2025-2026 Maryland Counseling Association Emerging Leaders PrograM

The MCA Emerging Leaders Program was designed to provide graduate counseling students, new professionals, and experienced professionals with cultivating experiences that support leadership skill and competency development, and diverse opportunities to actively participate in MCA Executive Board meetings, serve on a committee, task force, and/or engage in projects of interest, receive mentorship, build professional networks, and gain exposure to the responsibilities associated with fulfilling elected leadership positions. 

Applications for the 2026-2027 year will open in January 2026

 If you have any questions, please contact us at elchair@mdcounseling.org.

Shauna Moore Reynolds, Ed.D., LCPCs, LPC, NCC, ACS

Shauna Moore Reynolds holds a Master of Arts in Behavioral Sciences from the University of Houston and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Counselor Education and Supervision from Texas Southern University. Her research and presentation interests encompass Intimate Partner Violence, the mental health of first responders, trauma and crisis intervention, the intersection of spirituality and mental health, and promoting mental health awareness within communities of color.

Dr. Moore Reynolds is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Counseling Association, the Maryland Counseling Association, the National Association of Black Counselors, the Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors, and Chi Sigma Iota. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor-Supervisor in Maryland and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, D.C., holding the designation of National Certified Counselor from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Additionally, she is an Approved Clinical Supervisor.

In recognition of her contributions to the field, Dr. Moore Reynolds received the Maryland Counseling Association Outstanding Mental Health Professional Award in 2018 and the Outstanding Educator Award from the Department of Education at Texas Southern University in 2020. She also dedicates her time as a volunteer with the Pro Bono Project of Baltimore, where she provides clinical supervision to master's-level interns participating in the program.  Dr. Moore Reynolds is also the creator of the current Maryland Counseling Association logo.

Emerging Leaders for 2025-2026

Kyrah Lee, MCSJ

Kyrah Lee is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Trinity Washington University and a  counseling intern at PsycYourMind, LLC and Divine Mind Therapeutics, LLC where she provides  counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and geriatric members facing a broad range of  psychological and relational challenges. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Dance  and Movement Studies from Allegheny College, where she began exploring the connection between emotional expression, and the mind and body. Kyrah is a member of the counseling honor society, Chi Sigma Iota, the American Counseling Association, and the Maryland Counseling   Association. 

Kyrah's passion for counseling ignited through her fondness of the brain. Originally, she  aspired to be a Neurologist; however, she soon realized her desire for healing in the Psychology field. She is fascinated by the intersectionality of trauma, generational and cultural implications, human behavior, and health outcomes.

 Michelle Nguyen, MCDA

 Michelle Nguyen is a Master of Science student in Clinical Professional Counseling at UMGC.   She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees, Psychology and Mass Communication, from Towson University. She is also a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

 Michelle is a trained hip-hop dancer and instructor, with plans to pursue certification in   Dance Movement Therapy to support survivors of sexual abuse trauma. She is passionate about integrating somatic practices into therapeutic settings and advocates for a more holistic approach to mental healthcare that includes the body as a key component of   healing.  

 Michelle is also committed to destigmatizing mental health in Asian and diaspora communities through culturally informed, accessible, and body-centered care.

Morgyn Ogburn, MASERVIC

Morgyn Ogburn is a passionate educator and youth advocate with a strong foundation in child and  adolescent development. She currently serves as a Crisis & Intervention Resource Teacher with Prince  George’s County Public Schools Special Education department, supporting students with behavioral  and emotional needs through restorative practices, intentional connection, and strategy. 

Morgyn earned her B.S. in Child and Adolescent Studies from Bowie State University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Trinity Washington University. She aspires to become a School Counselor serving students in low- income communities. She also desires to support couples as well as provide counseling to families, helping them heal, communicate, and thrive.

Morgyn brings a heart-centered and culturally responsive approach to leadership. As a participant in the Emerging Leadership Program, she aims to amplify her impact in systems that serve and empower vulnerable youth and adults. Morgyn is deeply committed to personal healing, faith, and creating spaces where others feel seen, safe, and supported.

 Xinyu Long, MCSJ

 Xinyu Long is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Maryland. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Washington and a Master of   Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. Xinyu   specializes in the   treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP),   the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for OCD. She also integrates Brainspotting and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her practice to address trauma and   emotional regulation.

 As a bilingual and bicultural clinician fluent in English and Mandarin, Xinyu is deeply committed to providing culturally responsive care for international students, immigrants, and historically underserved communities. Through her work, Xinyu aims to address mental health disparities and contribute to lasting, systemic change in the U.S. mental healthcare landscape.

 Darian Lancaster, MAMCD

 Darian Lancaster is currently pursuing dual master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Counseling Psychology at Washington Adventist University, after   earning her   B.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

 Darian adopts a holistic perspective, viewing the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected.   She  employs evidence-based therapeutic modalities to support the comprehensive health   and wellbeing of her clients.  Darian provides guidance to individuals experiencing anxiety,   depression, childhood trauma, and challenges with self-development. Her empathy and   compassion foster a safe and nurturing environment, encouraging clients to explore and   advance their personal growth.

As a parent of an autistic child, Darian has unique insight into the needs of neurodivergent individuals and their families. She welcomes clients from diverse backgrounds and utilizes various therapeutic methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), humanistic therapy, play and art therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

Darian is committed to helping clients deepen their self-understanding and develop skills to achieve their personal goals, while continuously enhancing her expertise through her work with the MAMCD division.

Emerging Leaders for 2021-2022

Emerging Leaders for 2020-2021

Emerging Leaders for 2018-2019

Emerging Leaders for 2017-2018