Choices For Life

Our Staff

My staff and I are proud to play a much needed role in helping children in the Therapeutic Foster Care system reach their goal of adoption / reunification. The growing need in this area of specialized care cannot be ignored and it is our goal to find a healthy home for each and every one of these children under our care. I have a great team of trainers and counselors and I trust in their ability to serve our dedicated Treatment Parents and children.

Doug Fellrath
President | Choices For Life Foster Care
 

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO SEE OUR STAFF FROM THE RESPECTIVE OFFICES.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma


 Melanie Johnson, LPC • LMFT (Executive Director) | Melanie has served the counseling field for over 15 years. She has been with Choices for Life since 1998. She believes the future is richer with the work provided by the professional parents and staff that are dedicated to the efficacy of children that touch our lives. She received an Associates of Arts in Early Child Development at St. Gregory’s University, and her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklahoma in Sociology. Melanie holds a Masters in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Masters in Human Relations from the University Of Oklahoma. Melanie has her LPC, LMFT, and LADC. She is also a Certified Sports Counselor, Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor and Board Certified Professional Counselor through the American Psychotherapy Association. Melanie served as president of the Oklahoma Therapeutic Foster Care Association (OTFCA) and Chapter Chair of the Foster Family Treatment Association in Oklahoma. Melanie has presented at national seminars for FFTA as well as a national seminar in Oklahoma sponsored by Oklahoma DHS Licensing Division. Melanie serves on the Quality Assurance Board for Sunbeam Family Services and has served in many volunteer positions including various committees at her children’s school, coaching, Girl Scouts, and is currently the  President of the PTC. Melanie serves as a Eucharistic Minister for her church. Her hobby is playing at Lake Eufaula with her husband and three children, playing horse shoes, water skiing, jet-skiing, 4-wheeling and relaxing with friends.
 

 

 

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Kristi Selensky, LPC (Supervisor) | Kristi graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2002 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then went to Southern Nazarene University to complete her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and graduated in 2004. She works as a full-time counselor with Choices for Life and have been employed here since January of 2005. Working with foster children and their foster families allows her to be a part of a team and she enjoys working with children and adults and this job permits her to do both. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family (particularly her beautiful nieces and nephew) and friends, going to concerts or listening to live music, reading, and watching movies. She is a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan – "GO COWBOYS!!"
 

 

 

Victoria Weichel (Therapist) Victoria graduated with honors from Oklahoma Baptist University with a B.A. in Family Psychology and a minor in Religion in 2008.  She then received her Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Administrative and Community Practice from the University of Oklahoma in 2010.  Victoria began working at Choices for Life full-time as a therapist in September 2010.  She is devoted to enhancing the quality of life of children and families.  In her spare time, Victoria enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as traveling as much as possible and reading. 
 

 

 
Melissa D. Evans, LMSW u/s LCSW (Therapist)  Melissa graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology in 2007.  She then received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas in 2009.  Melissa moved from Texas to Oklahoma and began working for Choices for Life in August 2009 as a full-time counselor.  Melissa has a passion for working with children and families and she strives to provide healing and inspire change.  In her spare time, Melissa loves to spend time with family and friends, play with her active boxer puppy Thibodeaux, meet new people, and travel to new places. 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 Janice White, BME and JD (CQI Auditor) Janice is a life-long resident of Oklahoma.  She has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Oklahoma School of Law.  She practices law as well as serves as Choices for Life's Continuous Quality Improvement Auditor.

 

 

 

.Amy Smith (Therapist)  Amy graduated with honors from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Art. She continued her education at Southern Nazarene University where she received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. In January 2011, Amy began working with Choices for Life full-time as a therapist. Her personal philosophy is to assist each client in developing healthy coping skills that will welcome a new way of experiencing life. In addition to advocating for children in the foster care system, she is an active volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Amy enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, shopping, traveling, and cheering on the OU Sooners or her beloved OKC Thunder.     


   

Dustin Newman (Controller)  After growing up in rural Oklahoma, Dustin moved to Weatherford to attend Southwestern Oklahoma State University.  He graduated from SWOSU in December 2004 with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Accounting.  After college, Dustin began his career working in public accounting and internal auditing.  Dustin came to work as the Controller for Choices for Life in March 2011, after learning it had been voted one of Oklahoma’s Best Companies to work for.

When Dustin isn’t learning the in’s and out’s of Oklahoma’s foster care system, he enjoys golfing, grilling out, spending time at the lake, and spoiling his three dogs; Emma, Rick, and Sally. Dustin’s ideal weekend includes his lovely wife, a few good friends, and some steaks on the grill. 

 

 
   

Carolyn Green (Office Manger) Carolyn graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri with an Associate in Arts Degree. In June of 1990, she had the opportunity to go to work for Sunbeam Family Services, Inc. as a secretary for the TFC and Residential Treatment programs, and then became an Administrative Assistance for TFC. Carolyn was there until January of 2010 when the program was closed and Melanie offered her the Office Manager position at CFL. It has given her the opportunity to stay in the realm of foster care, which she enjoys. Carolyn has two sons, a daughter and two handsome grandsons. In her spare time, she loves working jigsaw puzzles, crosswords-any word games, road trip and “the Bold and the Beautiful.” Football is a staple in the Green household, particularly OU and the St. Louis Rams.

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Checotah, Oklahoma

Melanie Johnson, LPC • LMFT (Executive Director) | Melanie has served the counseling field for over 15 years. She has been with Choices for Life since 1998. She believes the future is richer with the work provided by the professional parents and staff that are dedicated to the efficacy of children that touch our lives. She received an Associates of Arts in Early Child Development at St. Gregory’s University, and her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklahoma in Sociology. Melanie holds a Masters in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Masters in Human Relations from the University Of Oklahoma. Melanie has her LPC, LMFT, and LADC. She is also a Certified Sports Counselor, Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor and Board Certified Professional Counselor through the American Psychotherapy Association. Melanie served as president of the Oklahoma Therapeutic Foster Care Association (OTFCA) and Chapter Chair of the Foster Family Treatment Association in Oklahoma. Melanie has presented at national seminars for FFTA as well as a national seminar in Oklahoma sponsored by Oklahoma DHS Licensing Division. Melanie serves on the Quality Assurance Board for Sunbeam Family Services and has served in many volunteer positions including various committees at her children’s school, coaching, Girl Scouts, and is currently the  President of the PTC. Melanie serves as a Eucharistic Minister for her church. Her hobby is playing at Lake Eufaula with her husband and three children, playing horse shoes, water skiing, jet-skiing, 4-wheeling and relaxing with friends.


  Heather Harrison (Supervisor / Therapist)



Meg Bauman, LMFT (Therapist) | I have been working at Choices For Life, Checotah office, for three years.  I enjoy working with children and families, watching families grow and children making positive changes.  While working at Choices, I have realized that the people who have the greatest ability to make a difference for our children are foster parents.  So a year ago I became a foster parent to two wonderful, smart, lively sisters.  Since then my life has been all about mothering, playing, and trying not to spoil my girls too much.  I’m a single mom so I don’t have the time or energy for much else.  I also enjoy spoiling my three cats, going to movies, going out to eat, playing games, and shopping for my girls.

 

 
 

Jenny Arnold (Therapist)
   

Mary “Penny” Belcher (Therapist) MSW u/s LCSW- Penny attended Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma and received an Associate Degree in Business Administration in 2001. She transferred to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and pursued her Bachelors Degree in Social Work graduating in 2003. While there she was a member of the National Association of Student Social Workers (NASSW). Penny was accepted into the accelerated program at OU and began her Masters program in 2003. Penny graduated from OU in 2004 with her Masters in Social Work. She went to work for the Department of Human Services where she worked for 6 ½ years. She continued her involvement in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and served as a board member and branch chair in the Muskogee area for 2 years. During her tenure at DHS she worked in investigations, permanency planning and foster care. Penny joined the Choices For Life agency in April of 2011. She enjoys working with children and families and appreciates the opportunity to work in the new venue of the therapeutic area. In her personal time she spends lots of time with family and friends and enjoys reading in her quiet time. Cooking, gardening and canning are favorite past times. Favorite t.v. show is “Survivor”. She likes DIY and HGTV, but her husband says it costs him too much money!!
   
Reba  Godwin (Office Manager) Reba has worked for Choices since 2002.  She is married, has two grown children, and two beautiful grandchildren, Austin and Avery.  She enjoys the day to day duties of her job, but the most rewarding part is seeing the difference that a foster family can make in a child’s life.  Sometimes it is a small change, other times a child will adapt so well to the attention and love that a family can give that the change is dramatic.  Some children come into the office scared, not knowing where they are going.  She hopes she can make children feel more at ease with a warm smile and a kind word. Reba enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandbabies!

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Sapulpa, Oklahoma

Melanie Johnson, LPC • LMFT (Executive Director) | Melanie has served the counseling field for over 15 years. She has been with Choices for Life since 1998. She believes the future is richer with the work provided by the professional parents and staff that are dedicated to the efficacy of children that touch our lives. She received an Associates of Arts in Early Child Development at St. Gregory’s University, and her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklahoma in Sociology. Melanie holds a Masters in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Masters in Human Relations from the University Of Oklahoma. Melanie has her LPC, LMFT, and LADC. She is also a Certified Sports Counselor, Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor and Board Certified Professional Counselor through the American Psychotherapy Association. Melanie served as president of the Oklahoma Therapeutic Foster Care Association (OTFCA) and Chapter Chair of the Foster Family Treatment Association in Oklahoma. Melanie has presented at national seminars for FFTA as well as a national seminar in Oklahoma sponsored by Oklahoma DHS Licensing Division. Melanie serves on the Quality Assurance Board for Sunbeam Family Services and has served in many volunteer positions including various committees at her children’s school, coaching, Girl Scouts, and is currently the  President of the PTC. Melanie serves as a Eucharistic Minister for her church. Her hobby is playing at Lake Eufaula with her husband and three children, playing horse shoes, water skiing, jet-skiing, 4-wheeling and relaxing with friends.


 


Teri Mocha Newton,  (Therapist) |
 

 

 
  Lara King,   (Therapist/Supervisor) Lara graduated from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2007 with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. She works as a full-time counselor with Choices for Life and has been employed here since June 2011. Lara loves working with teens, children and their families with such a goal-driven, fun team! In her spare time she enjoys reading, spending time with her family and pets, and helping her mother renovate on her hundred year old home.   
   
   Calvianni (Yani) Hopewell (Therapist)
   
 

 

 
Lisa Prescott, BS (Statewide Trainer/Recruiter) |  I graduated in May 1997, from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Family Relations and Child Development.  Previously, I was the Director of a Head Start program for eight years.  I am certified to teach CPR and First Aid through the American Red Cross.  I am also certified to teach BCMT (Behavior and Crisis Management Training).  I am also a member of the Creek County Child Abuse Taskforce.  The thing I find most rewarding about working in this field is that I feel I can make a positive difference in a child's life while in our care.
   

Tabitha Holt, BS (Trainer/Recruiter) Tabitha graduated from Connors State College in Warner, OK. with her Associate's Degree in 2002. She then attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. where she graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work Degree in 2005. After graduation, Tabitha worked in Child Welfare as a Foster Care worker for 5 years in Claremore, Ok. She started working as a Statewide Trainer for Choices for Life in September of 2011. Tabitha enjoys working with foster parents and training them.   In her spare time Tabitha enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children. They like to go to the movies and out to dinner. Tabitha and her family are also big sports fans! They love football, especially OU, and enjoy going to all of the games in Norman. GO SOONERS!!!!
   

Maria Carter (Office Manager) Maria has worked for Choices since 2005.  She has been married for 20 years and has lived in Oklahoma the majority of her life.  She loves her job here at Choices and enjoys  being a part of the foster care team and making a difference in a child’s life.  When a child comes into the office with only unfamiliar faces, they feel scared, insecure, and out of control of their surroundings.  Sometimes all that child needs is a warm, friendly smile and someone to show them that they care.  She really enjoys planning special events to honor the foster parents and showing them how much Choices appreciates all they do for the children.  Maria enjoys spending time with family and friends and doing anything outdoors.

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Ponca City, Oklahoma

Melanie Johnson, LPC • LMFT (Executive Director) | Melanie has served the counseling field for over 15 years. She has been with Choices for Life since 1998. She believes the future is richer with the work provided by the professional parents and staff that are dedicated to the efficacy of children that touch our lives. She received an Associates of Arts in Early Child Development at St. Gregory’s University, and her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Oklahoma in Sociology. Melanie holds a Masters in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Masters in Human Relations from the University Of Oklahoma. Melanie has her LPC, LMFT, and LADC. She is also a Certified Sports Counselor, Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor and Board Certified Professional Counselor through the American Psychotherapy Association. Melanie served as president of the Oklahoma Therapeutic Foster Care Association (OTFCA) and Chapter Chair of the Foster Family Treatment Association in Oklahoma. Melanie has presented at national seminars for FFTA as well as a national seminar in Oklahoma sponsored by Oklahoma DHS Licensing Division. Melanie serves on the Quality Assurance Board for Sunbeam Family Services and has served in many volunteer positions including various committees at her children’s school, coaching, Girl Scouts, and is currently the  President of the PTC. Melanie serves as a Eucharistic Minister for her church. Her hobby is playing at Lake Eufaula with her husband and three children, playing horse shoes, water skiing, jet-skiing, 4-wheeling and relaxing with friends.



 Joleta Williams (Therapist)  Joleta graduated in 1979 from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, but then spent 30+ years working as a medical transcriptionist. In 2005 Joleta began graduate school and graduated in May of 2011 from Northwestern Oklahoma State University with Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology. She is currently in the process of obtaining her LPC. Joleta began working full time as a counselor for Choices For Life in July of 2011 after completing her practicum with CFL. She enjoys working with our foster children and parents, and is continually challenged to do the best job she can, so that she can give them the tools to grow and become the best they can be. Joleta has 6 children and 6 grandchildren, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is a hugh Dallas Cowboys fan as well as a OSU fan. She enjoys reading and playing on the computer. 

 
   

Jeanetta Bussell-Abbey (Therapist) Jeanetta is a fairly new therapist.  She started working for CFL September 2011, and has learned a lot and intends to continue learning to become the best that she can be. Jeanetta graduated from Northwestern State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She then went to work as a comprehensive home based worker (CHUBS) for a year and then became a trainer for the CHUB’s case managers. Jeanetta is married and has 4 children. Three of her children are grown and she has one daughter still at home.  She calls Garber her home, and has 13 grandchildren. Jeanetta enjoys working with children.

 
   

Angie Morgan (Office Manager) Angie has worked in the therapeutic foster care field out of the Ponca City office since 2001. She joined the Choices For Life team as office manager in July 2008. She enjoys every aspect of her job, never loosing sight of the fact that her efforts directly affect the lives of children. Angie has an enormous amount of respect for the family’s that open their hearts and homes to provide care to children. For leisure time she enjoys fishing, working in her flower beds, doing latch hook rugs, working puzzles, reading, trying her hand at new crafts and having gatherings with family and friends.

 

 

 

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Valdosta, Georgia


 Sara Riley, LPC (Executive Director) Sara has served the counseling field for over 20 years. She has been with Choices for Life since 2009. Sara attended Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage, AK. where she received her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology.  Sara is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), Distance Credentialed Counselor and Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional Diplomate (CCDP-D) and is also certfied level II EAGALA MH facilitator. She has obtained extensive clinical, assessment and forensic experience while serving a multitude of culturally diverse populations.



Kimberly Copeland (Family Consultant) | Kimberly has worked for over 22 years in the community providing quality care to children and families in South Georgia. Kimberly has been with Choices for Life since 2008. Kimberly attended Valdosta State University where she received her Bachelor of Art in Sociology. She thoroughly enjoys working closely with children and families and feels she has made a lifelong commitment to helping families achieve success. Kimberly is rewarded by seeing the changes that can be made in the lives of a child through hard work and dedication. She believes through commitment and compassion she makes a difference and influences lasting changes in the lives of the children and families she serves. 



Pam Brewer, M. Ed (Family Consultant) - Pam has worked for over 17 years in the mental health field providing behavioral health services for children and adults. Pam has been with Choices for Life since 2009. Pam received a Master Degree in Special Education - Mental Retardation/Early Intervention, Birth to Three Years in June 1997 from Valdosta State University.  She has worked extensivley with families and children who experience emotional behavioral problems as well as special needs.  Pam has worked as a behavior program specialist, a social services technician and a special education teacher. Pam has known her whole life (since 9th grade high school) she wanted to work with children with special needs. Pam states, "I truly enjoy my job and look forward to coming to work everyday." 

-Life is not measured by how many breathes we take, but by the moments that take our breath away
 

 

 

Bethany McElyea, MS, LAPC (Therapist) Bethany has worked for over 10 years in the community providing behavioral health services to individuals in South Georgia. Bethany has been with Choices for Life since 2010. Bethany received her Master of Science from Valdosta State University where she specialized in Clinical Counseling. Bethany is currently licensed in the state of Georgia as an Associate Professional Counselor. Bethany has several years working with individuals and families in the community as well as educating the community about the dangers of drug and alcohol use.
 

 

 
   Carol Smith, LCSW (Therapist)
 

 

 
 

 Sandra Wilcher, LCSW (Therapist)
 

 

 
   Jacinta Harvey, LAPC (Therapist)
 

 

 
   Bina Gobler, MsEd (Therapist)
 

 

 

Howard "Andy" Patterson, LCSW (Therapist) | Andy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 34 years of experience. He has skilled in assessment, group, family and individual therapy. Andy is a former Board member of Directors of the Children's Advocacy Center of Valdosta and The Easter Seals. Andy is a member of the American Red Cross and Lowndes County Child Abuse Council and reflects a deep commitment to the welbeing of the clients he serves.  


 

Windy Scott, LMSW (Therapist)| Windy has worked for over 4 years working in the Mental Health Community providing Substance Abuse treatment and crisis management. Windy has been with Choices for Life since 2010.

 

 

 
  Dr. Jaymal R. Patel, MD | Dr. Patel has over 25 years working in adult and child psychiatry. Dr. Patel has been with Choices for Life since 2009. Dr Parel is Board Certified with the American Board of Pscyhiatry and Neurology. He is fully licensed to practice Psychiatry in Arkansa, Oklahoma and Georgia.
 

 

 
   Dr. Nikhil D. Nihalani, MD | Dr. Nihalani has over 10 years working in the Behavioral Health field providing psychiatric services to adults and children. Dr. Nihalani has been with Choices for Life since 2010. Dr Nihalani is Board Certified with the American Board of Pscyhiatry and Neurology specializing in Forensic Psychiarty. He is fully licensed to practice Psychiatry in New York and Georgia.
 

 

 

Sophie Moser (Registered Nurse) | Sophie has worked for over 10 years in medical field. Sophie has been with Choices for Life since 2007. Ms. Moser graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2004.  She has been a Registered Nurse for 2 years. She has experience in medical surgery and recovery.
 

 

 
 

 Twala Holliday, (Registered Nurse)

 

 

Anita Jones, M. Ed. (Community Support Individual)| Anita has worked for over 5 years in the mental health field providing behavioral health services for children and adults. Anita has been with Choices for Life since 2009. Anita attended Valdosta State Univeristy where she graduated with her Masters of Education in School Counseling. She enjoys working closely with children focusing on helping them to regain the skills they need to achieve and excel throughout their lives.

 

 
Ida Gines, (Office Manager)  Ida is Bi-lingual speaking fluent Spanish and has been with Choices for Life since 2009. Ida is instrumental in providing office oversight and management in the Valdosta office. She enjoys working with the family and children in the community that have limited resources due to language barriers. Ida is able to provide outreach to a population underserved in the community.


Lourdes Narvaez, (Office Assistant)  Lourdes has been with Choices for Life since 2011. Lourdes recently moved to Georgia from Wisconsin and speaks fluent Spanish. Lourdes brings with her 10 years of office experience, clinic operations as well as accounting and accounts receivable. Lourdes enjoys spending time with her family and baking and the ability to make a difference in the lives of the individuals Choices for Life of GA serves.  
   
   
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