Get to Know Our Counselors

Crystal Payton, APRN

Crystal Payton is a Certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). She received her bachelor of science in nursing from Mountain State University and her Masters of Science in Nursing from Ball State University. She completed her Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Ball State University and most recently completed her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Northern Kentucky University. 

Crystal has been in the nursing profession for over 30 years working in various capacities including leadership, education, critical care, progressive care and homecare among others. Her areas of expertise include family primary care care services, addiction services. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the American Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Association, and the American Nurses Association. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, scrapbooking and painting.  

Jeremy Malzon, LPC

Jeremy is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received his Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL. Prior to becoming a counselor, Jeremy followed his passion for helping people in a number of areas including working with adults with developmental disabilities in adult family homes, serving as a youth pastor, and substitute teaching in area schools. 

It is Jeremy’s solid foundation of faith that cements his belief that all people have tremendous value and worth no matter their past experiences or current life situations. Jeremy has specialized training in treating ADHD in adults and children and also is certified in marriage/relationship counseling using the Prepare/Enrich Assessments. He enjoys working with diverse populations and ages addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, self-esteem, and trauma. 

Emily Marshall, LMSW

Emily Marshall is a Master’s Level Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her Master’s from Grand Valley State University. With an undergraduate degree in literature, Emily enjoys delving into the stories that our lives create - the ebb and flow of traumas and triumphs. She has a passion for walking alongside people as they discover their purpose and find value within themselves and their experiences.

Emily has knowledge and experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. With training in acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and solution focused therapy, Emily enjoys focusing on one’s strengths and helping to cultivate one’s best story to experience the fullness of life.

Kris Petlick, MA, LLP

Kris is a Limited Licensed Psychologist who received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University and her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame. She enjoys working with clients of all ages, from childhood through retirement. Kris works with both individuals and with couples and families. She has experience with many issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, abortion, and autism spectrum disorders as well with marital and parenting issues. 

Brandon Pierce, MSW, LMSW

Brandon Pierce is a Master’s Level Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received his MSW from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. Brandon has a passion for older adults and has an extensive background in helping people cope with grief and loss through his clinical work in hospice. Brandon also has experience in helping patients with chronic illness and pain find ways to live their best life. 

Brandon also has considerable knowledge in the areas of anxiety, depression, and trauma. He enjoys working with individuals to increase their self-esteem, find healthy coping strategies and maintain healthy boundaries to manage the stresses of life. The most satisfying part of his work is helping the client to reach that “aha moment,” when they discover the solution they have been searching for.    

Meredith Sheldon, MA, LPC

Meredith is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who received her Master’s degree in Counseling from Spring Arbor University after working in the teaching profession for 30 years. Meredith specializes in helping clients work through major life changes like divorce, job loss, and other traumatic incidents. Her time as a teacher gave Meredith a unique perspective on how best to support parents and children with ADHD, self-esteem and other behavioral issues. Meredith also has experience helping victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, and those with weight and self-esteem issues. 

Ali Talbott, MA, LLC

Ali is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor who received her Master's degree from Cornerstone University. Her passion for mental health began while working at a public school as a preschool teacher. She enjoys working with a variety of clients, with a particular interest in children, adolescents, college and early adulthood, with issues like self-esteem, life transitions, and eating disorders. Her approach in the mental health field centers around the individual as a whole, including emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. 

Rich Watson, MA, LLP, LLC

Rich is a Limited Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor. He received his Master’s in Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, and has been a therapist with Southwestern Medical Clinic since 1990. Prior to his career in counseling, Rich was employed for several years as a youth pastor. He specializes in working with attention deficit-hyperactive children and their parents, college students and adults, conduct disordered children, as well as a variety of other issues, including marital therapy, depression, anxiety, and addictions. He has received specialized training in trauma and critical incident stress management.

Bradford Wilson, MS, MA, TLLP

Brad is a Master’s level Temporary Limited Licensed Psychologist who is currently a Clinical Counseling Doctoral Candidate at Trevecca Nazarene University. Brad earned his MS in Psychology and MA in Ministry from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Prior to his career in counseling, Brad was a minister, missionary and judicial administrator. Brad works with adults experiencing anxiety and depression, as well as those seeking improvement with relationships, boundaries and self-esteem. Brad has specific experience guiding adults through issues relative to past abuse and the transitions of early adulthood, career, pre-marriage, marriage and dealing with the transitional challenges of senior life.

Marcus Youngburg, LLPC

Marcus is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor who received his Master’s degree from Andrews University. He is also currently enrolled in a Counseling Psychology Doctoral program. Prior to his career in counseling Marcus worked in Finance. He enjoys working with a variety of clients, with a particular interest in trauma and relationship issues. His approach in the mental health field is primarily psychodynamic and relational.

Edie Zars, MSW, LMSW

Edie is a Master’s Level Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received her MSW degree from Andrews University. Edie brings a wealth of experience gained in a variety of industries prior to completing her MSW. She has direct clinical experience in the environments of school counseling, a local women’s shelter, a nursing home, and court-involved individuals in a social worker capacity. Edie enjoys working with clients of all ages, and has a special interest in marital therapy.