 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| 2007 KCA Awards Committee |
It is in acknowledgement of the role of all counselors in building bridges to success that many of our
colleagues were honored at the KCA spring convention. 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.
The 2007 Kansas Counselor of the Year was awarded at the KCA brunch on Friday, March 16 at the
Wichita Marriott. Six most worthy candidates were recognized for their dedication to the profession.
2007 KCA Awards Committee, left to right; Marie Wakefield, Lori
Mitchell-Kandt, Trudy VandeKamp, Deb Woodward, Karen
Benson, Carolyn Wilson, Lynda Scrivner, and Val Beikmann.
Mitchell-Kandt, Trudy VandeKamp, Deb Woodward, Karen
Benson, Carolyn Wilson, Lynda Scrivner, and Val Beikmann.
| 2007 Counselor of the Year Ruth Hitchcock |
The goal of the KCA awards process is to recognize as many extraordinary counselors as possible, with
the hope that we will all be inspired by others’ work to be our individual best. To this end, each region
and division is strongly encouraged to recognize counselors and to nominate a representative for
Counselor of the Year. These individuals then become the finalists for the state, and it gives us great
pleasure to highlight their accomplishments at the annual convention. This year is no exception as we
have six phenomenal finalists – Lyndel Adams, Angie Gerdes, Ruth Hitchcock, Sue Poore, Marilea
Rittenhouse, and Judy White.
The person selected as this year’s KCA Outstanding Counselor of the Year has been described as a
woman of kindness, compassion, and integrity. Her passion for the well-being of children is noted by all
who work with her. She truly loves her work, and it shows in many ways.
This counselor has supported the profession in a multitude of ways for many years. She has belonged
to national as well as state and regional levels of the counseling association, the school counseling
association and more. She has served in offices in several of the counseling associations to which she
has belonged, as well as presenting at conferences. This level of involvement strengthens the
organizations and, in turn, strengthens and inspires all of us as counselors.
Some of the presentations given by this year’s outstanding counselor of the year include crisis
management, helping children deal with grief, the affect of care giving in the early years on long-term
mental health, and understanding physical abuse as a lifestyle. Implementing the national standards
and recommendations for school counseling programs has also been a focus of her work with multiple
school districts in the state. She has done this through program evaluation, grant writing, and chairing
the Kansas licensure committee for two years.
As a counselor educator, she does much more than lecture and supervise practicum students. She
does volunteer school counseling so she can truly see and reflect on the needs of the children and of
those who will be their counselors through the years ahead. Her classes are, therefore, thought-
provoking and meaningful. Her students say she is someone who has “been there and knows first-hand
what today’s school counselors are facing.” She gives them the freedom to discover their own answers
while helping them see the big picture of the counseling field. Long distance drives to actively supervise
practicum students make a recommendation from her highly respected; she knows her students.
Beyond that, she has been helpful in evaluating established programs and writing grants to enrich and
improve them.
Awards from a great variety of sources have come her way. She has received them as recognition of
her excellence in teaching at the university, in supporting the department of corrections, for community
service, and for her work with publications. Therefore, it is with great respect and appreciation that the
Kansas Counseling Association further honors Dr. Ruth Hitchcock as the 2007 Outstanding Counselor
of the Year.
Two additional counselors were recognized for their outstanding service to the profession. They are a
reflection of the history of excellence in our organization.
Deb Woodard, Awards Chair
Ruth Hitchcock’s influence and impact on the field of counseling stretches over the years and she
remains one of the most dedicated, hard-working, caring, innovative, passionate, wise, patient, kind
and remarkable counselors and counselor educators in our state. She is a thinker, doer, mover, and
teacher who “epitomizes ‘counselor’ in every sense of the word.”
Dr. Hitchcock has developed numerous courses and workshops based upon the needs of counselors-
in-training, even authoring a children’s book, Tim’s Dad, now used in schools, hospitals and in hospices
to help children deal with grief. She is well-published in the field of counselor education and is sought
by schools and agencies on the topics of positive child development and child abuse and neglect, as
well as answering invitations to evaluate school counseling programs and to assist with schools’
implementation of the national standards, developed and approved by the ASCA.
As a teacher, advisor and mentor in the field of counselor education, Ruth allows her students to
progress and develop without restrictions, providing meaningful and thought-provoking projects, acting
as a “sounding-board,” and connecting with her students so that they consistently honor her with
ratings in the 95th percentile. “It is her personal impact on the individuals in the field, which makes her
quietly exceptional.” She has been chosen for the Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award, and
has received two WSU College of Education Teaching Awards. Ruth’s high expectations, focus on
ethics and consistency in counseling; her desire to stay on the cutting-edge of student issues, along
with her love for her profession and for her students, can be readily observed in her volunteer
counseling work in the Wichita public school system since 1995. Dr. Hitchcock truly loves children, and,
like “an underground river that nourishes the growth above ground, Ruth’s unassuming wisdom and
support promotes professional and personal growth in a broad range of those in the counseling field…”
The South Central region is proud to nominate Ruth Hitchcock for Outstanding Counselor of the Year.
the hope that we will all be inspired by others’ work to be our individual best. To this end, each region
and division is strongly encouraged to recognize counselors and to nominate a representative for
Counselor of the Year. These individuals then become the finalists for the state, and it gives us great
pleasure to highlight their accomplishments at the annual convention. This year is no exception as we
have six phenomenal finalists – Lyndel Adams, Angie Gerdes, Ruth Hitchcock, Sue Poore, Marilea
Rittenhouse, and Judy White.
The person selected as this year’s KCA Outstanding Counselor of the Year has been described as a
woman of kindness, compassion, and integrity. Her passion for the well-being of children is noted by all
who work with her. She truly loves her work, and it shows in many ways.
This counselor has supported the profession in a multitude of ways for many years. She has belonged
to national as well as state and regional levels of the counseling association, the school counseling
association and more. She has served in offices in several of the counseling associations to which she
has belonged, as well as presenting at conferences. This level of involvement strengthens the
organizations and, in turn, strengthens and inspires all of us as counselors.
Some of the presentations given by this year’s outstanding counselor of the year include crisis
management, helping children deal with grief, the affect of care giving in the early years on long-term
mental health, and understanding physical abuse as a lifestyle. Implementing the national standards
and recommendations for school counseling programs has also been a focus of her work with multiple
school districts in the state. She has done this through program evaluation, grant writing, and chairing
the Kansas licensure committee for two years.
As a counselor educator, she does much more than lecture and supervise practicum students. She
does volunteer school counseling so she can truly see and reflect on the needs of the children and of
those who will be their counselors through the years ahead. Her classes are, therefore, thought-
provoking and meaningful. Her students say she is someone who has “been there and knows first-hand
what today’s school counselors are facing.” She gives them the freedom to discover their own answers
while helping them see the big picture of the counseling field. Long distance drives to actively supervise
practicum students make a recommendation from her highly respected; she knows her students.
Beyond that, she has been helpful in evaluating established programs and writing grants to enrich and
improve them.
Awards from a great variety of sources have come her way. She has received them as recognition of
her excellence in teaching at the university, in supporting the department of corrections, for community
service, and for her work with publications. Therefore, it is with great respect and appreciation that the
Kansas Counseling Association further honors Dr. Ruth Hitchcock as the 2007 Outstanding Counselor
of the Year.
Two additional counselors were recognized for their outstanding service to the profession. They are a
reflection of the history of excellence in our organization.
Deb Woodard, Awards Chair
Ruth Hitchcock’s influence and impact on the field of counseling stretches over the years and she
remains one of the most dedicated, hard-working, caring, innovative, passionate, wise, patient, kind
and remarkable counselors and counselor educators in our state. She is a thinker, doer, mover, and
teacher who “epitomizes ‘counselor’ in every sense of the word.”
Dr. Hitchcock has developed numerous courses and workshops based upon the needs of counselors-
in-training, even authoring a children’s book, Tim’s Dad, now used in schools, hospitals and in hospices
to help children deal with grief. She is well-published in the field of counselor education and is sought
by schools and agencies on the topics of positive child development and child abuse and neglect, as
well as answering invitations to evaluate school counseling programs and to assist with schools’
implementation of the national standards, developed and approved by the ASCA.
As a teacher, advisor and mentor in the field of counselor education, Ruth allows her students to
progress and develop without restrictions, providing meaningful and thought-provoking projects, acting
as a “sounding-board,” and connecting with her students so that they consistently honor her with
ratings in the 95th percentile. “It is her personal impact on the individuals in the field, which makes her
quietly exceptional.” She has been chosen for the Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award, and
has received two WSU College of Education Teaching Awards. Ruth’s high expectations, focus on
ethics and consistency in counseling; her desire to stay on the cutting-edge of student issues, along
with her love for her profession and for her students, can be readily observed in her volunteer
counseling work in the Wichita public school system since 1995. Dr. Hitchcock truly loves children, and,
like “an underground river that nourishes the growth above ground, Ruth’s unassuming wisdom and
support promotes professional and personal growth in a broad range of those in the counseling field…”
The South Central region is proud to nominate Ruth Hitchcock for Outstanding Counselor of the Year.
| 2007 Finalists Counselor of the Year Finalists from left to right: Judy White, Lyndel Adams, Marilea Rittenhouse, Angie Gerdes, Sue Poore. |
KCA Spring Convention: Awards Brunch 2007 Counselors in the state of Kansas are the bridge builders who are steering others toward success in their personal and professional lives. We are often the architects of innovation and planning. We provide structure and ideas, as well as the support necessary for growth. We are the mortar that holds individuals and the system together as they move toward their highest potential for reaching success. |
| KCA Distinguished Service Award: Carol Dellinger The Past Presidents of KCA meet each year to make a decision about the Distinguished Service Award. Following is the speech given by Past President, Victoria Kandt at the spring convention to recognize the work of Carol Dellinger. I am highly honored to present the Distinguished Service Award this year. There are some people who give of their time selflessly. Many are people easily recognized as leaders in the organization. The distinguished service award recognizes those who have surpassed all expectations by continuing to freely offer their expertise and time to further the association's needs throughout the year. Carol Dellinger fits this description to a tee! Carol has held various offices within KCA as well as regional and division offices. As the past president, I can tell you that when your term is up, you ARE TIRED! Carol, on the other hand, has continued to take on significant roles in KCA. As KMCHA president she was instrumental in securing state licensure for counselors. This has been a significant leap for the counselors in Kansas. Carol keeps the board in line with association policies and procedures. Many of us, including myself have begged her to stay on the board to tutor and advise us on these fine points she knows so well. When I took on the presidency I made a bee line for Carol. A good leader knows her weaknesses and finds resources to compensate. I knew that my eyes glaze over when we get into the minute details and understanding of all our policies. I asked Carol to please stay on the board. She didn't hesitate to say yes. I knew I would survive. Carol worked tirelessly with Nikkie Currie to revise the by-laws a few years ago when the executive council was reorganized. Bylaw work is tedious and detail oriented. Yet we never heard a complaint from Carol. As Media Chair, Carol takes the initiative to seek out ways to engineer KCA into the "high tech" world. She has taken on the role of getting our website created and maintained. She educates the board in the many ways we can update our website to best serve our members. Carol has also recently been instrumental in taking on the chair of a committee to make recommendations to the board for a professional development initiative that we will be taking on next year. I do not recall a time that Carol has not accepted the challenge when asked to take on a task whether it is to compile information, to write or refine drafts of policies and procedures or search for better ways to format executive leadership communication. She always brings a positive attitude and willingness to serve that never fails to highly benefit KCA and you as members. |
| 2007 Distinguished Service Award Carol Dellinger |
| KCA Hall of Fame Inductee: Paulette Brunskill stronger each year. People who encourage and support other counselors through presentations, who hold offices in the association, and who do committee work at the local and state level. What makes one stand out as worthy of being named to the Counselor Hall of Fame? Think about past winners – Tom Henley, Donna Kater, Lloyd Stone, Harold Hula, Joyce Reger, Ken Haas,….The list could go on and on, a reflection of the history of excellence in our organization. Induction into the Kansas Counselors Hall of Fame is a unique distinction for those who have had a major and lasting influence on the profession of counseling during their careers. This year we are honoring a person who has been involved with education in Kansas for over 30 years. Paulette Brunskill, would you please come to the podium? Paulette Brunskill has been a steadfast force and an anchor to Kansas school counseling in her service to the profession, but also in her commitment to Kansas students. Her quiet leadership and guidance provides a model by which we should gauge ourselves, as she continues to shine a path on which we can follow. For five years, Paulette was the State Coordinator for the High Skills project, which was dedicated to helping counselors in 15 states work more effectively with high school-aged students in the career decision-making process. In this role, she effectively gathered data from every community college and technical school in the state and worked with Dr. Kenneth Hoyt and ACT in the publishing of data to assist students in Kansas and across the country understand the requirements, costs, and demographics of technical education. Devoted to the profession, Paulette serves as an advocate for counseling in both service and leadership activities, Paulette was a member of the Kansas ACT Council for 15 years, President of the Kansas School Counselor Association, President of the Kansas Association for Specialists in Group Work, President of the South East Region of KCA, and a charter member of the Kansas Adult Development and Aging Advisory Committee. In addition, she has been the Kansas Career Development Association Counselor of the Year, the Kansas Counseling Association Counselor of the Year, the South East Kansas Counselor of the Year, and has received the Kansas Counseling Association Distinguished Service Award. Paulette serves on the Kansas State Department of Education Counseling Best Practices Committee. She has presented programs at national as well as state counseling conferences. The first elementary guidance program in her district was developed and delivered by this forward-thinking counselor, as was the crisis management plan and suicide awareness program. She currently volunteers with Safe House, a domestic violence project. Truly, her work as a counselor is exemplary. Gifted, focused, wise, ethical, respected, appreciated, cooperative, creative, and decisive are a few words used to describe Paulette. “Ms. Brunskill loves the students and wants the best for them. She is a sensitive listener and a sage advisor about life’s difficulties.” Combine these qualities with her willingness to continue to learn, an educational philosophy based upon years of experience, and a tremendous work ethic, and you have a special person who has devoted years to our youth, the benefactors of her compassion, perseverance and expertise. Her keen interest in students’ plans for life after high school, her ability to recognize potential, and her smile, encouragement and resourcefulness has helped, and will continue to help, many a student pursue their dreams. A high honor was paid this counselor by a former student of hers who is a Ph.D. student at Notre Dame, a Dominican friar and a priest in the Roman Catholic Church. He writes of the many early and persistent efforts she made to align him with opportunities to branch out beyond the small town and school of his residence. His praise for her support is best expressed in his own words. “I count myself blessed that, years ago, I experienced unconditional acceptance, kindness and wisdom through (her) counseling. I try to imitate her virtues in my own pastoral counseling.” It’s about time we honored Paulette with induction into the Kansas Counseling Association Hall of Fame. It is with our sincere gratefulness and admiration that we honor her with this nomination. Let Paulette Brunskill be added to the list... |
| 2007 Conference Candids |
| A Branch of the American Counseling Association |
