Meet the Team
Bill McAlilly
FounderBill McAlilly brings a rare convergence of gifts to pastoral counseling: the wisdom of a retired Bishop, formed by the influence and training of Jungian Psychology, the practical skill of the International Coach Federation (ICF), and experience as a certified consultant with Design Group International. The Foundry was founded on Bill’s lifelong conviction that the church should be the first place people turn in their deepest pain— not the last. His decades of walking alongside people through the full range of human suffering find their fullest expression here.
Founder/ Executive Director Elizabeth McAlilly
Elizabeth holds an MEd in Counseling and is currently working towards an MA in Religion and Leadership from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. With 15 years of experience as a counselor in eating disorder and addiction centers as well as in private settings, she has dedicated her career to walking alongside women through the heartache of loss in its many forms. The Foundry represents the convergence of Elizabeth’s two callings: ministry and mental health.
She believes wholeheartedly that nothing is wasted when we allow God to use our story. Her own journey, combined with extensive education and professional experience, equips her to support women in their deepest times of need.
Spiritual DirectorMark Shepherd, MD
Dr. Shepherd brings his 40 years of training and experience in medicine, science, spirituality, and mindfulness to the work of healing and human flourishing. He is a clinician, consultant, investigator, and educator with over 30 years of experience in the areas of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism in adults and children. He received his bachelor of science degree (summa cum laude) in biomedical chemistry from Oral Roberts University and his medical doctorate (magna cum laude) from Emory University School of Medicine. He completed his residency training in internal medicine and pediatrics at Vanderbilt University, after which time he served in the U.S. Air Force, completing a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center. He moved with his family to Tupelo in 1996 and founded Endocrinology Consultants, PLLC, where he worked as an independent practitioner through 2026. He was certified as a spiritual director through the Center for Ministry at Millsaps College in 2011 and in spiritual formation through the Garrett Seminary at Northwestern University in 2013. He has obtained additional training in cultivating compassion, mindfulness-based stress reduction, contemplative medicine, and wilderness medicine. He is available for spiritual direction, spiritual retreats, and vision quests, and will also be teaching courses on mindfulness and compassion for health care workers, educators, social justice workers, and the business sector.
Spiritual DirectorJennifer Shepherd
Jennifer Shepherd; daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, spiritual director, gardener, and artist brings all of these roles to The Foundry. She is passionate about seeing and tending the beauty in every aspect of life.
Through the Center for Ministry at Millsaps College, Jennifer completed certification as a spiritual director in 2011 and in spiritual formation through Garrett Seminary at Northwestern University in 2013.
At The Foundry, Jennifer creates opportunities for individuals, families, or groups to deepen their relationship with God through spiritual direction, creative art, retreats, outdoor activities, and contemplative prayer.
