Board of Directors
Executive Council
Kara McDaniel – President
Over the past 19 years, Kara has worked in a variety of clinical, healthcare, and academic settings. In September 2014, Kara became founder/owner of her own private practice, Lifescapes Counseling Services, LLC, which is located in Alpharetta, Georgia. Additionally, Kara teaches clinical courses within the master’s level Marriage and Family Therapy Programs at both Mercer University and Northcentral University and provides post-graduate supervision for those seeking licensure as a MFT and/or LPC. Since 2016, Kara has been actively involved with GAMFT, serving as both Elections Committee member and currently, Elections Committee Chair. In her spare time, Kara enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and playing tennis.
Andrew Benesh – President Elect
Andrew Benesh is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AAMFT Approved Supervisor. He completed his Ph.D. in Family Therapy at Florida State University and has taught at Mercer University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program since 2017, where he currently serves as Assistant Program Director for the Macon campus. Andrew has been active in multiple leadership roles in GAMFT, including serving as a Chapter Chair (2018 to 2021) and as Vice President (2022 – 2024), and has also filled leadership roles with other nonprofits including , , and the . Andrew’s clinical work has focused on systemic treatment of children and adolescents, and integrative care for clients with severe and persistent psychiatric conditions. Andrew also provides supervision for early career clinicians seeking to serve underserved communities.
Elizabeth Bizzell – Vice President
Elizabeth Bizzell is a LMFT and AAMFT Approved Supervisor. She practices at Mercer Medicine in Macon, GA. Elizabeth graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine in 2005 with a Masters of Family Therapy and has held both clinical and leadership roles in Behavioral Health agencies in Middle Georgia since 2006.
Ashley Quamme – Treasurer
Ashley is a Marriage and Family Therapist in the Augusta, GA area. She has over 10 years of experience and presently maintains a private practice specializing in the treatment of couples. While Ashley works with all couples, her specialty is treating military couples and families and the unique issues that they experience. Along with being a therapist, Ashley is also a wife and mom of two.
Jetlexis Carlos – Treasurer Elect
Jetlexis Carlos is a licensed marriage and family therapist with credentials in Georgia, Florida, and New York. She serves as an Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director at Mercer University in the Master of Family Therapy Program. She holds the AAMFT-approved supervisor designation and is an AAMFT clinical fellow. She has also served on executive boards for MFT associations in FL and the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Dr. Carlos earned her Ph.D. in Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University, with clinical and research expertise that integrates Bowen family systems theory into couples counseling, conflict, and parenting strategies. She shares a passion for utilizing her knowledge of family systems theory and applying it in the therapy room, the community, and within organizations. Outside of her professional commitments, Dr. Carlos enjoys being a devoted dog mom to her Chihuahua, Cocoa.
Diann Clabo – Secretary
Committee Leadership
Abby Culin – Communications Chair
Abby Culin graduated from Atlanta’s Mercer University School of Medicine MFT program in 2019. She has been a GAMFT member since 2017 and joined the board in 2020. With experience in both the medical and social services systems, Abby values and prioritizes collaborative care. She believes in providing accessible and supportive mental health care and currently works for inclusive and affirming mental health practice that welcomes clients from all walks of life.
Katie Ross – Public Relations Co-Chair
Andrea Meyer-Stinson – Composite Board Liaison
Dr. Meyer is the Assistant Program Director of the Master of Family Therapy Program at Mercer University’s School of Medicine in Macon, Georgia. She is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the medical school. Dr. Meyer received her Ph.D. from Florida State University, M.S. from Purdue University, and her B.S./B.A. from the University of Georgia. Dr. Meyer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. She has worked therapeutically with children, couples, and families since 2001. Dr. Meyer is a Clinical Fellow of AAMFT and a member of the National Council on Family Relations and the Collaborative Family Health Association. Dr. Meyer has participated on marriage and family therapy boards in both Florida and Georgia.
Dan Upshaw – Legislative and Governmental Affairs Chair
Dan is the founder and lead therapist of his practice in Midtown Atlanta, Atlanta Family Therapy. He is also a senior mental health therapist at Grady Memorial Hospital, where he has served for 8 years, and currently provides in-house therapy to Grady employees in the Employee Resiliency program. Dan has participated in GAMFT activities since 2014 and January 2024 marks beginning of his sixth year of participation on the GAMFT Legislative Committee. Along with his experience as an AAMFT Family TEAM leader since 2018, in 2024, Dan is serving as the AAMFT Ethics Committee chair person for the last year of his three-year nomination.
Arielle Sanders Blum – Approved Supervisor Chair
Dr. Arielle Saunders Blum is the owner of a private practice, Revive Therapy and Consulting. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving adult residents of Georgia and Florida, and she is passionate about using telehealth to increase access to quality mental health care for individuals, couples, and families. Arielle is also a part-time faculty member in the Master’s Marriage and Family Therapy program at Capella University. As an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, Arielle provides post-graduate supervision for licensure in Georgia and Florida, as well as at the master’s level for various universities in Georgia and across the country. Dr. Blum received her Ph.D. in Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in Florida and her MS in MFT from Harding University in Arkansas. Her primary research interests involve the systemic training of marriage and family therapy students, as well as the implementation of technology into therapy and supervision.
Traci Zajdel– Continuing Education Chair
Traci Zajdel, LMFT, CST, received her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Valdosta State University in 2008 and has been licensed in the state of Georgia since 2010. She is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. She was recently awarded the AAMFT Certificate of Leadership. She has worked in a variety of contexts with clients of all ages, including residential programs, community care, private practice, and the Georgia early intervention program. Traci currently focuses on working with military members, veterans, and their families. She also specializes in relationship work around communication, connection, sexuality and intimacy, and is a kink-affirming professional. Traci is currently pursuing her doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy through National University with an emphasis on therapy with military families. She is the proud wife of an Air Force veteran and the mom of two amazing teenage boys.
Lana Banegas – Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair
Lana is the Founder and Practice Owner of The Marriage Point, a group practice located in Marietta GA and Cumming GA. She holds a Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Georgia and a Clinical Fellow with the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. She is also a AAMFT Supervisor Candidate. Lana is a Certified Sex Therapist by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Most importantly, Lana is an unrepentant believer in authentic, secure and passionate relationships and is an advocate for deeper connection with Self, God, and Others.
OPEN POSITION! — Personnel Committee Chair
Marie Woods – Elections Committee Chair
Marie Woods, LMFT, CSAT-S, CMAT, CPTT, SEP is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Certified Multiple Addictions Therapist, Certified Partner Trauma Therapist, and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. She is also trained in Pia Mellody’s Post Induction Therapy (PIT) trauma model and completed Phase 1 & 2 of Brainspotting training. Marie currently serves as the Director of Outpatient Services for The Meadows Outpatient Center in Atlanta. She is also pursuing her doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis on Business Development and Systemic Administration from Northcentral University in San Diego, CA. She received her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Troy University in Troy, AL. Marie is an AAMFT clinical fellow and approved supervisor.
Tommy Hampton, IV – Elections Committee Chair
Tommy Hampton, IV; LMFT; CFVIPF; AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate is a native of Valdosta, Georgia. In 2021, he earned a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy-MFT from Valdosta State University (VSU). He is currently the owner of Every Path Therapy, LLC, a virtual practice focusing on couples, grief, men’s mental health of all ages, coaching, and supervision. In addition to his practice, he also operates as a Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC) with Moody Air Force Base, where he supports military children and their families with a range of nonmedical mental health and adjustment challenges. Through all his roles, he is committed to contributing to the well-being of all the communities he serve by believing “Every path is unique and deserves to be honored as such,” which is also his business slogan.
Lauren A. Evans – Elections Committee Member
Lauren A. Evans is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of Mommy’s Mind, a virtual private practice dedicated to supporting women, mothers, and new parents through life’s transitions. With advanced training in perinatal mood disorders, Prepare/Enrich, and specialized expertise in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Mrs. Evans provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals and couples navigating conception, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, parenthood, and relationship challenges. In addition to clinical work, Lauren A. Evans is an active leader in the field, serving on the Elections Committee for the Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (GAMFT). She has been a Professional Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) since 2017, and a member of Postpartum Support International since 2020, furthering her commitment to maternal mental health. Through Mommy’s Mind, founded in 2024, Mrs. Evans offers virtual therapy services designed to empower, support, and guide clients as they navigate the emotional complexities of motherhood, parenthood, and relationships.
Drew Phillips — Membership Committee Chair
Graduating from Fuller Seminary in 2015, Drew has operated his own private practice since 2018 in Atlanta and currently is a part of Midtown Psychotherapy Associates. He has been a GAMFT member since 2018 when he moved from Pasadena to Atlanta. The GAMFT connections with members were a vital part of Drew’s relocation back “home” to the south. Drew also provides post-graduate supervision for clinicians seeking MFT licensure. His clinical focus is children 8+, men, couples, and groups (parenting/ men/ social skills)- he’s also been known to host an epic Dungeons and Dragons game. When not in session, Drew loves playing basketball in the front yard with his 3 kids, nerding out on video games, or feeding his extroverted self with a rousing conversation.
Ashley Figueroa — Student Committee Chair
Nikki Ray — Student Committee Chair
Nikki Ray is a dedicated advocate for students pursuing Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) careers. As Chair of the GAMFT Student Committee, she supports and empowers students by advocating for their needs, fostering community engagement, and linking professional development opportunities. Her vision is to provide mentorship, resources, and advocacy to help students thrive in their education and transition into their careers. Originally from California, she moved to Florida to further her education. Nikki earned her Bachelor’s in Human Sciences with a Minor in Psychology from Florida State University. After working as a Case Manager/SOAR Specialist at Apalachee Center, Nikki joined Valdosta’s MFT program, eager to continue her journey in enhancing her own career as well as supporting other MFT students.
Hoa Nguyen — Student Committee/Mentor Program Advisor
Chapter Leadership
Nakita Robinson — Metro Georgia Chapter Chair
Nakita Robinson, LMFT, is the Chair of the Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (GAMFT), where she has spent time revitalizing the chapter and fostering growth among marriage and family therapists. As the founder of Epistamai, Nakita champions innovation in mental health through her private practice for high-profile professionals and couples and Therapists Coworking by Epistamai, a coworking space offering flexible, affordable workspaces for clinicians. Her mission is to enhance accessibility and community within the profession. With extensive experience in state-level mental health initiatives, Nakita has worked to improve crisis programs and transitions for vulnerable populations, demonstrating her commitment to high-quality care. Nakita is passionate about building connections, offering engaging programming, and creating a supportive environment for clinicians. She invites her peers to join her in advancing the field of marriage and family therapy through collaboration and innovation.
Freedom Bowers — Middle GA Chapter Chair
Ashley Moore — Coastal Georgia Chapter Chair
Jennifer Gonyea — Northeast Georgia Chapter Chair
Brandon Coussens — East Georgia Chapter Chair
Kim Garcia — West Georgia Chapter Chair
Kim Garcia, LMFT, located near Columbus, GA. She completed her masters degree from Northcentral University and is currently working toward a doctorate from National University. Kim runs a private practice with her husband. She works mostly with children and adolescents but also enjoys working with couples and families on building their relationships. She has always had a passion for strength-based approaches with couples, individuals, and families which form the foundations for many greater systems. She has four grown children and a spouse of a military veteran. She is married to a military veteran and has four grown children and enjoys spending time gardening and crafting in her spare time.
Leah McMillan – South Georgia Chair
Leah McMillan, DPA, LMFT, EMDR Trained is a native of Miller County, Georgia. Dr. McMillan moved to Valdosta to attend Valdosta State University where she obtained her B.A. in Criminal Justice (2000), her M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy (2004) and her Doctorate in Public Administration with a concentration in Higher Education (2011). While enrolled in the master’s program she completed an internship and practicum at the Moore Street Clinic, a community mental health center through Valdosta State University’s MFT program and an internship and practicum at The Haven Rape Crisis Center in Valdosta, GA. After completing her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, Leah worked as a full-time Child and Adolescent therapist at Behavioral Health Services, a local community mental health service board, facilitating an intensive Day Treatment program for emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children and adolescents. Previously, she worked for over 9 years at the Valdosta State University Counseling Center; the university’s mental health clinic as a Senior Staff Counselor, then as an Assistant Director, and last the Interim Director. Currently, Dr. McMillan works full-time in private practice at EnSpire Counseling & Wellness, LLC (founder/owner) in Valdosta, Georgia. She has worked in private practice for over 5 years.
Open chapter positions:
- North Metro Chapter Chair & Treasurer
- Coastal Chapter Chair & Treasurer
- Southwest Georgia Chapter Chair & Treasurer
Please reach out to office@gamft.org if you are interested in joining the board.
