Counselors and Team
DERRICA BATTLE (she/her): DOCTORAL COUNSELING INTERN
Derrica 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. She received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and her Bachelor of Science in
Psychology at the University of Tennessee.
Her passion for advocacy has made her committed to creating positive change and empowering individuals by serving as a voice for those who may not have one. Through her work, she seeks to challenge societal norms and systems that perpetuate inequality and discrimination and to advocate for policies and practices that prioritize the well-being and mental health of all
individuals.
With a background in counseling and a deep understanding of human psychology, Derrica provides a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and
experiences. Through evidence-based therapeutic techniques and a client-centered approach, she works collaboratively with each individual to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and goals. Derrica is experienced in working with a diverse range of populations and presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship
issues. Her goal as a therapist is to empower clients to discover their inner strengths, cultivate resilience, and embark on a journey toward greater self-awareness and well-being. She is
dedicated to fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and respect and is honored to support her clients on their path to healing and personal transformation.
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.S., Psychology, The University of Tennessee
- B.S., Public relations, minor in Marketing, The University of Tennessee
A Few of My Favorites:
Traveling the world, fashion, attending concerts, and amusement parks!
MARISOL GARCIA-SANDOVAL (she/her/ella): MASTER’S COUNSELING INTERN
Hola and Welcome!
My name is Marisol Garcia-Sandoval and I am a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program here at NC State University. I was born in Michoacan, Mexico and am proudly a first-generation immigrant. Community, Advocacy, and Social Justice are at the forefront of my practice. Coming from an underserved and marginalized background, it is my goal to provide clients with culturally relevant approaches, bridge gaps in language barriers, and ultimately improve accessibility to mental health services.
As a clinician, I utilize a person-centered approach and aim to cultivate a safe
counseling space for individuals to share their story. I have diverse professional
experience and am passionate about working with underserved communities,
victims/survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and substance use. I truly love getting to know clients and supporting them in their journey. I look forward to collaborating and working with you!
¡Hola y bienvenidos!
Mi nombre es Marisol García-Sandoval y soy una estudiante de posgrado en el programa de Consejería Clínica de Salud Mental aquí en la Universidad Estatal de Carolina del Norte. Nací en Michoacán, México y soy orgullosamente un inmigrante de primera generación. La comunidad, la abogacía y la justicia social están al frente de mi práctica. Al provenir de una identidad marginada, mi objetivo es brindar a los clientes enfoques culturalmente relevantes, cerrar las barreras del idioma y mejorar la accesibilidad a los servicios de salud mental.
Como terapeuta, utilizo un enfoque centrado en la persona y mi objetivo es cultivar un espacio de asesoramiento seguro para que las personas compartan su historia. Tengo experiencia profesional diversa y me apasiona trabajar con comunidades, víctimas/sobrevivientes de agresión sexual, violencia doméstica y uso de sustancias. Realmente me encanta conocer clientes y apoyarlos en su camino de salud mental. ¡Espero colaborar y trabajar juntos!
EDUCATION
- Master’s Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, NC State University
- Graduate Certificate in Counselor Education, NC State University
- B.A., Psychology, with a minor in Alcohol and Drug Studies
A Few of My Favorites:
Music: Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Peso Pluma, Lana Del Rey, Rosalía, Los Ángeles Azules, and Grupo Firme
Hobbies: I enjoy traveling with my husband and learning about different cultures. Our favorite places thus far include Greece, Ireland, Copenhagen, and Spain. I love to write poetry and read science fiction.
ANABEL GENAO (she/her/ella): DOCTORAL STUDENT CENTER COORDINATOR
Anabel is currently 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. Anabel recently earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Anabel is originally from Philadelphia, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Crime, Law, and Justice, with a double minor in Women’s Studies and Sociology from the Pennsylvania State University. Anabel’s past experiences in the field include working and volunteering with various nonprofit organizations, serving a myriad of people in need. She has worked with survivors of intimate partner violence, individuals in crises, undocumented immigrants, formerly incarcerated individuals, members of LGBTQIA+ communities, survivors of sexual assault, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Anabel also recently completed her year-long clinical internship at Pearce and Partners Therapy Solutions, PLLC, where her work was centered around helping individuals that cannot afford mental health services. Anabel’s counseling work is primarily focused on adults with concerns related to trauma, anxiety, depression, phase of life issues, intimate relationships, and self-esteem. Anabel approaches her work and research with a multicultural and social justice-focused lens.
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, working out
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
KAYA POLLACK (she/her/hers): MASTER’S COUNSELING INTERN
Welcome in! I’m Kaya Pollack (she/her/hers), and I am a Master’s student in the Clinical Mental Health program at North Carolina State University. My scope of practice is based on multicultural and social justice counseling competencies. Our identities are often the first thing the outside world interacts with, and we should be proud of what we bring to the table.
My main therapeutic approaches are Humanistic/Client-Centered and Existential. I use these modalities to create connection, mindfulness, and a safe space where your therapeutic journey can be comfortable and flourish. A gentle reminder that your therapy journey is unique to you as an individual, so let’s find a pace that feels comfortable!
EDUCATION
- Master’s Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, NC State University
- B.S., Psychology, minor in History, The University of Georgia
A Few of My Favorites:
Music: 80’s and early 2000s music
Hobbies:Thrifting, hanging up anything and everything with Command Strips, and making challah
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.