Our team provides counseling for individuals, couples, and families seeking to move to next level of personal & relational development.
Donna Gibbs, LCMHCS, BCPCC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor & Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor
Co-Founder
Education and Training
Donna is a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor
(NCLCMHCS) and a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor (BCPCC). She is
EDIT Certified (Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy) and has a Certificate of Completion
from EMDRIA in Basic EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Therapy). She is on the professional referral networks for Focus on the Family, Crisis
Care Network, and Finding Balance. She is a professional provider for Samaritan’s
Purse, and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).
Donna graduated from North Carolina State University in 1993 with a BA in Psychology.
She has post-graduate training in the specialization of School Psychology and an MS in
Community Counseling, which she earned in 1997 from Western Carolina University. She earned a PhD in Christian Counseling and Psychology from Louisiana Baptist University in 2007.
Donna frequently enjoys speaking and training engagements, and would be honored to
come to your church or organization to share a word of instruction or encouragement.
Follow Donna’s author page at https://www.facebook.com/DonnaGibbsResilience/ for
encouragement and updates regarding events.
Experience
Donna developed Summit Wellness Centers, PLLC in partnership with Kevin Wimbish
in 2018 in an effort to provide more accessible resources to various organizations in
WNC. In 2008, she developed and directed A Clear Word Counseling Center (CWCC),
which became a thriving resource for those experiencing emotional or relationship
struggles. Donna has authored various books and resources, and is commonly featured
on radio broadcasts and podcasts across America.
Donna has been married to her husband, Mark, for 28 years, and is the mother of four
amazing boys. She loves spending time with family and friends and hiking in the
beautiful mountains of WNC.
Rev. Kevin Wimbish, MS, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (NC), Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (TN)
Co-Founder
Education &Training
Kevin received a Bachelor of Science in Human Development with a minor in Sociology from UNC – Greensboro in 2002. He then completed his MS in Marriage & Family Therapy at Auburn University in 2004. After graduating from Auburn, Kevin was trained in Charlotte, NC while working as a therapist at The Barnabas Center. The training at The Barnabas Center was strongly influenced by the works of Dr. Dan Allender & Dr. Larry Crabb.
Kevin has been devoting time over the last number of years providing corporate coaching and consulting services, and in studying neuroscience and it’s impacts on individual’s quality of life and couple dynamics. He is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in North Carolina (1198) and Licensed Marital & Family Therapist in Tennessee (2287).
Experience
Kevin developed Summit Wellness Centers, PLLC in partnership with Donna Gibbs in 2018 in an effort to provide more accessible resources to various organizations in WNC. Kevin began his professional career as a substance abuse counselor at Stonewall Jackson Juvenile Detention Center. He then began the adolescent counseling arm at The Barnabas Center in Charlotte, NC. Kevin and his wife Julie moved to Asheville, NC to work with the Hope Network at Biltmore Baptist Church in 2007. While at Biltmore Baptist, Kevin worked with the Online Campus as the Online Campus Pastor. Kevin was then asked to be on the team to start the first multi-site campus as the Family Pastor. While serving in this role, Kevin led the kids, students, and guest services teams, comprised of volunteers who led the various ministries.
Kevin left Biltmore Baptist in 2014 to start Family Life Coach to work with individuals and families and in 2015 started Maximum Dynamic, Inc. to work with organizations. Kevin was also a Pastor In Residence at The Cove from 2017 – 2022. He developed Summit Wellness Centers, PLLC in partnership with Donna Gibbs in 2018 in an effort to provide more accessible resources to various organizations in WNC.
Summit Wellness Centers, PLLC is pleased to be able to make the services of independent contractors available:
Rev. Boone Leigh, MDiv, MA, LCMHC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Education and Training
Boone graduated from NC State University with a BS in Biology. He graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in 2001 and a Masters in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2012. Boone served in Florida as a youth pastor and pastoral intern, and then served as a solo pastor to a church in Huntington, WV.
Experience
Boone has been providing pastoral counseling for the past twelve plus years working with children, teens, adults, singles and couples. He loves to help people with the struggles they are having by pointing them first to the ultimate answer, which is Jesus Christ. He has been married for 12 years to the love of his life and has two daughters. Boone is licensed in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Lori Heagney, MS, LCMHC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Education & Training
Lori graduated from Southeastern College of the Assemblies of God (now Southeastern University) in Lakeland, Florida in 1990 with a BA in Psychology. She earned her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Stetson University in Deland, Florida in 1997. She was licensed in Florida as a Mental Health Counselor in 2000. She became licensed in the state of North Carolina as a Licensed Professional Counselor (now Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor) in 2009 after moving to NC in the fall of 2008. She is on the professional counselor referral network for Focus on the Family, a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), and a contributor to the Summit Wellness Centers, PLLC blog.
Experience
Lori joined the team of Summit Wellness Centers, PLLC after having been in practice with A Clear Word Counseling Center since 2010. Prior to this she practiced in the community mental health and substance abuse field in both inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities since 1987. She has a great passion for neurobiology and helping empower individuals to recognize their God-given ability to be “Transformed by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:2).” Her areas of expertise include working with mental health issues of depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder as well as extensive experience in women’s issues, divorce recovery, tween/teen issues, grief, and couples/marital therapy. Lori is the proud mother of two wonderful girls. She enjoys home improvement projects, gardening, and time spent in the beautiful outdoors of North Carolina with her family.
Pam Nettles, LCMHC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Education and Training
Pam earned her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling at Liberty University in 2010 and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (8716). Pam works with children, adolescents, men and women dealing with individual, relationship, marital and family issues. Pam especially enjoys working with individuals struggling with depression and anxiety. As a PREPARE/ENRICH Counselor Pam provides premarital counseling.
Experience
Pam is passionate about providing professional and spiritual counseling. She provides integrative counseling that is based on biblical principles, as well as research-based theoretical principles that are geared to a client’s individual issues and/or circumstances. Pam works collaboratively with her clients to determine their specific needs and goals; then a plan is established to help the client succeed in meeting those goals.
In addition to Pam’s professional training, she has a variety of life experiences that help her to identify with the needs of her clients. Pam is married and has three young adult children. Prior to becoming a counselor, Pam’s work history includes working in a professional business setting and also in public and private educational settings for about 15 years. Pam enjoys spending time with family and friends and her two dogs, reading, working out, yard work, and relaxing by the campfire.
Ashleigh Beason – Herrington, LCMHC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Ashleigh was raised in Western North Carolina. She graduated Appalachian State University, magna cum laud, where she received her degree in Nutrition. She received her Master’s Degree from Liberty University in Counseling to gain her LPC (now LCMHC). Ashleigh completed her practicum at Tapestry Eating Disorder Clinic and her internship with Summit Wellness Centers, PLLC. She works with adults, young adults, teens and kids with anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, grief, and eating disorders. She has completed training for Trauma with children and adolescents and play therapy as well as EMDR for adults and children. She also provides counseling services at West Henderson High School.
Abbey Bruce, LCMHC (NC), LPC-MHSP (TN)
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (NC), Licensed Professional Counselor/Mental Health Service Provider (TN)
Abbey provides counseling services in the office at First Baptist Concord Church (TN), and Telehealth for NC clients.
Education & Training
Abbey received her Bachelor’s degree from Berry College in Psychology and Dance, and her Master’s degree from the University of Georgia in Professional Community Counseling. Abbey’s clinical focus during her graduate training was trauma therapy for children and adolescents. Abbey is a certified PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator, and is currently a trainee in the North Carolina Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treatment Collaborative.
Experience
Abbey enjoys working with children, adolescents, young adults, and married couples. Abbey has worked with many individuals and families that have experienced trauma, adoption issues, pregnancy related loss, marriage, and parenting issues. Abbey’s primary experience includes working at Bethany Christian Services as an adoption specialist and pregnancy counselor; and working at two child advocacy centers to provide therapy for children and families who have experienced trauma.
Abbey is passionate about helping her clients integrate their faith and experiences as they learn more about themselves and reach their goals in therapy. Abbey believes that therapy is a collaborative process and strives to walk alongside clients in a warm and supportive way. In her free time, Abbey enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, and working on art projects.
Chad Barron, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Education and Training
Chad graduated in 2006 from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas with a BA in Youth and Family Ministry. After serving as a youth minister in the Tampa Bay area for six years, Chad felt called to work more closely with families going through crisis and returned to Harding to pursue his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. He is now a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina (Lic. No. 2133).
Experience
As a clinician, Chad has worked in private practice, substance abuse counseling, adolescent residential treatment, and as an Intensive In-Home therapist. Chad has a passion for coming alongside families, couples, and individuals struggling with a wide variety of mental health and inter-personal struggles. His therapy is solution-focused, family systems oriented, and rooted in building healthy communication skills. The opportunity to work with Summit Wellness Centers, PLLC is the realization of a long time dream to offer therapeutic services that not only heal the mind but also the Spirit in accordance with the teachings of Christ.
Chad grew up in a military family but lived mostly in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Justine, since 2006 and has three amazing kids. He loves exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina with his family, finding the best “hole in the wall” restaurants in small towns, and playing guitar and piano.
Michelle Hipp, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education and Training
Michelle Graduated from Spring Arbor University located in Spring Arbor, Michigan in
2017 with a Bachelor of Social Work. In 2018 she completed her master’s degree from
Spring Arbor University. She is a licensed clinical social worker with the state of North
Carolina and a Licensed Independent Social Worker CP in the state of South Carolina.
She has been trained in basic Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
(EMDR) through EMDRIA. Michelle is also a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment
professional with training in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.
Experience
Michelle began her clinical career working at a trauma assessment center in Detroit,
Michigan before relocating to North Carolina in December of 2018. Michelle has
experience working with adolescents, teens, adults, and families. Her passion and
specialties include those who have suffered complex trauma and attachment wounds.
She also has experience working with individuals who battle anxiety, depression, self-
injurious behaviors, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive
compulsive disorder (OCD) and reactive attachment disorder (RAD). She is passionate
about helping individuals and families break the cycles of generational trauma by
digging into God’s word for powerful truths and then pairing those truths with clinical
modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and problem
solving and decision-making therapy. Michelle firmly believes that healing begins with
believing and receiving our identity in Christ and by working to peel off the false labels
we or others have placed on ourselves. It’s true that healing can be both hard and
painful work but with self-examination, determination, and intentionality you can
experience healing. You can expect to work both in and outside of the therapy session
by completing occasional homework assignments that may include scripture reading,
prayer and self-examination to assist in the healing process.
Personal
Michelle is a wife and mother of two grown children. She enjoys studying and teaching
the word of God and is passionate about guiding women towards uncovering their
identity in Christ. She loves Jesus, writing devotionals, hiking, and learning new things
(in that order).
Ella Autrey, LCMHC-A
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate
Ella graduated from Appalachian State University in 2010 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Marketing Education. She has teaching certifications in Middle School Math and Business and Marketing Education, with experience teaching middle school and high school students. After several life events and teaching in the classroom, she felt the Lord leading her to pursue a degree as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Ella earned her LCMHC degree from Liberty University and is a National Certified Counselor. Ella is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Being a native of Western North Carolina, Ella has a strong desire to offer the benefits of professional counseling integrated with true hope of Christ throughout her community. Ella works with individuals, couples,families, children and adolescents experiencing a wide variety of issues such as grief, anxiety, depression and OCD. She is a certified SYMBIS marriage assessment facilitator and offers premarital counseling.
Ella is a firm believer of the importance of spending quality time with family and friends when possible, and will take any opportunity to travel with her husband and two daughters.
Shalom Littrell, LCSW-A
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate
Education and Training
Shalom received her Bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State in Education and Recreation Management and her Master’s Degree from the University of South Carolina in Social Work. Shalom completed her clinical internship at Safelight. Her clinical focus has been trauma, eating disorders, and working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Shalom is certified in EMDR, TF-CBT and has completed trainings for using Sandtray therapy and CBT with chronic anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma and PTSDS and Tray. Shalom is a certified Darkness to Light Stewards of Children facilitator.
Experience
Shalom enjoys working with adults and married couples. Shalom has worked with survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, eating disorders, and individuals who have experienced trauma. Shalom’s experience primarily includes working at the Believe Child Advocacy center as the program manager, where she provided forensic interviews and therapeutic services to children and families who experienced trauma and abuse. Shalom has also worked with adults in helping them process childhood trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. She has also worked with the school system as a school social worker. Shalom is passionate about working alongside couples and individuals through their own healing journey of any trauma that they have experienced as a child or adult.
Kristen Martin, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education & Training
Kristen graduated from Messiah University in 2003 with a BA in Sociology and a concentration in criminal justice. She went on to earn her Masters in Social Work from West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania in 2005. She earned a certificate in Trauma and Resiliency from Florida State University in 2023. She also obtained a certificate in Clinical Supervision from the National Association of Social Workers in 2023. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the North American Association of Christians in Social Work.
Experience
Kristen began her career working with children and teenagers that were in alternative school settings in Pennsylvania in 2005. When she moved to North Carolina in 2009 she began practicing in an outpatient setting serving adults. Most recently she was the Executive Director of a regional nonprofit meeting the mental health and homelessness needs of the community for over a decade. Kristen’s passion is helping others see their God-given potential, helping them to find their path out of trauma, anxiety, relationship conflict, grief, whatever season of life they are in, so that they can find hope, healing, and joy.
Kristen has been married to Rob since 2006. They have 5 resilient children who keep them on their toes daily. They enjoy the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.
Michael Hayes, LCMHC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Education & Training
Michael graduated in 2014 from Western Carolina University with an MS in Community Mental Health Counseling. He is a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors, and has completed Sue Johson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship training. He has been a clinical supervisor in Illinois for the past two years. He has a passion for helping adult individuals and couples sort through relational and emotional conflicts. He has experience helping people overcome addictions related to alcohol, drugs, and pornography. He has walked alongside people who struggle through job and life transitions, and grieving losses while finding hope.
Experience
Michael has six years’ experience in private practice, eight years of experience working in community mental health clinic setting as part of an Assertive Community Treatment team, one year working in a veteran’s rehabilitation program, and 20 years of experience in leadership in various church settings such as Celebrate Recovery, teaching marriage enrichment classes, leading small groups, and working in AWANA ministry.
Michael has been married for 31 years, and in his free time enjoys making pizzas, walking in the mountains, working on art projects, laughing with family and friends, and recently has taken up bonsai.
Christa Powell, LMFT (NC), LPC-MHSP (TN)
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (NC), Licensed Professional Counselor/ Mental Health Service Provider (TN)
Education & Training
Christa graduated from Milligan University, formally Milligan College, with a BA in Public Leadership and Service in 2007. She earned her Master’s in Christian Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2014. In 2018, she was licensed in Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider Designation. After moving to North Carolina, she became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2021.
Experience
As a clinician, Christa has worked in a faith-based community mental health center, substance abuse outpatient treatment facility, and a community college counseling center seeing a wide range of clients. Christa has a passion for working collaboratively with her clients to reach their goals in ways that consider the whole person. She works with adults, couples, and teens and is especially passionate about walking alongside those struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, and life transitions. Christa was born in Western North Carolina but grew up in the foothills of Tennessee. She enjoys adventuring with her husband of 15 years and their three spunky kids.
Catherine (Katie) Hutchinson, LCSW, LCAS
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist
Education and Training
Katie received her Bachelor’s degree in Politics and History from Converse College and then earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Western Carolina University. Katie’s clinical focus during graduate school was in substance use disorders, eating disorders, and trauma in women. Katie is licensed in the state of NC as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist.
Experience
Katie began her career in social work over 10 years ago working in a safe home for adolescent girls who were sexually exploited. Since then, she has worked in an array of settings, including residential treatment centers, a substance use outpatient program, a behavioral health urgent care, an adoption and foster care agency, and provided outpatient counseling in a community mental health clinic.
Katie particularly enjoys working with women and is passionate about helping her clients
uncover their identity in Christ. She believes that true healing occurs through the pairing of faith with evidence-based modalities so she integrates biblical principles in the counseling sessions. Katie takes a collaborative approach to counseling, allowing the client to lead in identifying their needs and goals.
In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking and running, planning her next
travel adventure, hosting dinner parties, and spending time with her husband, kids, family and friends.
Kelly Burch, LCMHC-A
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate
After high school, Kelly took a break for a few years to ride horses professionally before receiving her B.S. in Finance from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business – Indianapolis in 2002. Following graduation, Kelly completed one and a half years of law school at Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis when the Lord stirred her heart to work with people in a different capacity. In 2005, Kelly joined staff with Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), and she was on staff with Cru for over 19 years working with college students and ministry leaders. In 2019, the Lord led Kelly to pursue an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She earned her degree through Montreat College and is a National Certified Counselor. She is also a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. In addition, Kelly is currently working on a master’s in Biblical and Theological Studies at Denver Seminary.
Kelly completed her practicum and internship at Summit Wellness Centers, PLLC, while she was a student at Montreat College. Kelly works with a variety of people, including teens, college students, young adults, women, and those in full-time ministry. She enjoys journeying with people experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic illness, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), grief, trauma, and spiritual issues. Kelly has been trained in Basic EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) through EMDR Consulting.
Central to Kelly’s practice is her unwavering faith and belief in the transformative power of Jesus. She is deeply passionate about helping others experience the hope, healing, and freedom that Jesus offers, and this commitment is a guiding principle in her counseling approach.
Meredith Koontz, LCMHC-A
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate
Education and Training
Meredith is a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA). She graduated from Appalachian State University in 2010 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in History, Secondary Education and a minor in Philosophy and Religion. She earned her Master of Arts in Christian Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2023. Meredith is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).
Experience
Meredith completed her practicum and internship one at Restoration Place Counseling in
Greensboro, NC, where she worked with women facing a myriad of life challenges. She
completed her final internship in 2023 at Summit Wellness Centers, PLLC, where she expanded her knowledge base and skills working with individuals and couples dealing with a range of relational and mental health difficulties. She works with individuals experiencing a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and transitional life phases. She has come to rest in the idea that it is possible to find healing within one’s story if there is a willingness to retrace one’s steps, assess one’s current circumstances, and imagine the possibilities that lie ahead. Her experiences have provided her with strong hope that beauty can come from dark places.
Meredith is originally from Western North Carolina and enjoys spending time in the mountains with her family and friends. Her Appalachian heritage has developed in her a deep appreciation for the healing beauty found in the natural world. She enjoys traveling, reading excessively long books, and large cups of coffee.
Kristi James, LCMHC-A
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate
As a compassionate Christian clinical mental health counselor, Kristi is dedicated to working with individuals aged 12 and above, couples, and families. Her mission is to provide a safe and nurturing space for those seeking healing and restoration. She is committed to working with both Christian and non-Christian clients, offering a holistic approach that integrates faith-based principles (upon client request) with evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
Kristi believes in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, and is committed to helping clients flourish in all aspects of their lives. Drawing from her training and experience in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Counseling (EFT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), Kristi guides clients through the process of healing from trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Whether walking alongside clients in their faith journey or providing support to those from other backgrounds, Kristi seeks to foster a collaborative and empathetic therapeutic relationship. Her goal is to empower individuals to overcome obstacles, discover their strengths, and flourish in mind, body, and spirit.
Kristi is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in the state of North Carolina, and is a graduate of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary where she earned a Masters in Christian Counseling in 2024. Kristi is a member of the ACA and NCCA.
Ben Tackett
Masters Level Student and Intern
Ben graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. It’s in his DNA to understand every client from their own unique cultural background. In 1997 he earned a Master of Divinity (M. Div.) from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. This degree prepares individuals for pastoral ministry. Since then Ben has ministered in a variety of roles in churches, academics, and technology. He counsels from this ministry perspective and a Biblical worldview. He specializes in acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). ACT is an evidence-based intervention that develops psychological flexibility to help clients get unstuck and move towards their values. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that utilizes eye movements or tapping in order to accelerate the brain’s capacity to heal itself from troubling memories. Ben is currently finishing his master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Montreat College and completing clinical hours here at Summit. His supervisor is Lori Heagney, CMHC (North Carolina #7321).
Ben loves helping adults through life issues like addiction, anger management, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, life transitions, loss, over-thinking, phobias, and traumatic experiences. He is passionate about exploring all influences that affect our mental health—psychological, relational/environmental, biological/physiological, spiritual, and technological factors. He enjoys learning, reading the Psalms, and biking WNC with his wife and five kids.
Reduced fee opportunity. Contact our office for details.
Leigh Beddingfield: Practice Manager
From scheduling, working with insurance companies, and coordinating the processes throughout our locations, Leigh is the essential glue that holds our team together.
Felicia Baker: Administrative Assistant
Felicia assists Leigh in working with all of our counselors at the different locations to keep things working smoothly.
Heather McMinn – Garren: Administrative Assistant
Next Steps…
We’d love to help! Contact Us Today
