Staff
Joseph Weeks, LMHC, MACCSExecutive Director / CEOjweeks@mamhca.orgJoseph has served MaMHCA for more than a decade, most recently as Director of Public Policy and Legislation, before transitioning into his current role as Executive Director. He brings extensive executive leadership experience overseeing organizations across a variety of settings and contractual environments. A registered mental health lobbyist for over 10 years, Joseph has played a key role in advancing policy initiatives that support mental health counselors and the communities they serve. He also serves in several municipal leadership capacities, including as a Selectman for the Town of Hanson. 
Jennifer Hurley, LMHCDirector of the MaMHCA Institutejhurley@mamhca.orgJenn Hurley, LMHC has served on the board as the Membership Communications Committee chair since 2016. She previously served on the committee as a volunteer and participates in the awards committee and by-laws committee. Jenn has additionally served as the Private Practice Director and works on the staff team as a special project manager. You can find Jenn at our monthly membership coffee hours chatting about various MaMHCA and practice updates, participating in the MaMHCA book club, teaching the private practice workshop or hosting our virtual open house. Jenn currently is in private practice, and teaches as adjunct faculty at Framingham State University. She has a passion for ethics codes, turning clinical teaching topics into games and encouraging her cats to join her on zoom calls. 
Christine Cassidy, LMHCBusiness Managerccassidy@mamhca.orgChristine has been a member of MaMHCA since 2012 and has held numerous leadership roles within the organization. These include serving as a liaison to Master’s-level counseling programs, Board Secretary, and, currently, Treasurer. She also functions as the Business Manager and MCEAP Director for MaMHCA. Christine has extensive experience in higher education, having served as an Assistant Dean for Clinical Field Experience and as an adjunct faculty member. She was also President of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors (MARIACES) from 2018 to 2019. Her clinical background includes work as a family therapist in a residential treatment setting, as well as extensive experience providing substance use disorder services and serving as an Employee Assistance Program provider. Christine currently maintains a private practice. Christine holds a Master’s degree in Counseling with a focus on holistic approaches and the mind–body–spirit connection in psychological well-being. She is a certified DBT specialist with a strong focus on mindfulness-based practices. 
Midge Williams, LMHCEmeritus Executive Directormwilliams@mamhca.orgMidge is a Past President of the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association and has served as MaMHCA’s Executive Director since 1995. Under Midge’s directorship, MaMHCA grew to 1500 members. She led the teams that achieved mandated 3rd party reimbursement for LMHCs (1996), upgraded LMHC Scope of Practice to include “diagnose and treat” all diagnosis (2000), Testimonial Privilege (2008), and the newly created Licensed Supervised Mental Health Counselor (LSMHC) in 2022. She created the MaMHCA Certified Clinical Supervisor program in 2008. She was active in AMHCA leadership activities since 1993, serving as AMHCA President in 2001-2002. Following her term as Past-President she served as AMHCA’s representative to the American Association of Counseling Boards (AASCB) for several years. Midge was a co-founder of the Professional Training Institute (PTI) and is a co-author of the Clinical Mental Health Counselor’s Handbook and Study Guide,(editions 1-4), and the License Exam Prep Workshops program. Board Members
Venita Qualls, LMHCPresidentvqualls@mamhca.orgVenita is a seasoned licensed mental health and licensed addiction counselor with many years of counseling experience. She is the CEO of Soulful Essentials, a mental health practice in Massachusetts and the Power of Self Academy. Her area of expertise is working with people who suffer from trauma, ACES - Adverse Childhood Experiences, Addiction, Depression, Anxiety, Personality Disorders, and other mental health issues. She is a Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist, Certified Employee Assistance Professional, US DOT SAP, and a Certified Anger Management and Domestic Violence Specialist.
Venita is mind, body and soul, somatic trained therapist and practitioner. Her somatic training modalities consist in Brainspotting, EMDR, IFS, Shamanic Practices, Energy Medicine, Sound Therapy, and she is a Usui Reiki Master.
Venita’s education consists of two master’s degrees from Cambridge College in Massaachusetts. She holds a Master in Education with a concentration in Mental Health and Addiction, and a Master of Management degree with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. Venita is presently enrolled in a Doctorate and Ph. D program in Integrative Medicine with Quantum University.
Venita is the President of the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselor’s Association. 
France Neff, LMHCPresident-Electfneff@mamhca.orgDiversity, Equity & Inclusion CommitteeFrance A. Neff, Ph.D., is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Board Certified Coach, Author, and Dance Minister. France appreciates the arts and incorporates them into her work when appropriate. She enjoys teaching, coaching, counseling, and helping others find their passion. France adapts easily in any environment, establishes rapport quickly, stays calm in situations, and makes ethical judgments. France is married, has two children, and two grandchildren. She is the President and CEO of a transitional housing program for families experiencing homelessness. She serves with passion and commitment to helping each parent develop the skills to create a stable environment for themselves and their children, so that both parent and children can reach their full potential. France believes that we can all reach our full potential with a little bit of guidance and encouragement. 
John Ciervo, LMHCPast PresidentNominations and Elections CommitteeEthics Committeejciervo@mamhca.orgWith over 20 years of experience in behavioral health counseling and crisis intervention, John J. Ciervo is a respected consultant specializing in clinical mental health, crisis response, and holistic therapy. He previously served as President of the Mental Health Counseling Association of Massachusetts, demonstrating strong leadership and advocacy in the field. His expertise includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), anxiety disorders, grief education, and support for LGBTQ+ communities. In addition to managing a private practice, he works as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) crisis provider and has held faculty roles in clinical mental health counseling. John holds a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and an advanced master’s degree in Holistic Therapy, showing his commitment to integrative, client-centered care. John is currently a specialist (CIRT) for critical incident on-site response in Massachusetts at CCAinc. John also works as an on-site clinician for Spring Health at Delta Air Lines in Boston. 
B. Quinn Hayes, LMHCSecretaryLicense Support Chairqhayes@mamhca.orgQuinn happened to attend a MaMHCA virtual workshop in 2020 and has been involved in the organization’s mission since. He currently serves as the Board’s Secretary, a role he’s held since 2022. You’ll also see him involved in other MaMHCA activities including as a workshop manager and member of the license application support team. Outside of MaMHCA, Quinn is an LMHC with over a decade of clinical experience. He prides himself on having been engaged in some form of human services work since age 19 and has provided clinical care in a variety of settings including partial hospitalization, intensive residential, in-home, and outpatient. He is currently the Clinic Director for Northeast Health Services’ Boston – South End clinic. A self-identified “nerd”, Quinn takes off his clinical hat by listening to audiobooks (178 last year!), playing video games, or engrossing himself in other forms of fictional media. He’s slowly working on creating the next generation of “nerds” by exposing his wife and two sons to all of these same hobbies.
Christine Cassidy, LMHCTreasurerAdministrative ManagerMCEAP Directorccassidy@mamhca.orgChristine has been a member of MaMHCA since 2012 and has held numerous leadership roles within the organization. These include serving as a liaison to Master’s-level counseling programs, Board Secretary, and, currently, Treasurer. She also functions as the Business Manager and MCEAP Director for MaMHCA. Christine has extensive experience in higher education, having served as an Assistant Dean for Clinical Field Experience and as an adjunct faculty member. She was also President of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors (MARIACES) from 2018 to 2019. Her clinical background includes work as a family therapist in a residential treatment setting, as well as extensive experience providing substance use disorder services and serving as an Employee Assistance Program provider. Christine currently maintains a private practice. Christine holds a Master’s degree in Counseling with a focus on holistic approaches and the mind–body–spirit connection in psychological well-being. She is a certified DBT specialist with a strong focus on mindfulness-based practices.
Joseph Weeks, LMHC, MACCSExecutive Director/CEOPublic Policy & Legisation Directorjweeks@mamhca.orgJoseph has served MaMHCA for more than a decade, most recently as Director of Public Policy and Legislation, before transitioning into his current role as Executive Director. He brings extensive executive leadership experience overseeing organizations across a variety of settings and contractual environments. A registered mental health lobbyist for over 10 years, Joseph has played a key role in advancing policy initiatives that support mental health counselors and the communities they serve. He also serves in several municipal leadership capacities, including as a Selectman for the Town of Hanson.
Jennifer Hurley, LMHCMembership Committeejhurley@mamhca.orgJenn Hurley, LMHC has served on the board as the Membership Communications Committee chair since 2016. She previously served on the committee as a volunteer and participates in the awards committee and by-laws committee. Jenn has additionally served as the Private Practice Director and works on the staff team as a special project manager. You can find Jenn at our monthly membership coffee hours chatting about various MaMHCA and practice updates, participating in the MaMHCA book club, teaching the private practice workshop or hosting our virtual open house. Jenn currently is in private practice, and teaches as adjunct faculty at Framingham State University. She has a passion for ethics codes, turning clinical teaching topics into games and encouraging her cats to join her on zoom calls.
Midge Williams, LMHC, MACCSEmeritus Executive DirectorPTI Liasionmwilliams@mamhca.orgMidge is a Past President of the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association and has served as MaMHCA’s Executive Director since 1995. Under Midge’s directorship, MaMHCA grew to 1500 members. She led the teams that achieved mandated 3rd party reimbursement for LMHCs (1996), upgraded LMHC Scope of Practice to include “diagnose and treat” all diagnosis (2000), Testimonial Privilege (2008), and the newly created Licensed Supervised Mental Health Counselor (LSMHC) in 2022. She created the MaMHCA Certified Clinical Supervisor program in 2008. She was active in AMHCA leadership activities since 1993, serving as AMHCA President in 2001-2002. Following her term as Past-President she served as AMHCA’s representative to the American Association of Counseling Boards (AASCB) for several years. Midge was a co-founder of the Professional Training Institute (PTI) and is a co-author of the Clinical Mental Health Counselor’s Handbook and Study Guide,(editions 1-4), and the License Exam Prep Workshops program. 
Berna Haberman, LMHCBoard Memberbhaberman@mamhca.orgBerna G. Haberman, LMHC #1, is the founder of MaMHCA (1981) and responsible for LMHC Licensure which was legislated in 1987. Berna served on the Allied Board of Mental Health and Human Service Professions as the first LMHC Representative and created the first regulations for licensure as an LMHC. She has served as adjunct faculty at many of the graduate programs in MA, and taught many workshops for MaMHCA’s Continuing Education Program, including “Beyond the Professional Will”, helping LMHCs understand their legal and ethical obligations when closing their practice. She then turned the workshop into a book, the proceeds of which she donated to MaMHCA, as well as the publishing rights, and it is still used today in MaMHCA’s Private Practice Workshop Series. She received the Counselor Educator of the year award from the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) in 2000, for all her teaching work, and her strong support for MARIACES, the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors. Continually an advocate for LMHC Licensure, Berna has stayed active on the MaMHCA Board of Directors through the last 35 years, and most recently been a member of MaMHCA’s Licensure Support Committee, still helping individual license applicants to get their license as an LMHC. 
Meaghan Corbett, LMHCConference Committee Chairmcorbett@mamhca.orgMeaghan Corbett, LMHC, is a behavioral health leader with extensive experience in crisis services, program development, and community-based mental health care. She has led the growth of innovative clinical programs, strengthened cross-system partnerships, and advanced equitable, client-centered service delivery across Massachusetts. As a member of the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Meaghan is committed to advancing licensure advocacy, professional standards, and access to high-quality mental health care throughout the Commonwealth. 
Andrea Kremer, LMHCAwards CommitteeMaMHCA Storeakremer@mamhca.orgAndrea Kremer, LMHC, earned her Master’s degree from Cambridge College with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. She completed a two-year postgraduate training fellowship in couples therapy at the Psychodynamic Couple and Family Institute of New England (PCFINE). After completing her postgraduate hours in community mental health and group practice settings, Andrea transitioned into private practice, where her clinical work centers on relational therapy. She is currently pursuing dual licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and beginning certification through AASECT in sex therapy. Andrea also integrates her background in the music industry into her clinical work, providing specialized therapeutic support to bands and performing artists. Andrea joined MAMHCA in 2023 as a New Professional and currently serves on the Awards Committee. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the New England Association for Family and Systemic Therapy (NEAFAST), where she serves on the Marketing and Licensure & Legislation Committees. Andrea is committed to expanding access to high-quality mental health care, and advocating for licensure and legislative policies that support qualified mental health professionals. 
Rachel Sykes, LMHCBylaws Committee ChairRsykes@mamhca.orgRachel C. Sykes is a psychotherapist who works with exhausted women in finance in Boston. She opened her own private practice in 2023 where she specializes in anxiety and panic management, career counseling, and financial therapy. She is also an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services provider. Rachel retired after 25 years in the investment field, where she worked as an investment professional in quantitative portfolio and product management. In addition to having earned the right to use the CFA designation, Rachel has a BA in Psychology, an MBA, an MEd in Mental Health Counseling and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Rachel is pleased to join the Board at Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association (MaMHCA) as Bylaws Committee Chair. She is also a member of CFA Boston’s Financial Literacy Council and is a new member of the Boston Economic Club. Rachel also likes to teach: she has taught both finance and counseling at local universities and industry organizations, and has been a certified yoga teacher for 15+ years. 
Martha Baez, MS, LSMHCNew Professional MemberOriginally born in the Dominican Republic and naturalized American, Martha is a mental health clinician and advocate with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families across community mental health settings. She earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and previously earned a master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology from ISEP Barcelona (Spain). Martha’s clinical experience includes Massachusetts’ Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI), Systems of Care, Early Childhood Mental Health, and school-based outpatient services. She currently works as a School-Based Outpatient Clinician serving children in Holyoke, MA. Her professional interests include child and adolescent mental health, trauma-informed care, play therapy, immigration-related stress, and improving access to behavioral health services. Martha is an LSMHC working toward LMHC licensure. She is completing additional specialization training and supervision toward the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential. In 2024, she was selected as an NBCC Foundation Minority Fellow through her commitment of working with minorities. Martha is also the founder of BridgeMH, an initiative focused on advocacy, information and support for internationally educated mental health professionals navigating professional licensure. 
John Mayo, LSMHCNew Professional MemberJohn Mayo (he/him), LSMHC, NCC, earned his Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Bridgewater State University. He is the first to hold the Licensed Supervised Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts. John is a clinician and training coordinator at Heads Held High Counseling in Brookline, MA. As training coordinator he is responsible for implementing continuing education experiences for the group. His clinical work centers on adults with diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship structures, including transgender and nonbinary clients, clients in consensually non-monogamous relationships, and members of the kink community. He is completing training toward certification in sex therapy through AASECT. As a certified Therapeutic Game Master, John facilitates therapeutic tabletop roleplaying groups, using collaborative storytelling and roleplaying to support identity exploration and connection. Before entering the counseling field, John spent more than fifteen years in college student affairs. He is a member of ACA, AMHCA, WPATH, and AASECT. John is a co-founder and admin of the Massachusetts New Professional Mental Health Counselors Facebook group for counselors working toward LMHC licensure. He is committed to strengthening connections, access, and support, for therapists across the Commonwealth. VacantStudent MemberVacant Bio Want to Become a Board Member?View our vacancies and apply today!Join a passionate team of counseling professionals dedicated to advancing the profession, supporting members, and strengthening mental health advocacy across Massachusetts. Board service is a meaningful opportunity to grow professionally, build leadership skills, and make a lasting impact on the counseling community. Apply Today! |