the ballot is now OPEN – Advisory Board election 2018

Scott Tobias is an assistant professor Human Development and Family Studies at Kent State – Stark. In his position he has the opportunity to teach a variety of courses which help students to gain an understanding and competence in Family Life Education. He serves as the current Chair of the Family Life Education Advisory Board for the National Council on Family Relations, and formerly served the committee as the Student / New Professional Representative. Additionally he has served as Secretary / Treasurer of the Advancing Family Science Section of the National Council on Family Relations

(note, one student rep for one year)

Athena Koumoutzis, Kent State University (student, January 2019 – December 2019)

Being a Student Representative for the Ohio Council of Family Relations would be an honor. I graduated from Kent State University in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Family Life Education and am currently finishing my master’s degree in the same field with a specialization in Gerontology. My passion for research, practice, and education has propelled my educational and career goals regarding family relations. For several years, I worked at a nonprofit agency that instructed, created programs, and advocated for individuals and families afflicted by substance use disorder. It was through this work that I first noticed the many individuals, of all ages, who were assuming caregiving positions because of nonnormative events, which sparked my interest in investigating the effects of caregiving on young adults and families. I believe that my past and present experiences can enrich the atmosphere and goals of the Ohio Council of Family Relations. As a student representative, I would work hard to collaborate and strategize with the other members of this organization. My commitment to the wellbeing of families makes me a great candidate for this position.

(note, two student reps for 2 years)

Rachel Jacoby, The University of Toledo (student, January 2019 – December 2020)

 Rachel Jacoby is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE), and Certified Trauma Practitioner (CTP), who specializes in working with children and families.  Rachel obtained a bachelor’s of science degree in Human Development and Family Studies at Bowling Green State University and a master’s of arts degree in Mental Health Counseling at Bowling Green State University. She is currently a doctoral student and graduate assistant at The University of Toledo in the Counselor Education program.  Rachel has been able to gain leadership experience over the years as an active member in several professional organizations. Rachel’s leadership experience includes membership in the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Bowling Green chapter, as the past corresponding secretary; Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), Alpha Omega chapter, as the past awards chair and current secretary; Association of Child and Adolescent Counseling (ACAC), as the co-chair for the graduate student committee and the ACA student representative; and as the current secretary and membership committee chair for Northwest Ohio Counseling Association (NWOCA).  In addition to her academic and leadership experiences, Rachel continues to work with individual clients at Julia Burrow, MD & Associates. Rachel identifies the importance of working closely with families and schools, in order to provide the best care for her clients. Rachel enjoys working with individuals on a personal and collaborative level. She utilizes an integrative approach of evidence-based, existential and humanistic counseling techniques, in order to ensure that quality care is being provided to her clients. Rachel has been able to gain additional training in play therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, autism, and trauma. Additionally, Rachel maintains an interest in working with children and families who are impacted by the foster care system or have been adopted.

Sydney Shank, Miami University (student, January 2019 – December 2020)