For more information, click on a name below:

Melissa Algrim, M.A., LCMFT, LMFT
Terri Bennet, – Clinical Coordinator
Heidi Cannon, M.A., CIT
Melissa Finger, M.S., PLPC
Amy Francis, M.S., LPC
Lyle D. Gibbens, M.S, M.A., LPC
Erica Matters, M.A., LPC
Lynda Mechels, M.S., LPC
Beth Russell, M.A.O.A, M.A. – Executive Director

Graduate Interns:

Don Bell, B.A., B.S.
Gayron Haywood
Danielle Mulder, B.S.W.
Steve Nichols, B.S.

Clinical Advisory Team

Victoria Anderson, M.S., LMFT
Marcie Wheatley, M.A., LMFT

Board Members

Jesse Bechtold
John Burgess
Belinda Kendall
Linda Lowenstein
Kathy Lunn
Beth Russell
Patrick Shore

Melissa Algrim, M.A., LCMFT, LMFT (Kansas/Missouri)

Coming Soon...

Victoria Anderson, M.S., LMFT (Missouri)

Victoria earned a B.S. from California State University at Hayward in Speech Communication and a M.S. in Family Therapy from Friends University. Victoria’s experience includes extensive work with children and adults in the areas of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting and couple relationships. Victoria has developed and facilitated group and individual treatment programs for issues relating to domestic violence. Victoria has a coaching style efficacious for optimal learning. Her therapeutic modality includes a strengths–based, solution–focused approach with a systems–oriented perspective.

Victoria is a member of our Clinical Advisory Team.

Jesse Bechtold, Board Member

Coming Soon...

Don Bell, B.A., B.S. (Kansas)

Don is a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Counseling program at MidAmerica nazarene univeristy. Don earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and a Bachelor of Science Degree in History/Secondary education from MidAmerica Nazarene univeristy. He is a member ACA and IAMFC. Don's strength is evident in his use of Attachement Theory modality. Don assists in facilitating Anger Management and Domestic Violence Intervention groups.

Terri Bennet, MSW, LCSW (Missouri), LSCSW (Kansas) – Clinical Coordinator

Terri Bennett is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri and is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker in the State of Kansas. She obtained her B.S.W. (Bachelor of Social Work) degree from Missouri Western State University, formerly, College, in St. Joseph, Missouri. She obtained her M.S.W. (Master of Social Work) degree from the University of Kansas. Terri has over 25 years of experience in the field of social work. She has worked with a variety of people of all ages, special needs populations, and with those who have mental disorders. She has worked and studied extensively in the areas of trauma, abuse, and anxiety. She has specialized training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desentization Reprocessing). Currently, she is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW), as well as NASW (National Association of Social Workers). Terri is a Member of the Board for the Western Unit Chair for the Missouri Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

John Burgess, Board Member

Coming Soon...

Heidi Cannon, M.A., CIT

Heidi earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from MidAmerica Nazarene University. Heidi earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management and Human Relations. She has over ten years of experience in health care as a National Registered Medical Assistant. Heidi enjoys working with clients of all ages. She has strength in psychodynamic approach, cognitive therapy, and solution–focused therapy. She is qualified to administer Prepare and Enrich assessment for enhancing couple relationships. Heidi has a natural gift that creates a comfortable safe atmosphere for clients that is conducive to therapeutic growth and healing.

Melissa Finger, M.S., PLPC (Missouri)

Melissa holds a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Counseling and a Bachelors degree in Psychology. She utilizes her experience and training through the SASSI Institute to administer assessments for substance abuse and domestic violence. Melissa also works with Beacon Behavioral Healthcare as the lead Project Manager where she is an intrical part of Beacon's ability to fulfill its mission.

Amy Francis, M.S., LPC (Missouri)

Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwest Missouri State University. She is licensed to provide therapy in the state of Missouri as a Licensed Professional Counselor, and is a member of the American Counseling Association. Amy specializes in working with children and families, and has a significant amount of experience in working with clients in the areas of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, behavioral issues, and parenting. Amy utilizes a cognitive behavioral approach in her work with individuals, groups, and families, while also incorporating a family systems approach and creative techniques in therapy. Her goal is to help clients become empowered to make positive changes to live their best possible life.

Lyle D. Gibbens, M.S, M.A., LPC (Kansas)

Following over thirty years in public education, Lyle received his counseling degree in 2007 from MidAmerica Nazarene University, in Olathe, Kansas. He also holds a Master of Science in Administration from Pittsburg State University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Kansas. He is a member of American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Lyle provides individual, couple, and family therapy. Special areas of skill include adolescents, couples and families struggling with communication skills. He has excellent ability in helping strengthen couple relationships in marital and premarital counseling where he utilizes PREPARE/ENRICH assessments. His preferred mode of psychotherapy is cognitive behavioral, while also incorporating family systems theory. His desire is to combine solid counseling theory and practice with a faith–based approach to life’s problems in a professional, compassionate, and caring manner with a goal of ministering to the whole person and meeting client needs regardless of background or belief system.

Gayron Haywood, Graduate Intern

Coming Soon...

Belinda Kendall, Board Member

Coming Soon...

Linda Lowenstein, Board Member

Coming Soon...

Kathy Lunn, Board Member

Coming Soon...

Erica Matters, M.A., LPC (Missouri)

Erica Matters graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counseling from MidAmerica Nazarene University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. She is a member of the local, state and national chapters of the American Counseling Association. Erica has experience in a children's residential treatment program and has worked with families and children through her own private practice. She specializes in helping children with trauma recovery and other behavioral issues. Erica utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral approach with creative techniques in her work with groups, families and individuals. Her goal is to help people recognize their personal strengths and empower them to take necessary steps toward creating the life they want to live.

Lynda Mechels, M.S., LPC

Coming Soon...

Danielle Mulder, B.S.W. (Missouri/Kansas)

Danielle is a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling program at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Danielle earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Olivet Nazarene University. She has over eight years of experience in Pastoral and Compassionate Ministries and has worked extensively with families and children. She has strength in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Family systems, and client-centered theory. Danielle utilizes a caring and empathetic atmosphere for clients that is conducive to therapeutic growth and healing.

Steve Nichols, B.S. (Missouri/Kansas)

Steve is a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Counseling program at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Steve earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation and Corporate Wellness from Northwest Missouri State University. Steve brings over 6 years of experience in the mental health profession working with the urban poor of Kansas City. His therapeutic approach is relational and works to provide a professional and therapeutic environment that is safe and inviting. Steve has a desire in making sure that his clients receive the best therapeutic care and professionalism that they deserve.

Beth Russell, M.A.O.A, M.A. – Executive Director

Beth holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies from American Christian College and Seminary and has earned a M.A. in Organizational Administration and a M.A. in Counseling from MidAmerica Nazarene University. Beth’s education and experience in ministry, business, and counseling are congruent with Beacon’s values and mission to have excellent business practices while providing premium clinical services in an accessible and affordable manner. Beth is honored to be apart of the Beacon TEAM where people combine their skills, talents and efforts to accomplish more together than they could achieve on their own!

Pat Shore, Board President

Patrick Shore brings more than twenty-three (23) years of business solution experience to the Beacon Board of Directors. As the President and CEO of Intelli-Think, LLC, he is a dynamic, visionary leader in defining and developing Beacon Behavioral Healthcare. He brings real world practical experience in providing leadership strategies to achieve exceptional business results to our team.

Marcie Wheatley, M.A., LMFT (Kansas)

Marcie earned both her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and her Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Mid America Nazerene University. She is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therpist in the state of Kansas and is a member of the American Association of Marital and Family Therapists.

Marcie's experience includes working with couples, individuals, and adolescents in the areas of anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, parenting and couple relationships. Her therapeutic approach includes looking at the family sustem and determing solutions based on the client's strengths.

Marcie is a member of our Clinical Advisory Team.