 Michele Louviere, M.Div., LMFT, Director of Counseling |
Michele, Celebration Hope Center’s Director of Counseling, oversees a mental health team of over 25 counselors, as well as doing individual, couple and family therapy. Michele returned to New Orleans from Oregon in February 2006 to develop and oversee Celebration Church’s trauma counseling response for a post-Katrina community. Through her experience with Katrina and specialized trainings, Michele has developed an expertise for working with trauma clients, especially those struggling to recover from childhood trauma, such as sexual abuse.Michele serves on various local committees and coalitions and has worked with other community non-profit organizations for mental health recovery for the greater New Orleans area. She has also helped facilitate multiple trainings for local pastors and mental health workers post-Katrina. She has been a member of American Association of Christian Counselors since 1998. Michele is passionate about seeing individuals, couples and families experience true, lasting freedom and healing through Jesus Christ. You may reach Michele by emailing her at michelel@celebrationhopecenter.org. |
 Rena Smith, LCSW-BACS, LAC, CCGC, Coordinator of Addiction Services |
Rena Smith, LCSW-BACS, LAC, CCGC is a native New Orleanian and has worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor for 20 years. She holds a BS in Substance Abuse Counseling from the first Substance Abuse degree program in the United States at Southern University at New Orleans. She also holds an MSW from SUNO. Ms Smith has worked with various populations throughout her career and likes to say that she has been granted the opportunity to become experienced in all facets of the treatment process from the initial emergency call in the middle of the night, to marketing, to aftercare and alumni association formations and everything in between. Her career has also taken Ms Smith into training other counselors as she returned to SUNO as an Asst Professor where she re-wrote the curriculum for the Bachelors Degree program to bring it in line with the changes in the Louisiana law pertaining to credentialing. She also worked closely with the Criminal Justice program there to bring treatment information and education to those in both counseling and criminal justice curriculums. Ms. Smith has held office in several local and state professional counseling groups. She has most recently worked as a counselor at the Orleans Parish Criminal District Drug Court Treatment Program. She is also the president and founder of Addiction Professionals Training Institute. |
 Carissa R. Mitchell B.S.R.S Addictions – Intake/Care Coordinator |
Carissa is the Addictions Intake/Care Coordinator and also a Counselor in Training for Celebration Hope Center. She joined the HHCD staff in 2006 as part of the Disaster Recovery Program, helping people recover from the storms of 2005. She has worked in the area of community needs such as rebuilding homes, securing employment and housing, as well as other various emergency needs. Prior to HHCD, Carissa worked with people with disabilities in the private sector, in hospitals, and in state agencies providing case management. Her education is in Rehabilitation Counseling from LSUHSC in New Orleans. Carissa has a heart for people and enjoys watching lives change through this ministry. You may reach Carissa at carissam@celebrationhopecenter.org. |
 Derek Brown, M.Div., LPC Adolescent & Family Counselor |
Derek Brown, Adolescent and Family Counselor, brings versatility to our team of counselors. Derek is a graduate of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity in Psychology and Counseling. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a second major in Youth Ministry from Charleston Southern University. His seven years of experience as a youth minister have proven very helpful for the counseling field. Derek is an active member of Celebration Church and enjoys spending time with his wife on the lake. His passion is bringing restoration and hope to struggling teens and their families. |
 Lewis R. Eaton, M.Div. LPC, LMFT Counselor |
Lew Eaton is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years experience working with individuals, couples and families. Lew received a Master of Divinity in Psychology and Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and attended LSU as a fellow in the Harris Infant Mental Health Program. He is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and a Louisiana Board Approved Supervisor of Counselor Interns. Lew has been in private practice since 1998 specializing in marital difficulties, parenting, anxiety, depression, and anger issues. He is a certified Prepare/Enrich counselor assisting couples with marriage preparation and marital crisis intervention and/or enrichment. As a certified CISM Group Crisis Intervention Responder and Victim Relief Ministry Crisis Responder, Mr. Eaton is qualified to assist victims of early childhood trauma or the recent impact of tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina. Lew and his wife, Anna, have three sons, Joshua, Caleb, and Micah. He and his family are active members of Celebration Church. |