Positive Talk Insiders

I’ve been the Lead Pastor at Sugar Hill Church since 2011, but part of this community since 2008. My desire is to encourage you with this one big belief—"You can do this! You can love God with all your heart, mind, and soul… and still be completely normal!"

You’ll hear me say these things a lot-
📖 The Bible is a big deal.
✝️ Jesus is the biggest deal.
🌍 And real faith? It shows up when we serve others—here at home and across the globe.

I’m all about helping people grow in their faith. That’s why I’m committed to things like reducing school dropout rates, serving our mission partners well, creating financial health for families, and one day, building transitional housing for single moms.

When I’m not leading, preaching, or podcasting, you’ll probably find me hanging out with my amazing wife, Jenny, and our six daughters, three sons-in-law, five grandkids, and our dog, Kirby. We’re total foodies.. I also love fishing, reading, writing, and cheering on my Georgia Bulldogs!

At the end of the day, my heart is to help you grow in faith—without making it complicated. Let’s do this together!

I'm Julie, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and certified professional counselor supervisor (CPCS). I’m passionate about helping others grow through therapy, podcasting, and facilitating small moments of insight. I hold certifications in perinatal mental health and Autplay therapy, a specialized approach for neurodivergent kids and their families. I also have training in EMDR, which helps individuals heal from trauma, and ERP and SPACE, which are approaches I use to treat anxiety.
As much as I love my work, my most important job is being a mom to two amazing boys and a wife to my husband, Daniel, who I’ve been lucky to call my partner for almost 15 years. Together, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming over a dozen children affected by foster care into our home through respite and emergency placements. It’s been an incredibly rewarding and humbling experience.
When I’m not counseling or podcasting, you’ll find me exploring nature through hiking and camping (okay, “glamping”) or traveling with my family to learn more about different environments and cultures. I’m a marathoner and a black belt in martial arts, but these days I’m just as happy taking a slow walk with family or friends. A few times a year, I teach trauma-informed martial arts classes, which are designed for people who may find traditional martial arts settings too triggering. It’s all about building confidence, resilience, and strength in a safe space.
I’m grateful to be a part of the Positive Talk podcast because I truly believe that everyone has the capacity for change and growth. Sometimes, they just need a little guidance to take that first step. Whether it’s through therapy, a podcast episode, or a simple conversation, I’m here to support others on their journey toward healing and hope.