The Owen Center holds a high standard for biblical counseling credentials. Each staff counselor holds professional degrees in theology and/or counseling from a trusted and reputable seminary. Along with a master’s degree, each counselor holds certifications through biblical counseling organizations and are highly skilled in their area of counseling.
Meet Our Counselors
Gary has been a lead pastor for 38 years in churches in Mississippi and Alabama. Most recently, he pastored Covenant Presbyterian Church in Auburn, Alabama for 29 years. Recognizing the need for Christ-centered counseling in the Auburn area, he and his wife, Jill, began the Owen Center in 2015.
He received a Masters of Divinity degree from Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS and a Doctor of Ministry in Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA. Gary and Jill delight in five children and (to date) 13 grandchildren.
He received a Masters of Divinity degree from Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS and a Doctor of Ministry in Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA. Gary and Jill delight in five children and (to date) 13 grandchildren.
Braden holds a Master of Arts of Christian Counseling and a Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC. He received a degree in Psychology from Mississippi State University with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a member of the Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC). He is also a Certified Christian Trauma Care Provider—Level 1. For the past seven years, he and his wife Victoria have worked in counseling ministries, adult Christian education, and with Joni & Friends, an international disability ministry. He and his wife have been blessed with three wonderful children. Through the Owen Center, Braden pursues a life-calling to serve Christ by cultivating the ministry of biblical counseling in the Auburn community.
Kirsten holds a BA in Theological Studies from Reformation Bible College in Sanford, Florida and a Master of Arts degree in Christian Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC. She decided to pursue counseling while living in Florida, but was further affirmed in her decision after working as a second-grade teacher at a Christian school where she taught the children of military families. She serves both the women and children of the surrounding Auburn area through biblical counseling, and she is delighted to take part in the work of the Lord that is being done at the Owen Center. She is also a Certified Christian Trauma Care Provider—Level 1.
Jillian holds BA (Spanish) and BS (Environmental Studies) degrees from Wofford College and a Master of Arts degree in Christian Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She sensed a call to counseling while working for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) and still loves to walk alongside young women through their joys and struggles. Jillian works part-time at the Owen Center and focuses on the needs of women. She feels honored to join in on the work that God is doing in the lives of those He calls into her office.
Jill, co-founder of the Owen Center, holds a BA (English) from the University of Georgia, a Master’s degree from Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson), and an MA in Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary. She earned three certificates from the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF). Jill is also a Certified Christian Trauma Care Provider—Level 1. Jill works part-time at the Owen Center and focuses on the needs of women. She regards counseling as a privilege and part of a life calling to help others connect biblical theology and real life.