Skip to main content
The Counseling Cove, PLLC

Meet Our Crew

Our crew is here to serve you! Below, you can learn a bit more about our therapists and support crew. Do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of assistance!

Captain (Owner) /Therapist

Areas of Focus:

* BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder)

* Personality Disorder Assessment & Treatment

* Grief & Loss

* Child Loss

* Christian Faith-Based Counseling

* Depression & Anxiety

* Enneagram Informed

Melody McKibbin, LPC, LMHC, LPCC, C-PD

Melody holds an M.A. in Professional Counseling from Amberton University and an M.S. in Family Studies from Texas Woman’s University as well as a Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider with Level II DBT Accreditation. She is also currently a doctoral candidate at Liberty University pursing a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Theology.  She is licensed in 9 states and provides accessible, individualized care to a diverse population. Melody fosters a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and empowered through active listening, collaborative care, and tailored treatment. Her background as director of a faith-based homeless shelter and experience in community and social services further enrich her holistic, client-centered approach.


Education:

M.A. Professional Counseling Amberton University
M.S. Family Studies Texas Woman's University
Credentials:
LPC #LPC-9376 (ID), #10346 (SC), #89657 (TX), #21338 (CO)
LCMHC License # 14055716-6004 (UT), #LH615000996 (WA), #125410 (IA), #39004978A (IN)
LPCC License # CTB-2024-0317 (NM)
CLPC # BBH-CLPC-LIC-57423 (MT), #CP5666-R (NV)
DBT Level II Accreditation (The Association for Psychological Therapies)
C-PD (Cert. Personality Disorder Treatment Professional)
PhD Candidate at Liberty University for Psychology, with a theology concentration.

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." Psalm 91:11-12



First Mate/Director

Lauren Clark, Director

First Mate Lauren holds an Associate’s degree in Sociology and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Psychology, reflecting her deep commitment to personal growth and her passion for supporting others on their mental health journey. As the TCC Navigator at The Counseling Cove, she serves as the warm, welcoming first point of contact for clients, guiding them with empathy and clarity through the intake and scheduling process. Lauren plays a vital role in cultivating a compassionate, client-centered environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and cared for from the very beginning. 

Known for her outgoing personality, strong interpersonal skills, and natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life, Lauren brings both professionalism and heartfelt sincerity to everything she does. Whether she’s answering a phone call with a smile or coordinating care behind the scenes, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure each client’s experience is smooth, supportive, and rooted in respect. 

Outside the Cove, Lauren embraces her life as a devoted wife, mom, and loving dog mom. She finds joy in running, reading, traveling, and soaking up family time—especially when it involves sunshine and sand. Her adventurous spirit and compassionate heart make her not only an essential member of the team but also a bright light to everyone who walks through our doors.


Education

* A.A. Sociology

"You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you." Song of Solomon 4:7

Therapist

Areas of Focus:

* Sex Offender Counseling

* Christian Faith-Based Counseling

* Depression & Anxiety

* EMDR

* Compulsive sexual behavior

* Intimate partner betrayal trauma

Amanda McDowell (Mandi) LPC, LMHC

Supervised by Dr. Dawn Irons, LPC-S

Under the supervision of Dr. Dawn Irons, Mandi brings a Christ-centered approach to counseling, grounded in her own journey of healing and faith. Her calling was born from a deep understanding of brokenness and the redeeming love of God, as reflected in 2 Corinthians 1:4 and 1 John 4:19. After 13 years of empowering students as an educator, the challenges of the pandemic led her to embrace her true vocation as a counselor. Mandi is passionate about walking alongside others in their struggles, offering the hope and comfort she has found in Christ, and witnessing God’s transformative work in the lives of her clients.

Education

* M.A. Counseling B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary
Credentials:

* LMHC #CTB-2023-0985 New Mexico
* Sex Offender Treatment Provider ITTI
* Juvenile Sex Offender Counseling Certification
"Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are." 2 Corinthians 1:4

Therapist

Areas of Focus:

* Depression/Anxiety
* Ministry Burnout
* Men's Issues
* Christian Faith-Based Counseling/Biblical Counseling
* Grief
* Spiritual Trauma

Zeb Lyons, M.S., LPC-Associate

Supervised by Michelle Bachman, LPC-S

As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Michelle Bachman, LPC-S, Zeb provides faith-based counseling that promotes healing, integrity, and spiritual growth.

He serves as Pastor of Christian Care, Counseling, and Worship at Lake Athens Baptist Church in Athens, Texas. With 19 years of ministry experience, he brings wisdom, compassion, and accountability to his work, helping others navigate life’s challenges with biblical truth and grace.

A proud husband and father of four, Zeb understands the balance between faith, family, and daily life. He is passionate about walking with those who have experienced spiritual abuse, offering guidance rooted in Scripture and genuine care. Easy to talk to and deeply committed to truth, he reminds others that grace and accountability can coexist, even in hard seasons. When he’s not pastoring, counseling, or leading worship, Zeb enjoys playing the harp—a peaceful expression of his love for beauty and praise. We’re excited to have Zeb on board as part of The Counseling Cove crew.

Education

 * Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling- Mid-America Christian University

Credentials:

* LPC- Associate Texas License #87821
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the LORD has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12

Therapist

Areas of Focus:

* Depression
* Anxiety
* Stress Management 

Wenda Mornix, LPC-Associate

Supervised by Michael Bradford, LPC-S

Wenda is passionate about guiding others through life’s challenges toward renewed peace and holistic well-being. Rooted in her faith, she creates a safe, supportive space for clients to explore both personal growth and spirituality. Her therapeutic approach blends practical skills, reflective dialogue, and creative activities—drawing from her own love of writing, music, nature, and cultural exploration. Whether managing stress, rebuilding peace of mind, or deepening self-awareness, Wenda walks alongside her clients with empathy, insight, and a deep belief in the power of transformation and healing.

Education

* Master Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Liberty University
* Bachelor's in Psychology from Texas Woman's University
Credentials:

LPC-Associate (Texas)
"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Purser/Bookeeping

Jeremy Ballard, DMin. 

Jeremy holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Leadership Coaching and brings a wealth of experience as a hospice chaplain, ordained minister, educator, and nonprofit leader. Rooted in his Christian faith since childhood, Jeremy is passionate about empowering individuals to realize their God-given potential through a compassionate, strengths-based coaching approach. He fosters growth by creating a safe, collaborative space where clients feel supported in navigating challenges, clarifying goals, and pursuing holistic well-being—emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. 

Jeremy’s diverse background, including missions work, youth ministry, and teaching across all age groups, enriches his ability to connect with clients from all walks of life. Now part of The Counseling Cove, Jeremy is honored to contribute his heart for healing, purpose, and transformation. Outside of his work, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and cherishing time with his wife and daughter.

Education

* D.Min, Himalayan Baptist Seminary with concentration in Leadership Coaching 
* M.A. Religion, Liberty University with concentration in Evangelism and Church Planting
Credentials:

* Certificate of Ordination – Cedar Grove Baptist Church (Greenville, TX)
* Certificate of Professional Life Coaching – Light University & AACC
* Certificate of Mental Health Coaching – Light University & AACC
"Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are." 2 Corinthians 1:4

Join Our Crew!

We are currently taking applications for new crew members! The current open positions are:

1099 Contracted Therapist (Fully Licensed, or Associate).

Requirements:

* Must be licensed in one of the following states: Idaho, Indiana, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, or Washington state.

* If associate licensed, you must have an external supervisor. If you are located in Texas or Washington, we offer on-site supervision for $60/session.

* 21 years of age or older.

* Identify as a conservative Christian*  in line with our values.

* Be able to provide a pastoral reference.

* Be able to pass a criminal background and sex offender registry check. 

* You must have active and current liability insurance.

Compensation/Benefits:

* 70/30 split

* No non-compete clause

* Administrative tasks handled for you (client onboarding, scheduling, billing/payments)

* Paid training on systems (paid at a flat rate of $100)

* Required meetings are paid out at $50.00/hour

* Cool swag like a shirt, pen, even a brain squishy!

Special note: We do not see clients under the age of 25 or couples. Counseling Cove is for individual and group counseling only.

If you are still with us, fill out the form below!