We listen, support, and equip.

Pastor Brian Foster

Pastoral Counselor and Director

Brian Foster serves as the Director of the Burnt Hickory Counseling Center, leading the staff and the overall vision and ministry of the center. Passionate about helping individuals and couples discover their identity in Christ, he is committed to fostering thriving relationships and purposeful living. Brian is an ordained minister with certifications in Prepare/Enrich (a premarital and marital counseling program), DISC Personality Assessment Inventory, Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator, Taylor Johnson Personality and Relationship Assement, Life Coaching, and is a member of the American Association of Christian Counseling.

Raised in Marietta, Brian attended Marietta High School before earning a degree in Christian Education from LaGrange College, where he met his wife, Susan. He then obtained his Master’s Degree in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. In addition to Burnt Hickory Baptist Church, Brian’s ministry journey includes serving churches in Conyers, Georgia, and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Outside of work, Brian enjoys playing golf, dating his beautiful wife, and watching history shows. He and his wife have two adult daughters. Together, Brian and Susan lead a Singles small group at church.

Email Pastor Brian at [email protected]. 

William A. Baughman, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist and Clinical Director

Dr. William A. Baughman, affectionately known as “Dr. B,” serves as the Clinical Director at the Counseling Center, bringing over four decades of experience in the mental health field. With more than 50,000 counseling sessions, two authored books, and extensive program development in hospital, residential, and outpatient settings, Dr. B’s expertise shapes the heart of our institution. He holds a Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University, with additional training at Indiana University, Georgia State University, and Cedarville University. A Licensed Psychologist with a Diplomate in Psychopharmacology, Dr. B is certified in health psychology, autism, ADHD, alternative medicine, child placement, clinical trauma, and family assessment.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. B enjoys the company of his dogs, playing tennis, and spending time in the mountains. His dedication to nurturing others extends to his involvement with Calvary Children’s Home and leading small groups and courses at his church. Married to his wife Diana for more than 40 years, Dr. B is a proud father of two married daughters and a grandfather to three grandsons.

Email Dr. B at [email protected]. 

Anne Keller

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Anne Keller, a Georgia native, earned double degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the State University of West Georgia and a Master of Social Work from Georgia State University. As a licensed clinical social worker, Anne brings 20 years of experience from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and currently contracts with FaithBridge Foster Care. Her dedication to supporting others is evident in her work conducting home studies for new foster families and providing compassionate care. Anne’s own life experiences fuel her commitment to walk alongside people through both joy and pain, believing her career as a social worker is a calling from God.

Outside of her professional life, Anne treasures her role as a mother to her two boys and enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children, particularly through outdoor activities like beach and lake visits. An avid reader, Anne finds solace and joy in the pages of a good book.

Sarah Elmer

Certified Biblical Counselor

Sarah Elmer is a Certified Biblical Counselor at our center, dedicated to guiding individuals and couples through life’s challenges with Biblical principles. She also facilitates family and group mediation and reconciliation. Passionate about leading people to truth and growth, Sarah holds an undergraduate degree from Piedmont College and a Master’s Diploma from Light University, affiliated with the American Association of Christian Counselors. In addition to group mediation, she holds certifications in trauma and mental health coaching.

Outside the counseling room, Sarah enjoys time with friends and with her husband, their nine children, and their beloved dogs. She embraces the joy of family life and enjoys crocheting, reading, and watching Survivor. Actively involved in her church, she has led Precept Bible Studies for eight years, co-leads the women’s ministry, and leads a small group Bible study with her husband. Her family reflects the values she brings into her counseling practice.

Meghan Burton

Certified Biblical Counselor

Meghan Burton serves as a dedicated Certified Biblical Counselor at Burnt Hickory Counseling Center, passionately assisting individuals in discovering their true identity in God, overcoming lies and self-limiting beliefs, and reigniting hope amidst adversity. Her counseling approach, enriched by her own faith journey, is characterized by empathy and a non-judgmental stance, providing a sanctuary for healing and growth. Meghan is a Certified Biblical Counselor through Light University and remains committed to ongoing education to better serve her clients.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Meghan enjoys gardening, uncovering treasures at estate sales, diving into psychological thrillers, planning solo vacations, and taking long walks. A member of her church for nearly two decades, she has actively participated in various ministries. Recently, she found great joy in hosting a group of 7th-grade girls for a Disciple Now (DNOW) weekend at her home, witnessing their fervent curiosity about God and uninhibited worship.

Raised in a military family, Meghan deeply values family gatherings. She is a proud mother of two daughters who are on the cusp of adulthood, preparing her for the new chapter of becoming an empty nester. As her daughters prepare to navigate their own paths, Meghan looks forward to their futures with excitement, cherishing every moment spent with them.

Shay Kimbrough

certified biblical counselor

Shay Kimbrough serves as a Certified Biblical Counselor at Burnt Hickory Counseling Center and is passionate about helping her clients find their value in Christ, as well as encouraging parents to embrace their God-given role in their children’s lives. Shay holds a Master’s Certification in Youth Mental Health Coaching with a focus on Trauma Informed Care, as well as a Certification in Biblical Counseling from Light University. She will complete her undergraduate in Psychology: Christian Counseling from Liberty University in December of 2024. Shay is committed to continuing education to continue serving her clients to the best of her abilities.

As the wife of a USMC Veteran/current first responder and mom of four, she delights in spending time with her family. When she has an opportunity, Shay enjoys cooking, gardening, getting lost in the pages of a good book, and a good impromptu road trip. As an active member at her church, she serves by leading a Wednesday night class in the Kids Ministry, serving as a teacher in the 10th grade life group on Sunday mornings, and assisting with the Foster/Adoptive Ministry.

Susan Foster

Office Manager

Susan Foster serves as the Office Manager of the Counseling Center, providing essential support to the counseling team by overseeing the website, calendar, and client profiles. She ensures the effective use of these tools and trains staff on their functionalities. Susan holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Georgia and a Master of Education from the University of West Georgia. Her experience as a school Media Specialist and Children’s Library Associate enriches her ability to serve the community.

Away from her duties at the Counseling Center, Susan enjoys reading, singing, acting, and spending time with her family. Susan is married to Brian, the Director of the Burnt Hickory Counseling Center. As a pastor’s wife for forty years, she has been deeply involved in various church ministries and currently co-leads a Sunday morning small group for singles along with her husband. They have two adult daughters who add warmth and character to their family life.

Dedicated to the Memory of Pastor Mike Stephens

The Burnt Hickory Counseling Center stands as a tribute to the legacy of Pastor Mike Stephens, who faithfully served as the senior pastor of Burnt Hickory Baptist Church for over 30 years. Pastor Mike devoted his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, embodying a deep love for both Jesus and people. He generously gave his time, always ready to lend a listening ear or offer Biblical guidance. His commitment was evident in the countless hours he spent each week walking alongside those in need of counsel and support.

In honor of Pastor Mike’s profound example of love and care, the Burnt Hickory Counseling Center was established. May his dedication to Jesus and his compassion for others continue to inspire and guide our mission as we minister to individuals and families through counseling.