2006 Finallists
From left to right; Kathleen Schurle, Diana Guthire,
Shelley Rickstrew, Cheryl Bowen.
Not pictured, Brenda Robinson.
2006
KCA Awards Committee
Introduction: Kansas Counselor of the Year Finalists

Counselors in the state of Kansas are truly the “salt of the earth.” We are making a
difference with people and organizations all across Kansas. When asked to give
our personal time and expertise, we are there. When asked to perform extra duties
and volunteer services, we are there. When asked to be the professional
foundation for any event or life-changing experience, we are there—always the
“salt of the earth.”

It is with that knowledge that we honor counselors from among us today. They
represent all of us and the dedication we demonstrate daily in our lives and our
careers. They are models for the profession and deserve recognition for the depth
and innovation of their efforts. Please join me in honoring these five outstanding
counselors who have already been selected by their regions and divisions as
extraordinary.

Please seek them out for further congratulations and encourage them to
demonstrate their excellence through continued involvement and professional
leadership in the coming years.
2006 Distinguished Service Award
Winner - Elaine Ptacek

The past presidents met in an early
session at convention and with great
pride selected Elaine Ptacek for the
2006 Distinguished Service Award.
The group recognized Elaine’s long
history of service not only to KCA, but
also to the profession of counseling
through her advocacy efforts.
Listed here are a few of her many contributions:

  • Immediate past president of the Kansas Mental Health Counseling
    Association. She has helped with leadership for KMHCA for several
    years.
  • Elaine has been a strong advocate to keep the mental health
    profession viable.
  • Active in organizing grassroots efforts in 1996 for licensure for
    counselors
  • Strong advocate for reimbursement from insurance companies for
    mental health counselors in private practice.
  • Current KCA board member representing advocacy and legislation.
  • Current KCA representative to the Mental Health Credentialing
    Coalition.
  • For several years, Elaine has been instrumental in organizing
    cooperative conference around the state between masters level
    psychologists and mental health counselors.
  • Elaine was last year’s recipient of the KMHCA Mental Health
    Counselor of the Year.
  • She is a popular presenter at KCA conventions and drive-in
    conferences, and she is willing to do this year after year.
  • Elaine drives from Colby to participate in KCA activities around the
    state and to advocate legislatively for Kansas Counselors by
    attending meetings in Topeka.
2006 Hall of Fame

TOM HENLEY












BIOGRAPHY

Induction into the Kansas Counselors
Hall of Fame is a special honor for
those who have had a major influence
on the profession of counseling during
their professional careers. This year’s
recipient is no exception. In fact, he is
the rule.

Tom Henley is an exemplary model for
counseling advocacy and program
development. His list of career
accomplishments is extensive and
stellar. Today, it brings me great
pleasure to highlight his leadership
and his lasting and “profound” impact
on counseling in the state of Kansas.

Colleagues have described Tom as a
“fixture in the counseling community,”
whose leadership style has always
“considered the thoughts and ideas of
all involved.” “Tom’s commitment and
dedication… were key factors in his
work,” as he served in several
elementary schools as a counselor; as
he later developed the elementary
school counseling program throughout
the state; as he facilitated the creation
of the Kansas Comprehensive School
Counseling Program Model and
Guidelines and the resulting website;
as he coordinated over half of the
Annual Fall Conferences for
counselors; and as he formed the
Guidance Communications Council
which met biannually with the
Commissioner” (of Education). In
addition, he has served in a variety of
leadership roles chairing regional and
national committees, coordinating state
and regional initiatives that led to the
implementation of counseling practices
in schools across Kansas and the
Midwest region. The depth of his
influence and contributions takes your
breath away.

Tom Henley was named KCA
Counselor of the Year in 1992, but
long before that, he was working to
strengthen the profession. “Tom is a
caring, thoughtful professional…His
dedication to school counseling and
counseling issues makes Tom an
individual other counselors turn to for
help and insight.” Much of how we
define counseling in Kansas,
especially school counseling, is due in
part to the efforts of Tom Henley.
KCA 2006 RETIRING COUNSELORS


It is an honor to announce to you these retiring counselors
who have put in a lot of time and commitment to the
profession.

Debbie Berges – 24 years
Maxine Bostic – 29 years
Tish Burleson – 32 years
Karen Kreutzer– 24 years
Cindy Lane – 24 years
Cindy Maddox – 18 years
Vinnie Southiere– 22 years
Patricia Walker – 33 years
Carolyn Wilson – 13 years
LaVeta Ziegler – 15 years
A Branch of the American
Counseling Association
2006 KCA Awards