Together We Change Stories
”Cornerstone Counseling is a trusted group of professional counselors that I regularly refer people to from my pastoral counseling encounters.
Ken Murphy
Our History and Beliefs
When Cornerstone opened in 2012, it was our desire to be a place where each and every person who entered our doors, no matter how big or small their problems were, would feel cared for, safe, and important. We wanted individuals, couples and families to be treated with distinct care and to help them better connect to their community: their doctors, their schools, their churches, their sponsors…anyone who might be able to facilitate their healing process.
Jesus was clear when he said “…In this life, you will have trouble…” (John 16:33). When trouble comes our way, our faith can be tested to its core. At Cornerstone, we believe that faith plays an integral role in the lives of our clients, regardless of the specifics of what they believe. As Christian counselors, we believe our faith guides us in the counseling process with each person we see. Please know, however, that we work with people from all backgrounds, including religious and non-religious belief systems.
We do not seek to impose our beliefs upon others, but we do recognize that our beliefs impact and shape our work with clients. Ultimately, it is our goal to see our clients living out balanced and healthy lives –spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Whether you are seeking individual, couples, marriage, or family counseling, you will find that your counselor is sympathetic to the role faith plays in your life.
"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone..." Mark 12:10-11
Our Team
Lee is the Founder and Clinical Director of Cornerstone and has been counseling since 2006. A native of the Mississippi Delta, he attended Delta State University and later Mississippi College where he received his M.S. in Counseling Psychology. He is a nationally board certified, Licensed Professional Counselor. When it comes to his career, Lee has had a very diverse background spending over ten years in sales and management in both the wireless and pharmaceutical industries. Lee later served on staff at Pinelake Church for a number of years.
Since being in private practice, Lee has worked with adolescents, families, marriages and individuals addressing a variety of topics. He specializes in marriage and family dynamics, anxiety and depression and working with those who serve in the ministry. In addition to his work in private practice, Lee is a sought after speaker at churches, retreats and events.
He believes that change in a person occurs in the context of relationships and vulnerability. Being fully known, fully accepted and being reminded of the life-changing truth of the Gospel is what continues to profoundly impact Lee’s life. He loves spending time with his wife, his three children, and his family and friends. He also enjoys spending time in the outdoors, drinking a great cup of coffee and listening to a wide range of music.
Pastor Reviews:
"I have tremendous confidence in Lee, not just as a counselor, but also as a friend and a man after God’s heart. At Pinelake, we define ministry as “what you leave behind you as you follow Christ.”Having served alongside Lee for over a decade, I have witnessed many lives touched by the wake of his walk with Jesus. In addition, Lee’s unique gifting, compassion and ability to speak hard truth in love gives me great confidence anytime I refer people to him."
Chip Henderson, Senior Pastor at Pinelake Church
"Lee Smith gets it. The needs of people are not just psychological but holistic. Here at Venture Church, he has created opportunities for healing through individual counseling, a referral plan for family counseling and has been on the ground floor of helping build out our Recovery Ministry. We are thankful and blessed to work alongside him."
Jeff Clark, Senior Pastor at Venture Church (Hattiesburg)
Allison is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College and her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy & Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary. Allison has worked with a diverse population ranging from pre-teens to adults and has walked through many trials such as anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and planning for the future. She desires to meet clients right where they are with deep compassion and encouragement. Her therapy style is client-centered, focusing on the client’s autonomy and resources. Her background in marriage and family therapy also influences her ability to better understand the family dynamics that shape her clients, the way they interact with others, and the way they view themselves.
Allison is a board qualified Telemental Health Provider, a Gottman level 1 trained therapist, and is certified in EMDR.
When she isn’t seeing clients, you could probably find Allison spending time with her husband, Tyler, their daughter, Evelyn, and their golden doodle, Layla. She also enjoys reading, singing, serving her church, eating good food, and traveling.
Client Reviews:
“Allison is kindness and compassion personified. She invites you to a space of comfort, while confidently and bravely guiding you through deep fears and hurts to freedom and peace. She sees all clients as children of God and people of worth. Because of this she is a soft place to land and a safe person to share with. Without hesitation, I would recommend Allison to anyone.”
“I am so grateful for my work with Allison as she walked with me through some of my darkest days. She cares deeply, is patient, and extends compassion unconditionally. I will continue to use the skills I gained while working with her throughout the rest of my life!”
Ever since Anna was a young child, she wanted to become a counselor. Through receiving counseling in various seasons of her life, Anna’s desire grew to serve and minister to those experiencing hardship and life transitions. Anna graduated from the University of Mississippi and spent the following two years interning with Reformed University Fellowship at Texas A&M. After her time with RUF, Anna received her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary.
Anna primarily works with preteens, adolescents, young adults and adult women on various issues such as: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, family issues and parenting, communication skills, emotional regulation, interpersonal skills and life transitions. Anna also has a Level 1 Certification in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and is a Prepare-Enrich Premarital Counseling Facilitator. She is currently pursuing her LPC and is under the supervision of Dr. Kristen Jones. In her free time you will find her watching a movie, working on an art project or spending time with her husband (Matt) and puppy (Fenway).
Client Reviews:
“Anna is a freedom focused therapist. She, so beautifully, is able to look at the big picture in order to see the heart of the problem, hurt, or need. Once discovered, Anna unwaveringly sits with her clients in that problem, hurt, or need and walks with them out to freedom. She is unafraid of the challenges her clients face, and compassionately helps them find comfort, peace, and joy. I would highly recommend Anna to anyone who is seeking wise, Godly counsel!” - Client of Anna’s
"Anna has helped me be honest with myself and given me a safe, comfortable space to be honest with others too.. the process of counseling has transformed the way I think about and operate in daily life. These services have been truly invaluable to me."
Anne Overton’s personal journey in counseling fostered her desire to help other people experience healing and restoration in their own lives. In counseling, she found a safe place to come and piece together her life story in ways that promoted self-awareness and alleviated hurt from past experiences. Through experiencing the power of feeling known, understood, and accepted in her own counseling journey, Anne Overton hopes to offer this for her clients through a therapeutic relationship.
In her previous work as a ministry intern for both high schoolers and college students, Anne Overton gained understanding of the importance of providing a space for people to wrestle with the difficulties of life and come to a deeper realization of the unique stories God is writing in their lives. She views it as a privilege to walk alongside her clients in working towards their goals in counseling.
Anne Overton is a Provisional-Licensed Professional Counselor working towards becoming fully licensed in the state of Mississippi under the supervision of Hannah Hawthorne. She is a National Certified Counselor and Board Certified-Telemental Health Provider, allowing her to work with clients remotely. Anne Overton gained her Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University.
In addition to counseling, Anne Overton serves part time as one of Cornerstone’s Administrative Assistants.
After growing up in Jackson and attending Ole Miss for undergrad, Anne Overton spent a short time in Memphis, TN with her husband Matt while pursuing her Masters degree. Anne Overton and Matt are excited to be back in the Jackson area and you can most likely find them exploring one of Jackson’s many restaurants or spending time with friends in front of their outdoor fireplace.
Beth is a biblical counselor on staff at Cornerstone Counseling. As a graduate of the University of Mississippi, Beth comes to Cornerstone after many years of practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist. During these years, she cared for children and counseled families at Blair Batson Children’s Hospital. She also was an adjunct instructor for undergraduate students at the University of Mississippi. Beth has spent much of her life as a mentor to adolescent girls through Young Life ministry and she is active in leading women’s bible study at her local church. She has two passions: a love for the gospel and meeting people where they are. These two loves led her to feel called to change careers and become a biblical counselor.
Beth received her Masters in Counseling from Westminister Seminary. She also has obtained a level 1 certificate from the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundaion (CCEF). Beth is a certified Enneagram coach and received her gospel centered Enneagram training through Beth McCord's YEC program. Beth feels called to be a resource to the church and campus ministries. Suffering and struggles are universal to humanity and we all need a safe place to be honest about our hardships. Beth wants to help pastors and church leaders who often feel overwhelmed by the needs of their members. Beth is trained and has interest in issues such as grief, depression, anxiety, family conflict, parenting struggles and life transitions. In her free time, Beth is spending time with her fun loving husband (Kirk), taking care of her two children (Cooper and Luci), listening to her favorite musicians, and hanging with her three dogs (Grace, River and Emmylou).
Client Reviews:
"Beth gets grace and teaches me how to apply grace to the most complex parts of my life, including my relationship with myself. Beth relies on scripture but doesn’t use biblical platitudes to hide from what is hard or true. Beth’s counseling has given me real tools to help me work through an intense family dynamic and I have experienced tangible progress. She pushes me to know myself well and to act from that place of self-knowledge."
"From my first very appointment, Beth embraced me with unconditional love that made me feel seen and understood. She opened my eyes to the self awareness I was so deeply lacking, challenged me with grace, and wrapped applicable tools with the Word of God. Not only is Beth a remarkable therapist, she is a true Proverbs 31 woman and a role model for me. I cannot say enough good words about the profound impact Beth has had on my life. I have and will continue to recommend Beth to everyone I know. Beth has given me life long tools to be the healthiest version of myself as I take on adulthood."
Carroll’s path to professional counseling is not best represented by a straight line. Rather he believes God has orchestrated three separate and distinct careers – as a business person, staff pastor and now as a counselor - in order to prepare him to help others navigate life’s ever-
present challenges. A native Jacksonian, Carroll honed his counseling skills while serving on the staff of Pinelake church in Madison and formalized his counseling education at Liberty University, culminating in the completion of his master’s degree in Professional Counseling.
present challenges. A native Jacksonian, Carroll honed his counseling skills while serving on the staff of Pinelake church in Madison and formalized his counseling education at Liberty University, culminating in the completion of his master’s degree in Professional Counseling.
As a counselor, Carroll is especially drawn to those in crisis – marriage and family conflict, career, grief, depression, anxiety, substance abuse – but is also passionate about helping individuals and families navigate the less traumatic moments of life that seem to be a part of our everyday existence. He believes his life experience, in conjunction with his personal faith and professional training, have equipped him to be utilized by God to help others in pain.
Away from the counseling office, Carroll loves to spend time with his family, including his wife of over forty years, Sharon, two married children and multiple grandchildren. Additionally, he is a licensed general aviation pilot and enjoys cruising around in the sky.
Don Waller, a Mississippi Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) since 2009, brings a unique perspective to counseling. After graduating from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Business Administration, Don spent the next twenty years in the Oil & Gas Industry in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Running a successful business and raising a family helped prepare Don for his next calling – returning to study counseling and receiving a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mississippi College.
His counseling career began at Summit Counseling, First Baptist Church in 2007. Joining with individuals and couples to help them experience fulfilling relationships they desire became a passion. Don has been gifted in helping men discover their God given place in life, helping them break free of harmful behaviors and addictions, and helping men find strength and freedom through living in community while experiencing authentic relationships. Leading men’s retreats and adventures has further expanded Don’s impact on men's lives.
Planning and leading marriage retreats is another area of experience for Don. In 2015, Don along with Dr. Ron Mumbower held a marriage conference for missionary couples in South Africa. This conference involved intensive counseling sessions that helped couples better cope with working overseas and helped them discover new ways to find a fulfilling marriage.
Don is married to Yonnie and has two daughters and a son. Experiencing God’s best in his own marriage, family, and relationships has been a driving force in Don’s life, and he uses that success to help others find God’s best too.
Experience and education have helped Don become successful helping others with depression, anxiety, and addictions, Don’s marital counseling includes communication, conflict resolution, emotional as well as physical intimacy, dealing with affairs and trauma.
Don Waller is a dedicated counselor with experience, passion, and a desire to help others through difficult times.
Dr. Fred Hall is an author, speaker, coach, trainer, innovator, podcaster, blogger, and entrepreneur. He is a National Board Certified Counselor (NCC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), a Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH), and Licensed Professional Counselor & Supervisor for Mississippi and Louisiana.
His education includes a Doctor of Education degree in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration of Counselor Education and Supervision. He obtained a Doctorate from Argosy University and the American School of Professional Psychology. He also has a Masters of Science in Guidance and Counseling, as well as, a Masters of Public Health in Behavioral Health Education and Promotion, both from Jackson State University. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry, Counseling, and Psychology from Belhaven University.
His clinical work includes more than 30 years in clinical mental health in psychology, counseling, supervision, training, and program development. He also has 20 years of private practice and non-profit organizational leadership to his credit. His clinical specializations include working with Serious Mental Illness, Couples and Families, Marriage and Pre-Marriage, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Grief, Adjustment issues, and Anger Management.
Dr. Hall also develops and trains leaders worldwide both online and onsite. His work is inclusive of entrepreneurs, pastors and ministry leaders, corporate executives, and global business/ Not-for-profit administrators. He provides professional capacity building operations which build individuals, organizations, and businesses through professional Speaking, Coaching (Life, Spiritual, Business, and Executive), Corporate Training, and Small Group Development. He is a Leadership Consultant to businesses and organizations. Yearly, he trains and consults in Tanzania and Uganda regarding marriage education curricula, developing peer counseling models, and community/church family wellness ministry opportunities. He is a coach and counselor to Pastors and Ministry Leaders.
Kim has been an integral part of Cornerstone since it opened in 2012. She has served Cornerstone’s clients and staff in multiple ways including the processing of insurance claims, billing and payroll. Kim brings with her over 20 years of medical office management experience. She is married to Anthony and they have two daughters Laney and Haley.
Dr. Kristen Jones is a National Board-Certified Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor by the State of Mississippi.
She attended the University of Memphis where she received a B.A. in Psychology. She later graduated with an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mississippi College. Dr. Jones acquired her Doctorate in Professional Counseling from Mississippi College.
She attended the University of Memphis where she received a B.A. in Psychology. She later graduated with an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mississippi College. Dr. Jones acquired her Doctorate in Professional Counseling from Mississippi College.
Dr. Jones has years of experience and research, giving her specific insight to working with anxiety, depression, and normal life adjustments. She works with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and attachment disorders. Her understanding of the world of adolescents helps her bridge the communication gap between parents and teens.
Through her research and hands on experience with trauma, attachment and life adjustments; she is passionate about helping families heal. Whether from adoption, divorce, or foster care. She has a heart for helping families navigate various aspects of life.
For those who are ready to do a deep dive into behavior and unconscious motivations, Dr. Jones uses enneagram knowledge and language to help shed light on unconscious motivations that keep us stuck in the same patterns of behaving and feeling.
Dr. Jones enjoys working with the local Jackson community. She partners with schools in the Jackson area to teach middle school and high school students about anxiety. Additionally, Dr. Jones partners with local foster care and adoptive communities to inform them of the impact of trauma on attachment and behaviors. She also offers workshops on body language, and mental health awareness.
Laura graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and concentration in Communications and Public Relations. Originally from Starkville, MS, Laura previously worked at Pinelake Church as administrative support staff before taking time off to raise her daughter, Ellie. Laura is married to Tyler Smith, who is the Campus Worship Pastor at Pinelake Church Oxford, where they are active members.
Lauren has worked at Cornerstone for the past five years covering office administration and billing. As we have grown, her role has become more focused on billing and insurance.
Lauren grew up in Atlanta and graduated from the University of Mississippi, where she met her husband, Lee. After they married, they lived in Charlotte, NC for a few years. During that time, she helped in the front office at a Christian counseling center called The Barnabas Center. It was through this ministry, she began to value and understand the importance of seeking counseling through all the different seasons of life.
After moving from North Carolina to the Jackson area nearly 20 years ago, she worked in the counseling office at Jackson Academy. When her first son was born, she came home to focus on raising their family. She and Lee have 3 sons and are active members of Pinelake Church in Madison.
A native Jacksonian, Leah has been working to serve her community through counseling since 1992. Frederick Buechner once said, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Leah views counseling as an ideal conduit for God to bring healing and hope.
A graduate of Samford University and Reformed Theological Seminary, Leah earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. She furthered her training post Master’s at Mississippi College to obtain licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Leah has also completed Level 3 practicum training in Gottman Method couples therapy. After working as the high school guidance counselor at Jackson Academy and starting her family, Leah decided to focus as a private practice clinician. She specializes in working with clients struggling with marital conflict, betrayal, divorce, cancer diagnosis/treatment, trauma, depression, anxiety, infertility, addiction, grief, abuse, adolescent adjustment and women’s issues.
Lily graduated from the University of Mississippi with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in May of 2020. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University online. She is from Memphis, Tennessee but has lived in Oxford, Mississippi for the past 5 years. Lily enjoys being outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and being active. Psalms 55:22 22 “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a National Board Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), and a Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH). She enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families. She has a Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling.
Her background includes working on a church staff, teaching in a college on the mission field, working as a foster parent at a children’s home, working in the medical field and in corporate sales, and being a small business owner. While raising her children, Lisa also invested her time in mentoring relationships. Lisa’s work in business has given her insight into work-related issues and career decisions. She has decades of experience in resolving difficult individual, family, business and church relationships. She works to use the most appropriate method with those experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, parenting struggles, blended family, and age-related issues.
Lisa has been married for 45 years and enjoys spending time with her family and being a big part of the lives of her six grandchildren. She also enjoys traveling, cooking, swimming, hiking, and cycling.
McKenzie graduated from Mississippi College in August of 2020 with a degree in Interpersonal Communications and plans on pursuing a graduate degree and career in counseling.
McKenzie thoroughly enjoys working at Cornerstone because of the opportunity to connect with and be a helping hand to clients and other staff members.
McKenzie also enjoys teaching and playing the piano, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Morgan is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). Morgan attended the University of Mississippi where she received a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She attended Auburn University where she received a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She completed an Education Specialist degree from the University of Mississippi in Play Therapy.
Morgan spent the first 4 years of her career working in community mental health in Jackson Metro area. Working with both the child and adult populations, Morgan’s focus is with children ages 3-20. Morgan is experienced in both individual and family counseling, as well as Play Therapy. Morgan is skilled at working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, oppositional defiance, anger outbursts, trauma and abuse history, psychosis, Tourette’s, the struggles of being in foster care, attachment concerns, substance use, suicidal ideation, and self-harming behaviors.
Because you can’t expect change in a family system by only working with one part of the system, Morgan believes in working with the child, and parents, on a regular basis. Working with children and parents on a regular basis, bridges the gap of communication and understanding, where true healing can occur. Morgan also enjoys working with adults who are experiencing stage of life struggles and substance use. As someone who has suffered with infertility, Morgan is passionate about issues of infertility and the emotional toll that occurs during the infertility process.
Morgan enjoys spending time with her family and husband, Kyle, reading, and cooking. She also enjoys traveling to visit family and friends. Morgan and her husband, Kyle, are active members of First Ridgeland Baptist Church.
Sheri found herself working at an all-girls Christian camp every summer throughout college, which sparked a love for working with children and ministering to them. After an internship with Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) at Ole Miss, she began a masters degree in community counseling at the University of Mississippi, graduating in 2004, to further prepare herself for a career helping others. Her passion is working with children through the means of play therapy. Upon graduation, she worked for several years with children, specializing in trauma recovery, at The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. After a stent home rearing her children, Sheri has returned to the counseling office and ready to serve.
Sheri takes an integrative approach to counseling children where parents are involved and educated throughout the process. Sheri has a passion for helping parents better understand their child and how to fit his/her needs in a loving, grace-filled way. She primarily works with children (3-10 yrs old) in the playroom and their parents who are dealing with anxiety, depression, learning disorders, trauma, and life-transitions. Sheri also sees adolescents (11-17 yrs old) and individual females.
Sheri is a national certified counselor (NCC) and is pursuing her LPC with the state of Mississippi under the supervision of Dr. Jennier Main. She is also working on her Telemental Health certification to be able to service clients remotely.
When not in the office, you can find Sheri spending time with her husband of 17 years (Clay) and two very active children, Sydney and Josh. We love anything outdoors and time with friends!
Stephanie worked in the behavioral healthcare field for 23 years predominantly in outreach and crisis intervention for Memorial Behavioral Health, Pine Grove, and Three Oaks Behavioral Health. For approximately 17 of those years, she was licensed as a marriage and family therapist. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from The University of Southern Mississippi. In 2011, Stephanie felt led to devote more time and energy to her family and community involvement. She is married to Judge Cory Wilson and they have a teenage son. They are active members of Highlands Presbyterian Church.
Tyler is from the Jackson, MS area. After graduating from Mississippi State, he served with Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) for a year in Salerno, Italy. While in Salerno, he met his wife, Jamie, who is from Orlando, FL. After his time in Italy, he returned to work for his family's business in Jackson. While in Jackson, Tyler and Jamie felt the Lord call them to the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in order to pursue a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
After graduating from seminary, Tyler worked in Louisiana at both a hospice and community counseling agency. It was during this time that Tyler became convinced that it's the relationships we have in life that give life meaning. He enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families in order to help them reach their goals. Tyler is trained in Prepare Enrich, and he has completed Gottman Level 1 Training. He is certified in EMDR, and he will soon complete an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Externship.
Wesley is originally from Tupelo, MS, but has called the Oxford area home for the last 10 years. He is currently a Provisionally Licensed Counselor in pursuit of full-licensure with the state of Mississippi. Wesley received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Mississippi. He then worked for a short time in project management before feeling led to go back to school to pursue a career in counseling. He attended the University of Louisiana at Monroe and graduated with his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Wesley has worked with a diverse population ranging from those struggling with substance use disorders to clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has also worked with adults and families struggling to work through life’s difficulties, as well as clients within the criminal justice system helping them find resources to rebuild their lives. Wesley not only brings educational and clinical knowledge to his work, but has also worked through difficulties himself like anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions.
Wesley has worked with a diverse population ranging from those struggling with substance use disorders to clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has also worked with adults and families struggling to work through life’s difficulties, as well as clients within the criminal justice system helping them find resources to rebuild their lives. Wesley not only brings educational and clinical knowledge to his work, but has also worked through difficulties himself like anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions.
Wesley is a certified Equine Therapist specializing in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning and is also trained in EMDR.
When Wesley is not seeing clients, you may find him spending time with his wife and three children, or doing something outdoors. Wesley is an avid outdoorsman and also loves spending time on horseback.
