Meet Our Team
Psychologists
Though psychologists are often doing research, some offer therapy and private practice. Many of psychologists will have a specific area of interest or expertise.
PH.D in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Allison M. Garrott
Dr. Allison Garrott received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Memphis. She has been a staff member at both Pediatric Adolescent Center and Christian Psychological Center, Memphis. Her practice encompasses a wide range of child/adolescent and women’s issues. She works with clients who deal with depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship issues. She has been trained by Christopher Fairburn, MD of Oxford, England in the treatment of Binge Eating and Compulsive Overeating.
Dr. Garrott has developed an additional area of interest, working with older women who are making the transition into their later years. Growing older is a difficult time in the life span, when people struggle with the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of aging. Dr. Garrott enjoys walking alongside women in this season of life.
Today, Dr. Garrott conducts psycho-educational evaluations for people of all ages. Her doctoral dissertation was on the relationship between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and self-esteem.
Dr. Garrott works with the whole person, believing that one’s behavior, the way in which people react to their psychological environment, is to a great extent within their control. In other words, people have the ability to change the outcome of their lives.
Dr. Garrott is a wife, a mother and a grandmother to 10 grandchildren.
Education: Allison earned her Bachelors degree from Sweetbriar College her and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Memphis (1992).
Email: Allison@SanctuaryCouncelingCenter.org
Allison loves seeing growth through counseling in the areas below:
Counselors
These practitioners can diagnose, offer counseling, and many practice a range of different therapeutic approaches. They may have additional certifications based on their specific area of interest or experience.
LPC-MHSP |MA Counseling | MA Biblical Studies
liz Garrott
Liz has served alongside her husband Murray in pastoral ministry for over twenty years. She and Murray have a son and a daughter in college. In July of 2016, Liz and Murray relocated to Orlando to attend the Masters of Arts degree in Counseling program at Reformed Theological Seminary. Liz completed her counseling internship at the Oviedo Counseling Clinic, where she saw individual clients and led group sessions. Liz believes that it is through a relationship that healing occurs. Counseling provides the opportunity to examine your story in the context of a genuine, supportive relationship so that negative emotions can be released, false beliefs can be corrected, and constructive patterns of relating can be established.
Education: Liz earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Vanderbilt University (1990), her Masters of Arts degree in Biblical Studies (2004), and her Masters of Arts degree in Counseling (2018) from Reformed Theological Seminary.
Email: Liz@SanctuaryCounselingCenter.org
Clients describe Liz as empathetic, kind, understanding, knowledgeable, and helpful. In Liz's free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, and hiking.
Liz loves seeing growth through counseling in the areas below:
LPC | MA Counseling | Mdiv | PHD Church History
Murray Garrott
Murray has over twenty years of experience in full-time pastoral ministry. He was the Associate Pastor at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Durham, NC from 1996-2009 and the Executive Pastor at Independent Presbyterian Church in Memphis from 2009-2016. While serving as a pastor, Murray began to recognize the need for more counseling services focused on the unique challenges that face ministry workers. In July of 2016, Murray and Liz moved to Orlando to attend the Masters of Arts degree in Counseling program at Reformed Theological Seminary. Murray hopes his years as a pastor, now combined with his recent training in counseling, will enable him to connect with and serve those who have been called into ministry. Murray completed his internship at the Oviedo Counseling Clinic, working mostly with anxiety/depression, ministry burnout, and marriage.
Education: Murray earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from Vanderbilt University (1989), his Masters of Divinity degree from Reformed Theological Seminary (1994), his PhD in Ecclesiastical History from The University of Edinburgh, Scotland (2003), and his Masters of Arts degree in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary (2018). Murray is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America.
Clients describe Murray as kind, trustworthy, insightful, and empathetic. In Murray's spare time you can find him playing tennis or hunting.
Email: Murray@SanctuaryCounselingCenter.org
Murray loves seeing growth through counseling in the following areas:
LPC-MHSP | MA Counseling
Mallory Hawkins
Mallory first served in ministry as a Recreation and Activities Coordinator/Chapel Assistant at Whites Residential and Family services in Wabash, Indiana, a Christ-centered residential facility for at-risk teens. She spent the next six years as the Junior High Assistant Director at Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, TN. During her time in ministry, Mallory experienced personally the loss and pain that result from a lack of self-care and self-awareness. God’s faithfulness in her own recovery inspired Mallory to pursue the training necessary to care for other ministry leaders and their families. In July of 2016, she moved to Orlando to attend the Masters of Arts degree in Counseling program at Reformed Theological Seminary. Mallory worked as a graduate intern at the Oviedo Counseling Clinic.
Clients describe Mallory as genuine, personable, and easy to talk to. She enjoys spending her free time with family, friends, and the Lord. Her favorite activities include being outdoors, sports, and watching good movies.
Education: Mallory has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education from Taylor University in Upland, IN (2006) and a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary (2018).
Email: Mallory@SanctuaryCounselingCenter.org
Mallory loves seeing growth through counseling in the following areas:
LPC-MHSP | MS Counseling | National Certified Counselor
Rachel Shepard
Rachel first served in ministry as a Student Intern with Broadmoor Baptist Church in Madison, MS. Since moving to Memphis in 2014, Rachel has worked in various volunteer positions in her church. Rachel is currently a member of the young adult's leadership team at her church, which serves college students and adults in their twenties. Rachel received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Memphis in 2017 and immediately began pursuing a Master of Science degree in Counseling. As part of her training, she worked as a Behavioral Health Intern at Christ Community Health Services in Raleigh, TN. Rachel began her time at Sanctuary Counseling Center as a Counseling Intern and joined the staff following the completion of her Master's degree. During her time at Sanctuary, Rachel has led individual, couples, and group counseling. She has worked with clients of all ages, including young children, adolescents, and adults. Rachel is married and has a German Shepherd. In her free time, she enjoys playing sports, traveling, and spending time outdoors.
Clients describe Rachel as practical, easy to talk to, and empathetic.
Education: Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development from the University of Memphis (2017) and a Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Memphis (2020).
Email: Rachel@SanctuaryCounselingCenter.org
Rachel loves seeing growth through counseling through the following areas:
Life guides
Working with a Life Guide is a way to engage your story to live fully. Working with a guide is different than working with a therapist. A guide will often share their story and personal experiences to encourage, challenge, and help you confront difficulties in your life. Life Guides are goal-oriented and focus on issues and situations specific to your unique calling and giftedness. Therapists and guides are both pursuing life change, however, they take different paths to get there.
Joey Bland
Joey is a professional life coach with his own private practice. Focusing on marriage issues, parenting challenges, life transitions, and change management, Joey brings a unique perspective and wealth of knowledge from almost 35 years of ministry and business experience. For someone navigating crossroads in their life, Joey’s compassionate yet direct approach helps clearly define roadblocks while creating strategies for growth.
Joey first served in ministry as a volunteer YoungLife staff member while in college. Serving as YoungLife staff provided the open door for Joey to begin his coaching career and deeper involvement in kid’s lives.
Following college Joey served as singles and college pastor at First Evangelical Church in Memphis, TN. Joey transitioned from full-time ministry to secondary education teaching Bible and business classes and coaching at Briarwood Christian School in Birmingham, AL. After his father was diagnosed with a terminal illness, Joey moved back to Memphis to care for his father and began his 25+ year career in business. As the father of four sons Joey continued coaching and developing kids.
In business Joey has been an entrepreneur, worked in real estate development for Kemmons Wilson, Inc. until being laid off during the 2008-09 recession, was an executive consultant and Principal Broker with start-up AcreTrader during their meteoric rise, and now focuses on agricultural and recreational land brokerage in the Mid-South.
In 2009, after experiencing the pain of divorce, Joey began volunteering and eventually leading Second Presbyterian Church’s Divorce Recovery program. Joey enjoys the balance of lessons learned in his years of ministry and professional business combined with using his woundedness as a calling to come alongside people at the crossroads of life. Joey and his wife Priscilla host the Crossroads of Divorce podcast found on any podcast platform. Certified by the Universal Coach Institute.
Virginia Tilleros
Virginia is a professional life coach with her own private practice. After earning a B.S. in psychology from Belmont University, Virginia, has worked with children, teenagers, adults, and parents for 21 years, serving in the professional roles of educator, Young Life staff, and life coach. She has earned certificates from Sage Hill and is an endorsed Sage Hill Guide IS certified in Spiritual Root System from professional coaching. Virginia is a certified SYMBIS premarital assessment facilitator. Virginia has three adult sons with her husband, Steve.
Counseling Residents
The counseling residents at Sanctuary are graduate students nearing the completion of their academic course work for an advanced degree in a mental health field. In addition to their rigorous academic programs, like the rest of our staff, they also have years of ministry related experience before they come to Sanctuary. All of our residents provide excellent care, are well supervised by multiple veteran care givers, have immediate availability, and can be seen at an ever further discounted rate. For all of these reasons the Sanctuary Counseling Center Residents are an excellent choice when looking for a care provider.
Jessica Uke - Counseling Resident
Jessica is a counseling resident at Sanctuary Counseling Center and is set to graduate this December (2024) from Harding University with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree. Before starting the counseling program in 2022, she was in full-time ministry with Campus Outreach first in Arkansas and then in Memphis, TN. It was during those years of full-time ministry when Jessica came to recognize her therapeutic disposition and a need to further her education to help individuals process their past and rewrite hopeful futures. Jessica believes her role as a counselor is to create a climate where people can gain insight into their problems and behaviors as well as learn new skills and behaviors to overcome these problems. Jessica continues to gain experience in individual counseling (including EMDR) as well as group counseling.
Education: Jessica earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Arkansas State University (2018)
Areas of Focus: Anxiety, Depression, Life Transition, Trauma, Identity/Low-Self-Esteem
Olivia Beloshapka - Counseling Resident
Olivia is a Counseling Resident at Sanctuary Counseling Center. She is a compassionate, relatable counselor dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey towards mental and emotional wellbeing. Before embarking on her counseling journey, Olivia spent over seven years in full-time ministry alongside her husband, Austin. Through her experiences in ministry, Olivia developed a profound empathy for those navigating the complexities of life, particularly individuals serving in ministry themselves. Driven by her passion for helping others, Olivia decided to pursue a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. Since then, she has been diligently honing her skills and expertise to better serve her clients.
With a warm and empathetic approach, Olivia creates a safe and nurturing space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, Olivia is here to walk alongside you every step of the way. With her guidance, you will adapt practical, sustainable strategies to reach your desired outcomes.
Areas of focus: facing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth
Executive Director
Bill Finnell LPC/MHSP, ACS, D.Min.
Bill has worked as a professional counselor in various roles for over 20 years. He has worked as a bereavement program manager for hospice, as the director of counseling and disability services in a university setting. Bill and his family served in Spain providing care and counseling for missionaries serving abroad. He earned his MA in counseling from Denver Seminary, and his D. Min. in Member Care from CIU. Bill is a licensed professional counselor, and an approved clinical supervisor by the NBCC and the state of TN.
How to understand different roles, backgrounds and training of care providers.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor or MD (they will have Dr. before their name)
Training: Medical School
Quick tips: In an outpatient setting psychiatrists typically focus on medication management, and often work with another practitioner (below) who handles the therapy.
Psychologist
PhD, PsyD, EdD (they will also have Dr. before their name)
Training: completion of a PhD, PsyD, or EdD program in psychology. All degrees require clinical field experience and dissertations, though a PsyD or EdD is typically more clinically focused, while a PhD is more research focused.
Though PhDs are often doing research, some offer therapy and private practice. Many of these individuals will have a very specific area of interest or expertise, which can be great if their interest matches your needs! They cannot prescribe medications, but may work with a psychiatrist who does medication management.
Licensed Professional Counselor
LPC, LPC/MHSP, Temp LPC
Training: completion of a master’s program in psychology, counseling psychology, mental health counseling, or a closely related field. Those providers with “Temp” or Temporary” as a part of their credentials are currently working under supervision of an experienced clinician.
Quick tips: These practitioners can diagnose, offer counseling, and many practice a range of different therapeutic approaches. They may have additional certifications based on their specific area of interest or experience (even more letters after their name). They cannot prescribe medications, but may work with a psychiatrist who does medication management.
Life Guides: Completion of specific certified coaching training programs, individualized to the type of coaching provided. Some examples include emphasis on career, relationships, spirituality, parenting, and more.
Quick tips: Working with a Life Guide is a way to engage your story to live fully. Working with a guide is different than working with a therapist. A guide will often share their story and personal experiences to encourage, challenge, and help you confront difficulties in your life. Life Guides are goal-oriented and focus on issues and situations specific to your unique calling and giftedness. Therapists and guides are both pursuing life change, however, they take different paths to get there.
Counseling Residents
The counseling residents at Sanctuary are graduate students nearing the completion of their academic course work for an advanced degree in a mental health field. Our counseling residents almost completed rigorous academic programs, and like the rest of our staff, they also have years of ministry related experience before they come to Sanctuary. All of our residents provide excellent care, are well supervised by multiple veteran care givers, have immediate availability, and can be seen at an ever further discounted rate. For all of these reasons the Sanctuary Counseling Center Residents are an excellent choice when looking for a care provider.
Social Worker
MSW, LGSW, LCSW, LMSW, LCSW-C, LISW, LSW (and probably more, as this varies depending on state license, but will always involve an “SW”)
Training: completion of a masters program in clinical social work. Those with an “L” have completed licensure requirements which may involve state board exams and supervision hours.
Quick tips: These practitioners can diagnose, offer counseling, and many practice a range of different therapeutic approaches. They may have additional certifications based on their specific area of interest or experience (even more letters after their name). They cannot prescribe medications, but may work with a psychiatrist who does medication management.
Marriage and Family Therapist
MA, MFT, LMFT, LCMFT
Training: completion of a masters program in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Quick tips: These practitioners can diagnose, offer counseling, and many practice a range of different therapeutic approaches. They may have additional certifications based on their specific area of interest or experience (even more letters after their name). They cannot prescribe medications, but may work with a psychiatrist who does medication management.
Pastoral Counseling / Pastoral Care
MA, CCPT, CpastC, NCPC, NCCA
Training: completion of a masters program in Pastoral Counseling or Pastoral Therapy. These programs typically involve a combination of coursework in therapeutic approaches and clinical counseling skills in combination with theology, spiritual counseling, and pastoral care/chaplaincy.
Quick tips: This is a specific degree program that differentiates a pastoral counselor from a pastor, or clergy person who may provide informal spiritual support. These practitioners can offer licensed counseling services, and many practice a range of different therapeutic approaches. Many pastoral counselors work in hospital or hospice chaplaincy, in ministry, institutions of higher education, or individual clinical practice.
Some professionals have their advanced degrees, then they get even more letters. These are typically for certifications obtained through a particular accreditation body or advanced training and/or testing in a specific clinical area. If your counselor has additional certifications, ask about it. A quick Google search should give you more information about the specific certification program if you are interested.