June 12-13, 2025

Portsmouth, VA 

This year’s theme, “Inspiration to Impact: Empowering Leaders to Foster Growth, Advocacy, and Connection” really reflects the heart behind our annual conference. While there are many logistics to consider when planning and preparing for an event of this scale, our conference is such a sacred space for many of us. The conference affords us the opportunity to learn, reconnect with old friends and expand our network by meeting new colleagues who share our passion and dedication –  for the purpose of equipping us to better serve our clients and communities.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Thema Bryant is a psychologist, author, professor, sacred artist, and minister who is leading the way in creating healthy relationships, healing traumas, and overcoming stress and oppression. Dr. Thema is the author of the soon to be released book Matters of the Heart (February 4, 2025; Penguin Random House), which aims to empower readers to connect with themselves and to others, delving into topics such as: control issues, emotional unavailability, practical activation activities, case studies, and teaching how to shift mindset and patterns around romance. Dr. Thema Bryant completed her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Duke University and her post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical Center’s Victims of Violence Program. Upon graduating, she became the Coordinator of the Princeton University SHARE Program, which provides intervention and prevention programming to combat sexual assault, sexual harassment, and harassment based on sexual orientation. She is currently a tenured professor of psychology in the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University, where she directs the Culture and Trauma Research Laboratory. Dr. Thema is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and leads the mental health ministry at First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles. Most recently, she was the 2023 president of the American Psychological Association (APA) and is the host of The Homecoming Podcast.

Plenary Speaker

Daniel Gutierrez, Professor in Counselor Education, Licensed Professional Counselor & Certified Substance Abuse Counselor

Dr. Daniel Gutierrez is a Professor in the Department of Counseling and Special Education at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is also a member of the Thriving Community Convergence Lab @ VCU, the Director of STAR labs, and the co-founder of the Contemplation and Healing Institute, a grassroot non-profit dedicated to the integration of contemplative practice and mental health. Gutierrez’s research is in the areas of Community Mental Health and Positive Existential Psychology. He works to identify the factors and pathways by which vulnerable, and at-risk individuals thrive in response to chronic stress, systemic injustices and life challenges, He seeks to develop strength-based, effective, evidence-based mental health strategies for fostering individual and community wellbeing. One particular area of interest is in the application of contemplative practices (e.g., mindfulness, meditation, centering) and the role of spirituality and spiritually oriented constructs (e.g., hope, meaning in life) as a catalyst for individual and social transformation.

Dr. Gutierrez is also a former board member and president of ASERVIC, serves as an Associated Editor for the ASERVIC journal Counseling and Values, and was recently awarded the Lifetime Service award.