OUR TEAM
Lisa Ould, LPC,
Executive
Director
Lisa Ould found her heart’s home at The Barnabas Center because of her desire to see people experience the power of Redemptive Conversations℠ whether in the counseling office or in coffee shops. Lisa believes that God is often most at work in the midst of struggle, and it is through caring conversations that people can discover God’s work in their lives. Lisa holds a master’s degree in counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a bachelor’s degree from Hood College. She is married to Nelson and they have a daughter and a grandson. In her spare time, Lisa loves to swim, take long walks, and be with her energetic labradoodle, Sammy, anywhere that involves the outdoors, coffee and a good conversation.
Dan Carson, LPC,
Director of Counseling
Dan Carson works for The Barnabas Center for many reasons (not the least of which is that they were willing to hire him) and chief among them is the shared belief that every person bears the image of God. Dan is a native Florida boy and received a Psychology degree from Flagler College in Saint Augustine, FL and later a master’s degree in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL. He counsels individual adults and is therapeutically interested in change and wholeness. Dan enjoys things that are good, funny, interesting, or wonderful.
Kim Greene, LPC
Kim Greene joined The Barnabas Center because she believes in the Barnabas Model’s focus on the whole person, bearing witness to the dignity of human beings, even amid struggle and suffering. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Wake Forest University and her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University. Prior to becoming a licensed therapist, Kim worked in college and church ministry, mentoring and training leaders. Kim counsels both individuals and couples and facilitates Barnabas Training Groups. In her free time, Kim enjoys her family and friends, live music, and visits to the James River, where she can take in the diverse community of RVA.
Claire Lewis, LPC
Claire Lewis believes that stories matter, relationships heal, and God seems to emphasize both in the growth and change process. She joined The Barnabas Center because of these shared beliefs as well as a desire to participate in a team endeavoring to both know and care for one another. Claire holds an undergraduate degree in communication studies from James Madison University as well as a graduate degree in Christian Counseling from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Charlotte. She offers individual and family counseling. She and her husband Jeromy both grew up in Richmond and love exploring Virginia with their three children. In her free time, you can find Claire outside with friends and family, running, or eating good food.
Julia Sauer, MSW Counseling Resident
Julia Sauer is passionate about meeting people where they are and helping them explore their stories in a safe space. Through a Barnabas training course, Julia discovered that her own approach to counseling was reflected in the Barnabas framework: seeing individuals as God’s image bearers, helping people live a more connected life with themselves, God, and others, and equipping them to develop deep, meaningful relationships. Julia received her Bachelor of Arts in History from Furman University, and Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Julia counsels individuals and leads Barnabas Training groups. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and loves to go on walks and bike rides.
Lindsay File,
MA
Counseling Resident
Lindsay File desired to belong to a team working toward a common goal, so she joined The Barnabas Center because of the shared belief that change happens in the context of relationship. Lindsay was born and raised in West (by God) Virginia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. Prior to working as an outpatient therapist, Lindsay spent time working for a college ministry, as an emergency room behavioral health counselor, and briefly on a farm. Lindsay enjoys photography, fresh air, local tomato season, and walks with her dog, Birdie.
Arnold Lavaire, LPC
Arnold Lavaire chose The Barnabas Center to walk with others in the journey of growth, helping them gain a better understanding of life situations, circumstances, family, and relational struggles as they learn to contemplate God’s providence in every aspect of their lives. Arnold earned a B.S. in Psychology from Campbell University, a M.A. in Counseling from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, and a M.Div. from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Arnold is bilingual and can conduct counseling in English and in Spanish. He enjoys horticulture, bike riding, camping, and fishing. Arnold is married to Jessie, and they have three children.
Severin Yaccarino, Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy
Severin Yaccarino is passionate about being with people in the sacred place of their pain and struggle, recognizing a person’s unique dignity, and creating a safe space to explore their story together. Confident in the promise of God’s redemptive love, she is honored to join the work The Barnabas Center is doing in Richmond. Severin received her BS in Nursing at VCU and worked in cardiac surgery as a registered nurse, before stepping away to raise her three children. Severin then worked in family ministry at a local church for five years before pursuing her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. Her roles at The Barnabas Center include counseling adults and coordinating intake processes. Severin loves to spend time with her husband and three children, enjoys swimming and yoga, and values deep conversations both in and out of the counseling room.
Erin Holler
Community Relations
Erin jumped on the opportunity to join the staff of The Barnabas Center because of a shared desire to honor every individual's story as being a significant part of the one big story written by God. Her own story includes earning an undergraduate degree from Lehigh University and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University. Erin loves that her role with The Barnabas Center is a melding of her two primary areas of experience - nonprofit development and care ministry. In addition to leading Barnabas Training groups, she focuses on having Redemptive Conversations℠ with ministry partners. Erin and her husband, Mike, live in Hanover County and are enjoying the ride of parenting teenagers. She loves dogs, food, and impromptu gatherings of friends and neighbors.
Michelle Conrad Administrative Assistant
Michelle Conrad joined The Barnabas Center after meeting Lisa Ould through some mutual friends. At the time Michelle was just looking for a part-time job, but in her ten years at Barnabas, she’s seen the impact The Barnabas Center has on the Richmond community and believes in its message of how God redeems and uses brokenness and struggle in our lives and our stories. Michelle earned a BA in Sociology from Covenant College and serves on the administrative staff. She is married to Andrew and they are enjoying empty-nest life and their growing family. She is happiest when she’s spending time with her family, exercising (especially outdoors), and traveling.
Kim Johnson Administrative Assistant
Kim Johnson knew of The Barnabas Center for several years because of her friendship with several staff members. When the opportunity to join the administrative staff presented itself, Kim jumped at the chance to work in partnership with a team who is devoted to each person’s inherent dignity and to walking through the struggles of life with them. After graduating from Texas A&M University, Kim met and married her husband, Roger, and moved to Richmond where they raised their three daughters. Kim enjoys playing tennis, traveling with her family, watching college sports, and reading a good book (preferably on a beach somewhere).