Our Staff

Kimberly S. Gorman: Ph.D, HSP-P, Director/Psychologist (she/her/hers)

Dr. Gorman is a licensed psychologist and earned her Master's and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky. Kim has a special interest in working with women's issues and, specifically, eating disorders, however, has experience working with clients with a variety of mental health issues. She has been involved more recently in research around mental health stigma and utilization of services at college counseling centers. She works from a feminist, interpersonal approach in therapy. Another interest for her is in the area of training and professional development. She has been involved in the training of masters and doctoral level students for nearly two decades.

She is involved nationally with the Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors organization and assists in compiling data from the national survey. She also is on the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS) Board of Accreditation and is an accreditation field visitor. She serves as an Appeal Pool Member for APA's Board of Educational Affairs. Furthermore, she works with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards as an exam item writer for the EPPP-2.

Finally, she enjoys spending time with her husband sitting on their porch, reading a book and looking at the mountains. She also enjoys being active and watching her beloved basketball team in action.

Betsy Aspinwall: Psy.D, HSP-P,  Associate Director/Cllinical Director/Psychologist (she/her/hers)

Dr. Aspinwall is a licensed psychologist who earned her Master's and Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Indianapolis. Betsy has a special interest in working with students with minoritized identities and enjoys providing services to both groups and individuals. She works with a variety of therapeutic issues including; eating disorders, mood concerns and suicidality, identity development, grief, LGBTQ issues, anxiety, and adjustment/transitions. Betsy utilizes a collaborative person-centered approach to therapy while allowing the client to guide the therapeutic process.

Betsy is an active member of the Association for the Coordination of Counseling Center Clinical Services, is a peer reviewer for the Journal of College Counseling, and is an accreditation site visitor for the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS).

Outside of the office, Betsy can be found spending time in the local community with family and enjoying the outdoors on her homestead.

M. Jay Manalo: Ph.D, HSP-P, NCC, Associate Director/Training Director/Psychologist (he/him/his)

Dr. Manalo is a licensed psychologist.  He holds a B.S. degree in Computer Science from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He previously worked in IT consulting, then changed careers by obtaining both his M.Ed. in School Counseling and his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The University of Georgia. He conducted his doctoral internship at WCU CAPS from 2010 – 2011 and his postdoctoral training and subsequent work experiences with children, adolescents, and adults in private practice settings in Georgia prior to returning to WCU CAPS in 2013.  He is a National Certified Counselor and a member of the National Register of Health Service Psychologists.  He serves as a board member of the Association for Counseling Center Training Agencies (ACCTA) and is a site visitor for the American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation.

His counseling interests include depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, AD/HD, LGBTQ identity, multicultural psychology, social skills concerns, and developmental disabilities. His approach to counseling is primarily Person-Centered integrated with aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. He also enjoys providing supervision and training for emerging mental health professionals. At WCU, he completed Safe Zone, Green Zone, and National Coalition Building Institute training and for the past several years has served as a Safe Zone trainer for WCU.

Outside of work, Jay enjoys whitewater kayaking and is a Wilderness First Responder. He also enjoys spending time with his family, his dogs, and other loved ones.

Caroline Engler: Ph.D.,HSP-P, Psychologist (she/her/hers)

Dr. Engler is a licensed psychologist who earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oklahoma. Caroline has a special interest in working with students with minoritized identities and enjoys providing individual, group, and outreach services. She utilizes a feminist-based, person-centered approach to therapy and integrates a variety of treatment modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. Her clinical training has focused on trauma, depression, anxiety, behavioral health, and LGBTQ+ concerns. Caroline also enjoys providing supervision and facilitating trainee learning experiences.

In her free time, Caroline enjoys a regular yoga practice, swimming, playing video games, and spending time with family, friends, and fur babies.

Paula A. Demonet: LCMHC-S, NCC, Counselor (she/her/hers)

Paula has worked with individuals and groups in a variety of settings. She utilizes a person-centered approach to counseling with the goal of improving the lives of those she serves. She uses therapies such as Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

She holds a B.S. degree in Recreational Therapy and an M.S. degree in Community Counseling from Western Carolina University. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of North Carolina and Certificated by the National Board of Certified Counselors. Paula has worked as a mental health therapist and supervisor for local not for profit and state agencies gaining experience working with clients with a variety of mental health issues. Paula has a talent for utilizing experiential modalities to bring about learning opportunities for clients.

When not working Paula enjoys volunteering her time to work with the youth in her community. She enjoys taking care of her four children and sharing the wonders of the outdoors with them and her husband.

Susannah Kuppers: MSW, LCSW, LCAS Clinical Social Worker (she/her/hers)

Ms. Kuppers completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Western Carolina University in 2014 and obtained full LCSW licensure in 2016. She completed her LCAS license in 2019.

Through work with local community mental health and victim advocacy organizations, she has experience working with a variety of issues include interpersonal violence, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and trauma. Susannah uses a person-centered and feminist approach to counseling, incorporating therapies including EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Outside of work, Susannah enjoys time outdoors, gardening, cooking and spending time with family.

Heather Lloyd: LCMHC-A Counselor (she/her/hers)

Heather is a provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of North Carolina. She holds an M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Webster University and B.S. degree in Exercise Physiology from the College of Charleston. Heather has extensive community-based experience with rural communities. Heather specializes in LGBTQ  issues, crisis stabilization, psychosis, mood disorders and trauma. Heather uses therapies such as Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys local community events, camping, hiking, beach trips and woodworking. She shares the love for the outdoors with her partner, twin girls and two dogs.

Aaron Plantenberg: LCSW, LCAS Clinical Social Worker (he/him/his)

Aaron is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist with extensive community-based treatment and advocacy experience in the rural communities of western North Carolina. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point where he earned his BA in psychology and later achieved his MSW here at WCU. Aaron specializes in crisis stabilization and the treatment of trauma, psychosis, mood disorders, personality disorders, and addictions through various evidence-based treatment approaches including EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.

In his personal time, Aaron loves outdoor adventures with his wife and daughter, playing music, and long rides on his motorcycle. 

Shantoneeka Zorn: M. Ed. Counselor In Residence (they/their)

Shantoneeka is a Black queer counselor who received their M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Development. They enjoy working with students from an existential framework, which focuses on choice, freedom, and responsibility. Shantoneeka believes that college students are a unique population with even more unique challenges. Their areas of interest include anti-Racism, intersectionality, mental health, minority student success, identity development, students in transition, sexuality and gender, values exploration, and holistic healing. 

When Shantoneeka is not working with students, they enjoy painting, writing poetry, listening to music, and binge-watching Netflix." 

Olivia Rothman: MA, Psychology Intern (she/her/hers and they/their)

Olivia earned a B.A. in Psychology from Duquesne University, M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University, and is currently completing a Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA.

Olivia’s theoretical and philosophical approaches to therapy include: feminist and humanistic framework, with an emphasis on relational and interpersonal process. The therapeutic relationship is at the core of her work with every client. She is currently completing her dissertation which is qualitative study focusing on deconstructing the “othering” experienced by those with schizophrenia or other perceptual differences by emphasizing the lived experience of how these individuals experience the construct of love.

She has experience working with adults in an individual and group setting who enter therapy with various concerns including: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, substance use, systemic oppression, homelessness, LGBTQ+ experiences, psychosis, and navigating difficult interpersonal relationships.

In her free time, Olivia enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, cooking, listening to music, hanging out with her dog and four cats, and exploring the world with her partner.

Ashley Virella: MA, Psychology Intern (she/her/hers and they/their)

Ashley obtained their bachelor’s degree in Psychology and certificate in Criminal Profiling from the University of Central Florida in 2015. They obtained a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University in 2018. Currently, they are completing their doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology through Pacific University.

Ashley considers therapy to be a balance of art and science. They use an integrated, transtheoretical, and culturally-inclusive approach adapted to best serve the needs of their clients. They incorporate attachment theory with concepts from acceptance and commitment, dialectical behavior, and solution-focused therapy to help clients engage in self-exploration and achieve growth. Their strengths-based approach relies heavily on flexibility, collaboration, and critical thinking. Ashley enjoys working with emerging and young adults in college, as well as minority-identified individuals. They strive to offer a supportive environment where clients can acquire tools aimed to improve well-being, overcome challenges, and accomplish goals. Their interests and experiences include working with concerns related to depression, anxiety, stress management, sleep and eating habits, balancing self-care, patterns in relationships, trauma and resiliency, multiculturalism, identity development, sexual orientation, gender identity, and substance use.

In their free-time, Ashley enjoys all things music-, gaming-, YouTube-, travel-, and cat-related. They are an avid reader, writer, and baker.

Savana Williams: MA, Psychology Intern (she/her/hers)

Savana earned her B.S. degree in Clinical Psychology from Southern Adventist University and her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from WCU. She is currently completing her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Health Concentration from Nova Southeastern University.

Savana enjoys working with college students, young adults, and children. Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, issues related to health psychology and spirituality. She uses an integrated approach to counseling which draws from humanistic/person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and acceptance-based approaches.

As a WNC native, Savana enjoys spending time with her husband anywhere there are mountains--walking, biking, hiking, and visiting all the new restaurants and stores. She loves food--from growing it in her garden, to preparing and serving it to all her friends and family.

Heather Styles-Turbyfill: MA, LPA, Doctoral Practicum Student (she/her/hers)

Heather is a doctoral trainee from the Psy.D. Program at WCU. She holds a M.A. in Clinical Psychology from WCU as well as a B.A. in General Psychology and Art Therapy from Mars Hill University. Heather was recently licensed at the Master’s level as a Licensed Psychological Associate and Health Services Provider Psychological Associate in North Carolina. 

She has experience working with multiple age groups including young adults, teenagers and adolescents, and children in both psychological assessment and therapy. In her clinical work, Heather values working collaboratively with clients to best instill the tools necessary for gaining a healthy perspective and improving their overall well-being. Her current research interest focuses on the potential effects of childhood abuse on future parenting practices. She enjoys working with a wide variety of presenting clinical concerns and is looking forward to working with WCU students.

Outside of school and work, Heather enjoys participating in CrossFit and weightlifting, being outdoors hiking, biking, or camping, and spending time with her goldfish, McGregor. 

Marcia Gralha: BA, Psychology Trainee (she/her/hers)

Marcia is a master’s trainee pursuing a MA degree in Clinical Psychology at WCU. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in Psychology in 2019. After graduating in May of 2021, Marcia wants to seek a doctorate degree in the Clinical or Counseling Psychology field.

Marcia’s clinical and research interests include interpersonal trauma, emotion regulation, and identity development. Her career plans involve clinical work as well as research in Psychology.

 In her downtime, Marcia likes to spend time with her family, her cats and dogs, and to be outdoors enjoying nature.

Laura Parks: BSW, Social Work Trainee (she/her/hers)

Laura obtained her Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Appalachian State University in 2018. She is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Social Work here at Western. She plans to work towards clinical licensure post-graduation. 

Laura has a person-centered approach to her work and focuses on the importance of relationship in her interactions with clients. Her integrative approach has roots in feminist theory, strengths perspective, and empowerment. Her clinical interests include depression, anxiety, trauma, and working in rural communities.  

She is a recipient of the HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training for Professionals (BHWET) stipend and plans to utilize the skills she obtains from the program to work in an integrated healthcare setting within rural communities. 

When Laura is not at CAPS, you will probably find her reading a good book, trying out a new recipe, or spending time with family and friends.  

Erin Van Gorkom: BA, Psychology Trainee (she/her/hers)

Erin obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology with an Emphasis in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Florida. She is now in the process of obtaining her Masters degree from Western Carolina University in Clinical Psychology. In the future, she hopes to pursue a doctorate in this field. Erin is very excited for the opportunity to help students in this diverse community. She is passionate about allowing the specific needs and strengths of each client guide her evidence-based clinical approach. If not at CAPS, you can probably find her wandering in the mountains with her poodle or sitting by a campfire roasting s’mores.  

Lee Anne Burrell, Administrative Support Specialist (she/her/hers)

Lee Anne has been in the medical field for over 35 years with the majority of her career  in the hospital setting.  She has a love for children and young people.  Her greatest joy is seeing today's youth succeed.  She joined WCU in 2014, a native to Western North Carolina, attending local high school and Southewestern Community College.

When she is not working you will find her enjoying the lake and camping life with her family and the absolute loves of her life; her two grandsons, along with her two yorkies.

Denise Stephens, Administrative Support Specialist (she/her/hers)

Denise has worked in a medical office setting for over 20 years.  She is a native of western North Carolina and joined WCU in 2015.  When she is not working you will find her enjoying time with her children, often at the lake, river, or local hiking trails.