FSCA is pleased to announce the results of our Board of Directors election! Join us in congratulating Dr. Vincent Geigel, Dr. Sierra Goggins-Brown, and Belinda Dees who will take office July 1, 2026.
| DR. VINCENT GEIGELSeminole County I wish to serve on the FSCA Board of Directors because FSCA is the leading voice that supports school counseling in the state of Florida. School Counseling is my passion, and I would like to help lead the organization that advocates for students and our profession at the state level. I support and advocate for the appropriate role of school counselors (as outlined by ASCA) because I know that the work of school counselors can make a life-changing impact for students. My experience as a secondary school counselor, Lead High School Counselor of Seminole County Public Schools, member of the FSCA Advocacy & Government Relations Committee and as an adjunct instructor of Counselor Education at the University of Central Florida has provided me with a holistic perspective that would help our organization move to the next level. Becoming a member of the FSCA Board of Directors would provide me with the opportunity to serve my colleagues and students of all backgrounds in our state. Leadership Attributes Active listening is one of my leadership attributes. I believe that it is important for all members of an organization to have a voice. Gathering input from stakeholders is much more effective than making decisions based on assumptions. Listening is essential for school counselors and it is essential for leaders as well. I know that I don't have all of the answers so, I truly value what my colleagues have to say. We need unity in order to make positive changes for our profession, and it all starts with listening. Collaboration is another attribute that I value. I find that collaboration is essential when you are part of a team. Contributing to a cause and partnering with group members helps a group come up with fresh ideas and allows members to play to their strengths. Through collaboration, there is more cohesion and a sense of unity that helps groups reach their goals efficiently. |
| DR. SIERRA GOGGINS-BROWNFlorida Gulf Coast University I wish to serve on the FSCA Board of Directors because I am deeply committed to advancing and protecting the school counseling profession in Florida. Throughout my career as a practicing school counselor, district SEL leader, and counselor educator, I have seen firsthand how advocacy, research-informed practice, and collaborative leadership can transform school communities. I am passionate about elevating our profession through data-informed decision-making, policy awareness, and strong partnerships across stakeholders. To sustain and preserve school counseling, we must intentionally bring diverse perspectives to the table—practicing school counselors, school-based and district leaders, school board members, and legislative voices—all working together toward a shared vision. I am committed to inclusive leadership that values diverse perspectives and engages in ongoing self-reflection to ensure decisions remain equitable and aligned with FSCA and ASCA standards and mindsets. As a counselor educator shaping future school counselors, I bring a unique perspective that bridges preparation programs and field practice. If selected as a board member, I vow to carry this responsibility with integrity to help elevate and sustain our profession for current and future school counselors. Leadership Attributes Collaborative Bridge-Builder. One of my foremost leadership attributes is my ability to bring people together across roles and perspectives. I intentionally create spaces where practicing school counselors, district leaders, counselor educators, and community partners can engage in meaningful dialogue. I listen first, seek to understand diverse viewpoints, and work toward shared solutions that elevate the profession. I believe sustainable progress happens through collaboration, not silos. My leadership style centers on relationship-building, clarity of purpose, and ensuring that every stakeholder feels valued and heard in the process. Reflective and Ethical Advocate. I lead with integrity, self-awareness, and a deep commitment to ethical practice. I believe advocacy must be grounded in professional standards, research-informed practice, and equitable decision-making. I consistently engage in reflection to ensure my leadership aligns with FSCA and ASCA standards and mindsets. I honor lived experiences—my own and others’—while remaining focused on what best supports students and the school counseling profession. My advocacy is thoughtful, steady, and rooted in a long-term vision to elevate and sustain our field. |
| BELINDA DEESAlachua County I am honored to be considered for the opportunity to serve on the Florida School Counselor Association Board of Directors. As a school counselor, I believe deeply in the power of this profession to change lives. I chose this path because I understand firsthand how trauma can impact a student’s experience in school, and I wanted to be in a position where I could help students feel seen, supported, and hopeful about their future. Working in an elementary school reminds me every day that our students are learning far more than academics. They are learning how to navigate relationships, emotions, challenges, and what it means to be human. There is no manual for that, which is why school counselors play such a critical role in helping students build the skills and resilience they need to succeed. Through my involvement as Co-Chair of the FSCA Advocacy Committee, I have seen the importance of elevating both student voices and the voices of the professionals who support them. I am passionate about strengthening collaboration among counselors and creating opportunities for members to learn from one another so that together we can better serve students across Florida. Leadership Attributes Advocacy is at the heart of my leadership. I believe student voices matter, and the voices of the professionals who support them matter as well. My experiences shaped a deep commitment to ensuring students feel seen, heard, and supported, especially those navigating challenges such as trauma. Through my work as Co-Chair of the FSCA Advocacy Committee, I have helped elevate the role of school counselors and advocate for policies and practices that support students across Florida. I strive to use my voice to strengthen our profession and ensure school counselors have the support they need to serve students well. I believe strong leadership is rooted in collaboration. School counselors do some of their most meaningful work when they can learn from one another, share ideas, and build supportive professional communities. I value listening to diverse perspectives and creating opportunities for connection among counselors across schools and districts. When we collaborate, we strengthen our collective impact and expand how we support students. I am passionate about creating spaces where school counselors feel supported, empowered, and connected so that together we can continue growing in our practice and better serve the students and families in our schools. |