# ACES Doctoral Fellowship — Letters of Interest ## Kayla M. Newkirk, M.S.Ed., MHC-LP --- # 1. Research Center Fellow Kayla M. Newkirk, M.S.Ed., MHC-LP [Address] Syracuse, NY [Email] | [Phone] [Date] ACES Doctoral Fellowship Selection Committee Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Dear ACES Doctoral Fellowship Selection Committee, I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Research Center Fellow placement within the inaugural ACES Doctoral Fellowship Program for 2026–2027. As a Ph.D. candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Waynesburg University, I bring a strong foundation in research methodology, an active publication record, and a deep commitment to advancing scholarship that supports the mission of ACES. My research trajectory aligns directly with the goals of the ACES Research Center. My co-authored article, "The Power of Choice: Comparing Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning," appeared in the *Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision* (2025) and received the Outstanding Journal Article Award. This work examined pedagogical efficacy in counselor education — precisely the kind of inquiry the Research Center exists to cultivate. I am currently pursuing dissertation research while maintaining active scholarly interests in counselor wellness and burnout prevention, clinical supervision practices, telehealth accessibility, and social justice in mental health. Each of these areas offers rich opportunities for data collection, analysis, and dissemination that could contribute meaningfully to the Research Center's emerging portfolio. Beyond my own scholarship, I have experience supporting research infrastructure. As a Doctoral Teaching Intern at St. Bonaventure University, I design and deliver master's-level courses in assessment, diagnosis, and human development — work that requires me to translate research into practice and help emerging counselors develop the skills to critically evaluate evidence. I also currently supervise five master's-level counseling students across practicum and internship at Waynesburg University, guiding them in case conceptualization and evidence-based practice. These experiences have sharpened my ability to bridge the gap between research production and clinical application — a skill I would bring to promoting awareness and engagement with the Research Center. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to contribute to report writing and dissemination efforts. My service on the ACES Presidential Task Force has given me firsthand exposure to the organization's strategic priorities and the importance of communicating scholarship effectively to diverse audiences across the profession. I would be honored to support the vision and growth of the ACES Research Center during its foundational year. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Kayla M. Newkirk, M.S.Ed., MHC-LP Ph.D. Candidate, Counselor Education and Supervision Waynesburg University --- # 2. Continuing Education (CE) Fellow Kayla M. Newkirk, M.S.Ed., MHC-LP [Address] Syracuse, NY [Email] | [Phone] [Date] ACES Doctoral Fellowship Selection Committee Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Dear ACES Doctoral Fellowship Selection Committee, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Continuing Education (CE) Fellow placement within the ACES Doctoral Fellowship Program for 2026–2027. As a doctoral candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Waynesburg University, I have spent the past several years designing, delivering, and assessing educational programming for counseling students and professionals — experience that positions me well to contribute to ACES's continuing education initiatives. My primary professional role as a Doctoral Teaching Intern at St. Bonaventure University involves the full arc of course development: designing curriculum for master's-level courses in assessment, diagnosis, and human development; delivering instruction; and evaluating learner outcomes. This work demands the same competencies that effective continuing education programming requires — identifying learning needs, developing measurable objectives, selecting appropriate pedagogical approaches, and assessing program effectiveness. My scholarship on asynchronous and synchronous learning modalities, recognized with the Outstanding Journal Article Award from the *Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision*, further equips me to contribute thoughtfully to the design and evaluation of CE offerings that serve diverse learners across the profession. Supervision is itself a form of continuing education, and my role as a Doctoral Student Supervisor at Waynesburg University — where I oversee five master's students across practicum and internship — has deepened my understanding of how professionals grow across the developmental spectrum. I regularly assess supervisee competencies, provide formative and summative feedback, and tailor my approach to individual learning needs. This mirrors the collaborative, developmental orientation required to work effectively with the CE Committee leadership. My service commitments also reflect my investment in professional development. As a member of the ACAC Professional Development Committee, I contribute directly to conversations about how our field trains and sustains its practitioners. My work with the NARACES Graduate Student Committee and the IAWC Doctoral Student Committee has given me a broad view of the professional development needs across different segments of our profession — insight I would bring to program development and assessment within the CE fellowship. I am eager to collaborate with the CE Committee leadership to strengthen and evaluate ACES's continuing education offerings. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Kayla M. Newkirk, M.S.Ed., MHC-LP Ph.D. Candidate, Counselor Education and Supervision Waynesburg University --- # 3. Communications & Social Media Fellow Kayla M. Newkirk, M.S.Ed., MHC-LP [Address] Syracuse, NY [Email] | [Phone] [Date] ACES Doctoral Fellowship Selection Committee Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Dear ACES Doctoral Fellowship Selection Committee, I am writing to express my interest in the Communications & Social Media Fellow placement within the ACES Doctoral Fellowship Program for 2026–2027. As a Ph.D. candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Waynesburg University, I bring a distinctive combination of professional communication skills, a deep understanding of the counseling profession's audiences, and active engagement within ACES governance — all of which prepare me to contribute meaningfully to the organization's communications and outreach efforts. My experience in ACES leadership gives me an insider's perspective on the organization's voice, values, and strategic messaging. As a member of the ACES Presidential Task Force, I review national webinar proposals and engage with content that shapes the professional discourse in counselor education and supervision. This role has attuned me to what resonates with ACES members — the topics, tones, and formats that drive engagement — and has given me direct exposure to how ACES communicates its mission across platforms. Effective communication in our field requires fluency across multiple channels and audiences. In my clinical work as a Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor providing telehealth through True Talk Mental Health Counseling, I communicate complex psychological concepts to clients with clarity and warmth. As a teaching intern and supervisor, I translate research, theory, and ethical standards into accessible guidance for master's students at different developmental stages. As a former crisis line counselor and shift lead at Contact Community Services — where I supported 11 hotlines including the 988 Lifeline — I learned to communicate with precision, empathy, and cultural responsiveness under high-stakes conditions. These experiences have cultivated a communication skillset that is both versatile and grounded. My active involvement across professional organizations positions me to understand and reach ACES's diverse constituencies. I serve on the NARACES Graduate Student Committee, the ACAC Professional Development Committee, and the IAWC Doctoral Student Committee. I hold memberships in ACA, NYMHCA, AARC, ACC, and IARTC, in addition to ACES and Chi Sigma Iota. This broad network gives me insight into the interests and needs of students, early-career professionals, seasoned educators, and clinicians — exactly the audiences that ACES communications must engage. I would welcome the opportunity to support ACES's social media strategy, newsletter development, and member outreach initiatives. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, Kayla M. Newkirk, M.S.Ed., MHC-LP Ph.D. Candidate, Counselor Education and Supervision Waynesburg University --- # 4. General Letter (All Placements) Kayla M. Newkirk, M.S.Ed., MHC-LP [Address] Syracuse, NY [Email] | [Phone] [Date] ACES Doctoral Fellowship Selection Committee Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Dear ACES Doctoral Fellowship Selection Committee, I am writing to express my strong interest in the inaugural ACES Doctoral Fellowship Program for the 2026–2027 academic year. As a Ph.D. candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Waynesburg University, I am completing my doctoral internship and seeking a fellowship experience that will deepen my professional development while allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the mission and initiatives of ACES. I would be honored to serve in any of the available fellowship placements and am confident that my background has prepared me to make a substantive contribution. My qualifications span the core domains this fellowship program seeks to develop. As a researcher, I have co-authored a peer-reviewed article in the *Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision* (2025) that received the Outstanding Journal Article Award, and my ongoing scholarship addresses counselor wellness and burnout prevention, telehealth supervision, and social justice in mental health. As an educator, I design and deliver master's-level courses in assessment, diagnosis, and human development at St. Bonaventure University, bringing pedagogical expertise that translates directly to continuing education and professional development programming. As a communicator and leader, I serve on the ACES Presidential Task Force and multiple professional committees — NARACES, ACAC, IAWC — engaging regularly in the kind of outreach, member engagement, and content development that sustains professional organizations. My clinical and supervisory experience further grounds my candidacy. I provide telehealth counseling as a Limited Permit MHC at True Talk Mental Health Counseling, supervise five master's students across practicum and internship at Waynesburg University, and previously served as a crisis line counselor and shift lead supporting 11 hotlines, including the 988 Lifeline. These roles have cultivated the judgment, cultural responsiveness, and commitment to ethical practice that ACES represents. ACES has been central to my professional identity and growth. Serving on the Presidential Task Force has given me firsthand appreciation for the organization's strategic vision and the impact of its initiatives. I am eager to deepen that engagement through a fellowship placement — whether supporting the Research Center, collaborating on continuing education, or advancing communications and outreach — and to contribute my skills, energy, and perspective to the Association's work during this inaugural year. Thank you for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I might contribute to the ACES Doctoral Fellowship Program. Respectfully, Kayla M. Newkirk, M.S.Ed., MHC-LP Ph.D. Candidate, Counselor Education and Supervision Waynesburg University