Founder/Executive Director:

PhD, LCPC, LSOE, LSOT, CIMHP

Dr. Chambers specializes is sexually problematic behaviors, offender behaviors and risk management, victimization, human trafficking and other sex-related crimes and behavioral problems. Dr. Chambers is an expert in the field of desensitization, PTSD, and the empathic and emotional experiences of first responders. Dr. Chambers volunteers on the task force and is the President of the not-for-profit board to the West Frankfort Coalition for the Homeless and is active in several additional community, ministry, and mental health-based organizations. Dr. Chambers hosts the Fig & Vine Podcast, conducts trainings on mental health topics, and spends much of her free time with her husband, children, and church.

Dr. Chambers is married with three children, three dogs, a few cats and is an avid fan of the West Frankfort Redbirds and Tennessee Volunteers. Dr. Chambers was born and raised in West Frankfort and previously served as the first woman and youngest person elected to the city’s council. She continues to serve in the community with her husband and children but above all else, enjoys doing work that is Jesus-led and Christ-Centered, including the work being done at Fig & Vine and her home church, Trinity Global Methodist in West Frankfort.

Clinical Director - DMin, LCPC

Fig and Vine's Clinical Director is the Rev. Dr. Paul F. Weinhold. Dr. Weinhold received his doctorate in Counseling and Pastoral Care from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, IL. Previously he was awarded a Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO and a Bachelor or Liberal Arts from Concordia Senior College in Ft. Wayne, IN with concentrations in Psychology and Philosophy. He possesses over 50 yrs of combined experience in the parish ministry and as a clinical therapist. He is licensed in the State of IL as a Clinical Professional Counselor and, in addition to Fig and Vine, also serves on the Board of Directors of Clarity Womens' Care. Additionally, he taught for 7 years in the graduate counseling program at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis. He provides clinical oversight and supervision to the staff at Fig and Vine.

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Abby comes to Fig & Vine with over 18 years of experience in the mental health field. She obtained a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Illinois University in 2008 and has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Blackburn College, as well. Abby calls being a therapist her “calling” and we agree. Abby said God called her to be a therapist while working on her undergraduate degree. She started her first job in the field in 2008 at Baptist Children’s Home where she served as the adolescent female therapist. Since that time, Abby has worked closely with children, teens, adults, those with traumatic brain injuries, developmental and/or intellectual disabilities and has worked in community mental health, state-based inpatient services, and hospital services for crisis assessments. “My passion has always been working with kids, and I see the therapeutic relationship as the biggest tool in helping them progress. I enjoy using play therapy and art to facilitate the process,” Abby said.

When she’s not in the office, Abby enjoys spending time with her family and church. Abby is married with two children and is very close with her parents, who she said taught her about Jesus. She continued that Christ-centered walk throughout her life and is now a devout member of Cornerstone Church in Marion. Abby is a member of the worship team, and her husband serves on the production team. Her children volunteer at church, as well. Abby said worship, coloring, puzzles and more than anything spending time with her children are her favorite things to do in the world.

Ali Kern earned her Master’s degree in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University in 2022 and is currently working toward licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She has experience supporting adolescents in school settings, helping teens navigate anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, bullying, family transitions such as divorce, and other challenges. Ali also has experience working with couples to strengthen communication and connection. As a Christian counselor, she is passionate about integrating faith into the counseling process and is happy to provide faith-based counseling for clients who desire it.

Ali is honored that you are considering taking this next step toward healing. From the moment you walk into her office, her goal is for you to feel safe, welcomed, and valued. She understands how difficult it can be to open up and ask for help, and she strives to create a space where you feel comfortable sharing your story. You are not alone. Together, you will work toward growth and healing, learning to see yourself as God does—loved, cherished, and accepted. Her heart is to provide a supportive environment where every client feels heard, respected, and empowered.

Board President 2026-27

Leigh comes to Fig & Vine on loan from Deaconess Illinois where she directs the Emergency Department and Anesthesiology departments. She brings in networking opportunity with several other community and non-profit based endeavors that all align with the goal of helping people and supporting growth and positive change in Southern Illinois and beyond. Leigh is currently lobbying for change in multiple states, with significant progress in advocating for legislative change in Florida, through Meg’s Law - an effort to make the sale of nitrous oxide illegal. She lends a lifetime of experience in journalism and public relations to our team and provides both personal and professional experiential networking insight to Fig & Vine’s Christ-centered approach to reaching those in need with love and compassion. Leigh is currently serving as the President of the Task Force for the West Frankfort Coalition for the Homeless among other community board positions.

Board Member

John Shadowens is a Community and Economic Development Educator with University of Illinois Extension.  He is the former President and CEO of Spero Family Services with more than 35 years of management and program development in the behavioral health field.  John has a long history in not-for-profit and community leadership including the creation of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Illinois, Partnership for Youth and Marion Connects. He is an experienced presenter on topics including Adolescent Brain Development, Culture Shift, Working with Generation Poverty and Positive Youth Development using the Search Institute's Developmental Assets Framework. John has a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University.  John is also the author of Legacy Lost: Cultural Erosion, Social Isolation, and the Effect on Children and Families at Risk. John enjoys playing music in his spare time as a drummer in a couple of different area bands as well as teaching a bible study for high school students. 

Spiritual Director

After receiving a BA degree in Elementary Education, Pam taught school,took time out to raise three children then resumed teaching for several more years. She then accepted a position as Director of Children's Ministry at Christian Life Church in Herrin, IL. She enjoys leading worship for children and in small groups of adults. Prayer has been a focus for ministry to individuals in churches, hospitals, nursing homes or in a restaurant or store. Mission trips and street evangelism became a passion for Pam while attending Charis Bible College in Woodland Park, Colorado. Pam presently works part-time for Andrew Wommack Ministries as a remote phone minister. She prays for people around the world from her home. Pam will share a scripture with a few words of encouragement easily with friends or strangers. Fig and Vine will afford Pam opportunities to minister to Board Members, Counselors, as well as needy and hurting individuals. 

Finances and Accounting Director

Tonya has been with Fig & Vine since the beginning stages. She is a business owner in West Frankfort with her husband Dan. Tonya currently serves as the Assistant Executive Director of the Franklin County Housing Authority where she said she has been given insight into the mental health needs and gaps in Southern Illinois. She brings a strong Christ-centered foundation to everything she does including her work at Fig & Vine. She is on the financial team for Trinity Global Methodist Church in WF and is the treasurer for the Not for Profit board of the West Frankfort Coalition for the Homeless. Tonya is the mother of three boys, has one daughter in law and two grandchildren.

Production Manager/Multi-media Specialist

Dave comes to Fig & Vine on loan from his company DC Worldwide Media, offering a wealth of experience in photography, videography, and the production of podcasts and other media needs. Dave produces the Fig & Vine podcast, provides IT support for virtual, webinar, and in-person training events by the Fig & Vine team, as well as coordinating the backend of technology and growth for the agency.