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Board Members

 

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Dr. Earnest Airhia, LPC-S. LAC, NCC, AADC, CCDP-D, ICADC, USSF-A, CM

Dr. Earnest Airhia is the founder, President/CEO, and Clinical Director of Greenpath International Inc., Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Clinic in New Orleans, LA. Dr. Airhia graduated with his Ph. D at Walden University in Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) in 2015. Dr. Airhia received his bachelor's degree from Southern University and his graduate degree at the University of Holy Cross with a master's in counseling in 2004. Before becoming the CEO of Greenpath, he worked with several organizations in New Orleans, including the New Orleans Criminal Court as a case manager for offenders with Drug and Mental Health problems. 

Dr. Airhia's experiences, expertise, efforts, extensive contributions, and advocacy for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders industry led to his appointment to the Louisiana Professional Counseling Board of Examiners (LPCBE) in 2018 by the governor of Louisiana (Gov. Bell Edwards). Additionally, in 2016, Dr. Airhia was bestowed the Unsung Hero recipient by the American Counseling Association (ACA), recipients of the Minority Fellowship Program award from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) in 2014, and recipient as the Excellent in Treatment by the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CADA).  

Dr. Airhia has presented different topics relating to Mental Health, Addiction, and advocacy at local, state, and national conferences since 2004. Dr. Earnest Airhia has contributed immensely to the Mental Health industry, serving some of the most underserved and impoverished clientele in the U.S regardless of income for over 20 years. His hardworking prowess, efforts, and leadership in the helping profession have garnered him recognition within the professional community, including his adopted city of New Orleans, the state of Louisiana, and the U.S. 

Besides, Dr. Airhia has also presented with different co-workers, students, providers, professors, and researchers who have evolved over the years. Dr. Airhia's professional experiences and presentations have supported students, addiction counselors, Mental Health Counselors, Stakeholders, and providers to gain awareness and knowledge of the newest trends in their professional lives. Dr. Earnest Airhia is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S), a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Co-occurring Disorders Professional – Diplomat (CCDP-D), a Certified Mediator (CM), and an International Certified and Reciprocity Consortium (ICADC) in Louisiana, while licensed by the United State Soccer Federation -A Licence (USSF-A). 

Dr. Earnest Airhia is a trustee with the Clifford Ojeriakhi Imudia Memorial Foundation, whose mission is engaging in a "Medical Mission to Nigeria.". The Clifford Ojeriakhi mission aims to supply medical apparatus, give scholarships to students, and supply medication and treatment to the elderly suffering from Diabetes Mellitus and High Blood Pressure in three regions within the Delta and Edo states of Nigeria (Ozanogogo, Agbor obi, and Idumu Iyasele in Ewatto). The mission started in 2013, for which several cultural heritage regions mentioned above immensely benefit. 

In addition, Dr. Earnest Airhia is the Association of Nigerians in New Orleans (ANNO) president, promoting unity, solidarity, integrity, and welfare of the Nigerian community in New Orleans and its surroundings. To date, Dr. Earnest Airhia has been and is still giving back to the community by providing food to the homeless and the veteran population every quarter, providing education and training to providers locally in New Orleans, LA, and nationally while advancing social change through researching, and technology. 

Dr. Earnest Airhia's memberships include the Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling (AARC); the Louisiana Counseling Association (LCA); the Louisiana Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (LACES); the Louisiana Association of Substance Abuse Counselors & Trainers (LASACT); and the United States Soccer Federation Coaches Association (USSF-A).   

Research

Dr. Earnest Airhia's research work includes Predicting Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children with Prior Mental Health Diagnoses Following Hurricane Katrina.

You can visit the page below for his award.

Visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/04/prweb11729312.htm for press release 

Dr. Earnest Airhia's hobby is enjoying, playing and coaching soccer.

Term Expires: 01/09/2026

 

Chastity Butler, LPC-S

Chastity Butler, LPC-S, a lifelong resident of Northeast Louisiana, was born in Tallulah, LA and has been living in Monroe, LA since 2000.  Having attended two state colleges, Southern University and the University of LA-Monroe, Ms. Butler is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with over 15 years of experience in professional mental health services and treatment.  Ms. Butler is the owner of C.A. Butler Counseling & Consulting, LLC whereby she provides services as a consultant with several area outpatient mental health and substance abuse agencies and is afforded the opportunity to engage communities with her passion for mental health advocacy for the underserved. In addition to her clinical work, Ms. Butler also currently serves on the board of the Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and involved in several community and national organizations. In 2022, she was appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to serve on The Louisiana Professional Counselors Board of Examiners.  Ms. Butler is the mother of one son, Cameron, two granddaughters, Kameryn and Kenleigh Grace, and three fur boys, Deuce, Whiskey, and Buddy.

Term Expires: 09/15/2026

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Foley L. Nash, LPC-S, LMFT-S, MFTAC Vice-Chair

Foley L. Nash, LPC-S, LMFT-BAS (term 3/2021-3/2025) obtained his BA in Spanish (German minor) from NLU (ULM) in 1972, & his Master’s in Adolescent/Adult Counseling from NLU in 1983. His other credentials include clinical supervisor status for both PLPC’s & PLMFT’s, & he is privileged for Appraisal. From Monroe, Louisiana, he now lives in Baton Rouge. A former public-school teacher (1975-1985), with a Louisiana teaching certificate valid for life, he is certified in English, Spanish, French, German, & K-12 Secondary Counseling. Other post-graduate work involved study of Spanish Philology & Linguistics, with a graduate minor in French & Spanish based Pidgin & Creole languages of the Caribbean.

In private practice part-time since 1984, he’s had various roles in his full-time professional work since his public-school teaching activity: Founder/Administrator of a hospital-based alternative school, Executive Director of a group home, Unit Manager for a psychiatric hospital, & Director of a hospital’s community outreach program for youth. Additionally, he’s done federal & state level EAP work, & was the team leader (& Program Director) for a Forensic ACT team. In 2012, he became the Children’s System Administrator for the Louisiana Behavioral Health Partnership, serving 800,000+ Medicaid-eligible children, & helped to develop Phase 1 of CSoC for the state. In 2016, he became the Behavioral Health Director of Aetna Better Health of Louisiana.

Active in professional organizations, including LCA & AAMFT, he’s been a former President of LAMHCA, a Government Relations Chair & an Ethics Chair for LCA, & has served on a variety of state boards & commissions. As a member of the Society of Behavioral Medicine and several of their SBM special interest groups, he reviews abstracts submitted for the annual SBM conferences.

Mr. Nash has served on the Louisiana Adoption Advisory Board, & he & his wife Glenda have been certified as foster & adoptive parents.  They’ve also been active in both recreational & some light competitive ballroom dance activity.  In earlier years, he conducted & competed in various chess tournaments, & held a national rating from the US Chess Federation.

In mid-2021, he became Director of Clinical Programs for Anthem/Healthy Blue of Louisiana, as the clinical support for providers statewide whose Medicaid clients have co-occurring mental & physical health disorders. On the LPC Board of Examiners, he also serves as the Vice Chair of the Marriage & Family Therapy Advisory Committee.

Term Expires: 03/2025

 

Mark Reynaud, M.A.,LPC-S, LMFT-S, MFTAC Member

Mark Reynaud, M.A., LPC-S, LMFT-S holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of New Orleans and received his Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM) in 1991.  Since that time, he has worked in a variety of clinical settings including home-based services, partial hospitalization program, private practice, and employee assistance programs.  He is currently the Clinical Director for Hidalgo Health Associates, an EAP based in the Baton Rouge area.  His main areas of interest as a clinician are working with couples and clinical supervision.  He is a member of LCA and LAMFT and is a Clinical Fellow of AAMFT.Mr. Reynaud has previously served on the LPC Board of Examiners and Marriage and Family Advisory Committee from March 2010 to July 2014.  He held the position of Chairperson of the MFTAC from February 2012 to July 2014.  He resigned from the Board in 2014 to pursue studies in theology and in 2020 was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church. Mr. Reynaud resides in Greenwell Springs, LA with his wife of 34 years, Sheila.  They have three adult children and are active members of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Baton Rouge where he serves as a Permanent Deacon.

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Abigail Hays, LPC, LMFT

Abigail Hays is from Rayville, LA. She received a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and minor in Dance from The University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2012. She also received her Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from ULM in 2015. She graduated in the top 10% of graduate students in the United States. She is dually licensed as a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. Her passion for child advocacy is evident by her years of dance instruction, mentoring American Legion Auxiliary Girls State delegates, and working with youth and their families in various community roles. She served as the Vice President of the Louisiana Girls State Association and is on the Alumni Advisory Committee for Phi Mu Fraternity. She resides in Richland Parish with her husband and daughter. 

Term Expires: 03/17/2026

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Kelly M. Tyner, Ph.D., LMFT-S, MFTAC Chair

Dr. Kelly Tyner is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Clinical Fellow of AAMFT. She received a Master's and a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. In addition to maintaining a small private practice, Dr. Tyner is currently serving as the Associate District Director for Counseling within Readjustment Counseling Services through the Department of Veteran Affairs. In the past, Dr. Tyner has served on the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (LAMFT) Executive Board as Secretary and was Treasurer of the LMFT PAC. Dr. Tyner lives in Shreveport, Louisiana with her four children.

Term Expires: 11/11/2026

 

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Kristal K. Hebert, M.S., QDDP

Kristal K. Hebert, M.S., QDDP, was born and raised and still lives in Bayou Vista, LA. Kristal is classified as a Qualified Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Professional who wholeheartedly embraces her role as an advocate for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. She earned her Associate's Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education at Nicholls State University and continued at Nicholls to obtain her Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences. She then transitioned to Louisiana State University Shreveport for her graduate studies and earned her Master’s of Science in Non-Profit Administration. Now Kristal is pursuing her Doctoral Degree from LSUS in Leadership Education and is nearing completion of all coursework. She serves as the executive director for the Arc of St. Mary, a non-profit organization that provides support services for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities in St. Mary Parish. Kristal serves as the board secretary on the executive board for the Arc of Louisiana's Council of Executives. Also, she serves as a member of the board of directors for Claire House, a rehabilitation home for women who struggle with addiction and their children. Kristal is a past winner of Arc of Louisiana Service Provider of the year, and under her direction, Arc of St. Mary was awarded Non-Profit of the Year in St. Mary Parish. In 2021, she was appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to serve on The Louisiana Professional Counselors Board of Examiners. Kristal and her husband, Darin, have two sons and two grandsons. Kristal's hobbies primarily include surviving in an all-boy household for over 30 years.

Term Expires: 12/10/2024

 

 

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Laura Fazio-Griffith, Ph.D., LPC-S, LMFT, Registered Play Therapist-S; Associate Professor; Nell Yarborough Sibley Endowed Professorship in Human Sciences, Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling Coordinator, Play Therapy Program Coordinator, Director, Southeastern Louisiana Univeristy Play Therapy Education and Training Site, LPC Board Vice-Chair

Dr. Fazio-Griffith received her PhD from the University of New Orleans in Counselor Education.  She is a national certified counselor, licensed professional counselor supervisor, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and a registered play therapist supervisor.  Dr. Fazio-Griffith was the clinical director for the Counseling and Training Center of Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans for approximately 5 years.  She provided individual, group, and family counseling as well as supervision for master’s level counseling interns.  She has been an adjunct assistant professor at UNO, Southeastern, and LSU. She joined our faculty in August of 2010 after completing two years as a visiting assistant professor at LSU. She served as the president of LACES from 2004-06 and was the Counselor Education representative on the LACES board until July 2011. She served as treasurer on the Louisiana Association for Play Therapy Executive Board and is Past-President of the Louisiana Association for Play Therapy, add currently  serves as the conference speaker coordinator committee chair,  She is the Chair for the International Association for Play Therapy Ethics and practice committee, ad a member of the University Education Committee, the  Registration and Credentialing Committee, Nominations and Elections Committee as well as the task force to develop a history of play therapy for APT. She has served as president for the Louisiana Association for Career Development and serves on five national editorial boards. She served on the American Counseling Association Branch Development Committee and was selected as a mentor for the ACA Mentorship Program. She has developed the play therapy program and the counseling program is an approved provider from the Association for Play Therapy for continuing play therapy education.  She has presented internationally, nationally and statewide on various topics related to supervision, play therapy, and group work.   Her research interests include group work, personality disorders, supervision, and play therapy. Dr. Fazio-Griffith was honored by the Louisiana Association for Counselor Education and Supervision as the Senior Counselor Educator of the year at the 2016 LCA Conference, the award for Distinguished Professional Service, 2018 for the Louisiana Counseling Association, and the Senior Supervisor Award by the Louisiana Association for Counselor Education and Supervision at the 2019 LCA Conference, and the Play Therapist of the Year: Lifetime Achievement by the Louisiana Association for Play Therapy in 2020. Dr. Fazio-Griffith was appointed to the LPC Board by the Governor effective September 1, 2018. Dr. Fazio-Griffith is the faculty advisor for the counseling programs Chi Sigma Iota chapter.  She is the recipient of the Nell Yarborough Sibley Endowed Professorship in Human Sciences for 2020-23. Dr. Fazio-Griffith is the 2022 recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Term Expires: 8/31/2026

 

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Nakeisha Pierce, M.Ed., LPC-S, LPC Board Secretary

A native of Bogalusa, Louisiana Nakeisha moved to Lafayette to attend (USL) The University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1993. She immediately assimilated into the culture and grew to call Lafayette home.  Nakeisha graduated from University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1999 and went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Counseling Education from Alcorn State University in May 2004. Non-profit and volunteer work began with Gulf Coast Teaching Family Services, Faith House Board of Director where Nakeisha served six years, two as President. Girl Scout Troop Leader, Komen Ambassador, Holy Family Catholic School Board President, PTA President, and Student Council representative, The National Association of University Women, Financial Secretary and volunteer mentor (UL) Women’s basketball team. Currently works in Lafayette, Louisiana as Program Director for Functional Family Therapy.  In 2016, appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to serve on The Louisiana Professional Counselors Board of Examiners. 

A life’s mission is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with passion, some compassion, some humor and some style!

-Maya Angelou

Term Expires: 8/21/2024

 

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Roy A. Salgado, Jr., Ph.D., LPC-S, LMFT-S, NCC, LPC Board Chair

Dr. Roy A. Salgado, Jr. is happily married and is the proud father of a son and daughter. He received his B.S. in Psychology from Tulane University in 1995, his Masters degree in School Counseling in 2000 and his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision in 2003 from the University of New Orleans.  Dr. Salgado has also worked as a teacher for the Archdiocese of New Orleans School System.  In addition to his teaching experience he has had diverse experiences as a counselor at an elementary school, a high school, a child and adolescent youth ranch, a community agency, and in private practice.  His research interests are in the area of child and adolescent neglect and abuse, play therapy, child and adolescent development, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and family counseling.  He has also served on faculty at Xavier University of Louisiana.  Dr. Salgado has provided clinical mental health counseling services to members of the English and Spanish speaking communities through his work with the New Orleans Family Justice Center and the Hispanic Apostolate, as well as has worked with the general population in private practice where he has served the community since 2003. 

Dr. Salgado has served as a leading advocate in the formation of an initiative to help address the mental health needs of the more than 1500 unaccompanied minors who have come from Central America, most notably from the Republic of Honduras, to the New Orleans area. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Salgado holds a position as a Professor of Counseling and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Holy Cross where he has been on faculty teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels since 2006. He has received several Endowments for his work with Unaccompanied Minors in the United States and in Honduras. Dr. Salgado has also served as the 2016-2017 President of the Louisiana Counseling Association’s - Louisiana Association of Multicultural Counseling and Development Division – LAMCD. He has served as the 2017-2019 Faculty Assembly President for the University of Holy Cross and has been appointed by the Governor of Louisiana to the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners for the years 2018 – 2026, (the state licensing board for licensed professional counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists) where he currently serves as chair.

Dr. Salgado also serves his community as member of the board for CCANO- Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans.  Furthermore, he also serves as a mental health contributor for the New Orleans’ Fox 8 News affiliate and WWL 870 am radio. Dr. Salgado co-hosted a weekly mental health talk show on WLAE-32 with veteran TV news anchor, Janet Gross, entitled Coping During the COVID Crisis, which debuted in April of 2020 in response to the global pandemic and was recognized by the New Orleans Press Club as the Best TV Talk Show in 2021. The success of the COVID talk show, which ran for three seasons, led to a spin-off series, entitled Coping Today, which debuted in August of 2022.  Dr. Salgado was also named Outstanding Professor of the year for 2021 by the University of Holy Cross.

Term Expires: 09/06/2026 

 

Elise Johns, Ph.D., LPCS, NCCC

Elise Johns, Ph.D., LPC­S, NCC is an Assistant Professor at University of the Cumberlands. She holds a doctorate in Counselor Education from the University of New Orleans and a master's in Counseling Psychology from Troy University. Dr. Johns has clinical experience in outpatient mental health treatment, grief counseling, crisis intervention, training clinics, and private practice. Dr. Johns has maintained a private practice in New Orleans for the past 8 years. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor Approved Supervisor and a National Certified Counselor. Dr. Johns' research and teaching interests include multicultural competencies, LGBTIQA, spirituality, and ethical competencies of clinicians working with terminally ill clients.

Term Expires: 01/11/2026