President:
Dr. Ryan Noel Fraser
Dr. Ryan Noel Fraser is a Professor of Bible, Youth Ministry, and Pastoral Counseling at Freed-Hardeman University, where he has taught since 2006. He and his wife, Missy Housel, have two grown children.
Ryan holds Ph.D. in Pastoral Theology & Pastoral Counseling from BriteDivinity School at Texas Christian University. He is a former fellow of AAPC, a psychotherapist member of ACPE, a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist, and approved supervisor in Tennessee. He also serves as the pulpit minister for the Bethel Springs Church of Christ (McNairy County). He provides mental health and family seminars for churches, clergy, and therapists.
Vice President:
Dr. David Thornton
Dr David Thornton works creatively to alleviate suffering and grow in wisdom together with his patients. Integrative psychotherapist and broad spiritual traveler, David listens for the quiet within the storm, the deepest heartbeat of the hurting soul, and coaxes the psyche into finding its own ancient wisdom. He is a licensed clinical pastoral therapist (TN LCPT #65) with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and a Doctorate of Ministry from Lipscomb, where he developed lectio intima, a contemplative path for developing couple’s intimacy. Many clients come to work on healing from spiritual abuse and childhood trauma.
Secretary:
Carolyn Cooper-Murriel
Carolyn Cooper-Murriel, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Counselor/Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP), brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to her practice. She holds a Bachelor’s in Social Psychology from Excelsior College, Albany, NY, a Master’s degree in Information Systems from Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), Melbourne, FL, and a Master of Science Counseling Degree from Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dallas, TX. Currently, she is a student at Memphis Theological Seminary pursuing a DMIN in Faith and Health.
As the owner and psychotherapist of Paraclete Counseling Services, Carolyn is dedicated to providing a holistic approach to mental health. Her boutique focuses on helping couples, families, and individuals navigate difficult seasons in life, and she is open to seeing clients of all faiths. Carolyn’s unique approach integrates spirituality and psychotherapy to address mental health and life issues.
She is married to Dr. Jeff Murriel, Pastor at The Hill MBC. Carolyn serves as the women’s ministry leader and Sunday school teacher. They have four adult children, two daughters in love, and four beautiful granddaughters.
Chaplain/Outreach:
Rev. Dr. Carolyn Smith Goings
Rev Dr Carolyn Smith Goings is a Board-Certified Chaplain, Board-Certified CPE Supervisor-Educator, and an ordained minister. Carolyn has pastored churches, counseled congregants and community members, and served as chaplain for hospitals, prisons, long-term care facilities, hospices, and on a college campus.
Carolyn has earned a BA, an MFA, an MDiv, and a PhD.
In addition, she is currently completing a new PhD in Mental Health Counseling, Advanced Clinical Practices. Dr Goings is the primary counselor at her private practice, Grateful Hearts @ The Well. Email her using the link under her photo or leave a message for her at (731) 325-9000.
Treasurer:
Rev. Burns Rogers
Burns is a second career counselor after having worked for 18 years in Public Health. He earned his counseling degree from Belmont University (2020). He is under supervision as he works to become licensed as a Clinical Pastoral Therapist, and he is currently seeing clients in Donelson and Springfield. Burns serves as a Vocational Deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee.
He received his certification as a Spiritual Director from Metagem Institute (2020) and has two certificates in the Spirituality of the Enneagram (2016 & 2018) from The Institute for Conscious Being. Burns and his wife Donna have been married for 24 years, have an adult daughter, and live on a farm in Kentucky with their pets: 2 dogs, 10 hens, and 2 rabbits.
Membership/Promotions:
Rev. Keller Hawkins
Keller comes to her therapeutic work from her experiences as a pastor, chaplain, educator, and facilitator. She is an Ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church and has spent significant time learning from and being among spiritual communities in multiple countries. After earning her BA in Religion from Whitman College, she earned an MDiv from Vanderbilt University and an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Belmont University. She is pursuing licensure for both Marriage & Family Therapy and Clinical Pastoral Therapy. Keller values hospitality and connection and hopes to foster a robust culture of support and belonging for all within TNAPT!
Website and Technology:
Tyler Nicodem
Tyler Nicodem is a therapist and owner of Worthy Counseling Center in Nashville, TN. He earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Pastoral Counseling from Belmont University. Tyler is currently under supervision to become a Clinical Pastoral Therapist in Tennessee. Tyler brings nearly a decade of experience working in professional ministry that informs his therapeutic work. Tyler specializes in working with folks from the LGBTQIA+ community, those with religious trauma, and those nearing the end of their lives.
While Tyler no longer serves as a licensed pastor, he and his wife are actively involved in the Post-Evangelical movement of the church and attend Spero Dei church in Nashville, TN. Tyler runs several therapy groups in partnership with Spero Dei centered around faith shift and religious trauma. Prior to therapy, Tyler worked in the church as a Worship Pastor at Oregon City Christian Church, Technical Director at The Church at Station Hill, and in Disaster Recovery for the Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church (TWKUMC).
CPT Licensure Liaison:
Sherrita Forrest
Sherrita Forrest is a woman of faith who dedicated herself to serving in the United States Navy, exemplifying courage and selflessness. Leaving the military behind, she enthusiastically embraced her new chapter, balancing work and studies at Meridian Community College. Her perseverance was rewarded with an Associate’s degree in May 2000. Fueled by dedication and commitment to helping others, she pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Mississippi State University, in 2004. With greater determination, she became a licensed social worker in September of the same year. Driven by an unwavering desire to excel, she attained another degree solidifying her position as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who knew her.
In December 2006, Ms. Forrest completed her Masters in Couseling Education. She currently licensed in Mississippi and Tennessee as a Professional Mental Health Counselor where she currently works at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Sherrita Forrest is also a licensed minister, and doctoral student in Faith and Health Counseling. She is married to Reverend James Forrest and they have four children. Sherrita is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and is passionate about sharing the Word of God, spreading His message of love and kindness.