Aidan Kao, MA, LMFT, Director of Mental Health
Aidan grew up in Wisconsin but moved to Minnesota for her undergraduate studies. She attended the University of Minnesota and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology. Upon graduation, Aidan worked as a behavioral therapist for children on the autism spectrum before earning a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University in the Twin Cities.
Prior to moving to Columbus, Aidan worked for three years as a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family therapist in Mankato, Minnesota. Aidan, her husband Tim, and their three children moved to Columbus at the end of 2018 when they began to feel God challenging them to trust Him in a new chapter of their lives. Aidan has a passion for working with couples, families, and individuals struggling with mental health concerns, marriage difficulties, family stressors, and grief and loss. Aidan primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a Christian lens.
Jack Baum, MDiv, MS, is MercyMed’s Chaplain- Patient Support. Jack earned a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy, a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Master of Community Counseling from Columbus State University. In Jack’s Army career he served five years as an infantry officer and 17 years as a chaplain providing marriage, family, and individual pastoral counseling. After retiring from the Army he completed Clinical Pastoral Education (Level 1) which trained him to deliver pastoral care in a medical setting. Jack is a combat veteran with experience providing assistance to those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He also leads MercyMed’s Mental Health Support Group serving patients with various mental health disorders (Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Personality Disorders, and Schizophrenia).
Jimmy Ward, BA CADC- II, is a Georgia Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. After graduating from the University of Georgia Jimmy spent many years in a successful business career. Jimmy has a passion for helping people recover from the grip of addiction. Jimmy’s many years of experience working with substance use disorders makes him a key component on the MercyMed team. Jimmy’s experience entails emphasis on geriatric addiction, crisis intervention, treatment assessment and management, recovery counseling and relapse prevention.
Beth Mullin, MS, MA, LPC
Beth Mullin is a licensed professional counselor who works with teens and adults. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a dual degree in Economics and Spanish, and then earned an M.A, an M.B.A, and a Ph.D. in various fields while working in careers in banking and higher education. Searching for something more meaningful in life led her to return to school to earn an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and begin her career in mental health. She and her husband, Morris, are both from Columbus, and they have three children. Beth works with a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar. She incorporates EMDR (Eye movement and desensitization and reprocessing) with cognitive behavioral therapy to provide a comprehensive approach to healing.
Anahi Heald, MA, LAPC is originally from La Paz, Bolivia, and has lived in the United States since 2013. She lives in Phenix City with her husband and children. She graduated from Toccoa Falls College with a degree in Counseling in 2016 and obtained her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University Online in 2025. Anahi offers services in Spanish/ English and play therapy for children. She has a heart to help people of all ages and backgrounds. She is passionate to show God’s love while doing so.
Bryan Hall, MA , LAPC
Bryan Hall completed his master’s degree in clinical mental health. He is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with faith, compassion, and practical guidance. A 2023 graduate of LaGrange College, Bryan brings both academic expertise and a heart for service to his counseling practice. Prior to his counseling career, Bryan proudly served in the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, an experience that shaped his discipline, resilience, and commitment to serving others. He is passionate about serving the Lord and integrates his values of faith, integrity, and empathy into his work. Outside of his professional life, Bryan enjoys family life with his wife, Gina, and their three children. He is an active member of MidTree Church in Cataula, Georgia, where he is involved in community and spiritual growth initiatives. Bryan’s approach to counseling is grounded in respect, understanding, and a commitment to helping clients achieve meaningful growth and balance in their lives.
Ashley Wright, MSW
Ashley Wright is a Licensed Master Social Worker who is currently pursuing licensure in clinical social work. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master of Social Work degree from University of South Carolina. With more than 25 years of experience, Ashley has served individuals and families in a variety of settings, including community organizations, schools, hospitals, and government agencies.
As the spouse of an Army servicemember, Ashley and her family have had the opportunity to live in various communities, build meaningful relationships, and deepen their trust in God’s sovereignty. She and her husband are the proud parents of three young adult children. Ashley enjoys reading, watching sports, exercising, exploring new foods, and traveling.
At MercyMed, she is passionate about supporting patients through social work assessments, resource coordination, case management follow-up, and counseling services. She is committed to helping individuals access the support they need while providing compassionate, Christ-centered care.