Candidates’ Statements Are Below
Every other year, NASAP holds an election for the Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer positions on the Board of Directors. Please review the candidates’ statements below and then use the ballot link that will be emailed to all eligible members to vote for your choice for each position. Those receiving the most votes will be announced at the banquet during the 74th Annual Conference in Minneapolis, MN in May 2026.
Candidates for Vice President
Ted Warstadt
I retired in December of 2024 after 30 years of employment as a clinician, working primarily with families and chronically mentally ill clients. I have been involved with the Idaho Society of Individual Psychology (ISIP) for approximately 25 years. I had the privilege of serving as the president of the board of ISIP, along with other positions/roles on the board and highly value the professional and personal friendships that have resulted. I have been serving as Vice President of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology since July of 2025.
My professional experience has included several years of facilitating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dual Recovery Anonymous groups with adult clients, and 10 years of experience as a structural-strategic group and family therapist. I have also been involved in community education, having written several articles related to human development, adolescent functioning, and family wellness. I have taught Developmental Psychology and other university coursework and have participated in Adlerian workshop trainings.
I became interested in Adlerian Psychology after meeting Dr. Patrick Murphey, of Pocatello in the late 1990s. His keen insight and loving nature influenced my theoretical direction. I have also been deeply influenced and moved by Jane Nelson’s book, “Understanding: Eliminating Stress and Finding Serenity in Life and Relationships”. I have utilized material in her book over the years both for clinical and personal use. I have a passion for integrating psycho-spiritual education into Adlerian intervention.
My reasons for seeking to continue as the VP of NASAP include a desire to: assist in expanding NASAP’s membership; help increase the number of trainings in NASAP affiliate organizations; and assist in the overall growth and understanding of Adler’s work.
Calvin Armerding
I’m Calvin, a counselor-supervisor in private practice at Travelers Rest Counseling Associates in Upstate South Carolina. I work primarily with young adults and couples, but I also spend a fair amount of time teaching, training, and supervising other counselors. Along with my business partner Lindsay Hill, I co-founded the Alfred Adler Fellows Program, a post-graduate training opportunity that systematically and sequentially equips counselors to master Adlerian Psychology. I am also the proud father of two kids, and write and perform my own music in my spare time.
I am running for Vice President primarily because I care about NASAP and its mission to spread, promote, and embody the ideas of Individual Psychology. These ideas have been helpful to me by equipping me to help my clients, but also on a personal level. Our principles of equality, community feeling, and belonging continue to shape me as a parent, community member, and human being. I believe that the world right now needs the insights and commitments of Adlerian Psychology more than ever, as our species leans further into autocracy, tribalism, violence, and contempt. I believe that I can be of help in strengthening NASAP as an organization, which in turn will strengthen our collective ability to share our ideas with a world in need.
Secondly, I am eager to support Ben Rader in his leadership of NASAP. I have gotten to know Ben over the past few years, and respect him as a professional and a person. He carries himself as an equal to others, manifested in his friendliness, generosity, and a willingness to share and listen. As Vice President, my goal would be to offer Ben whatever support and encouragement that he needs in order to lead. Sometimes, that might entail logistical support; other times, a kind note after a tough decision; in other moments, simply doing nothing at all other than listening. I believe we chose well when we elected Ben, and my desire as Vice President would be to honor our choice by enabling Ben to lead in the way we imagine he will.
Lastly, I believe I have meaningful experience and assets that will be useful to our NASAP community. I have had many opportunities to be a part of leadership teams in both professional and community-based settings. In both my successes and mistakes, I have learned a little about what to do, and perhaps more about what not to do. Along with my experience, I have the ability to be both assertive and kind. I am reliable when accountable to others, and I have a willingness to maintain our collective principles even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable for me. I have adequate boundaries to avoid and defuse unnecessary drama, along with the conviction to maintain civil discourse with others at all times. I believe these assets would be immensely helpful to NASAP and its leadership.
Thank you for your consideration, as well as to the alternate candidates for their willingness to serve!
Candidates for Treasurer
Corey Frantz
Hello my fellow members,
I am writing to express my interest in continuing to serve as your Treasurer for the upcoming term. Having served in this role for the past few years, I have seen how much effort and work it takes for our organization to run smoothly. It is not the work of a singular person, but rather, the combined effort of many dedicated people. Through this, I have understood the complexity of this role and that more work needs to be done. I hope to continue to build upon our initiatives and develop clear budgeting and fiscal planning. Therefore, I am humbly running as Treasurer to continue the work we have done and will continue to do.
My approach to the treasury position involves transparency, dependability, and continuous development. In this role, I have sought to be transparent through my communication with members revolving around the organization’s finances. I have also tried to demonstrate dependability through my presentations in conferences, meetings, and with members. Lastly, I have worked endlessly with the Board of Directors and many of our members to identify and develop strategies that make fiscal sense.
In my time as treasurer, I hope that I have fulfilled my obligations to the Board and members of NASAP. I have deeply enjoyed the role as Treasurer as it has challenged me to be focused and open. I am grateful for the consideration of this role and the hope that we can continue to move and strive towards our best.
I would be honored for your vote and I appreciate your support.
Rebecca Dickinson
I am Rebecca Dickinson, PhD, LISW, RPT-S, (she/her), an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Northern Iowa and the program director for the Master of Social Work program, which specializes in trauma-informed care. I was initially trained in Brief Solution-Focused Therapy during my graduate level work and only stumbled across Adlerian theory and practice later through Dr. Terry Kottman and Adlerian play therapy. The foundational tenets and beliefs of Individual Psychology proved a natural fit.
I was trained and supervised in Adlerian play therapy by its developer, Dr. Terry Kottman. My dissertation consisted of a randomized control trial using group Adlerian play therapy in an outpatient mental health setting with children who have emotional and/or behavioral difficulties. Adlerian play therapy remains my primary research interest.
In addition to the university position, I operate a small private practice. As a therapist with nearly twenty years of experience, I specialize in working with foster/adoptive children, children who have experienced trauma, and providing gender affirming play therapy. I teach both undergraduate and graduate level social work practice classes, with an emphasis in trauma-informed care, as well as trainings for professionals in Adlerian play therapy and Animal-Assisted Play Therapy©.
I have been an active member of NASAP and the broader Adlerian community since 2017, presenting at multiple NASAP conferences, publishing work in the Journal of Individual Psychology, and engaging in NASAP committee work, primarily with what has now become the Social Justice Section. I believe that the opportunity to serve as Treasurer for NASAP would allow me to engage in a deeper involvement in the support and growth of NASAP as an organization and in spreading the work of Individual Psychology overall.
Candidates for Secretary
Susie Willis
I hold a BS in Outdoor Recreation with an emphasis in Environmental Education and a minor in Cultural Anthropology from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). I earned her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Kentucky University. With a diverse professional background, I have worked as a wellness manager in the natural foods industry and as a legal advocate for a domestic violence organization. A dedicated parent to two boys, I value spending quality time with family.
Currently residing in Bowling Green, Kentucky, I work with Ashley Vicari at Ashley Vicari Counseling. During graduate studies, I focused on research topics including EMDR, memorial tattoos, cultural humility, models of broaching in clinical supervision, and rupture and repair in counseling relationships. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA), Certified Telemental Health Provider-Associate, Certified Trauma Professional (PESI), EMDR certified, and completed Gottman Couples Therapy Method Level 1 training in 2025.
I am seeking to continue the role of Secretary for NASAP because I value active involvement in the professional communities that shape and strengthen the field. Adlerian principles—particularly encouragement, social interest, and a commitment to belonging—strongly influence my clinical perspective and professional identity. I hope to serve in a way that supports the mission of the organization, contributes to the advancement of Adlerian ideas, and ensures members feel connected, supported, and engaged.
Raissa Miller
I am honored to submit my candidacy for Secretary of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (NASAP). Adlerian psychology has long been the foundation of my professional identity as a counselor educator, clinician, supervisor, and scholar. And beyond the professional realm, Adlerian principles serve as guiding principles in my personal roles as a spouse, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and community member.
My formal Adlerian training includes completion of the Certificate of Professional Studies in Adlerian Psychology through the Idaho Society for Individual Psychology (ISIP). Since that time, I have intentionally woven Adlerian principles into my work as a counselor education faculty member at Boise State University. I regularly guest lecture on Adlerian theory in our master’s-level theories course and actively connect students to Adlerian learning communities, including ISIP and NASAP conferences. I am deeply committed to helping emerging counselors experience Individual Psychology not simply as content to learn, but as a philosophy to live.
Much of my scholarship explores the intersection of neuroscience and Adlerian theory. Through presentations and publications, I have examined how contemporary neurobiological research aligns with and enriches Adlerian concepts. This integrative work reflects my belief that Individual Psychology remains both timeless and timely, offering a humanistic, cohesive framework that engages modern scientific discourse while preserving its philosophical depth.
Service to the Adlerian community is deeply meaningful to me. Within ISIP, I have served as Secretary, President, and Member-at-Large. In these roles, I collaborated with colleagues to organize conferences, strengthen member engagement, and guide the organization through periods of growth and transition. In 2022, I was humbled to receive the Significant Adlerian Contributor Award from ISIP. Since 2021, I have also served on the NASAP Long Range Planning Committee, contributing to strategic conversations about sustainability, leadership development, and our collective future. Through this work, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the thoughtful governance that sustains NASAP, and it has inspired me to step forward in service at the board level.
If elected Secretary, I will bring organizational care, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to clear communication. My prior experience serving as Secretary for both ISIP and the Idaho Counseling Association has strengthened my documentation practices, follow-through, and respect for the continuity that effective record-keeping provides.
At its heart, however, I view the Secretary role as relational. Adler reminded us that belonging and contribution are essential to thriving communities. I would be honored to support NASAP’s mission by fostering clarity, continuity, and collaborative connection among board members and the broader Adlerian community.
Thank you for your consideration and for your dedication to advancing Individual Psychology.
Michell Griffith
I am honored to seek the position of Secretary for NASAP. As Secretary, my primary goal would be to provide steadfast and efficient support to the NASAP leadership and our entire membership.
As I approach the end of my military career, I find myself thinking about what truly matters to me, I am eager to become more involved and dedicate my energy to the stewardship of our helping profession(s) and our Adlerian Community. Although military life has meant moving every few years, I have always tried to stay involved with NASAP, most recently by serving as the Chair for the Ethics Committee.
My career as an active-duty military psychologist has instilled in me respect for structure-yet the need to have flexibility, to pay attention to detail, to prioritize, and the importance of communicating with clarity and conciseness. Above all, my work has taught me the value of listening to understand, which is critical for effective collaboration.
I am currently completing my final duty assignment in Texas. As I look forward to my next adventures, I am excited about the prospect of planting roots (probably back in South Carolina-to be determined). I hope to continue supporting and contributing to the community that has given me so much, and I believe serving as Secretary would be on task.
NASAP Governance
Learn more about how NASAP functions internally
Council of Representatives
NASAP is governed by a Council of Representatives comprised of NASAP members serving in positions on the Board of Directors, as Section Representatives, or as Affiliate Representatives. These three groups have their own pages (click on More above) where you can learn about the members currently serving in these positions.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has four positions (President-Elect, who then serves as President and Past-President over a 5-year term, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary) that are elected by the general membership of NASAP and then two liaison positions (Sections Liaison and Affiliates Liaison) that are elected by the groups they represent. Each of the Board positions, besides President-Elect, serves a two-year term.
Sections
Section Representatives, also called Section Co-Chairs, are elected by the members of each special interest section.
They serve 3-year terms on the Council of Representatives.
Affiliate Groups
The Affiliate Representatives are appointed or elected by the affiliate group they represent.
They also serve a three-year term on the Council of Representatives.