Meet the Team

Hello, I’m Dr. Nick Howard. I have the privilege of leading this exceptional group of professionals.

Restoration Christian Counseling exists because of a deep sense of calling. That calling is focused on helping struggling believers in this broken world experience the joy of lasting restoration, particularly for believers who are leaders in the Body of Christ.

This calling has taken me unexpected places, through ups and downs along the way, and yet the longing to help people heal, grow and flourish has only deepened.

I can personally vouch for each member of the team featured below. Each of them has a life-giving relationship with God and cares deeply about helping those they serve. They all have a strong experience base and skill set. Further, the therapists and coaches have also been personally trained and supervised by me, to ensure that the therapy, coaching or training they provide is at a high level.

If you work with us, our steadfast commitment is to to come alongside you in a way that will help you heal, grow and flourish.

Sincerely,

Nick

DR. NICK HOWARD, Founder, Psychologist, Leadership Coach

I feel called to help people heal and grow. I especially enjoy supporting and strengthening Christian leaders. The sweet spot for me at work is when a person has an insight or takes a step that leads them to new, life-giving territory as a person and perhaps even as a leader. To aid in the above, I provide therapy, coaching, training and speaking that centers on helping people flourish and fulfill their callings.

JAMIE HOWARD, M.A., Ph.D., Coach

I feel called to come alongside people grappling with issues relating to loss, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, cultural adjustment, marital and parenting issues, and spiritual growth. I specialize in working with women and adolescent girls, and draw on a variety of clinical approaches, integrating psychodynamic theory with client-centered therapy.

DR. TAMI NAVALON

Dr. Tami Navalón is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP) and an approved clinical supervisor in the state of Tennessee. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of the Cumberlands and is on track to complete a second Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Andrews University by May of 2025. Dr. Navalón is passionate about personal development and helping others realize their full potential, empowering them to live the lives they aspire to.

CARA SOTO, LMHC, Coach

Serving alongside my husband in ministry for over 28 years, I have developed a real passion for serving women, especially women in ministry. I deeply believe in creating a safe and confidential space for people struggling with tough things that can come our way in life, such as loss, anxiety, or depression.

TESSA ROBERT, M.A., LPC

I am a devoted Christian therapist with a heart for walking alongside women and couples who feel stuck in cycles of codependency, emotional pain, disordered eating, chronic health struggles, and broken relationships. I specialize in helping clients untangle their sense of identity from patterns of people-pleasing, shame, and striving. My approach weaves together clinical insight with faith-based truth, grounding our work in the hope, gentleness, and transformative healing of Jesus Christ. I believe true restoration begins when we invite Christ into our most vulnerable places—and it would be my deep joy to walk with you as you step into freedom, wholeness, and God’s love that never demands perfection.

NATALIE BOONSTRA-LILLY, Therapy Intern

Nearly everybody has something they wish they could change about themselves. Sometimes this “thing” leaves us feeling stuck, frustrated with ourselves, perhaps jealous of others, and often weighed down by emotional pain. I have a passion for journeying alongside people in tough places like that, as over time they build confidence by gradually changing the way they think about themselves.

JAROD THOMAS, Therapy Intern

For nearly 25 years, I've had the privilege of coming alongside people in difficult seasons with empathetic, confidential pastoral care and counsel. I'm privileged to integrate clinical expertise with my ministry experience, supporting you toward your life's goals through evidence-based, person-centered approaches grounded in biblical spirituality. My greatest joys include helping people gain deeper insight into their story, find deeper meaning and purpose, navigate loss, and cultivate resilience and joy.

CARMA HAYENGA, Director of Client Relations

As the Director of Client Relations, I often serve as the initial point of contact for potential clients. I am committed to ensuring the transition into therapy is as seamless as possible. Additionally, I provide administrative support to our dedicated team of therapists and staff at Restoration Christian Counseling. Outside of my professional responsibilities, I enjoy reading, hiking, and spending time with my family. I look forward to assisting you.

STEPHANI SUWANSKI, Administrative Specialist

I am the organizer, and detail-oriented member of the RCC team. I actually enjoy keeping things in order and finding new efficient ways to manage things behind the scenes. I focus mainly on the billing and insurance aspects of the group, but I am always willing to help in any way I can.

IAN SUWANSKI, Operations Specialist

I am excited to work alongside the entire Restoration Christian Counseling Team to help bring healing and restoration to as many people as we can reach. I enjoy helping with administrative tasks, process improvements, keeping up with technology, and managing projects