Meet Our Counselors
Caring | Credentialed | Trained
All counselors and coaches have a master’s level degree or higher within the scope of counseling.
Please check counselor bios thoroughly for credentialing information.
Jason Owenby
Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Pastor
For the past twenty-five plus years, I have served in ministry as a senior pastor as well as a student minister. Driven by a strong desire to better understand and help those around me, I added a Masters in Counseling from Concordia University to my Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. As a fully Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida, I have the privilege of working with a wide range of people from diverse walks of life who are facing a variety of difficult circumstances and challenges.
Having been married for 30 years with three children, I am able to bring a wealth of life experiences and understanding into the counseling room when it comes to relationships, marriage, raising children, and other life matters. While I enjoy counseling in general, I find that I am most passionate about working with teenagers, young men, married couples, and those serving in various ministry roles. This passion has been fueled and strengthened over the years, as I have had the opportunity to work with various individuals and couples through the local church and the counseling office.
Education & Credentials:
Bachelors of Theology - Baptist College of Florida 2006
Masters of Divinity - The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 2017
Masters of Counseling - Concordia University 2023
Certifications & Affiliations
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Symbis Facilitator
Email: jowenbycounseling@gmail.com
Rebekah Hancock
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
With several years as a School Mental Health Counselor and working with the special needs population, Rebekah has a tool kit full to offer anyone, but especially families. Her calm and gentle spirit are a natural gift from the Lord and aids in helping the most vulnerable feel safe and at ease. Rebekah is passionate about helping others know who they are in Christ and how that directly relates to their mental health needs.
Education & Credentials:
BS: Major in Psychology and Minor in Education through FSU (Panama City campus)
MA: School Counseling through Troy University (Dothan Campus)
FL Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Certifications & Affiliations
American Psychological Association
Training to be an Infant Mental Health Specialist and a Registered Play Therapist.
Mary Helen Smith
Owner | Biblical Counselor
My name is Mary Helen and I am the Owner of New Mercies. For the past eleven years it has been my passion to provide Christ-centered care through a biblical worldview for those hurting and suffering.
My experience is in education, non-profit work, ministry, and mental health. I value integrated practices that leave room for clinical and trauma informed care while remaining biblically rooted. I love to serve women, ministry leaders, foster/adoptive families, and athletes. Outside of my role as wife and mom, working with clients who are serious about their healing process is truly MY GREATEST JOY!
Eduation & Credentials
B.A. Elementary Education
M.A. Human Services: Marriage & Family
State of FL Licensed Foster Parent
State of FL Licensed Educator/ Guidance Counselor Intern
Certificates & Affiliation
ACBC- training & education
CV Biblical Counseling Certificate
SYMBIS Facilitator
*Not an LPC and does not diagnose or give medical advice.
Email: mhsmith.nmbc@gmail.com