Board of Directors

Eric Strauss

Eric Strauss is a psychologist in private practice, specializing in couples therapy. He began his career in the Department of Psychiatry at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA, where he directed the family therapy training program and co-authored the book Family Evaluation. He then practiced privately in West Springfield, MA, for 30 years before moving to North Carolina in 2012.

He joined the board in 2016, bringing a clinician’s perspective to discussions. He values Presby Psych’s commitment to providing high-quality treatment to a diverse population and in-service training for its staff, as well as their expertise and focus on trauma treatment that is unique in the Charlotte area.

Eric recently published his first novel, The Right Road Lost. He and his wife Marjorie live in Matthews.

Bill Starr

Daniel Redford

Daniel Redford is a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer and is assigned to the Transit Unit.  He served in the United States Army as a military police officer in this country and in Iraq. After completing his military service, Dan joined CMPD in 2006. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Management at ECPI University. In addition to his police responsibilities, Dan is President of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police where he also sits on the Lodge’s Wellness Committee.

Mental health historically has not been openly discussed among law enforcement officers and support employees. That barrier is beginning to break down with Presby Psych’s partnership with CMPD and the FOP, providing much-needed psychological services to members of Charlotte’s law enforcement community and their families and has earned the trust of many officers.

Dan considers it an honor to join Presby Psych’s Board of Directors. The organization’s integrity, skill, and commitment to first responder mental health is a gift to Charlotte’s law enforcement community. He says, “I am proud to be a liaison between Presby Psych and our officers, retirees, support personnel, and families.”

Alissa King

Alissa King operates AREI Web, a digital design agency in Charlotte, NC. She also has a background in child development and urban education.

She was welcomed as a board member in 2021 and is honored to support Presby Psych’s commitment to making mental health services accessible to all.

Alissa and her two children, Ronin and Irie, enjoy attending local sporting events, caring for their many animals, and all outdoor activities.

Dr. Mary Susan Esther (Banks)

Dr. Mary Susan Esther (Banks) is a physician who is board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine.

She joined the Presby Psych board in 2018 and is passionate about the importance of quality mental health services in the community.

Dr. Esther trained in psychiatry and sleep medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and was a faculty member at Mayo Clinic and the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio before moving to Charlotte.

She has served as Medical Director of Carolina Sleep Services (Atrium Health) and founded the sleep medicine program at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat Associates. Dr. Esther has served as President of the N.C. Academy of Sleep Medicine and was President of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine from 2008-2009.

Her other volunteer interests include participation in outreach programs through Sharon Presbyterian Church in SouthPark.

Catherine Carstarphen, D.Min.

Catherine Carstarphen has been part of the Presby Psych family since 2005. She began her association as a student in the former Carolina Institute for Clinical Pastoral Training and in 2007 became a clinician specializing in spiritually integrative psychotherapy, a position she held until 2023. Now a Board Member, Catherine brings a wealth of clinical, business, and community service experience to her role on the Board.

Dr. Carstarphen obtained her undergraduate degree at Queens University before going on to Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary where she earned a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling. As a therapist, she was appointed to the National Board of Ethics of the Association of Pastoral Counselors. Catherine also is a member of the American Psychological Association and is a certified psychotherapist with The Association of Clinical Pastoral Education. She is a North Carolina Fee Based Practicing Pastoral Counselor.

As a businesswoman, Catherine was the Director of Community Relations at Pharr Mills in McAdenville, NC and is also the Chairperson of the McAdenville Historical Society. Dr. Carstaphen’s community service includes serving as the first Chairperson of the Gaston Literacy Council. She also has been involved with the Red Cross, United Arts Council, Opera Carolina, Gaston Hospice, and Charlotte Actors Theater Boards. Currently, she is on the Board of Gaston Day Board of Visitors. Catherine is a member of First Presbyterian Church, Belmont. She has a daughter, Catherine, and a son-in-law Steve. She enjoys traveling, collecting books and art, astronomy, and acting in plays.

Gretchen Burud Bottrill

Gretchen Burud Bottrill is the Chief Credit Officer for Middle Market Banking at First Citizens Bank.  She supports a national team of professionals who provide credit and other banking services to customers with revenues between $75MM and $1.0Bn. Prior to joining First Citizens Gretchen spent 24 years with Bank of America in a variety client-facing and risk management roles and also served as the Senior Risk Officer for the Energy portfolio at Regions Bank.

Gretchen has a special interest in increasing the accessibility of mental health services in Charlotte, as she was widowed in 2008 and could not find local grief counseling or related services. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church and joined the board of Presby Psych in 2021. She also serves on the board of directors of Veritas Community School in Charlotte.

Gretchen and her husband Mark have four children and are looking forward to grandchildren someday. Gretchen is currently working to support her four horses who enjoy a much better lifestyle than she does.

Brien Blakely