Our Staff
S. Chris Troutt,LMFT is a Christian family therapist who brings a unique background to her clients. She and her husband, Burt, are parents to twelve children and have ten grandchildren. Chris is a biological mother, an adoptive mother, a stepmother, and a foster mother; she brings both education and personal perspective into the therapy session.
Chris believes strongly in systems theory and in the power of God working in a person’s life. It is her desire to help others during their journey. Chris specializes in working with families for pre/post adoption counseling for adoption adjustments; attachment related issues; and helping families cope with FASD/FAE and other family related adjustments. Her work with FASD is especially meaningful to her as a parent of an FASD child.
Chris has a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, TN. Email her at chris@papillioncenter.org
Sheryl Findley is a counselor and an adoptive mother to two boys. She and her husband Chris have been married for fourteen years and have journeyed through infertility and domestic adoption. She has worked in the adoption field over the past six years and is excited about providing resources for families living with FASD and providing education within the larger community about FASD. As a parent of a special needs child, she is committed to helping parents and caregivers connect with the resources they need to effectively guide and care for their children while strengthening their own self-care resources as well.
Sheryl has a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Georgia State University and a diploma in Christian Counseling from Psychological Studies Institute in Atlanta, Georgia and has a diverse background including alcohol and drug addictions counseling, infertility counseling, and couples counseling. Email her at sheryl@papillioncenter.org
Gidget Leonard Gidget Leonard has a heart for horses and the connection they make with people. She and her husband, Chad, have been married for ten years and have two beautiful children. She has been EAGALA certified for two years, and loves the work she does with clients and horses. Gidget has an understanding of FASD and TBRI. She is able to make connection with the client as well as bring notice to what is going on with the horse. Email her at: gidget@papillioncenter.org
The EAGALA Model:
- The Team Approach – An Equine Specialist, a Mental Health professional, and horses work together with clients in all EAGALA sessions
- Focus on the ground – All EAGALA sessions are on the ground with horses (no mounted work)
- Solution-Oriented -The belief that our clients have the best solutions for themselves forms a foundation for the EAGALA approach. Rather than instructing or directing solutions, we allow our clients to experiment, problem-solve, take risks, employ creativity, and find their own solutions that work best for them.
- Code of Ethics- EAGALA has a code of ethics, and has a standard of professionalism and ethics.
Will Shonts is a licensed professional counselor and a graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University. He is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and Society for Christian Psychologists.
Will specializes in child and adolescent disorders, concentrating on autism/aspergers, ADHD, separation anxiety and attachment issues, and more. He is also available to provide psychological testing. Mr. Shonts’ experience, compassion and dedication have successfully improved the well-being of the children in his charge, and he offers the very best in client care. Email him at: will@papillioncenter.org
Johanna Powell, MMFT earned her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. She is passionate about facilitating authentic, healing connection in relationships, with God, self and others. She considers it a privilege to work alongside adoptive, biological and blended families to cultivate connections that enable the members to accept and appreciate each other as they grow and adapt to the ever changing needs.
She utilizes a systemic, attachment perspective which encourages the members to become aware not only of what they can authentically give but also of their need to experience a secure base and a safe haven in relationship.
Johanna has been married to Mike for eighteen years and has five children who are some of her favorite people. Johanna finds rest in relationship, solitude and nature. Email her at: johanna@papillioncenter.org
Sara Root is a Marriage and Family counselor and has a temporary license to practice Marriage & Family Therapy in the state of Tennessee. She is an Associate member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Sara graduated in 2006 with a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University. She has experience working with families and post-adolescents from culturally diverse backgrounds in middle Tennessee.
Sara works with families and individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, child and adolescent behavior concerns, FASD, adjustment issues, marital conflict and divorce. Sara is training in TBRI and also provides equine therapy for children and adults. Married for over 11 years, Sara and her husband, John, have 3 children and live in Nashville. Email her at: sara@papillioncenter.org
