Mark Carpenter, LPC-MHSP 

Mark is the president and director of The Transformation and Lighthouse Counseling Center. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider Certification. Mark has a Bachelor’s Degree from Covenant College as well as a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from The Psychological Studies Institute and has been counseling since 1994. He is a licensed minister with the Church of God and is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and The Christian Association of Psychological Studies. Mark has been married to his wife since 1982, and they have one married daughter. During his childhood he lived all over the country, but he has become a converted southerner. Mark lives in Chattanooga, always dreaming of the fall. He is a learner at heart, and believes excitement is the process of learning with new experiences and friends. He is passionate about helping to create change in marriages and families along with leading others to a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. His focus areas are in Marriage and Family Therapy, Adult Counseling, Spiritual Direction and Life Coaching.

For more information about Mark and his counseling services, please visit his blog at www.connectedtogether.org, or call our administrative office during regular business hours.

Dr Tiffany Bartell, LPC-MHSP, PHD

Tiffany received her master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and her doctorate from the University of the Cumberlands.  Tiffany is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health Service Provider in the state of Tennessee and National Certified Counselor.  She is a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider, is EMDR trained through PTI and has completed Gottman Level 1 and 2 trainings for couples therapy. 

Individual clients of all ages with a variety of issues welcome Tiffany’s intuitive touch and care.  Using an integrative approach, tailored to meet the need of each client, Tiffany has a passion for helping individuals and couples work through the challenges of life.  Clients with anxiety, stress and depression or those with issues in relationships, transitions, parenting, trauma, self-esteem and abuse can find assistance and partnership in her care.  Tiffany brings compassion and empathy to each therapy session, and has a focus on developing strengths and promoting personal growth for her clients. Tiffany lives in the Chattanooga area with her husband, two children and dog.

Darrin Bartell, MSN, PMHNP-BC

If you would like to set up an appointment with Darrin, please call the office at 423-499-9335.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

I’m Darrin Bartell, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a unique and diverse background. My journey in mental health care is informed by my nursing profession, past involvement in ministry, and experience in engineering.

In my nursing profession, I’ve gained valuable insights into patient care, health assessment, and treatment planning. This foundation is complemented by my diverse background, which includes past involvement in ministry and engineering, providing me with a well-rounded perspective.

My passion lies in addressing individuals’ mental health needs comprehensively, combining medication management and psychotherapy. I believe that mental well-being can be influenced by physical, emotional, social, and hereditary aspects, and I strive to offer tailored treatment plans that reflect this understanding.

I am committed to excellence in patient care and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in psychiatric and mental health care. If you’re seeking a caring and experienced PMHNP who combines evidence-based practices with a holistic approach, it would be my privilege to partner with you on your journey toward mental well-being.

Will see clients 15 and up.

For more information about Darrin and his services, please call our administrative office during regular business hours.

Savannah Chavez, LPC- MHSP

Savannah is a Licensed Professional Counselor who graduated from Richmont Graduate University with an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and certificates in trauma counseling and marriage and family therapy.

Savannah works with children ages 3 and up, adolescents, and families. Savannah’s passion for working with children, adolescents, and families centers around her desire to help those who are hurting process their story and reach a place of healing. She has experience working with children with ADHD and behavioral problems as well as other issues such as trauma, abuse, divorce, life transitions, depression, and anxiety. Savannah is pursuing further education in play therapy, the modality most often used when working with her younger clients. Savannah has also completed training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a modality to use when working with children who have experienced traumatic life events. When working with older individuals, Savannah prefers to utilize Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques.

For more information about Savannah and her counseling services, please call our administrative office during regular business hours.

Brent Collins, LPC-MHSP

Brent is a Licensed Professional Counselor who holds a Master of Arts degree in counseling from Richmont Graduate University. He works with adults and couples and he specializes in addiction recovery, depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional issues, low self-esteem, grief and loss, relationship and family concerns, personal and emotional growth, and spiritual growth and direction. He strives to help his clients to live a healthy and balanced life. A well-balanced life includes attention given to one’s spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, and social facets. He has a passion to assist clients recover from all aspects of addictive behaviors, and to support family members of addicts who are also experiencing the fallout from their loved one’s addiction, through feeling empowered to to make difficult decisions, set personal boundaries, and learn necessary coping skills. When a client feels empowered to make changes in his/her life, there is nothing he/she cannot accomplish. Brent approaches counseling through a Christian world view to provide support and hope and facilitate change, but is respectful of those who do not share his beliefs. He believes it is possible for those who are hurting to find healing that leads to an abundant and fulfilling life.

For more information about Brent and his counseling services, please call our administrative office during regular business hours..

Grace Ford, LCSW

Grace is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Tennessee. Grace attended Austin Peay State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She then went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Social Work at University Of Tennessee prior to becoming licensed. Grace started her career working with children and over a 10 year span of time worked in the residential setting, within the foster care system, and in the home with
families. After many years with families, Grace moved into the acute care setting working with adult individuals during psychiatric hospitalization and step down treatment. Grace has continued her work with adults for the past 9 years and has been in private practice since 2019. Grace’s areas of expertise include co-dependency, adult children of alcoholics, relationship
issues, parenting struggles, caregiver fatigue, healing from loss, work stress, stage of life adjustment difficulties, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. She has a passion for educating her clients about their diagnosis and assist in identifying and embracing their strengths to become their best self. Grace currently works with adults ages 18-90

For more information about Grace and her counseling services, please call our administrative office during regular business hours.

Mark Jacocks, NCC, LPC-MHSP

Mark is a graduate of Regent University and holds a Master’s of Arts degree in
Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is licensed as a Licensed Professional
Counselor/Mental Health Service Provider. Mark is also certified as a
Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Mark holds a Christian worldview and is
willing to integrate spirituality into counseling at the client’s request. Mark
engages with clients with a variety of counseling techniques intended to focus
on the client’s belief system, allowing for social and cultural considerations,
and work toward producing change. He works with adolescents ages 15 and up
and adults, addressing post addiction recovery (beyond rehab), anxiety,
conflict resolution, depression, grief and loss, life stage transitions, personal
growth, spiritual direction growth, and trauma. Mark feels that change is
possible for the client when they possess the proper tools to work through
life’s difficulties, and when they actively participate in setting goals and
objectives at the beginning of and throughout the counseling process. He
provides opportunities for the client to evaluate circumstance, process
emotion, balance their thoughts and beliefs with their behaviors, and achieve a
balance that helps them in their ability to move forward in life.

For more information about Mark and his counseling services, please call our administrative office during regular business hours.

Machelle Johnson, LPC-MHSP

Machelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health Clinician in the state of Tennessee.  She works in areas of depression, anxiety, co-dependency, grief, substance abuse, trauma, abuse and other life controlling issues. Machelle received her Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. She serves as the co-director of Celebrate Recovery, a Christ centered 12-step recovery program. Machelle uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help change one’s thought processes, along with an eclectic approach of other evidence-based models to best help clients. She also implements a Biblical approach, which can play a role in the healing process.
She has the desire to help others find hope and joy.

“People Start To Heal The Moment They Are Heard.”–quote by Cheryl Richardson

For more information about Machelle and her counseling services, please call our administrative office during regular business hours.

Kellie Lauzon, LPC-MHSP

Kellie Lauzon graduated from Grand Canyon University where she received her Master’s in Professional Counseling with an Emphasis in Trauma. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Kellie is passionate about creating a safe place for anyone to enter and find freedom, peace, and joy. Embracing a gentle and understanding approach, she is here to create a safe space to guide individuals on a journey of self-discovery and healing by freely express themselves. 

Kellie is passionate about CBT and DBT-informed therapy. She is working towards specialization in other types of therapies over the next few years.

Kellie works with multiple types of individuals and issues including: LGBTQ+, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, lack of confidence, relationships, boundaries, communication, family issues, PTSD, trauma, life transitions, stress management, mood disorders, grief and loss, anger management, work-related adjustments, substance abuse and addiction, academic stress/struggles, communication skills, chronic illness, and interpersonal difficulties. Kellie has a special interest in those seeking holistic care on a mental, physical, and social level. Kellie looks forward to meeting you where you are in life and helping you find your way. She is dedicated to providing individual counseling sessions for those 12 years old and up. 

Kellie’s goal is to foster an atmosphere of comfort and trust, ensuring individuals feel heard and supported every step of the way.

If this interests you, let’s embark together on a path towards self-understanding and positive change.

For more information about Kellie and her counseling services, please call our administrative office during regular business hours.

Philip Neal, LPC-MHSP

For more information about Philip and his counseling services, please call our administrative office during regular business hours.

Dr. John W. Oldham, LCSW, D. Min

For more information about Dr. Oldham and his counseling services, please call our administrative office during regular business hours.

Marcus Perez, LPC-MHSP

Marcus graduated from Ball State University in Muncie Indiana in 2001, where he received his MA in Counseling Psychology with a focus on Community Counseling with focused coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis.  He practiced as a DIDD Approved Behavior Analyst for 16 years and was a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the State of Tennessee for 3 years.  He is a Licensed LPC MHSP in Tennessee, and is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor in Georgia. He has also recently become certified as a trainer of de-escalation and restraint techniques.
Marcus has a passion for helping children (7-18), adults (18-50), and families and believes finding solutions to the troubles that affect our lives leads to happiness.  He enjoys helping people who struggle with anger, anxiety, depression, and trauma, and specializes in adolescent therapy, anger management, and behavior analysis.  
Marcus believes in the importance of goal setting, establishing new behavior patterns. Marcus incorporates multiple modalities within his practice including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA),  Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Systems Theory to ensure a holistic perspective to helping others.  

Marcus is also open to seeing clients at other times if his normal business hours are not convenient.

Non Insurance Fee Scale:

Marcus offers a sliding scale fee of $75-120 with an additional $15 fee for intake sessions.

For more information about Marcus, please refer to his profile on PsychologyToday.com or call our administrative office during regular business hours.

Renee Savage, LPC-MHSP

Renee Savage is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health Service Provider. She also is a National Certified Counselor. She has been working with women, children and families to successfully increase mental health and bring about true inner healing and change with clients for over seven years. Renee provides individual, couples and family counseling to adults and children ages 4 and up. She treats individuals and families struggling with a wide range of issues including: depression, anxiety, family conflict, divorce, grief, marital issues, anger management, behavioral issues, parenting issues, PTSD, life transitions and stressors. Renee also carries a Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification that helps her clients heal emotionally from past sexual, physical, or emotional trauma and abuse. One of Renee’s most unique specialties to our team of counselors is her focus on helping women and adolescent girls break free from life-controlling behaviors and situations, including eating disorders and body image issues. Her passion and empathy empower clients to increase their self-esteem, sense of self worth and find their identity through a therapeutic and Christ centered approach. Renee lives in the Chattanooga area with her husband, two children and dog and serve as Youth Pastors within the local church.

Sarah Varnes -M.S., LMFT

Sarah is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Masters from Lee University in Cleveland, TN. Sarah additionally has an undergraduate degree in psychology. Having a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Sarah is trained to look at a client in relation to their system. This system includes the client’s family, their behaviors, relationship patterns, communication, both in and outside of the therapy session. It is important to note that a healthy system can only exist when the expectations, needs, desires, and behaviors of each person within the system have been considered. Sarah has a wide range of experience with clients of different ages and diversity. Sarah has experience in working with individuals, children (ages 6 and up), couples (married, unmarried, and premarital), families and LGBTQ clients. Sarah is passionate about sitting with clients and giving them a safe space to process their narratives. She enjoys working with issues including, but not limited to grief/loss, life transitions, anxiety/depression, low self-esteem, childhood/adult ADHD, and parenting. She has a facilitator certification for Prepare/Enrich, an assessment tool for both married and premarital couples who want to better understand and improve their relationship. Sarah utilizes Play Therapy techniques and interventions with her younger clients. Sarah’s primary therapeutic influences are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy. CBT focuses strongly on restructuring unhelpful thought patterns. Narrative therapy focuses on the client’s current story and how healing can rewrite the future narrative. Sarah has found that both modalities work well together in providing relief and healing.

Abby Wallace, LPC-MHSP, NCC

Abby is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Tennessee and Georgia, and she is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Abby graduated from Richmont Graduate University in 2012 with a Masters Degree in Professional Counseling and a specialization in Trauma Counseling. She has since continued her education in trauma counseling with EMDR Training, training in healing attachment following trauma, the impact of trauma on religion and spirituality, and military culture training. Abby specializes in seeing people of all ages with a history of trauma or abuse, including rape, childhood abuse, combat PTSD, and more, as well as assisting couples in repairing relational and communication issues. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families who are striving to make changes and improvements despite challenging circumstances, situations, and histories. When she is not counseling, Abby enjoys spending time with family, working with her art and photography, and chasing waterfalls.

Abby is also able to see clients virtually in both Tennessee and Georgia.

For more information about Abby and her counseling services, please refer to her profile on Psychologytoday.com, or call our administrative office during regular business hours

Samuel An – MA.

I recently received my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from a CACREP accredited program at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, TN and currently pursuing licensure. In addition, I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga.

I have a wide range of experience with clients of all age groups with different backgrounds and diversity, all walks of life. Most of my experience comes from counseling those struggling with addiction, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. I’m passionate about helping clients and giving them a safe place to process their struggles in life. I like to utilize Person-centered therapy using Theological counseling (God-centered counseling). 

Dr. David Banks, M.S., PhD

Dr. David Banks has a Ph.D. in Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family. He is a Certified Professional Trainer, Speaker and Coach with John Maxwell. Certified Professional Career Coach, Certified Professional Coach, and Certified Marriage Coach. Dr. Banks has expertise in Relationships, Leadership Development, Motivation and Purpose. Dr. Banks has worked in the field of personal growth, professional development and relationship development for over twenty years. He is passionate about premarital couples and married couples who wish to enhance their marriage, men dealing with finding their purpose and in need of motivation and guidance, as well as college students who would like assistance with finding direction in their lives. Dr. Banks has been married to his bride, Sylvia for thirty two years and their three kids Benjamin 30, Caleb 27 and “Princess” Maiya Banks 20.

Lora Bunn, M.A.

Lora graduated from Liberty University with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in child and family studies with a minor in psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She completed her internship with the Transformation Center in 2023 and is currently working toward fulfilling the requirements for licensure to become a licensed professional counselor.

Lora has worked for many years with children in various capacities including teaching, nannying, and internships. She uses an integrated approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a focus. When permitted, Lora incorporates a biblical worldview in sessions.

Lora has a passion for working with children, and she plans to seek further training in play therapy and family therapy. In addition, she enjoys working with teenagers, adults, and families. She desires to help clients navigate issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, managing life adjustments, creating boundaries, anger, grief, loss, and self-esteem. Overall, Lora strives to create a warm and safe environment for clients as they begin their journey of healing and growth.

Lora was born and raised in Tennessee. When not working, she enjoys visiting local coffee shops, spending time with friends and family, and reading. 

Amanda Frank, M.S.

Amanda Frank recently earned her Post Master’s license in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Tennessee Chattanooga and is working toward Tennessee state licensure. Amanda also graduated from Mississippi State University with a MS in School Counseling and a BS in Special Education.
Amanda has 10 years of experience working as a School Counselor in Tennessee and Mississippi. She has experience working with adolescents and adults of all ages.

Amanda’s passion for counseling centers around a love for the hurting and to be fully present with them. Her counseling style is client centered using an integrated approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a focus. She specializes in issues including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, suicidality, family issues, PTSD, trauma, stress, and grief. Amanda’s desire is to establish a strong rapport and trust with her clients based on their wants and needs and to provide an inviting and safe space.

Amanda has been married to her husband for 29 years. They have 2 sons and 1
daughter, all who are all married, and one granddaughter. She loves traveling and visiting with family and friends during her free time.

Valerie Gaglione, M.S.

Valerie Gaglione graduated from University of the Cumberland with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. She is currently working towards licensure to become a licensed professional counselor and mental health service provider.

Valerie is focused on serving individuals who struggle with anxiety disorders by targeting the somatic symptoms, irrational thoughts, and behavioral patterns keeping them from growing into their best versions of themselves. She also works with women struggling after traumatic experiences, navigating difficult life transitions, and healing after relationship conflicts. You do not need to navigate these difficulties alone, and she is here to walk alongside you on your healing journey toward finding meaning in your hardships and overcoming the challenges that life has thrown in your path.

Valerie utilizes evidence-based practices when working with clients to create individualized care for their mental wellness journey. She creates an integrative, unique treatment plan for each client by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Interventions, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy.

Monya Khan, M.S.

Monya is an empathetic and compassionate counselor who combines her counseling skills with previous career and life experience in education, corporate, and non-profit settings to meet the needs of a variety of clients.

She especially enjoys working with young adults, couples, and women of all ages.  Her counseling style is relational, collaborative, and client centered.  Monya uses an integrative approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a focus.

Monya graduated with a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Adventist University.  She is certified in Prepare Enrich, an evidence-based skills program for fostering healthy relationships in couples.  She has completed Attachment-based Intervention training and will continue to be a lifelong learner in a variety of modalities.

She desires to partner with her clients to help alleviate anxiety, depression, manage life adjustments, relationship challenges, anger, grief, loss, and improve self-esteem. 

Ashley Sharp – M.A.

Ashley Sharp is a recent graduate of Richmont graduate university, with an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, working toward Tennessee state licensure. Ashley also graduated from Bryan College in 2018 with a BA in Psychology with a minor in Biblical Studies.

Ashley’s passion for counseling centers around a love for the hurting and a desire to be fully present with them following in the way that Jesus was present with those in their time of need. She works with marriage and family issues, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, interpersonal relationship issues, trauma and abuse recovery, especially victims of narcissistic abuse. She enjoys working with people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Jackie Stanley – M.A.

Jackie received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University. She is a resident counselor at The Transformation Center and is working toward Tennessee licensure.

Jackie is passionate about helping people of all ages navigate the ups and downs of life. She is also passionate about family. She has a large, blended family of 8 children and 4 grandchildren. She is no stranger to suffering and loss and has many years of experience working cross-culturally in north Africa and among immigrants and refugee communities in the United States.

Jackie’s focus areas include trauma counseling, anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, grief, and recovery. Jackie is trained in EMDR and uses an eclectic therapeutic approach including Christian/biblical counseling, CBT, Family Systems, and DBT-informed therapy. She is continuing to seek training in areas of trauma intervention and play therapy.