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Meet Our Team of Expert Counselors

Robert S Paul, Bob Paul, LPC, Vice President of Focus on the Family Marriage Institute

Robert S. Paul, LPC

Vice President, Focus on the Family Marriage Institute
Robert received his Bachelor’s Degree from Evangel University, his Master’s Degree from Georgia State University, and a Diploma in Christian Counseling and an honorary doctorate from Psychological Studies Institute. He holds a license in the states of Missouri, Georgia, and Michigan as a Professional Counselor. He is an accomplished speaker who presents regularly at professional conferences and enrichment events both nationally and internationally. He has appeared on numerous radio and television programs and has co-authored three books; The DNA of Relationships, with Drs. Gary and Greg Smalley, The DNA of Relationships for Couples with Dr. Greg Smalley, and  9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage – and the Truths That Will Save It and Set It Free  with Dr. Greg Smalley. He is a former professor at Evangel University where he taught in both the Biblical Studies and Psychology departments, specializing in Marriage and Family Counseling, Human Sexuality, and the integration of faith into all areas of life. Robert and his wife, Jenni, live in Springfield, Missouri, have been married for over 38 years. They have four children and five grandchildren.

Robert K. Burbee, PhD

Licensed Psychologist
Clinical Director

Robert K. Burbee, PhD

Dr. Bob Burbee has 26 years of experience as a licensed psychologist working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Bob and his wife, Mary Jo, are active in their church contributing to children and family ministries including facilitating a Sunday school class for engaged and young married couples. Bob and Mary Jo have four children and reside in Springfield, Missouri.

Brett K. Sparks, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist
Clinical Site Supervisor, Missouri

Brett K. Sparks, PsyD

Dr. Brett Sparks is a licensed psychologist who joined the team in 2003 after his service as a staff psychologist in the U.S. Navy. He is an Intensive therapist as well the Clinical Site Supervisor at the Branson retreat center. It is his desire to serve Christ and see marriages and individuals thrive. He has experienced the challenges and joys of marriage to his wife, Jennifer, since their journey began in 1993. They have three children--two daughters preparing for their professions and their son in high school.

Sara Lynema, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist
Clinical Site Supervisor, Michigan

Sara Lynema, PsyD

Dr. Sara Lynema earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan, an MA in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Professional Psychology, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology through Wheaton College. In addition to serving as an intensive therapist, she also operates as the Clinical Site Supervisor for the Michigan clinical team. Sara has been practicing in Michigan since 2010. Sara has gained specialized training in couples therapy, healing from trauma, abuse or neglect, and faith integration. She and her husband have been married since 2004 and have two children.

Dana Sutton, LPC

Clinical Site Supervisor, Georgia

Dana Sutton, LPC

Dana Sutton joined the Focus on the Family team in 2013. Dana is thrilled to be working with the Intensives. Her desire is to see marriages find healing through Christ and to restore their hearts and relationships. Along with her husband, Jonathan, Dana has worked in ministry for the past 14 years, including church planting and a ministry to the public schools. They have travelled internationally for the past three years working with missionaries and their marriages. Jonathan and Dana met at Auburn University and married in 2000, and have four wonderful children.

Jennifer Acord, MA, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Jennifer Acord, MA, LPC

Jenny received her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family therapy. She and her husband have been youth pastors for over 20 years. Families have been the focus of her ministry and she feels privileged to be allowed to journey beside couples as they experience God’s miraculous healing powers. She has been married to her husband, Rick, since 1991 with three children and adding to their family as the Lord blesses. They currently live in Springfield, MO.

Ben Adamson, MA, APC, AMFT

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Ben Adamson, MA, APC, AMFT

Ben’s desire is to see lives and relationships transformed; his included. He is excited to be with the Focus on the Family team to serve couples and marriages in need. Ben also sees people at Building Intimate Marriages, Inc., a private practice in the Atlanta area. Ben earned his undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Georgia. He completed his MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at Richmont Graduate University. He and his wife, Sarah, were married in 2014. Outside of the counseling office, Ben enjoys going on adventures with his wife and browsing the aisles of any sporting goods store.

Leslie Bashioum, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Leslie Bashioum, LPC

Leslie received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Evangel University and is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Missouri. Leslie is honored to be a part of the Focus on the Family team and to be able to come alongside couples on their journeys. It is her passion to walk alongside couples and help them experience a sense of empowerment, hope, and healing. Leslie and her husband, Matt, have two teenage boys. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time on Table Rock Lake.

Stephen Bell, PhD, LMFT

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Stephen Bell, PhD, LMFT

Dr. Bell is a professor of Family Studies and Social Services at the College of the Ozarks. Dr. Bell earned his MS (Harding University) and PhD (University of Louisiana at Monroe) degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In addition to Dr. Bell’s work at Hope Restored and College of the Ozarks, he and his wife, Tracy, are Co-Founders of Family Fanatics, LLC. Family Fanatics offer various services to strengthen marriages/families. Dr. Bell and Tracy reside in Branson, Missouri with their three daughters and son. Dr. Bell feels very honored and blessed that God has opened an opportunity to serve married couples at Focus on the Family.

Tracy Bell, LMSW

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Tracy Bell, LMSW

Tracy earned her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Arkansas. She earned her BA in Family Life Counseling and Psychology from Ouachita Baptist University. Tracy is a Missouri Licensed Social Worker, a Nationally Certified Life Coach, and an Assistant Professor at the College of the Ozarks. She is a certified Neurosequential therapist and serves those who have survived trauma. She is thrilled to be working along side a team at Focus on the Family. Tracy married her husband Stephen in 2004 and they have 4 children.

Verlette Berndt, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Verlette Berndt, LPC

As a marriage intensive therapist since 2005, Verlette loves journeying alongside individuals and couples on the way to healing, restoration and reconnection. She received her Master of Arts in Counseling from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in 1995 and is a licensed professional counselor. Having also been a licensed minister, youth pastor, and then a counselor for families in crisis, she is dedicated to assist couples in healing and rebuilding from the inevitable struggles of life. Verlette and her husband Chris were married in 1999 and are devoted to their two precious daughters.

Ken Bryant, PhD, LPC, NCC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Ken Bryant, PhD, LPC, NCC

Ken Bryant has a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of North Texas-Denton, an M.S. in Counseling from Pittsburg State University, a B.A.in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a B.A. in Biblical Literature for Ozark Christian College. Ken is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Colorado and a National Certified Counselor. Ken serves as the Founder/President of Oak Tree Marriage & Family Ministries. He served as a church pastor for over 30 years. Ken and his wife, Carol, have been married since 1970 and have been blessed with four sons, four daughters-in-law, and have grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lisa Butler, EdS, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Lisa Butler, EdS, LPC

Lisa has been married to her husband Charlie since 1998. Lisa and Charlie have two boys and reside in Springfield. Lisa has a MA degree in Educational Psychology and an Educational Specialist degree in school psychology from the University of Colorado-Denver. Lisa worked as a school psychologist in Colorado for over 15 years until her family moved to Missouri. Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She provides counseling and she teaches her own parenting curriculum, Positive & Powerful Christian Parenting at McGuire Christian Counseling. Lisa has been a part of the Hope Restored ministry since 2018. She considers it a privilege to come alongside couples on their healing journey.

Lyndsey Cherry, MA, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Lyndsey Cherry, MA, LPC

Lyndsey is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Missouri. Lyndsey was in private practice for 6 years in Springfield, MO with McGuire Christian Counseling where she worked with a wide variety of individuals, families, and couples. She is thrilled to be part of the Focus on the Family team and loves to see the insight and healing that individuals and couples experience during an intensive. Lyndsey and her husband, Jeff, have been married since 2006 and have three children.

Rachelle Colegrove, MA, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Rachelle Colegrove, MA, LPC

Rachelle is a licensed professional counselor in Missouri, a certified sex therapist and a licensed minister. Rachelle is passionate about coming alongside couples to help them discover a marriage they both love. In addition, her many years of ministry experience equip Rachelle for understanding unique pressures many ministry couples face. Rachelle and her husband, Greg, also travel and speak at weekend marriage conferences. Rachelle and Greg have been married for 30+ years and have two adult sons and a daughter-in-law.

Wendy Crawford, MS, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Wendy Crawford, MS, LPC

Wendy is a LPC in the state of Georgia. Her Master's Degree is from Georgia State University in 2002 and has been practicing in the Atlanta area since that time. From 2002-2010 Wendy worked as a therapist with Still Waters Counseling Center. She was also certified by the National Child Advocacy Center as a Forensic Interviewer of Children and was contracted by law enforcement to conduct forensic interviews. In 2011, Wendy became the founder of Georgia Christian Counseling, Inc. Wendy has been married to Rich since 1999, and they have 3 children.

Jonathan DiStaulo, MA, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Jonathan DiStaulo, MA, LPC

Jonathan was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec. As a young adult, serving alongside his father in an Italian/English speaking congregation, Jonathan began to observe the pressures placed on families in vocational ministry. In addition to his work at Focus on the Family, Jonathan counsels individuals and families through his own private practice Foundations Counseling & Consulting. Jonathan was married to Dusty in 1996 and they have 4 children. Jonathan is a licensed minister and served as a worship leader and pastoral care minister for many years in churches in Missouri and Massachusetts.

Pamela L. Frey, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Pamela L. Frey, LPC

Pam is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and co-founder of Tradewinds Counseling and Consulting. After her first full time job as a deputy sheriff, she and her family served overseas for more than 20 years in various capacities in world missions. Since 2009, she has served as a member care consultant for global missions workers assisting in crisis situations, life difficulties, transition, and leadership training. She has a heart to be present with people as they maneuver difficult seasons of life. Married since 1979, Pam and her husband, Butch, have two children, grandchildren and a silver Labrador Retriever, Maggie.

N. Joel Fry, MSW, LISW

Marriage Intensive Therapist

N. Joel Fry, MSW, LISW

Joel Fry is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who joined the Intensive team in 2020. He currently serves as an Intensive Therapist with Hope Restored and has a private practice where he has worked with marriage since 2005. Prior to private practice Joel worked in hospice and end of life care where he was blessed to journey with patients and families through one of the most intimate times of life. Joel and his wife, Heather, live in Iowa and keep busy with the activities of their 9 children. One of Joel's passions is to journey with couples as the healing power of Jesus Christ transforms hearts and minds.

Michael Harris, MA, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist
(photo coming soon)

Michael Harris, MA, LPC

Michael (Mike) Harris and wife, Angela, have been married for more than 30 years and have three adult children. Mike is a Pastor as well as Licensed Professional Counselor. He has served in ministry for more than 25 years and is a veteran of the US Air Force. He has a BA in Pastoral Ministry and a Master's degree in Counseling/Psychology.

Pam Hazell, MS, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Pam Hazell, MS, LPC

Pam feels very blessed to be a part of the Focus on the Family team. Pam has a private practice, Cornerstone Christian Counseling, and assists clients at Woodland Hills Family Church. Pam earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from College of the Ozarks and her M.S. in Counseling at Southwest Missouri State University. She has served for many years in the Branson School district as both an elementary teacher and school counselor. Pam has been married to her husband Gary have been married since 1997. They have two sons and enjoy spending time with family on Table Rock Lake.

Rachel H. Hillmer, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Rachel H. Hillmer, LPC

Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor experienced in counseling couples, adults and teens. She previously spent 14 years as a high school counselor and, more recently, as a therapist in private practice with Eaglecrest Counseling in Springfield, MO. She has a passion for helping couples find healing in their marriage relationships and considers it a blessing to work with couples through Hope Restored Marriage Intensives. She and her husband Ted lived in many areas of the United States during his career with the National Park Service. Calling Table Rock Lake in MO their home now, they love spending time with their 3 daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and friends.

Hannah Littlepage, MS, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Hannah Littlepage, MS, LPC

Hannah is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who earned her Master’s degree from Evangel University. For nearly a decade, she worked with an inpatient residential population of adolescents and families in crisis, and is an EMDR trained therapist. Hannah and her husband have been married since 2012, and have one child. They serve in ministry together focusing on youth, their families, and discipleship. She considers it an honor to work alongside couples at Hope Restored and a blessing to be a part of the Focus on the Family team.

Todd Monroe, LMSW

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Todd Monroe, LMSW

Todd has been serving families with emotional needs since 1992. Beginning his career with foster care children, he has worked in psychiatric settings, as a Counseling pastor, and at his outpatient practice, Grand Rapids Therapy Group. Todd completed his BA in Psychology at Cornerstone University and his MSW at Grand Valley State University. He and his wife Kathleen are raising their blended family of 5 together. His passions include fatherhood, golfing, nature, music, and seeking the heart of his Savior on a daily basis.

Vicki Morgan, LPC, LMFT

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Vicki Morgan, LPC, LMFT

Vicki received her Master’s degree in Counseling from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Vicki enjoys coming along side individuals, couples, and families as they seek personal wellbeing and restored relationships. She served in ministry for many years with her husband, Bruce, and has been an intensive therapist for Focus on the Family since 2014. Vicki and Bruce have been married since 1984. They have four grown sons, four lovely daughters-in-law, and have been blessed with grandchildren.

Alex Muzichuk, MA, LPC, S-MFT

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Alex Muzichuk, MA, LPC, S-MFT

Alex Muzichuk received his Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Counseling from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. He practices as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri and Michigan. Furthermore, as an ordained minister, Alex brings years of ministry experience and awareness of the ministry dynamics that influence family life. He speaks Russian, Ukrainian, and English. Alex’s Slavic heritage brings a new perspective to family life in American culture. Alex married Natalie in 2006, with their children they enjoy traveling and doing ministry as a family.

Cynthia Nicholson, MA, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Cynthia Nicholson, MA, LPC

As a licensed counselor and featured speaker in churches and conferences for over thirty years throughout the United States and Latin America, Cynthia has focused on marriage and home and women’s issues. Cynthia has been working with Focus on the Family since 2005, bringing insights from a cross-cultural perspective. Having served with her husband, Richard, fourteen years as missionaries in Argentina and Mexico, they continue to travel extensively, providing marriage seminars in Spanish-speaking venues.

Jeff Olson, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Jeff Olson, LPC

Jeff is an LPC in Michigan. He received a MA in Counseling from Colorado Christian University. Before joining the Hope Restored team, he maintained a private counseling practice for 27 years. Jeff has specialized training in Attachment Theory and training to address the long-term effects of trauma. He has worked as a writer and editor for Our Daily Bread Ministries. Jeff and his wife Diane have been married over 30 years and have two daughters. Along with bow hunting and taking walks with his English Lab, he spends his spare time trolling the waters of the Great Lakes for salmon and trout.

Ryan Pannell, MA, LMFT

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Ryan Pannell, MA, LMFT

Ryan Pannell is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist and a licensed minister. Prior to coming to Focus on the Family, he was the Director of Counseling at Doulos Ministries in Branson, Missouri, for 6 years. Previously, Ryan was the founder and director of the Woodland Hills Counseling Center in Branson. He was also a Baptist minister in Oklahoma for 6 years before entering the counseling profession. Ryan and his wife Brenda have been married since 1996 and have 1 daughter, 3 sons and a son-in-law.

Tanya L. Parker, MS, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Tanya L. Parker, MS, LPC

Tanya is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Missouri since 2007. She attained her Master of Science degree from Evangel University in 2006. She has had the privilege to work with individuals, couples, and families through many of life’s trials. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), as well as couple’s therapy. She is the wife of a Nazarene Pastor, Robert Parker, in Cassville, MO, and feels blessed to have the opportunity to work with Focus on the Family and the Hope Restored Intensives.

Nikki Pinkley, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Nikki Pinkley, LPC

Nikki is a licensed professional counselor in Missouri. Nikki has worked in the private practice setting since 2008. She is the founding director of Restoring Wellness Counseling, LLC. Nikki is thrilled to be a part of the Focus on the Family team and considers it a blessing to have the opportunity to serve as a vessel to couples who seek the full potential of their relationships. Nikki and her husband, Matt, have been married since 2008 and enjoy spending time with their daughter and son.

Ryan Rose, LLPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist
(photo coming soon)

Ryan Rose, LLPC

Ryan is a pastor and LLPC in Michigan. He received his MA in counseling from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has been married to his wife, Joanna, for 19 years and they have four children ranging in age from mid-teens to preschool. One of his favorite pastimes is hanging out at a rustic cabin in the woods that he and his family have been working on for the last few years. His prayer is to help people struggling in their marriage to move toward health and repair their relationship with God and with each other.

Scott Schmidt, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Scott Schmidt, MS, LPC

Scott received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and his Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Evangel University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Missouri. Scott has also worked in private practice since 2013. He joined the team at Focus Marriage Institute in 2017. Scott and his wife Penny married in 1998 and are blessed with three wonderful children, one son and two daughters. Scott loves family time, vacations, and holidays spent together. He and his wife are also active in their church, serving together as volunteers. Some of Scott's other interests include reading, woodworking, and spending time in outdoor activities.

Shar Schroyer, MA, LLP

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Shar Schroyer

Shar is committed to the ever changing challenges and blessings in marriage because a strong marriage is a picture of Christ's love for the church. She believes the FOTF marriage materials have enriched her own marriage and she is excited to participate in that process with other couples. Shar received her undergraduate degree from Cornerstone University, her masters in counseling from Western Michigan University and she has completed course work in Health Psychology, at the doctorate level. She has been married since 1982, has three grown children, and five grandchildren. In her off-time, Shar enjoys living on a rural hobby farm with her husband and chickens, as well as the dog, Ruger AKA the wonder spaniel.

Eric Joseph (Joey) Staples, MS, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Eric Joseph (Joey) Staples, MS, LPC

Eric Joseph (Joey) Staples has a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Educational Psychology from Baylor University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Louisiana, a Certified Family Counselor and a Board-Certified Professional Christian Counselor. As an Ordained Minister, Joey is the Family Life Pastor at First Baptist Church in Branson, Missouri. In his role at the church, Joey oversees family growth, leads several Bible Study classes, and counsels with individuals, couples, families and groups. After 30+ years in the field, he joined the Focus team in 2015 and considers it an honor to come along side couples in their time of need. Joey and his wife Jeanie have been married since 1981 and live in Branson. They have a wonderful son and daughter and a bunch of fun, beautiful grandchildren.

Kara Stone, MA,LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Kara Stone, MA,LPC

Kara is a Licensed Professional Counselor serving in the St. Louis and surrounding areas since 2008. In 2012, she established M.O.V.E. (Making Our Vows Eternal) Christian Counseling and is a certified Practitioner in the Aroma Freedom Technique using essential oils in her therapy. Kara desires to instill in her clients hope for their future, freedom from their past, and offer tools to embrace what they are given each day. She is excited to empower couples through Focus on the Family so marriages can heal, families can be restored, and communities can be impacted by Christ-centered marriages and families. She has been married to her husband, Tim, since 2012 and they have 4 children.

Laura Tate, MS, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Laura Tate, MS, LPC

Laura received her Bachelor’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Central Bible College and her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Evangel University. Laura is a License Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. Laura also works in private practice at McGuire Christian Counseling and serves as a care pastor alongside her husband, Andy. Laura and Andy married in 1992 and have three grown sons and three daughters-in-law.

M. Kelly Ward, MA, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

M. Kelly Ward, MA, LPC

Kelly Ward, MA, LPC received his master's degree in Counseling Psychology from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Missouri and Texas, and an ordained minister. Raised in a pastor's home and being in ministry for over 30 years himself, Kelly has a deep understanding of family life in ministry and in the church. He has a private practice in Texas with experience in marriage, PTSD, parenting and attachment. Kelly has been married to his high school sweetheart, Alisa, since 1988. They have four children and several grandchildren. Kelly and Alisa also direct Sole Mission, a nonprofit organization provided new shoes to kids in need across the United States.

Monique Wells, MA, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Monique Wells, MA, LPC

Monique (a Canadian) and Grant (a New Zealander) were married in 1993 and have two beautiful daughters, Emma Clare and Phoebe. They moved to Rome, GA in 2006 to join the adjunct faculty of WinShape Marriage and for Monique to partner with Battlefield Ministries, a ministry that focuses on Christian marriages and couples. Along with a private practice Monique partners with Grant to lead marriage retreats and Bible studies.

Janet Williams, MA, LPC, LLP, MAML

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Janet Williams, MA, LPC, LLP, MAML

Janet earned her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, from Spring Arbor University. She also earned a second Master’s in Ministry Leadership from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. She is a licensed professional counselor and a master’s level licensed psychologist in the state of Michigan. She and her husband Terence have 2 adult children and two grandchildren. In her free time she enjoys traveling and ministering with her husband. Janet feels very blessed to be able to be a part of Focus on the Family by coming alongside couples as they journey towards the divine design God had in mind! .

Terence W. Williams, LMSW, MAML

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Terence W. Williams, LMSW, MAML

Terence (Terry) is a fully licensed social worker with the State of Michigan. He has worked as a professional counselor since earning a Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University in 1990. Terry is honored to join the Focus on the Family team and hopes to be used by the Lord to be a blessing to couples. Terry specializes in substance abuse, and gambling addiction. Terry has been married to his wife Janet for more than thirty-five years and they have 2 adult children and 2 grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys comedies, traveling, and reading.

Tim Williams, PhD, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Tim Williams, Ph.D., LPC

Tim received his Master’s Degree in Education from Missouri Baptist University and a PhD in Counseling from Liberty University. He is a licensed professional counselor in Missouri. In addition to his work as a therapist, Tim contributes to the therapist training program and is involved in new product development. Tim and his wife Carol live in the Branson area and have been married over 35 years.

Kathy Wingo, EdD, LPC, LMFT

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Kathy Wingo, EdD, LPC, LMFT

Kathy earned her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Counselor Education from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She is licensed as both a Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her counseling work began as an elementary school counselor in 1985 and after five years, she transitioned to work in private practice for many years. Kathy joined the Focus team in 2015. and considers it an honor to come alongside couples in their time of need. Kathy and her husband Richard have been married since 1994 and have one grown son.

Sarah Young, MA, LPC

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Sarah Young, MA, LPC

Sarah holds a Master’s in Counseling from Spring Arbor University, and has counseled individuals and couples for over a decade. She enjoys engaging people in the reality of the richness of God’s plan, and how He flips brokenness for His glory. Sarah has a specific heart for intimacy issues, and holds specialized training in sex therapy from the Institute for Sexual Wholeness. Prior to joining the Focus team, she was in private practice at the Winning at Home Wellness Center. She and her husband, Lance, have been married since 2003, and have three children.

Meet Our Aftercare Coaches

Yolie Brown

Aftercare Coach

Yolie Brown

Yolie is a bilingual Spanish-English Certified Hope Restored Aftercare Coach and has been with Focus on the Family for over 20 years. As a certified minister with the Assemblies of God in the US, Yolie integrates the professional aspect of coaching with a biblically based approach. Encouraging couples in their journey to healing and restoration is one of her true joys in life. Yolie is married to Jeffrey and lives in Colorado Springs with their two children.

Wendy Brown

Aftercare Coach
(Photo coming soon)

Wendy Brown

Wendy is a provisionally Certified Hope Restored Aftercare Coach with Focus on the Family. Coaching couples as they journey toward all that God has for them and their marriage is her passion. She especially enjoys working with couples who feel emotionally disconnected and weary in their relationship. Wendy has gained practical experience through 25+ years of marriage, ministry, parenting 3 children, & cross-cultural living. She and her husband Andrew live in Colorado Springs where they enjoy exploring small towns and hiking.

Jenny Coffey, MA

Aftercare Coach

Jenny Coffey, MA

Jenny Coffey is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and has received advanced coursework in life coaching from the Professional Christian Coaching Institute. In addition to helping couples through basic conflict resolution and communication issues, she also comes alongside those dealing with affairs, miscarriage, infertility, child loss, divorce recovery, and postpartum issues.

Tricia Cunningham, MA, MFT

Aftercare Coach

Tricia Cunningham

Tricia Cunningham, MA, MFT, is a Professional Life Coach who serves couples by helping support and equip them in achieving their goals of a successful relationship. In addition to coaching, Tricia is a licensed counselor and has a private practice in La Quinta, CA called Restoration Counseling.

Scott Jones

Aftercare Coach

Scott Jones

Scott Jones has studied with the Professional Christian Coaching Institute and has a passion to serve marriages. In 2003 while in a crisis of their own, Scott and his wife Cathy attended an intensive in MO. They accepted a miracle of restoration and still use the tools they learned. For 30+ years Scott has served in senior level positions of multiple businesses. He has degrees in Management & Marketing from Ball State University and is pursuing a MA in Organizational/Servant Leadership.

Yale Kushner

Aftercare Coach
(Photo coming soon)

Yale Kushner

Yale is a provisionally Certified Hope Restored Aftercare Coach with Focus on the Family. Prior to his time with Focus on the Family, Yale served with CRU for over three decades, coaching, discipling and training in several locations around the US including ten years internationally. Yale’s 41 years of marriage, raising four children and overall life experience have equipped him to be present, empathetic and responsive to most dynamics experienced in marriage.

Heather Larson

Aftercare Coach

Heather Larson

Heather married her husband Peter Larson, PhD., in 1995. Together, they teach, coach and write. They have co-authored four books with David and Claudia Arp. Heather has worked with hundreds of intensive alumni couples since 2013.

Glenn W. Lutjens, MA

Aftercare Coach

Glenn W. Lutjens, MA

Glenn Lutjens is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and has been with Focus on the Family for over 25 years. He received advanced coursework in life coaching from the Professional Christian Coaching Institute.Prior to his time with Focus on the Family, Glenn served as an associate pastor in pastoral care at Pascack Bible Church in Hillsdale, New Jersey. He met his wife, Elizabeth, at Nyack College in New York.

Russ Rainey, PhD, BCC

Aftercare Coach

Russ Rainey, PhD, BCC

Dr. Rainey is a Board Certified Coach who has received training from the Institute for Life Coach Training, Transformational Leadership Coaching, and Valwood Christian Coaching Institute. He has practiced as a professional coach for 14 years. Russ has served as Vice-President for Coaching Services at a Christian non-profit and has authored two Christian books and is working on a third about codependency.

Terry Shank

Aftercare Coach

Terry Shank

Terry Shank is a Certified Professional Life Coach with Professional Christian Coaching Institute and the founder of Selah Coaching Services. He has worked with the WinShape Foundation since 2003 where he and his wife, Theta, currently serve as hosts for marriage intensive programs.

Erin Smalley

Aftercare Coach

Erin Smalley, MS

Erin has worked at Focus on the Family as a Marriage Strategist Spokesperson and develops content, conducts interviews, and speaks at marriage and women's events. Erin has a B.S. in Nursing and worked as a nurse for many years. She has enjoyed working with her husband, Dr. Greg Smalley, doing marriage intensives and speaking at marriage seminars across the world. Together the Smalleys encourage couples toward developing a deeply satisfying marriage.

John Thorington, DMin

Aftercare Coach

John Thorington, DMin

John is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and has received advanced coursework in life coaching from the Professional Christian Coaching Institute. John worked in the church as a pastor for 30 years and has helped individuals and families in the areas of sexual integrity recovery since 1999. He is the author of Pure Teens: Honoring God, Sex, and Relationships.

MT Wilson, MS, PCC

Aftercare Coach

MT Wilson, MS, PCC

MT Wilson is a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, having received training from both the Institute for Life Coach Training and the Professional Christian Coaching Institute. MT has a coaching business that serves individuals and marriages in the areas of sexual integrity recovery & marital health. MT maintains a coaching business and oversees ministry dedicated to promoting health among ministry leaders. He has authored three Christian books.

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Hope Restored

Thank you! We’ve received your inquiry about our Hope Restored marriage counseling intensives. Your concern is important to us. A reply may be expected no later than 2 business days. Please call 866.875.2915 if you are in a crisis situation.

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