Tiara A. Nichole Griffis, PhD, LCMHC, BCC
Clinical Director | Psychotherapist | Family Life Coach
Tiara has a strong passion for encouraging and empowering others to break free from strong holds and past-traumas to reach their purpose in life. As one who struggled with mental health and trauma growing up, her focus is to help others do the work necessary to break beyond barriers.
She is existentialistic and person-centered in her approach to help people achieve their goals and live boldly. There is no one size fit all in her eyes and every client's need is going to look different based on their purpose. She has organized a number of groups around this passion, including INSPiRE (Individuals Needing Someone Positive in Rearing Education), Iron Sharpens Iron, and D.A.M.S.E.L (Discovering and Mastering: Self-Efficacy + Love).
She is married to Crowned Life’s co-founder, Rich. They have 3 amazing daughters: Kierstyn, Reign + Lennox. Together, Rich and Tiara have a joint ministry + movement, called crowned collaborative. The ministry + movement focuses on the principles of godly living and transferring them to daily lives. Seeking community is an important message they preach for God speaks in His Word about being one body in Christ. They launched Crowned Life Counseling Center, PLLC under this mission. Tiara currently serves as the practice’s Clinical Director and Psychotherapist.
Tiara is also licensed as a Professional School Counselor. She currently works as a Military Family Life Counselor and teaches at the graduate level in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She has a PhD in Educational Psychology from NC State. Her research is situated around narcissistic parenting as she enjoys educating stakeholders on the joys and concern of 21st century parenting dynamics. She holds a certification in Training and Development and in Family Life Education and Coaching from NC State. She is currently pursuing a M.Div from Duke University.
Tiara is a Board Certified [Life] Coach. She is the author of Quick Reminders from Being Quarantined with The King (Parts 1, 2, and 3), which are all available on Amazon.
Rich Griffis, M.Ed., LCMHCA
Executive Director | Psychotherapist
Rich is dedicated to assisting clients with their life goals and helping them find a healthy way to process their past traumas to live out their best future. By utilizing an eclectic approach to therapy, he aims to provide a safe and supportive space where he collaborates to help clients reach their desired goals.
His therapeutic approaches are customarily, but not limited to Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy. Rich also uses Christian concepts in his sessions for those desiring to incorporate spirituality.
Rich works with individuals from a variety of backgrounds on issues including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, stress management, trauma, codependent relationships, grief and loss, parenting, and other mental health-related or life distresses.
In addition to counseling, Rich holds a BFA in Graphic Design and has worked in the marketing industry for over a decade. He enjoys helping his design clients build their own visual identity through brand development and believes that simplicity and attention to details are the best way to communicate clearly and strongly. (Click here to visit his freelance website)
Rich currently serves as Crowned Life’s Executive Director and Visual Designer. He is married to Crowned Life’s co-founder, Tiara. He received his degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at NC State and is a licensed clinician.
Stella Jackman-Ryan, PhD, BCC
Family Life Coach + Consultant
Life is filled with changes and uncertainties that can leave us feeling scared, frustrated, hopeless, and out of control. We may feel like we are losing ourselves in vulnerability and may struggle to navigate the experience. Life does not get easier and more lenient. Instead, we become bolder, stronger, and more resilient.
Dr. Stella specializes in guiding individuals through the intricate landscape of life changes. She uses a person-centered approach with elements of cognitive behavioral therapy to support clients in uncovering limiting beliefs that might be getting in the way of their emotional freedom. Stella equips clients with tools to not only understand their emotions but to harness their power for growth and healthy decision-making.
Dr. Stella has 11 years of experience working with international populations. She is attuned to the cultural backgrounds, beliefs, values, and experiences of her clients. She respects and affirms the inherent value of each individual.
Dr. Stella has a Master of Sciences in Clinical Psychology and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from NC State. She is married and is a mom to three incredible boys. She views herself as a lifelong learner, and with her clients, she celebrates the remarkable journey of discovery and growth.