highlighted the strong sense of community that defines the university.

On Friday, October 10, PAU hosted the ACES PAU Social at Tradesman’s, a lively informal gathering just a few blocks from the conference. Nearly 30 faculty, students, alumni, and professional colleagues gathered for good food, great conversation, and a chance to unwind after a full week of sessions.

Director of Alumni Relations, Chloe Corcoran, and host of the event, described the evening as “a perfect mix of a laid-back break from an intense conference and the energy of people genuinely excited to connect.”

Attendees echoed her sentiment, calling the event “a highlight of the week.” One participant wrote, “It was casual, the food was great, and I loved that we had both PAU folks and colleagues from other universities, it really helped to create more connections.”

Looking Ahead

As ACES 2025 came to a close, PAU’s contributions stood as a testament to the strength of its faculty, students, and alumni and to the university’s commitment to advancing counselor education.

This year’s conference also coincided with PAU’s 50th anniversary, offering a timely reminder of the institution’s legacy and its forward-looking spirit. For half a century, PAU has prepared professionals who lead with empathy, insight, and innovation.

From national leadership roles to meaningful conversations shared over dinner, the week in Philadelphia captured what defines the PAU community: a dedication to learning, collaboration, and connection that extends far beyond the classroom.