LaTeX
Proficient in document production, package management, and class development, with a specialty in Tikz and biblatex. Used to format a self-published book and to typeset and publish the Journal of Life Care Planning.
Curriculum Vitae
Aaron Mertes, PhD, LPC‑IT, CRC
Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Rehabilitation counselor, life care planning researcher, and CACREP Board of Directors member.
Education & Licensure
Doctoral training in counselor education, with a rehabilitation counseling foundation.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Counselor Education and Supervision
2019
University of Iowa — CACREP Accredited
Master of Science, Rehabilitation Counseling
2015
St. Cloud State University — CORE Accredited
Bachelor of Arts, English/Philosophy
2007
University of Minnesota–Duluth
Licensures & Certifications
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
March 2015 – Present
Certification #00153085
Licensed Professional Counselor – In Training (LPC‑IT), Wisconsin
March 2025 – Present
License #8349-226
Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP)
June 2017 – 2022
Certification #1404 — intentionally non-renewed
International Psychometric Evaluator Certificate (IPEC)
April 2020 – 2022
Certification #40148 — intentionally non-renewed
Professional Experience
From crisis counseling and clinical practice to academic leadership.
Assistant Professor
May 2024 – Present
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling Programs
- COEPS Technology Committee (2024–present)
- Departmental Library Liaison (2024–present)
- Internship Placement Committee (2024–present)
- Admissions Committee (2024–present)
Assistant Professor / Clinical Coordinator
August 2019 – May 2024
Montana State University Billings, Rehabilitation and Mental Health Program
- State revision committee for Licensed Addiction Counselors (2019–2024)
- Institutional Research Fellow (2022–2024)
- Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (2019–2024)
- University Assessment and Accreditation Committee (2020–2024)
- Recruitment and Retention Committee (2021–2022)
- College Curriculum Committee (2019–2022)
Staff Counselor
August 2021 – May 2022
Student Health Services, Montana State University Billings, Billings, MT
Director of Special Projects and Research
July 2019 – November 2021
Rocky Mountain Rehab, Billings, MT
Rehabilitation Counselor – Self-Employed
April 2017 – June 2019
- Consulting experience: Independent Living Assessments for the Department of Veterans Affairs
Earlier career, 2005–2018 (Iowa, Minnesota)
- Graduate Assistant, The Rehabilitation & Counselor Education Department, The University of Iowa
- August 2016 – May 2018
- Mental Health Counselor, Murry, Wilson, & Rose Counseling and Behavioral Services LLC, Cedar Rapids, IA
- April 2017 – November 2017
- Mobile Crisis Counselor, The Crisis Center of Johnson County, Iowa City, IA
- August 2016 – April 2017
- Teaching Assistant, The Rehabilitation & Counselor Education Department, The University of Iowa
- July 2016 – August 2016
- Therapist Intern, Behavioral Health Center, Mercy Hospital, Cedar Rapids, IA
- January 2016 – May 2016
- Therapist Intern, Central Minnesota Community Mental Health Center, St. Cloud, MN
- June 2014 – May 2015
- Graduate Assistant, The Academic Learning Center, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN
- 2013 – 2014
- Academic Coach for People with Disabilities, Check & Connect Program, Central Lakes College, Brainerd, MN
- 2011 – 2013
- Paraprofessional, Pine River–Backus High School, Pine River, MN
- 2010 – 2011
- Counselor, Confidence Learning Center, Brainerd, MN
- 2009 – 2010
- Teaching Assistant, The Philosophy Department, The University of Minnesota–Duluth
- 2007
- House Supervisor / Job Coach, Trillium Services, Duluth, MN
- 2005 – 2009
Research & Publications
Editorial leadership, books, and refereed scholarship in rehabilitation and life care planning.
Journal Editorial Duties
Journal of Life Care Planning – Managing Editor
July 2024 – March 2026
Journal of Life Care Planning – Editor-in-Chief
March 2021 – July 2024
Journal of Life Care Planning – Editorial Board Reviewer
October 2017 – March 2021
The Rehabilitation Professional – Editorial Board Reviewer
January 2020 – March 2021
Books
Mertes, A. (2023). Careers in Private Rehabilitation Counseling. Self-published.
Book Chapters
Mertes, A., & Reid, C. (2023). Research in life care planning. In T. Rutherford-Owen & M. Barros-Bailey (Eds.), Life care planning and case management handbook. Routledge.
Journal Articles – Refereed
Fernandez, M. S., Mertes, A., Kurian, K. M., & Provost, K. (2026). CACREP's response to rehabilitation counseling education accreditation history, empirical standards, and implications after the merger of CORE and CACREP. Journal of Applied Rehabilitation Counseling. https://doi.org/10.1891/JARC-2025-0032
Mertes, A. (2025). The state of rehabilitation counseling using data and evidence [Manuscript submitted for publication]. Department of Counselor Education, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.
Mertes, A. (2021). Pedagogical technologies for remote learning in counselor education: Hyflex course design. Rehabilitation Counselors and Educators Journal, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.52017/001c.84544
Mertes, A., & Albee, T. (2020). The effects of post-Sanchez hearsay in life care planning. Journal of Life Care Planning, 18(2), 81–89.
Mertes, A., Masterson, J., Mitchell, N., Penilton, D., Marcinko, D., Thomas, K., Smolarski, R., & Turner, D. (2019). International Academy of Life Care Planners' position paper on transdisciplinary practice. Journal of Life Care Planning, 17(2), 3–4.
Mertes, A. (2017). Content analysis of the research priorities in the Journal of Life Care Planning 2004–2017. Journal of Life Care Planning, 16(2), 3–9.
Mertes, A., & Harden, T. (2017). The role of rehabilitation counseling in life care planning. Journal of Life Care Planning, 17(1), 39–44.
Presentations
Refereed, invited, and non-refereed presentations across rehabilitation and counselor education.
Selected recent presentations are listed below; full historical lists are available in each expandable category.
Refereed Presentations
The State of Rehabilitation Counseling: A Data Perspective
October 2025
Mertes, A., & Shlemon, P. Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), Philadelphia, PA.
Training Therapists Bit-by-Byte: Tech Infused Graduate Education
May 2025
Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Conference, Whitewater, WI.
Vocation-Focused Careers and Private Rehab
November 2024
International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP) Webinar, Virtual.
Full refereed presentation list (2013–2025)
- Fernandez, S. & Mertes, A. (2024). Current issues and Counselor Education: CACREP (Table Talk).
- North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NCACES), Rosemont, IL. October 2024.
- Fernandez, S. & Mertes, A. (2024). The New 2024 CACREP Curriculum Standards.
- NCACES, Rosemont, IL. October 2024.
- Mertes, A. (2024). The Basics of Setting up a Private Practice for You or Your Clients.
- American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA) Webinar, Virtual. February 2024.
- Mertes, A. (2023). Self-Employment for Vocational Rehabilitation Clients.
- Montana Association for Rehabilitation (MAR), Billings, MT. October 2023.
- Peterson, S., Fernandez, S. & Mertes, A. (2023). The New 2024 CACREP Curriculum Standards: Significance for Rehabilitation Counseling (RC) and Clinical RC Education Programs.
- International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP), Washington, DC. October 2023.
- Mertes, A. (2023). Careers in Private Rehabilitation.
- IARP, Virtual Conference. August 2023.
- Mertes, A., Barthell, T. (2023). Trauma in the Workplace.
- Montana Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), Fairmont, MT. May 2023.
- Mertes, A., Stoneburner, R. (2023). Job Analysis in Context: Practical and Forensic Considerations.
- IARP Webinar, Virtual. March 2023.
- Mertes, A. (2022). Teaching Online and In-Person at the Same Time: Technology and Curricular Design.
- National Council on Rehabilitation Education (NCRE) Spring Conference, San Diego, CA. April 2022.
- Mertes, A. (2021). IALCP Summit 2021 Town Hall.
- International Academy of Life Care Planning Symposium, Virtual. November 2021.
- Mertes, A. (2021). Teaching Online and In-Person at the Same Time: Technology and Curricular Design.
- NCRE Fall Conference, Virtual. November 2021.
- Mertes, A., McMahon, P. (2021). Technology Use and Ethical Boundaries.
- Wisconsin Chapter of IARP Webinar, Virtual. May 2021.
- Mertes, A., Marcinko, D., Rutherford-Owen, T., & Thompson, A. (2020). Evolution of the Life Care Planning Organization: History and Current Challenges.
- IARP Annual Conference, Virtual. October 2020.
- Mertes, A., & Albee, T. (2020). Hearsay Challenges in Life Care Planning: A Sanchez Review.
- Annual Symposium of the International Academy of Life Care Planning (IALCP), Virtual. October 2020.
- Mertes, A., & Reid, C. (2018). The Future of Research in Life Care Planning: A JLCP Content Analysis.
- IARP Annual Conference, Charlotte, NC. October 2018.
- Mertes, A. (2016). Help-Seeking Attitudes and Perceived Organizational Support for Rehabilitation Counselors.
- Poster, National Council on Rehabilitation Educators (NCRE) Spring Conference, Newport Beach, CA. April 2016.
- Brickham, D., Fitzgerald, S., Mertes, A., Kimmel, K., & Bowes, J. (2016). Mitigating Counselor Stress and Burnout: Integrating Self-Care into the Classroom.
- Poster, NCRE Spring Conference, Newport Beach, CA. April 2016.
- Mertes, A. (2015). Attachment Career Theory for People with Psychiatric Disabilities.
- Minnesota Rehabilitation Association Spring Conference, Owatonna, MN. April 2015.
- Hebert, A., Mertes, A., et al. (2014). DisABILITY Awareness Project.
- NCRE Fall Conference, Washington, DC. November 2014.
- Hebert, A., Mertes, A., et al. (2014). Interdisciplinary Education to Decrease Misconceptions Nursing Students Hold Regarding Disabilities.
- Minnesota Rehabilitation Association Fall Conference, St. Cloud, MN. April 2014.
- Sam, M., & Mertes, A. (2013). Check & Connect (C&C): Engaging and Retaining Students in College.
- Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID), George Mason University, Fairfax County, VA. April 2013.
- Sam, M. & Mertes, A. (2013). The Check & Connect Program at Central Lakes College.
- Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MNSCU) Diversity and Equity Conference, Spring Lake Park, MN. March 2013.
Non-refereed presentations (2013–2026)
- Mertes, A. (2026). AI in VR: Impacts on VR and the labor market.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling Coalition, Chicago, IL.
- Mertes, A. (2025). Advocacy and Licensing: Student Introduction to Licensing Board Activities.
- Department of Counselor Education, Whitewater, WI.
- Mertes, A. (2023). Job Talks: Montana State University Billings – Tenure Faculty Recruitment.
- Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), Denver, CO.
- Mertes, A., Nauts, T., Cooper, D., Horn, M. (2022). LAC Licensing Standards Review and Revision Recommendations.
- Presentation for the State of Montana Licensing Board.
- Mertes, A. (2022). Talking the Talk: Developing Employer-Specific Language to Make Client Connections.
- State of Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, Virtual.
- Mertes, A. (2020). Ethics and Boundaries.
- State of Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, Virtual.
- Seier, J., Dietmeier, J., George, S., Mertes, A., & Schuh, K. L. (2017). Generating Acceptance for Students Living in Poverty.
- Educational Opportunity Association Annual Conference, Schaumburg, IL. November 2017.
- Mertes, A., & Shewzcyk, A. (2015). I Am Who I Am, or Am I? The Choices of Growing College Students.
- Power and Diversity Conference, St. Cloud, MN. March 2015.
- Mertes, A., & Palmer, B. (2013). Who Am I; Who Cares?: Strategies for Time Management and Self-Care.
- Power and Diversity Conference, St. Cloud, MN.
Invited presentations (2014–2025)
- Mertes, A. (2025). Careers in Private Rehabilitation Counseling.
- The University of Iowa, Guest Lecture, Online. October 2025.
- Mertes, A. (2025). State of Rehab: A Data Perspective.
- Midwest Chapter of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, Naperville, IL. October 2025.
- Shlemon, P., Mertes, A., Barros-Bailey, M.B., Drew, J., Keferal, J. (2025). CRCC July Town Hall Panel Presentation.
- Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, Webinar. July 2025.
- Mertes, A. (2025). Careers in Private Rehabilitation Counseling.
- UMass Boston, Guest Lecture, Online. May 2025.
- Mertes, A. (2025). CRCC Educator Round Table: Accreditation.
- Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification, Invited Webinar.
- Mertes, A. (2023). Self-Employment for People with Disabilities.
- Montana Rehabilitation Association Conference, Billings, MT.
- Mertes, A., Stahley, N., Bailey, M. (2023). IDM Supervision.
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW) of Montana Supervision Training.
- Mertes, A. (2022). Growing Through Change That Never Ends.
- Library Lecture Series, Montana State University Billings.
- Manchala, G., Mertes, A. (2021). The Effects of Trauma on Enrollment and Retention of Native American Students in Montana.
- American Indian and Minority Achievement Council (AIMA). March 2021.
- Manchala, G., Mertes, A. (2020). Enrollment and Retention of Native American Students in Montana.
- OCHE Scholarship Fellow Committee. January 2020.
- Mertes, A. (2020). Strategic Planning.
- Invitation from the Mayor of Billings to facilitate an empirically based process.
- Mertes, A. (2017). Informational Interviewing – “A Doorway In”.
- University of Iowa Communication Studies Department, Iowa City, IA. March 2017.
- Mertes, A., & Ally, F. (2016). Career Choices Using the RIASEC.
- University of Iowa Communication Studies Department, Iowa City, IA. October 2016.
- Mertes, A. (2014). Personal Testimonial.
- End Mental Health Stigma event, Active Minds, St. Cloud State University. February 2014.
Guest, “Inside Rehabilitation Counseling” Podcast, Episode 7
January 2024
Public appearance
Grants & Teaching
Sponsored research and a decade of graduate and undergraduate counseling instruction.
Contracts, Grants, and Sponsored Research (Funded)
Teaching and Learning Grant
2024–2025
Mertes, A. Sponsored by the Office of the Provost, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. $1,000.
Montana NIH-INBRE Grant, Clinical Training Structural Development
Submitted June 2023
Toenjes, K., Mertes, A., & Bangert, L. Montana State University Billings. $50,000.
Iowa Measurement and Research Foundation Grant
August 2015 – May 2016
Estrada-Hernandez, N. & Mertes, A. The University of Iowa. $9,131.
Rehabilitation Services Administration Training Grant
August 2014 – May 2015
Mertes, A. Sponsored by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, Federal. $3,000.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
June – August 2013
Mertes, A. $500.
Office of the Dean Graduate Student Travel Award
April 2016
Mertes, A. The University of Iowa. $600.
Teaching Experience
| Session | Course | Course Title |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2026 | COUNSED 746 | Counseling Chemical Dependency |
| Summer 2026 | COUNSED 751 | Ethics and Consultation |
| Spring 2026 | COUNSED 719 | Appraisal Procedures in Counseling |
| Spring 2026 | COUNSED 795 | Internship |
| Fall 2025 | COUNSED 718 | Principles of Counseling |
| Fall 2025 | COUNSED 751 | Ethics and Consultation |
| Fall 2025 | COUNSED 795 | Internship |
| Summer 2025 | COUNSED 746 | Counseling Chemical Dependency |
| Spring 2025 | COUNSED 719 | Appraisal Procedures in Counseling |
| Spring 2025 | COUNSED 795 | Internship |
| Fall 2024 | COUNSED 718 | Principles of Counseling |
| Fall 2024 | COUNSED 751 | Ethics and Consultation |
| Fall 2024 | COUNSED 795 | Internship |
| Summer 2024 | COUNSED 712 | Foundations of Counseling |
| Spring 2024 | REHA 520 (Hyflex) | Group & Individual Evaluation |
| Spring 2024 | REHA 515 (Hyflex) | Med & Psych-Soc Aspects of Disability |
| Spring 2024 | REHA 594 | Counseling Practicum |
| Fall 2023 | IND: REHA 523 | Advanced Group Counseling |
| Fall 2023 | REHA 594 | Counseling Practicum |
| Fall 2023 | REHA 525 (Hyflex) | Career Development, Placement, & Support |
| Fall 2023 | REHA 517 (Hyflex) | Research & Program Evaluation |
| Fall 2023 | REHA 406 (Hyflex) | Med & Psych-Soc Aspects of Disability |
| Summer 2023 | REHA 520 (Hyflex) | Group & Individual Evaluation |
| Summer 2023 | REHA 596 | Counseling Internship |
| Spring 2023 | REHA 520 (Hyflex) | Group & Individual Evaluation |
| Spring 2023 | REHA 515 (Hyflex) | Med & Psych-Soc Aspects of Disability |
| Spring 2023 | REHA 594 | Counseling Practicum |
| Fall 2022 | REHA 594 | Counseling Practicum |
| Fall 2022 | REHA 525 (Hyflex) | Career Development, Placement, & Support |
| Fall 2022 | REHA 517 (Hyflex) | Research & Program Evaluation |
| Fall 2022 | REHA 406 (Hyflex) | Med & Psych-Soc Aspects of Disability |
| Summer 2022 | REHA 551 (Hyflex) | Med & Psych-Soc Aspects of Disability |
| Spring 2022 | REHA 520 (Hyflex) | Group & Individual Evaluation |
| Spring 2022 | REHA 515 | Med & Psych-Soc Aspects of Disability |
| Spring 2022 | REHA 594 | Counseling Practicum |
| Fall 2021 | REHA 406 | Assessment in HS and Addiction Programs |
| Fall 2021 | HS 335 | Introduction to Counseling |
| Fall 2021 | REHA 525 (Hyflex) | Career Development, Placement, & Support |
| Fall 2021 | REHA 594 (Hyflex) | Counseling Practicum |
| Summer 2021 | REHA 520 (Hyflex) | Group & Individual Evaluation |
| Summer 2021 | HS 335 | Introduction to Counseling |
| Summer 2021 | REHA 594 | Counseling Practicum |
| Fall 2020 | REHA 594 | Counseling Practicum |
| Fall 2020 | REHA 525 | Career Development, Placement, & Support |
| Fall 2020 | REHA 406 | Assessment in HS and Addiction Programs |
| Fall 2020 | HS 335 | Introduction to Counseling |
| Spring 2020 | REHA 590 | Counseling Practicum |
| Spring 2020 | REHA 520 | Group & Individual Evaluation |
| Spring 2020 | HS 335 | Introduction to Counseling |
| Fall 2019 | REHA 505 | Theories of Counseling |
| Fall 2019 | REHA 406 | Assessment in HS and Addiction Programs |
| Spring 2019 | PSY 3330 | Child Psychopathology |
| Spring 2019 | PSY 2501 | Social Psychology |
| Spring 2019 | PSY 2101 | Understanding Social Influence |
| Fall 2018 | PSY 2501 | Social Psychology |
| Fall 2018 | RCE 4195 (Online) | Ethics in Human Relations |
| Online, ongoing | CRCC eUniversity | Ethical Decision-Making Tools |
| Summer 2016 | RCE 5241 | Intro to Rehab & MHC |
| Fall 2006 | PHIL 1007 | World Religions |
Advising
Dissertations: Henderson, Patrice (2021). Barriers to entry-level work for master's-level rehabilitation counselors. Governors State University. In progress.
Service & Leadership
Accreditation, professional association, and university leadership.
Professional Boards
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) – Board of Directors
2023 – Present
- Chair of Research Council
- Chair of CSI Essay Award Contest
- Member, Mid-Cycle Review Committee
- Member, Commission Task Force
International Association of Life Care Planners (IALCP) – Chair Elect, Chair, Past Chair
2018 – 2021
International Association of Life Care Planners (IALCP) – Student Representative
2017 – 2018
International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP) – Young Professionals Committee Member
2017 – 2020
University of Iowa Chapter of the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association – President
2015 – 2017
Minnesota Rehabilitation Association – Student Representative
2013 – 2015
Chi Sigma Iota – Rho Alpha Delta – Vice-President
2014 – 2015
Community & University Boards, Task Forces, and Committees
MSUB Data Fellow – Support to the Office of Institutional Research
2022 – 2023
MSUB Assessment and Accreditation Committee
2021 – 2023
Addiction Counseling Licensing Board Advisory Group
2020 – 2024
Substance Abuse Connect Coalition
2020 – 2021
Memberships
International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP)
2017 – Present
International Association of Life Care Planners (IALCP)
2017 – Present
American Counseling Association (ACA)
2022 – Present
American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA)
2022 – Present
Wisconsin Counseling Association (WCA)
2025 – Present
Honors & Skills
Recognition for teaching and life care planning education, plus technical fluencies.
Honors & Awards
2026 McClellan Teaching Award Nominee
2025 Outstanding Life Care Planning Educator Award
2024–2025 University of Wisconsin–Whitewater Cisco/Presidio Teaching with Technology Innovator Honorarium (Finalist)
2022–2023 Montana State University Billings Winston & Helen Cox Fellowship Award
2021–2022 President's Commendation for Leadership and Outstanding Service to the IARP Board of Directors
2020 Montana State University Billings Faculty Excellence Award
Additional Skills & Interests
Editing & Publishing
Scholastica editorial management with CrossRef DOI indexing; EBSCO and ProQuest FTP upload for article indexing; CrossRef onboarding and article registration; digital backlogging of historical journal issues.
AI Literacy
Proficient in Claude Cowork and agentic tasks. Familiar with the strengths and limitations of ChatGPT/Codex, Claude, Grok, Google AI Studio, Google NotebookLM, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Napkin, and Notion.