Department: Clinical Staff

• aeriel@rpcounseling.org
• (336) 542-2060 ext 105

AERIEL MATTHEWS

Aeriel began her journey in higher education when she earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology at Winston-Salem State University in 2014. She then earned a graduate certificate in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University in 2019 and, in 2024, a Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health at North Carolina Agricultural &Technical State University. After almost nine years of working as a medical laboratory technologist, she will practice as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (#A20747).

Aeriel enjoys working with adolescents and adults and has some experience working with children, families, anger management, oppositional defiant disorder, trauma, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder. She utilizes an integrative approach that includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), incorporating aspects of reality/choice therapy, play therapy, and rational emotional behavior therapy (REBT). These tools help uncover how our feelings inform our beliefs, which in turn influence our actions. A solution-oriented framework can achieve goals and bring resolve and healing.

She prides herself on providing safe spaces for women and girls to share, learn, and grow to embrace their identity through Christ. She believes every story is unique, and the approach should also be. Aeriel loves incorporating scripture, Biblical resources, and prayer in her work as they support the changes necessary to live a bold, brilliant life.

• Bettie@RPCounseling.org
• 336-542-2060 ext. 111

BETTIE NEAL

Bettie Neal earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian/Pastoral Counseling from Carolina University (fka John Wesley University) in 2020.  She obtained a Master of Arts from Liberty University in 2024. As a licensed Cosmetologist for twenty-one years, she has aided women in her occupational practice, the local church, and various community settings, facing existential crises related to loss, divorce, illness, career shifts, societal barriers, motherhood, and empty-nest syndrome. She has worked with adolescent women transitioning into self-discovery and independence, relationships, biological changes, and the recognition of one’s purpose. Bettie has also aided senior women facing end of life challenges such as grief and loss, separation anxiety, impairments to mobility, meaning and purpose, social isolation and loneliness, and facing one’s own mortality. Bettie’s diverse experiences ignited a passion that inspired her to pursue counseling as her professional vocation.

As a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (#A21693), she is passionate about the call to come alongside women to help with strength building, resilience, and coping skills tailored for individual orientation. She employs an eclectic approach drawing mostly from person-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution focused brief therapy. Bettie believes the Holy Spirit is the ultimate Counselor and considers it a privilege to come alongside the work He has already begun in each client’s life. Serving as a vessel, she will meet clients where they are, honoring their comfort level and preferences. For those who desire it, Bettie thoughtfully integrates Scripture, prayer, and other Christian disciplines into the therapeutic process to support healing, growth, and restoration.

In her spare time, Bettie enjoys reading and writing, long walks in the park, beach therapy, painting, and refurbishing furniture.

• Carissa@RPCounseling.org
• 336-542-2060 ext. 106

CARISSA BROWN

Originally from Florida, Carissa has found her calling in North Carolina, where she practices as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS) (License no. S9147) with a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. With over a decade of counseling experience, Carissa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

Carissa provides counseling to women and girls ages 12 and up, with an approach that emphasizes a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. She incorporates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing into her practice, tailoring treatment plans to each client’s unique needs. Carissa is also trained in EMDR, a therapeutic intervention that helps people process traumatic memories and other distressing experiences. Carissa integrates spiritual principles into therapy when clients are comfortable with this, ensuring clients feel supported and understood on their healing journey.

Outside of her professional life, Carissa enjoys traveling, learning new things, and baking for friends & family.

• Debbie@RPCounseling.org
• (336) 542-2060 ext. 114

DEBBIE CHILDERS

Debbie earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History and Secondary Education from Duke University.  She earned a Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling and an Education Specialty (Ed.S.) in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  Although she spent many years teaching and tutoring teenage students in Greensboro, she resumed counseling in 2023.  She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (#18597) in the state of North Carolina.

Debbie has a passion for helping teens and adults become the confident and capable individuals God has created them to be. She works from a Biblical worldview, but is willing to work with clients who have a different spiritual orientation.  Debbie believes in creating a safe, supportive place in which clients can work through life’s disruptions and emerge with healthy coping skills and greater resilience.  She enjoys working with teenagers who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges and self-worth struggles.  She also works with adults facing loss, relational conflict and adjustment difficulties.  Special areas of emphasis include infertility, grief and loss, and refugee trauma and adjustment.

Debbie believes that  individual growth happens in the context of relationships.  Part of healthy development is learning how to set boundaries and nurture healthy attachments.  She draws on Emotionally Based Therapy to help clients cultivate emotional awareness and strengthen bonds of attachment in order to optimize a person’s confidence, satisfaction and resilience in all life circumstances.   She also uses a variety of counseling approaches that include but are not limited to art therapy, play therapy, role play exercises, cognitive restructuring and behavior goal-setting.

• Liz@RPCounseling.org
• 336-542-2060 ext. 119

ELIZABETH (LIZ) NEWTON

• Lawrie@RPCounseling.org
• 336-542-2060 ext. 108

LAWRIE BEARDSLEY

Lawrie Beardsley is currently pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Christian Counseling at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary working toward licensure as a Mental Health Counselor. Before beginning her counseling education, she practiced as a physical therapist at Moses Cone Health System since 1990, where she worked with individuals facing neurological, orthopedic, trauma, and chronic pain issues in both hospital and outpatient settings. In that role, she walked alongside patients during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives, bearing witness to their resilience and capacity for healing, even when they doubted it themselves.

Her counseling journey has also been deeply shaped by personal experiences of loss, including the passing of both of her parents and an adult child. These profound losses have given her both personal and professional insight into the difficult road of death-related grief and mourning. She believes healing and growth happen best in a relationship built on trust, and she works collaboratively with clients to set meaningful goals and move forward with purpose. Lawrie is especially drawn to supporting those facing depression, anxiety, trauma, relational conflict, religious trauma, and major life transitions. She also has a special interest in healthcare/first responder vicarious trauma. Believing that all people are made in the Image of God, Lawrie remains inspired by the bravery of clients as they seek growth, healing, and renewed strength, and she is grateful for the privilege of walking with them as they rediscover their own resilience.

Lawrie has been married to her husband, Jim, for 36 years. Together they enjoy spending time with their family, especially their beloved grandchildren. In her spare time, she can be found lifting weights, traveling, hiking, and savoring a really good cup of coffee. Her personal and professional life are grounded in faith, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the gift of relationships.

• lori@rpcounseling.org
• (336) 542-2060 ext 118

LORI SHEPARD

STACY WAREHAM

Stacy earned a Bachelor of Social Work from University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She went on to acquire her Masters in Social Work through the Joint Master of Social Work Program co-organized by NCA&T and UNCG. She now practices as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (License #P018725).

Stacy has a heart for those who have walked broken paths or who often feel they are on the outside looking in. Her passion lies in creating a safe, nurturing, non-judgmental space for healing and treating each person as a unique individual worthy of dignity and respect. Stacy works with those experiencing general anxiety, relationship issues, broken family systems, and trauma. Two special areas of interest are grief associated with infertility and adoption, as well as those living with or who support someone with developmental issues. Stacy uses a variety of therapeutic modalities including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, as well as role play exercises.

Stacy believes in the restorative power of redemption provided by a merciful God but respects individual preferences and will see people of other faith practices.

Stacy is married and has twin sons. In her free time Stacy loves to garden, read, attend Bible study, travel, and spend time with family.