Meet the Counselors
Brenda Sanford, MSW, LISW-S
Program Director and Counselor
Brenda is a full time counselor and director of the Center. She is a native of Logan County. She received her undergraduate degree through Miami University and her Master of Clinical Social Work degree through The Ohio State University. She and her husband, Jim, have two married adult daughters, three granddaughters and a grandson. Brenda is also a commissioned lay minister in Ohio for the Disciples of Christ and leads outreach ministries at the First Christian Church in Bellefontaine. Brenda is a trained trauma therapist (EMDR and IFS) and has a heart for helping individuals become free from the bondage of past trauma. She is also committed to helping others in ministry so that they can more effectively serve in their ministries.
Angelia Parsons, MSW, LISW
Counselor
Angelia is a part-time counselor for the Center. She is a native of Kentucky but has lived in Logan County for a number of years. She and her husband, John, have two sons. She received an undergraduate degree from Anderson University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky. She is an active member of the First Church of God in Bellefontaine. Angelia is EMDR trained and often works with clients who have eating disorders, codependency issues, or trauma histories.
Trisha Carson, LPCC, Billing Coordinator
Counselor
Trisha completed her internship at Light the Way and has been with us since 2012. She obtained her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Trisha lives in Kenton, OH and attends New Hope Church. She is married and has a daughter and one spoiled dog.
Trisha is EMDR trained and has experience working with trauma survivors, mood disorders, adolescents, and adjustment issues. She is passionate about validating her client's experiences and allowing them a safe place to explore their emotions.
Kristen Lawson, MFT
Counselor
Kristen is a part-time therapist at Light the Way and a full-time ordained minister with the United Methodists. A Colorado native, Kristen obtained her undergraduate degree from Birmingham-Southern College and her Masters of Marriage & Family Therapy from Fuller School of Psychology in California. Kristen often works with survivors of individual & communal trauma, people leaving cults or who have experienced spiritual abuse, families & individuals navigating various cultural dynamics & expectations, and with spiritual leaders. Kristen is trained in narrative, mindfulness, and psychodynamic therapy.
