I say no to CACREP in Virginia.

As a graduate from a Non-CACREP program, and an immigrant who settled roots in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I welcome the diversity of learning and the integration of teaching from different backgrounds I received from my program. I believe and agree with having good standards for licensure; however, the proposed mandate eliminates the option of hiring faculty with diverse behavioral health backgrounds, thereby, limiting counseling programs to hire from within. As an immigrant and a woman of color, I want and envision faculty that looks like their students, that come from all parts of the world, from all paths in life, and from different backgrounds and experiences. Limiting teaching and hiring to only a segment of the population (in the name of standardization) only narrows opportunities for integration and internationalization of the counseling field.

The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes residents from all parts of the nation and the world, and it is only in the best interest of its people that counselors are well trained in what diversity means, starting with themselves.

Thank you