Our Counselors
Rev. John Edward (Ed) Chandler
678-4411, ext. 162 | echandler@nicevilleumc.org
Ed attended the University of Alabama, Asbury College, and Asbury Theological Seminary. In the years after graduating from Seminary, he completed further graduate study in Personal and Family Counseling, Marriage Counseling, Alcohol Problems, Suicide Prevention, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Abuse, Problems of Sexual Orientation, and Career Changes.
Rev. Chandler has 49 years of service in the United Methodist Church. From 1983 to 1998, he was the Senior Pastor at Niceville United Methodist Church, Niceville. He was also a counselor during 26 years of his ministry. Since 1998, he has been on the church staff as a counselor. For more than 25 years, Rev. Chandler has also taught stewardship seminars in churches across the country.
Rev. Chandler's office hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fees are $40 per counseling hour.
Rev. Chandler is also approved as a premarital counselor* for Okaloosa County.
Deanna B. Eddy, M.S.
678-4411, ext. 192 | deddy@nicevilleumc.org
Deanna was born and raised in a small South Carolina farm town. She graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Following graduation, she volunteered at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center and worked for several years as a Senior Clinical Counselor with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. After being blessed with two beautiful children, Deanna left the workforce temporarily to focus on raising her young family. In 2004, her spouse's job relocation brought her family to Niceville. Over the next several years Deanna worked as an Assistant Director for a Church preschool and graduated with honors with a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University. While employed at the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Deanna worked with children and their families suffering from traumas such as domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, and severe neglect. Deanna has been published by the American Counselor's Association (ACA) and was a featured speaker at the ACA's 2011 conference on children and grief.
Deanna’s approach to counseling is client focused. Each person brings with them their own experiences and thoughts. Deanna meets her clients "where they are now" emotionally and walks with them as they journey toward healing and recovery.
Children, ages 2-18, and adults will benefit from counseling focused on customized techniques. Techniques used may include play therapy, sand tray therapy, and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Counseling is available by appointment only and is fee based. $40 per hour individual, or $50 per hour family is due following each session.
Leonard Goldman
678-4411, ext. 188 | lgoldman@nicevilleumc.org
Born and raised in Ocala, Florida, Leonard graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor of Fine Arts degree. This was followed by 3 years military service in the US Army during the Vietnam War, then a return to the U of F on the GI Bill, leading to M.ED and Ed.S degrees in foundations and philosophy of education. After many years of working as a sign painter and owning a small business he returned to school earning a M.S. degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University. Leonard has been married to his high school sweetheart for 44 years and they have one daughter and two grandchildren.
Leonard’s approach to counseling as a mental health counselor: Adversity gives rise to perseverance. Perseverance builds character, which gives birth to hope. And hope is the motivation, and source of energy for change. In the therapeutic relationship of counseling, people come together, each bearing a message for the other. It is an opportunity for trust to be established within the safety of this relationship, allowing us to connect at those genuine, honest places of the heart. It is in these sacred moments that healing, change and growth can and do begin.
Rev. Allison H. Posell
678-4411, ext. 164; (Appointment Desk, ext. 166) | aposell@nicevilleumc.org
Allison was born into the military life in Reno, Nevada and was “planted” in the south in 1973. After completing high school in Panama City, Florida, she attended Auburn University, graduated with a degree in nursing, and then went "on the road" as a nurse in the military, specializing in critical care. Allison, her husband Steve, and their children moved to this area in 1991. After an early retirement from the Air Force, Allison graduated from Troy State University with a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and completed her seminary coursework at Asbury Theological Seminary. Allison remains a registered nurse, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the State of Florida, and is an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church.
Allison’s approach to counseling can be summarized as:
"Through God’s direction and power, we seek the truth in various aspects of our lives – physical, emotional, and spiritual. Pain in any of the three areas not only affects the other two but also relationship with self, God, and others in community. As one invited to come and sit alongside those in need, I bring a wealth of experience, both personally and professionally, in all three areas."
Various areas of counseling include premarital counseling*, marriage and family, interpersonal relationships, communication styles and skills, parenting, seasons of life issues, and healthy sexuality. Allison also serves as a speaker for retreats, pulpit supply, and topical presentations for church and community groups.
Counseling with Rev. Posell is by appointment only on a fee for service basis.
- $40/session for individuals
- $50/session for couples
- $50/session for 3 or more
Unless previous arrangements are made, payment is due when sessions are completed.
*Both Rev. Chandler and Rev. Posell are approved as premarital counselors for Okaloosa County. A certificate of completion will be given after four hours of pre-marital counseling. Rev. Lew Wilder is also available for pre-marital counseling (678-4411, ext. 129 lwilder@nicevilleumc.org