Our Team

  • Bettina Lyons, LMFT

    Hi! I’m Bettina! I’m a mom to five children in our blended family. My husband grew up right here in Warner Robins, and I grew up in northern Minnesota. Right now, we have three teens and two tweens (and a fur baby named Max!) I specialize in working with anxiety, teens, and couples. I also enjoy providing clinical supervision to pre-licensed and provisionally licensed therapists.

    I graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine in 2005 with a Master of Family Therapy. Before that, I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from the University of North Dakota in 2001. I have worked in a variety of settings over the years. After graduating, I worked in a residential treatment facility for teen boys involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice. I have also worked with an Intensive Family Intervention team with families who were in danger of disruption. I have also had the privilege of working with low-income families in a community outpatient setting in downtown Springfield, MA. I have worked in a community outpatient setting in Macon Georgia with foster children as a therapist and as the clinical director of the counseling program as well. After working in all of those settings, I decided it was time to open up my private practice. About a year later, I decided to grow into a group practice here in Perry, Georgia.

  • Kristen Partin, MA MFT S/T

    Hi! I’m Kristen! I am a mom to a sweet little girl and a rambunctious chocolate lab. I am also getting married next year! While my fiancé is a native to the Middle Georgia area, I am not and have only been here for about six years. I am originally from Tampa, Fl and also lived in Southern California for about a year. I specialize in working with children, adolescents and adults through individual, couples, or family therapy.

    I graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine in 2022 with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. Prior to attending their graduate program, I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Middle Georgia State University in 2019. I have worked in multiple different settings during my short time as a therapist. While working towards my Master’s, I worked in a pediatrician’s office as well as our school’s clinic as a way to provide counseling services for low-income families in the Macon and surrounding areas. Working with these families and their children was such a rewarding experience because it allowed families the ability to receive counseling services who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Seeing the connection between families grow as well as individuals reach their goals, is truly unmatched. Towards the end of my graduate program, I picked up an additional site, which would be the Lyons Center, to counsel additional clients. Once I finished my program, I decided to stay in the private practice world and have remained at the Lyons Center ever since!

  • Shannon Johnson, LPC

    Hi! I’m Shannon! I am originally from the Metro Atlanta area and moved to Middle Georgia a few years ago after marriage. My husband served over 10 years active duty in the United States Air Force. We have two amazing children. I specialize in working with adolescents, students, and adults through individual therapy.

    I graduated from Georgia State University with a Master’s and Education Specialist in School Counseling. Prior to graduate school, I received my bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs! I spent 7 years as a school counselor in the elementary and middle school setting and then decided to make the switch to private practice. I love the ability to work with a diverse population of clients on a wide range of concerns. I specialize in helping teens and young adults improve their quality of life. I have helped clients with trauma, negative events, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, school-related issues, life transitions, and everyday challenges of life. Over the course of my career, I have loved helping students and adults process trauma and navigate life transitions such as starting college, new careers, divorce, childbirth/postpartum, etc. I enjoy seeing my clients become more confident and truly live.

  • Michelle Hawskworth, MFT Intern

    Hey everyone! My name is Michelle, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern here at Lyons Center LLC. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in gender and women studies from Kennesaw State University in 2021 and am currently in the process of getting my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Mercer University, graduating in Summer of 2024.

    A little bit about me: I am originally from South Africa and grew up travelling a lot when I was younger. I have had the great privilege of living in both Russia as well as Australia and finally settling down here in the great state of Georgia. I will definitely say that getting to see elephants and giraffes up close is one of my favorite memories from when I was younger. Growing up on the move, I developed and strong bond with my family, and consider my sisters to be my best friends.

    When it comes to therapy, I use a combination of attachment, emotion-focused, and experiential therapy with my clients. I believe in working collaboratively with my clients and providing caring support to help them move through the struggles of life. As an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, I also value providing my clients with an open and safe space where they feel comfortable being their authentic selves, sharing their feelings, concerns, and needs. Throughout my internship I have learned to work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, general life struggles, and helping couples strengthen their relationships. I am passionate about helping my clients build the lives they truly want to live.

  • Eliza Philbin, MFT Intern

    Hi! I’m Eliza! I am a second-year student in the Mercer University School of Medicine for Masters of Family Therapy and hold a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from University of Florida; Go Gators!

    I currently practice out of the Mercer’s Family Therapy clinic, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Macon, GA. Here I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and families, guiding them to find their unique strengths and empowering them to realize their full potential.

    During my time as a student intern therapist at Lyon’s Center, LLC, in Perry, GA, I've gained experience in working with couples to explore issues within their romantic relationships. Here I’ve assisted couples navigate through communication challenges, trust issues, and emotional barriers that often surface in their relationships.

    My therapeutic approach combines elements from the following theories and modalities: collaborative, attachment, experiential, emotion focused, and family systems theory.

    I bring a special type of energy to therapy. I believe my clients have the capacity to create beautiful, long-lasting change. I focus on recognizing patterns and comprehending a person’s narrative before we tackle the presenting “issue.” I listen to truly understand and adopt a collaborative method to allow clients to explore, question thoughts, set goals, and challenge emotions. I also employ a systemic and integrative approach to address individuals within the framework of their relationships.

    If you find yourself experiencing any of the above struggles or just feeling a bit ‘bleh’, I’m here for you. My priority is creating a trusting, honest, non-judgmental, and collaborative relationship. Together, we can cultivate practical solutions and skills that not only bring fulfillment but also empower you to effectively tackle the challenges life presents.

  • Naomi McGalliard, PMHNP Student

    Naomi McGalliard, NMHNP Student

    Hi! I’m Naomi! With six years of experience as a critical care nurse and a recent transition to behavioral health nursing, I have earned certifications in critical care and cardiac medicine. Recently, I obtained my EMT license and am taking steps toward becoming a paramedic. Through nursing and emergency medicine, I have learned the importance of holistic healthcare that emphasizes care for both mind and body, which led me to pursue my dream of becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I am thrilled to be gaining psychotherapy clinical experience under Bettina Lyons and look forward to the many ways I will grow in providing compassionate, skilled care. Outside of work, I cherish time with my spouse and our two sons, who bring immense joy to our lives.

  • Jena McMillan, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern

    Hi! I’m Jena! I am a mom to a one-year-old boy. I am originally from Long Island, NY but moved to North Carolina fresh out of high school and spent all my twenties living outside of Raleigh-Durham. My husband is from Tifton, Ga but we met while we both lived in North Carolina. Last year we relocated to Cordele, Ga and that is where we now call home!

    I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern here at the Lyons Center LLC. I received my bachelor’s degree at Liberty University, and I am currently in the process of getting my Masters in Clinical Mental Health, graduating in May 2025.

    I enjoy working with teens, couples, individuals struggling with anxiety/depression and those navigating through previous traumas/life transitions. I have a deep passion for cultivating safe and nurturing spaces, dedicated to providing empathetic support to individuals and couples navigating any issues or concerns. I understand how difficult it can be to take the first step in asking for support. I look forward to working with you!

  • Megan Hinman, Clinical Mental Health Counseling S/T

    Hi! I’m Megan! I’m a wife, mother, and holistic clinical mental health counselor. My husband and I grew up in Boise, Idaho. We spent over a decade moving with the United States Air Force, while my husband was on active-duty orders. We have lived all over the United States, in Kyoto, Japan, and now call Georgia home. As a family we chose to homeschool, and I’m wholeheartedly dedicated to the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and growth.

    I will graduate with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in May. Previously, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Central Washington University with a minor in Family & Consumer Science. I have experience as a clinical case manager and therapist for the Houston County Health Accountability Court: leading four psychoeducation and therapy groups, providing individual counseling, and clinical case management for a high risk, high needs population.

    I have experience treating clients with a variety of challenges including emotional dysregulation, addiction, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, anxiety, self-esteem issues, complex trauma, and family, parenting, and relationship problems. I am also competent in career counseling and Christian integration for those to whom faith is a priority.

    I’m passionate about empowering people from all backgrounds and walks of life to recognize their inherent worth, find the strength to overcome, heal past hurts, and thrive. My goal is to help equip people to navigate the negatives and better recognize and enjoy the positive parts of life.