Meet The Program Staff

Kathryn Bowden – Executive Director joined the Oasis staff in January 2006. She has a J. D. from Cumberland School of Law and a Bachelors degree from the University of Alabama. At Alabama, Ms. Bowden was an Honors Scholar with a specialization in Women’s Studies. Ten years after receiving her law degree, she returned to college and earned a Masters degree in Counseling at Auburn University.

Her prior experience includes the private practice of family law and service as Executive Director of two statewide nonprofits – Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform and Alabama Voters against Lawsuit Abuse. Her special expertise in regulatory issues includes terms as an attorney for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the U.S. Department of the Interior, and SONAT Inc. Her expertise in public relations includes her role as press secretary for two statewide political campaigns. Kathryn is a Robert Wood Johnson Ladder to Leadership Fellow and a Momentum graduate.

Ms. Bowden’s business background as well as her legal and nonprofit experience, combined with her education and personal passion for supporting women and children, make her the perfect fit as the manager of an organization dedicated to the well-being of women and children.

Julianne Venable – Clinical Director has a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the New School for Social Research in New York. She has worked in Community Mental Health Centers and had a private practice for 15 years. Dr. Venable’s focus areas include Women’s Issues, particularly those of elderly women, Transition and Loss and Coping with Chronic Health Problems. She is the facilitator of Oasis’ Wise Women Group.

Beth Franklin - Director of External Relations joined the staff as Director of External Relations to direct fundraising and marketing efforts and lead strategic program initiatives. Beth holds a M.A. in Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and development. She began her career in management at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and was the Executive Director of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, the Literacy Council, and Hand-in-Paw (which she founded). Most recently Beth served as the Sr. Director of Development for the UAB School of Nursing.

Jeri Kyle – Office Manager

Receptionist

Meet The Counseling Staff

Julianne Venable, Clinical Director of Oasis, has a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the New School for Social Research in New York. She has worked in Community Mental Health Centers and had a private practice for 15 years. Her interests are in Women’s Issues, particularly those of Elderly Women, Transition and Loss and Coping with Chronic Health Problems.

Ellery C. Berryhill is an Associated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist under the supervision of Stephanie G. Puleo, PH.D., LMFT, LPC. Ellery holds a Masters of Education degree from the University of Montevallo, with a specialty in marriage and family counseling, as well as a Master of Arts degree in communication from the University of Alabama. She is also a certified Prepare-Enrich Marriage Counseling Provider and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Ellery conducts sessions with families, couples, and individuals who are dealing with a variety of issues from communication and conflict to grief and loss, divorce and infidelity. She has conducted family financial management workshops, premarital workshops for couples, and divorce recovery classes for children.

Cathy Foss is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist (RPT). Cathy received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Cathy specializes in play therapy with a focus on childhood problems such as sexual/physical abuse, trauma, anxiety, attachment disorders and anger management. Cathy also provides individual counseling to adolescents and women.

Karen Gibbons is a Licensed Profesisonal Counselor with a Master of Arts degree in Marital and Family Therapy and Art Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University at Belmont, CA. Karen has practiced as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Art Therapist in Birmingham and in Palo Alto, California. She works with individuals, couples, and families on a wide range of issues including loss and bereavement; substance abuse; at-risk behaviors; family of origin concerns, relationships, lifecycle transitions, depression and anxiety, stress management, and anger management.  She is a member of the national American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Anne-Marie Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Anne-Marie conducts individual sessions with women and provides education and outreach on such topics as depression, stress management, domestic violence, and issues related to the body-image concerns of teenage girls. Anne-Marie has received continuing education in dream work, the feminine psyche, and self-mutilation.

Carolyn Nemeth is a Licensed Professional Counselor with at Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Alabama (UAB). Carolyn provides counseling services and also serves as the Intake Coordinator. Carolyn is trained in Solution-Focused (Brief) Therapy and Play Therapy.

Mimie Player is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Mimie is a Registered Play Therapist, RPT, and specializes in play therapy with a focus on childhood problems such as sexual/physical abuse, trauma due to witnessing domestic violence, anxiety, attachment disorders and anger management. Mimie also provides individual counseling to women throughout their lifespan.

If you are interested in a practicum or internship placement at Oasis, please contact Dr. Julianne Venable by email at jvenable@oasiscounseling.org or by phone at 205.933.0338.