Our Staff

Avery Cook is a clinical social worker and the Interim 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 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.

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.

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.

Ceara Corry is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and a part of the Multicultural Health Program (MCHP). Originally from Jacksonville, North Carolina, Ceara obtained a Bachelor of Social Work degree from UNC Charlotte. Ceara also earned Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Ceara’s career path has ultimately revolved around a commitment to equitable and accessible care, and a passion for sexual health and wellness. This path has led Ceara to many transformative experiences in child advocacy, anti-human trafficking work, sexual health education, sex therapy, and multiple roles in nonprofit organizations.

Ceara enjoys working with diverse populations and her professional interests include gender identity and sexual orientation, sexual health and wellness concerns, relationship or couple’s concerns, and survivors of sexual or other trauma. 

In her free time, Ceara enjoyed spending quality time with her loved ones or curling up with a good book. 

Christine Crowther is a social worker at CAPS who works primarily with students at the School of Medicine. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina they received their B.A. in Political Science from UNC Chapel Hill, and their 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, they have 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, they enjoy 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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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. 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.

Originally from: Boone, North Carolina

Professional/Educational background: Alexis went to UNC-Chapel Hill for her undergraduate degree, majoring in Chemistry and minoring in History. She then attended the Eshelman School of Pharmacy for Pharmacy School. 

Family: Alexis' husband is named Tyler and they have a cat, Poppy. She also has the rest of her family back in Boone including her Mom, Dad, and brother.

Hobbies/sports: She loves to be outside! She tries to go for a walk or run every day. Alexis also loves hiking, exploring new places in the triangle area, reading, and watching football and basketball. 

Pets: Alexis has a COVID kitty named Poppy who loves to make herself known on Zoom calls.

Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work? A preceptor from her early immersion experiences, Lana Crona, taught Alexis to be confident and caring in patient care.

What's a work related accomplishment that you're really proud of? Matching to a pharmacy residency at her favorite place - UNC!

What's one thing most people don't know about you? Alexis loves music - pretty much any kind. At a spontaneous concert that a friend took her to, she was able to dance onstage with the Beach Boys. 

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 and bringing creativity into therapy. His professional interests include group therapy, 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 (especially the LA Lakers), being with family and friends, movies (especially Star Wars), playing tennis (badly), and travel (having been to 61 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.

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.

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.

Hank is a doctoral candidate in the Counseling Psychology PhD program at Tennessee State University (TSU) and a doctoral psychology intern at CAPS. He received his M.S. in Counseling Psychology from TSU and his B.A. in Psychology from Ashland University; where he attended on a football scholarship. Hank’s professional interests and experience include, but are not limited to, athletics, both clinical and performance, adjustment, transitions, anxiety, identity and depression. With an integrated use of cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, Hank’s approach to therapy is creating an open and safe space that assists students in working towards the best version of themselves. Outside of CAPS, Hank enjoys nature activities, sporting events, traveling and hanging with friends.

Beth Curran is a clinical psychology doctoral intern at CAPS, and a doctoral candidate in Clinical Psychology at Spalding University in Louisville, KY. Beth received their Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA, and their Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University in Louisville, KY. They utilize psycho-dynamic, interpersonal, and ACT therapies, with a trauma-informed, feminist, and social justice lens. Within their work, Beth strives to incorporate cultural humility and respect. Beth’s clinical interests include topics of identity, working with the LGBTQIAA+ community, navigating difficult adjustments, healing from trauma, identifying strengths, and elevating personal empowerment. Outside of CAPS, Beth enjoys spending time in nature, taking care of animals, and drawing. 

Markera is a doctoral psychology intern at CAPS and a doctoral candidate in Clinical Community Psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also completed her M.S. at Illinois and received her B.A. in Psychology and in French from Franklin and Marshall College. Markera values a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy and aims to be responsive to clients’ identities, sensitivities, and societal context. She understands people’s concerns not only as individual-level challenges, but also as experiences shaped by larger social, environmental, and/or systemic factors that may be helpful to consider. Markera works with clients using an integrative approach that is mostly grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy, meaning that she helps clients to recognize how their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are separate, dynamic, and changeable pieces of their experience. She also incorporates aspects of mindfulness, interpersonal therapy, feminism, intersectionality, and a framework of radical healing into her work. 

Johannil is a doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) program at Adler University, Chicago, IL. She completed her M.A in art therapy and counseling at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and received her bachelor’s degree in art from Berea College. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC). Johannil is dedicated to building an accepting space where clients can discover more about themselves, explore ways to create a functioning relationship with the self and others, and live more authentically. She takes a collaborative approach where she works alongside clients to reach their desired goals. Johannil offers art-based/creative expression in therapy and considers how social, cultural, and other identity factors influence clients' experiences. Her professional interests include working with Black/African American and Latinx individuals, clients with a history of racial and sexual trauma, and clients with concerns around biculturalism and acculturation. Johannil also has experience providing bilingual (English and Spanish) mental health services to individuals. She uses an integrative approach grounded in a humanistic framework, pulling from person-centered, critical psychology, and feminist therapy. As a socially responsible practitioner, she actively engages with clients in therapy from a trauma-informed, intersectional, and relational lens. Outside of CAPS, She is a professional photographer, creates art, enjoys visiting art galleries and museums, dancing to Afro-Latin music, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.