Sharon Road/SouthPark
5203 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC 28210
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Selwyn Avenue/Myers Park
3009 Selwyn Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28209
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Presby Psych’s clinical team includes individuals from a variety of mental health disciplines, offering us a broad spectrum of theoretical approaches and applied techniques. Our clinicians also are attracted to our non-profit status and to the outreach work we do in the wider community. And they are committed to lifelong learning. Tammie Lesesne and Louis Reed, our senior consultants, enrich the clinical staff with their knowledge and expertise developed over long years of practice. Our support staff keeps Presby Psych’s operations going on a daily basis.
Education: Dr. Jamison earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of Delaware. Her Master of Arts and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology were received from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Jamison completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Temple University’s Tuttleman Counseling Services. She is trained in Critical Incident Stress Management.
Clinical Practice: Before moving to North Carolina, Dr. Jamison coordinated Temple University’s Campus Alcohol and Substance Abuse Awareness (CASA) team and provided individual and group psychotherapy to a diverse student body. She served as the senior consultant for staff and trainees in a walk-in clinic once a week.
In clinical practice, Mandy is experienced in working clinically with individuals who have recent or past histories of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. She has worked closely with those impacted by racial trauma. She uses an integrative, relational treatment approach and is experienced in the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, relational issues, identity concerns, and loss. She has further specialized in the treatment of addiction and has worked with those concerned about their own use, as well as those affected by a loved one’s addiction. Mandy often incorporates meditation into her clinical work and is additionally trained in EMDR through the EMDR Institute.
Educator/Supervisor: While at Temple, Mandy taught seminars for graduate trainees on the assessment and treatment of substance use disorders, the interpersonal process of psychotherapy, and multicultural supervision. She also helped develop a diversity committee focused on enhancing the staff’s multicultural awareness, sensitivity and competency. In addition, she supervised the clinical work of post-doctoral fellows, pre-doctoral interns, and graduate student externs. At Presby Psych, Dr. Jamison previously directed our internship program for graduate students in mental health counseling and social work and has served as coordinator of our mental health program for residents of the YWCA’s Women in Transition Program.
Clinical Team Membership: Mandy is a member of Presby Psych’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Recovery Support and Psychotherapy Team, LGBTQ Sensitive Counseling and Psychotherapy Team, and Trauma Recovery Counseling and Psychotherapy Team.
Location: Dr. Jamison is located at our Sharon Road/Southpark office where she accepts Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance, Cigna, United, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
Education: Ms. Armistead earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Sport Science from Wake Forest University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Delaware. Ashley was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNC Charlotte where she was a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the national honor society in Counseling.
Clinical Practice: Ashley works clinically with adolescents 14 and older, young adults and adults. She is experienced with grief and loss, anxiety and depression, life transitions, trauma, and relationship stress. Her previous work in pediatrics and cardiac rehabilitation helped her gain appreciation for the mind-body connection. Ms. Armistead’s focus on the mutual influence of mind and body led her to found Let Me Run, a nonprofit wellness program for boys that harnesses the power of running to a comprehensive curriculum designed to amplify confidence, self-expression, and respect for others.
Ashley believes that psychotherapy is most successful when she and her client develop an authentic, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship that opens space for the client to cultivate more relational connectedness, self-compassion, and emotional freedom. Working with a client to create an atmosphere in which they are most comfortable, Ms. Armistead may include walking therapy and other physical activities in their time together. Her passion for clinical engagement is fueled by her belief that clients come to psychotherapy, not only with pain and struggles, but with inherent value, areas of resilience, and the capacity to grow. She enjoys working with a spectrum of cultures.
Non-Clinical Experience: In addition to nursing and her leadership in Let Me Run, Ashley also has worked extensively with Roof Above, the new organization formed through the merger of Urban Ministry and Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. In addition, she has been involved with the Appalachian Service Project, an entity that brings over 15,000 volunteers annually to rural Central Appalachia to repair homes for people living in that region.
Clinical Team Membership: Ms. Armistead is a member of Presby Psych’s Trauma Recovery Counseling and Psychotherapy Team; Child, Adolescent & Families Team, and our Spirituality Team.
Location: Ashley practices at our Sharon Road/South Park office where she accepts Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
Education: Ms. Boone earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology at the College of William and Mary. She received a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNC Charlotte where she was a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the national honor society in Counseling.
Clinical Practice: Katie works clinically with young adults, adults, couples and families. She is experienced with the spectrum of mental health issues, as well as with challenging life transitions. Her previous career in corporate marketing and consulting provides her with real-life appreciation for the complexity of career issues and balancing them with family and other relationships. She is passionate about working clinically with individuals, couples and families from the LGBTQ community and with members of other marginalized communities. In all cases, she believes that the therapeutic relationship provides clients with space and support to access internal resources in order to heal and grow.
Clinical Team Membership: Ms. Boone co-chairs the LGBTQ+ Sensitive Counseling and Psychotherapy Team and is a member of the Trauma Recovery Support and Psychotherapy Team.
Location: Katie practices at our Sharon Road/South Park Location where she accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
Education: Mr. Collins earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Elon University and a Master of Social Work degree from the Joint Master of Social Work Program at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro and North Carolina A&T State University.
Clinical Practice: Working with adolescents 18+ and adults, Patrick specializes in treating co-occurring mental health and substance use issues. He believes in an integrative approach to treatment that appreciates the complex interactions between mental, emotional and spiritual health. Prior to joining Presby Psych, Patrick supervised the behavioral health program for a community health clinic for the underserved population in Charlotte, where he worked with a range of co-morbid mental health, substance use and chronic health conditions, and helped launch a medication assisted treatment program for opioid addiction. He has also led individual and group treatment for individuals being released from federal prison with histories of addiction. A former journalist, Patrick uses an array of treatment modalities with his clients to assist them in telling the stories of where they have been, where they are, and where they want to be. He believes strongly that clients are the experts of their own lives, and as a social worker by training, values diversity.
Clinical Team Membership: Mr. Collins chairs our Alcohol and Substance Abuse Recovery Support and Psychotherapy Team. He is a member of the Trauma Recovery Support and Psychotherapy Team and the LGBTQ+ Sensitive Counseling and Psychotherapy Team.
Patrick also serves as Presby Psych’s HIPAA and Good Practice Officer.
Location: Patrick’s office is at our Sharon Road/South Park location where he accepts Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance, Cigna, United Healthcare, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
Education: Ms. Creech earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a minor in Sociology. While in the program, she worked in a research lab focusing on depression treatment and research and graduated with Disciplinary Honors. Ms. Creech went on to earn a Master of Social Work degree from the Joint Master of Social Work Program from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina A&T State University.
Clinical Practice: Katie specializes in working with adults challenged with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues. Her experience includes supporting individuals and their families during challenging times including addiction, life transitions, difficult stressors, grief, anxiety, and depression. Prior to joining Presby Psych she worked in Medicated Assisted Treatment helping those on their journey with Opioid Addiction.
Katie approaches her practice with a person-centered perspective to build genuine therapeutic relationships and to help establish safety and comfort for her clients to express and explore their needs and goals. Katie works from a collaborative and strengths-based approach to help clients feel empowered to make changes towards emotional and mental wellness.
Clinical Team Membership: Ms. Creech is a member of our Alcohol and Substance Abuse Recovery Support and Psychotherapy Team and the LGBTQ+ Sensitive Counseling and Psychotherapy Team.
Location: Katie’s office is at our Sharon Road/South Park location where she accepts Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
Education: Ms. Fadel earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Columbus College of Art & Design and her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNC-Charlotte. She is also a certified Dream Analyst from the Assis Institute: International Center for the Study of Archetypal Patterns.
Clinical Practice: Jennifer works with adolescents, young adults, adults and elders. She also provides Child-Parent Relationship Therapy. Experienced with grief, trauma, relationships and life transitions, her clinical practice focuses on both present and earlier life experiences that may influence their current coping and relating patterns. Early or recent trauma – including childhood or adolescent abuse or neglect – catastrophic loss, medical challenges, and overwhelming grief are central foci of her practice.
Ms. Fadel’s approach is holistic, attending to body, mind, and spirit and she integrates dreams and creative expression into the clinical work. Her belief is that the most effective therapy happens in a safe and confidential relationship between client and counselor.
Non-Clinical Experience: With her background in the arts, Jennifer has found a personal healing process in the arts throughout her career. She has shared that with others through arts outreach programs for UNCC and The Mint Museum, and with disadvantaged children in Mexico. Art has been a constant in her life and she currently continues her long-term project, The Museum of Dream Anthropology, which explores the meaning of archetypes and symbols in the unconscious psyche.
Clinical Team Membership: Ms. Fadel is a member of the Trauma Recovery Support and Psychotherapy team and the Children, Adolescents, Parents & Families Team.
Location: Jennifer is located at our Sharon Road/SouthPark office where she accepts Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
Education: Ms. Fallon earned her Bachelor of Science degree at The Pennsylvania State University in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. During her undergraduate studies, Liz worked in a research lab that focused on clinical psychology, executive functioning and social information processing, and family dynamics within underserved populations. Ms. Fallon then earned her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNC Charlotte and served as the Mental Health Counseling Chair for UNCC’s chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the national honor society in counseling.
Clinical Practice: Liz welcomes teens (12+), adults and families of all genders, races, ideologies and bodies into her practice. She takes a trauma-informed, integrative clinical approach that highlights the rediscovery of client values, deepens the mind-body connection, and assists the client in making meaning of their unique experiences. Ms. Fallon also combines scientifically proven approaches with a creative outlook to help clients heal and grow. Successful counseling or psychotherapy, she believes, is dependent on the creation of a space of trust between client and clinician.
Liz specializes in working clinically with individuals experiencing eating disorders and who struggle with self-worth, and body image concerns. In the past, she served as the clinical lead while working at an eating disorder treatment facility and is skilled in treating the spectrum of eating disorders. Ms. Fallon also focuses on exploring gender, sexuality, and identity development in a safe, non-judgmental space and she is a member of the Charlotte Transgender Healthcare Group.
Clinical Team Membership: Ms. Fallon co-chairs the LGBTQ Sensitive Counseling and Psychotherapy Team. She is also a member of the Child, Adolescent, Parent and Family Team and the Trauma Recovery Support and Psychotherapy Team.
Location: Liz is located at our Sharon Road/South Park office where she accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance, Cigna, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
Education: Ms. Griffin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Wingate University and a Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Winthrop University. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and has completed Levels I and II training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which involves processing trauma held in the body. She is a certified Hypnotherapist as well.
Clinical Practice: Perry works clinically with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She has a particular interest in working with survivors of trauma and is skilled in addressing PTSD, Complex PTSD, and the long-term impact of developmental attachment disruptions. Perry also has experience working with eating disorders.
Perry has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years as an educator and advocate. She previously worked extensively with the Refugee and Asylee populations and is very comfortable working with various cultures and ethnicities. Perry values the unique experiences all individuals bring to their psychotherapy sessions.
Training and Supervision: Perry directs our internship program for graduate students in mental health counseling and social work and also serves as coordinator of our mental health program for residents of the YWCA’s Women in Transition Program.
Clinical Team Membership: Ms. Griffin belongs to our Child, Adolescent, Parents and Families Team, the Trauma Recovery Counseling and Psychotherapy Team, and the LGBTQ Sensitive Counseling and Psychotherapy Team.
Location: Perry is located at our Selwyn Avenue/Myers Park office where she accepts Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance, Cigna, United Healthcare, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
Education: Dr. Jamison earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of Delaware. Her Master of Arts and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology were received from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Jamison completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Temple University’s Tuttleman Counseling Services. She is trained in Critical Incident Stress Management.
Clinical Practice: Before moving to North Carolina, Dr. Jamison coordinated Temple University’s Campus Alcohol and Substance Abuse Awareness (CASA) team and provided individual and group psychotherapy to a diverse student body. She served as the senior consultant for staff and trainees in a walk-in clinic once a week.
In clinical practice, Mandy is experienced in working clinically with individuals who have recent or past histories of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. She has worked closely with those impacted by racial trauma. She uses an integrative, relational treatment approach and is experienced in the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, relational issues, identity concerns, and loss. She has further specialized in the treatment of addiction and has worked with those concerned about their own use, as well as those affected by a loved one’s addiction. Mandy often incorporates meditation into her clinical work and is additionally trained in EMDR through the EMDR Institute.
Educator/Supervisor: While at Temple, Mandy taught seminars for graduate trainees on the assessment and treatment of substance use disorders, the interpersonal process of psychotherapy, and multicultural supervision. She also helped develop a diversity committee focused on enhancing the staff’s multicultural awareness, sensitivity and competency. In addition, she supervised the clinical work of post-doctoral fellows, pre-doctoral interns, and graduate student externs. At Presby Psych, Dr. Jamison previously directed our internship program for graduate students in mental health counseling and social work and has served as coordinator of our mental health program for residents of the YWCA’s Women in Transition Program.
Clinical Team Membership: Mandy is a member of Presby Psych’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Recovery Support and Psychotherapy Team, LGBTQ Sensitive Counseling and Psychotherapy Team, and Trauma Recovery Counseling and Psychotherapy Team.
Location: Dr. Jamison is located at our Sharon Road/Southpark office where she accepts Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance, Cigna, United, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
Education: Mr. Miles earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pastoral Counseling from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Divinity degree from Wake Forest University. He is a board-certified chaplain and educator in the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education. Daniel then received a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UNC Charlotte.
Clinical Pastoral Experience/ CPE Educator/Supervisor: Mr. Miles worked with Wake Forest Baptist Health where he provided individual and group patient care on its inpatient behavioral care unit and in the ICU, inpatient oncology, and orthopedic units. Later, as a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) supervisor at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Daniel provided CPE to interns, residents, and supervisory education students while supporting staff chaplains in patient care. He also worked as Chaplain Manager at Atrium Health University City, offering individual counseling to Atrium staff and patients in the Levine Cancer Center. In addition, he chaired the hospital’s ethics committee.
Clinical Practice: Mr. Miles work clinically with individuals, couples, and families. He specializes in issues such as grief and loss, anxiety, depression, life transition, sexuality, and relationship stress. In working with couples, he does premarital counseling, marriage and relationship counseling, and sex therapy. Daniel primarily takes an existentialist approach, which helps clients uncover significance and meaning in their life experiences. He is also familiar with object-relations therapeutic techniques which help examine attachment patterns developed within one’s family of origin to better understand functioning in current relationships. Mr. Miles provides a safe, non-judgmental space and strives for each of his clients to feel seen and heard.
Clinical Team Membership: Mr. Miles is a member of Presby Psych’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Recovery Support and Psychotherapy Team, LGBTQ Sensitive Counseling and Psychotherapy Team, and Trauma Recovery Counseling and Psychotherapy Team.
Location: Daniel is located at our Sharon Road/South Park office where he accepts United Healthcare/Optum and Carolina Behavior Health Alliance, out-of- network benefits, Aetna, and sliding scale fees.
The Rev’d Dr. Bill Noble is a New York State licensed psychoanalyst and certified for a psychoanalytic practice in New Jersey, formerly a Fellow of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), and a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). He belongs to the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis, the American Psychological Association (Division 39), and for a time a member of the Chinese American Psychoanalytic Association.
Bill is a graduate of the University of the South (Sewanee) 1962, and the General Theological Seminary (1969). He was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1970. Bill is a veteran, with 20 years of service in the U.S. Army chaplaincy. He holds certificates in Pastoral Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Psychoanalysis. He received a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in 2010 from the Graduate Theological Foundation, and served as a member of the Psychoanalytic Faculty of the Blanton-Peale Institute in New York City. Bill was on the faculty of the Chinese American Psychoanalytic Association and now the Tau Fong Shan Spiritual Center in Hong Kong.
Spirituality, faith, and love are important aspects of emotional health, identity, and wholeness. Integrating psychotherapy and spirituality, Bill works with issues of anxiety, depression, compulsive behaviors, problems with relationships, and trauma. As a veteran, trained in psychodynamic theory and practice, he is uniquely qualified to address the pain of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)..
Bill is located at Ellizabeth office and is also available online. He accepts Carolina Behavior Health Alliance, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
Education: Dr. Frawley-O’Dea earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University. She worked in healthcare marketing for seven years. Changing careers, she earned a Master of Arts degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, where she also received a post-doctoral Certificate in Advanced Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Rockland County Community Mental Health Center in Pomona, NY.
Clinician & Executive Director: For more than 35 years, Dr. Frawley-O’Dea has specialized in treating adolescent and adult male and female survivors of developmental trauma, including sexual abuse, and is internationally known for this work. She takes a relational psychodynamic approach to her clinical work informed by trauma theory and contemporary neuroscience. She believes that psychotherapy and psychoanalysis are crafts, combining both scientific principles and artisanship. No two therapeutic journeys are alike. Rather, they reflect the unique interactions of the individuals involved in the processes. Therapists and patients enter a relationship through which, when things go well, “more” becomes possible — more life, more love, more play, more feeling, more thought, more choice, more reflection.
Author, Expert Witness: Mary Gail’s co-authored book, Treating the Adult Survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse, is considered a classic. She also co-authored a book, The Supervisory Relationship, which offered a new, relational model of psychodynamic supervision. She also authored a paper on the psychological and spiritual damage resulting from clergy sexual abuse. After that, she authored Perversion of Power: Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church, an analysis of the Catholic sexual abuse crisis. She has provided expert witness services in legal cases addressing sexual abuse.
Dr. Frawley-O’Dea is or has been on the editorial boards of several professional journals and is a member of the editorial board of The North Carolina Psychologist. She has published more than 50 book chapters, professional articles, and magazine or newspaper articles and has made numerous professional presentations and invited lectures throughout the United States as well as in Canada and Israel. She appeared in the Oscar-nominated documentary film, Deliver Us From Evil, which addressed the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church.
Location: Dr. Frawley-O’Dea works with clients remotely on a HIPAA compliant online platform. She accepts, Aetna., Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance, Cigna, United Health Care, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
Dr. Frawley-O’Dea served as Executive Director of Presby Psych from 2010 to August 2023.
Purchase Books by Dr. Frawley-O’Dea
Perversion of Power: Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church
Predatory Priests, Silenced Victims: The Sexual Abuse Crisis and the Catholic Church
The Supervisory Relationship: A Contemporary Psychodynamic Approach
Treating the Adult Survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Psychoanalytic Perspective
Education: Ms. Robinson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from the University of South Carolina in Social Work, Criminal Justice and Sociology. Karmen received her Master of Social work from Winthrop University.
Clinical Practice: Karmen sees adolescents, young adults and adults. Her experience includes working with individuals with anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, women’s issues and eating disorder. She has specialized training in perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders through Postpartum Support International. This allows her to work with pregnant and postpartum moms. She has also received additional training in eating disorders, including Clinical Approaches to Treating Bulimia and Binge Eating Disorders and Goals for Effective Treatment.
Karmen’s approach is person-centered. She practices from a strengths-based perspective. She believes that you are the expert of your life, and she desires to build a trusting relationship with her clients. She tailors her practice so that she and her clients can work together to reach the client’s desired goals, so that her clients can live their lives to the fullest, for the rest of their lives.
Location: Karmen’s office is at our Sharon Road/South Park office where she accepts Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
Education: Danyell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Virginia Union University, a Bachelor of Social Work degree and a Minor in Criminal Justice Studies from Chatham University, and a Master of Social Work degree from The University of North Carolina Charlotte.
Clinical Practice: Danyell’s clinical practice is centered around her clients. She works with adults, couples, and young adults, always with a deep respect for their unique cultural backgrounds and experiences. Her approach is grounded in advocating for adult mental health, holistic family and community care, and a strong awareness of cultural and diversity issues. She involves her clients in culturally informed interventions, with a particular emphasis on a therapeutic mindfulness practice. Her clinical focus is on trauma-informed therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and compassion-focused therapy.
Danyell firmly believes that we all have the capacity to find solutions to life’s problems. Her role is to collaborate with you as you navigate the changes you are ready to make. She looks forward to fostering empowerment in your work together as you develop and achieve your goals. She applauds you for taking this first step towards healing and feeling better!
Teaching Experience: Danyell is an adjunct instructor and trainer with the University of North Carolina Charlotte’s Master of Social Work Integrative Behavioral Health program. There, she provides instruction on integrative therapeutic care from an anti-racism lens. She also teaches the students mindfulness practice and healthy self-care habits.
Clinical Team Membership: Danyell is a member of Presby Psych’s LGBTQ+ Sensitive Counseling and Psychotherapy Team, and Trauma Recovery Counseling and Psychotherapy Team.
Location: Danyell’s office is at our Selwyn Avenue/Myers Park office, where she accepts Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, out-of-network benefits, and sliding-scale fees.
Education: Dr. Simpson grew up in Danville, VA and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Randolph-Macon College. He then earned a Ph.D. in Community and School Psychology at the University of Tennessee. John completed his pre-doctoral internship at the Little Tennessee Valley Educational Cooperative and the Lakeshore Mental Health Institute in Knoxville, TN.
Clinical Practice: Dr. Simpson worked with Eastover Psychological and Psychiatric Group, Charlotte Behavioral Health Associates and was in private practice before joining Presby Psych. He sees children 7+, adolescents, adults, parents, couples and families. In addition, he serves as a parent coordinator in cases of high conflict divorce. Dr. Simpson is a trained facilitator of SoulCollage and occasionally integrates it in his clinical practice.
As a clinician, John focuses on clients’ impediments to living the lives they desire. He especially attends to the important relationships in clients’ lives and how they affect and are affected by clients’ experiences of and reactions to them. With individual children, adolescents and adults, as well as with couples and families, Dr. Simpson strives to create with clients a safe therapeutic partnership through which wounds can be healed, areas of resilience strengthened, and growth achieved.
Professional Leadership: John has served as a member and chair of the clients’ rights committee at the Carlton Watkins Center and Mecklenburg County Area Mental Health. He is a past president of the Mecklenburg Psychological Association and served two terms on the board of the North Carolina Psychological Association. In 2012, Dr. Simpson received the North Carolina Psychology Foundation President’s Award for his work in developing statewide training for disaster mental health volunteers.
Clinical Team Membership: Dr. Simpson sits on Presby Psych’s Child, Adolescent, Parents & Families Team, and is a member of a consultation group of senior clinicians.
John is located at our Selwyn Avenue/Myers Park and is also available online. He accepts Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance, Cigna, United Healthcare, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
Education: Jessica Smith, MSS, LCSW holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and women’s studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Masters of Professional Studies in legislative affairs from George Washington University, an Executive Certificate in nonprofit management from Georgetown University, and a Masters of Social Service from Bryn Mawr College.
Clinical Practice: Jessica works clinically with adolescents, young adults, and adults. Her practice with clients is grounded in a strengths-based approach and the development of an authentic therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist. She is experienced in trauma, grief and loss, mood disorders, anxiety, and life transitions.
Previous Experience: Prior to joining the Presby Psych team, Smith was a Telemental Health Clinician with Atrium Health’s Behavioral Integration department. Before moving to Atrium, she spent over 3 years as a Clinical Family Social Worker with Charlotte Family Housing (CFH). In this capacity, Jessica worked with families experiencing homelessness, supporting them on their journey towards lifelong self-sufficiency through shelter, housing, supportive services, and advocacy.
From September 2016 to April 2017, she completed her fieldwork at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania’s Well-Baby Nursery in the Obstetrics department. From September 2015 to April 2016, she was placed with Montgomery County’s Housing Resource Center at Carson Valley Children’s Aid where she provided case management for individuals experiencing homelessness and at risk for homelessness.
Prior to attending graduate school, she spent six years developing her operations and project management skills at the Bipartisan Policy Center where she worked as a senior project analyst for their government relations arm.
Location: Ms. Smith’s office is at our Selwyn Avenue/Myers Park office where she accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance, Cigna, Aetna, and out-of-network benefits.
Education: Brendan earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology, simultaneously serving in the Army Reserve. He completed a Master of Arts in Counseling at UNC Charlotte in 2022. He was also a member of the national honor society for counseling, Chi Sigma Iota.
Clinical Practice: Brendan works with clients facing life stage challenges, relationship issues, and anxiety. He also welcomes clients at various stages of substance use recovery. Drawing from evidence- based modalities such as ACT, CBT, and motivational interviewing, Brendan strives to leverage the unique strengths each client brings to treatment. He believes a sound counseling relationship can facilitate meaningful changes in perspective and behaviors. Clients are met with acceptance in an approach based on awareness, practice, and agreed-upon action. Brendan has experience in IOP and PHP programs, and most recently worked in a residential medical detox facility.
Non-Clinical Experience: Brendan transitioned to counseling after a career spent consulting in the information technology field. Along the way he became an active volunteer at the Charlotte Rescue Mission, helping individuals prepare for high school equivalency exams and workforce reentry. He also volunteered at SABER, where he facilitated an update of the computer lab, assisted clients seeking employment, and accompanied new residents on weekly shopping trips.
Location: Brendan is located at our Selwyn Avenue/Myers Park office where he accepts Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, out-of- network benefits and sliding scale fees.
As our Business Manager, Sharon Combs is responsible for all aspects of billing, collecting, and insurance relations. With over two decades of experience in this field, Sharon also engages with our clients to answer account questions and to help them problem-solve issues that may arise. Sharon joined us in 2023 and is a valuable asset to our staff.
Ms. Meadows verifies all insurance benefits for new clients, a vital task that she carries out effectively and with patience and persistence. Charlene has been with us since 2014.
Ms. Penley is the heartbeat of Presby Psych and the first voice clients hear on the phone. Sandi handles all administrative aspects of the practice and the physical plant and we would be lost without her. She has been with Presby Psych since 2001.