The Front Porch Speaker Series presented by Grinder, Taber & Grinder - Understanding Depression

The Front Porch Speaker Series presented by Grinder, Taber & Grinder 

5:00 pm - Mix and Mingle & enjoy beverages from Second Helpings Cafe 

5:30 pm - Presentation Begins 

6:15 pm - Mix and Mingle & enjoy beverages from Second Helpings Cafe

Understanding Depression 

Join us for an important and insightful discussion led by four distinguished mental health professionals: Dr. Lou Flowers Martin, Ted Mattis, Debbie Coy, and Dr. Andres Ramos. Together, they will explore the many dimensions of depression, offering clarity and guidance on a condition that touches countless lives.

This conversation will cover:

• The causes and symptoms of depression

• A deeper understanding of depression and its impact

• How depression can affect behavior and daily life

• Evidence‑based approaches on how to treat depression

Whether you are seeking knowledge for yourself, a loved one, or your community, this Speaker Series provides an opportunity to learn from experts who bring both professional expertise and compassionate insight.

Dr. Lou Flowers Martin

Dr. Lou Flowers Martin has been Executive Director of The Christian Psychological Center since 2022, having served on its staff since 2007. She earned her Doctoral degree from the University of Memphis in Educational Leadership after receiving an undergraduate degree in Education from Millsaps College.  Dr. Martin spent the initial years of her career in schools, as a teacher and subsequently as a counselor. Since she joined CPC, Dr. Martin’s practice has been focused on high-conflict divorce, assisting parents in developing blended family agreements, discipline plans, and plans to navigate stress constructively. She has been a Rule 31 Listed Mediator for the State of Tennessee since 2019. Dr. Martin is an expert in mitigating childhood trauma, authoring articles on the subject, in addition to addressing clinical needs within her practice. She applies a variety of evidence-based therapies, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), play therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In addition, Dr. Martin’s practice addresses professional women’s issues, including personal and professional wellness, anxiety, and life transitions. Her expertise includes working with clients experiencing a wide range of emotional or interpersonal challenges related to relational, academic and/or social pressures. Dr. Martin’s passion for addressing childhood trauma extends to the broader Memphis community. Under her leadership, CPC has initiated a robust community outreach effort, The Memphis Resilience Project (MRP). MRP extends CPC’s mission and former activities in an effort to bring mental health resources to underserved areas of the Memphis community.

Ted Mattis

“I am trained in Family Systems and work with individuals, couples and families. People dealing with relational struggles, infidelity, communication, parenting concerns, Family of Origin issues, addiction and recovery, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transition and adjustment, emotional and spiritual abuse/confusion and other life struggles will find help, tools and care with me. I believe that all our struggles are the consequence of disturbed relationship (with self, others and/or God) and practice relationally using an eclectic array of proven methods to help clients navigate relationships. I have extensive experience working with addiction (both substance and sexual), the addicted mind and family systems. I believe that my role is to comfort others with the comfort I myself have known. Compassion requires one's own suffering and I have had my share! In my office you will find kindness, compassion and acceptance! I hold a Master's degree in Marriage & Family Therapy ('97) and a Master's of Divinity (99). I am licensed in both Tennessee and Mississippi. I also hold degrees in Psychology and Mental Health from Georgia State University (95). I have nearly thirty years of experience working with individuals and families in a variety of contexts. As a previously ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America, I served and counseled countless individuals, couples and families.”

Debbie Coy

My approach to therapy is unique and deeply personal. I find immense joy and fulfillment in witnessing my clients’ transformative progress as they learn to navigate their lives more meaningfully. Through our collaborative efforts, I aim to empower each individual to embrace new perspectives and possibilities, fostering growth and resilience on their journey toward healing. I work with individuals and couples, allowing me to appreciate each person's unique perspectives and experiences in therapy. I have a particular passion for collaborating with professionals who often face high levels of stress and demands in their careers. My areas of specialization include treating anxiety and trauma, where I help clients navigate their emotional struggles and promote healing. Additionally, I address issues related to addiction, supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and helping them build healthier coping mechanisms. I also focus on attachment ruptures, guiding clients in understanding and repairing their relationships. Through a compassionate and targeted approach, I support a safe exploration of client challenges and facilitate work toward personal growth. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of clinical experience as a local outpatient mental health program director. I have received specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and I integrate various therapeutic modalities and evidence-based treatments into my practice, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). My therapeutic style is warm and energetic, creating a supportive environment for my clients. I utilize a trauma-aware framework to inform my work with clients, ensuring a safe exploration of client challenges and facilitating work toward personal growth. Additionally, I provide comprehensive case management services to ensure holistic support. My commitment to fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams has improved the effectiveness of treatment and the outcomes for those I serve.

Dr. Andres Ramos

Dr. Ramos is a double-board-certified psychiatrist with over 10 years of experience in both pediatric and adult psychiatry. He completed his residency and fellowship training at The Institute of Living in Hartford, CT. Before joining CPC in 2025, Dr. Ramos spent nine years at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. There, he worked as an outpatient and consult-liaison psychiatrist and served as training director for the University of Tennessee's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and PostPediatric Psychiatry Portal fellowship programs. Dr. Ramos has been named to Memphis Magazine’s Castle Connolly Top Doctors list every year since 2022. Dr. Ramos's expertise includes child and adolescent mental health, autism spectrum disorder, transitional age youth, adult and pediatric ADHD, mood disorders across the lifespan, PTSD, anxiety disorders, OCD, women's mental health, and smoking cessation, among other areas. He provides comprehensive psychiatric services, including: • Psychiatric diagnostic evaluations • "Second-opinion" evaluations • Independent forensic evaluations • Longitudinal psychiatric care, including medication management and psychotherapy