our staff and therapists
Sarah Brickell, Ed.S, NCC, RPT-S™️, LPC-S
Sarah Brickell, Ed.S, NCC, RPT-S™️, LPC-S
Sarah Brickell, Ed.S, NCC, RPT-S™️, LPC-S
Owner/Therapist - Cullman Office
Welcome to Yellow Brick Road Counseling, LLC!
Founded by Sarah Brickell in 2018, our practice offers holistic mental health services in a safe, supportive environment for families. Sarah is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™️ with advanced degrees in psychology and counseling.
She specializes in trauma therapy, EMDR, play therapy, and integrative approaches for ADHD, Autism, addiction, and parenting. Sarah is certified in trauma-focused care and integrative medicine for mental health professionals.
Our team includes Charlie, an AKC Certified Good Citizen and service dog, who supports clients through animal-assisted psychotherapy. Sarah is currently pursuing certification in this modality.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
At Yellow Brick Road Counseling, we’re honored to walk with you on your journey to healing and growth.
Sara Linkous Stephens, LPC-S
Sarah Brickell, Ed.S, NCC, RPT-S™️, LPC-S
Sarah Brickell, Ed.S, NCC, RPT-S™️, LPC-S
Clinical Director/Therapist - Cullman Office
Sara is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) who joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling, LLC in 2018. She holds a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Science from Athens State University.
Sara is certified in AutPlay Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Integrated Behavioral Medicine, with extensive training in play therapy. She specializes in working with children and families navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and learning disabilities.
Her therapeutic approach includes Person-Centered Therapy, CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, EMDR, Play Therapy, and Family Therapy, tailored to meet each client’s unique needs.
Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, three dogs, and a variety of farm animals, bringing warmth and balance to her practice.
Kori Cowan, LPC
Cindy Perry, LPC
Kori Cowan, LPC
Therapist
Cullman Office
Kori joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling in 2019, bringing over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked across various settings, gaining valuable insights that inform her compassionate and client-centered approach.
Kori specializes in treating substance abuse, youth offenders, ADHD, and a range of mental health challenges. She is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and empowered.
Outside of her professional role, Kori is a proud mother of two and enjoys running, which complements her holistic view of wellness. Her approachable nature and deep expertise make her a trusted guide on the path to healing and growth.
Narda Harp, LPC
Cindy Perry, LPC
Kori Cowan, LPC
Therapist
Trussville Office
Narda joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling in 2019, bringing experience from her work in a private hospital setting where she supported adults, teens, and adolescents with severe mental illness. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, graduating with honors.
Narda’s approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, and she is skilled in facilitating individual, family, and group therapy. Outside of work, she enjoys running, volunteering with civic organizations, and spending time with her husband and child.
Cindy Perry, LPC
Cindy Perry, LPC
Bethany Griffis, LPC
Therapist
Huntsville Office
Cindy joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling in 2019, bringing over 30 years of experience in education and mental health. She holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Athens State University and a Master’s in School Counseling from Alabama A&M University.
Before becoming a counselor, Cindy spent 15 years as a kindergarten teacher and 17 years as a school counselor, making a lasting impact on countless students. Her compassionate approach and deep expertise make her a trusted support for clients of all ages.
Outside of work, Cindy enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her husband and two children—and is excited to welcome a grandchild soon!
Bethany Griffis, LPC
Shaquilla Gibbons-Robinson, LMFTA
Bethany Griffis, LPC
Therapist
Cullman Office
Bethany joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling in 2019 after completing her internships working with children, adolescents, and adults. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Montevallo and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Alabama. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor.
Bethany integrates play therapy and EMDR into her practice, creating a warm and welcoming environment for clients. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, knitting, needle felting, and spending time with her dog and cat.
Blake Townsend, LPC
Shaquilla Gibbons-Robinson, LMFTA
Shaquilla Gibbons-Robinson, LMFTA
Therapist
Cullman Office
Blake joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling in 2020 and works primarily with children and teens. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. His clinical foundation was shaped during his internship at Clay House Child Advocacy Center, where he focused on trauma and behavioral therapy.
Blake uses evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Child-Centered Play Therapy to support his clients in a safe and nurturing environment. Outside of work, he enjoys paintball, video games, and all things Marvel.
Shaquilla Gibbons-Robinson, LMFTA
Shaquilla Gibbons-Robinson, LMFTA
Shaquilla Gibbons-Robinson, LMFTA
Therapist
Cullman Office
Shaquilla joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling in 2022 as an intern and is currently an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist working toward licensure under the supervision of Charice Calloway, LMFT. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Valdosta State University and her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from Capella University, where she also completed a graduate certification in contemporary theory in couples and family systems.
Outside of her professional work, Shaquilla enjoys reading, spending time with her husband and six fur babies, and recently welcomed a baby girl into her family.
Laine Martin, ALC, NCC
Laine Martin, ALC, NCC
Laine Martin, ALC, NCC
Therapist
Cullman Office
Laine joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling in January 2024 as an intern and is now an Associate Licensed Counselor under the supervision of Sara Stephens, LPC-S. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Alabama and holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Athens State University, graduating magna cum laude.
Laine works with children, adolescents, and adults using an integrative approach that includes Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, CBT, and Mindfulness-Based Interventions. She is a member of Chi Sigma Iota and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies and has research experience in suicide prevention and outreach.
Outside of counseling, Laine enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and their six pets. She recently welcomed a baby girl into her family.
Chanda Dobbs, ALC, NCC
Laine Martin, ALC, NCC
Laine Martin, ALC, NCC
Therapist
Cullman Office
Chanda joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling in 2024 and is an Associate Licensed Counselor under the supervision of Sara Stephens, LPC-S. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor with over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents in educational settings.
Chanda holds a Master’s in Counseling and a Master’s in Teaching Mathematics from the University of West Alabama. Her extensive background in education enhances her ability to connect with young clients and support their emotional growth.
Elizabeth Bynum, ALC
Laine Martin, ALC, NCC
Gunter Chenoweth, MA Intern
Therapist
Cullman Office
Liz joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling in 2023 as an intern and is currently working toward full licensure under the supervision of Sara Stephens, LPC-S. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Samford University and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Alabama.
Liz has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, including at-risk youth and their families. Her clinical focus includes trauma, crisis counseling, marriage and family therapy, and play therapy. She enjoys integrating music and art into sessions and plans to pursue certification in play therapy.
Outside of work, Liz enjoys running and spending time with her husband and their four children. She believes in the healing power of nature and mindful movement.
Gunter Chenoweth, MA Intern
Gunter Chenoweth, MA Intern
Gunter Chenoweth, MA Intern
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Cullman Office
Gunter is currently pursuing his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Colorado Christian University and serves as a counseling intern under the site supervision of Sarah Brickell, Ed.S, NCC, RPT-S, LPC-S. He earned his Bachelor’s in Psychology from Athens State University in 2021, along with a certificate in Child Advocacy Studies Training.
Outside of his clinical work, Gunter volunteers with a robotics program, enjoys reading, and spends time with his two dogs.
Melissa Evans, LICSW
Melissa Evans, LICSW
Melissa Evans, LICSW
Therapist
Huntsville Office -Weatherly Plaza
Melissa is a graduate of the University of Alabama and has spent the past 15 years working with families in Madison County impacted by trauma. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Play Therapy, and often incorporates expressive modalities such as play, art, and sand tray into her sessions.
Melissa’s approach is rooted in creativity and compassion, guided by her motto: “Play is the highest form of research!”
Tara Slay, ALC
Melissa Evans, LICSW
Melissa Evans, LICSW
Therapist
Huntsville Office/Morgan County Schools
Tara joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling in 2023 and is an Associate Licensed Counselor under the supervision of Sarah Brickell, Ed.S., NCC, RPT-S™, LPC-S. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from Jacksonville State University and is passionate about supporting clients on their journey to healing and growth.
Lora Baker, ALC
Melissa Evans, LICSW
Ronald Scott Howard, ALC
Therapist
Oneonta Office
Lora joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling in 2022 and is an Associate Licensed Counselor under the supervision of Sarah Brickell, Ed.S, NCC, RPT-S™️, LPC-S. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Montevallo.
Lora is a registered student of Psychodrama and Sociometry, pursuing certification since 2019. She integrates CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, Mindfulness, and Yoga into her practice, and plans to expand her training to include Play Therapy. Her clinical interests include trauma, self-esteem, addiction, anxiety, depression, spirituality, emotional regulation, and communication skills.
Outside of work, Lora enjoys drawing, painting, writing poetry, hiking, camping, kayaking, and spending time with her cats and brother.
Ronald Scott Howard, ALC
Ronald Scott Howard, ALC
Therapist
Oneonta and Cullman Office
Scott joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling in 2023 and is an Associate Licensed Counselor under the supervision of Sarah Brickell, Ed.S, NCC, RPT-S, LPC-S. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University with honors.
Scott enjoys working with clients of all ages and currently sees clients in Oneonta three days a week and in the Cullman office one day a week. He has been married for 21 years and is a proud father of two sons.
Julianna Jones, LPC
Therapist
Cropwell Office
Julianna joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling, LLC in 2023. She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from UAB and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Alabama. Julianna blends strong communication skills with clinical insight to support clients on their path to healing.
Bonnie Abigail Bell, ALC
Therapist
Cropwell Office
Abigail joined Yellow Brick Road Counseling in 2025. Abigail is an Associate Licensed Counselor under the supervision of Sarah Brickell, Ed,S, NCC, RPT-S, LPC-S.
Heather Davidson, ALC
Heather Davidson, ALC
Heather Davidson, ALC
Therapist
Cropwell Office
Heather is an Associate Licensed Counselor under the supervision of Sarah Brickell, LPC-S. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with honors from Grand Canyon University in January 2025 and completed her internship in Chattanooga, TN. Her background in ministry as a missionary inspired her to pursue counseling and offer a safe, supportive space for those facing life’s challenges.
Heather works with children, adolescents, and adults, and is passionate about helping clients build self-worth and begin their healing journey. Outside of work, she enjoys art, nature walks, baking, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their dog.
One of her favorite quotes is by Brené Brown:
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”