Meet Our Counselors
Lauren Benefield, MMFT, ~ Marriage & Family Therapist Under Supervision
Lauren has recently completed her Masters of Counseling program at Indiana Wesleyan University with a specific concentration on marriage and family therapy (MFT).
While pursuing licensure as a marriage and family therapist, she incorporates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, adventure therapy and internal family systems. For the past 7 years, Lauren has been leading groups with adolescents and teens focused on transitioning to various life changes, healthy relationships and communication with others, setting boundaries, and regulating emotions. She has a special interest in working with individuals and families who are seeking support as they navigate symptoms of anxiety and depression that may be related to life changes or family dynamics.
Phillip Bates, MA ~ Professional Counselor Under Supervision
Phillip received his Master’s of Arts degree in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. He has a passion for empowering individuals to overcome personal obstacles. He has worked to help people with self esteem issues, grief, anxiety, trauma (PTSD), and depression. Phillip became a counselor to encourage people in their quests to live healthier, happier lives. Before receiving his master's degree, Phillip earned a BA in Psychology and a BS in Forensic Chemistry from the University of Mississippi.
Growing up, Phillip always played sports. This is where he gained an inherent love of the sports world. Being a team player for more than a decade has provided him with the ability to connect with people from all walks of life, but also a special affinity for athletes. His background in volunteer coaching has given him valuable insight to helping people of all ages.
Kendra Bradford LPC-MHSP (temp) ~ Professional Counselor Under Supervision
Kendra received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University. She also has a Masters in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and a Bachelors in Elementary Education. During her beginning years of being a teacher, Kendra noticed many of her students had dire emotional needs. She also encountered many parents giving all they had yet still feeling completely overwhelmed with the woes of raising children. She decided to pursue the field of counseling so she could develop a skillset to aid students, parents, and other stakeholders in an educational setting. As she worked to obtain the needed internship hours to complete her counseling program, she developed a love for aiding individuals, families, and groups with the things they presented in therapy sessions. Kendra is passionate about aiding teenage and adult clients with the things that come up for them as they maneuver through their day to day lives by providing a welcoming, empathic space and an invitation to join them on their quest for healing. Kendra is skilled in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-concept/low self-esteem/low self-worth, parental woes, relationship difficulties, and traumatic issues. She enthusiastically meets clients where they are. Kendra wholeheartedly believes when people feel accepted and understood by another person, they become open to exploring ways their lives could be different and allow trusted individuals to join them as they explore.
When Kendra is not providing therapy, you can find her spending time with family and friends, riding roller coasters, playing sports, in a yoga class, reading, or writing. She also enjoys allowing her creativity to run free in many different capacities.
Rose Browne, MA ~ Professional Counselor Under Supervision
As a dedicated mental health practitioner, Rose is passionate about using her expertise and experience to empower individuals to overcome their personal struggles and reach new heights of growth and potential. With her warm and compassionate approach, Rose creates a safe and supportive environment in which clients can freely express themselves while collaborating with her on personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and goals. Whether you are facing addiction, mood disorders, or unresolved trauma, Rose has the training and skills needed to provide you with the effective support and guidance you require.
Most especially, Rose's extensive experience working with veterans makes her especially attuned to the unique challenges facing those who have served in the armed forces. With Rose's support, you can look forward to a more fulfilling and meaningful life and a brighter future ahead. Rose brings a unique perspective to her work, having personally experienced the stress and challenges of military life. Her compassionate and empathetic approach has helped countless individuals overcome mental health struggles and find renewed hope and purpose.
Away from work, Rose finds joy in spending time with her family, traveling, and studying Biblical Scriptures. Her commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning infuses her practice, as she's always seeking new ways to deepen her understanding of the human experience. If you're seeking a skilled, compassionate, and dedicated mental health professional who can help guide you toward a healthier, happier future, Rose is here to help.
Ralph Cook, M. Ed., LMFT ~ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Ralph has worked as a Music Educator, Minister of Music, and Minister of Youth. After many years of teaching and church ministry, he felt called to work with families and individuals (both children and adults) in the area of counseling. Ralph has a B.S. in Music Education and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. He obtained his Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. Ralph and his wife, Joni, founded Lantern Lane Farm Counseling in 2004. Ralph is the CEO and Clinical Director of LLF. In addition to counseling, he serves as a consultant to area churches and provides workshops and seminars to churches and other organizations. He also leads Marriage Intensives for couples. Ralph has worked with couples who come to LLF for Marriage Intensives from across the nation. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and an AAMFT Clinical Fellow.
Ralph and Joni have two sons and five grandchildren. He loves movies, music, spending time with his wife and family and is an avid fan of John Grisham books.
Nick Cutler, MA ~ Professional Counselor Under Supervision
Nick received his Master of Arts in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. He has a heart to work with children and teens that have experienced grief or trauma. He has worked with families experiencing crisis and is passionate about helping individuals process the confusing and chaotic emotions that come through these experiences. Nick is excited by any opportunity to help someone explore the emotional world, and his deep love for people results in an honest and caring approach to therapy.
When Nick is not doing therapy, you can find him trail running and hiking in the woods or playing sports. Nick loves being active, listening and occasionally playing music, meeting new people and spending time in his community.
Jacob Dye, LPC/MHSP, Board Approved Supervisor
Jacob received his Master’s of Science degree in Professional Counseling from Lipscomb University in 2012 and began working at Lantern Lane Farm Counseling in 2013. He is exceptionally passionate about helping teenagers, adults, and couples discover healing and their life’s purpose. Jacob frequently works with people who are experiencing addiction, anxiety, depression, eating disorders (including chronic over-eating), relationship difficulties, spiritual issues, and low self-esteem/lack of personal direction. Jacob happily meets people where they are, regardless of their background or history. His passion is to empower his clients with knowledge and skills that will allow them to find long-term success and healing. Jacob embraces an eclectic approach to counseling that includes Cognitive Behavioral, Existential, Solution Focused, and Gestalt Therapeutic techniques.
Jacob is a local who grew up just a mile or so away from the farm! He is extremely passionate about healthy living, having worked as a personal trainer and health coach for over 6 years. He enjoys running, competitive weight lifting, music, reading, and travel in his free time.
Anjelica Farino, MMFT~ Marriage & Family Therapist Under Supervision
Anjelica feels called to walk alongside adolescents, young adults, and women, helping them navigate the highs and lows of life, and addressing the root of issues they face. She enjoys working with a variety of populations that encounter issues of anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, life transitions, eating disorders, relationship concerns, grief, and more, because she believes anyone can experience true healing and wholeness where love and safety is present. Anjelica has experience in youth ministry, horsemanship, and counseling with individuals and groups. She is passionate about incorporating connection with horses into her sessions. Her hope is that clients will grow, receive lasting freedom, and ultimately develop a closer relationship with God.
Anjelica has a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca and Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Geneva College in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. In her spare time you can find Anjelica worshipping with her church family, riding horses, or sipping coffee with friends.
Paige Clayton Greene, MA ~ Professional Counselor Under Supervision
Paige received a Master’s of Arts degree from Liberty University in Professional Counseling. She came to love the setting and people at Lantern Lane Farm Counseling during her internship and is thrilled to be a counselor at this peaceful place.
She is passionate about helping women walk through the difficult journeys of divorce, anxiety, depression, grief and other issues women face. She works with adolescent girls and adult women to help them regain or establish self-esteem and identity utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy. She seeks creative ways to help each unique client reach their personal goals for therapy.
Paige is originally from the mountains of North Carolina. She enjoys writing, traveling, spending time with family and friends, singing with her tiny band and can often be found outdoors hiking or running on outings with her dog Ruby.
Jeff Gregg, MMFT- Marriage and Family Therapist Under Supervision
We all feel emotions such as shame, anxiety, fear, and anger. How we deal with these feelings can often hurt more than help. Jeff desires to walk alongside clients and help them identify and deal with emotions and feelings healthily. He is eager to help clients find solutions and set attainable goals that lead to happiness, success, and healthy relationships.
Jeff began his career in the entertainment business and spent over three decades guiding the careers of some of the biggest names in show business. Through his therapy journey, he discovered the healing power of the therapeutic process. He desires to work with others as they uncover the positive change therapy offers.
Jeff earned an undergraduate degree in business from Aquinas College, an MBA from Amberton University, and a Master of Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University. Jeff resides in Donelson, where he is very involved in the community. He loves old cars and likes to take his 72 Chevy Truck for a spin on Sunday afternoons.
Michelle Harris, LMFT ~ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, wife, and mom to two toddlers, Michelle Harris knows how fulfilling and challenging marriage and family life can be. Michelle has a passion for strengthening individuals, marriages, and families. She feels it is a privilege to help her clients heal and thrive. She loves to cheer others on in their pursuit of integrated health, restoration and self-care. Michelle received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Olivet Nazarene University and went on to work with postpartum mothers and families. Michelle then went back to school and graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Michelle works with individuals, couples, and groups navigating anxiety and depression, premarital couples utilizing PREPARE/ENRICH, women’s issues, struggling marriages, perinatal mood disorders, grief, self-esteem issues, parents struggling with their child’s sexual orientation, life transitions and stress. Michelle incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Experiential Therapy and Gottman techniques. She also loves utilizing the Enneagram and is a Type 8 with a 9 wing.
On any given day you may find Michelle chasing toddlers, cheering on her college-football officiating husband, working out at Crossfit with friends, traveling, training for a half-marathon, reading, spending time with family and friends, or writing song lyrics or blog posts.
Joshua Hawkins, MA - Pre-Licensed Counselor Under Supervision
Joshua Hawkins began working at Lantern Lane Farm as an intern and progressed to a full-time therapist following graduation from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary’s Master of Christian Counseling program. He believes in a client-focused and integrative approach to helping his clients. He supports clients as they navigate a variety of life stressors. His primary focus is on the treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Joshua primarily enjoys working with children and adolescents but takes on clients from the age of 5 years old to 40 years old. Joshua employs Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Brainspotting to help clients achieve their therapy goals.
In his free time, Joshua enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants and recipes, building LEGO sets, and relaxing at home with his wife and three black cats.
Alyssa Hinesley, LPC-MHSP ~ Licensed Professional Counselor
Alyssa received her Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Practicing for almost a decade, she is passionate about helping individuals and couples do life and relationships well. Alyssa helps couples develop the tools necessary for effective communication and conflict resolution while cultivating and restoring intimacy. She also has an emphasis in blended family and co-parenting work. Alyssa works with women as well, helping them find healing and connect with a sense of purpose, specializing in the treatment of anxiety and depression, grief, divorce and phase of life adjustments, and codependency recovery. Restoration of hope and authentic living are a core focus when working with clients.
Most days, Alyssa brings her Golden Doodle, Bella. Bella serves as an emotional support animal (ESA) in sessions for clients.
Together, Alyssa and her husband have 5 children. In her spare time, she enjoys working out with her husband, drinking coffee, and spending time with her family. She would say, “Counseling is her calling, fitness is her hobby, and Biblical literacy is her passion.”
Kate Jackson, MS ~ Professional Counselor Under Supervision
Kate believes that people are created for relationship, and that healing happens in genuine connection with others. She takes a holistic approach by considering the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person to determine the core issue beyond the symptoms. Kate enjoys working with children, teens, and women with body image concerns, disordered eating, depression, anxiety, trauma, and autism. Kate uses experiential activities during sessions including play therapy, expressive arts, equine therapy, and being outdoors.
Kate likes trying new foods, gardening, testing recipes, homesteading, and going on outdoor adventures. Kate also has a love for entrepreneurship and is often brainstorming business ideas with her husband and encouraging others to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.
Kate holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Play Therapy Specialization from Lipscomb University. She is working towards licensure to become a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Daniel Johnson, MMFT ~Marriage and Family Therapist Under Supervision
Daniel received his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Lipscomb University and is currently completing additional training toward licensure in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Daniel is passionate about walking alongside individuals, couples, and families on their journey toward growth and healing. He seeks to cultivate a therapeutic style which balances directive-ness and space for contemplation. Daniel is also a passionate horseman and integrates the horse-human connection as a way to help people examine their connections with others, with themselves, and with their creator.
Areas of specific clinical interest for Daniel are couples struggles, men’s struggles, anxiety, depression, spiritual struggles, addiction, and trauma. Outside of work you will find Daniel spending time with his wife and their dog, reading Dallas Willard, and practicing to improve his horsemanship.
Brandie Jones, MMFT ~ Marriage and Family Therapist Under Supervision
Brandie received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University. She also has a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor in Organizational Leadership. Brandie changed career paths to become a counselor recognizing the importance of helping others create space to identify and embrace their true selves. Brandie frequently works with people who are experiencing suicidal ideations, depression, grief, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and those struggling with sexual orientation, using a cognitive and dialectical behavioral approach, coupled with Narrative and Solution Focused Therapy while considering Attachment Theory. Brandie is also passionate about working with adolescents and couples and is currently working towards becoming a Gottman Certified Therapist to assist couples in creating greater meaning and connection in their relationships. Brandie is trained in Prepare/Enrich for couples seeking premarital therapy and those navigating toward healing and wholeness. Brandie also creates and presents workshops to assist youth in rehabilitating their lives away from crime.
Brandie grew up in West Tennessee enjoying sports, specifically baseball, basketball, and football. She enjoys outdoor activities, trying new foods, traveling, collecting sneakers, and time with family and friends.
Kenya Kilpatrick, MMF- Marriage and Family Therapist Under Supervision
Kenya Kilpatrick graduated from Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then went on to achieve a master’s degree in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling.
She started off her career with Youth Villages working with youth facing a wide range of emotional, mental, and behavioral problems, youth receiving foster care services, and biological families with youth receiving foster care services. She also works with the Youth Advocate Program advocating and delivering evidence-based services in homes and communities as an alternative to youth incarceration, congregate child welfare, behavioral health, intellectual disabilities placements, and neighborhood violence.
In her free time, Kenya loves traveling, spending time with family, and watching a good movie. Kenya also enjoys hosting yearly marriage retreats for couples of all ages and stages in their relationship.
Sarah Long, MMFT - Marriage and Family Therapist Under Supervision
Sarah has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University and BA in Child and Family Studies from Baylor University. She is also working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist and enjoys working with children, adolescents, and their families. She uses a variety of therapeutic tools including: play therapy, IFS (Internal Family Systems), Narrative Therapy, and art.
It is her goal to provide a safe space for children and adolescents to navigate all that life brings, begin to recognize their inherent goodness and worth, and find emotional well-being. She believes that play and art can foster healing and growth. She considers it an honor to walk alongside children and partner with parents as they journey through the highs and lows of life.
In her free time, Sarah loves to paint, read, listen to music and hangout with her dog Penny. She is a firm believer that light and goodness can be found in any situation and that laughter is a powerful thing.
Kelli Oerman, MA - Professional Counselor Under Supervision
Kelli received her master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Crown College in Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota. Kelli is passionate about helping individuals who struggle with depression, grief, anxiety and addiction, as well as relationship and self-esteem issues. She also enjoys working with children, couples, and military families. She uses a variety of therapeutic techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Solutions-Focused Therapy, and experiential activities that include play, art and equine-assisted therapy. She also utilizes Brainspotting to help people process and heal from trauma.
Kelli grew up in an Air Force family and lived in many places including Seoul, South Korea, and Munich, Germany. Along the way, those experiences taught her perseverance and adaptability, as well as insight and empathy for people of different backgrounds and cultures and their varying life circumstances.
Kelli and her husband have a grown son they enjoy visiting in their native state of Nebraska. In her free time, Kelli enjoys studying the Bible, crafting, watching British mysteries, and cuddling up with their two pugs, Bruce and Lulu.
Tiffany Orrand, LPC-MHSP, RPT ~ Licensed Professional Counselor and Play Therapist
Tiffany is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. Her heart is happiest while working with children and preteens 13 and under. She has specialized training and certification to help with youth experiencing anxiety and anxiety related disorders, such as OCD, trichotillomania, and excoriation. She also has experience helping children navigate the changes of life related to moving, parent’s divorce, self-esteem, depression and growing up. She uses a variety of therapeutic techniques including: play therapy, a variety of cognitive behavioral therapies, and experiential and creative techniques. She became a counselor to give children a safe space, where they can explore hard issues and learn what it means to love and be kind to themselves. She feels blessed to walk beside children and families as they navigate these difficult times in their lives.
Tiffany grew up in middle Tennessee and enjoys spending time with her family and pets during her free time. She is a child at heart and loves reading, superheroes, Harry Potter, Chuck Taylor shoes, American Girl, animals, and Netflix.
Anna Partlow, LPC-MHSP - Licensed Professional Counselor ~Equine Specialist
Anna is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP). Combining her passion for people and horses, she majored in Equestrian Sciences and has completed training with EAGALA as an Equine Specialist. She primarily works with teens and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic pain and illness, relational struggles, and more. She loves walking with people as they discover more about themselves as they work to overcome challenges and experience healing. Anna is also a certified PREPARE/ENRICH Facilitator and is honored to work with couples in all stages to help foster resilient relationships and strengthen marriages.
When there is free time, you might find Anna reading, crafting, or walking her huskies.
Barry Paquet, MAC-Addiction Counselor Under Supervision
Barry is originally from Mackinaw City, Michigan and a Nashville transplant by way of joining the military. He is a 6-year Army Veteran. Barry graduated with his Master’s Degree in Addiction Counseling from Liberty University. He aims to become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor as he is currently under supervision.
Barry believes in helping develop the coping skills needed in order to learn change in areas such as behavior and addiction, narrative thinking, and emotional regulation. His goal is to be able to connect in a trusting and empathetic way with his clients. His clinical interest includes chemical addiction such as alcohol & drug use as well as issues related to substance use. He uses a variety of therapeutic techniques including: Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. His experience in the Army and throughout life has shown him that when people are feeling at their lowest, there will always be someone who cares to sit and listen to their story.
During his free time Barry enjoys self-care such as working out, spending time with his wife and their dog Karl, watching movies, writing poetry (check out his book on Amazon- Words Flow Like Water), and enjoying the warm weather on the boat.
Jason Pawlik, LPC-MHSP ~ Licensed Professional Counselor
Jason is very compassionate about helping people with addictions, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, relational conflicts, and behavioral problems. Jason received his Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2012. Thereafter, he began his career as a therapist and has helped individuals with addiction, PTSD, compulsive behaviors, trauma, relational conflict, and depression. He promotes a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment utilizing a variety of therapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behavioral, Transactional Analysis, Solution Focused, and Mindfulness-based Techniques.
Jason is also a volunteer firefighter for the city of Mt. Juliet which furthers his genuine desire to help other first-responders in coping with daily stress and trauma. Before earning his master's degree, he received a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness at S.U.N.Y. Buffalo, where he developed a passion for helping individuals attain personal health and fitness goals through personal training. Jason promotes healthy living through healthy eating habits and fitness. He enjoys spending time with his family, Crossfit with his wife, watching his daughter cheer and his son play baseball.
Taryn Peterson, LMFT ~ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Taryn received her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University. She counsels a diverse range of clients, including adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Taryn considers it an honor to walk alongside hurting people as they face trauma, grief, anxiety, addiction, self harm, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and other challenges.
Taryn is trained in Brainspotting and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), methods known for their effectiveness in treating trauma and PTSD. She also incorporates methods such as Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. She is passionate about the hope and healing clients experience through the therapeutic process. Outside of the office, Taryn enjoys hiking, road trips, horses, and exploring landscape photography with her husband.
Brett Rutledge, MMFT~ Marriage and Family Therapist Under Supervision
Brett graduated with his undergraduate degree at The University of Alabama in Public Relations & Communications. After college he moved to Nashville to pursue songwriting and worship leading. Brett has been writing songs and leading worship since high school and had a dream to write songs for a label. That came true when Brett signed to write at Word in 2013.
With his dad and uncle being a part of National Championships at Alabama playing football, he was pushed into sports at a young age and enjoys competition. He excelled in tennis and played in college.
Brett has over 20 years of ministry/worship experience. He’s been a part of leading youth groups and young professionals groups. Sitting with students and people in ministry has led Brett to a passion for counseling. Brett graduated with his Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy at Trevecca Nazarene University.
Brett hopes to sit with people (teens, college, young professionals, & couples) in their pain & be a respite for those needing rest. He would love for them to experience Lantern Lane as a place where they can come as they are and feel known, accepted, and cared for.
In Brett’s spare time you can find him playing pickleball, disc golf, watching football, or literally just trying to compete in anything. He loves being active and operates as an Enneagram 7 always looking for adventure. He loves to travel and looking for new experiences is a must.
Audrey Shinar, MA/M.Ed., NCC ~ Professional Counselor Under Supervision -
Audrey is a native Nashvillian who holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Vanderbilt University. Audrey is pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor under the supervision of Evonna Surrette, LPC-MHSP. Audrey also obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and History from Vanderbilt, making her a “Double Dore!”
Audrey steadfastly believes that anyone can heal when sufficiently supported in a counseling relationship. Audrey is passionate about cultivating an accepting, confidential therapeutic environment with space for tears, laughter, and authentic connection. Audrey has met many resilient adolescents and adults through her prior work as a Behavioral Specialist at the Partial Hospitalization level of care with OCD, Eating Disorders, and Mood Disorders.
Audrey is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention, Behavioral Activation, Brainspotting Level 1, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is pursuing training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindful Self Compassion. Audrey incorporates elements of experiential therapy when appropriate, including art and creative modalities, self-compassion work, and mindfulness into the therapeutic space. Audrey is interested in working with adults and adolescents with anxiety, trauma, self-esteem issues, Autism Spectrum Disorder, perfectionism, and highly sensitive people. In her free time, Audrey can be found practicing hot yoga, reading outside, listening to live music, walking her Golden Retriever, and watching historical dramas.
Christine Snipes, LPC-Temp ~ Professional Counselor under Supervision
Christine received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in 2018 and became EAGALA certified in 2020. She is passionate about creating a safe, trusting, and compassionate space for clients to tell their stories while incorporating the therapeutic wonder of horses. Christine has been specializing in Eating Disorder treatment since 2019 and enjoys working with women of all ages with a variety of issues that include trauma, relationship and attachment issues, codependency, body image, identity development, and ADHD. She deeply cares about the well-being of her clients, and her hope is that clients experience lasting change and ultimately a closer relationship with God.
In her spare time, you can find Christine with her church family, outside in nature, and with her pup, Jasper. She loves Jesus, horses, coffee, reading the Bible, and the creative arts.
Cindy Thompson, MA/EAMH, LPC under supervision ~ Equine Assisted Mental Health concentration. Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning TF-EAP (Certification Process)EAGALA certified. Brain Spotting (Level 1), S.A.F.E. EMDR, Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Trauma Play
After graduating from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide), Cindy began with a BS in Special Education. She taught children at Westminster School (now Currey Ingram) and Harpeth Junior High School. Cindy and her husband raised 5 children, and she realized she needed outside support and began her personal journey thirty years ago. Relationships, and life in general, were painful. She longed for relief. After receiving much personal healing, Cindy realized she wanted to walk beside others struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other painful relational issues. She became EAGALA certified and 10 years later graduated from Prescott College with a Masters in counseling and a concentration in Equine Assisted Mental Health (EAMH). Cindy has chosen to walk beside young women, as well as middle-aged women, as they find the answers within to the pain and struggles encountered. She finds herself humbled and honored to be a part of other’s healing journey.
For so many, the term or word “trauma” means “highly distressful,” and many situations are life-threatening. Other trauma damages one’s heart and soul, such as emotional abuse, harassment, loss of relationship, and so forth. When you experience either trauma mentioned above, the symptoms cause the brain to process and store the memories in a different way than other experiences. When traumatic memories or stressors are triggered, we tend to over-react and/or under-react as though the experience is happening now.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is a proven modality through neuroscience as a healing agent, bringing relief to both sides of the brain while the painful memory loses its’ charge. In addition, EMDR works with one’s belief system, which may be the underlying cause of anxiety and depression. Somatic and Attachment Focused (S.A.F.E.) EMDR Is a type of EMDR Cindy is presently implementing that combines one’s attachment style and somatic (body awareness) along with the constructs of EMDR. The insight you learn will enlighten your ability to choose differently, as needed, for healthy growth.
In addition to processing stressful and/or traumatic events, you will have an opportunity to connect relationally with an equine (horse). Whether connection occurs on the ground or rhythmically on the back of the horse, regulating and relational skills will give you the opportunity to experience what has worked and not worked for you in relationships. As you connect relationally with a horse, you will find trust within yourself and another being. Patterns in relationships that have not proven beneficial for you can be worked through with the horse as you both find ways to express your needs. At this point, healthy ways of relating will occur within the relationship.
Cindy believes that most of our issues show up in relationships. We are created for relationship with self and others. Cindy combines S.A.F.E. EMDR, Brain Spotting, Natural Lifemanship, Trauma Focused-Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL), EAGALA, Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Trauma Play, CBT, IFS, and other modalities, to aid clients to find relief from life hurts, suffering and trauma. Cindy would be honored to walk with you on this journey of healing as you experientially grow!
Kerri Tracy, LCSW ~ Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Kerri is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has a Master's of Social Work degree from Loma Linda University, California. She has been working with children and families for 15 years, with specialty experience in the areas of multidisciplinary early childhood intervention related to dysregulation/tantrums, attachment, trauma, autism and specialized parenting. She has experience supporting varying diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Kerri's passion is providing caregivers with strategies to improve their interactions with young children (ages 0-7). She is committed to looking at the whole picture of the family and the child. This includes seeing every possible area of their life as a strength to build upon.
Darlene Tullos, MMFT ~ Marriage & Family Therapist Under Supervision
Darlene received her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2016 from Liberty University. Her calling is to walk with those experiencing the dark and difficult challenges of this one precious life we are each granted as a gift from God. After teaching theatre arts for many years and serving with her husband in youth ministry and as a pastor’s wife, Darlene felt a clear and undeniable call of God to become a counselor to accompany others through their troubling and debilitating struggles. She views her role as one of locking arms with those stuck in the quicksand to help them walk out the healing journey step by step to higher ground.
Her training includes certification in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) designed for children and teens from “hard places” including foster care and/or adoption, including training for parents. These trainings have prepared Darlene to deal with repressed trauma that can stand in the way of a flourishing life. Darlene has worked with adolescents for many years and feels compassion for the difficulties teenagers face. Improving communication between teens and their parents is possible!
Marriage counseling is a strong focus for Darlene as she is passionate about guiding couples to experience healing and restoration in their marriages, moving from conflict to a conscious partnership. With her husband, Matt, Darlene has led marriage retreats and other events across Tennessee and the US, using original dramatic vignettes, Biblical teaching, and marriage training workshops.
Additional degrees include a Master of Arts in Communications from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts (Speech and Theatre) from the University of Texas. Darlene has raised four sons of her own who are now grown but are still the light of her life. She has been married to her husband, Matt, for 36 years. Darlene is thrilled to be a part of the transformational work taking place in so many lives here at Lantern Lane Farms.
Caroline Wasserman, MMFT - Marriage & Family Therapist under supervision
Caroline Wasserman received her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Lipscomb University. During her graduate work, she did internships at both the Lipscomb University Counseling Center and the Lipscomb Family Therapy Center. Caroline was also the intern for the athletic department and helped streamline the referral process between the athletic department and the University Counseling Center. She received her undergraduate degree in youth ministry and was also the manager for the softball program at Lipscomb. Caroline has a passion for athletes, and during her time in the program, she changed her career direction to mental health. Her models include narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, Gottman couples work, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Caroline is a native of Jasper, Alabama, but moved to Nashville about seven years ago and since has called Nashville home. In her free time, you can catch her hanging out with friends, trying new coffee shops, making an old fashioned, or playing with her dog Tuck.
Ashley Welbern, LMFT, CPT/CFNS ~ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Ashley is a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Marriage, Family, and Individual Counseling. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and fitness instructor. She is trained in Brainspotting, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Prepare/Enrich, and is a member of AAMFT. Her practice integrates these approaches along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into her work with individuals, couples, and families. She is passionate about helping others not only survive, but also to thrive in life. She enjoys casting a vision for growth with her clients and then cheering them along in their journey, believing this is best achieved when we are treated in a holistic manner engaging mind, body, and emotions.
When not working, Ashley enjoys running, biking, hiking, kayaking, and doing pretty much anything outdoors with her husband, children, and friends. Whether reading or traveling, she finds great joy in sharing those passions with the people she loves.
Tom Yarbrough, MMFT ~ Marriage and Family Therapist Under Supervision
Tom has a BBA from Belmont University and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University. He is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy and enjoys working with adult individuals, couples, and families. Tom believes in the value of experiencing connection within relationship as it relates to individual change and hopes to serve clients by helping them identify and modify negative cycles of interaction to allow for growth and healing.
A Nashville resident for nearly 30 years, Tom spent the first part of his career in the business world but currently oversees congregational care at his church when he is not seeing clients at the farm. He loves spending time with his wife and their three kids, reading and collecting books and traveling.