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
After serving on a church staff for several years, Lee Smith saw his heart grow more than ever for the local church and for the state of Mississippi. He was inspired to open a private practice that would serve the community and state in both practical and unique ways.
Lee soon began to dream about a team of therapists that pastors and other professionals in the community could trust and partner with. He wanted to build a place where individuals and families would be treated with distinct care, and be better connected to their community: their doctors, their schools, their churches, their sponsors … anyone who might be able to facilitate their healing process. He also dreamed of becoming a place where clinicians could receive top-notch training and then be commissioned to serve in other areas of the state, country and world.
When Cornerstone opened in 2012, it was our desire that we become 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.
Jesus was pretty 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, teen, child, or family counseling, you will find that your counselor is sympathetic to the role faith plays in your life.
"This family is built on the teachings of the missionaries and the early preachers. Jesus Christ Himself is the cornerstone, which is the most important part of the building." Ephesians 2:20
Our Team

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 board qualified Telemental Health Provider, a Gottman level 1 trained therapist, and will be trained in EMDR fall of 2019.
When she isn’t seeing clients, you could probably find Allison playing tennis or spending time with her husband, Tyler and 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!”

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."

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."

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.

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.


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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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!


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.