MEET THE CANDIDATES

LEANNE BENNER

Director of School Counseling | RSU40

Why do you wish to serve on the MESCA Board of Directors?

I wish to serve on the MESCA Board of Directors because I am passionate about advocating for the school counseling profession and supporting school counselors in developing strong, comprehensive programs that meet the needs of all students.

I have served as a school counselor for 12 years and have had the opportunity to be part of meaningful growth and change within RSU 40. I have been actively involved in advocating for the use of the professional title “school counselor” and helping our district recognize and communicate the important role school counselors play in supporting students. I was also part of the team that developed the RSU 40 School Counseling Mission and Vision, which we aligned with the ASCA National Model. Additionally, I helped create a presentation for our district staff to provide a clearer understanding of the role of school counselors at each level.

I would be honored to bring these experiences to MESCA and help advocate for school counseling programs across Maine. I would especially value the opportunity to share resources, tools, and ideas that help counselors strengthen their programs, advocate for their students, and communicate the impact of school counseling within their schools and communities.

First Leadership Attribute

Advocacy: I chose advocacy because I believe strong leaders use their voice to create positive change. I have advocated for the professional identity of school counselors within RSU 40 and worked to help others understand the important role school counselors play in supporting students and schools.

Second Leadership Attribute

Collaboration: I chose collaboration because meaningful change happens when people work together and share their knowledge and resources. My experience developing our district's counseling mission and vision, aligning our work with ASCA, and creating resources for staff has reinforced the importance of working collectively to strengthen school counseling programs.

SAMANTHA BIVENS

School Counselor | Lewiston Public Schools

Why do you wish to serve on the MESCA Board of Directors?

First Leadership Attribute

I am a continuous learner and this is an essential quality of a good leader. I never feel like I am done learning or that the way I do things is the best. I am young in the profession but I do not think this will ever change about me. I love to continue to dive into the current research about what works best in our profession.

Second Leadership Attribute

EMILY CANAVAN

School Counselor | RSU89

Why do you wish to serve on the MESCA Board of Directors?

I would be incredibly honored to serve on the MESCA Board of Directors and have the opportunity to give back to a profession that already means so much to me.

There are not many jobs where you get the chance to make someone feel seen, supported, and a little more hopeful just by showing up well for them. That is what I love most about school counseling. I care deeply about the responsibility we have to advocate for students, build meaningful relationships, and be a steady person during moments that may feel anything but steady to them.

As a newer counselor in a small rural district, I am constantly learning, asking questions, and looking for ways to grow. I want my impact to reach beyond the walls of my own school. Serving on the MESCA Board would give me the opportunity to learn from counselors across Maine, bring my own perspective to the table, and contribute to work that strengthens our profession. I want to keep growing, keep challenging myself, and use what I learn to make a real difference for students and school counselors across Maine.

First Leadership Attribute

Relationship building/Authenticity:

It might sound strange to combine relationship building and authenticity, but to me they go hand in hand. People can tell when a relationship is forced or when someone is just going through the motions. I value genuine connection and believe relationships have to come before almost anything else. I try to show up as myself, listen to understand, and make people feel like they matter. Whether I am working with students, families, staff, or colleagues, I want people to know that I genuinely care. I believe trust grows from authenticity, and meaningful leadership grows from trust.

Second Leadership Attribute

Advocacy

I am not someone who can see a gap and just ignore it. If I know something could be better, I feel a responsibility to speak up and work toward making it better. I care deeply about people feeling supported, seen, and advocated for, especially when their needs are easily overlooked. I am always asking what more we can do, who else we can reach, and how we can make the impact of our work stronger. I want to keep growing, pushing for better, and making a difference that reaches beyond just the people right in front of me.

JACKIE CHAPLIN

School Counselor | Saco School District

Why do you wish to serve on the MESCA Board of Directors?

Thank you for the opportunity to be considered to serve on MESCA's Board of Directors. I have been an elementary school counselor for the past 22 years. As the only school counselor in my school, and for 16 years the only school counselor working between two schools, I know how isolating our role can be at times. Given this, I believe it is incredibly beneficial to create systems for school counselors to collaborate, connect, and find support.

I have served on the MESCA Board for the past three years. During my time on the Board, I have been the Awards Committee Chair and participated in the work of the Conference Committee. I value the work that the MESCA Board has done to support Maine's school counselors and would like the opportunity to continue to serve on the Board to help empower, unite, and advocate for Maine's school counselors.

First Leadership Attribute

Second Leadership Attribute

MEGAN FLEMING

School Counseling Director | RSU 14

Why do you wish to serve on the MESCA Board of Directors?

Approaching two decades in school counseling has given me both a deep appreciation for our impact and a clear view of the systemic challenges that we face daily. In many Maine communities, mental health and family resources are limited or inaccessible, making the school counselor's role essential for students, families, and our communities.

As a member of the MESCA Board of Directors, I hope to collaborate with professionals across the state to strengthen our connections and share resources. I would love to expand professional development opportunities to connect our field with industry, higher education, and community leadership. By building partnerships and sharing knowledge, we can better equip counselors to prepare students for postsecondary success and personal well-being, benefiting our state and local communities.

First Leadership Attribute

Second Leadership Attribute

I am a creative problem solver, a skill that I think many school counselors share! I find unique but practical and effective solutions and resources for staff, students, and families. I love working collaboratively with my colleagues to generate creative ideas and develop them into sustainable, impactful programs or strategies.

TINA NIGHTINGALE

Assistant Professor | USM

Why do you wish to serve on the MESCA Board of Directors?

I wish to serve on the MESCA Board of Directors because I am passionate about supporting and advancing the school counseling profession in Maine. After nearly 20 years as a school counselor and now working in counselor education at the University of Southern Maine, I have had the opportunity to view the profession from both practitioner and educator perspectives.

I care deeply about advocating for students, supporting counselors in the field, and helping prepare the next generation of school counselors. I believe collaboration, mentorship, and strong professional leadership are essential as schools continue to navigate increasing student mental health needs, school safety concerns, and equity-focused practices. I also believe strengthening the connection between the USM School Counseling Program and MESCA is important, so that developing counselors become engaged in the professional community early in their training.

Serving on the MESCA Board would allow me to contribute my experience in school counseling, supervision, advocacy, and counselor education while continuing to learn from colleagues across the state. I would be honored to support MESCA’s mission and the continued growth of the profession in Maine.

First Leadership Attribute

Collaboration and Relationship Building

One of my strongest leadership attributes is my ability to build authentic relationships and foster collaboration. I believe effective leadership comes from listening, creating connections, and working toward shared goals. Throughout my career as a school counselor, clinician, and counselor educator, I have worked to create supportive environments where people feel valued and heard. Whether mentoring new counselors, supporting students, or collaborating with colleagues, I value teamwork and community-centered leadership.

Second Leadership Attribute

Advocacy and Commitment to Growth

I am deeply committed to advocacy and continuous growth within the counseling profession. I strive to support students, counselors, and developing professionals while promoting trauma-informed and student-centered practices. I value lifelong learning and remain open to new ideas and perspectives. My leadership is grounded in supporting others, encouraging professional growth, and advancing school counseling in Maine.