Our Providers

Tom Barbian, Ph.D.

Tom Barbian, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Raynia McGee, M.D.

Raynia McGee, M.D.

Staff Psychiatrist

Justin Koon Ph.D., LMFT

Justin Koon Ph.D., LMFT

Ph.D. / Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Debbie Clark, LPC

Debbie Clark, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Bobbie Lackey, LPC

Bobbie Lackey, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Bert Medlin, LPC

Bert Medlin, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Michael Lashley, LPC

Michael Lashley, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Dolores L. Parlato, LPC

Dolores L. Parlato, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Ashley Suits, LPC

Ashley Suits, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Brian Mesimer, LPC

Brian Mesimer, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Liz O’Neill, LPC

Liz O’Neill, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Lesley Sorin, LPC

Lesley Sorin, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Courtney Skaggs, LPC

Courtney Skaggs, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Stacy Walden, LPC

Stacy Walden, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Sarah Hall, LPC

Sarah Hall, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Rebecca Jones, LPCA

Rebecca Jones, LPCA

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Julia Klausi, LPCA

Julia Klausi, LPCA

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Jason Swinford, LPCA

Jason Swinford, LPCA

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Kari Wilson, LPCA

Kari Wilson, LPCA

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Michaela Warner

Michaela Warner

Student Intern

Sumter Location

Wendy Cunningham, LPCA

Wendy Cunningham, LPCA

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Rebekah Yoder, LPCA

Rebekah Yoder, LPCA

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Our Administrative Staff

Our Administrative Support Team is ready to assist you when you call.

Hannah Madsen

Hannah Madsen

Billing Coordinator

Trina Isaac

Trina Isaac

Psychiatric Administrative Assistant

Mary McElmurray

Mary McElmurray

Business Manager

Ashley Kielmar

Ashley Kielmar

Administrative Assistant

Tracey Ramos

Tracey Ramos

Intake Coordinator/Receptionist

Main Office

1500 Lady Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Monday-Thursday- 8:30-5:00
Friday- 8:30-12:30

St. Andrews Office

Located in St. Andrews Presbyterian
6952 St. Andrews Road
Columbia, SC 29212

Northeast Office

Located in Crossings Community Church
2831 Clemson Road
Columbia, SC 29229

Sumter Office

Located in Westminster Presbyterian Church 230 Alice Drive Sumter, SC 29150

 

Thomas Barbian, Ph.D.

Dr. Barbian received his Doctorate in clinical psychology from The Cambridge Graduate School of Psychology in Los Angeles. He also holds a Masters Degree in marriage, family and child counseling, and a Bachelors Degree in Biblical studies. He has had extensive counseling experience in private practice as well as in a church setting. He was co-director of Associated Christian Therapy Services in California and has been actively involved in church leadership for many years.
Dr. Barbian’s primary specialty is the treatment of Sexual Addiction. He has specialized training as a CSAT-C (Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist). He works with addicts, partners, and couples whose lives have been impacted by sexual addiction. He facilitates Group Intensive Workshops for Sexual Addiction at Bethesda Workshops (www.Bethesdaworkshops.org).
Dr. Barbian has also received specialized training in Chemical Dependency, Anxiety Disorders, Attention deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Dr. Barbian has been married over 40 years to Corrine (who is also a therapist in Irmo, SC). They have five children and 6 grandchildren.

Education and Experience:
B.A., Southern California College; M.S., California Lutheran University; Ph.D., Cambridge Graduate School of Psychology; staff member, Church of the Living Christ, 1982-89; MFCC intern, private practice, 1986-89; marriage, family and child counselor, Antelope Valley Christian Counseling Center, 1989-91; director, Care Options, 1994-97; professional advisor, CHADD, 1991-97; assistant professor, Chapman University, 1996; clinical director, part-owner, Associated Christian Therapy Services, 1991-97; executive director, Christian Counseling Center, First Presbyterian Church, 1997-present; Licensed Professional Counselor.

Adjunct Faculty:
Columbia International University Graduate School: Clinical Counseling

Locations:
Downtown

Insurance:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State Health Plan
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
PAI
Tricare Standard
Humana

Dr. Raynia McGee

Dr. Raynia McGee began practice with the Christian Counseling Center in September of 2017. Originally from Talladega, AL, she received her B.S. from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA in 1996, her Master’s in environmental science from UT San Antonio in 2000, and her M.D. from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN in 2010. Raynia’s Psychiatry Residency was at Palmetto Health/University of SC from 2010-2014. She is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association. She was also a recipient of the Psychiatry Resident of the Year Award in 2014. She and her husband Ellis have two children and are active in Gracelife Church.
Dr. McGee practices outpatient psychiatry specializing in medication management and the treatment of adult depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and women’s issues.

Locations
Downtown

Education
General Psychiatry Residency, 2014
Palmetto Health/ University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC

Doctor of Medicine, 2010
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, TN

Master of Science, 2000
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Department of Environmental Science
San Antonio, TX

Bachelor of Science, 1996
Spelman College
Atlanta, GA

Dr. Raynia McGee
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State Health Plan
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
PAI
Cigna
Tricare (Humana Military 2018)
United Behavioral Health
McCleod Health
Out of Network Reimbursement Available (Call for Details)

Justin Koon Ph.D., LMFT

Dr. Koon joined the FPCCC staff in November, 2020. He has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in South Carolina since 2013. His areas of interest include anxiety, family therapy, marital therapy, and trauma.

Dr. Koon received specialized training in child/adolescent trauma therapy through the Medical University of South Carolina (Project BEST). He approaches counseling from a biblical worldview and collaborates with clients to apply scriptual truth to their unique struggles.

Dr. Koon is married and has two children. In addition to spending time with his family, he enjoys working in his yard, watching movies, and watching Gamecock sports. Dr. Koon and his family are also active in their local church.

Locations:
Downtown

Education:
Ph.D., Marriage and Family Therapy, 2011, Florida State university (Tallahassee, FL)

M.S., Counseling, 2007, John Brown University (Siloam Springs, AR)

B.A., Christian Studies, 2004, North Greenville University (Tigerville, SC)

Insurance:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State Health Plan
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
First Sun EAP

Debbie Clark, LPC

Debbie began at the Counseling Center in 2002 after receiving her master’s in counseling from Columbia International University. Before that, Debbie held an undergraduate degree from the University of North Florida majoring in Psychology with a minor in Behavioral Medicine. Debbie counsels adults covering a broad range of disorders ranging from milder forms of Life Adjustment issues, Anxiety and Depression to individual and family caregiver guidance for caregivers of aging loved ones. Her additional therapeutic specializations include treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), trauma and abuse recovery, traumatic loss and grief and coping with chronic illness. She often employs EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for PTSD, trauma/abuse recovery, anxieties and phobias.
Debbie is trained in the use of Validation Therapy for family members with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease. She is the cofounder of the donation supported Caring for Caregivers Ministry of the Counseling Center, which began in 2003. Debbie is also a Care Team Trainer and founding member Caregiver Coalition of the Midlands which sponsors a Caregiver Care Line and annual Caregiver Support Conference. Debbie continues to co-facilitate a monthly support group for Spouses’ Caring for Loved ones with Dementia. Debbie is particularly empathetic to these familial situations because she and her four siblings were closely involved in the care of both her parents before their deaths in 2006. Her mother struggled with Alzheimer’s disease for eleven years.
In her spare time, Debbie enjoys photography, gardening, creative cooking, reading, practicing silence, and retreating at abbeys and monasteries.

Locations:
Downtown

Education:
MA, Counseling, 2002
Columbia International University
BA, University of North Florida, 1997

Insurance:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State Health Plan
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
Humana Military (Tricare)
PAI
Premier Health Care
First Sun EAP
Beacon Health and EAP

Bobbie Lackey, LPC

Bobbie has been a practicing counselor for over 20 years and has been with the Counseling Center almost from it’s beginning. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible with an emphasis in Counseling and a Master of Education in Counseling along with an Education Specialist degree in Counseling. This year she will be transitioning from a full-time counselor position to become an independent contractor and will be working three days a week. Bobbie enjoys working with individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, women’s issues, marriage, and other relationship related issues. She has specialized training in EMDR which is a treatment of choice for dealing with traumatic memories and experiences.

Bobbie has a passion for baking, cake decorating, gardening, music and reading. She is currently caregiver for her elderly mother and enjoys spending time with her sisters, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Prior to becoming a counselor, she lived and worked in Haiti for three years with Habitat for Humanity. She still enjoys short-term mission work when the opportunity arises.

Locations
Downtown

Education
Ed.S & MA, Counseling Education, 1993-1994
University of South Carolina
BS, Biblical Studies, 1991
Columbia International University

Insurance
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State Health Plan
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
Corporate Health
Humana
PAI
Premier Health Care
Private Health Care Systems
First Sun EAP
Tricare
Magellan
Beacon Health and EAP
Palmetto EAP

Bert Medlin, LPC

Bert started at the Counseling Center, first as a student intern and now as a fully licensed counselor. Before earning his Masters degree in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University, he held an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from North Carolina State University. Bert is a gifted counselor particularly in working with children, adolescents, families (including blended families), anxiety and depression. If you can’t find Bert spending his spare time with his wife and two children, he is probably on the lake fishing.

Locations
Downtown
Northeast

Education
MA Counseling, 2005
Columbia International University
BS Mathematics, 1997
North Carolina State University

Insurance
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State Health Plan
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
First Sun EAP
PAI
Premier Health Care
Tricare
Palmetto EAP
Network Advantage EAP
Behavior Health Systems Provider

Michael Lashley, LPC

Michael began his work at the Counseling Center in the summer of 2012. Before entering the Clinical Counseling program at Columbia International University, he held a Bible Certificate from CIU, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Wofford College, and a Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary. Michael’s particular therapeutic interests include premarital, marital and family counseling, but he also works with individuals and couples in a wide variety of capacities.

In addition to serving as a counselor, Michael is an ordained pastor, having previously served in 2 pastorates. He enjoys following and playing sports, especially tennis, watching movies and spending time with his wife and five children.

Locations
Downtown
Northeast

Education
MA Counseling, 2013
Columbia International University
Masters of Divinity, 2001
Reformed Theological Seminary
BS, Psychology, 1991
Wofford College

Insurance
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State Health Plan
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
First Sun EAP
Palmetto EAP

Delores L. Parlato, LPC

Dee’s practice focuses around, but is not limited to, the treatment of sexual addiction and co-addiction in individuals, couples and families. Dee has developed, manages and facilitates the Counseling Center’s comprehensive sexual addictions/co-addiction and recovering couples treatment program. She has over 3500 client contact hours counseling individuals struggling with sexual addiction and co-addiction in both individual and group settings. Dee also facilitates a Boundaries Group and Trauma Resolution Group at the center.

Dee received her BA in Social Psychology from Park University (2002), her MA in counseling from Columbia International University (2006), and a Biblical Ministry Certificate also from Columbia International University (2007). She retired from the US Navy in 2002 after serving 20 years as a photojournalist. Dee is also a Spiritual Director in the Ignatian tradition, completing her training in 2013 from The Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, PA. Her knowledge of spiritual formation and use of the classical spiritual disciplines impact her clinical work.

Ashley Suits, LPC

Ashley Suits, LPC, holds a master’s degree in Counseling and an undergraduate degree in Business. Ashley began her work at the Counseling Center in December of 2008. Her areas of therapeutic interest are depression, anxiety disorders, marital issues, skills involving emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness, and adolescent disorders. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, exercising (due to her affinity for desserts), boating, and listening to music. Ashley and her husband have been married since 2003 and they have two children.

Locations
St. Andrews

Education
MA, Clinical Counseling
Columbia International University
BA, Business
Erskine College

Insurance
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
BCBS State
BCBS Federal Employee Program
Blue Choice Health Plan
First Sun EAP
Palmetto E.A.P.
Tricare
Magellan

Brian Mesimer, LPC

Brian began working at the Christian Counseling Center in 2015. He has degrees in philosophy, comparative religion, counseling, and theology, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from The University of the Cumberlands. Brian is interested in working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, addictions, sexual and relational issues, spiritual formation, crises and trauma, academic concerns, life and career transitions, and grief. He also specializes in applying rich theological insight in a competent and therapeutic way.

Brian and his wife enjoy living in Columbia and are dog people. In his free time, you might find him reading, writing, watching sports (particularly motorsports), and exercising. In addition, Brian is a published researcher and presenter in the fields of counseling and theology, and blogs on subjects related to psychology and theology at various sites. He is also an adjunct instructor of counseling at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.

Locations:
Downtown Columbia

Education:
Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision (expected 2022)
The University of the Cumberlands (CACREP Accredited)

MA, Theological Studies, 2018
Reformed Theological Seminary

MA, Counseling, 2016

Columbia International University (CACREP Accredited)

BA, Philosophy and Religious Studies, 2011
The University of South Carolina

Insurance:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC
United Healthcare

Liz O’Neill, LPC

Liz holds a Masters in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri (2007), and has been working at FPCCC since 2009. She views counseling as an opportunity to safely process and work through life’s challenges with a goal towards growth and transformation. She counts it an honor to collaboratively walk alongside those who are willing to take the courageous step to reach out for support. Her counseling experience includes working with women who have survived various forms of abuse, family of origin difficulties, life transitions, relational difficulties, depression and other mood disorders. She also has experience working with college students and those working in a ministry context. She has received specialized training in EMDR and REBT. Liz and her husband have three children. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, journaling, trying out new recipes and listening to audiobooks.

Lesley Sorin, LPC

Lesley joined the staff in August of 2012 as a Student Intern. In addition to a Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University, Lesley holds undergraduate degrees from Seattle Pacific University in Psychology and Interpersonal Communication. She is excited to work with a broad spectrum of issues, but she has a special interest in pre-marital and marital therapy, family issues, and any other relational problems. She enjoys working with those who have spiritual concerns or are seeking a deeper relationship with God. Lesley is also interested in alcohol, drug, and food addictions therapy. She has special training to understand and treat emotional problems, relational problems and several mental disorders. Outside of work, she enjoys playing competitive volleyball, reading a good book and basking in the beautiful South Carolina sunshine. Lesley’s favorite thing to do is to spend time with her husband, her three children, and her loving Savior.

Courtney Skaggs, LPC

Courtney started at the Counseling Center in 2012 as a student intern and began practicing in 2014. She holds a Masters degree in Clinical Counseling and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Humanities and Bible from Columbia International University. While she has a many therapeutic interests, Courtney is particularly passionate about working with sexual trauma victims. She is interested in helping clients process their history of abuse and other issues that arise with it such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, co-dependency, boundary problems, etc. Dealing with traumatic experiences and facing additional issues, clients are allowed the opportunity to enjoy healthier relationships and a well-functioning lifestyle. To aid in the healing process, Courtney uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as offering Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as a forms of treatment.

In her spare time, Courtney enjoys various outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with her husband and son.

Stacy Walden, LPC

Stacy works from a trauma-informed lens and believes change occurs in the context of safe, supportive, empathic relationship. Her approach to therapy is relational with a narrative emphasis, which entails attending to the details of your story as essential to growing in emotional and spiritual health. Stacy also draws from the field of interpersonal neurobiology, which exposes the power relationships play in our lives as we pursue healing and wholeheartedness.

Stacy received her training from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL, graduating with a dual Masters degree in Counseling and Theological Studies in 2001. While pursuing her Licensed Mental Health Counselor credentials in Florida she worked in private practice with a focus on college students, women, and young marrieds. After a season of staying home with her 3 children and participating in planting a new local church with her husband, Stacy returned to counseling in 2019 as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. She sees clients with a wide range of concerns who are open to walking with others in pursuing meaning in the hard – and sometimes unthinkable – parts of life.

Sarah Hall, LPC

Sarah Hall holds a BA in Social Science and an MA in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University. She joined the Christian Counseling Center as an intern in 2017 and then as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in 2018. She has experience providing individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy. Sarah feels called to help bring healing to hurting relationships and collaborate with individuals to achieve personal growth and reach their greatest potential.

Sarah is trained to walk alongside individuals who are experiencing the pain of depression, anxiety, grief, loss, emotional distress or relational difficulties. She is interested in working with couples and families to overcome relational conflict and experience life-giving relationships. She believes that deepening connection with the Creator is an integral part of the healing and redemptive process.
Sarah enjoys sipping coffee on slow mornings and having long conversations with her friends. She loves to cook new recipes and enjoys international travel. You may find her hiking on the weekends with her husband and her beloved Goldendoodle Benicio.

Rebecca Jones, LPCA

Rebecca holds a Masters degree in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University (2015) and joined The Christian Counseling Center as a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate (LPCA) in September 2015.
Rebecca takes a non-judgmental and individualized approach to each client. She feels called to help people find relief from their distress and achieve personal growth and transformation so that they may experience more effectiveness and wholeness in their lives and relationships, both with God and others. Some of her counseling experience and interests include depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, relationship difficulties and interpersonal effectiveness skills, spiritual formation, trauma, and phase of life transitions. She has a special clinical interest in perinatal adjustment issues, including perinatal depression & anxiety.
Rebecca and her husband have been married since 2011 and have two children. In her spare time she enjoys baking, a nice outdoor jog, and watching movies with her family.

Julia Klausli, LPCA

 

Julia holds a master’s degree in Counseling from Columbia International University (1997) and a doctorate in Human Development from the University of Texas at Dallas (2002). She has been working with clients in the Columbia area since 2019. She regards counseling as an opportunity to come alongside during difficult times of life and to accompany individuals on their journey towards healing and flourishing. She is looking forward to working with adults, young adults, and adolescents who struggle with a wide variety of issues like adjustment difficulties, depression, and anxiety. She is also passionate about working with couples and families who are experiencing conflict and other struggles. She has received specialized training in REBT as well as in the integration of psychology and spirituality and incorporates that perspective into her counseling, if desired by the client. She has engaged in research and writing in areas of college students’ degression, attachment, and links between spirituality and marital relationships.

Before moving back to Columbia in 2013, Julia and her family lived in Germany for six years where she taught cross-cultural counseling and research at the European School of Culture and Theology. Julia and her husband have four daughters. In her free time she enjoys talking with her husband over a good cup of coffee and spending time with her daughters.

 

Locations:
Downtown

Education:
PhD, Human Development, 2002

University of Texas at Dallas

MA, Counseling, 2002
Columbia International University
BA, Bible and General Ministries

Columbia International University, 1995

 

 

Jason joined the Christian Counseling Center team as an intern in the spring of 2020 and as a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) in the spring of 2021. Jason holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. He is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) by National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Jason’s therapeutic interests include working with individuals struggling with sexual addiction, substance abuse, families of addicts, relational issues, spiritual formation, crises and trauma, as well as life and career transitions. Prior to counseling, Jason spent 13+ years working in various levels of leadership across the organization of a Fortune 150 insurance company. He has experience working with individuals and leaders of all levels of an organization.  Jason obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, Management, and Finance from Valdosta State University.

Jason made the switch from the business world to counseling based on a calling that God placed on his life to walk with individuals through the difficulties of life and to help individuals achieve their desired growth and transformation. Jason utilizes a variety of approaches to include cognitive behavioral, experiential, and person centered to help individuals reach their desired change.

When Jason is not working with clients, he enjoys spending time with his family and community. He loves to catch one of the many live sporting events around town and enjoys playing golf as well as being outside. He is an active member of his local church where he has served in several different volunteer roles and participated in mission trips/activities.

Education and Associations:
M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2020, Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA)
B.B.A., Management, Marketing, and Finance, 2007, Valdosta State University (Valdosta, GA)
Member, American Association of Christian Counselors

Locations:
Downtown

Insurance:
Self-Pay

Kari Wilson, LPCA

Kari holds a master’s degree in counseling from Columbia International University and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus in Community Mental Health from Southern New Hampshire University. She believes counseling is a way for individuals and families to process through some of life’s most delicate and difficult struggles. She also believes the counseling process is a gift we give ourselves to move toward healing and hope. Kari has experience counseling children, adolescents, adults, and families. Kari often enjoys implementing therapeutic arts and music into her sessions.

Kari has a certification with Children’s Trust of South Carolina to work with families, individuals, and professionals regarding the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). She walks side by side with individuals, helping them to understand how their own (ACE) may have unknowingly impacted their health, parenting style and over all well-being. In a non-judgmental environment, Kari helps her clients see hope by utilizing therapeutic steps to provide structure for positive change.

In her extra time, Kari is usually with her husband and children. Cooking, reading, and traveling are passions she shares with her family. She loves nature, especially the ocean and the mountains. When she is not with her family, she is often reading, or being creative in various form of arts and crafts.

Kari has served in children’s ministry for many years and has a heart for children and individuals and families with special needs. She believes God has given her a nurturing spirit in which she uses to serve, be it in the nursery or other areas of ministry. Her mission is to be a vessel for Jesus; however He may lead her.

Locations:
Downtown

Education:
Master of Arts in Counseling, Columbia International University, 2021
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Southern New Hampshire University, 2017

Certifications:
Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy certification (REBT)
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Master Trainer certification (ACE)
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certification (Tf CBT)

Michaela Warner

Michaela is participating in the Clinical Counseling program at Columbia International University (CIU). Her education leading up to graduate studies were also completed at CIU, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with a focus in International Community Development (2019), as well as a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies (2019). Being raised partially in Bosnia and Herzegovina by missionary parents and partially in Colorado, her upbringing has instilled a profound love for all people and cultures. Flowing from this, she worked as a missionary in Haiti (2014), and participated in ethnographic studies throughout Europe and Trinidad.

Coming alongside those wrestling with anxiety, depression, questions, and any number of other struggles is a passion within Michaela. She desires to join others in their journeys as they pursue growth and healing. Some of her habits and hobbies include reading, swing-dancing, writing and spiritual reflection, illustrating/painting, hiking, and evenings in with her husband.

Wendy Cunningham, LPCA

Wendy Cunningham believes in empowering change through connection. She likes to help people become more connected to themselves, God, and others. She likes to see and work with people to help them grow and become more emotionally mature by learning relational and spiritual skills. This will help them to experience a more connected life at work, in daily activities, and have more satisfying relationships.

Wendy has experience working with individuals who are developing or experiencing mental health problems. She also has experience working with individuals from college campuses. Wendy currently teaches at a local college and is a trainer for Mental Health First Aid.

Wendy enjoys reading, traveling to state parks, going on “adventures” to small towns and historic sites.

She also enjoys being with her family and friends. Wendy enjoys learning and doing a variety of spiritual practices and skills to help her be more connected to herself, others and God.

Locations:
Sumter

Rebekah Yoder, LPCA

Rebekah began working at the Christian Counseling Center in the fall of 2020. She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama. Having over a decade of experience working with children/adolescents and young adults, Rebekah has worked with many client concerns through individual, family, and group settings. She is especially passionate about helping those who are dealing with depression, anxiety, relational issues, self-esteem issues, sexual abuse, and past trauma(s).

 

In her free time, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, going to the beach, traveling, or drinking coffee with a friend.

 

Locations:
Sumter

 

Education:
MA, Counseling, 2020
Columbia International University (CACREP Accredited)
BA, Elem. Education, 2011
The University of Alabama