Meet Morenike Murphy, LPC-MHSP! – a true powerhouse in social services. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Morenike has dedicated her life to helping those in need of mental health services and those experiencing a behavioral health crisis. After serving as State Mental Health Crisis Director, she opened the Center of Hope for Behavioral Health to remove barriers for people who need help and foster an environment of hope for employees and clients. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, as well as a master’s degree in Criminal Justice. She has expertise in crisis intervention and suicide prevention, with specialized assessment and treatment expertise to help people who have serious mental illnesses live productive and satisfying lives in the community. The culmination of professional and personal experience with Tennessee’s mental health system provides the background for her current life’s work.
We are fortunate to have Morenike Murphy as a member of our team. Her expertise in mental health counseling and crisis intervention is truly admirable, and her dedication to improving the lives of others is inspiring. Morenike is available for speaking engagements, therapy, Critical Incident and Stress Management (CISM), and coaching and consultation for personal development and professional goals.
A note from Morenike: “I opened the Center of Hope for Behavioral Health because you deserve options for high-quality behavioral healthcare services. Taking a step to get help feels lonely because we face battles unknown to others. It takes wonderful courage to begin to navigate pain and shame towards healing and hope. Therefore, my office is a safe place where you can just sit and be heard, while talking through issues that need a safe space to explore. Congratulations on beginning your journey to recovery and healing! My training can help you better understand your life experiences through Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I look forward to meeting you.”
Natalie Meet Natalie! – the heartbeat of our organization. As our Operations Manager, she is the glue that keeps everything together. From managing our facilities, operational plans, budgets and state licensure, to ensuring that every client and guest experiences our services uninterrupted. But that’s not all – Natalie is also our Title VI Coordinator, ensuring that our services are accessible and inclusive for everyone in our community. With two associates degrees and experience in early childhood development, Natalie brings a unique perspective to her role, infusing warmth and compassion into everything she does.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Natalie is a vibrant soul with a zest for life. She enjoys exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures. Her love for animals and the great outdoors is infectious, and we are lucky to have her as a valued member of our team. If you’re ever lucky enough to cross paths with Natalie, be sure to ask her about her latest adventure – you won’t be disappointed!
A note from Natalie:
“It takes time to learn that we can grow stronger from our struggle. Our team of trained professionals is dedicated to creating a safe space where you can explore issues that need to be addressed. I look forward to meeting you.”
Meet Donna, LPC-MHSP! ~ the warm sunshine and vibrant hope of our team. Donna’s main goal is to provide you with the support and guidance you need to achieve personal growth and healing. She uses a holistic approach to counseling, which means that she works with you to empower you to become the best version of yourself. Donna is dedicated to helping you overcome the challenges that life can bring. Regardless of whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, marital issues, family dynamics, or feeling stuck in life, Donna is here to guide you through those obstacles. Her wealth of knowledge and experience is further reflected in her work as a Prepare/Enrich certified counselor.
She is committed to being a part of your healing process and is honored to be a part of your journey towards a happier, healthier you. You can rely on her to provide a safe and caring environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. With Donna as your counselor, you can expect a holistic approach that empowers you to become the best possible version of yourself. Donna works with adolescents, adults, and couples.
A note from Donna: “I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become” ~ Chris
Gardner
Meet Aisha, LPC-MHSP! – a truly remarkable member of our team. As a clinical therapist, Aisha has dedicated her career to guiding individuals through the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. She is a graduate of Lipscomb University, where she honed her skills in Play Therapy and Expressive Arts. Through experience in community mental health, Aisha has seen it all and brings a wealth of knowledge to every session. But it’s her holistic approach to counseling that truly sets her apart. Aisha recognizes that mental health is just one piece of the puzzle and that true healing requires support for the whole person. If you’re looking for a warm, compassionate, and knowledgeable counselor who will help you tap into your creativity and achieve lasting change, look no further than Aisha Lee. She’s a true gem, and we’re honored to have her as part of our team. Aisha works with young adults and adults.
A note from Aisha: “Your illness does not have to define you but your strength and courage does. It takes a lot to go through this process, but there is so much growth that can come out of it. I look forward to meeting you and going through this journey with you. ”
Meet Jae, LPC-MHSP! – a professional counselor with a heart of gold. Jae has years of experience working in community-based mental health services, and her dedication to her craft is truly inspiring. Jae is a Prepare/Enrich certified counselor with specialized training in trauma-focused work and suicide prevention. She is also a state-certified TnKey trainer who works with incoming foster parents seeking licensure. Her expertise in these areas is truly remarkable.
Jae’s unique approach to counseling is what truly sets her apart. She has a gift for working with children and adolescents, helping them feel at ease and open to the process. She uses games, art, narratives, and other creative techniques to engage her clients and help them work through their challenges. In addition to her work with children and adolescents, Jae also enjoys working with adults and couples facing a variety of challenges. She has experience helping those experiencing anxiety and depressive disorders, trauma, parenting challenges, and those seeking Christian/Spiritual counseling. Her commitment to helping persons and families within the LGBTQ and foster care communities is truly inspiring. Jae’s warm and welcoming demeanor makes her an absolute joy to work with, and her commitment to her clients is unwavering. We are honored to have her as a member of our team, and we know that anyone who has the privilege of working with her will be truly fortunate.
A note from Jae: “Feeling depressed and stressed out takes a toll on our physical bodies, our families, and others around us. I believe that you are the expert of your life. I specialize in helping you learn to identify and manage the drivers causing these feelings so that you can release the heavy weight on your shoulders and LIVE again. I look forward to meeting you.”
Meet Delora, LPC-MHSP (temp pending) – a dedicated professional with 20 years of experience in the mental health profession and the Department of Children’s Services. Her passion for helping others has driven her to pursue full clinical licensure and continue to grow in her field. Delora’s approachable and humorous demeanor immediately puts her clients at ease, making them feel heard, understood, and supported. Delora earned her bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in counseling from Tougaloo College and Tennessee State University, respectively. She has since worked with children, adults, and families, helping them navigate through life’s challenges. Her knowledge of ADHD, Conduct Disorders, Major Depression Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Disorder, and PTSD make her a sought-after counselor. Delora works with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. Delora’s counseling approach is based on a Behavioral/Cognitive Behavioral therapy model. By helping clients develop effective coping mechanisms, she empowers them to change their thought processes, feelings, and behaviors. Delora’s clients appreciate her practical approach to counseling, making it easier for them to apply what they’ve learned daily. She is a dedicated troop leader who enjoys taking her troop camping and sharing her love of the great outdoors with them. Delora is also an adventurer at heart and loves to go biking, walking, and even white water rafting with her family and friends. When she’s not exploring the great outdoors, Delora loves to spend time in her garden and hang out with her furry friends, Kobe, the dog, and Joy Jingle, the cat.
A note from Delora: “When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you” Author Unknown
A note from Rachel: “I commend you for reaching out for help during a time that is difficult. My goal for you as a therapist is for you to gain the tools that are needed for peace, understanding, and acceptance. When you share your story I hold a sacred space of respect and awareness for your vulnerability.”
A note from Kiana: “I can’t wait to work with you and I look forward to helping you live a life you love.” “Hope is one of the principal springs that keep mankind in motion.” ~ Thomas Fuller.
