Residency Program

Focus on Graduates

MCS has been training resident therapists since 1995. We are all truly grateful for their continued dedication and support. Below you can learn a little more about graduated residents including what they are up to now.

Randy Beggs, PhD, MBA, EdS, NCC

Randy Beggs, PhD, MBA, EdS, NCC is a National Certified Counselor. Randy’s area of specialization is in traumatology with an emphasis in grief and loss. Randy has over eight years of experience in working with personal and professional caregivers of those dealing with life-threatening illness and individuals whose quality of life is affected by life-threatening or chronic illness. Additionally, he works with individuals surviving various traumatic experiences, gay and lesbian issues, the severely mentally ill, and individuals involved in making professional career decisions and changes. Randy is a member of a number of professional organizations, including the American Counseling Association, the Licensed Professional Counselor’s Association, the Association for Death Education and Dying, and the International Association of Trauma Counselors. Randy has given many hours of service to various Atlanta AIDS service organizations through board of director memberships, facilitating support groups, and speaking at various educational seminars. Randy is now in private practice in Decatur.

Jeffrey Cohen, MA, LPC

Jeffrey Cohen, MA, LPC studied Moral Philosophy at Syracuse University and later received his master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology (Argosy University).  After completing his residency at Metropolitan Counseling Services, Jeffrey opened his private practice on the campus of Ridgeview Institute. His interests are in the areas of depression, anxiety, and family of origin issues, addiction, marital conflict, sexual orientation, personal growth, and more. In addition to his private practice, Jeffrey holds a position at Ridgeview on the adult inpatient unit working with patients and their families. To reach Jeffrey, please call 678-318-3634 or email him at jeffreycohen@atltherapy.com

Jennifer R. Collins, MA, LPC

Jennifer R. Collins, MA, LPC has a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from the Psychological Studies Institute, Atlanta, GA.  Her background includes providing individual and marriage/couples therapy.  Her clinical interests include personal growth, pre-marital and couples counseling, anxiety, college/career issues, and transition to parenthood/new mother concerns.  Jennifer believes in a holistic approach to therapy that integrates the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of a person.  She enjoys creating a positive counseling atmosphere where clients can connect with their strengths.  Additionally, she is certified in the use of the Prepare/Enrich assessment tool, which helps those coming in for couples counseling identify strength/growth areas prior to coming in for the first appointment via online assessment.  Jennifer is now in private practice and can be reached at: 678-973-0391. More information can be found at her website:  www.jenrcollins.com.

Judith E. Courtney, MPS, MA, LPC, NCC

Judith E. Courtney, MPS, MA, LPC, NCC earned her master’s degree in Pastoral Studies (MPS) from the Institute for Ministry, Loyola University, New Orleans, and her MA in Psychology, Professional Counseling Speciality, from Argosy University/GA School of Professional Psychology.  She completed her residency at MCS in February 2005.  Judith’s strengths include her diagnostic skills and being present to her clients in a way that affirms their humanity, regardless of the issue.  She has a special interest in mood disorders, grief, death and dying, as well as young adults struggling with transitions. She recently finished a fellowship in Health Communications at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta and is currently in private practice.  She can be reached at 404-252-1780.

Tanya DiGiovanni-Goldbach, MA, LPC

Coming soon..

Andy Dishman, MA, MDiv

Andy Dishman, MA, MDiv received his Master of Divinity from Emory University and Master’s in Counseling from Georgia School of Professional Psychology. Andy’s experience includes working with family of origin and relationship issues, and survivors of traumatic experiences. Additionally, he works with issues of spirituality in the therapeutic process, men’s issues, sexual orientation, and integrative life and vocational planning.  Andy graduated from the Metropolitan Psychotherapy Community Clinic in February 2002.  He is now in private practice.

Linda Ellis, LPC, MEd, MDiv, NCC

Linda Ellis, LPC, MEd, MDiv, NCC received her Master of Divinity from Emory University and Master’s in Counseling from the University of Georgia. Linda’s broad range of experiences includes work with issues related to relationships, families of origin, spirituality and ethics, and gay/lesbian adolescents and their families. Linda graduated from the Metropolitan Psychotherapy Community Clinic in October 1998. She currently serves as Executive Director of YouthPride.

Connie Evans, MSW

Connie Evans, MSW received her Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia. Her experience includes work with spirituality and the healing process, issues related to family dynamics, life transitions and relationships and with individuals coping with chronic life-threatening illnesses such as HIV disease. Connie uses Jungian concepts along with other therapeutic approaches to facilitate her work. Connie graduated from Metropolitan Psychotherapy Community Clinic in February 2000; she is in a practice in Cartersville.

Jacqueline J. Fraasa, MA, LPC

Jackie is originally from North Carolina where she received an undergraduate degree from UNC- Chapel Hill.   Twenty-eight years later she pursued her passion and received an MA from The Georgia School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. The Residency Program at MCS provided an excellent foundation in the treatment of trauma survivors and continues to be a special interest clinically for Jackie as well as depression, family of origin issues, and stressful life transitions.  She has a specialized interest in the sexual evolution that occurs as we navigate all the varied experiences of our lifetime. Jackie is currently in private practice and can be contacted at 404.419.6922.

Jennifer Frank Smith, MA, LPC

Jennifer Frank Smith, MA, LPC is the Administrative Director at Metropolitan Counseling Services. She is also a psychotherapist in private practice and has specialized interest in trauma recovery and the treatment of anxiety and depression.  Jennifer received her MA from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. She has worked in schools, hospitals, private practice settings, and mental health centers, providing psychoeducation, group counseling, assessments, and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. To reach Jennifer, please call 404-873-6840, ext. 9 or visit her website at www.jenniferfranksmith.com.

Sandra Hale, MA, LPC

Sandra Hale, MA, LPC received a Masters in Psychology from the State University of West Georgia.  She has provided adult mental health and substance abuse counseling in a partial hospitalization and a residential substance abuse program working with addiction recovery, adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, and mind-body-spirit issues.  She is certified in Hypnotherapy and the Ethenkos Resilience Energetic Healing Process.  In over 20 years of corporate experience culminating in upper management, she has conducted training programs and national seminars in self-empowerment, leadership, and conflict resolution.

Shanna D. Jackson, MA, MS, LPC

Shanna D. Jackson, MA, MS, LPC is a licensed professional counselor working towards her doctorate in clinical psychology. She is currently in private practice offering individual, couples, and group psychotherapy to adults. Shanna uses an integrative theoretical orientation grounded in humanistic, existential, relational, and mindfulness-based approaches. Her areas of interest include childhood trauma/PTSD, LGBTQ concerns, fertility/reproductive issues, body/mind/spirit connection, and stress management. She practices from an underlying strength-based approach, promoting health and wellness. She is originally from Winston-Salem, NC and has lived in Atlanta for over 15 years. Shanna’s office is located at 1900 Century Place, Suite 200, Atlanta, 30345 and she can be contacted at 404-934-9957. (Shanna is currently running an ongoing, co-ed process group weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30-8 pm. If interested, please call to see if space is available.)

Laura Laliberte-Bodner, MA, LPC

Coming soon..

Blake Lanier, MSW, LCSW

Blake Lanier, MSW, LCSW provides psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Blake specializes in working with individuals who are having a difficult time adjusting to stressful life events as well as individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and interpersonal challenges.  He also specializes in presenting problems related to family-of-origin relationship problems.   Blake provides therapy using a variety of clinical approaches and works with individuals in the context of their environment and relationships.  Blake works with individuals, couples, and entire family systems and provides affirmative psychotherapy to clients with diverse sexual orientations.

Patti L. Meador, MA, LPC

Patti L. Meador, MA, LPC brings to her therapy practice over 20 years of nursing experience. She incorporates a holistic approach in her practice. She received her RN Associate of Science degree from Dekalb College, a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia and a Master of Arts degree from Argosy University. Patti completed a comprehensive training program at Metropolitan Counseling Services, which enabled her to obtain her license as a Professional Counselor.  Additionally, Patti has been a faculty member at DeKalb Technical College both part-time and full time in the health and human services department. She is also a CPR instructor and a certified nurse in the operating room. For more information about Patti and her practice, please visit her website at http://pattimeador.googlepages.com.

Alison E. Reed, MS, LPC

Alison E. Reed received a Master of Science degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University. She is currently in private practice in Tucker, Georgia.  She combines Imago Relationship Therapy and traditional psychotherapy to help couples and individuals become more aware of the thoughts and the behaviors that work for and against their relationships. She will provide you with the tools necessary to respectfully and lovingly resolve conflict and transform your relationship. For more information about Alison and her practice, please call her at 770-939-0125 or visit her website www.reedcounseling.net.

Diane Rhone, MSW, LCSW

Diane Rhone, MSW, LCSW, received her Masters degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach.  She also earned a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University.  Diane has had 20 years of social work experience in a variety of settings including counseling centers, children’s protective services, hospitals, and hospice agencies.  Diane’s areas of interest and knowledge are gay and lesbian issues, personal growth, crises intervention, grief and loss, chronic illnesses, and childhood abuse.  She has worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.  Diane is currently employed part-time, at a hospice agency providing counseling to terminally ill clients and their families.

Anne Smith, LPC, MS, NCC

Anne Smith, LPC, MS, NCC received her Masters Degree in Counseling from Georgia State University. Her experience includes work with addiction and recovery, depression, anxiety, family of origin issues, childhood trauma, life transitions, and gay and lesbian concerns. Anne has worked in psychiatric hospitals and outpatient facilities. She led a sexual abuse group for the Georgia Council on Child Abuse, Inc. and has worked as a volunteer in other areas for GCCA. Anne graduated from the Metropolitan Psychotherapy Community Clinic in October 1998; she has opened a private practice in Decatur.

Kim Morrow Taff, EdS, LPC

Coming soon..

Maci Tater, MEd, LPC

Maci Tater, MEd, LPC has a Master’s Degree in Education from Harvard University and an Educational Specialist Degree in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University. Maci entered the field in 1982, and has provided individual and group counseling to youth and adults on a variety of personal and career management issues. Presently, Maci runs LifeWorks Career Services, and is a counselor at Clayton College and State University. She is also a Certified Hakomi Therapist and the Senior Teaching Assistant of a two-year Hakomi Therapist Training Program in Atlanta. Hakomi is a body-centered psychotherapy that utilizes mindfulness and experiential activities to access and transform limiting core beliefs.

Kathie Thodeson, MS, LPC

Kathie Thodeson, MS, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in working with women across the lifespan.  Kathie has also worked extensively with college students while an intern and staff counselor at Georgia Tech.   She began working in the mental health field in Tokyo, Japan, where she was a crisis counselor and volunteer trainer.  Before her years in Japan, Kathie was a medical information specialist, and still enjoys working with individuals and groups interested in health and wellness issues.  While a Resident at MCS, Kathie also received special training in the treatment of trauma survivors, an area of continuing interest to her.

Katie Tolleson, MS, LPC

Katie Tolleson, MS, LPC, received her Master in Professional Counseling degree from Georgia State University.  She completed her residency at Metropolitan Counseling Services in August 2005.  Katie uses an integrative approach based in person-centered therapy in her work with clients.  Her experience includes providing individual, couples, family and group therapy for a variety of issues, such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, addiction recovery, and personal growth.  She has also co-facilitated groups based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy.  Katie is now in private practice and can be reached at (404) 386-8849.

Margaret A. Walden, MSW, MA, ATR

Margaret A. Walden, MSW, MA, ATR received her Master in Social Work from the University of Georgia and her Master in Art Therapy from New York University. As a registered art therapist, she worked in New York City with trauma survivors, as well as homeless individuals coping with schizophrenia and addiction issues. Upon moving to Atlanta, she counseled individuals with HIV/AIDS as a volunteer. Most recently, Margaret worked as the Women’s Counselor at the Fulton County Battered Women’s Shelter with victims of domestic violence. She is now in private practice in Marietta, GA.

Barbara Wolfe, LCSW

Barbara Wolfe, LCSW received her Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University in New York in 1982. Barbara’s experience included work with families, schools, and adolescents. Recently her interests have expanded to include trauma survivors, specifically sexual assault and incest victims, as well as Domestic Violence, sexual orientation, and women’s issues. Barbara graduated from MCS in December 1998; she has opened a private practice in the Windy Hill area.