Jessica Malvicino, LMHC, MS, NCC, QS- President

Jessica Malvicino is a South Florida native with more than a decade of behavioral health experience. She is a licensed mental health counselor, counselor educator, and clinical leader dedicated to advancing mental health awareness, education, and advocacy. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida International University and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She is currently working on her dissertation toward a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, specializing in addiction counseling, reflecting her continued commitment to scholarship, leadership, and professional development in the counseling profession.

Mrs. Malvicino is a National Certified Counselor and serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). She is also a member of the NBCC Job Analysis Task Force and the Examination Sensitivity and Bias Review Committee. She has served on the American Counseling Association’s Governance and Board Operations Committee and is an active member of the ACA Human Rights Committee. Currently, Mrs. Malvicino is President of the Florida Association of Counselor Education & Supervision (FACES) and of Comunidad, Walden University’s Latinx student affinity group. In recognition of her leadership and service to the community, she received the 2023 Healthcare Champion Emerging Leader Award from the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and Omega Nu Lambda.

Clinically, Mrs. Malvicino is a certified Level II TEAM-CBT therapist specializing in anxiety, depression, habits, and addictions.

Her professional journey is uniquely shaped by a lifelong background in the arts. She began ballet training at age three and performed with Miami City Ballet and Ballet Concerto Company. Her artistic career has included performances with internationally recognized artists, television reporting and hosting, and ongoing media engagement through the podcast Esto es una Catarsis. Beyond her clinical and academic work, Mrs. Malvicino is an active advocate for the counseling profession, most recently joining fellow counselors in Washington, D.C., for the American Counseling Association's Hill Day to meet with congressional offices and champion policies that expand access to mental health care. Through this work, she amplifies the voices of clients and clinicians alike, advocating for the resources and recognition needed to strengthen mental health services in her community and nationwide. She is also a passionate advocate for women and children, supporting women facing fertility challenges and serving on the executive boards of educational institutions. Her work is guided by a mission to empower others, foster resilience, and help individuals reach their full potential through compassionate, purpose-driven leadership.

Christopher R. LaFever, PhD, LMHC, LPCC-S, LCADC, NCC- President-Elect

Dr. Christopher R. LaFever (he | him) has been an active member of the Florida Counseling Association (FCA) since joining the faculty at Florida State University in 2023 following years of leadership in the Tennessee Counseling Association. He served the Florida Career Development Association as Membership Chair (2023-2025) and serves in leadership positions with Chi Sigma Iota International and the National Career Development Association.

Grounded in the belief that counselors are stronger together, Dr. LaFever focuses on reducing barriers to entry, increasing representation and access, and expanding opportunities for counselors to serve and advocate. He is honored to join the leadership of the Florida Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (FACES), believing that counselor educators, supervisors, and leaders have a responsibility to set a precedent and pave the way for their students, supervisees, and colleagues to be part of our professional organization. Thus, FACES is a key part of ensuring that FCA can continue to empower Florida counselors and the communities they serve for generations to come.

Yahyahan Aras, PHD - Treasurer (Bio Coming Soon)

Evandro Patricio- Graduate Student Representative

Evandro Patricio is a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Central Florida and serves as the Graduate Student Representative for the Florida Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (FACES). He has clinical experience in community mental health and private practice and previously served in a leadership role at UCF’s Community Counseling and Research Center. His primary professional interest is improving how future counselors are prepared for clinical practice, particularly helping students develop the case conceptualization skills and clinical judgment needed to understand their clients and make thoughtful, intentional therapeutic decisions.