About Us

Who We Are

At the Brunswick Center for Biblical Counseling (BCBC), our mission is to provide free, Christ-centered counseling to individuals, couples, families, and ministry leaders. Rooted in Scripture, we offer hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Our counselors are called to bring comfort to the grieving, freedom to the burdened, and restoration to the brokenhearted. As an extension of the local church, BCBC serves as a trusted resource for those navigating life’s challenges and for pastors seeking support for their congregations. Many people long for healing through faith but don’t know where to turn, can’t afford traditional counseling, or are unaware of available resources. BCBC exists to bridge that gap—making biblical counseling accessible to all.

Mission and Vision

It is the mission of Brunswick Center for Biblical Counseling to bring hope and healing to the community through professional counseling and care rooted in biblical principles.

The vision of Brunswick Center for Biblical Counseling is to be a distinctly biblical counseling center serving individuals, families, couples, and ministry leaders with affordable counseling and care. We are committed to offering hope and healing through Jesus Christ. As biblical counselors, we are called to bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for the captive, and comfort those who mourn. BCBC desires to be an extension of the local church, offering counsel to those going through a season of difficulty. We are a support and resource for local pastors and for our community. Many people desire counseling and healing offered through Jesus Christ, but they do not know where to turn, cannot afford counseling, or are unaware of available resources. BCBC is intended to be a resource within reach of anyone who wants help.

Certified and Caring Team

Our counselors are more than professionals—they are devoted servants with a passion for the Biblical Counseling mission. We emphasize ongoing learning and accountability, fostering an environment where clients feel safe, valued, and understood.

MARTY (MARTHA) BURRIS

Marty is a Commissioned Chaplain and the founder of Brunswick Center for Biblical Counseling. She and her husband reside in Brunswick County, NC, with their four fur babies. Retired from a career of social work, finance, and international ministry, she holds a master’s degree in business administration from Campbell University and a master’s degree in biblical counseling from Regent University. The Brunswick Center is a certified training center for the Association of Biblical Counselors. Marty holds an advanced certification, which allows her to train and supervise counselors. She has been counseling for over 20 years in the areas of divorce recovery, addiction recovery, prison ministry, and those diagnosed with mental health issues.

TAMARA HERGERT

Tamara, though originally raised in Alaska, currently resides in Brunswick County, NC. She is the mother of two grown sons and has pursued studies at the University of Alaska and Clark College in Vancouver, WA. Tamara holds a certificate in biblical counseling from ABC and is continuing her levels of certification and training. She has provided extensive counseling services and group studies through her church and the Brunswick Center. Tamara counsels women who are struggling with their purpose and direction in life.

TERRI LYNN FENN

Terri grew a heart for Biblical Counseling during COVID when a family member almost took their life. There was a lack of qualified, God centered guidance, and she decided to be part of the solution. Terri is certified with ABC and continues to grow in her knowledge of counseling issues. Terri lives with her husband in Brunswick County, NC. Terri, along with her husband, has served in various capacities in their church, encouraging and training new believers. She has been counseling young women across the country as they strengthen their faith and gain their identity in Christ.

ANTHONY JOHNSON (AJ)

Originally from the Raleigh, NC area, AJ currently resides in Carolina Beach, NC with his wife and two dogs. He has a double bachelor’s degree in business and computer information systems, as well as a master’s degree in Christian education. With more than 35 years in various ministry roles, AJ is pursuing a Master of Divinity in Biblical Counseling degree from Andersonville Seminary with the goal of becoming a licensed Biblical Counselor. After COVID, it became apparent that one of the largest impacts on people was mental health issues. Through that, God has led him down this path of Biblical Counseling with the hope of helping hurting people find answers that will lead to eternal health and healing through a personal relationship with almighty God. AJ specializes in marital counseling and counseling young men struggling with anxiety and depression.

SUSAN JACKSON

Susan, a retired US Army Project Manager, currently resides in Kentucky with her husband. She has held various ministry positions over the years, working with children, youth, and prisoners. Susan holds a master’s degree in management and ABC certifications in counseling. Both scripture and life experiences guide her compassionate approach to counseling, helping others find hope and healing in God’s word. Susan’s counseling includes youth, families, and those in recovery.

MICHELLE RICKARD

Michelle was born and raised, and currently lives in Jefferson County, West Virginia, with her husband and their daughter. Michelle has served her church in various capacities throughout the years. She also traveled for periods of time with the gospel group “The Serenity Singers.” She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education/home economics and a master's degree in special education/autism. She taught public school for over 25 years. She can relate well to those families who have special needs children, as her daughter is on the autistic spectrum. Now retired, she has chosen to obtain ABC certifications to come alongside those women and families who are struggling with life issues.

Our Board Members

Reverend Jimmie Perryman, DMin

Board Chairman
Pastor Jimmie served his country in the U.S. Army for twenty-two years and the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security as a defense contractor for ten years. Pastor Jimmie graduated from Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014 with a master's degree in theological studies and a Doctor of Ministry in 2024. He has been married to Sandy for fifty-plus years. They have three sons, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Daryl Gorden, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS

Board Vice Chairman
Daryl Gorden is a licensed clinical supervisor with a master’s degree in professional counseling from Liberty University. He currently serves as a Clinical Supervisor for the Substance Assessment and Counseling Program (SACP) at Marine Corps Community Services, Camp Lejeune, New River. With credentials as an LCMHCS, LCAS, and CCS, Daryl brings extensive experience in mental health and substance use counseling. He and his wife, Wallis, a local real estate agent, have been married for 33 years and have led a small group together for the past 10 years.

Marty Burris, MBA, MA, ABC

BCBC Executive Director
Marty is a Commissioned Chaplain and the founder of Brunswick Center for Biblical Counseling. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from Campbell University and a master’s degree in biblical counseling from Regent University. Brunswick Center is a certified training center with the Association of Biblical Counselors, and Marty holds an advanced certificate from ABC. She is passionate about counseling and training and has been studying and counseling for over 20 years. She is married to Stan, and together they have four children and 6 grandchildren.

Tamara Hergert, ABC

BCBC Training Director
Tamara, though originally raised in Alaska, proudly considers herself a native Carolinian, having moved to North Carolina in 1991. She is the mother of two grown sons and has pursued studies at the University of Alaska and Clark College in Vancouver, WA. Tamara holds a certificate in biblical counseling from ABC and has provided extensive counseling services through her church and the Brunswick Center. With her expertise in website design and training, Tamara has played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation for the Brunswick Center, contributing significantly to its growth and development.