Board of Directors
The KSCSW Board of Directors is elected by the membership to govern the Society and oversee its activities. The Board of Directors is composed of six officers and one at large director for every 20 members. Board officers and most at large directors are required to be fully licensed clinical social workers in the state of Kentucky. Two at large positions may be held by members who are actively pursuing supervision for licensure and work in clinical practice, and one position may be held by a graduate student board member, who does not have voting privileges.
Monthly Board Meetings
The KSCSW Board of Directors meets on the second Monday of every month, except for January and July. All KSCSW members are invited to attend its meetings, which take place from 7 to 8:30 pm - they are currently virtual, you can find the links to join on our Training/Events Page
2021 Board of Directors
Monthly Board Meetings
The KSCSW Board of Directors meets on the second Monday of every month, except for January and July. All KSCSW members are invited to attend its meetings, which take place from 7 to 8:30 pm - they are currently virtual, you can find the links to join on our Training/Events Page
2021 Board of Directors
Jennifer Connor-Godbey, LCSW - Governance Committee Chair, Education Committee Member, Supervision Committee Member
Jennifer Connor-Godbey is an outpatient counselor at the University of Kentucky Department of Psychiatry who works with adults, adolescents, and their families. Previously, she was the Program Director/Therapists for Florence Crittenton Home Residential Treatment Program. She has also worked for Bluegrass as an in-home therapist. Jennifer is certified in Eye Movement Desentization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Functional Family Therapy (FFT).
I value the opportunity to network with so many talented clinical social workers. The professional relationships I have developed by being part of this Board have helped me in so many ways be a better clinician. I enjoy the opportunity to plan and host quality trainings. I also appreciate the timely information about opportunities to advocate in the legislature individually and collectively.
Jennifer Connor-Godbey is an outpatient counselor at the University of Kentucky Department of Psychiatry who works with adults, adolescents, and their families. Previously, she was the Program Director/Therapists for Florence Crittenton Home Residential Treatment Program. She has also worked for Bluegrass as an in-home therapist. Jennifer is certified in Eye Movement Desentization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Functional Family Therapy (FFT).
I value the opportunity to network with so many talented clinical social workers. The professional relationships I have developed by being part of this Board have helped me in so many ways be a better clinician. I enjoy the opportunity to plan and host quality trainings. I also appreciate the timely information about opportunities to advocate in the legislature individually and collectively.
Beth Hellebusch, LCSW - Board Treasurer, Membership Committee Member
Beth is an outpatient counselor at the Healthfirst Bluegrass Integrated Care Clinic who sees a variety of patients; adults, adolescents, children and their families. Previously, she was the Director of Outpatient Services at the Ridge, Director of IMPACT Plus at KVC Behavioral Healthcare and TeenPOP Program Director at Bluegrass.org. She served as an At-Large Board member for two terms until 2013.
I am so excited to be returning to the Board; working with the dedicated Board Members and the opportunity to connect with and learn from social work professionals.
Beth is an outpatient counselor at the Healthfirst Bluegrass Integrated Care Clinic who sees a variety of patients; adults, adolescents, children and their families. Previously, she was the Director of Outpatient Services at the Ridge, Director of IMPACT Plus at KVC Behavioral Healthcare and TeenPOP Program Director at Bluegrass.org. She served as an At-Large Board member for two terms until 2013.
I am so excited to be returning to the Board; working with the dedicated Board Members and the opportunity to connect with and learn from social work professionals.
Kay Hubbard, LCSW - President Elect, Advocacy Committee Member, Membership Committee Member, Supervision Committee Member, Governance Committee Member
Kay is an outpatient therapist at Bluegrass Family Consultants, LLC. She provides treatment to persons of all ages (early childhood through adult.) Areas of interest include but are not limited to: parent child relational problems, child behavioral difficulties, high conflict families, issues related to emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety and trauma related stress. Prior to this she worked for the University of Kentucky, Center on Trauma and Children..
Kay is an outpatient therapist at Bluegrass Family Consultants, LLC. She provides treatment to persons of all ages (early childhood through adult.) Areas of interest include but are not limited to: parent child relational problems, child behavioral difficulties, high conflict families, issues related to emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety and trauma related stress. Prior to this she worked for the University of Kentucky, Center on Trauma and Children..
Katherina Terhune Ph. D, LCSW - Secretary, Governance Committee Member
Katherina Terhune, Ph.D., LCSW, is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Northern Kentucky University. She earned her Ph.D. in Gerontology from the University of Kentucky, as well as a Master’s degree in Social Work. Her research specializations include the mental health impact of dementia caregiving, and gerontological literacy among college students. She is a licensed clinical social worker, and has over 15 years of experience working as a mental health clinician, and continues to maintain a private practice. Dr. Terhune’s teaching, research, and clinical work all reflect a commitment to improving emotional well-being. Dr. Terhune is an appointed member of the Ethics Committee for the National Association of Social Workers (Kentucky Chapter), a member of the Academic Program Development Workgroup for the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education, and is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the National Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation. She has been a member of the Kentucky Society for Clinical Social Work since 2016, and is excited to expand her involvement and contributions to KSCSW.
Katherina Terhune, Ph.D., LCSW, is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Northern Kentucky University. She earned her Ph.D. in Gerontology from the University of Kentucky, as well as a Master’s degree in Social Work. Her research specializations include the mental health impact of dementia caregiving, and gerontological literacy among college students. She is a licensed clinical social worker, and has over 15 years of experience working as a mental health clinician, and continues to maintain a private practice. Dr. Terhune’s teaching, research, and clinical work all reflect a commitment to improving emotional well-being. Dr. Terhune is an appointed member of the Ethics Committee for the National Association of Social Workers (Kentucky Chapter), a member of the Academic Program Development Workgroup for the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education, and is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the National Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation. She has been a member of the Kentucky Society for Clinical Social Work since 2016, and is excited to expand her involvement and contributions to KSCSW.
Janet Doss, MSSW, LCSW - Advocacy Committee Co-Chair
Janet graduated from the UK with a bachelor in social work and a bachelor in education/recreational and leisure studies. After working 2 years in the field, she decided to return to school to further her education. She graduated from the University Of Louisville Kent School Of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health in 1986. In 1992 while working at Bluegrass.org, Janet obtained her LCSW. Janet had practiced social work in a variety of setting including CPS, Juvenile Court, mental health and school social work. Currently Janet works part time in her private practice serving child, adolescents and adults with mental health issues. Janet also works part time at the University Of Kentucky College Of Social Work as the School Social Work certification coordinator and as an adjunct professor.
Janet graduated from the UK with a bachelor in social work and a bachelor in education/recreational and leisure studies. After working 2 years in the field, she decided to return to school to further her education. She graduated from the University Of Louisville Kent School Of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health in 1986. In 1992 while working at Bluegrass.org, Janet obtained her LCSW. Janet had practiced social work in a variety of setting including CPS, Juvenile Court, mental health and school social work. Currently Janet works part time in her private practice serving child, adolescents and adults with mental health issues. Janet also works part time at the University Of Kentucky College Of Social Work as the School Social Work certification coordinator and as an adjunct professor.
Gwen Shelton, LCSW- At Large Member, Membership Committee Member
Gwen is in therapist in private practice, where she specializes in LGBTQ+ issues. Her other areas of interest are addiction/recovery, anger management, trauma, spirituality, and self-esteem. She is also certified in Brainspotting. Prior to entering private practice, Gwen worked as an outpatient therapist at Brentwood Meadows, an addiction and mental health treatment facility in Newburgh, Indiana. Gwen has taught as an adjunct professor for the MSW program at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY.
Gwen has been an active member of the KSCSW Book Club.
Gwen is in therapist in private practice, where she specializes in LGBTQ+ issues. Her other areas of interest are addiction/recovery, anger management, trauma, spirituality, and self-esteem. She is also certified in Brainspotting. Prior to entering private practice, Gwen worked as an outpatient therapist at Brentwood Meadows, an addiction and mental health treatment facility in Newburgh, Indiana. Gwen has taught as an adjunct professor for the MSW program at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY.
Gwen has been an active member of the KSCSW Book Club.
Ginny Luftman, PhD, LCSW- At Large Member, Education Committee Co-Chair, Governance Committee Member
Ginny Luftman, PhD, LCSW, is an Associate Professor in UK Department of Psychiatry, where she has worked for 25+ years. She obtained her MSW and PhD from UK college of Social Work. Her clinical practice focuses on working with patients with Eating Disorders. Ginny has served on the on the Law Committee for the Clinical Social Work Society and continues to ‘man’ the society hotline to answer questions from clinical social workers throughout the US on a broad range of legal issues. She co-authored the ‘Clinical Guidelines for Clinical Social Work in Custody Evaluations’. Ginny serves on the Social Work Advisory Board of UK College of Social Work. She has served as a CASA volunteer, Board Member for the American Lung Association and for The Well. She is currently Vice-chair of the UK College of Medicine Admissions Committee.
Ginny believes strongly in the KSCSW and their educational and advocacy efforts for members and for the society as a whole. This Society provides invaluable peer collaboration and support while serving the community’s mental health needs. She looks forward to the opportunity of taking on an expanded role in this wonderful organization.
Ginny Luftman, PhD, LCSW, is an Associate Professor in UK Department of Psychiatry, where she has worked for 25+ years. She obtained her MSW and PhD from UK college of Social Work. Her clinical practice focuses on working with patients with Eating Disorders. Ginny has served on the on the Law Committee for the Clinical Social Work Society and continues to ‘man’ the society hotline to answer questions from clinical social workers throughout the US on a broad range of legal issues. She co-authored the ‘Clinical Guidelines for Clinical Social Work in Custody Evaluations’. Ginny serves on the Social Work Advisory Board of UK College of Social Work. She has served as a CASA volunteer, Board Member for the American Lung Association and for The Well. She is currently Vice-chair of the UK College of Medicine Admissions Committee.
Ginny believes strongly in the KSCSW and their educational and advocacy efforts for members and for the society as a whole. This Society provides invaluable peer collaboration and support while serving the community’s mental health needs. She looks forward to the opportunity of taking on an expanded role in this wonderful organization.
Jacqueline Thomas, MSW, LCSW - Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, At- Large Member
Jacqueline currently works for Bluegrass Family Consultants in Lexington and she is also a social worker for the University of Kentucky transplant clinic. She has a diverse background working with crisis, community practice and private practice. Jacqueline specializes in childhood and adult trauma, anxiety issues and eating disorders, but she loves working with a multitude of needs beyond that. She is certified in EMDR and enjoys incorporating it into her sessions. She moved to Kentucky in November of 2018 and would love to be a part of the board to further her connections and to be more involved in the social work community in Kentucky.
Jacqueline currently works for Bluegrass Family Consultants in Lexington and she is also a social worker for the University of Kentucky transplant clinic. She has a diverse background working with crisis, community practice and private practice. Jacqueline specializes in childhood and adult trauma, anxiety issues and eating disorders, but she loves working with a multitude of needs beyond that. She is certified in EMDR and enjoys incorporating it into her sessions. She moved to Kentucky in November of 2018 and would love to be a part of the board to further her connections and to be more involved in the social work community in Kentucky.
Colleen Bivens, LCSW - At- Large Member, Education Committee Member, Supervision Committee Member
I am Colleen Bivens. I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a masters in Social Work. In 2001 I obtained my LCSW. I have worked in the community mental health field for the past 27 years. For 13 years I worked as the clinical director for a therapeutic residential and foster care program. I worked a cumulative of 14 years in clinical outpatient programs. I taught part time for Campbellsville University School of Social Work and have provided supervision for many new clinicians. I retired 2 years ago and have continued to provide clinical supervision for prospective LCSWs. I am OLD. I have been blessed by a diversity of experience in my professional life. I am looking for a way to give back to the profession that has meant so much to me. I became involved with KSCSW two years ago and have been greatly impressed with the quality of the work done in this organization. As I live in Somerset, Ky, I would love to see more clinicians in the southern Ky area benefit from and become involved with KSCSW. I believe that participation in professional organizations greatly improves the professionalism of all. I would greatly appreciate an opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors of KSCSW.
I am Colleen Bivens. I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a masters in Social Work. In 2001 I obtained my LCSW. I have worked in the community mental health field for the past 27 years. For 13 years I worked as the clinical director for a therapeutic residential and foster care program. I worked a cumulative of 14 years in clinical outpatient programs. I taught part time for Campbellsville University School of Social Work and have provided supervision for many new clinicians. I retired 2 years ago and have continued to provide clinical supervision for prospective LCSWs. I am OLD. I have been blessed by a diversity of experience in my professional life. I am looking for a way to give back to the profession that has meant so much to me. I became involved with KSCSW two years ago and have been greatly impressed with the quality of the work done in this organization. As I live in Somerset, Ky, I would love to see more clinicians in the southern Ky area benefit from and become involved with KSCSW. I believe that participation in professional organizations greatly improves the professionalism of all. I would greatly appreciate an opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors of KSCSW.
Butch Welsh, LCSW - Education Committee Co-Chair
Butch is one of the founding members of KSCSW, he was instrumental in establishing parity for clinical social workers in Kentucky. He is now retiring after 52 years of practicing clinical social work at UK Psychiatry where he is resident expert on childhood ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and family/marital therapy. He has a national reputation for his work as a clinical social worker in these specialty areas. He has served countless families in Kentucky, who say regularly that he “saved their family” and he has been a critical teacher to social workers and psychiatrists. Now, in retirement he hopes to stay connected to the profession and continue to make meaningful contributions to our field.
Butch is one of the founding members of KSCSW, he was instrumental in establishing parity for clinical social workers in Kentucky. He is now retiring after 52 years of practicing clinical social work at UK Psychiatry where he is resident expert on childhood ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and family/marital therapy. He has a national reputation for his work as a clinical social worker in these specialty areas. He has served countless families in Kentucky, who say regularly that he “saved their family” and he has been a critical teacher to social workers and psychiatrists. Now, in retirement he hopes to stay connected to the profession and continue to make meaningful contributions to our field.
Chris Whitsell, LCSW - At-Large Member, Membership Committee Member
I am 50 years old. I have three children; my oldest Taylor is 21 and is a senior at Harvard University...my middle is Kaylee and she is 18 and is graduating from Boyle Co HS and headed to U of Louisville this fall to major in nursing and my youngest is Kyle and he is 12 and attends Boyle Middle School. I have been married for 25 years to Christy who just retired as a Director in the New Vista Comp Care system. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and will be joining my practice. I enjoy anything outdoors, especially running. I have registered for my first Ultramarathon in November...a 50 miler. I retired from Community Mental Health in August of 2019 where I was the Director of Child and Family Services w/ The Adanta Group in Somerset, KY for two years. Before that I spent 27 years w/ Bluegrass.org (now known as New Vista), the last 7 years of this tenure as the Corporate Director of Child and Family services for the 17-county region. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since July 20, 2001 and hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky (`96 grad). Currently, I own and operate Whitsell Counseling & Supervision, LLC in Danville, KY. This is a private practice that I started 4 years ago. I provide individual and family therapy services, focusing in particular on children/adolescents and young adults. I emphasize a person-centered approach to services that prioritizes relationship and therapeutic alliance. I tend to be eclectic but am most comfortable with a cognitive-behavioral approach as well extremely sensitive to being trauma-informed. I also provide clinical supervision for CSW's both individually and via group (have a group that meets 1x month on Saturdays). I currently provide services in office space I sublease on 416 S 4th Street Danville, KY, but very recently leased space at 905 Hustonville Rd Suite 8 Danville, KY where my wife will join my practice to also provide counseling services. I also contract with Danville Independent School System to provide therapy, training and consultation services to students and staff. I also sit on the Board of Directors w/ Key Assets Kentucky. My wife and I are working with consultants currently to re-vamp the practice website and unveil a marketing campaign to help respond to service needs throughout the central KY area. We provide telehealth and in-person services.
I am 50 years old. I have three children; my oldest Taylor is 21 and is a senior at Harvard University...my middle is Kaylee and she is 18 and is graduating from Boyle Co HS and headed to U of Louisville this fall to major in nursing and my youngest is Kyle and he is 12 and attends Boyle Middle School. I have been married for 25 years to Christy who just retired as a Director in the New Vista Comp Care system. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and will be joining my practice. I enjoy anything outdoors, especially running. I have registered for my first Ultramarathon in November...a 50 miler. I retired from Community Mental Health in August of 2019 where I was the Director of Child and Family Services w/ The Adanta Group in Somerset, KY for two years. Before that I spent 27 years w/ Bluegrass.org (now known as New Vista), the last 7 years of this tenure as the Corporate Director of Child and Family services for the 17-county region. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since July 20, 2001 and hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky (`96 grad). Currently, I own and operate Whitsell Counseling & Supervision, LLC in Danville, KY. This is a private practice that I started 4 years ago. I provide individual and family therapy services, focusing in particular on children/adolescents and young adults. I emphasize a person-centered approach to services that prioritizes relationship and therapeutic alliance. I tend to be eclectic but am most comfortable with a cognitive-behavioral approach as well extremely sensitive to being trauma-informed. I also provide clinical supervision for CSW's both individually and via group (have a group that meets 1x month on Saturdays). I currently provide services in office space I sublease on 416 S 4th Street Danville, KY, but very recently leased space at 905 Hustonville Rd Suite 8 Danville, KY where my wife will join my practice to also provide counseling services. I also contract with Danville Independent School System to provide therapy, training and consultation services to students and staff. I also sit on the Board of Directors w/ Key Assets Kentucky. My wife and I are working with consultants currently to re-vamp the practice website and unveil a marketing campaign to help respond to service needs throughout the central KY area. We provide telehealth and in-person services.
Ivy Livengood, BSW - Executive Assistant, Education Committee Member, Membership Committee Member
Ivy has served as the Executive Assistant for KSCSW since January 2020. Ivy has years of experience working in administration and management. She currently offers administrative consulting and credentialing for healthcare providers in KY through her administrative consulting business. Ivy also provides Targeted Case Management to individuals and families. Ivy earned her bachelors degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She is a returned Peace Corps volunteer, and served in Nicaragua educating youth and community members with a focus on environmental concerns specific to that region. Ivy has years of social service experience working with children, families, and communities.
Ivy has served as the Executive Assistant for KSCSW since January 2020. Ivy has years of experience working in administration and management. She currently offers administrative consulting and credentialing for healthcare providers in KY through her administrative consulting business. Ivy also provides Targeted Case Management to individuals and families. Ivy earned her bachelors degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She is a returned Peace Corps volunteer, and served in Nicaragua educating youth and community members with a focus on environmental concerns specific to that region. Ivy has years of social service experience working with children, families, and communities.
Duties
Duties of the President
The President:
A. Shall be Chairperson of the Board of Directors, preside at all general Society meetings, and shall perform such other duties as ordinarily pertain to the Office.
B. Shall call regular and special meetings.
C. Shall appoint the Chairperson of the standing and all other necessary committees except as otherwise provided, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
D. Shall make interim appointments to fill vacancies in an elected office with the approval of the Board of Directors.
E. Shall appoint the Society representative to the Clinical Social Work Association.
F. Shall have the authority to make contracts with the approval of the Board.
Duties of the President-Elect
The President-Elect:
A. Shall discharge the duties of President when the President is unable to act.
B. Shall carry out duties assigned by the President with responsibility in a significant area of need, including but not limited to, chairing the Program Committee or administrative support of the Standing Committees.
Duties of the Secretary
The Secretary:
A. Shall record and keep the permanent minutes of General Membership and Board of Directors meetings. Minutes shall be stored on file in Dropbox or online storage after they have been approved.
B. Shall act as or appoint a temporary Chairperson in the absence of both the President and the President-Elect.
Duties of the Treasurer
The Treasurer:
A. Shall submit the annual plan and budget proposal to the Board for approval. The approved budge will authorize the Treasurer and/or the Executive Director/Assistant to expend funds.
B. In coordination with the Executive Director shall collect dues, receive monies payable to the Society, pay all bills, and expend these monies in accordance with the fiscal policies and budget established by the Board.
C. All expenditures by the Board shall be approved by majority vote and recorded in the minutes.
D. Shall present written financial reports at least quarterly. This shall be done at Board meetings or by e-mail to the members of the Board of Directors.
E. Shall serve as Chairperson of the Finance Committee (when needed)with responsibility to enact and administer disbursement policies and procedures under direction of the Board.
F. Shall file all necessary tax documents.
In terms of what I love about the position...I believe in the board mission. "There is no mission without money"
Duties of the Past-President
The Past-President:
A. Shall serve in an advisory role to the Board of Directors.
B. Shall serve as chairperson of both the Governance and Nominating Committees.
Past President is responsible for elections and awards, primarily. In the spring, we hold an election and the governing committee puts together ballots and facilitates the election and orientation of new members.
In the fall, we get nominations for scholarships and awards and vote on recipients using the rubric. And during the winter there is a review of policies and procedures to ensure they stay up to date. The past president is chair of the governance committee and advises the board, overall.
And me, I love being on this board – it has given back for any and every effort I have put in! The roles I have had in the society have helped me grow as a professional and have given me opportunities at the regional and state level to build relationships and be a part of changes I would have never been able to imagine on my own. My life is better and richer for this association. We are all so fortunate to have this foundation and support for the profession and each other.
The President:
A. Shall be Chairperson of the Board of Directors, preside at all general Society meetings, and shall perform such other duties as ordinarily pertain to the Office.
B. Shall call regular and special meetings.
C. Shall appoint the Chairperson of the standing and all other necessary committees except as otherwise provided, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.
D. Shall make interim appointments to fill vacancies in an elected office with the approval of the Board of Directors.
E. Shall appoint the Society representative to the Clinical Social Work Association.
F. Shall have the authority to make contracts with the approval of the Board.
Duties of the President-Elect
The President-Elect:
A. Shall discharge the duties of President when the President is unable to act.
B. Shall carry out duties assigned by the President with responsibility in a significant area of need, including but not limited to, chairing the Program Committee or administrative support of the Standing Committees.
Duties of the Secretary
The Secretary:
A. Shall record and keep the permanent minutes of General Membership and Board of Directors meetings. Minutes shall be stored on file in Dropbox or online storage after they have been approved.
B. Shall act as or appoint a temporary Chairperson in the absence of both the President and the President-Elect.
Duties of the Treasurer
The Treasurer:
A. Shall submit the annual plan and budget proposal to the Board for approval. The approved budge will authorize the Treasurer and/or the Executive Director/Assistant to expend funds.
B. In coordination with the Executive Director shall collect dues, receive monies payable to the Society, pay all bills, and expend these monies in accordance with the fiscal policies and budget established by the Board.
C. All expenditures by the Board shall be approved by majority vote and recorded in the minutes.
D. Shall present written financial reports at least quarterly. This shall be done at Board meetings or by e-mail to the members of the Board of Directors.
E. Shall serve as Chairperson of the Finance Committee (when needed)with responsibility to enact and administer disbursement policies and procedures under direction of the Board.
F. Shall file all necessary tax documents.
In terms of what I love about the position...I believe in the board mission. "There is no mission without money"
Duties of the Past-President
The Past-President:
A. Shall serve in an advisory role to the Board of Directors.
B. Shall serve as chairperson of both the Governance and Nominating Committees.
Past President is responsible for elections and awards, primarily. In the spring, we hold an election and the governing committee puts together ballots and facilitates the election and orientation of new members.
In the fall, we get nominations for scholarships and awards and vote on recipients using the rubric. And during the winter there is a review of policies and procedures to ensure they stay up to date. The past president is chair of the governance committee and advises the board, overall.
And me, I love being on this board – it has given back for any and every effort I have put in! The roles I have had in the society have helped me grow as a professional and have given me opportunities at the regional and state level to build relationships and be a part of changes I would have never been able to imagine on my own. My life is better and richer for this association. We are all so fortunate to have this foundation and support for the profession and each other.