About Us

About Us

Mission Statement

“Striving to bring education rather than ignorance, acceptance rather than stigma, and access rather than road blocks in support of those coping with mental health related disorders and genetic diseases.”

Our Focus

The Cora Lee Institute is a place of compassion, support, encouragement, and change. We specialize in individuals of all ages – pediatrics to geriatrics. Our team is well trained in the diagnosis and treatment of many factors influencing mental health:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Anxiety Disorder
Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Depression, grief and loss
Trauma, abuse
Life issues, adjustments and other emotional/behavioral related difficulties

We focus on proper diagnosis, treatment, and support for children, adolescents, and adults living with these issues.

Whether you have a child with developmental delays, learning deficits, or behavioral challenges; or if you are an adult experiencing challenging emotions, requiring evaluation prior to bariatric procedures, or are in the middle of a custody dispute, we can help. Our team of licensed psychologists, school psychologists, clinical social workers, and educational tutors are on hand to assist you and your family with living a life free of stigma.

Should you need help in explaining your child’s diagnosis and treatment plan to his/her school, Cora Lee’s educational advocates will stand with you to ensure your student and parental rights are upheld. We will make sure that the school system or private institution in which your child is enrolled, provides the individualized accommodations and supports required to meet your child’s level of need.

Our Practice

We want you and your family to feel comfortable and at home in our environment. You are welcome to relax in our living room area and help yourself to cold drinks, coffee, tea, and snacks. You may wish to spread out at our conference table, if needed, for a project, and we offer a separate office if more privacy is desired. The play room is usually the delight of our little ones! Please make yourself at home before or after your appointment or while a family member is in session.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Ty Ellison Lightfoot is a licensed clinical psychologist in the states of Georgia and North Carolina. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She provides comprehensive therapy services to children, adults, and their families with psychiatric and genetic related diseases, and is dedicated to special educational advocacy.

Dr. Lightfoot is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, and previously served as the Director at WellStar Pediatric and Family Wellness Center for 4 years.

She lives in Smyrna with her husband and two children. Our practice was named after Cora Lee, Dr. Lightfoot’s maternal grandmother, who primarily raised and cared for her, demonstrating unconditional love and concern for the wellbeing of others that is the foundation of the Cora Lee Institute.

Ms. Julie Romero has been the Practice Manager at Cora Lee Institute since August 2016, and was previously a teacher for 5 years and a Childcare Director for over 25 years. Julie’s position in the practice gives her the opportunity to work directly with patients and to understand their needs and concerns. Her primary goal is to make sure that our office provides exceptional care in a professional environment, and she enjoys supporting and complimenting the great staff we have.

Julie has a lovely family. Her son Christopher, her daughter Brieanna, and her precious grandchildren Abrianna and Brandon are the joys of her life.

Ms. Millicent Phinizy is the Educational Director and a trained school psychologist certified for working with students PK-12 in the state of Georgia. She has over 10 years of experience working with the Cobb County School District as a School Psychologist. She is experienced in psychoeducational assessments, Response to Instruction (RTI) and Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Special Education eligibility determination, 504 Plan accommodations, teacher training, small group counseling, and parent mentoring.

Millicent earned both Master of Education and Specialist in Education degrees in School Psychology at Georgia State University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Development from Spelman College. She is an active member of the National Association of School Psychologists.

Millicent lives in Mableton with her husband and two children.