History
SERVING THE COUNSELING PROFESSION IN HAMPTON ROADS FOR MORE THAN 60 YEARS: The History of HRCA
The Hampton Roads Counselors Association (HRCA) is the largest of the 15 chapters of the Virginia Counselors Association (VCA). HRCA is comprised of professional counselors in a variety of settings ranging from public schools to private practice. Since 1950, HRCA has provided counselors in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake with opportunities for professional growth, networking, and idea sharing.
MEMBER SERVICES
Here are the top 5 services to members:
- Professional development and skill building opportunities
- The quarterly newsletter, Highlights and Insights , shared via the HRCA website www.hamptonroadscounselors.org/ and eblast.
- Annual recognition of members for outstanding contributions to the field of counseling.
- News updates about pertinent legislation at the state and national levels.
- Representation on statewide committees, such as licensure, certification, and the VCA Executive Board.
Why Stay with HRCA?
Here are the top 3 reasons to become and/or stay a member of HRCA:
- Participate in relevant quarterly professional development opportunities.
- Address professional issues and topics while working toward the common goal of promoting professional counseling throughout the community.
- Take part in expanding public awareness and advocacy programs through the community service projects adopted by HRCA.
Our Board
Melinda Staton
President
Melinda Staton is a trauma-informed, Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia, with the Virginia Board of Counseling. She is also the owner of Triumphant Coaching & Counseling, LLC. Melinda graduated from Hampton University in 1991 with a B.A. in Sociology. Sher served in the Navy for 12 years as a Human Resource Officer, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. She acquired her Master’s degree in human resource development in 2001, and she acquired her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Degree from Nyack College, Alliance Graduate School of Counseling in New York City.
Melinda has a diverse range of expertise, holding certifications as a Triune Life Coach Practitioner and Trauma of Money Professional. Additionally, she holds a certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies, highlighting her commitment to providing comprehensive care to her clients.
Throughout her career, Melinda has gained extensive experience working with mandated and at-risk youth and adults, military veterans transitioning back to civilian life, individuals affected by military sexual trauma, as well as those struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, grief and loss, race-based stress trauma, money trauma, and college students undergoing various challenges.
Melinda’s therapeutic approach encompasses behavioral, somatic, and brain-based interventions to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Coherence Therapy, Memory Reconsolidation, Brainspotting, Grief Therapy and Career Counseling. Recognizing the inherent strength and resilience within every individual, Melinda firmly believes in their ability to heal, transform, and find hope and newness of life.
Melinda’s strong commitment to evidence-based practice and culturally relevant practices for BIPOC communities enables her to provide quality, person-centered counseling to help clients achieve their therapeutic and life goals. Her expertise and compassionate nature allow her to build a trusting relationship enabling clients to work toward personal growth. Melinda is the developer of the 12-hour workshop No More Shame: Heal Your Black Money Trauma. The goal of this workshop is to help those identifying as black, African American, here and in the diaspora, gain an understanding of the impact of epigenetic (historical) trauma on present day money challenges within the black community. The webinar introduces the I.C.A.N. process to help participants heal the impact of epigenetic money trauma cognitively and somatically.
Melinda enjoys reading, writing, singing and spending time with family and friends. Melinda resides in Chesapeake, Virginia and has two daughters, Naomi (25) and Deborah (24).
Charnetta R. Waters
Past-President
Charnetta R. Waters is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Youth Mental Health Specialist, and Supervisee in Registered Play Therapy. While her current service areas are primarily across the Hampton Roads community, she has professionally trained, mentored, and received advanced education in the field of mental health in Richmond, Va.
Charnetta holds a Master’s Degree in the Art of Clinical Mental Health Counseling where she received from South University-Glen Allen and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2016. She completed her undergrad work at North Carolina Central University in 2009, obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Sciences with a concentration in Child Development and Family Relations. Ms. Waters is the owner and lead therapist of Heart-Led Counseling, Consulting, and Community Services in Newport News, VA., where she specializes in working with children, youth, and adolescents. Her experiences include but are not limited to working program management and development, group therapy, individual therapy, community mental health, training and professional development for QMHPs, community event coordination, and youth mentorship.
Ms. Waters has participated in multiple speaking engagements in the community, spreading the importance of “caring for society’s youngest citizens”. It is her philosophy that in order to get ahead of the mental health crisis, it is imperative to address the needs of future generations to come.
Her passions are advocating and breaking the stigma of mental health in African American communities and rebuilding those communities less served. She prides herself on being authentic, relatable, and “just a young Black girl from Ballentine in Norfolk, VA trying to make a difference. It is her goal to give back to the community and bring new, fresh ideas to the Hampton Roads Counseling Association that will benefit the Hampton Roads community at large.
Meagan E. Graham
President-Elect
Meagan E. Graham is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor, Virginia Board of Counseling-approved Supervisor, and the CEO of CHAT Behavioral Health Services in Chesapeake, VA. Meagan has over 13 years of experience working in the mental health field in various settings including completing psychological testing, providing therapy in a residential setting, and practicing and supervising in private practice. With both a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, Meagan has built a solid foundation in psychological theory and clinical counseling practice.
As a Virginia Board of Counseling-approved Supervisor, Meagan is dedicated to guiding and mentoring emerging mental health professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide clinically sound, ethical, humane care to all communities.
In her role as CEO and therapist at CHAT Behavioral Health Services, Meagan leads a dedicated team in delivering high-quality mental health care. Her approach combines clinical excellence with a strong commitment to client-centered care, fostering an environment where individuals can achieve meaningful progress and personal growth.
Meagan’s therapeutic approach is deeply holistic, integrating a range of modalities to address the complex needs of her clients. Meagan is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional – Level II. She is trained in several innovative and effective therapies, including: EMDR, CBT, ACT, IFS, Mindfulness, Polyvagal Theory, and EFT Tapping. Meagan’s holistic view of treatment ensures that clients receive support that addresses not only their psychological but also their emotional and physiological well-being.
Beyond her clinical work, Meagan actively contributes to mental health awareness through ongoing education, advocacy, and community outreach. Meagan is dually devoted to making a positive impact by contributing to the mental health community and has a passion for connection, sharing, upliftment, and support within the mental health professional’s community.
Dr. JaNaé Taylor
Treasurer
Dr. JaNaé Taylor , an Alabama native, is the Black Folks’ Therapist, Emotional Wellness Consultant, and Mental Health Podcaster. Dr. Taylor is a Licensed Psychotherapist in Virginia Beach, VA, where she owns and operates Taylor Counseling and Consulting Services. JaNaé is an HBCU graduate, a proud alumnae of Tuskegee University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Additionally, she holds a Masters of Education in Community Counseling and Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia. She was honored as UGA’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2019.Dr. Taylor has worked with clients in a variety of settings, ranging from pediatric hospitals, juvenile justice systems, living assisted facilities, women’s homeless shelters, community mental health agencies, school and college counseling centers. She works with a wide range of mental and behavioral issues including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, anger and trauma.
The life issues people face are also an important part of her practice: healthy relationships, race-based offenses, cultural identity development, gender identity development, aging, social and diversity issues. She is committed to serving people of diverse ethnic backgrounds and providing culturally sensitive services. Dr. Taylor customizes her services to the unique goals and needs of every client. Her therapeutic style is centered on creating an authentic connection with her clients. JaNaè consults with Black men and women who are struggling with harmful self-evaluations. As the Founder of Minding My BLACK Business, Dr. Taylor provides Emotional Wellness consultations to Black Entrepreneurs, in every stage of the game, who are working to balance their mental health, Black identity, and successful businesses. Currently, she’s facilitating her emotional wellness program, Mindful Moguls, to Service Based Black Entrepreneurs who desire to build their businesses without sacrificing their sleep, serenity, or sanity.
JaNaé has provided consultations throughout the community with agencies such as: MTV’s Teen Mom: Young & Pregnant, Hampton Roads Black Chamber of Commerce, Hampton Roads Voice Radio Show, Black Wallstreet Today, Shades of Life Coaching Services. JaNae’s expertise has been featured in New York Times, STARZ, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, NBC, and CBS among many others.As the host of the Minding My BLACK Business podcast, JaNaé continues to make a valued impact on educating Black Entrepreneurs on their emotional wellness. Since the start of the podcast in 2007, the show currently has over 100,000 downloads in over 100 countries.
JaNaé is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Iota Omega Chapter in Norfolk, VA where she holds several leadership roles. She serves as the Vice-Chair of the Swan Center Board of Directors. Additionally she holds memberships with the Virginia Counseling Association and Hampton Roads Black Chamber of Commerce.
Betsy Koivisto
Secretary
Betsy Koivisto is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a
National Certified Counselor. She holds a Master of Science in Education Degree in Mental
Health Counseling from Old Dominion University. She graduated summa cum laude in 2010 and
was named the Outstanding Counseling Student of the Year. She completed her undergraduate
work at The University of Tampa, in Tampa, Florida in 1983, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in
English and a minor in French.
Betsy has worked at Hampton Roads Behavioral Health, PC, a community-based group practice
in Norfolk for the past 11 years. Betsy works primarily with adults and couples, providing
evidence-based psychotherapy and counseling for problems ranging from depression, anger,
grief, trauma, anxiety, family conflict, self-esteem, healthy relationships, substance abuse,
parenting and crisis management. She is experienced in the administration of Psychological
Testing and in Biofeedback Relaxation Training. Betsy has worked as a member of the Critical
Incident Stress Management Team for Tidewater First Responders, providing debriefings and
defusing following stressful encounters.
Betsy volunteers her time as the facilitator for The Parents’ Group, a monthly grief support
group for bereaved parents who have lost adult children. In addition to hosting monthly
meetings, Betsy connects group members with needed resources and provides a monthly
newsletter.
Betsy enjoys family, traveling, reading, good food, being in nature and the ocean. She has fun
with her cats, Agnes and Ariel, and is a proud mother and grandmother.
Nina Quitugua
Secretary-Elect
Nina Quitugua is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at
Old Dominion University, with an expected graduation in December 2026. She also earned her
Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Old Dominion University in
May 2024.
Nina is passionate about mental health research and advocacy, particularly in support of
military service members and veterans. As a graduate student researcher in the Military &
Veterans division of the PIPELINE Research Lab at ODU, she is actively contributing to studies on
mental health and wellness in these populations. Upon becoming a licensed professional
counselor, she hopes to work with military, veterans, and trauma populations, providing
evidence-based care to support their healing and resilience.
In her role as Graduate Student Representative, Nina hopes to serve as a collaborator between
graduate counseling programs and the association. She is committed to promoting professional
development opportunities, encouraging student engagement, and strengthening the
connection between emerging counselors and the broader mental health community.
Aaron Bernard Russell, Jr.
School Counselor Representative
Aaron Bernard Russell, Jr. is a dedicated and accomplished Urban Education Specialist, School Guidance Counselor, and Leader with over two decades of experience supporting at-risk youth, developing impactful educational programs, and fostering student success. With a strong background in school counseling, special education, grant writing, and juvenile corrections liaison work, Aaron is committed to empowering students through academic, career, and personal development.
Currently serving as a Professional School Counselor at Kings Fork High School (Suffolk Public Schools), Aaron provides comprehensive guidance in academic planning, college and career readiness, and social-emotional support. He collaborates with teachers, administrators, and families to create inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Previously, as the Student Engagement and Resource Counselor for Chesapeake Public Schools, he led student conduct and support initiatives, substance abuse prevention programs, and staff training.
Aaron’s extensive experience includes roles as a Middle School Guidance Counselor (Portsmouth Public Schools), Dean of Students/Guidance Director (New Directions Center), and Program Director (Seeds of Change, LLC.), where he designed therapeutic mentoring programs and coordinated behavioral health services. His early career included work as an Associate Teacher/Counselor (SECEP) and Intensive Home-Based Counselor (Restorer of Broken Walls), reinforcing his expertise in crisis intervention, social skills development, and family counseling.
A proud alumnus of Norfolk State University, Aaron holds a Master of Arts in Urban Education (School Guidance Counseling) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He maintains a Virginia Department of Education License in School Counseling (Pre-K–12), along with certifications in First Aid/CPR and Therapeutic Options.
Beyond his professional work, Aaron is the owner of Sowing 4 The Future, Solomon’s Place and remains actively involved in community leadership as a Prince Hall 32nd Degree Sublime Mason and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Recognized as Teacher of the Year (2004–2005), he continues to advocate for equitable education and youth mentorship.
Committees
Advocacy. The Advocacy Committee shall disseminate information among members and focus public attention on legislation which would in any way affect guidance, counseling, mental health, or human resource activities in the Southeastern Tidewater area. As appropriate, the Advocacy Relations Committee shall formulate resolutions and propose them to the membership for approval. The Advocacy committee shall plan for and attend the annual Legislative Day in collaboration with the VCA Advocacy Committee. The Advocacy Chair must be a member of the VCA Advocacy Work Group and attend at least one VCA advocacy meeting per quarter.
Archives. The Archives Committee shall be responsible for collecting information to be assembled in a scrapbook to be submitted at the state and or national level. It may also be assigned responsibility for tasks related to the process of recording and maintaining documents of historical value to the Chapter. Archive records will serve as official documentation for continuity and accountability. The Archive chair must coordinate with outgoing board members to preserve bios, headshots, contact info. The past president is to ensure the effective transfer of information/access from one position of leadership to the next across the roles of president to president-elect. Prior to exiting the executive board, the past president will provide the board with a biography and picture to be maintained on the HRCA website indefinitely. This maintenance is crucial for the recordkeeping/continuation of the chapter. All presidents should be featured on the website with contact information and a brief biography. This maintenance also includes the effective transfer of chapter access/records to include login information for the HRCA website, email account, and shared drive. Access will be transferred within the last month of the fiscal year to ensure a smooth/effective transfer to the incoming president.
Awards. The HRCA Awards Committee shall determine the recipients of the Chapter Awards: “HRCA Counselor of the Year,” “HRCA Chapter Member of the Year,” “HRCA Humanitarian & Caring Person of the Year” and “HRCA Career Service Award.” This committee shall also submit the HRCA Chapter recipients to VCA for the ‘VCA Counselor of the Year,” “VCA Humanitarian & Caring Person of the Year,” “William H. Van Hoose Career Service Award” as well as submitting for the “VCA Chapter of the Year.” These awards are not necessarily made annually. This committee is responsible for the submission of materials on behalf of our members for awards at state and national levels. The Awards Committee shall be chaired by the Immediate-Past President.
Communications. The Communications Committee shall coordinate the publicity efforts of the Chapter, using the various means available (email, internet, webpage, local newspapers, etc.) to get the word out and keep the membership informed. The Secretary-Elect shall chair the Communications Committee.
Ethics. The committee on Ethics shall be charged with responsibility of promoting ethical professional behavior among members by providing members with the ACA Code of Ethics, reporting to the members the results of pertinent court rulings, and conducting educational programs as needed.
Hospitality. The Hospitality Committee provides social amenities for the general membership meetings including the sign-in for members and the checking off of reservation lists. They are also responsible for sending acknowledgments to our members who are ill or who have other unfortunate circumstances such as bereavement.
Membership. The Membership Committee shall be responsible for the monitoring of membership status and trends, recommend strategies for recruitment and retention.
Multi-Cultural. The Multi-Cultural Committee promotes understanding of multi-cultural information and concerns pertaining to the counseling profession through varied efforts such as news articles, programs, etc.
Newsletter. The Newsletter Committee shall be chaired by the student representative. The Newsletter Committee compiles and disseminates the newsletter four times during the year to HRCA membership and retains additional copies for submission to competitions at the state and or national level.
Professional Development. The Professional Development Committee shall be responsible for promoting and facilitating professional learning opportunities that support the ongoing development of counseling professionals within the Association. The committee shall identify relevant topics; coordinate, develop, and evaluate continuing education programs; and ensure alignment with current professional standards and member needs. The committee shall also establish and maintain protocols for the submission, review, and approval of workshop proposals. All activities shall support the mission and strategic goals of the Hampton Roads Counselors Association.
Programs. The Program Committee shall make all arrangements for the Chapter-related meetings (i.e., town halls, professional development events, etc.) This responsibility shall include procuring suitable facilities and arrangements and appropriations for the professional aspect of the meetings. The Programs Committee shall be chaired by the President-Elect.
Scholarship. The Scholarship Committee shall advertise, solicit and adjudicate scholarship applications from individuals in graduate programs, to award an annual scholarship in an amount to be approved by the board.
Technology. The Technology Committee shall be responsible for maintaining and updating the HRCA website, managing virtual platforms such as Zoom, and ensuring the smooth operation of all technology-related aspects for HRCA events and member activities. This includes providing technical support, facilitating virtual meetings, and implementing tools that enhance communication and engagement within the organization.