Counselors and Staff

Dr. de Deugd is a graduate of Gulf Shore Baptist Seminary and Liberty University. She has received national certification as a Biblical Counselor from the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors (NANC). The Institute for Christian Conciliation, a division of the Peacemaker Ministries has trained and certified Dr. de Deugd as a competent Christian mediator/arbitrator. In addition she has been trained and certified as a Prison Seminar Instructor by Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship Ministries. Although trained in all areas of counseling, she specializes in marriage and family related issues. In conjunction with her degrees, she has received training in psychology, theology, counseling, Christian mediation/arbitration, public speaking and prison ministry. Marianne has been a regular workshop leader and counselor at the Southern Baptist Festival of Marriage. Public speaking and doing workshops and seminars come naturally to her. Recognizing that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, Marianne is very interested in alternative medicine and nutrition. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, playing the piano and writing. In November 2008 her marriage book “Fifty Two Mondays” was published. It has already been a blessing to many couples. 

Jennifer Ackerman

Linda Kelley

Linda received her M.A. degree in Counseling from Michigan State University, and her B.A. in Psychology from the University of South Florida. In addition, she has taken counseling classes at the University of Florida. Linda completed Biblical Counseling training at First Baptist Atlanta and First Baptist Naples. She is currently working on her Play Therapy certification. Linda is a registered intern LMHC. Her extensive counseling experience includes working as a counselor at the Michigan State EAP, serving as the Director/counselor for a pregnancy center and working as an independent career counselor. Linda is also a former high school guidance counselor and has experience in working with adolescents. Her areas of interest include: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, mental illness, career counseling and working with children and adolescents. Linda believes that the Holy Spirit is the counselor, that Christ transforms lives, and that the word of God is infallible and can bring healing and direction for our lives. Linda is happily married and has five children. She enjoys spending time with her husband and children, having a good cup of coffee, relaxing at the beach, biking and reading a good book.

 

  Jason Phillips

   B.A., M.A., Ordained Minister

 

Jason received his Master’s degree in Gerontology with a concentration in counseling and his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University.  He has worked as a licensed professional counselor, facilitated a drug and alcohol treatment program and as a college professor before the Lord called him into the ministry. Six  years ago Jason was ordained as the senior pastor of a non-denominational Christian church. He believes that the Word of the Lord is our true guidepost in life. Jason uses a biblical approach in dealing with people’s issues.  He focuses on geriatric problems, issues with death and dying, mental illnesses, mediation, addictions and general Pastoral counseling. As an ordained minister and practicing professional counselor, Jason is available to fill in as pulpit supply, or offer educational talks on any issues related to ministry and mental health. 

 

 

 

Daniel Burns

B.A., M. Div., Ordained Minister

 

Daniel received his B.A. in Church Ministry and Religion from Averett University in Danville, Virginia.  He then went on to earn a Master of Divinity at Southern Seminary focusing on Counseling and Higher Education Ministry.  While serving at Eastern Mennonite University he pursued further classes in individual and family counseling.  He spent a number of years working in Campus Ministry with young adults in programming, counseling, and pre-marital counseling.  He has also worked on church staff counseling with youth and families in crisis, and church members needing spiritual and vocational counseling.  In addition, Daniel is a gift finder, helping people discern what gifts God has enabled them with, and how they can use these to benefit their own personal life, and God's kingdom.  Daniel celebrates what John 10:10 says, where Jesus proclaims, "I have come that you may have life, and have it to its fullest."  He believes listening to another person's story of struggle or success is one of the greatest gifts of ministry, acknowledging every person's story is important and worthy to be heard.  Daniel enjoys working with small groups on a variety of ministry subjects.  He also enjoys playing the guitar, and hiking in the mountains.

   

 

Catherine Marieh, Administrative Secretary

B.S.

 

 

Cathey has a B.S. in Education from the University of South Florida.  She has worked with Exceptional Students in the Public Schools in Lee County.  Cathey is currently fulfilling her desire to continue to serve the Lord in the capacity of Administrative Secretary here at Royal Palm Christian Counseling.  She enjoys seeing God work in the lives of those who visit RPM. She is blessed to have the opportunity to interact with so many interesting people who come to our office. The women's ministry at her church is another one of her passions. She has been led to challenge the ladies to grow through Bible study and other activities.  Cathey enjoys sewing, cooking, reading, creating bead jewelry and having fun with her daughter & son-in-law and two grandsons.

 

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