Ashley Barksdale, Therapist

Ashley Barksdale is the founder of Barksdale Missions, offering person-centered, holistic therapy to individuals, couples, and families facing challenges such as ADHD, trauma, childhood adversity, and maternal mental health. She provides a safe, nurturing space that fosters growth through critical thinking, active learning, and the integration of faith and knowledge. As a Mental Health Therapist, Adjunct Instructor of Psychology and Family Science, and Support Coordinator for Postpartum Support International, she is passionate about perinatal mental health and family well-being. Ashley is committed to treating each person as unique and deserving of emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual healing.

With a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University, a master’s degree from Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, and a bachelor’s degree in Family Science with a minor in Psychology, Ashley brings a strong academic foundation to her practice. She is also a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Provider and Alcohol and Drug Counselor. As a former Birth and Postpartum Doula, she blends personal experience with professional expertise to provide a comprehensive, empathetic approach to healing.

Ashley’s personal experiences—overcoming teenage pregnancy, familial addiction, and trauma—have deeply influenced her work. With an ACE score of 10, she understands the lasting impact of adversity and is dedicated to helping others heal and grow. Guided by the belief that those who have faced struggle are best equipped to help others (Hebrews 2:18), she embodies acceptance and compassion, focusing on supporting individuals in finding healing, no matter their circumstances. At Barksdale Missions, you are not alone—we are here to help.

Anna Ramsey, Therapist

Anna Ramsey is a compassionate and skilled therapist dedicated to supporting individuals and families as they navigate life’s challenges. Specializing in working with children (ages 4+), adolescents, and college students, she addresses a variety of issues, including ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, social skills development, and behavioral concerns. Her therapeutic approach is person-centered and strengths-based, integrating cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and polyvagal theory to create a holistic, individualized experience for each client. She also incorporates creative arts and play therapy techniques, particularly for younger clients, to encourage healing in an engaging and developmentally appropriate way.

Anna earned her Master of Science in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Blue Mountain College. She is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC). With a deep understanding of the courage it takes to seek support, Anna is committed to fostering a safe, empathetic space where clients feel understood and empowered. Her goal is to guide individuals toward self-awareness, emotional resilience, and overall well-being, helping them thrive on their unique journey.

Shaylynn Nowland, Administrative Assistant

Shaylynn Nowland is a dedicated Administrative Assistant at Barksdale Missions, where she plays a key role in ensuring smooth daily operations and delivering quality support to clients. As a pre-nursing college student with a strong interest in psychology, she brings both compassion and efficiency to her work.

In her role, Shaylynn provides essential administrative support by managing correspondence, organizing documents, and assisting with the onboarding of new clients and staff. She helps maintain seamless office operations through meticulous record-keeping and efficient handling of day-to-day tasks. Additionally, she facilitates client communication, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries, scheduling appointments, and coordinating effectively between therapists and clients.

Beyond administrative duties, Shaylynn also assists with billing and insurance claims, ensuring financial processes run smoothly. She contributes to marketing and outreach efforts by managing social media, maintaining referral relationships, and overseeing communication initiatives. Her keen attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to client care make her an invaluable asset to the Barksdale Missions team.

Lisa Ballard, Social Media Content Manager

Lisa Ballard is the Social Media Content Manager at Barksdale Missions, where she oversees all social media platforms to provide valuable resources and foster a supportive online community. With a passion for mental health advocacy and digital engagement, Lisa curates and shares content that educates, informs, and empowers individuals, parents, families, and healthcare professionals.

Through strategic content creation and engagement, Lisa ensures that Barksdale Missions’ online presence reflects its mission of providing therapy, support, and education. She manages daily social media updates, shares mental health resources, and promotes meaningful discussions that connect people with the support they need. By staying up to date on industry trends and best practices, Lisa helps expand the reach of Barksdale Missions, making important mental health information accessible to all.

Her dedication to digital outreach and community engagement makes her an essential part of the team, ensuring that Barksdale Missions continues to be a trusted resource in the mental health space.