2024-2025 CANDIDATES FOR BOARD ELECTION

President-Elect:

Jimmarie Smiley is a distinguished Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with a profound impact on mental health services and advocacy for underserved populations.

With a career spanning over 30 years, she has dedicated her life to improving the lives of children, families, and homeless individuals through her expertise, leadership, and compassion.

As the Chief of Wellness at Community Linc, Jimmarie plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization's approach to mental health and wellness. She oversees a comprehensive range of services designed to support homeless clients, addressing both immediate needs and long-term mental health challenges. Her innovative programs have been instrumental in providing holistic care, combining therapy, education, and support services to foster resilience and recovery.

Jimmarie's journey in mental health began with a solid educational foundation, earning her Master's degree in Counseling from Webster University. Her credentials are further bolstered by her certification as a play therapist from Mid America Nazarene University, enabling her to use creative and expressive techniques to help children process trauma and develop coping skills. Her expertise in play therapy has made her a sought-after practitioner and trainer in this specialized field.

In addition to her non-profit work, Jimmarie serves as a board approved supervisor in Kansas and Missouri, mentoring the next generation of counselors. She is deeply committed to professional development and education, guiding interns through hands-on experiences and ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the complex needs of their

clients. Her dedication to mentorship reflects her belief in the importance of nurturing future leaders in mental health.

Jimmarie's entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her successful management of Humble Hearts Counseling Services LLC, which has 2 locations in Kansas, where she demonstrated her ability to lead and innovate. As an entrepreneur, she has managed over 50 employees, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. Her leadership skills have been recognized for their effectiveness in creating cohesive teams and achieving organizational goals.

Throughout her career, Jimmarie has been a tireless advocate for mental wellness. She is known for her ability to inspire and mobilize others, whether through direct clinical work, community outreach, or her role in non-profit leadership. Her advocacy efforts extend beyond her immediate work, as she speaks at conferences, participates in panels, and collaborates with other leaders to promote mental health awareness.

Jimmarie Smiley's contributions to mental health and her unwavering commitment to serving underserved communities have earned her numerous accolades and widespread respect. Her work exemplifies the intersection of compassion, leadership, and expertise, making her a beacon of hope and a powerful force for change in the field of mental health and community wellness.

Secretary:

Cynthia Coufal has leveraged experience in the Kansas public schools as a special education teacher, and the last 25 years as a school counselor, with a passion for youth development. Now a Certified Life Coach, she created the "Teen Anxiety Maze" podcast to provide young people with accessible mental health resources, in addition to a 1:1 coaching program for teens with anxiety. 

IMPORTANT BOARD INFORMATION