Matt earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2000 from Hyles-Anderson College and directly began his work as a children’s pastor in ministry. Over the next 20 years he fulfilled the roles of children’s director, youth director, and finally as senior pastor with a counseling focus in each ministry opportunity. In 2012, Matt earned a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by a Master’s of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry in 2016 from Great Plains Baptist University. Matt is a Certified Mental Health Coach and especially enjoys working with men to develop personally and thrive in relationships.

Born and raised in Salem, Ohio, Matt has made a full circle back to the Canton, Ohio area where he enjoys spending time with his three children and their beagle, Bailey, hunting, fishing, and shooting as well as playing the piano and guitar.

In addition to these pursuits, Matt is a Captain in the United States Army, Reserve Component serving our heroes as Chaplain specializing in relational skills training, crisis intervention counseling, and suicide prevention.

Dr. Jeffrey Brown has extensive education in Biblical Studies and Counseling training through Faith Baptist Theological Seminary and most recently completed his Doctor of Ministry through Grace Theological Seminary. Over the course of almost thirty years as senior pastor, Jeff spent hours each week counseling couples and families in addition to teaching counseling courses and techniques to his staff and students. For Jeff, counseling was a foundation and priority of his pastoral care, frequently working with five to ten couples a week. Jeff has experience in marriage counseling, conflict resolution, parenting, family issues, addictions, grief, extended illness, depression and suicide. Jeff has been married to his wife, Joyce, for 39 years. Together they have continued to grow a healthy and flourishing marriage. Through his own experience as a husband and many years of counseling couples, Jeff has developed a passion for marriage and helping to restore relationships.

In his spare time, Jeff and Joyce enjoy visiting their 2 children and 4 grandchildren in New York State and Columbia, South America. Together they love to visit the ocean, hike in the mountains, host family game nights and drink really good coffee. Jeff and Joyce are also Optiva health coaches and Jeff continues to work with coaching pastors and leaders in area churches. You can visit Jeff’s website for more information:
Website – Coaching for Church Leaders

Rachel earned her BSW from Calvin University in 2015. After getting her LSW she worked as a psychotherapist for 5 years before returning to school and earning her MSW from Fordham University in 2018 where she was part of Phi Alpha. She is trained in Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma story-building. Rachel works to continually build her education and dedication to the counseling field.

Rachel has been married to her husband Scott, for 6 years and they have two vibrant dogs; Moose and Gouda. Rachel and Scott are on a foster-to-adopt journey and are excited to welcome new family members!

A long-time dancer, she continues that passion by teaching dance and coaching a dance team. She enjoys staying active in the Canton area and attending any concert she can.

Christie received her Bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Akron and her Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Ashland University Theological Seminary. She is Gottman and EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) Trained and constantly pursues continuing education through books, podcasts, workshops, and training.

Married for 29 years and a mom to four daughters, two bonus kids, and a couple of ‘fur’ babies, Christie spent many years raising children before returning to professional work.

A resident of the west side of Akron, she enjoys spending time with family, which can include anything from painting fingernails to hiking the Metroparks. She also has a passion for home décor and reclaiming and reusing furniture and fixtures.

Jamie Dunlap joined the Married Life Counseling team as Intake Coordinator. She has a diverse background in marketing, team management, and customer relations.

Jamie is a local Copley gal and has been married 25 years to her high school sweetheart, Greg. Jamie & Greg have two spirited children who keep them very busy and sleep-deprived.

Jamie enjoys gardening, volunteering at the kids’ schools, interior decorating, reading to her children, family hikes, and cooking for gatherings with neighbors, family, and friends.