Our Team
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Administrative Support
Level 2 Counselors
Level 1 Counselors
Dwight Lathim
Lori Warmack
Candi Talbott
Cheryl Dyehouse
Pat McConnell
Bill McConnell
Jeremy Smith
Shannon Emery
Larisa Morariu
Melissa Fink-Akizuki
Michelle Lathim
Tori McCormic
Peggy Koppes
Beau Wiseman
Shannon Tracy
Shannon provides administrative support and care to counselees and fellow counselors of New Heights Counseling and the Biblical Soul Care class. She is also a Level 1 Counselor certified by the Association of Biblical Counselors.
Beth Claes is the Director of New Heights Counseling. She has a doctorate in psychology from Alfred University, and biblical counseling training from CCEF and ABC. Beth practiced as a psychologist for 10 years before shifting directions, and now practices only as a biblical counselor. She has experience counseling others through anxiety, depression, sexuality, marriage, and parenting concerns. Beth is passionate about helping people see how the gospel tangibly connects with their struggles and suffering. She uses a gospel-centered approach because of the profound hope we have in Christ, even in the midst of deep sorrows and pain.
Peggy obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling from George Fox University and biblical counseling training from CCEF. Before joining the counseling team at New Heights, she specialized in trauma and depression at her private practice in Portland, Oregon, as well as counseling at Washington County Correctional Facility. She believes passionately that the gospel is about healing our soul’s diseases. Her life verse is Jer, 17:14:
“Heal me Oh Lord and I will be healed; save me Oh Lord and I will be saved; for you are my praise.”
She practices from the belief that the power of God to heal, and His desire to heal are so much greater than our imaginations can grasp.
Jonathan received his undergraduate degree from NYU Stern and worked in sales forecasting while serving in his local church. Sensing a call to vocational ministry, he left his corporate job and pursued his Masters degree from Reformed Theological Seminary and served as a pastor at his church. Through his experience serving and discipling others, he felt a burden for the great need in the Church for deeper application of God’s Truth in the lives of His people in the midst of their suffering through counseling. Prior to joining New Heights Counseling, Jonathan has experience in biblical counseling with Fieldstone Counseling. He is also a Certified Christian Trauma Care Provider Level 1 through the Christian Trauma Healing Network.
Melissa obtained her master’s degree from Liberty University and biblical counseling training from the Association of Biblical Counselors. Melissa began her career supporting Army Battalion and Brigade combat teams in developing resiliency and preventative/assertive efforts toward cognitive and emotional combat readiness. Melissa held a private practice specializing in marriage and family counseling before shifting into her role with New Heights. In addition to biblical counseling, Melissa works as an organizational psychology consultant in organizations across the US. She holds experience counseling others through marriage, parenting, depression, anxiety, burnout, and chronic pain. Melissa has loved utilizing a gospel-centered approach in her counseling style because of the hope we can find in Christ, even (and especially) amid sorrow, stress, adversity, or pain.
Cierra is currently working toward obtaining her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University, as well as certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. Cierra is passionate in helping others understand the impact of God’s love amidst suffering and tribulations. Utilizing a gospel-centered approach, she hopes to walk alongside individuals through trials and challenges to help them understand just how deep God’s grace and love are and what great hope we can have through Him.
