About Us
Mission Statement
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 the 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 resides in Smyrna with her husband and two children. Our practice is named after Cora Lee, Dr. Lightfoot’s maternal grandmother, who played a central role in raising and caring for her. Cora Lee demonstrated unwavering love and a deep concern for the well-being of others, which serves as 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 complementing 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.
Dr. Millicent Phinizy is a clinical psychology postdoctoral fellow and certified school psychologist dedicated to supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of children and adults. She earned her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) from Mercer University, a Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degree from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College, bringing a strong foundation in both clinical and school-based mental health services.
Dr. Phinizy provides psychological assessment and individual therapy for children and adults, integrating trauma-focused care, multicultural responsiveness, and a deep understanding of the psychosocial impacts of trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and other forms of chronic stress. Her approach is grounded in social justice values, empowering clients to build insight, resilience, and self-advocacy.
In addition to clinical work, Millicent offers educational advocacy, professional training, and consultative services aimed at expanding school-based mental health access. She is a passionate leader in the field, having served as the past president of the Georgia Psychological Association of Graduate Students and as a board member of the Georgia Psychological Association Political Action Committee. She also contributed to national standards through her work with the APA’s Model Licensure Act Task Force.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Phinizy enjoys creative expression through visual and performing arts, finds restoration in time spent with her husband and close friends, and experiences pure joy in her dual roles as a dance and soccer mom.
a comprehensive approach to wellness