ATLANTA – Penfield College Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling student Leslie Preveaux recently received second prize in the American Counseling Association (ACA) Tomorrow’s Counselors Awards.
“Leslie is a passionate, engaged and conscientious student. She is dedicated to becoming an advocate for the profession and her clients,” said Dr. Kristina Henderson, assistant professor and coordinator of the M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling.
The ACA Tomorrow’s Counselors Awards recognize graduate counseling students with exceptional insight and understanding about the counseling profession and the work of professional counselors in mental health, private practice, community agency, agency, organization or related counseling settings.
To be considered for the award, Preveaux had to submit a 500-word written statement on managed care and a counselor’s role within managed care. For second prize, she received a $500 honorarium, complimentary ACA Conference and Expo registration, and recognition at the conference.
“I always knew I wanted to do something with human sciences and human behavior and study what could make us be better socially,” Preveaux said. “I’ve also always wanted to tap into people’s perspectives to motivate people to move forward. I’ve always wanted to help people in some capacity.”
Preveaux earned her undergraduate degree in psychology. She credits her graduate courses at Mercer, along with support and encouragement from her professors, for preparing her to make a submission for the award.
“Group Skills and Techniques with Dr. (Donna) Lane was the most valuable course in my Mercer career thus far,” she said. “The class helped me grow from the inside out and allowed me the confidence to make a decision like submitting an essay to the ACA. Both Dr. David Lane and Dr. Donna Lane are brilliant, and I’m thankful to have been privy to their professional perspectives.”
After earning her master’s degree, Preveaux plans to work with disadvantaged people, whether those with low socioeconomic backgrounds, minorities, disabilities, or citizens returning to society from incarceration. She has also explored the idea of incorporating movement, like yoga, into therapy.
“Everyone on the margins I feel close to. I want to focus on those specific populations because there are so many that can’t afford counseling,” she said. “Down the line, I’d love to get a Ph.D. and inspire others in counseling, too.”
About Penfield College
Mercer University’s Penfield College, established as the College of Continuing and Professional Studies in 2003, is committed to serving post-traditional learners. Undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs are offered to adult learners seeking professional advancement into leadership roles in and beyond their communities. Penfield’s programs provide students with distinctive, multidisciplinary experiences that integrate theory and practice. In addition to providing general education and elective courses for various colleges and schools at Mercer, Penfield offers degree programs in areas including technology, public safety, public and human services, leadership and administration, healthcare and liberal arts. Programs are offered on Mercer’s campuses in Atlanta and Macon, as well as Regional Academic Centers in Douglas County and Henry County, and online. To learn more, visit penfield.mercer.edu.
