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Trinity Students Selected for Prestigious MD Counseling Association Emerging Leaders Program

Kyrah Lee and Morgyn Ogburn Recognized for Leadership Potential in Mental Health Counseling

Trinity Washington University is proud to announce that two graduate students from its Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Kyrah Lee and Morgyn Ogburn, have been selected to participate in the prestigious Maryland Counseling Association (MCA) Emerging Leaders Program.

Kyrah and Morgyn, both pursuing their Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Trinity, were chosen from a competitive pool of applicants for their exceptional leadership potential, willingness to serve the counseling profession, and passion for advancing mental health services. The highly selective program accepts just 12 individuals annually.

Kyrah Lee

Morgyn Ogburn

Kyrah and Morgyn’s participation in the MCA Emerging Leaders Program will enhance their professional development and expand their capacity to serve Maryland’s mental health community.

“We are incredibly proud of Kyrah and Morgyn for this outstanding achievement,” said Dr. LaNail R. Plummer, Ed.D. (CMHC and SC), Director of the Counseling Program. “Their selection to the MCA Emerging Leaders Program reflects not only their individual excellence but also the quality of preparation our students receive through Trinity’s comprehensive counseling program.”

The MCA Emerging Leaders Program provides graduate counseling students with cultivating experiences that support leadership skill development and diverse opportunities to actively participate in professional activities. As Emerging Leaders, Kyrah and Morgyn will receive mentorship from established MCA leaders, build professional networks, and gain exposure to the responsibilities associated with fulfilling elected leadership positions within the counseling profession.

Throughout their participation in the program, both students will provide a minimum of 30 hours of service to MCA, including opportunities to serve on committees, task forces, and engage in projects of interest. They will receive complimentary registration to the 2025 MCA Annual Conference, be recognized at the conference as Emerging Leaders, and be featured in the MCA newsletter Compass Points and on the organization’s website.

Trinity’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and specifically designed to meet licensure requirements for Professional Counselors in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The 60-credit program prepares graduates to become Licensed Professional Counselors through comprehensive coursework in diagnosis, crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling, and treatment planning, combined with extensive supervised field experiences including practicum and internship requirements.

Located in the nation’s capital, Trinity’s counseling program offers students unique advantages including access to diverse clinical populations, proximity to national mental health organizations and policy development, and connections to federal career pathways. Students benefit from clinical partnerships with organizations such as the PG County Public School System, Montgomery County Public School System, Mosaic/Sheppard Pratt, and Catholic Charities.

“Trinity’s mission-driven approach to counselor education emphasizes social justice, advocacy, and culturally competent practice,” noted Brigid Noonan, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. “Kyrah and Morgyn embody these values and are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to the counseling profession through their participation in this leadership development program.”

The MCA Emerging Leaders Program’s focus on leadership development and professional engagement aligns perfectly with Trinity’s commitment to preparing counselors who can provide effective service and leadership within the mental health field while serving diverse communities with cultural competence and ethical practice.

About Trinity Washington University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program

Trinity Washington University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is a CACREP-accredited graduate program designed to prepare students for licensure as Professional Counselors in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with extensive supervised clinical experiences, preparing graduates to work effectively with diverse populations across various mental health settings.