S. David Hall, PsyD
President and Dean of Institute
Dr. Stephen "David" Hall (PsyD, LMFT(S), LPC/MHSP(S), CST, NCC) works as an applied psychologist, a teacher, and as a licensed counselor/psychotherapist. Dr. Hall serves as the Dean and Head Executive Officer of the Negev Institute, where he is tasked with the responsibility for the administration and direction of the Institute, under the governance and oversight of the ruling board of governors of the organization. Dr. Hall also has a leading role as a writer and teacher for the institute, as well overseeing the building of community partnerships.
Dr. Hall is licensed as both a marriage and family therapist and mental health counselor, he is also credentialed as an approved supervisor for post-graduates seeking independent licensure in each of those disciples. Dr. Hall was also the founder and owner of Haven Counseling Center. At the end of 2024, Dr. Hall made the decision, with the support of his family, to donate Haven Counseling Center to the Negev Institute to, not only continue to serve their community in Knoxville, but to also be an active clinical workshop to test through best practices for empowering faith communities in the work of Mental & Relational Health and Wellness.
Dr. Hall continues to maintains his therapy practice and supervisor work with emerging mental health professionals in the context of Haven.
Dr. Hall has taught and consulted for both secular and faith-based organizations throughout the United States and in the United Kingdom. He has served as an adjunct professor in the graduate school of counseling at Richmont Graduate University, and he is a former president of the Tennessee Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the state division of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Dr. Hall is qualified as a certified sex therapist under the American Board of Christian Sex Therapists (ABCST), and he completed a certificate program in substance use disorders from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Dr. Hall’s areas of focus in research, writing, teaching, and clinical work have been in family dynamics, healthy sexuality, Christian theology and mental health, social media, youth development, the science of habit, the psychology of persuasion, vocational/career counseling, neurodiversity/learning differences, moral psychology, and the application of storytelling in psychotherapy/counseling.
Dr. Hall’s commitment to his Christian faith and his desire to serve the Church in the space of his vocation, led him to found the Negev Institute to provide faith communities with social/behavioral science resources that were practical and accessible in addressing their felt needs.
David has been married to fellow therapist and Haven's Clinic Director, Brandy, since 2008. They make their home in Knoxville, Tennessee, where David was born and raised. Both David and Brandy enjoy spending their time with family and friends. David particularly loves podcasts, food adventures, road trips, and Wikipedia rabbit holes. Brandy and David have worshiped and served as a part of the community of Apostles Anglican Church (ACNA) in Knoxville since 2008.
Matt Scheuneman, MA
Director of Mission & Lead Supervisor
Matt Scheuneman (MA, LPC/MHSP(S)) serves as the Director of Mission for Negev Institute, functioning as the institute's Chief of Staff in coordinating between the different centers, programs, and organizationally initiatives. As our head of clinical supervision, Matt is also a key lead in Negev's clinic, Haven Counseling Center.
Matt is a licensed mental health counselor and approved clinical supervisor who has worked in both clinical and pastoral settings, having served a number of years as part of the ministry staff of a multi-campus church. Matt maintains a therapy practice with Haven Counseling Center, where he works with adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating through a variety of issues, such as depression, anxiety, relational conflict, and sexual impulsivity.
Matt is both a skilled counselor and teacher, with a passionate desire to equip the church and its people to confidently and faithfully address the struggles that come with living in the modern world.
Matt graduated from The University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, after which he spent time working for a community mental health agency helping children, adolescents, and families through case management. Later, Matt earned his master’s degree in mental health counseling, serving as a clinician in multiple settings while also fulfilling roles within local churches, such as worship pastor and group pastor. Matt and his wife have been active in non-profits that fight against sex-trafficking and advocate for mental health awareness.
Matt and his family love to spend time in the mountains and exploring new cities. He and his wife have a goal to visit every MLB baseball stadium in their lifetime. Matt loves music, art, and a quiet coffee shop.
Brandy Hall, MA
Clinic Director of Haven Counseling Center
Brandy Hall works as a licensed professional counselor (LPC), with the additional designations of mental health service provider (MHSP), and an approved supervisor (S) for post-graduate counselors working towards independent licensure for LPC/MHSP in Tennessee. Brandy also has active status as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) under the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Along with counseling and clinical supervision that she offers at Haven Counseling Center, Brandy also serves as the Clinic Director for the group.
Brandy earned a Bachelor's degree in Counseling from Atlanta Christian College and a Master's degree in Professional/Mental Health Counseling, with a specialization in Spiritual Direction/Christian Spirituality, from Richmont Graduate University. Brandy has experience in outpatient counseling settings, as a live-in house manager at an addictions recovery program, as a mental health professional in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, as well as a consultant in educational and treatment start-ups.
Born into a US Navy family outside of Norfolk, VA, Brandy grew up on several Marine and Naval bases before settling with her family in the metro area of Atlanta, GA; where she stayed through college and graduate school. After earning her Masters in 2008, Brandy moved to Knoxville with her husband, David, and joined the therapy staff of Ebenezer Counseling Services. Brandy worked in the start-up process of Haven and then joined the practice as a provider in 2019. Brandy has also served as an adjunct professor with Richmont Graduate University, as a co-founder and faculty member of the Narrative Institute, and as the COO and co-founder of PsychMaven.
Brandy's other project is as the director of Grace Over Chocolate, a group offering consumer education around high-quality and ethically produced chocolate products. Brandy has been married to David since 2008 and together they love a whole lot of things of what sharing a life with each other means.