Our Team
Life Counseling Center is supported by a dedicated team of trained therapists and counselors who serve with empathy and compassion, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Robb Horner
Ph.D.
Individual, Marriage, Sexual Addiction
Dr. Robb is a co-founder of Underground Ministry, which provides workshops, counseling, and support groups for men and spouses impacted by sexual addiction. He is an ordained minister with Elim Fellowship (Lima, NY) and holds a B.A. in Christian Counseling (Southwest Bible College & Seminary), an M.A. in Human Services Counseling (Regent University), and a Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Psychology (Cornerstone University). Dr. Robb is Board Certified in Temperament Therapy, a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor (National Christian Counseling Association), a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, and a Board-Certified Sexual Addiction Counselor (Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors). Dr. Robb’s counseling approach emphasizes God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit through Scripture. In his clinical pastoral counseling practice, he integrates a biblical framework with cognitive behavioral, family systems and EMDR modalities. He works with men and couples, specializing in marriage therapy and sexual addiction recovery. Robb is committed to helping individuals and couples experience healing and restoration in Christ. This mission is shared with his wife, Beth, who leads a powerful spouses’ recovery group. Together, they celebrate more than 28 years of sobriety and recovery and regularly share their testimony and teach on prevention and recovery from sexual sin through seminars, retreats, and church presentations.
Heather Kellam
MSW, LCSW-C
Children, Adolescents, Adults & Family
Heather graduated summa cum laude from Salisbury University (BA in Social Work, 2002) and earned her MSW from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2003. As an LCSW-C with 23 years of experience, she integrates her Christian faith into counseling through prayer and Biblical principles and is dedicated to helping families and individuals strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ. She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families using a strengths-based and creative approach, incorporating techniques such as Family Systems Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, DBT, and especially Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Heather also uses play, art, and role play with children. Her professional background includes providing school-based counseling at Eastern Shore Psychological Services and conducting screenings for the Worcester County Health Department. She coordinates care with various agencies to support families’ access to resources. Heather specializes in ADHD, Adoption and Attachment Issues, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Learning Disabilities, ODD, PTSD, autism, and other developmental disabilities. She educates families, collaborates with schools, and offers practical strategies for children’s success. Additionally, she is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and is a state-approved social work supervisor. She serves as both a worship team member and is in leadership of her church’s women’s ministry, where she is passionate about missions. Her other interests include writing, learning to play the acoustic guitar, and participating in the Maryland Canopy of Prayer.
Wendy Wharton
MA,LPCMH
Individual, Marriage & Family
Wendy Wharton is a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience on Delmarva. She holds a Master’s in Community Counseling from Wilmington College and is a National Board-Certified Counselor in Delaware (LPCMH). Wendy began as a crisis counselor at the Delaware Pregnancy Center, developing a calming presence and skill in psychiatric emergencies. Since 2008, Wendy has worked with Life Counseling Center, helping clients with issues like bullying, depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, phobias, stress, marriage, divorce, and single-parent challenges. She is especially aware of elderly needs and “sandwich generation” caregivers. Wendy uses CBT, relaxation, mindfulness, crisis de-escalation, and post-crisis intervention, offering in-person and Telehealth sessions. Wendy helps couples and parents restore healthy dynamics and guides clients to identify strengths and set goals, in a welcoming, non-judgmental space. Her Christian counseling approach emphasizes growth, balance, and peace, grounded in Biblical principles of clarity and calm (Genesis 2:2, Psalm 46:10, Mark 6:31). She receives many referrals and finds fulfillment in helping families. Wendy is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Christian Counselors, American Counselors Association, Delaware School Counselors Association, Delaware Counseling Association, American Christian Schools International, and American Fitness Professionals Association. Besides counseling, Wendy coaches middle school track & field and teaches fitness. She sees life as a track with hurdles, overcome by staying focused on the goal. Married for over 30 years, she values family time and enjoys mystery novels, home projects, kayaking, meditation, trail walking, and coffee.
Dr. Fred Antonelli
Dr. Fred Antonelli is a Board-Certified Marriage and Family Temperament Therapist specializing in crisis marriage counseling and pastoral (clergy) Intensive Outpatient (IOP) therapy. His focused approach provides immediate emotional, clinical and spiritual support for individuals and families navigating critical challenges. With over 23 years of experience as a senior pastor, Dr. Antonelli also hosted the nationally syndicated Christian radio show Rock Alive for nine years, airing on the CBN and Salem Radio Networks. He is widely recognized for his seminars on building passionate, joyful marriages and understanding personal identity and temperament, including his signature seminar, “Why We Act the Way We Do.” In addition, he consults with churches on leadership development, conflict resolution, and mediation. Dr. Antonelli is ordained through the Elim Fellowship in Lima, NY, a Clinically Licensed Pastoral Counselor with the National Christian Counselors Association, a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, and the American Counseling Association, and the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors. He is board-certified as a Clinical Sexual Addiction Specialist Supervisor through the Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counselors. He holds a B.A. in Theology from International Seminary, an M.A. in Clinical Christian Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Cornerstone University, and maintains a Mental Health License (LPCMH) in Delaware. A prolific author and contributor, Dr. Antonelli has written for national Christian publications including Charisma Magazine, RELEVANT, ChurchLeaders.com, and Christian Post. He is the author of FREE TO BE YOU and the nationally released Struggling Well (CrossLink Publishing). He has also, twice, been on the cover of Charisma Magazine. Dr. Antonelli is a sought-after national speaker, delivering conferences, seminars, workshops, and pulpit ministry. He is the founder and now former owner of Life Counseling Center, Inc., with offices across Maryland and Delaware, former Executive Director of Agape Counseling Associates in Rochester, NY, and for 6 years (2020-2026) served as President of Elim Bible College in Lima, NY. Presently, Dr. Antonelli is semi-retired but clinically counseling two days a week through Life Counseling Center, writing articles and periodically doing mental health seminars for younger pastors and their wives. He has been happily married to his high school sweetheart, Debbie, for 53 years. They have three children and six grandchildren and reside on the Eastern Shore in Oxford, Maryland.
Terri Rubio
MDiv
Marriage, Premarital, Family & Faith
Terri is dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges, believing everyone can lead fulfilling lives through faith. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in Christian Ministries and Biblical Studies from Crown College in 2018 and earned her M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling with honors in 2020. Terri is ordained, holds chaplaincy credentials with the International Ministerial Fellowship, and is certified as a Pastoral Sexual Addiction Professional specializing in betrayal trauma and sexual addiction. In her counseling practice, Terri uses an eclectic, faith-centered approach tailored to each individual’s needs. She integrates spirituality and theology into support for a range of concerns, including personal, marital, faith-related, sexual addiction, and betrayal trauma issues. Terri volunteers in church and community settings, leads support groups and Bible studies, and serves people experiencing homelessness and addiction. She and her husband, Joe, have a blended family of three adult children and enjoy beach trips, golf, travel, music, and time with family.
Chris Hinton
MS, M.Ed.
Individual Men, Family, Group & Faith
Chris Hinton has served as a Southern Baptist pastor since 1990, providing Biblical guidance and steady leadership to individuals, couples, and families navigating crisis, conflict, and spiritual growth. His professional background includes 10 years in law enforcement, 10 years supervising crisis intervention services in emergency room and community settings, and a decade as a sex offender therapist working in prison and probation environments. These roles have shaped a direct, trauma-informed approach grounded in accountability, compassion, and real-world experience. Chris holds Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Counseling Education, integrating clinical training with Christian faith and evidence-based counseling principles. He specializes in trauma, addiction, crisis stabilization, sexual integrity issues, and first responder stress. He lives in Southern Delaware with his wife, Jen, and serves clients throughout Sussex County, Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. A former strength athlete and 2014 State of Delaware Strongest Man, Chris believes true strength is forged through discipline, humility, and perseverance — the same principles he brings to the counseling process.
Keri Hignutt
LCSW-C
Adolescents and Individuals
Keri Hignutt has been working with adolescents and individuals for over ten years in her career as a social worker. She strives to create a supportive space where people feel heard, understood, and respected. Her approach to therapy is rooted in compassion and collaboration, honoring each individual’s beliefs, experiences, and life circumstances. Keri has experience working with individuals facing crisis situations, grief and loss, addiction, and other difficult life transitions. In her work with clients, her goal is to support them as they process challenges, develop healthy coping skills, and move toward healing and greater well-being. As a Christian counselor, Keri integrates biblical principles alongside evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support both emotional and spiritual healing. A verse that reflects the hope she shares with clients is Psalm 71:20: *“Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth, you will again bring me up.” Keri has been married for 13 years and is the mother of three children. Her personal experiences have broadened her understanding of life and reinforced the significance of compassion, patience, and support.
George H. Smith III
MA, PSAP, GABCPC, CPLC, ICTR, CMHC, C-PSAP
Individual Men, Sexual Addiction
George is a retired Army Chaplain with 22 years of military service, having served in both the US Air Force and the US Army. He is an Ordained Minister through Coral Ridge Baptist Church of Jacksonville FL. George holds a B.S. in Business Information Systems from University of Phoenix, and an M.A. in Religious Education – Chaplaincy from Liberty University. He has received PSAP (Pastoral Sex Addiction Professional) Certification from IITAP, certification in Inner-Child Trauma Recovery treatment, is a Professional Christian Life Coach certified by the American Association of Christian Counselors and is Board Certified Christian Counselor with the State of Georgia. In his counseling practice, George integrates principles from a biblical perspective with cognitive behavioral and inner-child approaches. His main areas of focus include sexual addiction recovery, inner-child trauma recovery, and supporting men with their spiritual development. George aims to facilitate restoration and emotional healing. He has been married to Sherry for 40 years and they have two adult children and two granddaughters.
Erica Persaud
M.Ed., LPCMH, NCC
Children, Adolescents, Adults & Seniors
Erica J. Persaud, a Licensed Professional Counselor Mental Health (LPCMH) (DE) provides counseling for individuals, couples, families, and adolescents using a faith-integrated, evidence-based approach. She helps people navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, chronic stress, and relationship challenges, strengthening emotional regulation, communication, and healthy boundaries. As a Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional (LCDP) (DE), she also provides counseling for substance use and co-occurring concerns, supporting recovery with practical tools, accountability, and compassionate care. Erica is a U.S. Air Force veteran and an ACA and NBCC member. Her clinical approach may include CBT, DBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused strategies, Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-informed care, tailored to each person’s needs. She strives to create a safe, respectful space where patients can grow, heal, and move forward with a flexible plan and purpose.
Stephanie Donaldson is a compassionate clinician with over 20 years of experience in direct client care. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C). Believing therapy is never one-size-fits-all, Stephanie uses a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to each client’s unique needs. She helps individuals navigate life’s challenges, strengthen coping skills, address family dynamics, and explore or deepen their faith within a safe and supportive environment. Stephanie values building strong therapeutic relationships grounded in trust, collaboration, and genuine care. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside her clients in their journey toward healing and growth — believing each person is here “for such a time as this.”
Kendall Smith serves as the Administrative Assistant at Life Counseling Center, effectively managing administrative responsibilities such as scheduling, client communications, and insurance verification. A lifelong resident of the Eastern Shore, Kendall is dedicated to her community, where she is raising her two children. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from Messiah University. Kendall is committed to supporting others, bringing professionalism and care to her role at Life Counseling Center.
Sheila Nickerson’s journey into leadership and business ownership has been shaped by both professional experience and deep personal faith. Her background includes roles as a logistics professional, manager, account executive, and real estate professional — experiences that cultivated her strengths in operations, finance, customer service, marketing, and organizational leadership. Managing multiple business entities sharpened her entrepreneurial skills and prepared her to lead with both excellence and compassion. Faith has always been the foundation of Sheila’s life and work. An active leader at Gethsemane Church, she has served in numerous capacities and participated in mission trips to Arizona, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Virginia. She was a founding Board Member instrumental in bringing Nanticoke Young Life to the Seaford community and later served as Banquet Chair. Sheila has also served on the Board of Directors for Faith Filled Women in Salisbury, Maryland — reflecting her heart to encourage and uplift others. As Owner and Director of Life Counseling Center, Sheila is deeply committed to creating a place where clinical excellence and Christian faith walk hand in hand. She believes in the transformative power of hope, healing, and Christ-centered support, and she is passionate about building a practice that serves both clients and clinicians with integrity and care. Sheila is a proud mother of two grown children and “Gigi” to her amazing twin granddaughters. She treasures time with family, enjoys traveling, and finds her greatest joy in serving others and investing in her community.
Amanda earned her Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy, along with a degree in Biblical Studies, from Lancaster Bible College in 2018. In 2025, she joined Life Counseling Center as both administrative staff and a student therapist while working toward her graduate license (LGPC) in Maryland. Amanda’s passion for counseling was shaped by her own experience navigating her parents’ divorce. That personal journey fostered a deep compassion for individuals, couples, and families facing relationship challenges. She is particularly passionate about helping clients strengthen healthy marriages, navigate divorce with care and respect, and develop effective co-parenting relationships. Amanda works with clients of all ages and provides individual, couples, and family therapy. She also utilizes the Prepare/Enrich assessment to support premarital and couples counseling. Amanda has experience working with a range of mental health concerns including anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, and more. Her counseling approach integrates Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), allowing her to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals. Amanda’s Christian faith is central to her life and counseling perspective. She came to faith at age 20 while attending Lancaster Bible College and continues to grow in her walk with Christ through Bible study and spiritual community. Amanda has been happily married for ten years and is the mother of three young children. In her free time, she enjoys listening to podcasts, doing puzzles, and spending time outdoors with her family.
No Surprises Act
Good Faith Estimate You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 800-985-3059.
