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.

Carrington is a PhD student dually enrolled in the Clinical and Social Psychology programs at UNC and is completing a clinical practicum year at CAPS for the 2024-2025 academic year. Prior to being a graduate student, she obtained her B.A. in Psychology and minor in Neuroscience at UNC. Her research combines clinical psychology and social neuroscience approaches to explore neural and physiological mechanisms through which racism-related stress impacts the mental and physical health of Black Americans. Her clinical interests are in evidence-based practices for addressing trauma, multicultural issues, interpersonal issues, and anxiety and depression.  Outside of research and clinical work, Carrington enjoys Target shopping sprees, CrossFit, spending time with family and friends, and listening to podcasts.

Yolanda Yang is a 4th year Ph.D. student in the Clinical Psychology program at UNC Chapel Hill and is completing a clinical practicum year at CAPS for the 2024-2025 academic year. Yolanda grew up in China and moved to the U.S. to attend Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, where she earned dual degrees in Psychology and Politics. After graduation, she worked as a researcher at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio, studying how caregiver-child interactions influence early-childhood development. Yolanda continued her research in parenting at Northwestern University, where she received her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. At UNC, her research focuses on improving the effectiveness of family interventions via digital mental health tools and treatment tailoring. Clinically, Yolanda has been trained in evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She has worked in community mental health settings and private psychological services, serving a diverse range of clients and addressing presenting problems such as Anxiety, ADHD, Specific Phobias, and Behavioral Disorders. Yolanda has also facilitated group therapy for parents, aimed at improving child behavior and managing non-compliance.

At CAPS, Yolanda is dedicated to supporting college students through evidence-based approaches, helping them navigate a range of challenges and promoting well-being in their academic and personal lives. She is passionate about creating a safe and inclusive space where students can explore their goals and work toward a fulfilling life. Outside of CAPS, Yolanda has been committed to community outreach, such as volunteering at the Legal Aid Society to help underserved families access treatment and developing an online parenting program to support parents experiencing stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Claudio was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. He moved to the United States in 2009 and has lived in North Carolina since then. As a Licensed Social Worker who has practiced since 2014, Claudio has worked with diverse communities and organizations in Chile and in the US, practicing since 2014. He joins UNC Chapel Hill as an Embedded Counselor at the Gillings School of Public Health.

Claudio is eager to provide mental health support to the students at UNC Chapel Hill to get to know you. As a therapist, he considers himself a welcoming listener and a generalist counselor. Claudio is open to hearing what you have to say and happy to help you achieve your personal goals. Outside of work, he loves soccer, outdoor activities and video calling his Chilean family and friends. “You can count on me,” Claudio says.

Gillings students who wish to initiate services may do so by emailing Claudio directly.

Kyle Alexander is a clinical social worker at CAPS. Originally from Rochester, NY, 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. His professional interests include working with the LGBTQIA+ community, sexual and gender identity, men’s issues, HIV/AIDS, transitions, relationships, and anxiety.  Kyle operates heavily from psychodynamic, interpersonal, and dialectical behavior therapy frameworks. Outside of CAPS, Kyle likes going to concerts, drinking good coffee, discovering new music, and brunch.

Carmella Asparrin is a doctoral psychology intern at CAPS. She received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from Princeton University and her Master of Psychology (M.Psy.) from George Washington University, where she is a Clinical Psychology doctoral candidate in the Psy.D. program. Carmella aims to take an integrative approach to therapy. Her orientation is psychodynamic at its core, though she also utilizes ACT, CBT, and relational approaches as well to meet students where they are at. Her clinical interests include working with multicultural issues, trauma, the mind-body connection, interpersonal issues, and anxiety and depression. In her free time, Carmella enjoys trying new workout classes, spending time with family and friends, and traveling when possible.

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.

Lainey Butler is a psychology doctoral intern at CAPS. She received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from North Carolina State University and her Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychological Science from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). Currently, she is completing her doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) from UNCW. Lainey aims to create a trusting space for students to explore themselves, their experiences, and the social contexts within which they live. Operating from cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and strengths-based approaches, she works collaboratively with clients towards their individual goals. Her professional interests include trauma, eating and body image concerns, anxiety-related issues, transitions, and working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Lainey has experience in a variety of contexts, including college counseling, community mental health, and intensive outpatient settings. In her free time, Lainey enjoys crafting, petting dogs, and spending time with her loved ones.

Susan Chung is a licensed clinical social worker at CAPS and is part of the Multicultural Health Program (MCHP). Ms. Chung is originally from Taiwan and moved to California when she was 12. Ms. Chung obtained her Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine in 2006, continuing her education and receiving a master’s degree in Public Health – Health Education and Promotion from the University of Southern California in 2009. After working as an outreach coordinator to raise mental health awareness in the Asian community in Oakland, CA for two years, she decided to pursue her master’s degree in Social Work from New York University in 2014 to become a clinician who can provide counseling to people in need.

Since her graduation in 2014, Ms. Chung has created two career paths for herself. One path is to work closely with survivors of violent crime, such as human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence as an advocate and case manager. Another path is to focus on adolescents and young adults at various outpatient settings in providing mental health counseling. After a long soul-searching journey, Ms. Chung has decided to dedicate herself full time as a student counselor at UNC.

Besides her work, Ms. Chung enjoys spending time with her family, enjoying coffee and bubble tea, watching college football, and writing stories – in fact, she wrote a novel about her college experience as a 1.5 generation immigrant. The goals of the novel are to help herself to remember her young days when she is 80-year-old and to invite readers to understand the struggles, the fun and the viewpoint of a 1.5 gen college student.

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.

Corinne Duffy-Strode is a doctoral psychology intern at CAPS for the 2024-2025 academic year. Originally from Canada, she came to the U.S. for college. She received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sports Management and Psychology from Lynn University and earned her Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sport and Performance Psychology from the University of Denver. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver.

Corinne has received clinical training in various settings, including college counseling, hospitals, schools, community mental health, and private practice settings. Her professional interests include disordered eating, anxiety, ADHD, interpersonal concerns, and navigating life transitions. Corinne uses an integrative and individualized approach to her work, incorporating elements from psychodynamic, feminist therapy,, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and relational frameworks.

Outside of CAPS, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her puppy and partner, listening to live music, reading, and traveling.

Tierra Durant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA). Tierra earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work from North Carolina Central University and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Tierra enjoys working with students from diverse backgrounds around a variety of issues including anxiety, adjustments and transitions, relationships, self-image, and academic stresses. Tierra also has professional interest in first generation college students, cultural identity, and emerging adulthood. Tierra uses an eclectic approach drawing from cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, and solution focused therapeutic frameworks, as well as attachment theory, and strengths based perspectives. Outside of CAPS Tierra enjoys quality time with family and friends, traveling, painting and drawing, and listening to music. 

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.

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.

Julia Hergenrother received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis. Julia also is a Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist; she received her LMBT degree from The Healing Arts Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Julia’s work as a massage therapist has led her embraces the importance of the mind-body connection. Julia’s professional interests are depression, anxiety, disordered eating, traumatic experiences and interpersonal conflict. In the past, Julia has worked with older adults. In undergrad, Julia conducted research in at the Clinical Geropsychology Lab at WashU, and last year, she interned for PACE (a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly).  Julia plans to counsel adolescents, young adults and people within the LGBTQIA+ community. In her free time, Julia enjoys macrophotography, going on walks at dusk, spending time with her sister’s cats and trying out different restaurants with friends.

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.

Queenie Lam is a doctoral psychology intern at CAPS. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and is currently a doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology PhD program at Long Island University, Brooklyn. As a second-generation Asian American and child of refugee/immigrant parents, Queenie has drawn from her personal experiences to inform her culturally conscious approach to her work. Queenie enjoys working with students on a variety of concerns, including identity development, anxiety, family and relationship issues, trauma, depression, and academic stress. She primarily draws from psychodynamic, family-systems, and dialectical behavioral therapy approaches and is dedicated to working together with each person to ensure a comfortable and healing space. Outside of CAPS, Queenie enjoys trying new restaurants, playing video games, and spending time with her dog, Tofu. 

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.

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.

Tiffani Paul is a licensed clinical social worker associate (LCSWA). Tiffani earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology from Clemson University and obtained her Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the University of Georgia. Her professional interests include anxiety, stress, college adjustment, relationship concerns (platonic, romantic, and/or familial), and working with clients from culturally diverse backgrounds. Tiffani utilizes a person-centered and strengths-based approach and seeks to meet the individual needs of each student. She draws techniques from different modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Outside of CAPS, Tiffani enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, watching tv/movies, painting, trying different restaurants, and going to the gym.

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.