Lay Counseling Ministry

Guiding Our Community Toward Healing and Hope

Lay counseling ministry refers to a team of trained and compassionate church members who provide support, guidance, and spiritual encouragement to individuals and families within the congregation. Inspired by Galatians 6:2, which encourages us to "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ," this ministry aims to offer a safe and caring environment for emotional healing, conflict resolution, and practical advice rooted in biblical principles, helping individuals navigate life's challenges with faith and hope.

Meet Our Lay Counselors

Samantha “Sami” Im

Director of Lay Counseling Ministry

Sami is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience. She holds an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Sociology from U.C. Berkeley. Her background includes work with children, individuals and families in schools, private practice, churches and community agencies. She has previously served as a Clinical Program Manager, supervising school-based therapists across three districts. She looks forward to leading the ministry with compassion and experience, supporting both counselors and those seeking guidance. She oversees training and development to ensure quality care for our community. Sami values collaborative, faith-based counseling, fostering trust, respect, and growth within our ministry. She enjoys being in nature, spending time with her husband, children and with the church family. She aims to stay physically active and has been married for 40 years with three grown children.

Cindy Ok

Lay Counselor

Cindy is currently serving as the director of Promise Kids Ministry and Milk+Honey Ministry at our church. Cindy has been happily married for 4 years. She has worked in the field of early childhood education for over 10 years. She holds a B.A. in Art Education and Drawing from University of Georgia and is expected to enroll in Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary starting Spring of 2026 for an M.A. in Christian Education. Cindy grew up with a love for visual art. She understands the power of art in connecting and counseling people. She has used this very strength of visual art while she was working as an elementary school art teacher for 9 years in a Gwinnett County Public School. Cindy is deeply passionate about seeing people fall in love with Jesus and find healing in His presence. Fun fact, Cindy loves all things Trader Joe’s!

Danielle CHUNG

Lay Counselor

Danielle feels privileged and honored to serve as a lay counselor for the ministry. Going through life's struggles and transitions, she realized the importance of having a good support system and solid ground in faith, as well as accepting one’s imperfections. She hopes to help families with special needs children and families with elderly parents with dementia. She also has experience working with people with addiction, chronic pain or difficulty coping with chronic medical conditions.  

Danielle is happily married with 3 children. She feels blessed to have found Promise Church and to be a part of REACTS Ministry. Danielle and her husband Sean serve their family group as leaders. Professionally, Danielle works as a hospitalist at EUH with 14+ years of clinical experience, taking care of acutely ill patients. 

Bekah Chung

Lay Counselor

Bekah has been a part of REACTS Ministry since 2014, and has seen the ministry grow from a group of 30 college students and young adults to where it is today. She serves as a small group leader and has served in other various roles over the years. Through many ups and downs in life, she has come to find that Jesus is truly our one and only constant, and is passionate about helping others discover His faithfulness in every season of life. Bekah looks forward to being a listening ear to anyone who is going through a difficult time, and walking alongside people as they seek His heart for them in the struggles of life. Bekah loves all things design and coffee, and finds joy in spending time with loved ones as well as a nice long hike with beautiful views of nature.

E Yi

Lay Counselor

"Hi, I’m “E” Yi. My commitment and serving as a lay counselor are due to deep desire to help others navigate life's challenges with support and understanding. Also to provide spiritual guidance through your journey as we deal with issues like state of mental health issues, relationship concerns, life transition, and spiritual struggles. My goals are listening without judgment and creating a safe space where you can share your story openly. As we work together, my goal is to walk alongside you, offering encouragement and a compassionate ear as you find your path forward".

During my spare time, I’m a sr. engineer for Aerospace company which I enjoy the work I do, but I love spending time with my wife and son the most. Aside from work and family, I enjoy woodworking, gardening, tennis, games, and helping our community.

Lay Counseling Sign Up

Thank you for reaching out for your counseling needs. Please complete the confidential form below, and we will respond to your inquiry promptly.