Robb Horner Ph.D.
Dr. Robb is a co-founder of the Underground Ministry, a workshop, counseling & support group ministry dedicated to the healing of men and spouses from the effects of sexual addiction. Robb is an Ordained Minister of the Gospel through the Elim Fellowship of Lima, NY. He has achieved a B.A. in Christian Counseling from Southwest Bible College & Seminary, an M.A. in Human Services Counseling from Regent University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Psychology from Cornerstone University. Robb has received Board Certification in Temperament Therapy and is recognized as a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor by the National Christian Counseling Association. He is also a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors as well as a Board Certified Sexual AddictionCounselor through the Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors.
Robb’s approach to counseling centers on the grace of God and the ministry of His Word through the power of the Holy Spirit. As a Pastoral counselor in a clinical setting, Robb utilizes contributions from both a biblical perspective as well as a cognitive behavioral and Family Systems approach to therapy. Robb’s passion and expertise are in marriage therapy and sexual addiction recovery. His deepest desire is to see the miraculous restoration ministry of Jesus Christ made real in the lives of hurting and emotionally wounded people. This passion is shared with his wife Beth, who leads a thriving spouses’ recovery group. Together, Robb and Beth rejoice in more than 24 years of sobriety and recovery from the effects of sexual sin. Their ministry as a couple includes church testimonies and team teaching on the prevention and recovery from sexual sin at seminars and retreats.
Robb Horner
Ph.D.
Individual, Marriage,
Sexual Addiction
Heather KellamMSW, LCSW-C
Email Heather Kellam: heather@lifecounsel.org
Heather graduated summa cum-laude from Salisbury University with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 2002. She then earned Advanced Placement standing into the University of Maryland, Baltimore and received a Masters in Social Work in 2003. Currently a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C), she has been in practice for 17 years. Heather relies on the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit in the counseling process. She believes in the power of God that is available through prayer and the Holy Scriptures to heal, restore and transform lives. She feels especially called to work with families and has a great desire to see others develop an exciting, intimate, fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ. During her career, Heather has worked with children, adolescents, adults and families with a strengths-based approach that focuses on the client’s unique needs, while building upon their God-given gifts, talents and abilities. She utilizes an eclectic mix of interventions such as Family Systems Therapy, Behavior Modification, Trauma-Focused CBT and Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques. The intervention that Heather is most strong in and uses often, is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Traditional Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions are based on the idea that faulty thinking leads to faulty beliefs, and then to maladaptive behavior patterns. By changing the way we think, we can change our beliefs, and ultimately our behaviors. With a Christian-based perspective, her aim is to help the client replace faulty thinking (“take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5) with Biblical truths. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32. When working with children, Heather employs additional creative interventions into the counseling process such as play, art, role play and other activities. While at Eastern Shore Psychological Services, Heather did some school-based mental health counseling with children and teens in Somerset County public schools and also ran an anger management group for children as well as assisted with Intensive Outpatient Groups at Hope Creek School. Heather worked with the Worcester County Health Department Health on the Boards Program, conducting mental health and alcohol/drug screenings for out of state juveniles that became involved in the legal system. In this position, she worked in collaboration with the Department of Juvenile Justice and made referrals for education/counseling programs throughout the country. She has also worked with a variety of community and state agencies in an effort to coordinate care and help children and families to receive the resources that they need. Mental health issues that Heather has worked with extensively are ADHD and Reactive Attachment Disorder. To make a diagnosis of ADHD, she uses the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale as part of the assessment process. Once diagnosed, she educates the family on the disorder and works with them, giving the parents helpful parenting strategies and tips for navigating the educational system to obtain additional supports when needed. She also works with the school and makes suggestions that can help the child to be more successful in the classroom. When working with children diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder, Heather provides assessment, support, education and therapy to the child and family in an effort to help the child process and heal from trauma, and form healthy, secure attachments with new caregivers. Other mental health diagnosis that Heather works with include Depression and Bi-polar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, PTSD, and developmental disabilities, including autism. Heather is a member of Allen Memorial Baptist Church in Salisbury, Maryland and is involved with her church through the Prayer Ministry, Life Group Leadership and Missions Outreach to India. She has been married to her husband Scott for 25 years and they have two daughters. Heather is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and is a state approved social work supervisor.
Heather Kellam
MSW, LCSW-C
Children, Adolescents, Adults and Family
Wendy Wharton MA, LPCMH
Wendy Wharton has been working as a licensed therapist on Delmarva for over two decades. Wendy holds a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Wilmington College. She is a National Board Certified Counselor with full practice privileges from the State of Delaware (LPCMH). Wendy began her career working as a crisis counselor for the Delaware Pregnancy Center. Much of her formative clinical work and training dealt with inpatient and outpatient psychiatric emergencies, and she has been praised for her calming presence and ability to meet the client where he or she is, even if that place is a mess.
Additionally, Wendy has been working with Life Counseling Center since 2008 and is comfortable treating clients and families with a variety of struggles including but not limited to bullying at school, relational aggression, depression with or without suicidal ideation, marriage and divorce, single-parent parenting, generalized performance, social, or school anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, phobias, obsessive thoughts, and stress management. She also has a particular passion and keen awareness for the struggles of the elderly and their caregivers, some of whom are in the “sandwich generation” and find themselves caring for their parents and their children simultaneously. She utilizes several evidenced-based therapy techniques including CBT, progressive relaxation therapy, mindfulness, crisis de-escalation, and post-crisis intervention. Wendy prefers meeting her clients “face to face” but is also available for Telehealth appointments if needed.
She works to discern the role of couples and to restore authority to parents of challenging children and teens. She meets clients where they are, in a non-judgmental fashion and helps them identify their strengths by assisting them in creating strategies to meet their counseling goals. Her down-to-earth and calming style allows clients to feel at ease. Wendy believes that compassionate, Christian counseling allows clients to gain growth and understanding of the issues they face and find solutions for balance and peace. Wendy’s techniques are grounded in a Biblical philosophy that focuses on allowing the client to find a clarity and stillness of mind which is an attribute of God’s nature as well as what He wishes for his children (see Genesis 2:2, Psalm 46:10, Mark 6:31). Client feedback has been tremendously positive and Wendy feels a great sense of accomplishment when she can use her God-given nature and talents to bring peace and restoration to whole families. Many of her referrals come from current or previous clients.
Wendy is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, American Counselors Association, Delaware School Counselors Association, Delaware Counseling Association, American Christian Schools International and American Fitness Professionals Association.
Wendy is also a middle school track & field coach as well as a fitness and wellness instructor. She views life as she does the track: life has hurdles but by keeping your eyes on the goal, none are insurmountable. She has been married to her husband for over 30 years, and her greatest joy is spending time with her family. In her free time she enjoys reading mystery novels, doing home-renovation projects, kayaking, meditation, and trail walking, often all with a cup of coffee in hand.
Wendy Wharton
MA,LPCMH
Individual, Marriage
and Family
Terri Rubio M. Div
Terri has a heart for the hurting and believes, through the power of Jesus, everyone can live full lives in Christ, regardless of circumstances. She received her undergraduate degree Magna Cum Laude in Christian Ministries and Biblical Studies from Crown College in 2018 and received her M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling with honors from Crown College in 2020. Terri is an ordained minister and chaplain with International Ministerial Fellowship (IMF) and in January 2023, became a certified Pastoral Sexual Addiction Profession through IITAP specializing in betrayal trauma and sexual addition.
While focusing on the individual client, Terri uses an eclectic approach to counseling. Since every person is unique, Terri believes it is important to approach each situation with an open mind and all the tools in the toolbox. The healing of Christ is the most powerful tool and this is the overarching theme in all her counseling.
As a Pastoral counselor Terri integrates spirituality, faith and theology with counseling to provide help for those who seek assistance. She provides counseling in a variety of areas such as personal, pre-marital and marital, family and faith issues as well as sexual addiction and the betrayal issues resulting from it.
In her spare time, Terri volunteers in the community and church facilitating support groups for addiction and codependency, conducting Bible Studies, participating in the alter team ministry and greeting ministry. In the community she volunteers with the marginalized populations including the homeless and addicted. She and her husband Joe have been married for 13 years and have a blended family of 3 adult children. In their spare time Terri and Joe enjoy the beach, golfing, traveling, music and spending time with family.
Terri Rubio
MDiv
Marriage, Premarital, Family and Faith
Daniel Walton Pastoral Counselor
Email Daniel Walton: dan@lifecounsel.org
Daniel has more than 15 years of experience as a Pastor and Bible Teacher. He graduated from Tennessee Temple University with a Master of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership, and he later completed a Master of Arts in Christian Education. Daniel is currently working to complete a Master of Science in Counseling from Clarks Summit University.
Daniel is a Board Certified Pastoral Counselor with the Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors. He has an Advanced Certificate in Biblical Counseling and Certificates in Best Practices from Light University.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC) to treat depression, anxiety and trauma, are some of the processes Daniel uses in his counseling. His focus is on men’s issues, Pre-marriage counseling, Marriage counseling, and faith/religious issues. He also enjoys working with Pastors and ministry leaders to help prevent burnout and discouragement.
He is passionate about helping others grow as individuals, improve relationships, reduce emotional suffering and achieve a life filled with joy and peace.
Daniel Walton
MA, BCPC
Individual Men, Premarital, Marriage and Faith
Chris Hinton
Email Chris Hinton: chris@lifecounsel.org
Chris is a pastoral counselor who merges the principles found in God’s Word to help guide individuals in their everyday life. Chris has pastored churches in Florida, Virginia and Delaware with the Southern Baptist Convention. Chris is devoted to helping others reconcile with God and fully embrace their identity in Christ.
Chris has been an ordained minister since 1992. He has a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Education in Counseling Education from Wilmington University. He is licensed and certified by the Delaware Department of Education as an Education Counselor. Chris has extensive background in behavioral health and criminal justice. His experience has exposed him to counsel individuals with all forms of addiction including alcohol, drugs, gambling and sexual. He has a passion for treating individuals who are in the need of crisis intervention, conflict resolution and acute care. He is skilled in individual, family and group counseling.
When Chris is not counseling, he enjoys competitive strength sports and won Delaware’s Strongest Man Competition in 2014. He also is a musician who enjoys anything that is harmony and has a love for the creative arts. He lives with his two sons in central Delaware and enjoys supporting them in their athletics and creative arts endeavors.
Chris Hinton
MS, M.Ed.
Individual Men, Family, Group, and Faith
Keri Hignutt - MSW, LCSW-C
Email Keri Hignutt: keri@lifecounsel.org
Keri Hignutt graduated in 2014 from Salisbury University with a Master’s in Social Work. While working towards a master’s degree, she was employed with Channel Marker, Inc., where she worked with a range of clients struggling with a wide range of mental health diagnosis. Since 2016, Keri has worked in the public sector, working with families and children going through crisis.
Keri meets individuals where they are at and is able to utilize an approach that best fits their style, beliefs, and circumstances. A relationship with Christ and the church is a powerful foundation to help launch individuals into a thriving and full life. Keri relies on prayer and knowledge to help an individual through current circumstances that have brought them to seek Christian-based counseling. She specializes in Individual Counseling, with experience in crisis work, loss, and addiction. Keri and her husband, Jason have been married for 8 years and reside in Bridgeville, DE, with two children, Josiah and Joslyn.
Keri Hignutt
MSW, LCSW-C
Individuals
Tara Hoyt - MA, LACMH
Tara attended Cairn University (2009) where she received a Bachelor’s in Biblical studies and Master’s in Counseling (2013). She started her career working as a Resident Director with college students and later transitioned into the University’s Counseling Center where she spent time counseling both students and community members alike. Tara then transitioned to working for a Counseling ministry called Transformed By Grace based out of Princeton, NJ. She continued to experience growth as a counselor clinically and spiritually, seeing and experiencing the value and combination of clinical knowledge and leaning on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide her in session with clients. Tara specializes in individual counseling of adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety related disorders, depression with or without suicidal ideation, PTSD, OCD, and grief and loss. She appreciates and utilizes evidenced- based tools and theories of attachments, CBT, DBT, family systems, and Erikson’s model of human development.
She also understands that presenting problems can change and shift and wants to help create, reframe, or refresh goals in whatever season of life you are in to ultimately be able to receive love and love others well. She can offer counsel on healthy relationship boundaries and enjoys resources from Pete Scazzero and Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. She offers a safe and non judgmental presence as she gently walks alongside her clients. She values looking into patterns of self-talk, beliefs, and behaviors, in order to create healthier coping mechanisms for her clients to move forward in healing and wholeness.
She also believes that knowing and listening to your gracious and merciful Heavenly Father, who is always interrupting and intervening on our behalf, is the key to living an abundant and free life. Your identity in Christ and unique story matters. Outside of counseling, Tara enjoys going to the beach, hiking, reading, and being outside in nature with her husband and two very energetic, and fun children.
Tara Hoyt
MA, LACMH
Individual, Marriage and Family
Erica Persaud M.Ed., LPCMH, NCC
Hi, I am Erica Persaud, a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to guiding individuals, couples, and families toward healing and transformation. With degrees from Regent and Liberty University, I incorporate a Christian-based, faith-driven approach to my practice, trusting in the power of God’s grace, prayer, and Biblical truths to restore lives.
My journey into counseling was enriched by my service in the United States Air Force, where I learned the importance of resilience and the value of community. This experience shapes my understanding of the unique challenges many individuals and families face.
I am enthusiastic about assisting couples as they navigate the complexities of their relationships, addressing communication barriers and rebuilding trust. I create a safe environment for you and your partner to flourish, whether it be in the comfort of one of our offices or in the coziness of your home. Utilizing Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBT-P), and trauma-informed care and more. I employ evidence-based strategies that are both practical and deeply rooted in faith. In addition to collaborating with individuals and couples, I offer grief counseling to support those coping with loss and the emotional intricacies that arise during such times.
When it comes to adolescents, I understand the significant need for support, and I am dedicated to equipping them with the tools necessary to process their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Over the years, my experience has encompassed a diverse range of clients, ensuring that everyone receives the compassionate care they deserve.
I also assist individuals and families facing trauma, excessive substance use, anxiety, depression, and more. My methodology blends traditional therapeutic techniques like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a spiritual foundation, helping you align your thoughts with Biblical principles. True healing begins when we replace faulty thinking with God’s truth, unlocking freedom and purpose.
As a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), I am dedicated to upholding standards of professional excellence. I incorporate Mental Health First Aid to provide immediate, practical support for those navigating crises. My experience extends to working with incarcerated individuals and people from diverse cultural backgrounds, always with a heart for seeing each person thrive in their God-given potential.
As an active member of Bayshore Community Church, Millsboro Campus, and formerly of City Hope Church in Wichita Falls, TX, I cherish community and connection.
I have been happily married for over 30 years and am a proud parent of two adult children and one thriving adolescent at home.
Whether you are seeking individual healing or looking to strengthen your relationship, I am here to walk with you on the journey to restoration and growth. Together, we can embrace God’s plan for your life and relationships, creating space for peace, purpose, and transformation.
Erica Persaud
M.Ed., LPCMH, NCC
Children, Adolescents, Adults and Seniors
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Kendall Smith / Administrative Assistant
Email Kendall Smith: office@lifecounsel.org
Kendall Smith is the Administrative Assistant for Life Counseling Center. She handles all types of administrative tasks, including scheduling, client correspondence and insurance
verification. Kendall was born and raised on the Eastern Shore and is now raising her two young children
here with her husband. Kendall received her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family
Science from Messiah University. She has a passion for serving others and desires to share the love of
Christ through her work at Life Counseling Center.
Kendall Smith
Administrative Assistant
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Sheila Fooks President/Owner
Sheila brings a wealth of expertise from various roles she has held, including logistics professional, manager, account executive, and real estate professional. She has acquired essential skills for entrepreneurial success through her experiences. As a business owner, she excelled in customer service, finance, safety, human resources, scheduling, operations, and marketing, managing multiple entities simultaneously. Sheila is actively involved in Gethsemane Church, holding diverse leadership positions, and has a passion for serving, engaging in mission trips to AZ, WV, TN, and VA. She played a pivotal role on the initial Board of Directors that introduced Nanticoke Young Life to the Seaford area and served as Banquet Chair for several years. Sheila has also served on the Board of Directors for Faith Filled Women in Salisbury, MD, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact through volunteer work. Grounded in her faith, she is dedicated to empowering individuals through Christian counseling, showcasing her belief in its transformative power. Sheila, residing in Seaford, DE, is a proud parent of two grown children and twin granddaughters. She finds joy in traveling, spending quality time with her loved ones, and is deeply devoted to making a difference in her community through the Life Counseling Center.
Sheila Nickerson
President/Owner
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