The Graduate Counseling Advisory Council was created to promote a reciprocal and ongoing relationship between the Graduate Counseling program and members of the counseling community as part of the process of continuous evaluation of educational goals and objectives, curriculum, policies, practices, and practica/internship experiences in order to enhance the Graduate Counseling program at Messiah University.
Adjunct Instructor in Special Education
Jon’s career has mostly been in the people-helping professions, including social work, school counseling, counseling, and education. “I am very interested in learning about and addressing issues of identity, as it relates to spiritual and secular life, and I find the process of student engagement to be essential to student success that leads to a love for learning.”
School Counselor
Joy Chester completed her master's degree in school counseling and a certificate of advanced graduate studies in counseling at Messiah University (formally Messiah College). She is a national certified counselor (NCC), is certified as a school counselor in both Maryland and Pennsylvania, and is a licensed clinical counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. She is currently school counselor for a K - 6 school in PA.. She previously worked for a private practice as well as a company who contracted with schools for a school-based therapy for K - 12 students. Joy is currently working on becoming an ASCA Legal & Ethical Specialist. She is also working towards being a national certified school counselor. This is Joy's 2nd career, her first being an accountant, and she is grateful to have found her calling to help others - both students and their families.
Director Graduate Program in Counseling Messiah University
Dr. Leah Clarke, director of the graduate program in counseling is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in counseling and counselor education from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. Her undergraduate work was done at The College of William and Mary in Virginia.
Dr. Clarke's clinical experience includes work in a college counseling center, family services agency and an inpatient psychiatric unit. Her research and writing focuses on cross-cultural counseling including counseling refugees, best practices in online counselor education, and empathy.
Licensed Professional Counselor, Counselor Educator and Supervisor, Owner Léargas, LLC
Dr. Rhonda Ladd is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Counselor Educator, and Supervisor. Rhonda began working in the counseling field in 1998. She completed both her masters and doctoral clinical training at Regent University. For the past 12 years, Rhonda has served as core faculty and clinical coordinator with Grace College's Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
In 2023, Rhonda transitioned to full-time private practice specializing in work with couples using emotionally focused therapy; she is the owner of Léargas, LLC. Rhonda has completed advanced training in EFT, EFIT, and EMDR. She also appreciates opportunities to integrate her faith across her clinical and consultation roles. Rhonda has been married to her husband Joel since 2010.
LMFT, Owner Sacred Ground Counseling
Stacy Masshardt is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Sacred Ground Counseling in Mechanicsburg, PA. Stacy holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Messiah University and a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Theological Studies from Eastern University. In her private practice, Stacy counsels from an attachment lens with a particular interest in working with couples. Stacy is married to her husband for 15+ years and they have a son and twin daughters.