Our Staff

Avery Cook is a clinical social worker and the Director of CAPS. Originally from North Carolina, they received their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Davidson College and their Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) with a Concentration in Mental Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Avery enjoys working with students on a variety of issues including crisis work, adjustment, anxiety, depression, substance abuse as well as issues related to LGB clients, gender identity, and gender expression. In working with clients, they take an eclectic approach, utilizing a variety of approaches based on what best meets the needs of the clients. Outside of CAPS, Avery enjoys being outside, either hiking or biking, reading, and time with family and friends.

Kyle Alexander is a licensed clinical social worker at CAPS. Kyle received his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology and Sociology from Fordham University in New York City and his Master’s of Social Work (M.S.W.) from Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. Kyle has been working in University settings since 2015 and enjoys his clinical work, as well as the opportunity to train and supervise new clinicians. Kyle operates from an eclectic therapeutic approach and likes to tailor his clinical work to fit the needs of his clients. Kyle operates heavily from a relational, interpersonal, and psychodynamic framework when working with clients. 

Bethel is a provisionally licensed clinical social worker and a part of the Multicultural Health Program at CAPS. Bethel has lived all over the south and her family is originally from Eritrea. Bethel received her Bachelors of Science and Master in Social Work from NC State University. Bethel loves supporting students experiencing anxiety, adjustments and transitions, relationships, self-image, academic stresses, first generation college students, cultural identity, and emerging adulthood. Bethel works to build a collaborative relationship with clients and creating a safe, non-judgmental space. Bethel uses an integrative approach to psychotherapy informed by interpersonal, strengths-based, cognitive-behavioral, harm reduction, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive perspectives. Bethel speaks moderate Tigrinya, beginner Amharic, and beginner Spanish. Outside of CAPS, Bethel enjoys reading, dancing, trying new restaurants, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her community.

Ardith Burkes is a licensed clinical social worker and works with students at the Eshelman School of Pharmacy as part of the CAPS Embedded Counselor Program. She received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill. After working for several years managing sexual violence crisis programs at the Orange County Rape Crisis Center, she returned to UNC Chapel Hill to earn her Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) in Maternal and Child Health. She also has a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.

Since completing her graduate degrees in 2007, Ardith has pursued two simultaneous career paths. She has worked as the Associate Director and Grants Director at Compass Center in Chapel Hill. Compass Center provides relationship violence crisis intervention and group support, career and financial counseling, violence prevention education, and youth sexual health education. She has also worked with the community as a licensed clinical social worker in private practice delivering individual and group psychotherapy to adults.

Ardith uses a variety of therapeutic approaches based on what best meets someone’s needs and comfort and draws from modalities including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and crisis intervention and stabilization techniques.

Ardith has a strong interest in increasing accessibility to mental health and wellness care so that more people, of all identities and backgrounds, have a space to process life’s challenges and learn skills to navigate them.

Outside of work, Ardith enjoys spending mindful quality time with family and friends, cooking, reading, traveling, savoring a good cup of coffee or tea, and relishing in moments of quiet and calm.

Pharmacy students who wish to initiate services with Ardith can email her directly.

Todd Colucci is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at CAPS.  Originally from New York, Todd received his Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.) from Regis College in Weston, MA. His professional interests include medication management of mood disorder, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis. Todd also has a Bachelor of Arts in History (B.A.) from the University of Richmond. Outside of CAPS, he enjoys traveling, sports, reading, and spending time with his family and dogs.

Chris is a licensed clinical social worker who works with students at UNC’s Adam’s School of Dentistry. Chris is originally from Greensboro, NC, and received their bachelor’s degree in political science from UNC before completing a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pittsburgh. They are passionate about working with student populations who may be struggling with the stress of high pressure academic programs, and believe strongly that mental health concerns cannot be separated from the social structures in which they arise. Chris is committed to practicing therapy that is genuine, collaborative, and anti-oppressive. Outside of work they value family and creative pursuits. Dentistry students who wish to initiate services may do so by emailing Chris directly.

Sophia (she/her/they/them) is a clinical social worker and a part of the Multicultural Health Program at CAPS. Originally from Chapel Hill, NC, Sophia received a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Chicago. Sophia’s professional interests include, LGBTQ+ community, identity and intersectionality, HIV/AIDS, first-generation immigrant experiences, trauma and survivorship, relationships, and transitions. Sophia uses an integrative approach to psychotherapy informed by interpersonal, strengths-based, cognitive-behavioral, harm reduction, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive perspectives. Outside of CAPS, Sophia enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and cooking.

Dave DeVito is a clinical social worker and the Bounce Back Coordinator at CAPS. Originally from Orange County, CA, Dave received his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English from Duke University and his Master’s of Social Work (M.S.W.) at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Dave has an interest in a wide range of presenting concerns and populations (including couples). He has more extensive experience working with students who are contending with symptoms of depression and anxiety, have experienced loss, or are facing a challenging transition in their life. Dave uses a variety of approaches with students including cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal models. He is strongly influenced by post-structural therapies including solution focused and narrative therapy. Outside of CAPS, Dave enjoys watching sports, spending time with my partner, cat and friends, grilling, and gardening.

Carolyn Ebeling is the CAPS embedded counselor for the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media. They received a bachelor’s degree in English from UNC and a master’s of social work from UNC’s School of Social Work. Their professional interests include working with issues surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community, family of origin challenges, relationships and life transitions, among many others. Carolyn strives to create a warm and non-judgmental space for students to explore their thoughts and feelings. They are passionate about anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices and believe that intersectional identities are an essential part of therapeutic work. Their work is informed by dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strengths-based and trauma-informed practices. Hussman students who wish to initiate services may do so by emailing Carolyn directly.

Dr. Raisa El-Kurdi is a Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner with CAPS and a residency preceptor for the PGY1 Community-based pharmacy residents with Campus Health. Originally from Northern Virginia, Dr. El-Kurdi received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemistry from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA and received her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School Of Pharmacy. She completed her PGY-1 residency with the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy and Campus Health in Chapel Hill, NC. Dr. El-Kurdi specializes in drug therapy management and her professional interests include drug therapy management, pharmacogenetics, and immunizations. Outside of CAPS, she enjoys traveling, reading, baking, spa days, coffee and time with family and friends.

Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She is from Siler City, NC, about 45 minutes west of Chapel Hill. Nicole earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, along with a certificate in Systemic Multicultural Counseling. Nicole also completed her bachelor’s degree at Appalachian State University.

Nicole served as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural communities of Guatemala and is fluent in Spanish. She enjoys working with clients who need support in self-exploration and developing their identity. Nicole primarily utilizes a person-centered approach and cognitive restructuring to help clients challenge maladaptive thought patterns and work toward overall wellness.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her wife and dog, taking care of her backyard chickens, mowing the grass, gardening, playing video games, watching telenovelas and anime, and working on her dissertation.

Dr. Gates is a psychologist with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and an M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs, both from the University of Iowa. She provides individual, group, and couples therapy using interpersonal and emotion-focused approaches to help clients address challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. With advanced training in couples therapy, Dr. Gates focuses on improving communication and emotional connection within relationships.

She is passionate about working with clients from culturally diverse backgrounds and strives to approach each client’s unique identities with humility and openness.

Outside of work, Dr. Gates enjoys reading, exercising, camping, and spending time with loved ones.

Hannah George is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA). Hannah earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Master in Social Work (M.S.W) from the University of Michigan. Hannah’s professional interests include, first-generation college students, transitions, athletic concerns, and working with clients from culturally diverse backgrounds.

Hannah uses a person-centered and strength-based approach drawing from motivational interviewing techniques to meet the needs of each of her clients.

Outside of CAPS, Hannah enjoys hanging out with friends, trying new restaurants, traveling, reading, dog sitting, and physical activity.

Rachel is originally from Worcester, MA and attended Smith College School for Social Work.

Dr. Ilana Krakauer is a psychologist and the Assistant Coordinator of Training for the Doctoral Internship at CAPS. Dr. Krakauer received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) of Psychology from Haverford College and her Master of Arts (M.A.) as well as her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in women’s and gender studies from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Her professional interests include working with students around issues of identity, relationships, and life transitions (including coming out as LGBTQ, transition to parenthood, and moving between cultures). She also serves on CAPS’ psychology training committee to implement our pre-doctoral psychology internship and other training programs and provides clinical supervision and training in this capacity.

Dr. Alexis Leca is a psychologist at CAPS. Originally from Fayetteville, NC, she received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She graduated with her Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) from William James College near Boston, MA.

Dr. Leca’s professional interests include multiculturalism and identity, first-generation college students, LGBTQIA+ community, sexual assault and relationship violence, anxiety, depression, grief, and military families. She uses an integrative approach to meet the unique needs of each student, drawing from interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, trauma-informed, expressive arts, and strength-based models.

Outside of CAPS, Dr. Leca enjoys going to the beach, watching movies/TV, karaoke, traveling, concerts, drawing, and spending time with family and friends. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Maya is a rescue puppy being trained to be a therapy dog with Off Leash K9 Training. Depending on the need, Maya can sit with a client and provide comfort, or she can provide pressure if someone is feeling anxious or stressed. Maya works with Avery Cook, the Director for CAPS.

When Cook adopted Maya, she recognized Maya’s good temperament and thought she’d do well as a therapy dog.

Maya began her training in fall 2016 and has been working at CAPS beginning spring semester 2017.

Elizabeth (Liz) McInerney is a psychologist at CAPS. She is from Chapel Hill and received her BA in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill and a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami. Her professional interests include: anxiety (climate, generalized, phobia, insomnia, social), stress-related concerns (academic, burnout), and relational concerns (attachment, grief, life transitions). Liz draws upon Narrative Therapy and Psychodynamic Theory, attuned to cultural context, as the foundation to her clinical work. In her personal time, Liz enjoys listening to music, drinking espresso, practicing yoga and qigong, and being in her garden.

Elizabeth McIntyre is a clinical social worker and a referral coordinator. Originally from Chapel Hill, NC, she received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from Appalachian State University and her Master’s of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Elizabeth’s professional interests include transitions, first-year students, international students and those presenting with sex/relationship concerns. Elizabeth uses an relational and eclectic approach to meet the differing needs of each client, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and interpersonal models.

Outside CAPS, Elizabeth enjoys hiking, laughter yoga, traveling and playing with her dog. Elizabeth is a self-proclaimed foodie.

Janie Cole earned her B.A. in Sociology and Women’s Studies from Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC. She received her Master of Social Work from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her professional interests include relationship concerns, identity development, needs specific to the LGBTQQIA+ community, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Janie’s approach to therapy has been impacted by feminist, critical race and queer theory. Her work is informed by a dialectical-behavioral framework and she often incorporates expressive arts and journaling techniques into sessions. When working with students, Janie has a person-centered and strengths-based perspective in order to meet each client’s unique set of needs.  Outside of CAPS, Janie enjoys spending time baking, reading and connecting with loved ones. She also delights in going paddle boarding or getting out to the woods for a camping trip.

Misha is a clinical psychologist at CAPS. She also completed her doctorate and M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL, and received her B.S. in Health Sciences and Psychology from the University of Miami. Misha aims to build collaborative and meaningful relationships with clients by providing an accepting and empathic space. She works with clients using an integrative approach grounded in a relational psychodynamic framework, meaning that she focuses on both my clients’ relationships and her relationship with clients. She also incorporates aspects of cognitive-behavioral and emotion-focused therapy. Additionally, she always keeps in mind any multicultural aspects or identities that are important to her clients. Misha’s professional interests include working with clients from a South Asian background and with individuals who have a history of trauma. Outside of CAPS, Misha enjoys swimming, kickboxing, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Vitina Monacello is a licensed clinical social worker who works with students at UNC’s School of Social Work. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, they received their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of Dayton and their Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from Columbia University. Vitina’s professional interests include addressing social determinants of health, particularly expanding access to quality of care, and the actualization of human rights. She partners with students to practice therapy that is authentic, anti-oppressive, and affirming. Vitina utilizes an integrative approach to psychotherapy and draws primarily from a relational and psychodynamic framework. Social Work students who wish to initiate services may do so by emailing Vitina directly.

Dr. Leslie Montana is a psychiatrist at CAPS. She grew up in Chapel Hill, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Spanish at Emory University and her MPH (Maternal and Child Health) and MD degrees at UNC – Chapel Hill. Dr. Montana believes in taking a holistic approach to healing, including but not limited to medication management. She loves travel, anything food related, Cuban dance, and all things outdoors. She also facilitates the Nature Rx group through CAPS.

Originally from:  Matthew is Originally from the Gainesville, FL.

Professional/Educational Background: He has a MSN in Psychiatric Nursing and experience as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in private practice and clinical research.  He has worked as an RN in in-patient psychiatric wards, crisis stabilization, ECT, and medical-surgical floors.  He has also worked with University of Florida’s Arts and Medicine, providing sex ed in public schools. He has a BS in Nursing and a BA in Anthropology.

Favorite Book/Movie: He enjoys all of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series.

Hobbies/Sports:  Matthew enjoys cooking, being outside, mountain biking, movies, games, and scuba diving.

Interesting Facts: He once rode a motorcycle around southern Africa and he enjoys the topic of Men’s Work.

Melissa Saunders is a clinical social worker and the Assistant Director for Clinical Services at CAPS. Originally from Virginia, she grew up in Chapel Hill and received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Music from Yale University, her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Virginia, and her Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) with a concentration in mental health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Melissa’s professional interests include emerging adulthood, ADHD, crisis work, complex trauma, dialectical behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction.  She enjoys working with students around a variety of issues, including adjustment and transition, anxiety, career/life goals, depression, grief/loss, identity, interpersonal problems, substance abuse, and trauma. Melissa uses an eclectic approach in working with students, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, interpersonal, and other traditions to meet the unique needs of each of her clients.  Outside of CAPS, she enjoys music, dancing, hiking, gardening, spending time with family and friends, and parenting her teenage Australian Shepherd.

Dr. Erinn Scott is a licensed psychologist at CAPS. Originally from Ohio, she received her Bachelors of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from Ohio University. She also has a Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Community Counseling and a Masters of Psychology (Psy.M.) from Wright State University. Dr. Scott graduated with her Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) from Wright State University’s School of Professional Psychology in 2013.

Prior to joining CAPS, Dr. Scott has worked within a variety of settings including community mental health, inpatient, and educational. Her professional interests include student adjustment, anxiety, depression, gender identity, cultural identity, and women’s issues. Dr. Scott uses interpersonal and biopsychosocial approaches to meet client needs.

In her free time Dr. Scott enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughter, reading, shopping, and volunteering.

Zoe Silverman received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the George Washington University and her Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the University of Michigan. As a therapist, Zoe strives to empower her clients by focusing on their strengths and resilience. She also acknowledges how culture can inform perceptions of mental health, so she embraces intersectional identities as an essential part of her practice. In her spare time, Zoe enjoys practicing yoga and being outside. In non-COVID times, Zoe is an avid improv comedy player with experience from the Second City in Chicago, Washington Improv Theater, and Pointless Brewery and Theatre. Zoe is an embedded therapist with Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Students in that academic program can initiate services with Zoe by emailing her directly.

Ayauna Sumpter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate a part of the Multicultural Health Program. Originally from Durham, North Carolina, Ayauna received her Bachelor of Social Work from East Carolina University and her Master of Social Work from North Carolina Central University. Ayauna has spent many years supporting adolescents, young adults and families in various settings such as public schools, mental health and substance abuse crisis centers and private practice spaces. Ayauna’s professional interests include working with the LGBTQIA+ community, depression, anxiety, attachment and relationship concerns as well as highlighting the importance of a body mind approach. She believes in cultivating safe spaces for under served communities with hopes of providing accessible and acceptable mental health support to those individuals. Outside of CAPS Ayauna enjoys nature walks with family and friends, exploring new bookstores, coffee shops and restaurants. 

Dr. Farhad Syed is a clinical psychologist and is staff on the Multicultural Health Program (MCHP) team at UNC CAPS. Farhad received his Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) in Clinical Psychology and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Farhad also received his B.S. in Psychology from Stony Brook University, located in New York. Farhad has extensive experience working with college-going individuals, as he completed a fellowship in university mental health from Yale University, and completed his pre-doctoral internship in university mental health from the University of Conneticut in Storrs, CT.

Farhad has an interest in working with college students from a variety of marginalized backgrounds with specific interest in Asian/Arab/African and related ethnic backgrounds. He has specific clinical interest in working with students that have concerns regarding anxiety, depression, self-concept issues, religion/spirituality issues, adjustment issues, personality disorders and others. Farhad’s clinical approaches include specifically attuned care to the client’s diverse experiences with emphasis on exploring the client’s emotional and relational experiences. Farhad has been extensively trained in Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and psychodynamic therapy and utilizes these two approaches in tandem to facilitate psychotherapeutic change.

Farhad is excited to provide workshops and psychoeducation and seeks opportunities to support students in this. Outside of work, Farhad enjoys spending time with his family, reading, cooking and enjoying new foods (he loves restaurant recommendations!)

Tora Taylor-Glover is a clinical social worker and works with students at the Carolina Law School as part of the CAPS Embedded Counselor Program. Originally from Thomasville, North Carolina she received her B.A. in Sociology from UNC Chapel Hill, and her Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from North Carolina State University. Tora enjoys working with a variety of populations and presenting concerns including trauma, adjustment disorders, depression, and anxiety. As a social worker, she has strong interest in increasing access for historically and systemically underrepresented populations and encouraging generational healing. Tora uses a variety of approaches with students including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive, behavioral, crisis intervention, and interpersonal models. Outside of CAPS, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, listening to music (primarily Prince), watching sports, and having quiet reflection time. Students in the School of Law how are interested in initiating services with Tora can email her directly.

Dr. Anthony Teasdale is a psychologist at CAPS.  Prior to arriving at CAPS, he worked at university counseling centers in Maryland, Texas, Florida, and Ohio.  Originally from Mt. Vernon, NY, he received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology, with a minor in African-America Studies, from The University of North Carolina at Wilmington.  He received a Master of Arts (M.A.) and a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counseling Psychology from The University of Maryland at College Park.  Dr. Teasdale practices from a use of self, interpersonal process approach and believes in a focus on strengths. He also loves using Internal Family Systems (IFS) and creativity/artistic based approaches in therapy. His professional interests include group therapy, identity development, self-compassion, men and masculinity, healing trauma, family of origin concerns, diversity and multicultural issues, supervision and training, career development, and working with college student populations.  Outside CAPS, Dr. Teasdale enjoys watching sports (especially the LA Lakers), being with family and friends, movies (especially Star Wars), playing tennis (badly), and travel (having been to 84 countries and all 50 U.S. states).

Ché Wells is originally from Des Moines, IA. Ché has many years of managerial experience and has received awards for her distinction, leadership, and teamwork over the years. Outside of work she enjoys the comforts of her own home with family, watching tv, traveling, thinking she can sing, dancing, and trying new foods. Ché finds working with the CAPS team to be rewarding through colleague and student interactions.

Danielle Oliveira-Weidner is a clinical social worker at CAPS. Originally from New Jersey, she received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English Literature and Journalism from Montclair State University. She graduated with her Master’s in Social Work (M.S.W.) from Montclair State University. 

Danielle’s professional interests include faith and spirituality, working with the Latin community, multi-racial identities, immigration, trauma, disordered eating, and difficult relationship dynamics. She uses an eclectic approach to meet the unique needs of each student, drawing from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), internal family systems theory (IFS), psychodynamic therapy, and somatic experiencing.

Outside of CAPS, Danielle enjoys weightlifting, watching movies, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Marie Willis is an administrative support associate in CAPS. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, she attended North Carolina A&T State University and received her Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Business Administration from Elon University. Outside of CAPS, Marie enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, church activities, cooking, crafts, traveling and meeting new people.

Dr. Mil Witt is a psychologist, the Assistant Director and Psychology Training Coordinator (Training Director), and the current psychology practicum coordinator at CAPS. She serves on the CAPS training committee and provides training and clinical supervision to M.A. and doctoral-level trainees. Originally from New York, Dr. Witt received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Hunter College and her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the City University of New York. Dr. Witt’s professional interests include working with anxiety, adjustment/life transitions, cultural identity, academic achievement, crisis intervention, training and supervision, and spirituality. Passionate about working with students both individually and in groups, Dr. Witt uses an integrated approach to therapy, infusing multicultural, interpersonal, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral interventions into her work. She also enjoys incorporating creativity, therapeutic writing, and mindfulness meditation practices when working collaboratively with students. On campus, Dr. Witt is a member of the Carolina Black Caucus and a former member of the Mindful UNC steering committee. She is also a certified teacher and trainer with the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults (formerly Koru Mindfulness). Outside CAPS, Dr. Witt enjoys tennis, dancing, musicals, crocheting, the beach, and spending quality time with family and friends.