Team Experience
All of us have had our own personal brokenness but through the redemptive grace and power of Christ, God uses these to bring deep healing and freedom to others.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Richard Apgar
Counseling Minister
Richard received his Bachelor of Science in Sociology at Appalachian State University. He later obtained a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling at Asbury Theological Seminary where he was trained in the theory and practice of professional counseling within a Christian worldview. Having acquired clinical skills in both individual and systematic therapeutic models, he ministers to the needs of individuals as well as couples desiring to better their marriage relationship. Richard was personally trained by Sam and Anita in 2005 and now serves full-time at His High Places.
Sarah Apgar
Counseling Minister
Sarah Apgar received her Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling degree from Asbury Theological Seminary where she was trained extensively in administering therapy to families and individuals. Sarah is a Board-Certified Christian Counselor through the National Association of Christian Counselors, Inc, and an active member of the AAMFT and AACC.
Sarah specializes in systemic models focusing on how relationships including family relationships influence the many facets of our connections with others. Partnering the spiritual with the practical, Sarah has helped many individuals and couples navigate through the struggles of anxiety-related difficulties, depression, anger, communication obstacles, stress, life transitions, self-esteem issues, suicidal ideation, eating disorders and many other symptoms.
Shelley Haney
Counseling Minister
Shelley brings a unique, holistic perspective to His High Places. After attending her own personal week at HHP in 2017, experiencing healing through the biblical intensive, God opened the possibility of joining the team as she continued to acquire her Bachelor's Degree Science of Psychology: Christian Counseling, through Liberty University. She is also a Board Certified Christian Counselor and member of the National Association of Christian Counseling. Her fifteen years of medical background includes: surgical technologist, certified nurse assistant, and Hospice care. God has expanded her role of patient care within the counseling setting, with women and couples. Shelley has also counseled in other settings such as bible study groups, local church, pregnancy care centers, women's prison and more. She specializes in divorce, infant loss, post-abortive healing, sexual abuse, and grief counseling. Her passion is to lead others to freedom in Christ while extending the same grace and love that she has experienced through God and others (II Corinthians 1:3-4, NLT).
Jane Lessman
Counseling Minister
Jane Lessman is a graduate of NDSU in Home Economics Education B.S. with an emphasis in Child Development/Family Relations and Music. Jane completed a Master’s Degree, M.A. in Biblical Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, MAFT, from Liberty University. Having served over 35 years working with Asian, European, and Russian cultures overseas, Jane has counseled a multicultural environment of missionaries, teachers, administrators, students, and families who work abroad. Married 35 years, Jane and her husband Neil have raised four children in cross-cultural environments since 1988. Jane has served on the Kardo Ministries’ Russian MotherWise Board and is a member of AAMFT, ACA, APS, NASAP, AACC, and currently serves as a School Counselor and as the Honors Music Director at Hinkson Christian Academy (HCA) in Moscow, Russia, part of the ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). Jane’s greatest joy and hope in counseling is to see transformation and healing in people’s lives by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Matthew Miller
Counseling Minister
Matthew Miller is first and foremost a Christ follower who wants to share the message of Jesus' redeeming grace and forgiveness. He has a Master's in Professional Counseling, which he attained from Liberty University in 2016. That same year, he retired from the Army to spend his days working with couples who are on the brink of separation or divorce in his counseling practice, Cornelius Christian Counseling. Matt has been part of His High Places for a couple of years, serving as a member of the Board of Directors. He lives in Huntersville, NC with his wonderful wife, Jen, and their two teenaged children. Matt and Jen are also marriage ministers at their church and love to facilitate the 2 Becoming One curriculum to help couples grow in their walk with the Lord and with each other.
Barb Nave
Counseling Minister
Barb is an ordained Pastor affiliated with the Evangelical Church Alliance and also a licensed Pastor with the Christian Missionary Alliance denomination. She joined the HHP staff in 2016 as she transitioned from retiring from 23 ½ years in ministry at Sanibel Community Church. She also served on the HHP Board 2011-2013. Barb is passionate to see people break free from the life that binds them up and see The LORD GOD become the center-focus of all that concerns them. She brings to this staff a passionate heart, Spirit-led, and God-honoring ministry to hurting women. Her depth of insight and dauntless pursuit of His Truth for her clients have created a venue to see The LORD do mighty things!
John Padgett
Counseling Minister
John Padgett brings an enthusiastic, passionate energy to His High Places coming from many years of experience across a variety of settings. He received his master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Appalachian State University. He then worked in a mental health setting for over 5 years. He became an ordained pastor and served in that capacity for over 7 years. John formed Living Hope Ministries to work with pastors and their congregations dealing with mental health issues and marital and family conflicts. He has been a counselor for over 25 years, focusing on personal transformation, wholeness, knowing the Father’s love, reconciliation, and restoration. He brings a broad level of knowledge through his years of work and experience. His vision is to come alongside people to restore hope, provide comfort, and help them discover God’s dreams and purposes for themselves.
Patty Wilson
Counseling Minister
Patty Wilson is a graduate of Virginia Tech and ministers primarily from our Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia location. She is a board-approved, ordained minister and has been with the ministry since 2004. Patty has administered over 10,000 hours of Biblical Christian ministry to His High Places. She specializes in marriage, family, and women’s issues. Guests often comment on her tender heart, attentive listening and gift of discernment.