Philip R. Budd, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist and for fourteen years, the Director of the Graduate Programs in Counseling at Southern Nazarene University. After graduating from Biola University with both a M.A. and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Budd was in private practice in Southern California for 10 years. Along with his clinical work, Dr. Budd has been the National Director for Crisis Counseling for Nazarene Disaster Response and has an intense interest in trauma work. After the Murrah building bombing in Oklahoma City, Dr. Budd volunteered through the American Red Cross and NDR. Subsequent to 9/11, Dr. Budd was sent as a volunteer to train NYC mental health workers on how to better work with trauma. Dr. Budd has been involved with the Nazarene Church’s “New Start” Assessment Center by doing psychological assessments on candidates wanting to plant new churches. Other areas of scholarship and writing include, the study of forgiveness, the integration of spirituality and counseling, compassion fatigue in professional caregivers and Narcissistic Personality Disorders. Professional affiliations include, the Oklahoma Counseling Association, The Oklahoma Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors, The Oklahoma Association for Marital and Family Therapists, the American Association of Marital and Family Therapists, The Christian Association for Psychological Study, and the Wesleyan Psychological Society. Dr. Budd has been married for 24 years and has two sons.
Kyle McGraw, M.A. , Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Kyle holds a Master's degree in Human relations from the University of Oklahoma with a specialty in counseling and is dually licensed as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor). While working with addictive disorders, Kyle strives to integrate spirituality and counseling concepts. In addition to training families to do successful interventions, he has worked with couples, offering relationship counseling in pre-marital and post marital therapy. Kyle served as the Director of Substance Abuse Services for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services from 2002 to 2011. Kyle also has experience as former Executive Director of a behavioral health clinic, A Chance to Change Foundation, Director of Counseling Services for Southern Nazarene University and has been in private practice for the last 20 years. Through his career, Kyle has worked with students, parents, and university faculty, counselors, church groups, as well as the corporate world through development of Employee Assistance Programs for over 50 businesses. Kyle is past President of OSASA, Oklahoma Substance Abuse Services Alliance and charter member. Kyle was named Professional of the Year by the Oklahoma Drug and Alcohol Professional Counselors Association 2002-03. In January of 2007, Kyle was appointed by Governor Henry to the Oklahoma Alcohol and Drug Licensing board. Kyle and wife Cheryl have been married for 34 years and have three adult sons and three grandsons.
Bill Spence, M.S. , Licensed Professional Counselor
Bill Spence is a Licensed Professional Counselor and received his Masters in Psychological Counseling from Southern Nazarene College.Bill spent 30 + years as an executive in four different industries, from family owned businesses to Fortune 500 companies, before returning to college and starting a career in counseling, in his desire to give back to the community.Bill has a heart for marriages and counsels couples through life stressors. He counsels’ adolescents and adults by integrating psychology and spirituality to assist in each person’s own healing. Bill works with clients experiencing mood issues, Anxiety, OCD, Panic Attacks, Bi-Polar, Depression, Sexual Addiction, Impulse Control, Relational Problems as well as Personality Difficulties.
Bill utilizes his work experience and education in assisting adolescents and adults by preparing them for career development or career and work life changes utilizing assessment instruments and counseling.
Bill’s business, human resource, and counseling experience qualifies him to consult with organizations both churches and business in organizational behavior, selection, and management training.
Presently Bill is a member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association, Oklahoma Counseling Association, and Oklahoma Mental Health Counselors Association.Bill has also served on several not-for profit companies and has held many different positions in church laity ministry over the years. You can also hear Bill on the radio responding to different relationship issues each Thursday morning on Relationship Thursday 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. on KTST The Twister 101.9fm or online at www.thetwister.com.
Bill and his wife JoLee have been married for 33 years and have 2 children and 7 grandchildren.Bill and his family have been residents of Edmond, Oklahoma for 29 years.
Cynthia Chioco, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist
Cynthia graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and went on to earn her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Baylor University. She is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA). Although Cynthia has over 20 years of experience counseling people ages 4 to 84 in a variety of settings, her God-given passion is for children, adolescents and their families. She received specialized training during her internship and residency at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children, Virginia Commonwealth University-Medical Colllege of Virginia where she worked with children and families in inpatient, residential, partial hospital and outpatient settings. Cynthia is a licensed psychologist in Oklahoma, Virginia and South Carolina, but has been in private practice in Oklahoma for the past 12 years. She enjoys working individually, as well as facilitating groups with children who present with concerns related to ADHD, abuse, disruptive behavior, separation/divorce, anxiety and mood disturbances. Cynthia also has experience within the family court system as related to guardianship or custody issues, and serves as a court-appointed parenting coordinator. Adult work is limited primarily to relationship difficulties, parenting/disciplining issues, women who have experienced childhood trauma and compensation evaluations for Veterans. It is Cynthia's hope to assist clients of all ages in making meaningful and long-lasting change by utilizing sound psychological principles and spiritual direction within the context of an empathic and empowering therapeutic relationship. Cynthia and her husband, Tom have been married for 11 years and have one precious daughter.
Julie Myers, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor
Julie holds Masters Degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy, Adult Education and School Counseling. She has a variety of experience as a counselor and former educator working with children, teenagers and adults. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and has served as an adult educator and group leader in churches, businesses and schools. Julie has been a therapist in community mental health and nonprofit agencies as well as private practice. She has experience working with a wide range of issues. Areas of interest include the following: depression, anxiety, communication, relationships, divorce, self-esteem, anger, grief, loss and substance abuse. In addition to being an individual, marriage and family therapist, she is available to conduct presentations & groups for a variety of needs.Julie is committed to helping people heal and progress along life's journey. By offering acceptance, compassion and quality professional practices, she works with clients to find hope and peace for their lives. In addition, she is committed to providing clients with a non-judgmental, safe and accepting alliance during times of distress, confusion, choice or change.
Julie and her husband, Steve have been married 15 years.
Jeff Stewart, M.S., LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jeff Stewart received his graduate training from Southern Nazarene University and has been working as a Licensed Professional Counselor for the past several years. An Oklahoma City native, Jeff received his Bachelor's degree in Religion from Baylor University and was hired by Crossings Community Church (formerly Belle Isle Community Church) as their Pastor of Student Ministries in 1988. Through his work with adolescence and their families, Jeff began realizing that the church had a tremendous opportunity to help people by integrating the highest quality clinical practices within the faith community. With this vision in mind, in 1998, he launched the Counseling Ministry and CARE Series at Crossings, and continues to provide organizational leadership to Crossings as the Executive Pastor. His years of Pastoral and Professional experience have prepared him to provide assistance through pre-marital and marital counseling. He has experience helping individuals find healing from traumatic circumstances and assisting families and individuals adjust to changing times and life issues. Jeff has been married for 19 years and has a daughter and two sons.
Marcia Leys, M.S.,Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor under supervision, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and EMDR trained
Marcia holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Southern Nazarene University and is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and LADC under supervision (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor). Marcia is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and is one of a very few in the state of Oklahoma. She is also trained in the technique of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which aids in healing from effects of trauma.
Marcia began her career as a school teacher in Oklahoma and later in California. After moving back to Oklahoma in 1995, she obtained her Master’s degree at Southern Nazarene University and began her journey to licensure to follow her passion to use her life experience to aid those desiring to recover from depression, anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, divorce and the devastating effects of trauma and addiction. Marcia speaks to local groups on these and other topics when opportunities present themselves. She has worked in both nonprofit and private practice settings with groups and individuals.
Marcia has done extensive study on sexual addiction and the healing process for both the addict and the partner of the addict through both individual and group therapy. The road to recovery is a spiritual journey that she enjoys walking with her clients.
Marcia has a passion to facilitate healing for those who have been hurt and disillusioned by confusing, painful church experiences, those who are disillusioned with church in general, and those who are having a difficult time connecting with God because of disappointments, grief, or shame. Marcia sees a strong connection between emotional health and a satisfying spiritual life.
Marcia is a member of SASH (The Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health) and NAADAC (The Association for Addiction Professionals).
Marcia and her husband George have been married 20 years.
Anita S. Walker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Anita has been in private counseling practice for over 20 years.Anita worked at the Oklahoma University Health Science Center in the Department of Psychiatry, In-patient unit for over 5 years.She was Director of Counseling with the Oklahoma City Public Schools, Coordinator of Drug and Alcohol Department, and Crisis Intervention.She also was director of a grant for Suicide Prevention coordinating programs within the schools.She assists clients with their career development.
At the national level, Anita has served on the Board for the American Counseling Association with over 51,000 members.At the state level, she has been Executive Director for the Oklahoma Counseling Association and the Oklahoma Mental Health Counseling Association.Anita is a certified school psychologist.She enjoys working with all ages of clients in finding solutions that develop due to PTSD, family problems, academic motivation, and self- esteem.As a Marriage and Family Therapist, she counsels families to find successful ways of communicating and learning ways of finding their love for one another.As a Christian, she feel s that a spiritual component in counseling is important.
Deborah K. Randolph, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Deb is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Oklahoma.She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma.Deb is a lifelong resident of Oklahoma City.She has been working in private practice as a psychotherapist for the last 6 years.Deb brings a variety of experiences to the counseling setting.She has worked in mental health and healthcare for the last 25 years and sees patients and their experiences thru a biopsychosocial lens.She provides individual, marital and family counseling.She has a long history of working with adults of all ages.Her areas of interest include trauma of all types, women’s issues, family dynamics, depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief and substance abuse.
Deb and her husband Boyce have been married and residents of Edmond the last ten years.
Ronda J. Kiefer, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ronda graduated from Southern Nazarene University with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and also holds a Masters in Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. Her undergraduate degree in business was received from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She has experience as a teacher and in partnership of a successful small business. Professional memberships include the American Counseling Association (ACA), Psi Chi National Honor Society, and an Associate member with the American Psychological Association (APA.) Ronda's clinical skills were developed in a variety of settings to include outpatient services, intensive outpatient groups for women and men and working in an inpatient acute care setting with children, adolescents, and their families.
Ronda brings empathetic insight and unconditional regard to the therapeutic relationship with clients. She desires to work with individuals of all ages (as well as with groups and families) who are living with stressful life events, painful relationships and losses, career burnout, childhood or recent traumas and/or abuse, as well as behavioral, mood, or identity disorders and symptoms. Ronda attempts to provide a safe and secure environment while nurturing acceptance and dialectically encouraging change. Ronda has received training in evidenced based therapies to include cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT] and dialectical behavioral therapy [DBT] and she is currently enrolled in psychoanalytic psychotherapy coursework.
Ronda is a native Oklahoman and has always lived in Oklahoma. She has been married over 25 years, is the mother of 2 adult children, has 3 young grandchildren and another on the way. She has been active in church, school, and community to promote the spiritual growth, education, health and welfare of self and others.
Margaret McKay Durham, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marital and Family Therapist
Margaret has been in private practice for over 20 years. Margaret worked with the Cleveland County Health Department, for 15 years, serving as the Child Guidance Clinic Director providing outpatient counseling for children and adults. She was a school counselor in the Moore Public Schools for 16 years, serving both at the Elementary and Secondary levels. She is a Certified Love and Logic Parent Trainer and a Parent-Child Interaction Therapist. She enjoys working with people of all ages and provides counseling to children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families. Areas of interest include, pre-marital and marriage counseling, parenting, grief counseling, school and academic issues. As a solution focused therapist, Margaret offers counseling by assisting clients, encouraging honest exploration of issues in their lives which prevent full functioning in their relationships, work, school and other areas of concern. Margaret believes every person has the capacity to feel better with acceptance and hope.
Margaret has been President of the Oklahoma Mental Health Counselors Association, President of the School Counselors Association, and various other offices in the Oklahoma Counseling Association. She is a member of Oklahoma Counseling Association (OCA), Oklahoma Mental Health Association (OMHCA), and Oklahoma School Counselor Association (OSCA).
Margaret has provided workshops assisting families with parenting issues, blended families and single parenting. She presents continuing education conferences for Ethical Issues for licensed professionals. She is active in church and works with the youth and their parents.
Margaret and her husband Alan have been married for 32 years and have two wonderful sons.
Laurie Skow, M.Ed., Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, under supervision
Laurie graduated from Bethany University, Santa Cruz, California with a Bachelor of Arts in Addiction Studies and Social Sciences. She went on to earn her Master's in Education from the University of Oklahoma. She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for the past eight years and is currently under supervision for her License in Drug and Alcohol Counseling. Laurie has experience working in a variety of settings including drug and alcohol treatment, therapeutic foster care/outpatient therapy and also in a psychiatric inpatient setting working with children, adolescents and their families.
Laurie takes an integrative approach to counseling with clients of all ages. Methods and approaches include but are not limited to: Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Play/Interactive Therapy with children, Parent Child Interaction Therapy as well as the incorporation of the Twelve Steps with regard to recovery from addiction.
It is Laurie's view that counseling can be a pathway for growth and healing. It is an opportunity for an individual to explore his or her own thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. Overall, it is Laurie's desire as a therapist to treat each person, each child as a unique individual, worthy of unconditional acceptance, to come alongside, challenge and encourage clients to find mental, emotional and spiritual healing.
George R. Horton, Psy.D. is a native of Edmond, Oklahoma, where he recently returned after completing his doctoral studies through the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. There, he focused his studies primarily on the intersections of psychology, theology, and philosophy, and the theory and technique of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. During his time at Fuller, Dr. Horton had the privilege of working with low-income adults and adolescents in outpatient community mental health clinics, and with low-income children in school-based services in the greater Los Angeles area conducting both psychotherapy and personality/neuropsychological asessments. Following the completion of his schoolwork, Dr. Horton was chosen by the Danielsen Institute at Boston University as one of their 2010-2011 clinical fellows. During his time at BU, Dr. Horton was privileged to conduct psychotherapy with outpatient adults in a setting that emphasized the importance of attention to spiritual, existential, religious, and theological sources of meaning in the lives of patients, with a further emphasis on relationally oriented psychotherapy. He also gained a wealth of experience with neuropsychological and personality testing of adults during this time.
Dr. Horton enjoys working with survivors of long-term trauma and conducting psychological assessments. His approach to psychotherapy emphasizes the centrality of emotion-laden relational conflict and trauma and he focuses on healing that is relationally mediated through exploration of meaning and repairing of attachments. This type of work is well-suited to dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma-related problems, OCD, relational problems, and grief.
Dr. Horton continues to further his research in the fields of psychology, theology, and philosophy as a visiting scholar and steering committee member for the "Psychology and the Other" Conference in Cambridge, MA and as a presenter at various annual conferences. Dr. Horton is an adjunct professor of psychology at Southern Nazarene University in the College of Graduate Studies.
Dr. Horton and his wife Lauren have been married for five years, have lived on both coasts, and are happy to be back in Oklahoma.
Kent Shirley, M.A., Licensed Professional Counselor
Kent Shirley is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Kent is a 2009 graduate of Southern Nazarene University with a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy. He has a BA in Social Sciences from Oklahoma State University and an MDiv from Southwestern Seminary and a DM from Dallas Seminary.
Kent is experienced in helping people in the areas of self-esteem, depression, stress, grief and loss, anger management, shame, bipolar disorder, premarital and post marital therapy, families in crisis, and reconciling broken relationships. Kent has a passion to help married adults, single adults, seniors, and adolescents. Kent also counsels men dealing with issues surrounding sexual addiction. As an ordained minister and former pastor, Kent is effective in assisting hurting pastors and church staff members and their families dealing with church conflict and moving beyond it, boundaries, healing from abuse and aftercare for those in recovery.
He and his wife, Terri, have been married for 32 years and have four grown children.
Meet our Team of Counseling Candidates...
Amber M. Prather, MAMFT, LPC Candidate
Amber graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Nazarene University. She has passed the National Counselor Exam and is now working toward completing hours for licensure. Amber gained clinical experience while completing a 500-hour clinical internship at TLCC during her practicum.
Amber enjoys working with clients of all ages. Her clinical experience includes working with adults, children, adolescents, couples and families in addressing a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, loss, relationship problems and life transitions. Amber also has an interest in working with clients involved in caregiving roles, including ministry and lay leadership. Once a competitive figure skater, Amber has an interest in sports psychology, health psychology, yoga, and mindfulness strategies for developing mind-body awareness, fostering self-compassion, promoting overall wellness and healthy life style practices.
Amber seeks to meet clients wherever they may find themselves on their life’s journey, providing a safe and accepting therapeutic relationship through which to explore their pain and distress. Amber’s passion is to assist clients in increasing their overall sense of well-being in relationship to self and others.
Amber is a member of the American Counseling Association.
Amber and her husband have been married for 21 years and have two teenage children.
Meet our Team of Counseling Interns...
Lisa McWhirter, MFT Intern
Lisa graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Christian University, a M.Ed. from Central State University, an M.S. in Environmental Sciences from Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, and a Ph.D. in a science related field from Oklahoma University. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Southern Nazarene University and will pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor upon graduation. Lisa is currently a Biology professor and Director of Faculty Development at Oklahoma Christian University. She has worked many years with a variety of individuals dealing with adjustment issues from adolescents to career adults and seniors.
Lisa and her husband have been married for 39 years and have three children and two grandchildren.
Cassie Deford, Intern
Through her internship experience, Cassie has discovered a passion for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. After completing her Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Southern Nazarene University, Cassie will work toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her past educational experience includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma. In the future, Cassie also hopes to pursue a Ph.D. As a researcher at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Cassie works with patients with rare blood conditions. Many of these patients suffer from depression and anxiety, and she is committed to helping them find the mental health care they need. Cassie enjoys working with people of all ages, and some of her particular areas of interest are one-on-one counseling with individuals in their 20’s and 30’s and couples counseling.
Cassie has been married to her husband for 5 years, and they have two dogs, which were adopted from rescue shelters. She is also an avid reader.
Shannon Wiley, Intern
Shannon graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from Northeastern University. After serving in the U.S. Army for more than four years as a Medical Service Corps Officer, she is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Southern Nazarene University. Upon graduation, she plans to obtain her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Through her internship experience, Shannon is looking forward to gaining exposure to a wide range of clientele.
Shannon and her husband have been married for seven years and have two energetic children.
Lindsay Poe, Intern Through her internship experience, Lindsay has discovered a passion for Psychoanalytical Therapy. After completing her Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology at Southern Nazarene University, Following her graduation, Lindsay will work toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her past educational experience includes a Bachelor’s degree in Gerontology and Family Studies from Southern Nazarene University. In the future, Lindsay also hopes to become accredited as a psychoanalyst. Lindsay enjoys working with people of all ages, and some of her particular areas of interest are one-on-one counseling with adolescents and adults and completing research on eating disorders.
Lindsay has been married to her husband for 4 years, and they have one child. She is actively involved in her church and enjoys working with animal rescue groups in her free time.
Adrianne Adams, Intern
Adrianne graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Developmental Psychology with a minor in Social Welfare from Northeastern State University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Southern Nazarene University, and upon graduation, she plans to obtain her licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Through her internship, Adrianne is seeking experience working with a wide range of clientele, though some areas of interest include couples and marriage counseling and working with individuals in their 20's and 30's.
Adrianne is a student member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
Adrianne and her husband have been married for 4 years and are looking forward to starting a family in the near future.
Joe Hall, Intern
Joe graduated from Southern Nazarene University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion.He spent two years working in Oklahoma City non-profits and then moved to Kansas City, MO to attend Nazarene Theological Seminary, where he earned an M.Div. degree and was ordained by the Church of the Nazarene.Since then, his primary professional experience has involved pastoral care and counseling in various churches and non-profit work.He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Southern Nazarene University and will pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor upon graduation.Joe enjoys working with individuals of all ages, couples, and families dealing with a variety of issues, including healing from church wounds and ministerial burnout.
Joe and his wife have been married for 11 years and have two wonderful children.
Brittany Grubbs, LMFTIntern
Brittany graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Child and Family Services in 2009. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Central Oklahoma and will graduate in May 2012.Upon graduation, she plans to obtain her licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and looks forward to serving a variety of clientele post licensure. Throughout the internship, she looks forward to discovering her therapy style as well as narrowing down her population of interest to be served in the future.
Brittany has been married for a little over a year to Tyler and they look forward to beginning a family of their own in the future. Brittany and Tyler are active in serving at their church and enjoy helping out with the High School Youth Ministry.
