The Hope Center’s clinical staff at The Hope Center are licensed, experienced, compassionate psychological and counseling professionals who are committed to fulfilling God’s call on our own lives by bringing out the best in our clients and making a difference in our community.
Beverly Smallwood, Ph.D., Psychologist
Founder and CEO of The Hope Center. Author, This Wasn’t Supposed to Happen to Me: 10 Make-or-Break Choices When Life Steals Your Dreams and Rocks Your World
Dr. Bev Smallwood is the Founder and CEO of The Hope Center, having established this clinic in 1984. Prior to going into private practice, she worked for five years in community mental health and taught one year in the Psychology Department at the University of Southern Mississippi. Before she went to graduate school, Bev was an elementary school teacher for six years.
Bev’s graduate training, continuing education, and experience with literally thousands of clients over the years have prepared her to work effectively with most mental health and relationship issues. She works more often with adults than children. She specializes in facilitating the recovery of clients who have been through major disappointments, setbacks, and personal tragedies.
In fact, Bev “wrote the book on it.” Her latest book (Thomas Nelson Publishers) is entitled, This Wasn’t Supposed to Happen to Me: 10 Make-or-Break Choices When Life Steals Your Dreams and Rocks Your World.
In addition to her work in the clinic, Bev provides keynote addresses and conducts seminars, nationally and internationally, for professional associations, corporations and businesses, religious organizations, and government agencies.
Thomas Pough, MS.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Thomas has worked in a variety of counseling and therapeutic settings since 1974. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Counseling at Queens College in Flushing,N.Y. and has a Master's of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology from William Carey University in Hattiesburg,MS.
Thomas' career has followed a diverse path, which has included employment with the state of Delaware in their Family Court and Juvenile Delinquency divisions. He has worked in a Job Corp center in Gainesville Fla.; as well as group homes in New York and Georgia.
Thomas has over 20 years experience working with individuals suffering with the disease of addiction. He is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Certified Relapse Prevention Counselor; Certified Gambling Counselor; Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist; and has training and experience in the area of sex addiction.
Thomas is an experienced group facilitator, teacher and lecturer. He is committed to an holistic approach to therapy that includes addressing the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual challenges faced by clients.
Ashley Sumrall
Director of Hope Center Services
Ashley Sumrall's cheerful voice and smiling face help create the warm and positive atmosphere at the Hope Center. As Director of Hope Center Services, Ashley manages the practical realities that enable the clinicians to provide excellent care for our clients. She's the go-to person for Hope Center information, business transactions, scheduling of client appointments, arrangements for speaking engagements, coordination of forensic evaluations, and any question or concern you have about our services
Ashley is not only talented in working with people. She brings valuable education and experience to the table. She will soon complete her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from William Carey College. Ashley has performed in an exemplary fashion in previous jobs. The Hope Center is blessed to have Ashley as a valuable and committed membor of our team.