Team
Welcome to our team page - we're happy to meet you!
Our Team
We are a community of practitioners dedicated to helping our clients live fully as their true selves.
Counselors
Angela Shankle, MA, LADAC II
Counselor
I am a level two licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor in the state of Tennessee. I also carry a master’s degree in business. I began working in substance abuse treatment over 6 years ago and have worked in various treatment settings including detox, residential, and outpatient. I have primarily worked in co-occurring capable programs and have experience treating Substance Use Disorders that co-occur with mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which aligns closely with the 12 steps in the treatment of SUD. I use DBT to encourage mindfulness, aid in emotional regulation, and increase interpersonal effectiveness. I am also trained in brainspotting, a highly effective trauma therapy that offers rapid transformation.
Chelsea Nixon, LMSW
Counselor
I am a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Tennessee and a born and bred Midwesterner. I grew up in Southeastern Michigan and ditched film school to obtain my undergraduate degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University and went on to earn a graduate degree in Social Work from Loyola University in Chicago. I am also a trained Doula with DONA International and love the unique ways that allows me to provide support and advocacy to individuals and couples as they work to build their families.
Garrette DeBord, LPC, LADAC II
Counselor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of Tennessee. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology and my Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I specialize in working with those in the LGBTQ+ community as well as with substance use issues, trauma, anxiety/depression, and healthy identity work. I work from a psychodynamic perspective and utilize DBT and somatic techniques when working with both individuals and groups. As a gay man who has struggled through challenges of trauma, anxiety, and depression, I view sitting with those I work with as a privilege and honor.
Lisa Tozer, MA, NCC
Counselor
My passion for counseling started with my own journey in counseling over 10 years ago. Like many who reach out to a counselor, I was in crisis, and I was questioning, “how did I get here?” Luckily, I found a counselor who created a safe, compassionate, and trusting space for me to begin my journey. I am committed to holding the same safe space for you to navigate any crisis and journey into self-exploration.
Cindy Slover, LADAC II, LPC-MHSP
Counselor
Making the choice to see a therapist is the first and often the scariest step on your journey to emotional wellness. It was for me. Through my personal journey, I learned that our thoughts and emotions can dictate our behaviors and not always for the better. Fortunately, my first step led me to my goal of a more balanced and fulfilling life. I would like to help you achieve your goals by offering a safe, accepting and confidential environment where you can develop the tools to navigate your life’s difficult times.
Jillian Richardson, MS, LPC-MHSP
Counselor
I am a Licensed Therapist, having earned my bachelor's from Lipscomb University and my master's from Tennessee State University. I enjoy walking beside people through life's most challenging moments.
Haley Stocker, M.S
Counselor
Many clients struggle with understanding who they are and who they would ultimately like to become. I believe therapy should be a safe space for clients to explore identity and how our past experiences contribute to our sense of self today. Every person has a unique story. I am here to listen to that story, without judgment, and to help a person navigate their life moving forward.
James Revels, LPC
Counselor
James Revels is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of North Carolina. For the past nine years he has provided onsite counseling in military bases around the world including Japan, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands and in various bases within the U.S.
Patience Ruffin, EdD, LPC-MHSP, NCC
Counselor
I am licensed in the state of Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider Specialty. I have been practicing counseling since 2007. Prior to obtaining a license, I earned a master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University Washington, DC and an undergraduate degree in Speech Communications from Tennessee State University. In 2018, I obtained my doctorate degree in Counseling Education and Supervision from Argosy University Nashville.
Kimberlee Massey-Owen, M.S., LCSW
Counselor
Life can be complicated, overwhelming, challenging, and messy. People don’t tend to fit in neat little boxes, but I find that beautiful. The people I comes in contact with never cease to amaze and inspire me with their stories, struggles, and victories. I am committed to creating a safe and nonjudgmental space for people to explore healing and reconnect with themselves, others, and with hope beyond ourselves. My focus is relational and I believe this is the most healing aspect of any treatment modal.
Emily Glenn, NCC, LPC, CSAT
Counselor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist with over 15 years experience in the fields of mental health & addiction. My professional journey has granted me the opportunity to become skilled in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Although co-occurring disorders are my specialty, I also have a specific passion for helping adults struggling with past religious wounds/spiritual issues and intimacy/relationship issues. Being able to utilize my gifts to help one come to know their true worth is an honor that is both exciting and humbling.
Bobbie Jo Yokley, LSW, LADAC II
Counselor
My name is Bobbie Jo Yokley and I am a licensed Social Worker in the State of Kentucky and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor in the State of Tennessee. I pursued my education at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY and graduated with a bachelor of social work degree and pursued my counseling education through the State of Tennessee through continuing education, practical hours attained on the job and the core functions.
Ashleigh Rakestraw, LCSW
Counselor
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Tennessee with a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. Prior to my master's degree I received my bachelor's degree in social work from Lipscomb University. I desired to work in the field of social work since a young age and after I learned the impact these roles can have on individuals and their communities. I continued to feed that passion through my own experiences in counseling, as well as witnessing the positive impact of counseling on others.
Ashley Oldani, MA
Counselor
One of the most fulfilling aspects of therapy is helping individuals derive purpose from their pain. I am passionate about recovery and equally as passionate about helping others discover their own path. My goal is to help men and women connect with their values, cultivate hope, and identify the aspects of their lives that have prevented them from living out their full potential. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, built out of trust, non-judgement, compassion, and integrity. Clear and direct expectations within the relationship are upheld, and I place high priority on the therapist-client relationship.
Pratik Patel, LPC-MHSP
Counselor
I Pratik Patel am a Licensed Professional Counselor- Mental Health Service Provider. I received my Bachelor’s in psychology from Middle Tennessee State and Master’s in professional counseling at Tennessee State University. Currently I serve as Clinical Director for an adolescent residential facility with 5 years of clinical experience in a multitude of settings. My experience includes working with clients dealing with substance abuse, relationship issues, mood disorder, personality disorder, co-occurring disorders, depression, anxiety, crisis and trauma.
Gena Leone, LMSW
Counselor
Gena Leone is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Tennessee. She earned her Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee, and her Bachelor of Science from Belmont University. Gena has over 17 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, and families in the field of mental health and addiction within a variety of settings. She offers her own personal and professional experience with creativity and insight, and utilizes a strengths-based, integrative approach to help clients discover their strengths and create the life that they want and deserve.
Ariel Leonard, M.Ed., NCC, LPC-MHSP (temp)
Counselor
Many individuals find difficulty, at some point in their life, coping with the everyday pressures and stress this world brings. Some may find themselves repeatedly in unhealthy relationships, feeling stuck, or unable to create the meaningful life they desire. Old wounds may resurface, making it difficult to move forward. As a therapist, my goal is to help individuals find freedom from these challenges and live a more fulfilling life.
Matt Dean
MA, MFT
My journey to becoming a therapist started in my own counseling work. With the help of my therapist, I was able to uncover the deep woundings in my life that were driving the struggles I came to therapy for. I found healing was possible and I want to share that gift with other hurting men.
Health & Wellness Professionals
Dr. Jewyl Gibson, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Jewyl C. Gibson is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and currently resides in Nashville, TN. She was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools and attended the following universities to attain her nursing education: University of North Carolina, Charlotte (BA-Biology), Tennessee State University (BSN and MSN), University of Alabama, Birmingham (Doctorate in Nursing Practice) and a post-graduate certificate from University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner).
Jamie Carroll
Wellness Coach
Jamie has focused her entire career on offering inspiration, education, and empowerment to her clients-she offers this opportunity via teaching holistic and integrative health and life practices, movement, and intentional living.
Leadership & Staff
Ryan Cain
President of The Spero Group, LLC
Ryan Cain is a vibrant member of the Nashville recovery and entrepreneurship communities, with a demonstrated 20-year history of working hands-on in the healthcare industry in the service of those around him.
Wes Cain, LPCA, NCC, IHC
Founder
I believe the core of effective therapy is the relationship. I tailor my therapeutic process to you, in order for you to reach your goals in a manner consistent with what works best for you and your true self. I believe in working off of a foundation of authenticity, compassion, non-judgment, and genuineness.
Diana Kirby, MS
Vice President of Business Development & Operations
As a behavioral health advocate, a believer in the process, and a mental health consumer, I know the power of braving vulnerability. Going through my own mental health journey, walking through both the heights and the depths, has brought healing, health, and more happiness than I thought possible. While there’s still plenty of hard days too though, and no day is perfect, I now strive for progress not perfection. I have a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and through the process of becoming a therapist I learned how great the need is for mental health resources and support for mental health professionals.
Carrie Fraser, MDIV, LMFT, CADC
Clinical Director
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Ordained Pastor with the PC(USA). I received my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
Tate Hackney, MBA
Director of Operation
When you come in the door, I’ll be there to welcome you to The Becoming Counseling. Although the majority of my professional life was previously spent in corporate America, personal circumstances opened the door and provided the opportunity to work with and support this amazing team.
Andrew Hill
Billing Coordinator
After experiencing a transformation through therapy and the practice of well-being, my mission is to help others. The journey is long, and full of highs and lows. However, the gift of self knowledge and understanding is invaluable.
As billing coordinator, I am able to indirectly provide support to those in need. Although we may never meet, you can be sure I am working diligently to help you access the care you need!
Chelsea Nixon, LMSW
Client Coordinator
I am a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Tennessee and a born and bred Midwesterner. I grew up in Southeastern Michigan and ditched film school to obtain my undergraduate degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University and went on to earn a graduate degree in Social Work from Loyola University in Chicago. I am also a trained Doula with DONA International and love the unique ways that allows me to provide support and advocacy to individuals and couples as they work to build their families.
Kalina Hajec
Client Coordinator
I graduated with my B.S. in Human Development from Virginia Tech in 2015. I spent four years in Philadelphia working with for a company that provided me experience in the complex interactions between an individual’s healthcare and the overarching systems that affect access to, cost of, and education around physical and mental healthcare.
Advisory Board
Matt Dean
Director of Operations/Counselor
My journey to becoming a therapist started in my own counseling work. With the help of my therapist, I was able to uncover the deep woundings in my life that were driving the struggles I came to therapy for. I found healing was possible and I want to share that gift with other hurting men.
Brandon Johnson, MHS
Advisory Board
Brandon J. Johnson, M.H.S. is a tireless advocate for positive mental health and suicide prevention services for youth and adults across the country and within the local community of Baltimore, MD. He is a subject matter expert in suicide prevention, with a particular focus on suicide prevention planning and suicide prevention strategies for Black youth. Brandon earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Morgan State University in 2008 and a Master of Health Science Degree from Johns Hopkins University in 2012.
Patience Ruffin, EdD, LPC-MHSP, NCC
Counselor
I am licensed in the state of Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider Specialty. I have been practicing counseling since 2007. Prior to obtaining a license, I earned a master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University Washington, DC and an undergraduate degree in Speech Communications from Tennessee State University. In 2018, I obtained my doctorate degree in Counseling Education and Supervision from Argosy University Nashville.
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