Director of Mental Health, Vice President and Co-Owner of DFWC
Patricia Wright, PhD
Dr. Wright earned her doctorate in psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1992. Prior to completing her Ph.D. she earned her undergraduate degree from Mississippi College. She has had the privilege of working in private practice for the majority of her professional career. Other settings include her providing professional services to schools, hospitals, intensive outpatient programs, and a drug and alcohol treatment program for adolescents. Dr. Wright furthered her educational studies by pursuing additional training in psychopharmacology and in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Dr. Wright provides psychological services to ages across the lifespan, focusing primarily on children from 6 years of age through adults in their 60’s. She conducts psychological evaluations for individuals, for the school systems, and for other providers including counselors, physicians, and psychiatry. Most of her patients are referred for treatment of trauma, the many forms of anxiety, depression, eating disorder issues, grief, learning disabilities, AD/HD, and other adjustments in life.
Dr. Wright is blessed by having her husband, Carroll Hoselton, come along beside her, and through a faith-walk, opened their own practice in August 2015, and expanded to Desoto Family Wellness Center in March 2021. She and her husband are trained as facilitators in the program Prepare/Enrich, a program that utilizes Christian principles in either helping engaged couples prepare for an upcoming marriage, or by enhancing a married couples’ relationship. She takes no credit for the success of their practice, but claims Matthew 5:16 “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
LPC
Michelle Ruder
Michelle Ruder, LPC earned her master’s in counseling from Delta State University in 2020. Prior to completing her masters, she earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from The University of Mississippi in 1991. She started her career as a social worker practicing as a medical social worker in public and private industry. As a counselor, she has completed her TF-CBT certification and is a trauma informed clinician. She is also trained in substance abuse and has worked in both adolescent and adult inpatient drug and alcohol treatment programs, as well as an intensive outpatient program. Michelle has furthered her educational studies with training in psychopharmacology, EMDR, and motivational interviewing. Michelle has experience working with children starting as early as age 4, and extensive experience working with adolescence 13–18. She also works with adults 18 and up. Michelle provides services to those who suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, ADHD, adjustment issues, and other mental health issues.
Michelle is blessed with three adult sons and a grandson. Her faith and family are central to her life. She has asked God not to allow her trials to be in vain, but for Him to work through her to help others. Michelle’s life verses are Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” and Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderful made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
LCSW
Sarah Edinger
Sarah received her master's degrees in social work from the University of Tennessee College of Social Work in 2005. She became fully licensed (LCSW) in 2007. She is licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi. She began her career in community mental health and enjoyed branching out to work in pediatric day clinics and schools. She began her current path in private practice in 2020. She works with a range of clients with concerns including depression, anxiety, life stress, life changes, trauma, and other mood and life concerns. Her concentration is children, teens, and female young adults and adults. Sarah is down-to-earth and practices with warmth and compassion. Her therapy style is described as relaxed, and utilizes a client-centered, interactive, approach and believes in the power of acceptance. Her approach is a melting pot of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral, acceptance, DBT, client-centered, short-term focused, and goal oriented. She loves spending her down time with family, her fur babies, and reading.
P-LPC
Tori Hunt
Tori Hunt, P-LPC, is a proud graduate of Delta State University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Education in Counseling. She has 3 years of experience as an elementary school counselor, as well as brief experiences in private practice and substance abuse recovery for adolescents. Tori is most passionate about working with adolescents and adults of all ages with issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, adjustment issues, and various other mental health issues. She plans to expand her professional competencies in areas such as trauma counseling, eating disorders, grief counseling, marriage and family counseling, and substance abuse counseling. She utilizes an existential approach with all clients, believing that all clients can experience healing through learning to live according to their most authentic self. She blends this approach with Cognitive-Behavioral and Person-Centered techniques. Tori believes in meeting her clients where they are, that all clients have the solutions to their struggles within themselves, and that it is her honor and privilege to help them find those solutions. Tori never promises to “fix” anyone, but vows to help her clients grow and find the path that leads to their ultimate fulfillment!
When Tori is not practicing counseling, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, cooking, reading, writing creative fiction, journaling, and traveling. Her faith in the finished work of Jesus is the very inspiration for her work in counseling. She aims never to force her beliefs on any one of her clients, but to use her God-given gifts and passions to help clients navigate their issues and find healing, growth, and victory over them! Her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, which reads “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
PhD
Meagan Medley
Common areas she works with are concerns with attention/hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, childhood/adolescent behaviors, problems associated with giftedness/perfectionism, social skills, phobias, trauma, parent training and many more.
Dr. Medley offers both therapy and testing services. She’s also able to see clients virtually in most states through the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT®)’s Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT). Check the map to see if your state is covered: https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap
She specializes in behavioral and cognitive/behavioral interventions. Clients looking for a focus on meeting specific goals may like these approaches. She loves helping families and individuals learn tools that can help for years to come.
Dr. Medley is passionate about suicide prevention and serves on the Mississippi Board of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
She completed her academic studies in special education (B.S.), psychometry (M.S.) and school psychology (Ph.D.) at Mississippi State University. She’s spent her career in private, practice, schools, and as a faculty member at universities teaching school psychology.
In her free time, she enjoys gardening and traveling for fun and mission work. She enjoys camping and kayaking with her husband, two amazing bonus daughters, and their doodle, Beignet.
LPC
Jordan Royals
Jordan Royals, LPC, earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mississippi College in 2015. Prior to completing her master's degree, she completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Millsaps College in 2011. Jordan began her career working in an inpatient hospital setting. She has experience working in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient care, community mental health, crisis teams, and private counseling. She has eight years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults that are overcoming grief, trauma, emotional disorders, behavioral problems, family issues, and eating disorders. Along with these areas, she also has experience working with depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities.
As a clinician, Jordan is passionate about encouraging others as they break through challenges in their lives. She desires to illuminate hope, compassion, and a sense of security as they navigate through the darkest parts of their experience to reach a place of acceptance and peace. She holds certifications in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, friends, and family members engaging in outdoor activities or traveling.
Mental Health Team
Oxford
LPC
Michelle Ruder
Michelle Ruder, LPC earned her master’s in counseling from Delta State University in 2020. Prior to completing her masters, she earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from The University of Mississippi in 1991. She started her career as a social worker practicing as a medical social worker in public and private industry. As a counselor, she has completed her TF-CBT certification and is a trauma informed clinician. She is also trained in substance abuse and has worked in both adolescent and adult inpatient drug and alcohol treatment programs, as well as an intensive outpatient program. Michelle has furthered her educational studies with training in psychopharmacology, EMDR, and motivational interviewing. Michelle has experience working with children starting as early as age 4, and extensive experience working with adolescence 13–18. She also works with adults 18 and up. Michelle provides services to those who suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, ADHD, adjustment issues, and other mental health issues.
Michelle is blessed with three adult sons and a grandson. Her faith and family are central to her life. She has asked God not to allow her trials to be in vain, but for Him to work through her to help others. Michelle’s life verses are Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” and Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderful made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Office Team
Executive Assistant
Krista Parker
Krista earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Delta State University allowing her to spend 33 wonderful years of teaching in both public and private school settings. She spent 19 years in the DeSoto County School System and 14 years at Northpoint Christian School. After being nudged by God, Krista took a leap of faith and left teaching. Little did she know that God would move her to the business world at Desoto Family Wellness Center. Krista embraces the role and responsibilities of her job as Executive Assistant to Carroll Hoselton, President and Owner. She is also committed to providing information and assistance to her co-workers in both the mental health department and the medical department. She is also committed to providing information and assistance to her co-workers in regards to Human Resources.
Krista and her husband live in Southaven, and their son lives in Olive Branch with his wife and 2 dogs. In her spare time, Krista enjoys serving on the Prayer Ministry Team at Getwell Church, spending time with family, shopping, watching movies with her husband, and encouraging family, friends, and strangers! One of her favorite Bible verses is I Thessalonians 5: 16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Receptionist / Scheduler / Billing
Lauren Atwood
Lauren has over 10 years experience in the Medical field helping patients and office administration. She is married, has 2 children and a new puppy who completes the family. She enjoys spending as much time as possible with family and being involved in church activities. Lauren also loves to cook and bake especially around the Holidays. She enjoys being able to serve wherever needed. Her favorite scripture is Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord Bless You and keep you; The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you and give you peace."
Receptionist / Scheduler
Laurie Beth O’Daniel
Laurie Beth earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Mississippi College in 2018, her master's degree in psychometry from Mississippi State University in 2021, and will soon be pursuing a master's degree/LPC in counseling. She loves to travel, sing, cook, visit historic locations/museums, and go thrift shopping. She also adores her Desoto Family Wellness Center family! Her favorite verse is Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Receptionist / Scheduler
Jenna Rodgers
Jenna is a wife to an electrician, mother to two energetic boys, has three dogs, and is very involved with their church, Hope Chapel in Olive Branch. Life keeps her busy but happy. Jenna is very family and faith oriented. She enjoys trying new places to eat with family and friends. She is a food lover all the way! Jenna has been involved in customer care for over ten years now and in the last four years in medical administration. Her favorite Bible verse is "God is within her, she will not fall" Psalms 46:5.