AERIEL MATTHEWS
LCMHC-AAERIEL MATTHEWS
LCMHC-AAeriel 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 NEAL
LCMHC-ABETTIE NEAL
LCMHC-ABettie 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 BROWN
MA, LCMHC-SCARISSA BROWN
MA, LCMHC-SOriginally 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 CHILDERS
LCMHCDEBBIE CHILDERS
LCMHCDebbie 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.
ELIZABETH (LIZ) NEWTON
MA, LCMHCELIZABETH (LIZ) NEWTON
MA, LCMHCLiz Newton is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who offers a warm, compassionate space where clients can feel heard, supported, and understood. She especially enjoys working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, trauma, substance use, life transitions, and other challenges.
Liz takes an individualized approach to counseling, meeting each client where they are and partnering with them to work toward their personal goals. Her approach is eclectic and may draw from CBT, person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, EMDR, Seeking Safety, and DBT skills.
Her faith in Jesus Christ is central to her approach, and she welcomes incorporating prayer, Scripture, and a biblical perspective for clients who desire faith-based counseling.
Liz holds a bachelor’s degree in Bible Theology and Christian Counseling from the college formerly known as John Wesley College in High Point, North Carolina, and a master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and the Licensed Clinical Counselor Association of North Carolina.
Liz considers it a privilege to walk alongside each client toward healing, growth, and hope.
LORI SHEPARD
MSW. LCSWLORI SHEPARD
MSW. LCSWLori earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Rollins College. After working with adults with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, working with the Youth Program at her church, and raising a family, she returned to school and earned her Masters of Social Work (MSW) at UNC-Chapel Hill. She went on to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #C017634). Lori has enjoyed serving immigrants and refugees, foster families and foster children, and adults and children during her internships/previous positions.
Lori has a passion for working with teen girls, and helping them deal with anxiety and depression. She is trained in trauma care, and is a TF-CBT clinician with the state of NC. She has experience assisting parents with parenting challenges and behaviors and enjoys working with women. She incorporates her faith into her therapy by encouraging her clients of their true identity in Christ.
In her spare time, Lori loves spending time at the lake and ocean, reading, gardening and traveling. She is married and has 2 adult children. She is active in her church and a local Bible Study.
STACY WAREHAM
MSW, LCSWASTACY WAREHAM
MSW, LCSWAStacy 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.
STEPHANIE CAUDLE
MSW, LCSWAClinical Counselor/Executive AssociateSTEPHANIE CAUDLE
MSW, LCSWAClinical Counselor/Executive AssociateStephanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (#P024648) who feels deeply called to counseling and has a genuine passion for people and their stories. She works with women of all ages through a wide range of life experiences, including anxiety, relationships, identity, life transitions, grief, trauma, and other challenges that can affect emotional well-being. She has a heart for adolescent and teen girls as they build confidence, develop healthy relationships, strengthen self-worth, and learn to navigate complex emotions. Stephanie believes healing is possible when people feel known, valued, and supported.
Stephanie takes a holistic view of each person, recognizing that mental health cannot be separated from the relationships, systems, culture, and circumstances in which we live. Her work is informed by trauma-informed and culturally informed perspectives, helping her consider each client within the broader context of their life.
In addition to her clinical work, Stephanie serves as Executive Associate, partnering closely with RPC’s Founder/CEO in leadership, strategic initiatives, and organizational development. She brings her clinical perspective, vision, and expertise to shaping RPC’s growth and advancing its mission of providing Christ-centered care to women and girls.
Stephanie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During her graduate training, she completed internships with Guilford County Schools and Novant Health, gaining experience working with individuals across the lifespan and addressing a range of emotional, behavioral, medical, and social needs.
