Welcome to Academic coaching
Dr Pam Turner
Founder and CEO
“If you want to change the world, start with You!”
– Dr Pam Turner
Sessions with our coaches
Sessions with Dr. Pam
Licensed Professional Counselor and Academic Coach. I support graduate and doctoral-level trainees preparing for licensure and national counseling exams. I serve on Dr. Pam Turner’s team. Coaching is delivered through Zoom with structured accountability.
I teach for mastery. The process centers on high-yield concepts, active recall, spaced repetition, and timed mixed practice. Each week includes a performance snapshot, an error log, and a targeted review to close gaps fast.
Each plan starts with a baseline score and a skills audit. I tailor the sequence, pacing, and practice sets to your weak domains, test-taking patterns, language needs, and weekly schedule. You get clear goals, measurable checkpoints, and tight feedback loops.
I enjoy turning “overwhelmed” into “organized.” I love watching clients build confidence through evidence: higher scores, fewer repeated errors, and calmer performance under time pressure. Piece of Advice for Clients Studying for their Exam:
Study for mastery, not coverage. Start timed mixed practice early, track every missed question, and review patterns until they stop repeating.
I’m here to see you pass!! I believe you have a purpose to empower and serve others through counseling. We just need to help you get that piece of paper saying “PASS” to be licensed 😊
My approach is warm, patient, collaborative, sprinkled with a sense of humor and laughter, and to enjoy the journey. I will also be 100% honest with you if you are not ready to take the exam, or if you are not investing in yourself and your future with enough study time. I know I wanted my coaches to be 100% honest with me. Investing in yourself with sufficient personal study time and coaching will empower you to take the exam more confidently. Invest in yourself and your future!
I was coming from a background in research science and teaching. However, earning my Master’s in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling later in life was a radical career transition for me (pursued after several back-to-back unexpected tragedies in life caused me to seek counseling in my own journey, and I then experienced the beauty of therapy and wanted to help others in the same way).
I mention this because almost everything I had ever studied at university and in my professional life had been with patterns, structures, diagrams, formulas, or visual components instead of tons of words only. I do not do well with lots and lots of words only. I felt like I was drowning in this endless ocean of words to prepare for the CPCE/NCE exams (no structures, few formulas, no visuals, no diagrams). I was feeling overwhelmed when I luckily stumbled upon Dr. Pam on YouTube! Dr. Pam’s Academic World Changer’s approach integrates visuals, diagrams, structures, patterns– and everyday basic examples of what an exam concept with a long, hard-to-remember name looks like in everyday life. As Dr. Pam says, “We do this stuff all the time!”
I understand any frustration you might be feeling with the oceans of words-only approach found in most of the study books I had (and I had an ever-growing collection of CPCE + NCE study guides by the time I found Dr. Pam). It’s time to bring on the visuals, diagrams, and everyday examples we use in life all the time for these exam concepts. Armed with ACWC’s exam strategies and study tools, you can pass this exam and move forward to why you wanted to do counseling in the first place: make a difference in the world and people’s lives! See you in coaching 😊 Let’s do this together!
CPCE/NCE Exam Tips (all belong to Dr. Pam):
1. Rule of 3 hrs/day –> 6 days/wk –> 90 days (I tattooed this on my main mirror + brain while studying all those months until I passed. Consistently + persistently work Dr. Pam’s rules–it will pay off!
2. Stay in the question (understand the question before moving on to the answers).
3. Look up vocabulary words you don’t understand in the reading –> every. single. time.
I am a school counselor at the elementary level. I earned my Masters in Professional School Counseling at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. I have been a school counselor for nine years, and it brings me joy watching the skills and growth my students obtain throughout their educational journey.
My relationship with Academic Coaching for World Changers began in 2025 when I was gearing up to take the NCE again. I heard about Dr. Pam, and I had exhausted all options and was determined to pass the exam. Through the help, guidance, and coaching I received; I was not only able to pass the NCE, but I was also encouraged and empowered to help others like me. I loved the accountability, the empowerment and how the team helped me learn my learning styles (which I thought I knew). This organization changed my perspective on how the “norm” is not always the way, and how when we set our minds on something and put in the work; it can be done!
This has led me to want to encourage other counselors who are working towards the same goal. I joined the ACWC team to empower, coach, and guide those on their journey to passing. I love how coaching not only gives the tools, but it empowers you to use them in all aspects of our lives. I would like to instill the tools that I received and use it to encourage the next group of world changers.
Piece of Advice for Clients Studying for their Exam: You can do anything you set your mind to; be ready to get out of your own way and put yourself first! There is someone depending on YOU to pass this exam, let’s make it happen!
I am a Master’s-level Social Worker with a degree from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, where I specialized in Policy Planning and Community Organizing. With over 23 years of experience in child protection, I currently serve as a Program Manager at a state child protection agency. In this role, I oversee incoming child protection reports and make critical safety decisions to protect children across the state.
In addition to my full-time role, I also work part-time as a Clinical Social Worker at a community mental health agency. Across both positions, I am deeply committed to promoting safety, equity, and empowerment. I support both clients and staff in developing coping strategies, building self-awareness, and working toward meaningful, personal goals that enhance well-being.
My practice is grounded in advocacy, systems change, and a strong belief in the resilience of individuals and families. In recent years, I’ve deepened my understanding of core social work theories through the guidance of Dr. Pam and her team, whose teaching approach helped connect theory to real-world practice in an accessible and memorable way. This perspective now informs my own coaching style—normalizing concepts, making them easier to recall, and reminding social workers that they already apply these ideas in their everyday work.
After passing my LCSW on my second attempt, I began informally coaching others—starting with my sister. I often found myself repeating the same encouraging messages I had needed to hear myself: You know this. Trust your training. This is a reading test—use what’s in front of you. I understand how test anxiety and self-doubt can hold us back, and I believe that success requires not just knowledge, but support, perspective, and preparation.
Working with Dr. Pam’s team was a turning point for me. Their support, along with practical strategies and guidance (including helping me secure appropriate testing accommodations), made all the difference. That experience reinforced for me the importance of individualized learning, intentional preparation, and community support.
I’m passionate about helping others succeed on their path to licensure and beyond. Whether you’re preparing for your exam or navigating your role as a social worker, I’d be honored to support you in that journey. Let’s grow together!
I earned my Masters Degree in Counseling with a concentration in School Counseling from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in 2003. Currently, I work as a secondary school counselor, with over 15 years of experience in counseling and 11 years of experience in classroom teaching. I have always enjoyed helping my students find new ways to understand information as well the challenge of working with them to overcome obstacles to learning.
I registered to take the NCE 21 years after graduating and knew that I would need a lot of help preparing for the exam! I didn’t know where to begin studying, and felt overwhelmed by the amount of information I needed to relearn. I watched a few of Dr.Pam’s videos on YouTube, and found her coaching to be very helpful! I decided to join the Group Tutoring sessions with Dr. Pam, rather than just watching them because I needed the accountability of showing up prepared for each session. I passed the exam! Dr. Pam was very thorough and checked for understanding before moving on. She would even use humor to help us remember concepts. I plan to use a similar method with my clients, as well as helping them think outside of the box to gain understanding.
Piece of Advice for Clients Studying for their Exam: I would advise studying the concepts in at least two or three different ways: I would read about the topic, listen to audio from the videos and while working or commuting and watch videos on the topic when time permitted. Approaching the information in multiple ways helped me to retain the information.
Sherry Bougard earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Minor in Religion from Lane College. Her master's degree in social work and certification in school social work from the University of Tennessee Knoxville were followed by becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker superseded by a Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker. Later, Ms. Bougard became a certified life coach from the Life Coach School of Arkansas and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Ms. Bougard has over 20 years of experience serving as an advocate for the vulnerable population and those facing a crisis. Sherry's main focus is conducting educational, life skills workshops that facilitate changing one's thinking towards a healthier lifestyle. Also, she works as a pre-screening agent for the state of Tennessee and a crisis counselor for those trying to harm themselves or others. Her additional areas of expertise include alcohol and drugs, hospice, child welfare, substitute teaching, and serving people living with HIV/AIDS.
Aside from being a change agent, Sherry Bougard is the founder of the nonprofit Bee TrU Awareness Outreach, Inc., Become Greater Life Coaching Service, and Bee Simple Parties (a business that provides services for any celebration) . Additionally, she is a motivational public speaker and the creator of "Unlearn Learn Behavior," a curriculum that assists people in learning about themselves and building on their strengths.Following a consultation, Sherry works with each student to ensure they understand each lesson by involving effective and honest communication, as well as using the teach back method to ensure they understand.
I keep notes for each student and review them before each meeting. Also following each session notes taken are reviewed that allow Sherry to tailor homework assignments to areas more so where a student did not do well but also to areas where a student excelled in. Lastly I keep the client engaged with back and forth dialogue throughout the session. I'm just the coach, my students are the players who I count on to win the game (pass the exam) even if it's by one point.
Sherry’s MOTTO is "you must Be (Bee) TrU to yourself before you can be (Bee) TrU to others." Sherry is a motivational speaker who encourages others to reach their goal(s). To witness a smile, hear a person speak with confidence, or watch a person grow each session makes Sherry glow.
Clear your mind when preparing for your exam, study to learn and practice the way that you will eventually play.
I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Siena Heights University. Currently, I work as an onsite counselor & assist employees with various resources. Here at the plant I work with employees that are struggling with anxiety, trauma, & homelessness. While working with Dr. Pam & my coaches, they help me to utilize the different theories & apply them to the actual client population that I am working with. Then from there, everything began to click & make sense to me.
Based on the coaching I received; my coaches were very thorough & checked for understanding before moving to a new subject. My intention is to follow that same modality & to make sure that my students are having fun while learning because it can be very stressful preparing for this important test. Also, I plan on helping my students identify which learning style suits them best so that they can maximize their independent studying habits.
It is important for my clients to understand, “that a little progress each day adds up to big results.” So it is very important that my students take these coaching sessions very seriously so that they will pass their test
My coaching methodology centers on a strengths-based, client-centered approach, emphasizing empowerment, critical thinking, and practical application. I focus on fostering self-efficacy, promoting ethical practice, and enhancing clinical skills through reflective learning and evidence-based strategies tailored to each student’s unique needs and goals.
I personalize coaching by actively listening to each individual’s unique experiences and goals, conducting thorough assessments, and tailoring strategies that align with their strengths and challenges. I adapt my approach to their learning style, providing relevant resources and continuous feedback to foster growth and development.
One aspect I particularly enjoy about coaching is witnessing the transformative growth in individuals as they gain confidence and develop their skills. My coaching philosophy centers on empowering others to recognize and harness their strengths, fostering resilience and self-efficacy through supportive and tailored guidance.
Focus on understanding key concepts rather than rote memorization, practice applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, and maintain a balanced study schedule that includes regular breaks. Prioritize self-care to manage stress and enhance cognitive function, ensuring you approach the exam with clarity and confidence.
Received a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, working as an LPC within the Behavioral Health Services
My philosophy is simple, To unlock a person’s potential and maximize their performance by helping them learn and achieve their goals. I personalize coaching based on the individual needs, and current comfort level with the material.
I really enjoy seeing the growth and comfort developing in real time as someone begins to grasp and fully understand the new information. I look forward to seeing the people I work with celebrate a success after a long journey and take great satisfaction in being apart of their journey.
Trust yourself, trust your preparation, take your time reading the questions. Don’t second guess yourself, you are taking the test because you’re ready.
Ja’Wonna Barnes, MA, LPC-Associate under the supervision of Judy White-Jackson, LPC-S, is a mental health professional and coach dedicated to supporting emerging clinicians as they prepare for the National Counselor Examination (NCE). With over eight years of experience in the mental health field, Ja’Wonna brings a strong foundation in counseling theory, ethical practice, and real-world clinical application to her work with NCE candidates.
Ja’Wonna has experience in community mental health, school-based counseling, and private practice settings, allowing her to translate complex counseling concepts into practical, easy-to understand strategies for exam preparation and professional growth. One aspect of coaching she particularly enjoys is helping clinicians connect what they already do in session to what they see on the exam; watching concepts “click” as confidence replaces self-doubt is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
In addition to coaching NCE candidates, Ja’Wonna currently serves as a Regional Counselor supporting multiple school campuses and is the founder of a private practice in Texas. She is known for her supportive, strengths-based style, culturally responsive perspective, and ability to reduce test anxiety while building clarity and mastery.
Her advice to clinicians studying for the NCE: don’t study as if you’re learning everything for the first time, study as if you’re organizing what you already know. The NCE is not about perfection; it’s about understanding how counselors think, prioritize ethics, and apply theory in practice.
Ja’Wonna is committed to helping future licensed counselors move beyond memorization and toward mastery, equipping them with the tools, insight, and encouragement needed to succeed on the NCE and beyond.
Avi Berkovitch
Chief Financial Officer
aberkovitchacwc@gmail.com
Beth Blevins
Head of Scheduling drpam2020@gmail.com
Lauren Harman
Lead Coach coachlaurenacfwc@gmail.com
Jill McBee
Weekend Scheduling Team drpam2020@gmail.com