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Meet Your 2025-2026 FCDA Leadership

Vacant

President-Elect

Vacant

President

Galaxina G. Wright, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC

FCDA Past President

(Read: President's Address)

Galaxina G. Wright, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC is an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University in the College of Psychology. She earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Central Florida. She completed her master’s degree in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling from Regent University, and is currently a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) for the state of Florida. Galaxina carries a wide range of expertise providing career counseling and career education to diverse populations, including social services with low-income populations, a college career center, a non-profit organization, and academic advising within higher education.

As a researcher, her primary research interest surrounds career challenges among individuals and families from traditionally underrepresented populations, such as unemployment and job search. In her research, Galaxina examines how barriers and noncognitive factors, such as job search self-efficacy and employment hope, impact 56% of unemployed individuals with increased mental health issues. She also helps to positively address these issues with tailored interventions for specific populations, such as youth transitioning out of the foster care system. Galaxina also serves as the 2024-2027 Trustee for the Counselor Educators and Researchers on the board for the National Career Development Association (NCDA).

Some of her publications related to career challenges may be found in the Career Development Quarterly, the Journal of Employment Counseling, and the Professional School Counseling journal. Galaxina is an active member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the National Career Development Association (NCDA), the Florida Counseling Association (FCA), and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES).

Erin Maharaj, MBA, MEd, NCC, CCC

FCDA Treasurer

Jake Bucher, M.S

FCDA Secretary

Erin Maharaj, MBA, MEd, NCC, CCC is a dedicated career counselor currently serving as the Assistant Director and Liaison to the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at the Florida Atlantic University Career Center. With a strong academic foundation, Erin has expanded her expertise by obtaining a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She also is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Certified Career Counselor (CCC).

With a professional background spanning talent acquisition, human resources, and counseling, Erin brings a wealth of experience to her work to provide individualized career guidance. Her diverse career history enables her to connect with students on multiple levels, providing insights into the job market and strategies for navigating professional challenges. She focuses on empowering students to access opportunities that align with their goals, advocating for wellness in the workplace and providing resources to overcome systemic challenges.

Jake Bucher, M.S. is a doctoral student in the combined Counseling Psychology and School Psychology program at Florida State University. His research interests include anxiety in career decisionsof undergraduate students, mental health in LGBTQ+ individuals and how this relates to career anxiety, minorities and the challenges they face in career decision-making. Along with individuals with ADHD and their process with choosing a career path. In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with his friends and two cats, traveling, and cooking.

Sara Elysée, LMHC, LPC, CCTP

FCDA Professional Development Committee Chair

Sara Elysée, LMHC, LPC, CCTP is a licensed psychotherapist, researcher, and a qualified clinical supervisor in Florida. She is passionate about empowering others to prioritize their mental health, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate meaningful relationships. As the founder of SoundMind Wellness, Sara leads a comprehensive mental health and wellness brand that extends beyond private practice psychotherapy services.

With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, Sara integrates evidence-based practices with a compassionate, client-centered approach. She is pursuing her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Regent University, with a research focus on trauma, attachment, and relational dynamics. Dedicated to advancing the counseling profession, Sara is actively involved in mentorship, advocacy, and education, striving to inspire the next generation of clinicians.

Neslihan Caliskan, B.A.

Communications & Social Media Committee Chair

Neslihan Caliskan, B.A. is a second-year graduate student in the College of Psychology at Nova Southeastern University, where she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her Bachelor’s degree with honors in Psychology from the University of South Florida.

Neslihan’s clinical interests include individual and group therapy, as well as career counseling and education, particularly for college students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. She is passionate about supporting individuals in navigating their personal, academic, and professional development.

Throughout her academic journey, Neslihan has held multiple leadership roles, including serving as a membership coordinator, marketing committee member, and event coordinator in national and international organizations. These experiences have allowed her to cultivate skills in communication, collaboration, and organizational leadership.

Her current research interests focus on the application of positive psychology interventions in career counseling and workplace well-being, with a particular emphasis on burnout prevention and strategies for maintaining healthy work–life balance. In addition, she is interested in exploring group therapy approaches for adolescents who are survivors of suicide loss.

Vacant

Professional Membership Chair

Vacant

Graduate Student Representative

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Florida Counseling Association is a non-profit organization, branch of the American Counseling Association.

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