The Accelerator’s Candidate Ambassador Program is designed to amplify clinical voices, inform programmatic decision-making and support career development for emerging professionals. Candidate ambassadors collaborate with the National Council to share their unique insights as post-master’s mental health and substance use treatment clinicians. As ambassadors, participants review materials, contribute insights to videos, webinars and blogs, and represent the Accelerator program. Ambassadors were selected through a competitive application process in participating states, based on their professional experience and commitment to advancing the behavioral health workforce.
Candidate Ambassadors
Ale (Maria) Cisneros Zavala, MSW, LSW
Hawai‘i
I am a first-generation Mexican immigrant and the first in my family to graduate from college and earn a master’s degree. My journey has been shaped by resilience, community and a deep commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation. Today, I work as a school-based therapist, supporting the mental and emotional wellbeing of children and teens while also guiding and empowering their families.
My passion lies in infant mental health and early intervention, and I believe in the power of strong, supportive relationships to create lasting change in young lives. Working closely with parents and caregivers is central to my approach, as I see them as key partners in a child’s development.
Outside of my professional life, I’m a proud parent of two young girls. Much of my free time is spent cheering them on at soccer practices and games or enjoying time together at the beach. These moments ground me and remind me why I do this work — to build a brighter, more connected future for all children and families.
Focus Areas: infant mental health; child and adolescent therapy; school-based mental health services; parent coaching and support; trauma-informed care; early childhood development; first-generation student and family support; Latino mental health; behavioral interventions for children and teens
If you were to share about the Accelerator program to a prospective candidate, what would you share?
If I were to share about the Accelerator program with a prospective candidate, I would say it’s a life-changing experience. It’s not just about professional development — it’s about discovering your voice, your power and your purpose. As someone who values community, healing and fairness, I found the program to be a space where those values were not only honored but nurtured. You’re supported by mentors and peers who truly see you, and you gain tools that help you show up more fully — in your work, in your community and for yourself. If you’re ready to grow, stretch and lead with authenticity, the Accelerator is a beautiful place to start.
How has participating in the Accelerator program positively impacted your journey toward clinical licensure?
Participating in the Accelerator program has been incredibly impactful in my journey toward clinical licensure. It provided me with both the professional guidance and emotional support I needed at this critical stage in my career. Through the mentorship, I was able to better navigate the licensure process, gain clarity on my goals and build confidence in my clinical skills. The program also connected me with a community of peers who understood the unique challenges of this path — especially as a first-generation professional and a person of color in the mental health field.
Beyond technical knowledge, the Accelerator gave me space to reflect on my background and sense of self, my “why” and how to show up authentically in the work I do. That grounding has helped me approach my clinical hours with a deeper sense of purpose and resilience. It’s been a transformative part of my professional journey, and I truly believe it’s helped me move toward licensure with more direction, connection and confidence.
Amber Jones, BA, MEd, LAPC
Georgia
I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) who is passionate about taking a holistic approach to supporting children, adolescents and families on their journey toward healing, personal growth, and mental and emotional wellness. I earned my undergraduate degree from Spelman College and hold a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Georgia. I bring empathy, insight and intentional care to my work, creating a supportive environment for clients to grow and thrive.
Focus Areas: children and adolescents; families and caregivers; at-risk youth; transitional age youth; trauma-informed care; family conflict and communication issues; depression; mood disorders; trauma complex PTSD; behavioral challenges; anxiety and panic disorders; crisis stabilization
If you were to share about the Accelerator program to a prospective candidate, what would you share?
The Accelerator program has been a transformative experience that has provided me with invaluable opportunities, support, guidance and resources. This space has empowered and equipped me with the tools to grow and develop as a clinician.
How has participating in the Accelerator program positively impacted your journey toward clinical licensure?
Participating in the Accelerator program has helped me stay grounded, focused and motivated to reach my goals on my journey toward clinical licensure. The support from leaders and candidates in the program has also been encouraging as I’ve experienced support through the highs and lows.
Ariana Thompson, BS, MS
Colorado
I reside in Colorado and work for a nonprofit as a therapist. I love to spend my free time with my family and reading.
Focus Areas: unhoused populations; community mental health; trauma-informed care; neurodiversity
If you were to share about the Accelerator program to a prospective candidate, what would you share?
This program allows you to connect with others and network outside of your job. It helps immensely with becoming fully licensed by offering supervision, resources and reimbursement for licensing fees.
How has participating in the Accelerator program positively impacted your journey toward clinical licensure?
It’s allowed me to stay focused on obtaining my license without having to worry about supervision hours and fees.
Breanna Simental, BS, MSW
California
I am the second oldest of six, and it’s one of my favorite life roles. Family is very important to me due to being put into foster care at a young age. My mother is a huge role model of mine because she worked hard and regained custody of all my siblings and me. This life event has been a driving force in my passion for the field of social work and mental health.
I currently work with adolescents and adults with eating disorders. I have a second job where I work with all ages in a crisis stabilization unit (like an urgent care for mental health). I worked with foster youth/at-risk youth for about eight years prior.
If you were to share about the Accelerator program to a prospective candidate, what would you share?
It’s a supportive program that is meant to help with pursuing licensure, while also being open to hearing feedback on areas to improve for future clinicians pursuing licensure.
How has participating in the Accelerator program positively impacted your journey toward clinical licensure?
It’s created a space to be open about challenges, while also lifting the burden of finances when taking exams and paying for renewals, etc.
Josephine Diaz-Green, ASW, MSW
California
I believe that understanding my own spirituality as a strength allows me to support others in discovering theirs — through their personal faith and natural support systems. I recognize that growth often comes with discomfort, especially when encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones. Still, I’ve seen how powerful that first step can be. Change isn’t always easy, but it’s often the start of something remarkable.
Focus Areas: trauma-informed care; Hispanic populations; children and adolescents
If you were to share about the Accelerator program to a prospective candidate, what would you share?
The Accelerator program not only provides training, clinical hour support and licensure exam study materials, but also serves as a valuable resource for networking with peers and receiving ongoing mentorship and additional support.
How has participating in the Accelerator program positively impacted your journey toward clinical licensure?
The value of being part of the Accelerator program continues to exceed my expectations. It has provided me with the support and confidence needed to make a meaningful difference with my clients. Additionally, it has connected me with resources and mentors who have helped me build confidence in advocating for my own needs. Through this program, I’ve gained both professional guidance and personal growth that I didn’t anticipate — but deeply appreciate.
Kristina Silva-Pedrero, MSW, LSW
Hawai‘i
Aloha! I am a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and a pre-licensed Native Hawaiian therapist offering services on Maui. I’m specializing in maternal mental health, adolescents and Indigenous populations.
I am passionate about and experienced supporting those who have experienced trauma, prenatal and postpartum, PTSD and sexual violence.
In my free time, I enjoy dancing, reading, snuggling my cats and spending time with my son.
Focus Areas: maternal mental health; adolescents; Indigenous populations; women
If you were to share about the Accelerator program to a prospective candidate, what would you share?
I would share that prospective candidates can’t afford not to be part of the program. The resources, accessibility, support and knowledge you gain from the program are essential to becoming a well-rounded and competent mental health professional, not only from a client-centered perspective but also from a business perspective.
I would encourage new candidates to apply, if not for the mentorship, then for the connection and sense of belonging you’d create with other candidates and professionals. If not for the career growth opportunities, then for the positive change you’d be making in your communities, and fewer barriers to entry. If not for exam materials and support, then for a hell of a lot less stress while you pursue your path to licensure.
And it’s all at your fingertips.
How has participating in the Accelerator program positively impacted your journey toward clinical licensure?
I wasn’t sure I had the capacity to pursue my LCSW. Just thinking about navigating all the requirements for licensure, coupled with life happenings, would lead me to burnout and self-doubt.
Within the program, I feel 100% supported, empowered and capable of achieving more than just this professional endeavor. I have access to mentorship, studying materials for the LCSW exam (which cost upwards of $1,000) and professional growth opportunities that I would have otherwise had to tirelessly search for and fund with the small budget I had as a new MSW graduate.
But most of all, this program has given me access to countless opportunities from every angle — opportunities that I believe will prevent me from becoming the burnt-out, underpaid and underappreciated mental health professional that continuously tries to meet the demands of the community while pouring from an empty cup.
Lindsay Harris, MA, LPCC, EMDR-T
Colorado
My passion is helping people grow through connecting to their own internal wisdom. I use a person-centered and collaborative approach to meet the needs of the individual. My goal is to create a supportive and compassionate environment for individuals to explore and overcome challenges, achieve personal growth and foster connection.
I graduated from University of Denver with a master’s degree in international disaster psychology: trauma and global mental health in 2023. My experience as a therapist started in graduate school through an internship in the criminal justice system and with asylum seekers. Currently, I work in community mental health and private practice. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma and substance use. I am a certified yoga therapist through the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and I bring mindfulness and yoga practices into therapy when clients are interested. I bring an integrative approach tailored to meet the needs and goals of the individual.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, traveling, practicing yoga, skiing and hiking.
Focus Areas: adults; co-occurring disorders; trauma-informed care; community mental health; unhoused populations
If you were to share about the Accelerator program to a prospective candidate, what would you share?
I would share that it has been very useful for me working toward my licensure and great to connect with peers, and a great way to continue to gain experience through trainings and advocacy efforts.
How has participating in the Accelerator program positively impacted your journey toward clinical licensure?
It’s been very beneficial as it has helped me get the study guides I needed to pass my National Counselor Exam and get closer toward my LPC. It has been very useful to provide space for peers and to continue use the program trainings and tools to help guide me in my career.
Zach Mildren, BS, LAMFT
Georgia
I am a dedicated behavioral health provider and emerging clinician committed to expanding access to quality, person-centered mental health care. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Georgia and a master’s in marriage and family therapy from Mercer University. As a participant in the National Council’s National Mental Health Workforce Acceleration Collaborative (NMHWAC) program, I am focused on advancing my clinical expertise while serving varied communities with unmet needs in Central Georgia.
Currently practicing at Community Health Care Systems in central Georgia, I provide therapy to individuals and families in rural communities, integrating evidence-based interventions with a strong foundation in family systems theory. My approach emphasizes collaboration, emotional resilience and trauma-informed care.
Focus Areas: trauma-informed care; rural populations; uninsured/underinsured populations
If you were to share about the Accelerator program to a prospective candidate, what would you share?
The program has been incredibly helpful in making the transition from graduate school to licensure feel more manageable. It offers consistent support through supervision, mentorship and professional development, which can be hard to find on your own. Being part of a community of others going through the same process has made a big difference, because it helped me feel less isolated and more encouraged to stay in the field. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for guidance and support early in their career.
How has participating in the Accelerator program positively impacted your journey toward clinical licensure?
Participating in the program has had a huge impact on my path toward clinical licensure. One of the biggest game changers was the exam prep service they provided free access to. It gave me structure and confidence in preparing for the MFT licensing exam. Beyond that, the program connected me with supportive supervision and mentorship, which helped me grow both clinically and professionally. It also made the process feel less overwhelming by breaking it down into manageable steps.