OUR TEAM

leadership team

Shawn Morrison

Executive Director

Shawn Morrison joined The Barnabas Center because he was drawn by Barnabas’ model of cultivating hope through redemptive conversations in clinical counseling and personal relationships. Believing every person bears God-given dignity, he is passionate about investing in others’ development and helping people engage their stories with honesty and hope. Shawn enjoys creating safe spaces for conversations about identity, faith, and community. Shawn earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Richmond and a master’s degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Much of his professional life has been in leadership, ministry, and philanthropy with organizations focused on education and community engagement. Shawn and his wife have raised their children in Richmond for the past twenty years. In his most meaningful moments, he enjoys staying physically active, reflecting deeply, and appreciating time with family and friends.

Lisa Ould, LPC-S

Founder

**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 licensed in Virginia and North Carolina (accepting only virtual clients from NC). Lisa is married to Nelson and they have a daughter and a grandson. In her spare time, she 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-S
Clinical Director

**Dan Carson** serves at The Barnabas Center for many reasons, chief among them is the shared conviction that every person bears the image of God. He considers it a privilege to join the work God is doing in people’s lives. Originally from Florida, Dan received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Flagler College in St. Augustine and his Master’s degree in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. Dan's therapeutic approach draws from psychodynamic theory, family systems, narrative therapy, attachment work, and trauma-informed care. He works with adult individuals and couples, helping them understand the stories that have shaped them and move toward greater freedom, clarity, and wholeness. Outside the office, Dan enjoys time with family and friends, reading, and fishing. He and his wife live in Richmond with their four children.

Kim Greene, LPC

Teaching Director

**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.

counseling staff

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, LCSW**

**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,
LPC

**Lindsay File** joined Barnabas out of a deep desire to join a team working with a shared belief that meaningful change happens in the context of relationship. 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. She is certified in the **Internal Family Systems** (IFS) model, a gentle, evidence-based approach to therapy focused on clients healing the different “parts” of themselves. Prior to her work as an outpatient therapist, Lindsay served in college ministry and worked as an emergency room behavioral health counselor. She works with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and questions of faith and identity. Outside the therapy room, Lindsay enjoys photography, fresh air, local tomato season, and walks with her dog, Birdie.

Severin Yaccarino, LMFT

**Severin Yaccarino** is passionate about walking alongside people in the sacred place of their pain and struggle. She believes that every person has inherent dignity and that healing begins in the context of safe, authentic relationships. Her approach is warm, compassionate, and grounded in creating a space where clients feel deeply seen, understood, and empowered to explore their stories. Severin specializes in working with individuals and couples through the lens of attachment, **Interpersonal Neurobiology** (IPNB), and the nervous system. She is trained in **Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing** (EMDR) and integrates evidence-based trauma treatment with an understanding of how early relationships shape our emotional lives, patterns of connection, and capacity for resilience. Her work is grounded in the belief that, from the beginning, God has pursued people in the midst of their brokenness not to condemn them, but to invite them into truth, grace, and restoration. She seeks to reflect that same posture in the counseling relationship by creating a space where clients feel safe to honestly explore their stories, understand the patterns that have shaped them, and move toward greater freedom, deeper connection, and lasting hope.

Baker Avinger, MSW Supervisee in Social Work

**Baker Avinger** is excited and grateful to work for an organization that believes in working with others to discover who they are and who God is – especially in the midst of struggle. His counseling approach is reflected in The Barnabas Center’s belief that lasting growth and healing comes through engaging with a person’s whole story. Baker received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wheaton College (IL), where he met his wife, Morgan. He earned a master’s degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. He gained meaningful experience working with adolescents as a trip leader for Moondance Adventures, leading expeditions in Utah, Iceland, and France. Most recently, Baker provided individual counseling services to undergraduate and graduate students at Webster University in St. Louis. In his spare time, Baker loves doing anything outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and exploring all Richmond has to offer with Morgan.

community relations

administrative team

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.