Rev. Linda Parham, CCDM Office Administrator, Proctor records manager
Rev. Linda Parham received her Master of Organizational Communication and B.S in Business Management from Clark University, Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School and is currently a candidate for Doctor of Ministry in Complex Urban Studies from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary concentrating solely within the scope of youth and young adult ministry within the Urban and inner city. She received a certificate in Youth and young Adult Ministry Studies from Boston Theological Institute, certificate in Faith-Based Community Economic Development from Harvard Divinity School Summer Leadership Institute, and certificate in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Berkshire Medical Center. Her work experiences include non-profit environment, research consulting, senior citizen support, and support and spiritual formation for high school and college individuals.

Rev. Linda Hickmon Evans, Ph.D., Proctor Consultant
The Rev. Dr. Linda Hickmon Evans received her Ph.D. and Master of Religious Education from Claremont School of Theology, her Master of Divinity from Emory University with concentrations in Black Church Studies and Christian Education, and her B.S. from Jackson State University with a major in Special Education and Elementary Education. Dr. Evans serves as Faculty Associated at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, New York. She is a consultant with Covenant Consulting with primary concerns in: strategic planning; program planning, implementation and evaluation, standard operating procedures; employee evaluation and progressive discipline. Dr. Evans works with various agencies as a grant reviewer.

Rev. Vickie McCreary, Ph.D., Proctor Consultant
The Rev. Vickie P. McCreary, Ph.D. is a licensed Psychologist NC #3216, OH #3009, who received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Knoxville College, Knoxville, TN. She taught job readiness skills in an anti-poverty program sponsored by the state of North Carolina before attending the Ohio State University where she received both her Master's and Doctorate degrees in Counseling Psychology. Dr. McCreary is a member of the American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association and National Career Development Association. She is recognized as an Occupational Chaplain by the American Baptist Churches – USA. Dr. McCreary has published articles on measuring the vocational interests of women and the value of career assessment for African American clergy. She has also taught classes on professional boundaries for clergy. Dr. McCreary is also active in an international, interdenominational association of ministers' wives and widows. After working for 22 years as psychological consultant and career counselor with the Midwest Ministry Development Service in Columbus, OH, she now serves as Executive Director of the Career and Personal Counseling Service in Charlotte, NC. Dr. McCreary oversees a staff of two administrative personnel, one licensed professional counselor and two licensed psychologist who serve as contract counselors and provides career counseling and life planning services for ordained clergy, ministerial candidates and high school students. Dr. McCreary also provides training and workshops to judicatory and church staff when requested.

Rev. Micah L. McCreary, M.Div., Ph.D., LCP, Proctor Consultant
The Rev. Dr. Micah L. McCreary is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan, a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University School of Theology, and a Master of Science degree and Ph.D. degree in Counseling Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. At Virginia Commonwealth University he has served in numerous roles including Assistant Vice Provost for Diversity, Quality Enhancement Plan Coordinator, University Hearing Board Chair, and as a member of the faculty senate. Dr. McCreary is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Virginia and practices as a psychologist with families in the Richmond area. He has developed a family, parenting and community interventions program which promotes effective problem solving and conflict management. This program, entitled IMPPACT (I Must Pause Pray Analyze Chill and Take Action), is the focus of most of his current research. He was awarded a $1.2M grant from SAMSHA (Center for Substance Abuse Prevention; CSAP) to pursue research in that area. Dr. Micah L. McCreary has been the recipient of the APA Minority Fellowship, State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) fellowship, internship at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic, Gimbel Child and Family Fellowship, the Elske v.P. Smith Distinguish Teaching Award and The American Council on Education Fellowship

Selected Publications by Dr. McCreary

Rev. Nathaniel D. West, Proctor Consultant
Rev. Nathaniel D. West is a Ph.D candidate at Virginia Commonwealth University. He received the Master of Art degree in Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology, and his B.S. in Accounting from Christopher Newport University. Rev. West has served local church ministries in the positions of Executive Minister and Minister of Christian Education. His work experience includes team development, organizational structure training, teacher training and development, individual and group counseling, and church accountant.

Dr. Mary Macrina Cowan, Ph.D., D.Min., CCDM STaff Counselor
Dr. Mary Macrina Cowan’s work at the Center has been an unique opportunity to integrate her clinical experience and interest in formation and development on the behalf of ministerial formation and clergy health. She completed her graduate education at Oklahoma State University with her Ph.D. in 1974. After years in clinical practice in both community agencies and private practice, she completed a master degree in theology and pastoral ministry and went on to complete a D.Min at Andover Newton Theological School in 2000. She also served as artist-in-residence, adjunct faculty and as the administrative director of the Center for Faith, Health and Spirituality at Andover Newton. Dr. Cowan is especially interested in spiritual formation in contemporary religious communities, interfaith dialogue, spirituality and the arts. She studied at the Shalem Institute in spiritual guidance and serves as a spiritual director as well as her other staff responsibilities.

Rev. Stephen Ott, Ph.D, CCDM Executive Director
Rev. Dr. Stephen Ott was ordained in 1973 by the Northwest Region of the American Baptist Churches, USA. His BA degree (double major) is in Philosophy and Religion. Dr. Ott holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology from California State University at Hayward. His M.Div degree is from Berkeley Baptist Divinity School (highest honors), now ABSW. Dr. Ott earned a Ph.D. in Religion and the Personality Sciences from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. He has taught M.Div students at Catholic and Protestant seminaries, graduate students in Marriage and Family Therapy at a Jesuit University; worked at a multi-state Family Health Clinic as senior staff therapist and Program Director; administered a large mental health center in Northern California, and for 17 years has been the Executive Director of the Center for Career Development and Ministry in Dedham, MA, a multi-state interfaith agency working with seminarians, rabbinical students, clergy and missionaries. Dr. Ott is a state licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor in AAMFT, and a Fellow in AAPC. He is endorsed as a Pastoral Counselor by the ABCUSA, and recognized as a “home missionary.” Dr. Ott is also a spiritual director and a graduate of the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. He has taught at the Samuel Proctor School of Theology since 1998.