Meet Our Team of Expert Counselors
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 Finding Ever After.
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
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
Clinical Site Supervisor, Missouri
Brett K. Sparks, PsyD
Dr. Brett Sparks is a licensed psychologist who joined the Intensive team in 2003. He currently serves as an Intensive therapist as well as contributor to the aftercare and research programs for Focus on the Family. Dr. Sparks and his wife, Jennifer, live in Branson, MO. They have experienced the challenges and joys of marriage since their journey began in 1993. They spend much of their time today trying to keep up with their three children.
Sara Lynema, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Clinical Site Supervisor, Michigan
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, GA
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, a daughter-in law, and two grandchildren. 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.
Stephen Bell, PhD, LMFT
Marriage Intensive Therapist
Stephen Bell, PhD, LMFT
Dr. Bell is an Associate Professor at the College of the Ozarks. In addition to Dr. Bell’s work at the College of the Ozarks, he is Co-Founder of Family Fanatics, LLC. Family Fanatics offers various services to strengthen marriages/families. Dr. Bell and his wife, Tracy, reside in Branson, Missouri with their three daughters and son. Dr. Bell feels very honored and blessed that God has opened up an opportunity for him 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
Verlette Berndt is a licensed professional counselor in Missouri. She received her MA in Counseling from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. For ten years, she served as a counselor and Director of Counseling at Doulos Ministries/Shelterwood. Since 2005, she has been an intensive therapist at Focus on the Family. Verlette was also a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God for 10 years, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Bible, Pastoral Ministries and Youth Ministries from Central Bible College in Missouri. Verlette and her husband Chris were married in 1999 and have two daughters.
Ken Bryant, PhD, LPC, NCC
Marriage Intensive Therapist
Ken Bryant, PhD, LPC, NCC
Ken Bryant has his M.S. in Counseling from Pittsburg State University and his PhD in Counseling from the University of North Texas-Denton; a BA in Sacred Literature and a BA in Psychology. Ken is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Colorado and a National Certified Counselor. Ken serves as the founder and President of Oak Tree Marriage & Family Ministries. He also served as a church pastor for over 30 years. Ken and his wife Carol have been married over 45 years. They have 4 sons, 25 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Lisa Butler, EdS, LPC
Marriage Intensive Therapist
Lisa Butler, EdS, LPC
Lisa has a MA degree in Educational Psychology and an Education Specialist degree in school psychology from the University of Colorado-Denver. Lisa worked as a school psychologist for 20 years. Lisa was an active member of the Crisis Response Team in CO and provided assistance to children in crisis, including those impacted by the Columbine shootings. As a Licensed
Professional Counselor, Lisa provides counseling as well as teaching her parenting program, Positive & Powerful Christian Parenting, at McGuire Christian Counseling. Lisa and her husband Charlie were married in 1998 and have 2 boys.
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 Christian sex therapist and a licensed Assembly of God minister. Rachelle is passionate about coming alongside couples experiencing any type of relational conflict. 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.
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.
Alana Cummings, MS, LPC
Marriage Intensive Therapist
Alana Cummings, MS, LPC
Alana earned her MS Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Evangel University and is an LPC in Missouri. In addition to her work at Focus, she counsels students at College of the Ozarks and at Gateway Counseling Center in Springfield, Missouri. Alana has a passion for treating individuals who have survived trauma and is a trained EMDR therapist. She has been married to her husband, Rich, for 23 years and they have two teenage sons. Alana feels honored to be a part of the Hope Restored team.
Thom Daubenspeck, DMin, MDiv, LLMSW
Marriage Intensive Therapist
Thom Daubenspeck, DMin, MDiv, LLMSW
Thom has his BA degree in Psychology and Sociology from Hope and Westmont Colleges, his M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell, Moravian, and Western Theological Seminaries, and his D.Min. in Christian Spirituality from Fuller
Theological Seminary. He received his MSW and Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse from Western Michigan University.
Thom is a licensed and ordained Minister. Thom has also served as a Clinical Therapist with those who struggle with substance use and mental health. Thom and his wife Susie and have been married 30 years.
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 at McGuire Christian Counseling. Jonathan is a licensed minister and served as a worship leader and pastoral care minister for many years in churches in Missouri and Massachusetts.
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 for over 30 years. They have two sons and enjoy spending time with family on Table Rock Lake.
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. Vicki and Bruce have been married since 1984 and live in Branson, MO. They have four sons, four lovely daughters-in-law, and five 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 is licensed with Missouri and Michigan as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). 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; they have 4 children.
Jill Nagelkirk, LLPC
Marriage Intensive Therapist
Jill Nagelkirk, LLPC
Jill received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology & Theology from Trinity Christian College, and her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Michigan University. She started Boundless Life Counseling, where she sees many people with trauma, using her training in EMDR. She is blessed to volunteer with the Jubilee Centre in Zambia where much training is focused on trauma education. Jill and her husband Matt enjoy spending time outside, running, kayaking, and researching new travel adventures.
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 the Focus on the Family for ten years, 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, Ryan 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. Ryan 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 and 3 sons.
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.
Geoff Reddick, PhD, LMFT
Marriage Intensive Therapist
Geoff Reddick, PhD, LMFT
Geoff and his wife Lindsey both attended John Brown University for graduate school and trained under Dr. Gary Oliver & Dr. Greg Smalley while cultivating their passion for working with couples and families. Before joining the Focus on the Family team, Geoff worked as a therapist in a primary health care clinic, university counseling centers, a victim advocacy center, adolescent group homes, and an elementary school. Geoff continues to speak in the MFT field at the international, national, and state levels.
Scott Schmidt, MS, 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 also works in private practice at McGuire Christian Counseling. Scott and his wife Penny married in 1998 and are blessed with three wonderful children, two daughters
and one son. Their family makes regular trips to visit Michigan where the grandparents and extended family reside. Scott and Penny are very active in serving together at their church. Scott’s other interest include reading, woodworking, and spending time outdoors.
Eric Joseph (Joey) Staples, MS, LPC
Marriage Intensive Therapist
Eric Joseph (Joey) Staples, MS, LPC
Eric Joseph (Joey) Staples is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the Family Life Pastor at First Baptist Church in Branson, Missouri. Joey is an ordained minister, is licensed as a Professional Counselor in Louisiana and Missouri. In his role, Joey oversees family growth in the church and counsels with individuals, marriages and families from all over southern Missouri. Joey says his greatest joy in life is his family. Jeanie and Joey have been married for 35 years and have two adult 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 Licensed 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 one daughter-in-law.
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.
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, later transitioning to private practice. After 30+ years in the field, she 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
Jenny Coffey, MA
Aftercare Coach
Jenny Coffey, MA
Jenny has worked as a professional therapist for over six years, with special focus on couples and women. In addition to helping couples through basic conflict resolution and communication issues, she also comes alongside those dealing with intense hurts, such as 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.
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 has been a counselor with Focus on the Family for over 23 years. He also provides counseling in Colorado Springs as a marriage and family therapist. "When people are willing to work together to grow, significant change can happen, especially if Christ is their source of strength and direction.”
Russ Rainey, PhD, BCC
Aftercare Coach
Russ Rainey, PhD, BCC
Dr. Rainey has practiced as a professional Board Certified Coach for 14 years. He is also a trained counselor and a trained addiction counselor. Russ has been on church staffs, worked for a Christian psychiatric hospital, and served as VP at a Christian nonprofit. Russ has authored two books and is working on a third. He and his wife live in Colorado Springs. They have two adult sons.
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.
John Thorington, DMin
Aftercare Coach
John Thorington, DMin
John is a professional counselor and has worked in the church as a pastor for 30 years. John has helped individuals and families in the areas of sexual integrity recovery since 1999. Along with serving as a counselor with Focus on the Family, John maintains a private practice. He is the author of Pure Teens: Honoring God, Sex, and Relationships.
MT Wilson, MS, PCC
Aftercare Coach
MT Wilson, MS, PCC
MT worked as a professional counselor for over 20 years and a sex therapist for more than 10 years before transitioning his private counseling practice into a coaching business that serves individuals and marriages in the areas of sexual integrity recovery as well as overall marital health. MT is also the author of 3 books.
