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 assessment tool), DISC Personality Assessment Inventory, Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator, Taylor Johnson Personality and Relationship Assessment, 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]. 

Anne Keller

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, EMDR Trained*, TBRI practitioner**

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.

*Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

**Trust-Based Relationship Intervention

Clyde Sandford

Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor

Clyde Sandford holds a Master’s in Professional Counseling and a Bachelor’s in Bible from Lancaster Bible College. With experience in private practice, community mental health, and ministry-focused counseling, his approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, person-centered, and faith-integrated. As both a pastor’s child and an ordained pastor, he brings unique insight into the challenges of ministry life and leadership.

Clyde is passionate about helping clients unpack their personal stories. He works with them to explore how past experiences, trauma, attachments, and beliefs shape the present and inform the future. He draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and narrative therapy to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Outside of counseling, Clyde enjoys reading, sports, coffee, and time with his family. He has been happily married for over ten years and is the proud father of seven children.

David George

Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor

David George is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned his Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies from Toccoa Falls College and his Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University. With over 15 years of counseling experience and training in multiple evidence-based approaches, David takes an individualized approach to therapy, recognizing that what works for one person may not work for another. He believes in meeting each client where they are and tailoring treatment to their unique needs, circumstances, and goals.

David’s approach to counseling begins with empathy, understanding, and creating a genuine connection with each client. He believes one of the most important aspects of therapy is having someone who truly listens, provides support, and helps instill hope for healthy change. His goal is to help clients better understand themselves, develop effective coping skills, and move toward feeling more confident, balanced, and fulfilled in their lives. With his background in both biblical studies and clinical counseling, David is also comfortable incorporating a client’s faith and spiritual beliefs into therapy.

Outside of counseling, David enjoys spending time with his wife and son, going on hikes and exploring new restaurants. In the spring and summer, you might find him enjoying the outdoors, taking a walk, or exploring a small town. In the fall and winter, he is likely watching football (Go Dawgs!) or enjoying a funny movie with his family.

Katelyn McLendon

licensed master social worker

Katelyn McLendon has a heart for working with children, teens, and families, creating a safe and supportive space for healing and growth. She draws on her knowledge of the nervous system and emotional regulation to help children and parents better understand one another, manage stress, and strengthen connection.

Katelyn earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Georgia and her pre-professional certification in marriage and family therapy. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Liberty University, with a major in Counseling and a minor in Apologetics. Her studies in Apologetics–the reasoned defense and thoughtful exploration of the Christian faith–inform her ability to integrate spirituality into counseling and support clients navigating questions, doubts, or struggles related to their faith.

Katelyn is passionate about fostering connection, encouraging creativity, and helping people of all ages rediscover identity, voice, and hope in their journey. In her personal time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and being part of her church community, which she has been connected to since childhood.

Sarah Elmer

board Certified master Biblical Counselor

Sarah Elmer is a Board Certified Master Biblical Counselor with the International Board of Christian Care and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Sarah loves people and is passionate about leading them to truth and seeing them experience healthy growth. Sarah holds an undergraduate degree from Piedmont College band a Master’s Diploma from Light University. She is dedicated to working with individuals, couples, and families. In addition to individual counseling, Sarah facilitates reconciliation and group mediation counseling. She holds specialized certifications in trauma-informed care, mental health coaching, and sex therapy education.

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 leads the Women’s Ministry. 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

Biblical Counselor/Board-Certified Youth Mental Health Coach

Life’s heavy seasons can cause us to lose sight of who we are and where we are headed. As a Biblical Counselor at Burnt Hickory Counseling Center, Shay Kimbrough is dedicated to walking alongside children, teens, and adults as they discover or reclaim their identity in Christ and step confidently into their God-given purpose. She gently cultivates a warm, compassionate space where individuals and families can process life’s trials, feel truly seen, and uncover lasting hope.
Rooted in the conviction that sound counseling practice and biblical wisdom are intertwined, Shay seeks to weave evidence-based methods and Christ-centered discipleship alongside creative, hands-on tools like play, sensory, and art activities. She holds a degree in Psychology with a focus on Christian Counseling from Liberty University, is a Board-Certified Youth Mental Health Coach through the IBCC, and continually seeks out continuing education to better serve the families in her care.

Shay’s deep empathy is shaped as much by her personal journey as her professional training. As a mother of four and the wife of a veteran and active first responder, she knows firsthand the realities, sudden shifts, and unique pressures that families carry. She brings that rich lived experience into every session, offering each client a safe space filled with genuine understanding, open arms, and the freedom to explore their thoughts and feelings.

When she isn’t in the counseling room, Shay finds her greatest joy in spending time with her family and friends. Together with her husband, she also delights in serving as a volunteer within their local church’s children and youth ministries.

Dr. Hugh Townsend

pastoral counselor

Dr. Hugh Townsend is a retired Minister who has served for over 50 years in various ministry roles. A native of Maryland, he taught in the public school system in Baltimore City, served on the faculty of Towson State University, and served as Pastor of several churches in the Maryland area. He also served for 24 years on the staff of the Home Mission Board and the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, providing counsel and support to Pastors and Directors of Missions across the United States. His earned degrees include Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in Health and Safety, Master of Religious Education, and Doctor of Ministry.

Hugh has celebrated 60 years of marriage with the love of his life, Linda. Together they raised four children and have assisted in raising nine grandchildren. Their joy is watching these grandchildren grow in the Lord and travelling to watch them play in sporting events. Hugh also enjoys playing golf, going to the gym, and going for walks with his wife.

As active members of their church, Hugh and Linda serve as outreach and ministry leaders in their small group, where Hugh also serves on the teaching team. Hugh has committed his life to helping people find a path to fulfillment in their spiritual journey.

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.