{"id":189,"date":"2016-05-08T17:22:51","date_gmt":"2016-05-08T17:22:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oceanwp.org\/gym\/?page_id=189"},"modified":"2025-12-29T01:35:46","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T01:35:46","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ncapp.org\/new\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About Us"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The revitalized NCAPP board, comprised of<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Co-Presidents:<\/strong>
Carol Williams
Dana Truman-Schram<\/p>

Secretary:<\/strong>
Liandra Wheeler<\/p>

Treasurer:<\/strong>
Amber Margaretten<\/p>

Member:<\/strong>
Keshawna Solomon
Robert Fields
Janet Heuring-Larsen
Les Brinson<\/p>

Board Consultant<\/strong>
Vinston Goldman
Robert Hill
Thomas Thompson<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t

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We will forever be indebted to the contributions of our departed friend and colleague Flora Dunbar and the former NCAPP Board members who have supported us in our efforts and paved the way for our successes.<\/em>\"\"<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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History of NCAPP and the Path to SL 2025-37<\/strong><\/p>

In 1994, Licensed Psychological Associates (LPAs) across North Carolina became increasingly concerned about their ability to maintain employment and continue providing services. At that time, insurance companies had begun reimbursing only independent practitioners, and the growing cost burden placed on employers to provide ongoing supervision for LPAs was becoming untenable. These changes placed LPAs at a significant disadvantage compared to other master\u2019s-level mental health providers, such as social workers and licensed professional counselors, who were able to practice independently.<\/p>

During the North Carolina Psychological Association\u2019s annual convention that year, approximately twenty LPAs convened to discuss these concerns. Through extensive discussion, it became clear that LPAs were steadily losing professional ground and that the absence of a pathway to independent practice was a critical barrier to employment, professional parity, and access to care. As a result, the group agreed to form a new organization dedicated specifically to addressing these issues.<\/p>

One month later, approximately fifteen LPAs met to develop a strategy, ultimately concluding that a statewide meeting was necessary to gather broader input and build consensus. That meeting was held soon thereafter and was attended by roughly sixty LPAs from across the state. Participants agreed to formally organize, initially adopting the temporary name LPA Advocates<\/em>. Officers were nominated and elected, with Henry Tonn serving as president, Tom Haifley as vice president, Nancy Webb as secretary, and Katherine Ridley (now Smith) as treasurer. LPAs from multiple regions volunteered for leadership and support roles, and the first board meeting was held in Greensboro due to its central location.<\/p>

In the months that followed, a core group of twelve to twenty LPAs met monthly to draft a constitution and bylaws. After significant deliberation, the organization was formally renamed the North Carolina Association of Professional Psychologists (NCAPP)<\/strong>, prevailing by a single vote over the alternative name North Carolina Society of Psychologists<\/em>. With financial support raised through member contributions, NCAPP retained Al Adams, a prominent lobbyist, and\u2014under the legislative leadership of Flora Dunbar\u2014drafted its first bill to establish a pathway to independent practice. A legislative sponsor was secured, and the bill was introduced the following year.<\/p>

Despite extensive grassroots advocacy in 1995\u2014including direct engagement with legislators both in Raleigh and in local districts\u2014the bill failed to reach a vote on the House floor. Although it passed both a subcommittee and a full committee, it ultimately stalled in the Finance Committee without a vote. A subsequent legislative effort two years later met the same outcome.<\/p>

In the early 2000s, the North Carolina Psychological Association convened a Task Force to examine the issue of independent practice for LPAs. Nine licensed psychologists and nine LPAs met regularly in Raleigh and ultimately concluded that LPAs should be afforded a pathway to independent practice in North Carolina. Although a new bill was drafted, it lacked sufficient consensus among all stakeholders and was not introduced.<\/p>

Over the following years, NCAPP remained dedicated to advancing the professional practice of psychology, with continued\u2014though intermittent\u2014efforts to revisit the issue of independence. In 2015, NCAPP began developing a renewed and more strategic approach, grounded in evolving workforce needs, access-to-care challenges, and national trends in mental health licensure. This work culminated in a formal petition and sustained advocacy efforts that would span nearly a decade.<\/p>

In the years immediately preceding 2025, NCAPP focused its advocacy squarely on ending career-long supervision<\/strong> for Licensed Psychological Associates. Although statutory changes had reduced required supervision to four hours per year, the continued requirement for supervision perpetuated a restricted license status. This restriction created persistent barriers to insurance credentialing, professional mobility, employment opportunities, and\u2014most importantly\u2014access to psychological services for the citizens of North Carolina.<\/p>

After more than thirty years of advocacy, collaboration, education, and persistence, these efforts culminated in the historic passage of Session Law 2025-37 (SL 2025-37)<\/strong>. This landmark legislation established a clear statutory pathway to independent practice for Licensed Psychological Associates, marking a transformative moment for the profession in North Carolina. SL 2025-37 represents not only the removal of career-long supervision, but also long-overdue recognition of LPAs as competent, ethical, and essential providers within the state\u2019s mental health system.<\/p>

NCAPP, now more than twenty-five years old, continues its mission of advocating for professional fairness, expanding access to care, and ensuring that Licensed Psychological Associates can practice to the full extent of their education, training, and competence.<\/p>

Thank you for your continued support of NCAPP and its mission.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Carol E. Williams Phd, lpa, hsp-pa, bcba-d<\/h3>

NCAPP Co-President: \n\nWorking as a psychologist, I am clinically trained to evaluate skills, strengths, preferences, and functioning, to administer tests and assessments, and to help people learn to effectively work through issues. I have worked with children and adolescents, to change and improve behavior, children and adults with developmental disabilities, and in my present position, I work primarily with children who have developmental disabilities \/ autism. Additionally, I have Board Certification in Behavior Analysis - doctoral, and I have attained a doctoral degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis. <\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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amber margaretten, ma, lpa, hsp-pa<\/h3>

NCAPP Treasurer: Amber attended Appalachian State and North Carolina State University for her undergraduate degree in psychology. After her undergrad, she obtained her master\u2019s in clinical psychology from North Carolina Central University while working full time with the Department of Adult Correction. She completed her practicum at Duke University in their pain clinic providing individual and group therapy to those with chronic illnesses and pain. Amber has been in the mental health field for about nine years. Much of her work was in various correctional facilities performing individual therapy, group therapy, and psychological assessments. Recently, she ventured into private practice where she has focused on providing assessments in school systems in rural North Carolina and providing critical incident appointments to first responders. Other areas of experience include geriatrics, group home settings, and providing affirming care to diverse populations.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Robert hill, ph.d., lp, hsp<\/h3>

NCAPP Board Consultant: Bob Hill, Ph.D. has been a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Appalachian State University since 1992. He has been actively involved in training LPA\u2019s since then, teaching psychotherapy, ethics and assessment. He was program Director of the Master\u2019s Clinical Psychology Graduate program at ASU for 8 years. He has a private practice and has provided professional presentations on ethics regionally and nationally. He is well acquainted with the caliber and training provided to LPA\u2019s in NC, and has supervised a number of LPA\u2019s over the past several decades. He has long believed that LPA\u2019s should have a pathway to practice independently in NC. Bob Hill served on the NC Psychology Board from 2011-2020, where he supported the NCAPP petition for a rules change to accommodate independent practice. Dr. Hill plans to continue to support NCAPP\u2019s efforts to achieve independent practice and parity with other master\u2019s level mental health professionals who practice independently in NC.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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dana truman-schram ma, lpa, hsp-pa<\/h3>

NCAPP Co-President: I am proud to be a masters psychologist and to advocate for my psychologist peers and NC citizens\u2019 access to extraordinary, affordable psychological services. I graduated from UNC-Charlotte in 1997 with a masters in Clinical\/Community Psychology and have been practicing as an LPA ever since. I specialize in psychological and developmental evaluations. I have had the privilege of working in all types of settings including rural community mental health, juvenile corrections, a medical-home based model of care, and private practice. I have a passion for guiding people toward the treatment and support services that will help them thrive. I am also fiercely motivated in efforts to make independent licensure for LPA a reality as soon as possible and ensure that masters\u2019 level psychologists have a voice in all arenas.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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keshawna solomon, ma, lpa, hsp-pa<\/h3>

NCAPP Board Member.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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robert fields, ma, lpa, hsp-pa<\/h3>

NCAPP Board Member. Robert Fields, MA, is a Licensed Psychological Associate and Health Services Provider-Psychological Associate who has been providing psychological services for over 20 years. Robert received his BA in Psychology from East Carolina University and his MA in Clinical Psychology from North Carolina Central University. A dedicated, career-long public servant, Robert has provided services in developmental, juvenile justice, correctional, and medical settings. In addition, he has worked in the community with men, families, adults, teens, and emerging adults. Currently, Robert\u2019s work has included advancing the mental health and well-being of professionals employed in high-demand occupational settings. His professional practice encompasses clinical intervention, organizational consultation, program development, and psychoeducational training with a focus on mental health interventions for staff, mental health promotion within organizations, leadership development, and staff retention. Integrating evidence-based interventions with his skills for creativity, Robert promotes sustainable wellness for individuals, communities, and within complex institutions. Robert maintains strong ties to the community as well. He advocates for mental health accessibility for those in need, mentors students and early career mental health professionals, and engages in volunteer work.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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liandra wheeler, ma, lpa, hsp-pa<\/h3>

NCAPP Secretary: Liandra earned her Masters in Clinical Psychology from North Carolina Central University and received her Bachelors in Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a minor in African American studies and Classical studies. While attending graduate school she was inducted into Psi Chi international honor society in psychology. Prior to completing her masters she founded her non profit, Mental Illness Anonymous (M.I.A) with a goal of promoting a positive shift in physical, emotional, and mental health among individuals with mental illness. Weakening the stigma against mental illness in the community, Creating a sense of hope and support that will give people the courage to accept help with their illness and potentially break the cycle. She has worked in the mental health field since 2014 and has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with diverse backgrounds and a range of concerns. Her education and professional background in both the mind and the body gives her a unique and effective approach to counseling. She will work to provide clients with tailored treatment plans that can be integrated into their daily lives.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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janet heuring-larsen, ma, lpa, hsp-pa, lcas<\/h3>

NCAPP Board Member: My family psychology practice is committed to delivering outstanding customer service and clinical care. I have been serving children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families with mental health and relationship issues for over ten years. I am experienced in treating an array of issues including anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, anger, insomnia, ADD\/ADHD, chronic pain, substance use issues\/addiction and more. I also enjoy working with children, teens, parents, and couples to improve their relationships.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Vinston Goldman, Ph.D., LP<\/h3><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Les Brinson, Ph.D., LP<\/h3>

NCAPP Board Member<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Thomas Thompson, Ph.D., Retired LP<\/h3>

NCAPP Board Consultant: Thomas J. Thompson, Ph.D. was a licensed psychologist specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis with more than 45 years of experience working with clients with intellectual disabilities and autism. He received his doctorate in Psychology from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1988, and his Master\u2019s in Psychology from Western Michigan University in 1979. Dr. Thompson retired as the Director of Psychology Services at the Murdoch Developmental Center in 2018. He then worked as a clinician co-owner of BIP -Behavior Intervention Professionals in Hillsborough, NC, and a consultant with Butterfly Effects, LLC., a national leader in ASD treatment. He served 9 years on the North Carolina Psychology Board, the last three years as Chair. He was a past-president of NCABA and has given 24 presentations in 13 previous conferences.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t

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The revitalized NCAPP board, comprised of Co-Presidents:Carol WilliamsDana Truman-Schram Secretary:Liandra Wheeler Treasurer:Amber Margaretten Member:Keshawna SolomonRobert FieldsJanet Heuring-LarsenLes Brinson Board ConsultantVinston GoldmanRobert HillThomas Thompson We will forever be indebted to the contributions of our departed friend and colleague Flora Dunbar and the former NCAPP Board members who have supported us in our efforts and paved the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ocean_post_layout":"full-screen","ocean_both_sidebars_style":"","ocean_both_sidebars_content_width":0,"ocean_both_sidebars_sidebars_width":0,"ocean_sidebar":"0","ocean_second_sidebar":"0","ocean_disable_margins":"on","ocean_add_body_class":"","ocean_shortcode_before_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_after_top_bar":"","ocean_shortcode_before_header":"","ocean_shortcode_after_header":"","ocean_has_shortcode":"","ocean_shortcode_after_title":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_widgets":"","ocean_shortcode_before_footer_bottom":"","ocean_shortcode_after_footer_bottom":"","ocean_display_top_bar":"default","ocean_display_header":"default","ocean_header_style":"","ocean_center_header_left_menu":"0","ocean_custom_header_template":"0","ocean_custom_logo":0,"ocean_custom_retina_logo":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_width":0,"ocean_custom_logo_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_tablet_max_height":0,"ocean_custom_logo_mobile_max_height":0,"ocean_header_custom_menu":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_family":"0","ocean_menu_typo_font_subset":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_size":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_font_size_unit":"px","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_font_weight_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_tablet":"","ocean_menu_typo_transform_mobile":"","ocean_menu_typo_line_height":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_line_height_unit":"","ocean_menu_typo_spacing":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_tablet":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_mobile":0,"ocean_menu_typo_spacing_unit":"","ocean_menu_link_color":"","ocean_menu_link_color_hover":"","ocean_menu_link_color_active":"","ocean_menu_link_background":"","ocean_menu_link_hover_background":"","ocean_menu_link_active_background":"","ocean_menu_social_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_bg":"","ocean_menu_social_links_color":"","ocean_menu_social_hover_links_color":"","ocean_disable_title":"default","ocean_disable_heading":"default","ocean_post_title":"NCAPP Board Members & Consultants","ocean_post_subheading":"Discover more about our story","ocean_post_title_style":"","ocean_post_title_background_color":"","ocean_post_title_background":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_image_position":"center center","ocean_post_title_bg_image_attachment":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_repeat":"","ocean_post_title_bg_image_size":"","ocean_post_title_height":0,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay":0.5,"ocean_post_title_bg_overlay_color":"","ocean_disable_breadcrumbs":"default","ocean_breadcrumbs_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_separator_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_color":"","ocean_breadcrumbs_links_hover_color":"","ocean_display_footer_widgets":"default","ocean_display_footer_bottom":"default","ocean_custom_footer_template":"0","ofc_meta_disable_footer_callout":"","ofc_meta_callout_button_url":"","ofc_meta_callout_button_txt":"","ofc_meta_callout_text":"","ofc_enable_fullscreen":"disable","ofc_fullscreen_speed":0,"ofc_fullscreen_nav":"enable","ofc_fullscreen_nav_pos":"right","ofc_fullscreen_nav_color":"","ofc_fullscreen_nav_tooltip_color":"","ofc_fullscreen_responsive":0,"osp_disable_panel":"default","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-189","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncapp.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/189","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncapp.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncapp.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncapp.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ncapp.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=189"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/ncapp.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/189\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":722,"href":"https:\/\/ncapp.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/189\/revisions\/722"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ncapp.org\/new\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}