About Us

MCS Board

Metropolitan Counseling Services benefits in countless ways from the leadership and services of its Board of Directors. Comprised of a group of professionals who work both inside and outside the mental health professions, this group helps strategically shape, steer and support MCS to promote its mission and achieve successful outcomes.

Mary Jo Alton

Mary Jo Alton is the Vice President of Marketing at Payment Recovery Services, a recovery audit firm based in Dallas, TX. Prior to this position, Mary Jo worked in the retail industry at Macy’s and Neiman Marcus. Mary Jo received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Social Sciences from Southern Methodist University. Mary Jo has lived in Atlanta since 2003.

Anna Appleman

As an information professional, Anna understands the necessity of making resources available to those in need, be it information for research or services for mental health concerns.  The accessibility of resources allows individuals to identify and obtain both information and services to fulfill their need.  Separate from professional activities, Anna supports two national organizations that seek to provide information, support, and resources to aid individuals in their struggle to find help.  The Trichotillomania Learning Center (TLC) and the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (OCF) are devoted to spreading the word that there is help available to those afflicted with TTM and OCD, as well as their friends and family.

Linda S. Bair

Linda S. Bair is an independent businessperson and media artist who develops strategic motion media for foundations and non-profits.  After graduating from Vassar College with a degree in music, Linda and her husband, Ed, opened the original Bair Tracks recording studio in lower Manhattan, recording acts such as the B-52’s, REM, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and the Art Ensemble of Chicago.  In 1993 they relocated Bair Tracks to Atlanta, quickly becoming a major player in the post-production market throughout the southeast.  Throughout her career, Linda has produced and directed numerous capital campaign and educational videos, and has overseen high-profile community service ad campaigns, including spots for Hands-On Atlanta, The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, and Brand Atlanta.

Anne Bowen-Long

As Vice President of Strategic Accounts Sales, Anne is responsible for leading a sales team charged with driving business growth across UPS’s portfolio of services. She oversees and directs the development of business plans and strategies that generate global revenues and profit growth. Anne’s experience at UPS spans across many functions. During Anne’s previous assignment as Director of Sales Strategy and Planning, she worked with the integration of sales teams from recent UPS acquisitions.  Other roles Anne has served in while at UPS include:  Oregon District Director of Sales, where she managed customer service, sales and marketing efforts for the state of Oregon and parts of Washington; Director of Sales eVentures; Manager, Revenue Management and Manager; Product Development. Anne graduated from West Chester University with a degree in political science and received an MBA from the Bennett S. LeBow College of Business at Drexel University. Anne is currently a board member for the Metropolitan Counseling Services; Metropolitan Counseling Services is a non-profit center providing quality, affordable counseling and psychotherapy to adults in the Atlanta area.  In the past she has served on the board of the Oregon Small Business Association and on the advisory council of the Astra Society.

Allison Dawson

Allison Dawson is a business professional with a background in strategic management, marketing, sales development, and project management.  Her professional experience includes eight years with Cox Enterprises, Inc in the media and wholesale automotive industries.   In her most recent role as Manager, Strategy Communication, Allison managed the development of integrated customer-focused strategies that addressed market risks and opportunities for Manheim, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, Inc and the world’s largest provider of vehicle remarketing services. Allison received a Masters of Business Administration and BBA in Marketing from the University of Georgia.

Mickey Desai

Mickey Desai has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2001. Mickey helped resurrect the Atlanta Nonprofit Professionals group, and organized the Stetson University Alumni Association across the state. He currently chairs the MCS Board of Directors, is a member of the Georgia Lakes Society Board of Directors, and the United Way’s Volunteer Involvement Program (V.I.P.) Alumni Association, the premier board development program in Atlanta. In 1995 he received his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Stetson University. Mickey has had a varied and diverse career path, choosing nonprofit causes specifically for strength of passion and demonstrated return on investment. His personal interests revolve around causes that develop personal strength, integrity, and critical thinking skills.

Stayce M. Harris

Stayce M. Burkhart is an attorney with Moore Ingram Johnson & Steele in Marietta, Georgia. Her practice focuses primarily on Estate Tax Planning, and she is licensed to practice law in Georgia and Florida. Stayce received her JD in 2006 from Vanderbilt University Law School in Nashville, Tennessee.

David Hosking

Monica Long

Monica is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience in the areas of accounting, auditing and finance.  She has held various mid-level and senior management positions in the public, private and governmental arenas.  Most recently she worked for the InterContinental Hotels Group where she managed the financial aspects of the region’s $43m Holiday Inn brand relaunch.  Monica holds a BBA degree in accounting from Georgia Southern University and is a member of various professional and civic organizations.

Kenton A. Phillips

Kenton Phillips is an independent consultant, working with Fortune 500 clients to develop and implement actionable solutions to operational problems. Between 1999 and 2004, Kenton worked at A.T. Kearney and Towers Perrin in Atlanta. Kenton also worked extensively in California in defense industry. Kenton has a BS from the US Air Force Academy, and an MBA from Ohio State University. A native Atlantan, Kenton is interested in using his considerable business skills to help people in the community.

Alison E. Reed, MS, LPC

Alison E. Reed, a former MCS Resident, brings a unique perspective to the MCS Board.  Her experiences in the mental health field have afforded her the opportunity to provide individual, group and couples therapy and conduct workshops in both nonprofit and for-profit agencies throughout the metro-Atlanta area. Alison is currently in private practice in Tucker, Georgia.   Alison received Bachelor of Psychology and Master of Teaching degrees from The University of Virginia and a Master of Science degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University.

An-Chi Sun

An-Chi Sun is a Finance professional currently working for the Global Logistics Business Unit of UPS Supply Chain Solutions. During her nine years with UPS, she worked in various areas of Marketing, Business Information Analysis, and Finance. Prior to joining UPS in May 2000, she also worked for Amoco Petroleum and Continental Airlines in various Accounting, Finance, and Business Development positions. An-Chi received her M.B.A and M.S. Accountancy from University of Houston – University Park.  She is also a Texas licensed CPA.

Alyson L. Wooten, PharmD

Alyson L. Wooten, Pharm.D. is an attorney at Kilpatrick Stockton LLP, in Atlanta, Georgia.  Her practice focuses on patent litigation.  Dr. Wooten is registered as a patent attorney and pharmacist.  She received her J.D. from Temple University in 2007, and is licensed to practice law in Georgia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Prior to attending law school, Dr. Wooten received her Doctor of Pharmacy and Masters in Business Administration from Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina.