ABOUT | Acct

ABOUT US

We desire to make a difference in the lives of people in Arkansas & around the world!

Discover the heart behind ACCT—learn how we began, explore our core values, understand our mission, the reason why ACCT exists, and meet the dedicated team that makes this nonprofit possible.

Our Story

ACCT was established by Dr. Barry Wingfield who had a passion for connecting with fellow professionals. His vision was to create a platform that would enrich our profession, enhance our relationships, and promote God's kingdom. After Dr. Wingfield's passing, the ACCT group and conference were temporarily on hold for several years. While the association was on hold, we were eager to get it back up and running because we want to continue the dream of Dr. Barry Wingfield, but also we understand the importance of why an association like ACCT needs to exist for the people in Arkansas and for those around the world. We are thrilled to relaunch this networking community in his honor, continuing the spirit he fostered among Christian counselors and therapists. The ACCT association can provide many opportunities to grow personally and professionally!

Since 2022, ACCT has hosted an annual conference, offering clinicians across Arkansas the chance to come together for a meaningful experience, find rest, and connect with others in the helping profession. Attendees enjoy benefits like certified CEUs, free refreshments and lunch, and opportunities to expand their professional network. ACCT is more than just a conference—it's an association dedicated to connecting resources, businesses, and individuals across Arkansas, helping others discover valuable services they may need.

Our core values

Training

We are committed to fostering ongoing training because we understand the power of equipping clinicians to be whole, healthy individuals.

Education

We aim to help promote the people of Arkansas to be lifelong learners in their field.

Missions

At the core of our work is a deep conviction to live on mission for the Lord in all things, especially in the sacred calling of helping others.

OurWHY

The Arkansas Christian Counselors and Therapists Association (ACCT) was born from a vision to create a platform that would enrich the mental health profession, enhance our relationships, and promote God's kingdom at the same time. Our mission is rooted in the belief that well-trained and emotionally whole clinicians are better equipped to serve those in need. That’s why we are committed to fostering ongoing training, because we understand the power of equipping clinicians to be whole, healthy individuals. We also know the value in education, so we want to help promote the people of Arkansas to be lifelong learners in their field. At the core of our work is a deep conviction to live on mission for the Lord in all things, especially in the sacred calling of helping others. This is why ACCT exists. As we are guided by our values, we are dedicated to supporting, equipping, and inspiring Christian counselors and therapists across our state.

Meet The Team

Dr. Casey Hall

President, Officer

Dr. Casey Hall is the President of Arkansas Christian Counselors & Therapists and has spent over a decade integrating faith and clinical excellence in her work as a therapist, educator, and speaker. She serves full-time at Colorado Christian University, where she leads the SOC2 the World initiative for international counseling internships. In addition to supervising clinicians and hosting marriage retreats, Casey is passionate about soul care and holistic wellness for those in the helping professions. She speaks nationally on Beautifully Known and redemptive differentiation, encouraging Christian counselors to lead with both clarity and compassion.

Dan Sheaffer

Vice President, Officer

Dan holds both an LPC and an LMFT license and works in private practice counseling. He has been serving as an officer with ACCT since 2022. Dan also currently serves as a board member with the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling.

Jon Priest

Treasurer, Officer

Licensed as a Psychological Examiner-Independent since 2007, Jon Priest worked in the inpatient and school-based settings before starting a private practice group with his father called Christian Perspective Counseling in 2011, which has grown to include two locations and a team of almost 20 clinicians. Jon was blessed as an attendee by the original ACCT conference led by the late Dr. Barry Wingfield and is now humbled to serve as its Treasurer and Secretary as it continues to serve Arkansas' Christian clinicians.

James Barham

Board Member

James Barham serves with the Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries. He works with couples and families, and he enjoys being outdoors with his family and friends.

Dr. Stephen Bell

Board Member

Dr. Stephen Bell is a professor at Ouachita Baptist University and Co-Chair of the Psychology Department. His primary teaching responsibilities focus on courses that highlight areas within the counseling field. Besides building a foundation for students to

attend graduate school, Dr. Bell strives to get students excited about the possibilities within the helping profession and view these opportunities as a platform for impacting the Kingdom. Dr. Bell is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Arkansas and Missouri. His primary focus is walking alongside people to help their marriages and families heal and grow. He does this in several ways, from facilitating enrichment conferences to marital and family intensives. Dr. Bell is married to Tracy, who is an OBU

professor and practicing clinician. She is an Arkansas and Missouri LCSW. They have 4 children: Lillie, Ruthie, Hudson, and Addie.

David Sullivan

Board Member

David received his training at Dallas Theological Seminary and has been practicing for over 25 years in the field of Professional Christian Counseling. He sees clients and is the Director at Napa Valley Counseling Center in Little Rock.

Dr. Jenene Alexander

Board Member

As Director of Clinical Mental Health Counseling and faculty for Marriage and Family Therapy at Harding University, I’m deeply passionate about equipping future counselors and walking alongside others through private practice. It’s a calling rooted in my desire to honor Christ by serving with compassion, integrity, and hope.

Ron Deal

Board Member

Ron Deal, LMFT, LPC is the bestselling author of more than a dozen books and resources, a licensed therapist, podcast host, and a Senior Director for the ministry of FamilyLife®. His latest #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Mindful Marriage, coauthored with his wife Nan and Dr. Terry and Sharon Hargrave, brings the proven principles of Restoration Therapy to a mass audience. Their seminar, The Mindful Marriage Conference is available to churches nationwide. In addition, Ron is one of the most widely read and referenced authors on blended families in the country with books like The Smart Stepfamily and Building Love Together in Blended Families (coauthored with Dr. Gary Chapman). The Deals live in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn more at RonDeal.org.

Dr. Benjamin Okai

Board Member

Dr. Benjamin Okai is an Associate Professor of Counseling at the Department of Graduate Counseling, John Brown University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor, EMDR and EFT trained, and a Board-Certified Technology Assisted counselor/supervisor in the state of Arkansas. He is the CEO of
Gainful Pragmatic Solutions, LLC (GPS) an agency located in North Little Rock and also has a private practice at the Forge Counseling Group in Searcy, Arkansas. As a Counselor educator and supervisor, he has been actively involved in student professional development and academic success through mentoring, empowering, advising, remediation, and sharpening of their clinical skills. He has a strong passion for teaching, research, and service as he believes that these pillars undergird the competency of the clinician and deemed as indispensable in the helping relationship. His psychosocial research interests are marital enhancement, advocacy, diversity/multiculturalism,
addiction, and spiritual integration. He has presented on various topics including Ethics, Supervision, Professional Self-Care, Grief, Assessment, Multicultural Competency, Leadership, and Issues pertaining to the Foster-Care System.

Garrick Conner

Board Member

Garrick is also a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and Certified Multiple Addictions Therapist with a practice in Bryant. Garrick loves working with adults of all ages but has a particular affinity for men navigating personal and relationship challenges. He is passionate about investing in the next generation of Christian mental health professionals.

Dan Jarboe

Board Member

Dan Jarboe, LPC has served for 17 years as the Coordinator of Counseling Services at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR, where he also has a private practice. He’s been a mental health professional for 35 years. He’s been married to his wife Kyle for almost 42 years and is the father of five grown children.

Dr. Jeff Cline

Board Member

Jeff Cline, PhD, LPC-S, NCC, BCC, ACS, CPT, BC-TMH, RTII
Dr. Jeff Cline is the clinical director at Better Life Counseling Center, a non-profit, non-denominational Christian counseling center in Jonesboro, AR. He is also an associate professor of counseling in the School of Counseling at Colorado Christian University. He has experience working with individuals, couples, and families utilizing a holistic, strengths-based approach. Jeff is the founder of the Northeast Arkansas Mental Health Professionals Wellness Association, a gathering of professional helpers that supports personal and professional well-being. His counseling specialties and research interests include holistic wellness, spiritual integration, motivational theory, and relational reconciliation.

Dr. Justin Phillips

Board Member

Justin W. Phillips is a licensed counselor, marriage & family therapist, supervisor, and certified spiritual director with over two decades of experience serving caregivers and leaders. Through his practice, Sustain Your Why, he offers counseling, retreats, and spiritual direction to help fellow helpers care for their own souls and stay grounded in their vocation.

Sean Culpepper

Board Member

Sean Culpepper serves as a professor at Ouachita Baptist University and a Clinical Counselor with Living Well Counseling. Drawing from experience in law enforcement, military service, church ministry, and international living, he is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families find hope, healing, and growth. Sean specializes in trauma and couples counseling and is an EMDR Certified Therapist, trained in TF-CBT, and currently finalizing certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). He is also a Board-Approved Supervisor for Licensed Associate Counselors (LACs) in Arkansas.

Addison Little

ACCT Coordinator

ACCT Coordinator Addison Little holds a Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Studies from Williams Baptist University and is a recent graduate. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Harding University. In her role with ACCT, Addison manages the organization’s website and social media platforms, and also serves as the coordinator for our annual conference.

Brad Franklin

Board Member

Picture and bio coming soon!