AGAPE Counseling and Psychological Services Staff
AGAPE is proud of its Counseling and Psychological Services staff and its commitment to offering the highest quality services with a Christian orientation. The following will highlight the credentials and treatment areas of AGAPE's clinical staff.
David W. Amonette, MSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who began work as a counselor August 2007. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from David Lipscomb College in 1963. He earned his Master’s in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1967. Dave came to AGAPE with forty years of experience in dealing with, families, children and couples. He worked in a variety of settings such as mental health centers, a mental hospital, children’s homes, emergency shelters, and private practice settings in Tennessee and Alabama. He has extensive training in working with families and children who have attachment disorder problems.
Maureen Byrd, M.S. began work with AGAPE in October, 2010. She earned a Masters in Professional Counseling from Lipscomb University and holds a temporary license as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider. Maureen has completed basic training in EMDR (Levels I & II) and works with a clients across a broad span of clinical issues.
Patricia Carmody, Ed.D., has been with AGAPE since 1989. Her doctorate degree is from Tennessee State University and she is a Licensed Counseling Psychologist. In addition to her doctorate in Counseling Psychology, Dr. Carmody has a master's degree in Nursing and worked for many years as a psychiatric nurse before training to become a psychologist. She focuses on the treatment of adults with acute or chronic relationship problems.
Terry Casey, Ph.D., came to AGAPE in 1995. Dr. Casey received his master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Abilene Christian University and spent several years working in the field of School Psychology. His Ph.D. is from Texas A&M University in Counseling Psychology with an internship in Clinical Psychology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Dr. Casey is a Licensed Psychologist. He works with a wide range of clinical problems and ages, specializing in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents. Dr. Casey serves as AGAPE's Clinical Director.
Allison Clanton, M.S.S.W., is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who joined AGAPE at the beginning of 2007. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Harding University as well as a master’s degree in Social Work from California State University, Fresno. Allison came to AGAPE with nine years experience in community mental health settings where she provided counseling services and served as a Clinical Supervisor for other counselors. Allison works with a broad spectrum of clients including individual adults and couples. She has also worked with children and adolescents for a number of years and specializes in aiding families of children ages birth to five years old in dealing with attachment and regulation problems.
Stan Clark, Psy.D., began work with AGAPE in 1998 after leaving private practice in Athens, Tennessee. Dr. Clark is a Licensed Psychologist with his doctorate from Pepperdine University and master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University. He performed his predoctoral internship at the Counseling Center at the University of Memphis. His treatment interests are broad but include working with the parents of children with chronic health conditions as well as marital and family therapy.
Sarah J. Cobb, M.S., came to AGAPE in October, 2010. She earned her master's degree in professional counseling from Lipscomb University in 2010 and is currently pursuing licensure as a professional counselor with the mental health services provider designation. Sarah works primarily with children, adolescents, and college age individuals. Sarah's background includes working with children of divorce, social skills training for ADHD, and anxiety and mood disorders in adolescents and young adults.
Diana L. Crawford, M.S.S.W., has the longest tenure of any of AGAPE's counseling staff, joining the agency in 1980. Ms. Crawford received her master's degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She brings years of experiences working with foster and adopted children to her counseling of children and families involved in difficult transitions such as divorce and remarriage.
Holly Cumming, M.A., originally came to AGAPE as in intern in January 2007. She joined the regular AGAPE counseling staff in May 2008. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider who earned her Master’s degree in counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) at both Levels I & II through the EMDR Institute. Although Holly works with a wide spectrum of clients, she has a special interest in spiritual issues, relational issues, marital concerns and trauma.
Carrie J. Dodd, M.A., came to AGAPE in June 2006. She earned her master’s degree in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health Service Provider. Although Carrie works with a broad range of clients, her treatment interests include domestic violence, women’s issues, anxiety disorders, and family of origin issues.
Jim Frost, M.A., came to AGAPE in 1999 after being a long-time Clinical Supervisor for Cumberland Mental Health Services in Lebanon, Tennessee. He earned his master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University and holds a Tennessee license as a Senior Psychological Examiner. He works with children, adolescents, and adults across a broad span of clinical problems.
Chris Gonzalez, Ph.D., began his work with AGAPE in March, 2011. He received his master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University in 1999 and spent several years working in a non-profit counseling center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in Family Social Science in 2010. Dr. Gonzalez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Minnesota and is completing licensure in Tennessee. He works with a wide range of clinical problems and ages, specializing in the assessment and treatment of couples and adolescents.
Tracy Hall, M.MFT., began work with AGAPE in January, 2012. He received his Master's Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy (MMFT) from Harding University, and is currently completing a Ph.D. in MFT from the University of Akron. Tracy has experience working with adolescents and dealing with parenting issues. His passion is working with couples and dealing with relational, marital and pre-marital issues. He has also had training in Play Therapy and Post-Adoption work. Previously, Tracy did In-Home Family Therapy gaining valuable insight into how families work outside of the office setting.
Nathan Jernigan, M.A., joined AGAPE in 1990. His master's degree is from Middle Tennessee State University in Clinical Psychology and he is licensed as both a Senior Psychological Examiner and as a Professional Counselor. His treatment interests include anxiety and mood disorders, working with adult clients from dysfunctional families, and pre-marital and marital therapy.
Gary L. Johnson, M. MFT., began working with AGAPE in August 2011 after earning his master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University. He is currently pursuing his license in Tennessee as a marital and family therapist. Gary sees clients at the AGAPE office in Tullahoma where his 14-years of experience as a Youth and Family Minister has led to his interest in a wide range of clients including adolescents, families, blended families, pre-marriage, re-marriage and couples emphasis. To further aid him in his work with couples, Gary has also been certified in the Prepare/Enrich program.
Aaron Kelley, M.A., comes to AGAPE after spending seven years in community mental health settings. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider. He received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from David Lipscomb University and his master’s degree in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. Aaron has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across a broad span of clinical issues. Aaron specializes in working with adolescents with behavioral problems.
Jennifer (Couch) Lackey, came to AGAPE in 2004 after being a behavioral therapist for children with autism. She earned her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University and is licensed as a Senior Psychological Examiner. She works primarily with children, adolescents and their families.
Melani Landerfelt is a Certified Psychological Assistant who received her master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University in 2011. She received her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. She came to AGAPE in the spring of 2009 as an intern and joined the clinical staff in the summer of 2011. Melani's clinical work focuses on providing psychological and psycho-educational testing services for children, adolescents, and adults.
Robin Mace, M.MFT. joined AGAPE in the spring of 2009. She earned both a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Harding University. She holds a temporary License as a Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider designation. While she loves working with a broad range of clients, her primary focus is with children, adolescents, and young adults. Since 2002 Robin has worked in the community with "at-risk" children and adolescents. Additionally, she has special interests in multicultural clients, spiritual issues, and working with families.
Susan L. Mayo, MSSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten year experience working with children, adolescents and families. Susan received her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee’s College of Social Work in 2000. While Susan works with a broad spectrum of clients, she specializes in working with children, teens and their families. Susan is a trained facilitator and has spoken at various parent groups, seminars, Bible studies, and led parenting classes in her areas of expertise. Susan began work with AGAPE in October, 2010.
Jeff Morgan, M.MFT, received his Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca University in Nashville, Tennessee and is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist. Although he is able to work with a broad range of clients, his treatment interests include marital issues, premarital counseling and sexual addiction. Jeff is able to work with individuals, couples and families. Jeff was an intern with AGAPE in 2007 and returned to AGAPE as a staff counselor in the fall of 2008.
Jenny Newsom, MSSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned her BSW from David Lipscomb University in 1982 and her MSSW from the University of Tennessee in 1991. Jenny comes to AGAPE with 20 years of experience as a therapist in an outpatient setting, as well as years of experience providing crisis/grief counseling in a medical setting. Jenny works with a wide range of clients including children, adolescents, and adults across a broad range of clinical problems. Jenny began work with AGAPE in October, 2010.
Glenn Norman, M.MFT., came to AGAPE in January, 2012. He earned his Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Texas and is currently pursuing licensure as a Marital and Family Therapist in Tennessee. Glenn works with a broad range of clients, including a particular interest in relational and family issues.
Lezlie Owsley, M.MFT, began working for AGAPE in 2001. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with her Masters degree from Abilene Christian University. Mrs. Owsley has been involved in professional counseling for several years working in outpatient, residential, and therapeutic foster care facilities. She focuses her work on couples, children, and adolescents.
Mel (Melissa) Payne, M.A., began her work with AGAPE in January, 2012. She earned her Master's degree in counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary and is working toward licensure as an LPC/MHSP (Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation). Mel enjoys working with an array of clients including adolescents and adults and specializes in working with eating disorders and women's issues.
Michael Runcie, M.A.R., came to AGAPE from Christian Family Services, Inc., St. Louis, MO, in October 2007. Mike earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Grace College in 1979 and his master’s degree in religion with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Harding Graduate School in 1983. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In addition, Mike is a clinical member and approved supervisor with the American Association of Marital and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Mike focuses his work on adolescents, couples and families.
Joy Samuels, D.Min., came to AGAPE in January, 2012. Dr. Samuels is a Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP. She received her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology (Marriage, Family and Child focus) at California State University Northridge and her Master's of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry (Spiritual Formation in Congregations) from Wesley Theological Seminary. Her counseling work has included private practice and Department of Defense counseling agencies and she has served as Hospice and Hospital Chaplain. Dr. Samuels' areas of experience are pre-marital, marital, grief and spiritual direction.
Samuel R. Sells III, M.D., serves as AGAPE's clinical psychiatrist. He is board certified in General and Geriatric Psychiatry. Dr. Sells received his M.D. degree from East Tennessee State University and completed a four-year residency at Vanderbilt University. In addition to his association with AGAPE, Dr. Sells has been an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University and the Director of the Mental Health Clinic at the Veteran's Administration Medical Center in Nashville.
Matt Shoemaker, M.S., originally came to AGAPE as in intern in January 2010. He joined the regular AGAPE counseling staff in January 2011. Matt earned his master’s degree in professional counseling from Lipscomb University in 2010 and is currently pursuing licensure as a professional counselor with the mental health services provider designation. Matt enjoys working with couples, children, adolescents, teens, and young adults.
Joyce D. Sloan, Ed. D., joined AGAPE in June of 2006. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider and National Certified Counselor. She received her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University and her master's degree in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. She also earned her doctorate in clinical counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. Her treatment interests include anxiety and depression, women's issues, and grief and loss issues. She works primarily with adults and couples.
Steve Stride, Ph.D., came to AGAPE in 2011. Dr. Stride received his master's degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University and spent several years working as a therapist in a church setting. His Ph.D. is from California School of Professional Psychology in Clinical Psychology with an internship in Clinical Psychology at the California State University San Bernardino Counseling Center. Dr. Stride is a Licensed Psychologist (Provisional). He works with a wide range of clinical problems and ages, specializing in the assessment and treatment of adult anxiety, trauma, and couples therapy.
Steven Vann, M.A.R. became a member of the AGAPE staff in November of 2006. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider. He received his Master of Arts in Religion and Marriage and Family Therapy from Harding Graduate School of Religion in 1985. He has provided mental health services to children, teens, adults, couples and families in a variety of settings including community mental health, foster care agencies, private practice and residential treatment. He is experienced in using story-telling, play, music and other forms of creative expression with children as well as adults and families. He is also experienced in dealing with abuse issues, and in dealing with sexually abusive and addictive behaviors.
Allison West, M.A. came to AGAPE in October 2010, after working for the Woodmont Hills Counseling Center for seven years. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology at Lipscomb University and a master's degree in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. She is currently pursuing licensure as a professional counselor with the mental health services provider designation. Allison works primarily with adolescents, college, and young adults. She also has experience in working with eating disorders and pre-marital counseling.
Paula Wiemers, M.S., joined the AGAPE counseling staff in 2004. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider, with her master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University. Paula has experience in crisis counseling as well as seven years experience working with victims of domestic abuse. She is a mental health member of the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists. Although Paula works with a broad range of clients, her focus is on treating adults who have experienced past or present trauma in relationships.
Jennifer Wilmore, M.MFT. came to AGAPE in October, 2008. She earned her degree in marriage and family therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2008 and is currently pursuing licensure as a marital and family therapist. Jennifer works with a broad range of clients including individuals, couples, and children. However, Jennifer especially enjoys working with women’s issues, addiction issues and parenting issues, particularly parenting those with special needs including autism and gifted. Jennifer has also been trained in EMDR levels I & II.