Our Staff

Avery Cook is a clinical social worker and the Interim Director of CAPS. Originally from North Carolina, she received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Davidson College and her Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) with a Concentration in Mental Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She 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, Avery takes an eclectic approach, utilizing a variety of approaches based on what best meets the needs of the clients. Outside of CAPS, she enjoys being outside, either hiking or biking, reading, and time with family and friends.

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.

Originally from: Elizabeth is originally from Kansas City.

Joined Campus Health: July 2020, Joined CAPS July 2021

Professional/Educational Background: Elizabeth is a graduate from University of Missouri – Kansas City.

Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?  Her mentor and faculty advisor, Dr. Valerie Ruehter.

Hobbies/Sports: She enjoys exploring new restaurants and breweries. She also enjoys cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

Dr. Elizabeth Christensen is a psychologist at CAPS. Originally from Baltimore, MD, she received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology from Kenyon College and her Master in Science (M.S.) and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. Dr. Christensen specializes in group and individual psychotherapy with students experience a wide range of concerns, with a particular interest in working with students around issues of identity development, trauma, interpersonal/relationships issues, body image, depressed mood, and life transitions. Dr. Christensen uses an eclectic approach that relies heavily on establishing a strong therapeutic alliance and is tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.  Outside CAPS, she enjoys painting, playing volleyball, traveling and watching documentary films.

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.

Christine Crowther is a social worker at CAPS who works primarily with students at the School of Medicine. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina she received her B.A. in Political Science from UNC Chapel Hill, and her Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) with a Concentration in Mental Health from the University of Pittsburgh. Christine enjoys working with students from a wide variety of backgrounds on issues including adjustment to medical school, managing anxiety, imposter syndrome, depression, and identity development. As a social worker, she has a strong interest in how institutions and social structures impact individuals and mental health. Christine uses a variety of treatment approaches including Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and interpersonal approaches. Outside of CAPS, she enjoys cooking for friends and family, hiking and swimming, and reading novels.

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.

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.

Jo is a clinical social worker and referral coordinator at CAPS. Originally from Arizona, Jo received her BA in Political Science from the University of Minnesota and her Masters of Social Work (MSW) from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her professional interests include adjustment, relationship concerns, identity development, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Jo tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the needs of clients, and her work is informed by cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Outside of CAPS, Jo enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, coffee, novels, hiking, and traveling to see extended family.

Faye Hobgood is a clinical social worker and a part of the Multicultural Health Program at CAPS. Originally from Maryland, she received her Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) from Bennett College for Women and her Master of Social Work degree (M.S.W.) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With an authentic style that embodies collaboration and empowerment, Faye uses an eclectic approach that draws from self-compassion, psychodynamic, interpersonal, and cognitive behavioral frameworks to meet clients’ individual needs. Faye enjoys working with a variety of presenting concerns including adjustment/life transitions; depression; anxiety; interpersonal concerns; racial identity development; first-generation college student issues; faith/spirituality; and values work. Outside of CAPS, Faye enjoys spending time and sharing meals with family and friends, music, reading and kayaking in the warmer months.

Rachel is a clinical social worker at CAPS. Originally from Massachusetts, Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from Goucher College and her Masters of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the Smith College School for Social Work. Her professional interests include cultural humility, mindfulness, and the treatment of trauma. Rachel enjoys working with students around a variety of issues including adjustment / life transitions, identity development, relationships, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Rachel’s work is informed by psychodynamic and relational perspectives. Outside of CAPS, she enjoys spending time outside, reading, and visiting friends and family.

• Joined CAPS: November 2021
• Originally from: Kentucky
• Professional/Educational background: Brittney has a certificate of Medical Coding received from Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, Ky
• Pets: 2 cats – Binx and Gremlin and loves all animals
• Hobbies/Sports: Brittney recently got back into art. She loves painting landscapes. She also enjoys playing and watching basketball.
• Work influence: Mother. She was a single mother who devoted herself to working hand and still providing Brittney with needed care.
• Work accomplishment: A project completed before leaving her previous job
• One thing most people don’t know: “My age. Everyone things I’m in my 20s.”

Wendy Kadens is a clinical social worker at CAPS, Originally from New York City, she received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Vassar College, her Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Columbia University, and her Master's of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Wendy's professional interests include adjustment and resilience, grief and loss, and chronic illness. According to Wendy, her approach adjusts to meet the needs and perspectives of the student that she works with. She combines aspects of mindfulness, acceptance, and exploration of how we come to be who we are. Outside CAPS, she enjoys cooking and eating, time with her family, and being a professional homebody/staycationer.

Dr. Ilana Krakauer is a psychologist and the Interim Assistant Director for Psychology Training 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. Dr. Krakauer specializes in psychotherapy with students experiencing a wide range of concerns, with particular experience and interest in 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’ training committee to implement our pre-doctoral internship in Clinical Psychology and other training programs, and provides clinical supervision and training in this capacity.

Amy Leach is a clinical social worker, one of the referrals coordinators, and the Assistant Coordinator of Training for Social Work Practicum. Amy received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from Alfred University and a Master's of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Her professional interests include crisis intervention, depression, and relational concerns. Amy works collaboratively with clients and embraces a strengths-based perspective.

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, and Licensed Clinical Social worker 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 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.

Dr. Leslie Montana is a psychiatrist at CAPS. Originally from New Haven, CT, she grew up in Chapel Hill and has since relocated to Carrboro. Dr. Montana received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in French and Spanish at Emory University and her MPH (Maternal and Child Health) and MD degrees at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. She completed her residency at UNC Hospitals. Dr. Montana believes in taking a holistic approach to healing, including but not limited to medication management, with the aim of finding balance in life. Outside CAPS, she enjoys spending time with her family, international travel, and cooking.

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. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and the Association of Black Psychologists.

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.

Dr. Anthony Teasdale is a psychologist at CAPS.  Prior to arriving at CAPS, he was a staff psychologist in Counseling & Wellness Services at Wright State University in Dayton, OH.  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, eclectic approach and believes in a focus on strengths. His professional interests include identity development, self-compassion, diversity and multicultural issues, supervision and training, career development, and working with college student populations.  Outside CAPS, Dr. Teasdale enjoys watching sports, movies (especially Star Wars), playing tennis (badly), and travel.

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.

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 psychology practicum coordinator, and the interim assistant coordinator for psychology training at CAPS. She also serves on the CAPS training committee and provides training and clinical supervision to Masters 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, spirituality, and behavioral health concerns. Passionate about working with students both individually and in groups, Dr. Witt uses an integrated approach to therapy, infusing multicultural, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral interventions into her work. She also enjoys incorporating therapeutic writing, creativity, and mindfulness meditation practices when working collaboratively with students. On campus, Dr. Witt is a Mindful UNC steering committee member and a member of the Carolina Black Caucus. She is also a Koru Mindfulness Certified teacher. Outside CAPS, Dr. Witt enjoys tennis, dancing, theater, and spending quality time with family and friends.

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.

Jenai Copeland, LCSWA, is originally from New Jersey. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Montclair State University, her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Wesley College, and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Montclair State University. Jenai's professional interests include, but are not limited to, identity development, adjustment, spirituality, multicultural and social justice concerns, grief, trauma, and relationship concerns. She takes a strengths-based perspective in her work and uses a variety of approaches to meet students’ needs including self-compassion, mindfulness, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal models. Outside of CAPS, Jenai enjoys quality time with her loved ones, exploring the great outdoors, yoga, karaoke, and reading.

Carolyn is a Post-MSW Fellow at CAPS. They are originally from St. Louis, MO and moved to Carrboro, NC in 2014. Carolyn received a Bachelor of Arts in English from UNC Chapel Hill and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from UNC’s School of Social Work. Carolyn’s professional interests include substance use, family of origin challenges, LGBTQ+ community, trauma and survivorship, relationships and transitions. Their work is informed by a variety of therapeutic modalities, and they are continuing to learn and grow.

Outside of CAPS, Carolyn enjoys running, reading and spending time with their partner and dog. Their favorite books include suspense and thriller novels.

Evgeniya (Jenya) Fazletdinova, M.A. is a pre-doctoral psychology intern at CAPS. Originally, from Siberia, Russia, she was blessed to experience living in 5 countries (USSR, Russia, Kazakhstan, the UK, and the USA). Jenya received her Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts (B.A. and M.A.) in Linguistics and World Literature with focus on Romance-Germanic languages, culture, philosophy, and literature from Tomsk State University, Russia. Jenya earned her MA in Psychotherapy from Novosibirsk State Technical University, Russia and MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wheaton College, IL. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology at Wheaton College, IL.

Jenya has predominantly received training at university counseling centers and mental health clinics. Jenya specializes in psychotherapy with experience and interest in multicultural and international counseling, identity formation, adjustment, spirituality and existential questions of life, grief, acculturation, and relationship concerns. She enjoys working with international and first-generation students in particular. Jenya integrates different approaches to psychotherapy including humanistic existential, psychodynamic, and emotion focused therapy.

Outside of CAPS, Jenya enjoys traveling, reading, dancing, biking, cooking, spending time with her friends, and appreciating the beauty of this world.

Laura is a pre-doctoral psychology intern at CAPS and a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA. Laura also completed her MA in clinical psychology at Teachers College Columbia University, and her BA in psychology at Syracuse University. Laura aims to create a warm and collaborative therapy space, in which clients feel supported and accepted as they explore their current difficulties. Her therapy approach integrates cognitive-behavioral, relational, and psychodynamic theories, while emphasizing a multicultural framework. Laura’s primary clinical interests include anxiety and adjustment, identity development, body image concerns and disordered eating, relationship issues, women’s health concerns, and social justice concerns. In her free time, Laura enjoys reading true crime and mystery novels, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Misha is a pre-doctoral psychology intern at CAPS and a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. She also completed her M.A. in clinical psychology at Roosevelt 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.

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.

Emily is a doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology Psy.D. Program at Springfield College. She received a master’s degree in counseling psychology and bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Kansas. Her professional interests include (but are not limited to): adjustment/life transitions, identity/cultural development, working with the LGBTQIA+ community, trauma and survivorship, and men’s issues. Emily also has a strong interest in and experience working with athletes and performers on both clinical and performance concerns. Emily’s approach to therapy is collaborative between the therapist and student, where each brings their respective expertise to work together to achieve the student’s goals. She seeks to create a safe and open environment for the student to explore their concerns and find ways to cope and enhance their personal strengths. She enjoys spending time with her Australian Cattle Dog (Curtis), watching documentaries, attending stand-up comedy shows, and going to concerts and sporting events.