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Counselors and Team

JODI BERNARD (she/her/hers): MASTER’S COUNSELING INTERN

Hello! My name is Jodi and I am a graduate student in the clinical mental health counseling program here at North Carolina State University. My commitment lies in establishing a counseling space that embraces and celebrates the diversity of all identities, cultures, and backgrounds. My entire aim in counseling is to facilitate a journey towards peace and healing for individuals, taking into account and actively addressing the profound effects of systemic oppression that many may encounter.

My therapeutic approach is a person-centered approach to therapy. My goal is to create a warm, non-judgmental environment where my clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to explore their unique experiences. By fostering a genuine therapeutic relationship, I aim to collaboratively support my clients in their self-discovery and journey towards positive change. Guided by empathy and understanding, I additionally strive to facilitate a process where clients can tap into their own inner resources, paving the way for meaningful and authentic personal development.

EDUCATION

  • Master’s student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, NC State University
  • B.S., Psychology, Eastern Connecticut State University

A Few of My Favorites:

Music: Snoh Aalegra, Lauryn Hill, old classic reggae

Hobbies/ Interest: Traveling to different countries and trying new food, spending time with my love ones and exercising (specifically spinning and yoga).

PENELOPE CHIROLDE (she, her, ella): MASTER’S COUNSELING INTERN

My name is Penelope Chirolde and I am a first year Master student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. As a first generation student in higher education and first generation Latina, I vow to use my experience and identities as a way to connect with my clients and help them navigate through life’s challenges. By helping clients recognize their own strengths and skills, we can work together to develop a plan to meet your goals.

I use a person-centered therapeutic approach in my practice, and am committed to building relationships with my clients founded on trust, respect, and compassion. Together, we will create coping strategies, continue to develop your strengths, and construct healthy boundaries that can support you on your own healing journey. I’m looking forward to meeting you and learning about you! I commend you on your bravery in taking the first steps towards your healing journey. 

EDUCATION

  • Master’s Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, NC State University
  • B.S. Psychology, minor in Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

A Few of My Favorites:

Music: Jorge Ben Jor, Rosalía, Jungle, Frank Ocean, Nu Genea 

Hobbies: I love to read books in my free time (mostly fiction and historical fiction) and practice watercolor! I also enjoy hot yoga and being active outside.

Food: Arepas, pastries, and cafecito 

JAMIE BRADWAY (he/him): MASTER’S COUNSELING INTERN

My name is Jamie and I am a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at NC State. I am lucky to have had the support of the most compassionate, intentional, and supportive cohort and faculty throughout this process. Following their example, I hope to bring that level of care and consideration into all counseling interactions. I am interested in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Relational-Cultural Therapy, and any modalities that feature mindfulness and self-compassion. My goal, however, is to ensure that all clients feel welcome, heard, supported, and acknowledged as the expert on their own emotional lives. 

EDUCATION

  • Master’s Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, NC State University
  • M.L.I.S, (Library and Information Science), NC Central University
  • B.A., Liberal Studies – Religious Studies, University of Montana

A Few of My Favorites:

Music: Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Nina Simone, David Bowie, Courtney Barnett, and pretty much anyone who tells good stories.

Food: Ice cream and chocolate above all, biryani and ramen when sugar is inappropriate

Hobbies/Interests: Sketching/Painting, Bookbinding, Photography, Reading everything, Baseball, and Picking up crafts and abandoning them quickly

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

CAROLINA MESSICK (she/her): MASTER’S COUNSELING INTERN

Hello! My name is Carolina and I’m currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a Latina woman, I strive to dispel the stigma surrounding mental health and provide quality services to otherwise underserved populations (e.g., LGBTQIA and POC). I’m passionate about creating lasting relationships within the community and supporting my clients to reach their full potential.

My main therapeutic approaches are Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral. This means that I work to provide a comfortable, non-judgmental space for my clients to talk about their experiences while also helping them see how their thoughts can influence their emotions and behavior. I ensure that sessions are tailored to my client’s needs in order to help them achieve their goals. My goal as a counselor is to help my clients build upon their strengths and resilience so that they’re able to advocate for themselves and recognize their self-worth. I look forward to working with you and hearing your story!

EDUCATION

  • Master’s Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, NC State University
  • B.A., Psychology, with a minor in Spanish, Meredith College

A Few of My Favorites:

Music: Waterparks, Qveen Herby, Taylor Swift, and MARINA

Movies and Shows: Practical Magic, Ready or Not, The Good Place, The Witcher

Hobbies: Reading, Embroidery, Cooking, and Hiking

ALICE NOVINTE  (she/her): MASTER’S COUNSELING INTERN

Hello! My name is Alice Novinte, and I am a master’s student in NC State’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. As a Black, queer, first-generation immigrant, I am committed to creating a counseling space that is inclusive and accepting of all identities, cultures, and backgrounds. My goal for counseling is to help individuals find peace and healing as best as they can while acknowledging and addressing the impacts of systemic oppression that many face. 

My approach to counseling is integrative and centered on multiculturalism. I believe that each client’s counseling journey is unique, and I strive to create an inclusive and affirming counseling environment that meets the needs of each individual client. 

EDUCATION

  • Master’s Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, NC State University
  • B.A. Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

A Few of My Favorites: 

Books: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Last Night at the Telegraph Club, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Musicians: Regina Spektor, Sufjan Stevens, Charli XCX, Doja Cat 

Movies: It Follows, But I’m a Cheerleader, Hanna, Moonlight, Eve’s Bayou   

Shows: Insecure, Young Royals, New Girl, Outer Banks

Hobbies & Things: writing, reading, makeup, singing, cooking, thrifting, cats, korean fried chicken

BREAN’A PARKER (she/her): CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

Brean’a Parker, Ph.D., NCC is an Assistant Professor for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program and Research Coordinator for the Community Counseling, Education and Research Center (CCERC) for the Counselor Education Program at North Carolina State University. Her research and scholarship is multipronged in that it focuses on the Black womxn and other multiply minortized survivor narratives of interpersonal violence and trauma. Additionally, her scholarship focuses on utilizing narratives of resistance and healing to co-create transformative cultural and trauma responsive counseling praxis and advocacy. Further, her scholarship also includes fostering sustainable anti-racists and anti-oppressive counselor education and training praxis for the next generation of counseling professionals.

Dr. Parker holds a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Georgia where she was trained with an emphasis on feminist and social justice approaches to addressing violence. Dr. Parker is currently involved with research opportunities to support the professional matriculation of underrepresented communities within masters and doctoral counseling training programs.

Dr. Parker has been clinically trained and supervised and holds experience in working in various settings such as community and college campus center as well as at a domestic violence shelter and outreach center.

EDUCATION

  • Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision, University of Georgia
  • M.Ed., Professional Community Counseling, University of Georgia
  • Nationally Certified Counselor

BRITTANY PIEKE (she/her/hers): DOCTORAL STUDENT CENTER COORDINATOR

Brittany 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. Brittany earned her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA. Brittany is a first-generation college graduate and originally from rural Nebraska where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Nebraska- Omaha. Brittany’s past experiences in the field include working in psychiatric residential treatment to help individuals with severe and persistent mental illness work towards independent living in the community setting. She has broad experience working with all ages, and individuals in education, non-profit, rural and private practice settings.

Brittany has experience with ESL learners, Native American populations, at-risk youth, rural populations, LGBTQ+, and trauma survivors. Brittany’s counseling work is with individuals throughout the lifespan who struggle with concerns of trauma, anxiety, depression, phase of life issues, self-esteem, grief, and loss. Brittany’s theoretic approaches her work and research with a multicultural, humanistic, existential, and CBT lens. Brittany utilizes expressive therapies such as play therapy, sand tray techniques and brain spotting techniques. Brittany is passionate about researching Affects of Mental Health in rural agricultural populations, and Preventative Mental Health Care in school settings.

EDUCATION

  • Current Ph.D. Student in Counseling and Counselor Education, NC State University
  • M.Ed, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro GA
  • B.A., Psychology University of Nebraska-Omaha
  • A.A., Behavioral Science, Northeast Community College, Norfolk NE.

A Few of My Favorites:

Musical Genre: 70s and 80s

Hobbies: Traveling around the world to learn and experience new cultures, cooking Midwestern casseroles, and exploring the outdoors.

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

KARIS PRICE (she, her): MASTER’S COUNSELING INTERN

Hello! My name is Karis and I am currently a master’s student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at North Carolina State University. As a clinician, I hope to empower and affirm clients and create a space that facilitates healing and growth. I am dedicated to social justice, passionate about accessibility to care, and servicing communities that have been marginalized, those with marginalized identities, and other diverse populations. Community, advocacy, social justice, and intersectionality are the pillars of the work I have done in the past as well as the work I hope to do in the future. I hope to integrate my passions into counseling work in order to create more inclusive and comprehensive spaces within the field. I am particularly interested in utilizing person-centered, feminist, and choice theories within counseling sessions as well as more traditional theories like CBT. In the counseling space, I aim to create an affirming and safe environment that promotes self-exploration and growth for all clients.

EDUCATION

  • Master’s Student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, North Carolina State University 
  • B.A. Media and Journalism with a minor in Social and Economic Justice, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

A Few of My Favorites:

Music Artists/Genres: Beyonce, Smino, Steve Lacy, Lauryn Hill; alternative R&B, underground hip hop

Hobbies: Binge watching TV shows, spending time with friends, listening to music

Authors: Bell Hooks, Toni Morrison

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.

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