Lighthouse for Families Community Services
ABOUT US
Lighthouse for Families, the community-based counseling arm of The Methodist Home, began providing therapeutic services in July 2007. Our community programs offer an array of services including:
- Counseling services for children, families and adults with mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders.
- Evaluations/assessments addressing areas such as trauma, substance use, domestic violence and parental fitness
- Skilled visitation program
Our mission is to provide high quality counseling and support services to restore childhoods, promote stability and strengthen the families in our community. We have an extensive, knowledgeable clinical team comprised of licensed therapists, a psychiatrist, nurses, paraprofessionals, certified peer specialists and family coaches to support our mission.
LIGHTHOUSE LEADERSHIP
Jill Stapleton obtained her bachelor’s degree from Mercer University and a Master of Social Work from Florida State University. She joined The Methodist Home in May 1999 and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Jill oversees all clinical services within the Lighthouse for Families programs and HOPE Foster Care and Adoption. In 2023, she was honored with the Outstanding Child Welfare Service Professional Award. Dottie holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Wesleyan College and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University. She began her career as Direct Care Staff at The Methodist Home, later serving as a Social Worker at the Masonic Home. After graduate school, she returned as a therapist and became Clinical Director in 2017. An LPC, CPCS, and Certified TF-CBT Supervisor, Dottie has specialized training in trauma, attachment, and CSEC. She was named 2023 Staff of the Year and received the 2024 Mary Jane Seacole Award for Mental Health Advocacy. Jeannie Powell holds a B.S. in Psychology and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Georgia Southern University. She began her career at The Methodist Home in 2001 as a Family Consultant in the HOPE Foster Care program, providing counseling, supervision, and visitation services. After becoming a fully licensed counselor in 2004, she transitioned to a Therapist role in 2006. Since August 2018, Jeannie has served as Director of Community Services, overseeing visitation programs, superior court cases, and behavioral health assessments. Kelsey obtained her Bachelor of Arts from Georgia College & State University and her Master of Social Work from Appalachian State University. She began her career with The Methodist Home in 2017 as an HSP for the STARS program. Kelsey has also served as a therapist with Lighthouse for Families (LFF) in Columbus and Macon. She obtained her LCSW in October 2020 and began working as Clinical Director for the Columbus Region of LFF in May 2021. As Clinical Director, Kelsey manages and oversees the clinical and therapeutic services provided to clients in the Columbus region of LFF.
Jill Stapleton, LCSW
Vice President of Clinical Services
Dottie Chambers, LPC, CPCS
Clinical Director of Counseling Program - Macon
Jeannie Powell, LPC, CPCS
Director of Community Services - Macon
Kelsey Stone, LCSW
Clinical Director - Columbus
Testimonials
Here’s what Lighthouse for Families clients shared about our services:
“Lighthouse for Families has been our beacon of light and hope during a very difficult situation. Their services have been life changing.” – Husband & Wife
“The thing I like most about therapy is how my therapist takes her time and listens to me and helps me understand and move on from my past and stop holding on to it.” – Teenage Client
“The treatment that my son has received has made an incredible difference in his life. He has gone from having fear of going to school and attending social events to thriving in his friendships at school and having a confidence that is unmeasurable compared to what he was like before. I owe my life to Lighthouse for Families for the difference they have made in my son’s life.” – Mother of Young Client
“I learned a lot on how to be a parent through Lighthouse for Families. I learned a lot about me and how to handle my thoughts. I learned how to talk to my children. I’m really alive because of a lot of help I got at Lighthouse for Families.” – Adult Client
