Counselors and Team
KIMBERLY BYRD (she/her): MASTER’S COUNSELING INTERN
Kimberly is a Master’s student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at North Carolina State University. She received a Master of School Administration degree from East Carolina University and her Bachelor of Science in Zoology from North Carolina State University.
Building relationships, advocating, and providing guidance are all skills that she has embodied as an educator and will bring to the therapeutic alliance with clients.
Her therapeutic approach is cognitive behavioral therapy. Life experience shapes perspective. She values her time spent with each client as an opportunity for them to share, evaluate and reflect on their perspectives and experiences. The goal is to walk with clients during their journey and watch as they grow into their best selves.
EDUCATION
- Master’s Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, North Carolina State University
- Master of School Administration, East Carolina University
- B.S., Zoology, North Carolina State University
A Few of My Favorites:
Attending collegiate sports events and traveling with family
ANABEL GENAO (she/her/ella): DOCTORAL STUDENT CENTER COORDINATOR
Anabel Genao is a doctoral student at North Carolina State University, pursuing a degree in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development with a concentration in Counselor Education. She earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. As the Doctoral Student Center Coordinator, Anabel oversees all administrative and supportive services for counseling interns at the Community Counseling, Education, and Research Center (CCERC).
Originally from Philadelphia, Anabel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Crime, Law, and Justice with double minors in Women’s Studies and Sociology from Pennsylvania State University. She brings extensive experience working and volunteering with nonprofit organizations, serving diverse populations such as survivors of intimate partner violence, individuals in crisis, undocumented immigrants, formerly incarcerated individuals, LGBTQIA+ community members, survivors of sexual assault, and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Anabel is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and a National Certified Counselor. Her counseling work focuses on supporting adults with concerns related to trauma, anxiety, depression, phase-of-life transitions, intimate relationships, and self-esteem. Guided by a multicultural and social justice lens, Anabel integrates her clinical practice with her research to advocate for equity and inclusivity in mental health care.
EDUCATION
- Current Ph.D. Student in Counseling and Counselor Education, NC State University
- M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- B.A., Crime, Law, and Justice, with a double minor in Women’s Studies and Sociology, The Pennsylvania State University
A Few of My Favorites:
Musical Artist: Beyoncé
Food: Traditional Dominican food (love Los Tres Golpes for breakfast)
Hobbies: Reading, participating in leadership & mentorship opportunities within my sorority, spending time with loved ones, sometimes succeeding when attempting new recipes
MARIANA GLENN-TOLAND (she/her/hers): MASTER’S COUNSELING INTERN
Hi everyone! My name is Mariana Glenn-Toland, and I am currently a Masters student at NC State in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the College of Charleston. I am originally from a rural part of South Carolina and this fuels my passion for providing accessible services for others. I believe in meeting people where they are, to assist them in doing the work to get where they desire to be.
I strive to create a safe space for clients by using a person centered approach and elements of mindfulness. I possess experience providing support to justice involved individuals and college students, and have a passion for working with members of underserved communities. I am someone who wants to see my clients win and I am committed to walking with you as you figure out what winning looks like for you.
EDUCATION
- Master’s Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, NC State University
- B.S. Psychology, minor in Crime, Law, and Society, The College of Charleston
A Few of My Favorites:
Yoga, reading or listening to audiobooks, coffee shops that serve hot tea or hot chocolate, taking walks in nature, & going to concerts.
MARC A. GRIMMETT (he/him): FOUNDER and DIRECTOR
Marc A. Grimmett, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor, coordinator for clinical mental health counseling, and founder and co-director of the Community Counseling, Education, and Research Center of the counselor education program at North Carolina State University.
His research and scholarship includes preventing male-patterned violence through education, activism, male engagement, and community partnerships. The conceptual framework for his research agenda is titled RADICAL scholarship, which means Research Action to Deconstruct Institutionalized Cultures and Advocate for Liberation.
Dr. Grimmett holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of South Carolina Counseling and Human Development Center, where his training focused on multicultural counseling, marriage and family therapy, substance abuse counseling, and sexual trauma. He is a licensed psychologist with over 21 years of professional mental health experience working in different settings including university counseling, community mental health, and substance abuse treatment, as well as in-home counseling and private practice.
EDUCATION
- Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, University of Georgia
- M.A., Community Counseling, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Licensed Psychologist, North Carolina
- Health Services Provider-Psychologist
A Few of My Favorites:
Sade, Shrimp Étoufeé, United States Women’s National Soccer Team, Interior Design, and Tomato and Herb Gardening, Dressing fresh, Sitting on the porch in the country
HELEN LUPTON-SMITH (she/her): SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW
Helen S. Lupton-Smith, Ph.D., is the Clinical Coordinator for the Counselor Education program at NC State University. She is co-director of the Community Counseling, Education, and Research Center which is part of the Counselor Education program. In her clinical coordination role, Dr. Lupton-Smith teaches the Techniques of Counseling and Practicum classes and helps with the administration and partner outreach surrounding all masters and doctoral clinical courses.
Her research and scholarship has been in the area of violence prevention, conflict resolution and peer mediation in schools, racial identity and ego development of counselors in training, evidenced based practice, and supervision.
Dr. Lupton-Smith has a masters in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from NC State University. She worked as a middle school counselor in New York City and as a counselor in agencies both in Nashville and Raleigh. Before teaching as an adjunct professor and then clinical coordinator in the Counselor Education program at NC State, Dr. Lupton-Smith was an Assistant Professor in the Human Development and Services masters program at NC A&T State University in Greensboro, NC.
EDUCATION
- Ph.D., Counselor Education, NC State University
- M.A., Human Development and Counseling, Vanderbilt University
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, North Carolina
A’LAURE POPE (she/her): MASTER’S COUNSELING INTERN
Hello! My name is A’Laure Pope and I am currently receiving my Master’s at North Carolina State University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I strive to practice and provide an inclusive and multicultural counseling environment for all individuals. As an advocate for minority communities, understanding your beliefs, background, and social influences are important when discussing mental health services.
As a clinician, some of the therapeutic approaches I utilize are Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Based techniques. I aim to help you in challenging your unwanted thoughts and addressing them with solution focused outcomes. Assisting you in overcoming personal challenges and achieving personal growth is my goal!
EDUCATION
- Master’s Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, NC State University
- B.S., Psychology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
A Few of My Favorites:
Food: Baklava, chicken gnocchi from Olive Garden, curry, and sweet potato cornbread.
Hobbies: Hiking, baking desserts, and traveling/sightseeing.
MARIAM SANJAK (she/her): MASTER’S COUNSELING INTERN
Hello, everyone. My name is Mariam Sanjak. I am a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at North Carolina State University. I am deeply committed to prioritizing multiculturalism and social justice in my counseling practice because our identities significantly shape how we view the world, how the world views us, and our experiences. Our identities are powerful and should be embraced and celebrated as they contribute to the uniqueness we bring to the world.
In my therapeutic approach, I plan to integrate Humanistic/Client-Centered Therapy, which values the client’s autonomy and inherent capacity for growth, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. I am dedicated to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients where they can explore their identities and experiences. This commitment is at the core of my practice, ensuring that clients feel secure and comfortable as they work towards positive change.
EDUCATION
- Master’s Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, NC State University
- B.A., Psychology, North Carolina State University
A Few of My Favorites:
I love listening to music, shopping, exploring nature and new places, and hanging out with friends and family
CRYSTAL SCARBOROUGH (she/her): DOCTORAL STUDENT CENTER COORDINATOR
Crystal is a Doctoral-level graduate student at North Carolina State University where she is pursuing her degree in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development with a concentration in Counselor Education. Crystal earned a dual Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Career Counseling from North Carolina Central University and has a dual licensure as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate.
Crystal has a clinical background working in university counseling centers, community mental health, and private practice. Crystal utilizes a Person Centered and eclectic approach, pulling from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Interventions, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Crystal empowers individuals to take ownership of their wellness journey while providing a therapeutic relationship that encourages accountability and collaborative problem solving, through self-exploration and awareness.
EDUCATION
- Current Ph.D Student in Counseling and Counselor Education, NC State University
- M. A., Clinical Mental Health, North Carolina Central University
- M. A., Career Counseling, North Carolina Central University
- B. A., Psychology, North Carolina Central University
A Few of My Favorites:
Hobbies: I enjoy travel, I am a plant mom and enjoy outdoors activities, and I have appreciations for the arts, Photography Music, Theatre, etc.