Morenike Murphy, LPC-MHSP has 19 years of experience in the field of social services, serving most recently as the State Crisis Director at the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Morenike provided direct services for 15 years to individuals in need of mental health services and persons in a behavioral health crisis. 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. Morenike is a Mandatory Pre-Screening Agent designated by the State of Tennessee to complete a Certificate of Need for emergency involuntary hospitalization. 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. 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 & shame towards healing & 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 oversees the daily operations of our organization. She manages facilities, operational plans, donations, budgets, and state licensure. Natalie ensures all departments are coordinating smoothly so that client and guest’s experiences are uninterrupted during organization implementations, expansions, and transitions. She is also the Title VI Coordinator. Natalie has two associates degrees, and experience working within early childhood development. She enjoys animals, traveling, and being outdoors.
A note from Natalie:
“It takes time to learn that we can grow stronger from our struggle. I look forward to providing you comfort and hope.”
Brittany is the entry point to hope at The Center. She answers your phone call seeking to understand your needs, in order to connect you to the appropriate resource, program and/or therapist.Brittany enjoys being able to be the first face for new faces. Her background is in hospitality and patient care. She enjoys going above and beyond for her community. She believes laughter is the best medication. Brittany enjoys camping, kayaking, traveling to historical places, and listening to music with people she holds close to her heart. She looks forward to helping you in any way I can.
A note from Brittany:
“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”
Kevia manages grant programming and the day-to-day operations of housing for new and existing residents. She has over 20 years of experience with state government agencies, including managing financial accounts, administrative and medical facilities. Kevia’s passion to help people is displayed through volunteering her time providing service to the community with various non profit organizations, and serving as the financial chairman of a non profit who has a mission to be of service to all mankind.
A note from Kevia: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt
Dr. Lametria Johnson is a licensed professional counselor with 15 years of experience in the mental health profession. She received her Bachelors in Psychology from Tennessee State University, a Masters in Professional Counseling from Argosy University, and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Argosy University. She has an array of experience working with children starting at age 4 through adulthood. She specializes in working with families of children diagnosed with ADHD, conduct disorders, and other life-altering behaviors. She also specializes in working with adults diagnosed with PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depression Disorder. Dr. Johnson is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Using an integrative therapeutic approach, she customizes treatment to the needs of the client. Dr. Johnson often says that therapy is not just her profession, it is her way of life. Although she is not always in a therapeutic setting, she continues to use her gift to help others through her community service organizations and church. You can often find her singing/humming a tune, planning an event, or on traveling adventures (ask about the time she rode an elephant!). Overall, Dr Johnson recognizes that she has been blessed with people who have gone above and beyond for her, so she strives to go above and beyond for others. Therefore, she lives by the thought…“Life is truly worth the living, so LIVE and GIVE!”
A note from Lametria: “Sometimes in life, things get hard and we don’t always know how to navigate our struggles. Whether it is facing a significant change, dealing with the chaos of life, or even trying to identify what your struggle is, I’m here! We all have our ‘stuff’, but we don’t always know how to deal with it in an emotionally healthy manner. I’m here to help you navigate your emotional well-being in order to truly live, and not just exist.”
Aisha Lee, MS is a professional counselor pursuing full licensure and a graduate of Lipscomb University. She specializes in Play Therapy and Expressive Arts. Aisha is passionate about helping clients foster self-awareness and gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by using expressive arts. She also has experience working in Community Mental Health, which provided her with a wide range of experience. Aisha’s approach to counseling is based on the belief of a holistic approach which provides support to the whole person, not just their mental health needs.
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. ”
Jae Porter, MS is a professional counselor pursuing full licensure, with several years of professional experience within community based mental health services. She holds a Prepare/Enrich Certification and has specialized training in Trauma Focused work and Suicide Prevention. She also is a State certified TnKey trainer for incoming foster parents seeking licensure. Jae enjoys working with children and adolescents ages 12 and older and uses games, art, narratives, and other means to help them feel comfortable and open to the process. She also enjoys working with adults and couples experiencing anxiety and depressive disorders, trauma, parenting challenges, Christian/Spiritual counseling, and persons and families within the LGBTQ community and foster care community.
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.”
Demetria Fields, MS has worked in the field of corrections in various roles, including as a Treatment Program Manager, for over 12 years. Her passion for service led her to earn her Master’s Degree in Health Science Addiction Studies from Governor State University. She holds membership in the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors and Tennessee Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. Demetria enjoys supporting persons through change by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
A note from Demetria: “I admire your courage for taking this step and making positive changes in your life. I look forward to positively supporting you through this journey.”
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 Claudia: “I want to help you focus on progressing from tragedy to hope and from darkness to a new beginning. Everyone deserves to have a voice and to be heard. Within this therapeutic space, you have an opportunity to be validated and will not be judged. I look forward to helping you figure out how to get through today, tomorrow, and all the days ahead.”
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.”
