Our Team
Christian Cid, CEO/Founder, Family Law, Rule 31 Mediator
Danette Hurley, LPC-MHSP, Assistant Clinical Director, Reunification Specialist
Jill Jackson, LPC-MHSP, Clinical Director, Approved Supervisor
*Self Pay $150-$175/HR
Divorce Mediation $350/HR 4hr min
Christian is the President and CEO of Serenity Counseling & Mediation Center. Christian is a Reunification Expert, Co-Parenting Mediator/Therapist and Specializes in Marriage & Family High Conflict in Family Courts. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Trevecca Nazarene University in 2006. Christian worked at Hospital Corporations of America (HCA) with adolescents and collaborated with other community mental health facilities while in solo private practice at Serenity Counseling in 2007.
After many years with HCA as an experienced primary therapist, Christian joined LifeWORKS Counseling Center in 2012. She has worked as a counselor, life coach, Supreme Court Rule 31 Family Law Mediator (2015) Civil Law and Domestic Violence Mediator and Co-Parenting instructor for Life Bridge of TN (2014).
In May 2017, Christian relaunched Serenity Counseling & Mediation Center as a group practice where providers can practice independently. As a visionary, she utilizes the Intense Marriage and Divorce Coaching program, helps individuals with mental health and life issues, and offers Divorce, Marriage, and Family Mediation. Christian also is a Subject Matter Expert with SCORE/SBA (2018). SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, with more than 10,000 volunteers in 300 chapters.
Christian has a passion for keeping the family unit healthy and strong. She enjoys sharing the Word/Love of God, has three beautiful daughters and enjoys the outdoors and nature.
Jill Jackson, LPC-MHSP, Clinical Director, Approved Supervisor
Danette Hurley, LPC-MHSP, Assistant Clinical Director, Reunification Specialist
Jill Jackson, LPC-MHSP, Clinical Director, Approved Supervisor
*Accepts insurance
Jill is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Tennessee. She has 20 years of experience working as a counselor with children, adolescents, and adults. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from Union University in Jackson, TN. She also received a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling and a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jill is a member of American Counseling Association and Association of Mental Health Counselors of America. She strongly believes that sometimes the simplest changes can brighten a person’s entire life. She places great value on seeing each person as an individual, unique and valued. Jill views counseling as an opportunity to see where life can improve and balance can be found. Jill views it as a privilege to walk with you during difficult circumstances. She knows that the expert in the client's situation is the client. "I hope to listen with compassion and respect to where you have been and help you to find where you want to go," she says. Jill loves spending time with her family (including her two dogs). She loves nature, hiking, camping, and creating stained glass.
Danette Hurley, LPC-MHSP, Assistant Clinical Director, Reunification Specialist
Danette Hurley, LPC-MHSP, Assistant Clinical Director, Reunification Specialist
Danette Hurley, LPC-MHSP, Assistant Clinical Director, Reunification Specialist
*Self Pay $150-$175/HR
Danette, a native of Hendersonville, received her master’s degree from Tennessee State University in 2000 and completed postgraduate work at Lindsey Wilson College. Since 2003 she has served in the educational sector as a counselor educator and regional director at Lindsey Wilson College. Danette believes people can be empowered to reach their full potential. Therapy assists clients with discovering and developing the tools needed to live their best lives. She strives to help clients grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially. Danette understands that each client has a unique background and will require integrative therapy designed to address their specific needs. She believes that counseling built on a trustworthy, ethical foundation encourages a level of confidence and starts the journey towards healing and a healthy lifestyle. Serenity Counseling and Mediation Center is proud to welcome Danette to the community.
Shawn Lilly, LPC-MHSP
Ami Fletcher, TLPC, Post Master's Counselor
Bertha Alexander, LPC-MHSP
*Accepts insurance
Shawn Joined Serenity May 2024. We are so excited to have her expertise. Shawn has worked as a community partner in Sumner County for more than 20 years. Shawn has worked for The Babb Center and Ashley's Place over the years. Shawn believes,
"You don’t have to feel alone! I have worked with teen and adult clients since 2002, helping them overcome many of life’s obstacles. Certified as a trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapist and trained in EMDR as well as DBT, my specialties include PTSD, anxiety and depression. I believe in building strong rapport with my clients, helping them to identify their own personal goals and working together with them to accomplish them. I provide a very safe and non judgmental space for you to explore connections to your past hurts and to help you build new pathways to a healthy future."
Bertha Alexander, LPC-MHSP
Ami Fletcher, TLPC, Post Master's Counselor
Bertha Alexander, LPC-MHSP
*Accepts insurance
Bertha received her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and a Master's Degree in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene College. Bertha has her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Tennessee.
Over the years, Bertha has enjoyed working with parents whose children are temporarily out of the home placements, families of infants and children with special healthcare and developmental needs, adults who are experiencing developmental and intellectual disabilities, those experiencing chronic and persistent mental health challenges and serving as a Quality Assurance Coordinator for non-profit organizations. Bertha believes that every person is an active and capable participant in all types of problem solving, healing, or recovery process and that a therapeutic relationship is essential and ideally individualized to each clients desired goal and aspirations using strength-based approaches. Serenity is proud to have Bertha as an asset to the team.
Ami Fletcher, TLPC, Post Master's Counselor
Ami Fletcher, TLPC, Post Master's Counselor
Ami Fletcher, TLPC, Post Master's Counselor
*Accepts insurance
My name is Ami Fletcher and I am an Austin Peay State University graduate with an M.S. in Counseling. I enjoy working with individuals, as well as couples, and doing play therapy with children. As a certified spiritual director, I see people who are desiring a closer walk with the God of their understanding, with any religion, or of none. I have extensive experience with 12-Step programs, both addicts/alcoholics, and their families. My specialties also include working with people in later life and people experiencing grief. I am a practitioner of Brain spotting, which helps people who have suffered trauma in their lives. My beliefs are that everyone can blossom in a sincere atmosphere of encouragement. Diving deep into the heart and mind to search for feelings and thoughts that might have been dormant for a while is crucial. I am prepared to help all my clients have a richer, more satisfying life experience.
Dustin Woodard, LPC-MHSP
Lacey Carmack, Post Master's Counselor
Lacey Carmack, Post Master's Counselor
*Self Pay $100-$120/HR
I received my Masters in Counseling and Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College in 2018 and have done therapy in different outpatient settings. My passion is working with adults of all ages work through the many transitions and stages in life. I love allowing my clients the ability to step into a world where they feel their most authentic and recognized. To some this may mean conquering past or current trauma, setting boundaries, and even learning to advocate for one’s self. Whatever this looks like for you is where our work together begins. With this is mind, I approach therapy with the mindset of a partnership that allows space and time for you to learn new strategies for life rather than answers to problems.
Lacey Carmack, Post Master's Counselor
Lacey Carmack, Post Master's Counselor
Lacey Carmack, Post Master's Counselor
*Accepts insurance
I am incredibly honored to work with each and every client, not just in my own journey as a therapist, but in the life journeys of every individual I serve. I wish to see each client experiencing life to the fullest, regardless of the obstacles that inevitably occur along the way. We each have strengths and skills to carry us through, and it is my passion to help each client through that process. Sometimes life throws things at us that leave us shaken and confused, but even then, we can and will persevere. Counseling through a person-centered approach allows me to find the exact, unique process that each client needs, to deliver personalized treatment and accountability, along with the expert supervision of the Serenity Counseling & Mediation Center staff. One call is all it takes to get one step closer to finding true happiness amidst life’s obstacles. I look forward to hearing from you today!
Holli Heller, Post Master's Counselor
Lacey Carmack, Post Master's Counselor
Holli Heller, Post Master's Counselor
*Accepts insurance
*Accepts insurance
Sometimes all we need is a safe place to speak in a non-judgmental environment. You can find happiness and comfort, and I am here to help you! My goal is to help you find the right path for you, your child, or your family, in the pursuit of wellbeing and harmony. My hope for you is that while in my office you feel safe, secure and comfortable to explore whatever life issues you may be facing. I specialize in working with life transition issues, teen mental health, recovery from trauma, anxiety, women's issues and LGBTQI+ support. In my practice, I believe in letting the client lead the conversation, while we work collaboratively to explore trauma, create new ways of thinking and responding; to ultimately lead to a place of wellbeing and rest. Taking the first step in contacting a therapist can be scary, but the first step is the best step to take for you mental health. You won't realize how beneficial it can be until you give it a chance. I look forward to working with you.
Max Merimee, Post Master's Counselor
Max Merimee, Post Master's Counselor
Max Merimee, Post Master's Counselor
*Accepts insurance
Hello! My name is Max, and I am currently a Master's Level Counselor in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My approach to therapy primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focusing on helping individuals navigate their personal challenges and achieve their goals. I bring a unique perspective to my practice
*Accepts insurance
Hello! My name is Max, and I am currently a Master's Level Counselor in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My approach to therapy primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focusing on helping individuals navigate their personal challenges and achieve their goals. I bring a unique perspective to my practice with dual Bachelor's degrees in Literature from American University and Digital Media from SCAD, along with my healthcare experience as a nationally registered EMT. This background allows me to connect with clients from various walks of life and understand their diverse experiences. My aim is to provide a supportive and empathetic environment where you feel heard and understood. I also volunteer for the Tennessee Guard, which has deepened my commitment to serving and supporting others. I look forward to working with you and helping you on your journey towards well-being.
Erin Guy, Intern Counselor
Max Merimee, Post Master's Counselor
Max Merimee, Post Master's Counselor
*Sliding scale
My passion lies in supporting individuals and families during difficult times, particularly when it comes to relationships, mental well-being, and personal development. I have a deep understanding and I offer guidance and understanding to facilitate healing and resolution navigating issues such as infidelity, separation, a
*Sliding scale
My passion lies in supporting individuals and families during difficult times, particularly when it comes to relationships, mental well-being, and personal development. I have a deep understanding and I offer guidance and understanding to facilitate healing and resolution navigating issues such as infidelity, separation, and divorce. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families, addressing concerns ranging from depression and anxiety to PTSD and grief.
Healing often thrives within the embrace of a supportive community, even amidst life’s challenges. I approach counseling from a Christian perspective, but I am flexible and considerate of each client's individual beliefs and preferences.
My goal is to equip clients with practical tools and strategies to tackle their challenges and move towards a more positive direction. Whether you're seeking help during a tough phase or aiming for personal growth, I am here to support you on your journey.
James Milbrandt, Intern Counselor
Max Merimee, Post Master's Counselor
James Milbrandt, Intern Counselor
*Sliding scale
As a counselor, I believe that each person carries an inner wisdom and
resilience that, with the right support, can lead to healing, growth, and
greater self-understanding. My approach is rooted in authenticity and deep
respect for your story—your challenges, your strengths, and everything in
between. I view therapy as a p
*Sliding scale
As a counselor, I believe that each person carries an inner wisdom and
resilience that, with the right support, can lead to healing, growth, and
greater self-understanding. My approach is rooted in authenticity and deep
respect for your story—your challenges, your strengths, and everything in
between. I view therapy as a partnership: you bring your lived experience,
and I bring my presence, curiosity, and training to walk alongside you.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, facing major life changes,
wrestling with relationship patterns, or simply feeling stuck in place, I offer a
space where you can breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most
to you. Together, we'll explore not just what’s painful—but also what’s
possible. I draw from person-centered counseling and blend in tools from evidence-
based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness. But
rather than using a one-size-fits-all model, I tailor our work to suit your
needs, pace, and goals. My role isn’t to “fix” you—it's to support you in
uncovering your own clarity, strength, and direction.
Ana Snow, Practice Manager, Executive Assistant, & Family Mediation Liaison
Ana Snow, Practice Manager, Executive Assistant, & Family Mediation Liaison
Ana Snow, Practice Manager, Executive Assistant, & Family Mediation Liaison
We are excited to have Ana on our team. Ana is bilingual in Spanish and can help with all of our needs at Serenity, including helping answer questions about insurance, scheduling appointments, or pairing you with the right counselor. Ana is passionate about mental health and is currently working on her masters in Clinical Mental Health at the University of the Cumberlands.
At Serenity Counseling & Mediation Center, we believe that everyone has the ability to lead a happy and fulfilling life. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that mental and emotional well-being are integral to overall health, and that therapy can be a powerful tool for achieving this balance.
Kathy Ballinger, PRN Practice Manager
Ana Snow, Practice Manager, Executive Assistant, & Family Mediation Liaison
Ana Snow, Practice Manager, Executive Assistant, & Family Mediation Liaison
We are pleased to have Kathy a part of the team. Kathy will be happy to assist with contract, insurance questions, and scheduling an appointment. Please contact our office today to learn more about our Counseling and Mediation Practice.
NOW HIRING: Mediator, Therapist, Attorney, Psych NP
JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM:
MEDIATION: HIRING FOR A STAFF ATTORNEY AND MEDIATOR IN FAMILY LAW
COUNSELING: HIRING FOR A CHILD/ADOLSCENT THERAPIST, COUPLES AND MARRIAGE COUNSELOR
INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM: OPEN INTERVIEWING
TENNESSEE AND KENTUCKY