Hi, I’m Dr. Elias Moitinho, Ph.D. (pronounced E-lee-uhs Moee-cheen-yoh). But, you can call me Dr. M. I am a Professor of Counseling and Department Chair of the Department of Counselor Education & Family Studies at Liberty University. I am also licensed as an LMFT in Texas and LPC in Virginia.

Many years ago when I lived in Brazil, I sensed that God put in my heart a desire to study marriage and family counseling in the U.S. to help couples. That vision was clear to me. I did not know how I would accomplish it because I did not have the financial means. My family was very poor and the economy in Brazil was in crisis with high inflation. So, humanly speaking, my desire was destiny to be only a dream. But, because I believed it was a God-given dream, I kept on believing and doing my part.

To make a long story short, I received the M.A. in Marriage & Family Counseling degree I wanted, but I also completed an additional Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Psychology & Counseling. I have lived in the U.S. now for over 30 years. I worked at a church as a pastor, then, taught for many years at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas where I got my education.

Hi, I’m Denise Moitinho, Ph.D., Ed.D., and I’m an Associate Professor in the Department of Community Care & Counseling, in the School of Behavioral Sciences, at Liberty University. I also have an MA in Human Services. I have over 10 years of experience as an adjunct professor teaching both residential and online courses at Liberty University prior to becoming an Assistant professor. I have taught in the field of human services and pastoral ministry. Previously, I worked on a church staff and managed children’s programs, supervised, and trained teachers. I have many years of experience working with an ethnically diverse population.

We have been married for 32 years. We have two children who are 26 and 22 years old.