Eliza Huie
Eliza Huie is an experienced counselor serving both individuals and couples. She has advanced certificate training from the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). She has a Masters in Counseling from Biblical Seminary and holds a graduate license in counseling. She is a counsel board member and a contributing writer for the Biblical Counseling Coalition and is a leader of the DC Metro Biblical Counselors. She also serves as Dean of Biblical Counseling for Metro Baltimore Seminary.
Understanding and experiencing God’s redeeming grace for change is her motivation for counseling. Her years of experience in the counseling room have established her confidence that God is able to bring hope to even the darkest situations. Besides working with married couples, Eliza also works with individuals for one-on-one counseling.
Eliza is married to her husband, Ken, and they have three grown children and a lovely daughter-in-law. She also enjoys reading, hiking, and being outdoors with her family.
Areas of special interest in the counseling realm are marriage and family, depression/anxiety, relational difficulties, trauma, and spiritual struggles.
Stephanie Laferriere
Stephanie lives in Baltimore and works as the director for ONE HOPE, an inner city church planting ministry of The Garden Church. Stephanie builds relationships with people in the community both in formal and informal settings. She oversees the job-readiness training program, mentorships and jobs network. She is a graduate from The Master’s University and Seminary having received a Masters degree in Biblical Counseling. She is passionate about the sufficiency of God’s Word for all things and finds her joy in helping others, particularly those in inner city contexts find freedom in Christ.
A.P. Alston
A.P. Alston has coined herself as “The Graced Widow.” She is an Educator, Certified Wellness Advisor and Holistic Life Coach. Additionally, she is the CEO and President of UBU Wellness Corp. as well as the Founder of All Things Uniquely Beautiful U, LLC. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science and has over 15 years experience in the field of education and wellness. Her studies have focused on biology, holistic nutrition, women’s health and fitness and other related modalities.
A.P. is currently an Ed.D candidate, aspiring author and speaker. In addition, she is trained to teach a multitude of fitness formats. However, above all she is the mother of two incredibly gifted blessings, who keep her focused and motivated each day to be her best self and to pursue the purpose behind her why.
Yvonne Barnes, M.S., LCPC
Yvonne Barnes is licensed by the State of Maryland as a clinical professional counselor. She conducts individual, couples, family and group mental health therapy with children, adolescents and adults. Her goal as a mental health therapist is to help others discover a new and better way of life that encompasses spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical wellness. Her Christian journey includes many unforeseen trials and tribulations that ultimately brought her to a closer and more rewarding relationship with God. She loves to exhort others toward the realization that God has a plan and a purpose for our lives no matter what life throws at us. One of her favorite scriptures is Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Audrey Callender
"A work begun..."
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Audrey Callender has been married to her husband, Derek, for 30 years and they have 4 adult children. She considers the privilege of being a wife and mother two of her greatest blessings.
After leaving the corporate world in 1991, she worked and volunteered in various educational capacities including the home-schooling of their 3 youngest children.
Accepting the mandate of Titus 2:3-5 , she is actively involved in ministry to women. Currently, she serves on the leadership board for the Ishshah Women's Ministry at Manna Bible Baptist Church and she is a regular teacher for the Women's Bible Study. In an informal capacity, she mentors several younger women and seeks to provide spiritual friendship and encouragement to women of all ages. Her life verse, Philippians 1:6, humbles and reminds her of God's great grace in that He has begun a work in her that is good and that He is the one who is performing it.
Melissa Chin “Melissa T.”
Melissa T. is a captivating singer, songwriter and musician. Skillfully engaging her audience with her powerfully unique voice, beautifully orchestrated lyrics, and engaging melodies, Melissa T. is a true musical force. A Philadelphia Native, making her mark in Baltimore City, makes a bold statement through her music; proclaiming the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and encouraging others towards true relationship with him. While creatively addressing both the toils and triumphs of life, Melissa T. has a knack for connecting with the listener and imparting lyrics that insight change. Melissa has been a lifelong entertainer, and student of the arts. As a result, she has developed a rare artistry and style. Inspired by Jazz, Classical, Hip Hop, Gospel and Folk, traces of each genre are found throughout her pieces. During Melissa’s career, her songs have lingered in the hearts and minds of many. She has been featured on various projects. Past features include collaborations with artists such as The Ambassador, Shai Linne, Stephen the Levite, Timothy Brindle, God’s Servant, and Zae da Blacksmith, to name a few. Other features include projects such as B3AR FRUIT’s compilation album, Fruit Cocktail, and The Hackley Group’s Going with the Goers. Most recently, her debut EP, “Where is the Love,” was released. You can also find her collaborating with other artists on albums including “Crimson Stain” and “On the Block.” Melissa T. is now CEO and founder of Melissa T. Music Lessons. The company provides voice, piano and trumpet lessons to students of all ages. Melissa T. is on the road to making an impact on the world through music. In essence, her genuine desire to encourage others drives her to be all she can be.
Renee Davis, PhD
Renee Davis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Maryland. She has the pleasure of serving children, adolescents, and their families. Renee graduated with her Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Howard University.
Renee is passionate about allowing God to use her in a capacity in which she can address the behavioral and mental health needs of others. With a rich experience and knowledge of numerous evidence-based clinical orientations, Renee aspires to bring the hope of God to every family that she meets.
Raised on the east coast, Renee is now proud to call Maryland her home. Since relocating to Maryland in 2017, she has been grateful to be a part of the Freedom Church family. When not working, Renee enjoys exploring new cuisines, staying active in the gym, and creating motivational videos for social media.
Esther Smith, LCPC
Esther is a counselor and writer. She has an MA in Professional Counseling, a certificate in biblical counseling through CCEF, and is a licensed clinical professional counselor. Esther works at Life Counseling Center where she counsels teens and adults. Many of her counselees have chronic mental or medical conditions, and she is passionate about helping people learn to live with long-term diagnoses and difficult life situations. In addition to counseling, Esther writes in a variety of settings. She is excited for her first book, Chronic Illness: Walking by Faith, to come out next year.
Esther lives near Baltimore, MD with her husband. She enjoys reading, trying new recipes, and spending most of her free time with her two dogs.