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WVCA Fall Conference & Retreat 2025

Resilience with Purpose: Navigating Challenges and Empowering Change

September 11-13, 2025

Stonewall Resort - 940 Resort Dr., Roanoke, WV 26447

We are so excited to continue to bring our conference to different parts of our beautiful state, and this year, we will be headed to the stunning Stonewall Resort! The conference is also taking place a little bit earlier this year - September instead of our usual November - and September is an amazing time of year to head to Stonewall!

Stonewall Resort will offer attendees an ideal blend of professional development and leisure. When you're not attending conference sessions, you can take advantage of the variety of amenities the resort has to offer. Whether it's golfing on picturesque courses, hiking scenic trails, swimming in their newly-renovated indoor/outdoor pool, or enjoying a relaxing spa treatment, there's something for everyone!

Early Bird Registration is now open!

We are working on finalizing the Schedule of Events, which we will post as soon as possible. In the meantime, Early Bird registration is now open, but that won't last long! Register by or before July 5, 2025 to get the early bird discount!

Continuing education credit will be available for counselors, social workers, psychologists/school psychologists, and addiction/prevention professionals!

Interested in sponsoring?

Sponsorship opportunities can be found in the WVCA Store.

Hotel Accommodations

A block of rooms have been reserved at Stonewall Resort at a rate of $185/night (including taxes/fees). You can reserve your room under the group rate here.

WVCA Awards

One of the best things about the counseling profession is its versatility. We are therapists, school counselors, educators, clinical supervisors, researchers, and advocates. And the WVCA Awards is an opportunity to give a shout-out to West Virginia counselors fighting the good fight in the various roles of the profession! Each year, WVCA issues the following awards:

WVCA Excellence in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Award
WVCA Excellence in School Counseling Award
WVCA Outstanding Counselor Educator Award
WVCA Outstanding Clinical Supervisor Award
WVCA Innovative Research Award
WVCA Distinguished Advocacy Award
WVCA Community Impact Award

You do not have to be a WVCA member, a counselor, or even located in West Virginia to submit nominations! Nominees must work in the counseling profession in West Virginia. Nomination form coming soon!

WVCA Marilyn Smith Emerging Leader Award. Attention COUNSELING GRAD STUDENTS! If you are currently enrolled and in good standing in a counseling graduate program (Master's or doctoral), we invite you to apply for this award. It is meant to recognize graduate students exhibiting exceptional leadership potential in their personal, professional, and academic careers.

Applicants must:

Be actively enrolled in a Master's- or doctoral-level counseling program and be in good standing.
Be willing and able to attend the WVCA conference in November.
Be a current WVCA member.
Fill out the application form, which will include uploading a resume/CV and at least 1 letter of recommendation from a faculty member.

Nomination form coming soon!

Keynote Speaker

Ilonka Deaton

Director of Advocacy at Jaco Booyens Ministries JBM

Ilonka Deaton is an accomplished recording artist, speaker, author, and advocate dedicated to combating human trafficking and protecting the most vulnerable.

With 14 studio albums, Ilonka inspires through music, currently performing as half of the country duo Twang & Testify.

Beyond music, she is the Director of Advocacy for Jaco Booyens Ministries (JBM), where she develops specialized training programs for educators, mental health professionals, parents, and policymakers to fight human trafficking. She also serves as a Director for The Reisman Institute, the world's leading authority on protecting children from sexual exploitation and informing the public about these critical issues.

Ilonka's fight against human trafficking is deeply personal. For six years, she was trafficked and endured unimaginable abuse before being rescued at the age of 18. Though physically free, the emotional and psychological scars remained. Today, she uses her story to bring hope to survivors and educate communities on the devastating realities of trafficking. Her memoir, Keeping Secrets, and its companion workbook, Secret Freedom, provide a roadmap for survivors seeking healing and restoration. As a sought-after speaker, Ilonka shares her powerful testimony with diverse audiences, shedding light on the effects of trafficking and equipping individuals to recognize and prevent exploitation.

Fun Times at the 2024 Conference

Photos from the WVCA Fall Conference 2024 at The Resort at Glade Springs.

Attendance Disclaimer: Registration and attendance at, or participation in, West Virginia Counseling Association (WVCA) conferences, meetings, and events constitutes an agreement by the registrant/attendee for WVCA to use and distribute, now and in the future, the registrant's/attendee's image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions, and audio of such events and activities to illustrate and promote the WVCA experience and products.