Weems Community Mental Health Center now has two licensed psychologists conducting psychological testing for academic and behavioral issues for children and adolescents. Weems has also added a behavioral specialist to the staff at the Division of Children and Youth Services.

Dr. Michelle Boucher is a licensed psychologist who obtained her Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from Minnesota State University and her Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. She completed her residency in Pediatric Psychology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Following completion of her residency, she was an instructor at the University of Southern Mississippi in the Department of Psychology teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels. She completed her post-doctoral training in Child and Adolescent Psychology at Weems Division of Children and Youth and continues to work at Weems conducting psychological testing and individual and family therapy for children and adolescents. Dr. Boucher specializes in assessing and treating young children who have developmental delays, chronic illnesses, anxiety, and depression through the use of scientifically validated approaches. She provides education and consultation for school and community agencies. Dr. Boucher lives in Meridian with her husband and two daughters.

Stephanie Cooper, Ph.D., also conducts psychological testing for children and adolescents. Dr. Cooper earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and doctorate in psychology from Mississippi State University and completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Centers’ Munroe-Meyer Institute in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Cooper served as an adjunct faculty member at Hastings College in Nebraska, teaching on the graduate and undergraduate levels. She practiced as a pediatric psychologist within a primary care clinic in Hastings, Nebraska, before returning to her hometown of Meridian earlier this year. Dr. Cooper also works part-time as a pediatric psychologist at Behavioral Pediatrics in Medical Arts in Meridian. Dr. Cooper and her husband have one child.

Dr. Susan H. Eaves has joined the staff of the Division of Children and Youth Services as a behavioral specialist and therapist. A licensed professional counselor who also holds the designation of National Certified Counselor and Nationally Approved Clinical Supervisor, she received a Ph.D. in community counseling from Mississippi State University, where she earlier earned a Master of Sciences in Community Counseling. She completed her B.S. degree in Family Studies at Mississippi University for Women. Dr. Eaves has seven years’ experience working with children, adolescents and adults as well as educating, training and supervising counselors-in-training at the graduate level. She has received two national awards for her research and several state and university awards for leadership and scholarship. Dr. Eaves is the author or co-author of 14 book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles. She conducts outcomes research at Weems and also provides education and consultation for area school systems.

Weems has more than 20 Master’s level children and youth therapists in Lauderdale County. The director of the division, Dr. Lee Lee Marlow, is also a licensed psychologist.

The medical staff at the Division of Children and Youth Services includes Dr. Pedro Munera, board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatrist, and Madelyn Parker, mental health psychiatric and family nurse practitioner in addition to registered nurses.

Weems Community Mental Health Center’s Division of Children and Youth Services is located at 1929-23rd Avenue in Meridian. The telephone number is 601-482-7377.