Our Team
Our team of counselors at Biblical Counseling of Arizona serve at various churches in the Phoenix area in the Biblical counseling field. Each counselor offers services unique to their background, training, and experience. Our counselors have formal education and are professionally trained in Counseling and the Bible. No techniques, formats, or formulas will provide the lasting change that the Spirit provides through a heart rooted in truth.
BCA DIRECTOR;
MASTER’S DEGREE IN BIBLICAL COUNSELING;
ACBC CERTIFIED - COUNSELOR
Joseph Leavell
Joseph is a teacher, counselor, and blogger with a B.A. in Pastoral Studies as well as an M.A. in biblical counseling from The Master’s University. He has been married to his high school sweetheart since 2001, and together, they have 4 children ranging from middle school to college ages. In addition to counseling in his previous role as a pastor, Joseph has counseled professionally since 2015. Through counseling, Joseph helps people bridge the gaps between the Gospel and their life. A considerable amount of his experience is in the realm of marriage counseling and addictions. He holds a level 2 ACBC certification.
BACHELOR’S IN BIBLICAL COUNSELING; CCEF
- BOARD OF DIRECTORS - COUNSELOR
Sandy Bacon
Sandy is not only certified by CCEF, she is also currently working on her Master’s in Biblical counseling. For over 15 years she has shared God’s comfort through counseling. She is a member of Missio Dei Communities in Tempe where she leads biblical studies on marriage and premarital counseling. Sandy has enjoyed leading workshops, retreats, and discipleship groups for women in her desire to see women grow personally and in their relationship to the Lord.
VICE PRESIDENT, CO-FOUNDER
- COUNSELOR
Kathi Bishop
Certified by ACBC, Kathi has been mentoring and counseling for many years. She began BCA as non-profit business in 2015. Kathi achieved a Bachelor’s degree from ASU. Worked in radio, taught bible studies at church, raised 3 children and is now a grandmother. She is married to Chuck since 1982. She worships and serves at Redemption church in Gilbert. She also teaches a weekly bible study and counsels women.
PRESIDENT - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chuck Bishop
Chuck Bishop is an elder at Redemption Church Gilbert where he has attended for over 25 years. He began Royal Covers in 1979 and enjoys working as sales manager at Royal. He sits on the board of Mt. Nebo Prison Ministry. He has three grown children, many grandchildren and has been married to Kathi since 1982. He enjoys seeing people’s lives changed through Jesus Christ and the power of the word of God.
TREASURER
Tanner Bishop
Tanner is the Treasurer for Biblical Counseling of Arizona. Tanner has a Bachelor’s in Business Finance from Arizona State University. He has over a decade of business finance and accounting experience as Vice President at Royal Covers of Arizona. He is married to Jenna and has 4 children.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Rebekah Leavell
Rebekah is the Administrative Assistant for Biblical Counseling of Arizona. She has had various experiences in administrative positions over the years. Her longest running and most rewarding administrative role has been organizing and tracking communications and schedules for her husband, Joe Leavell, since 2001, along with managing the 4 children God blessed them with in the subsequent years. She cares deeply for those who are hurting and enjoys seeing lives transformed through the truth and love of Jesus.
ACBC CERTIFIED - COUNSELOR
Katie Befus
Katie holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology through Purdue University and is ACBC certified. She served in a biblical residential treatment facility for women for over five years, seeking to help those who were stuck in life dominating issues find hope through a relationship with Christ. She is passionate about helping others see how the Gospel really is good news to whatever is going on in life, and how God’s Word is the best guide. She and her husband Brent were recently married and are Minnesotan transplants.
MASTERS IN COUNSELING - COUNSELOR
Michael Decious
Michael has counseled for 20 years. His focus has been helping individuals and families who struggle with anxiety, anger, purity, depression, addictions, abuse, parenting, and marriage. He has worked in the behavioral health field helping families understand mental health biblically. He has an M.Div. in Counseling from Westminster Seminary and CCEF. He is in the process of certification from ABC.
MASTER’S DEGREE IN THEOLOGY, ACBC CERTIFIED
- COUNSELOR
Simone Lake
Simone is a Bible teacher, Theologian, Apologist, Chaplain and Biblical Counselor, successfully earning her Bachelor's Degree in Special Education & Behavioral Science, her Master’s degree in Theology , her certification in Apologetics, her certification in chaplaincy and her ACBC certification in Biblical Counseling.
Simone continually devotes her time by serving alongside her husband, Pastor Dr. John Lake in their local church and in various additional ministries for many years. Specifically in the areas of Women’s Ministries, Simone faithfully serves others by teaching Bible studies every semester, guiding through counsel, developing in discipleship and mentoring with edifying encouragement.
MASTER’S DEGREE, ACBC CERTIFIED -
COUNSELOR
Lynne Paasch
Lynne Paasch has spent the last 30 years in Christian ministry as a missionary, a Pastor’s wife, a Christian school teacher, mother, foster parent, and Counselor. She loves to encourage young women in their faith and walk with others through the painful circumstances of life. Lynne has a degree from ASU and a Master’s degree from the University of Texas. She is ACBC certified. Above all, Lynne hopes that Christ is exalted and people know they are loved through the good news of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross!
ACBC CERTIFIED - COUNSELOR
Echo Tung
Born and raised in Taiwan, Echo is a graduate of ASU, ACBC Certified Biblical Counselor, writer of children’s stories, international conference speaker, and lecturer of Biblical Counseling. For over thirteen years Echo has been counseling individuals, couples, and children. Throughout her many years counseling, Echo has witnessed God’s transformative power.
CCEF - COUNSELOR
Kelly Rundell
Kelly lives in Frederick, Maryland with her husband, five kids, and crazy bernedoodle dog. She is a biblical counselor with training from Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation. She has earned certificates in the Foundations of Biblical Counseling, Topics in Biblical Counseling, and Counseling Skills and Practice.
Kelly has a heart to walk through the hard things of life alongside people who are suffering and struggling. Kelly is
passionate about encouraging others by pointing them to the Lord through His work on the cross for salvation, and His word for a life filled with change and hope. She holds firmly that who God is, shapes who we are, and touches every circumstance of our lives. Kelly loves being part of the Lord’s work of bringing steadfast grace, solid hope, and true rest into the hearts of His beloved people!
ABC Certified - Counselor
Tania Hilton
Tania is a compassionate and dedicated wife, mother of three, teacher, counselor, and coach. With a BA in Christian Thought and Practice and an ABC Level 1 certification, she brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of biblical principles to her counseling. Currently pursuing her Master's in Divinity, Tania aims to help individuals identify areas of spiritual, personal, and vocational challenges where they might feel stuck, guiding them through the transformative power of God's Word and promises. As an active member of Christ Greenfield Lutheran Church in Gilbert, AZ, she leads leadership development for ministry teams through the ULC. Her involvement extends to co-leading the Spiritual Care Ministry, organizing enriching women's retreats, and teaching several member classes at CG. Tania's passion lies in empowering growth and revealing God's plan for individuals seeking positive change through her Lutheran faith-based approach.