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 is a Board Member as the Survey Coordinator, which entails collecting data for the national survey. She also is a site visitor for the  International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS). Furthermore, she works with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards as an exam item writer for the EPPP-2.

Finally, she maintains her strong connections with family and friends and enjoys spending time sitting on the 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 Accreditation 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.

Calista Colbert: M.A. Counselor (she/her/hers)

Calista completed her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Appalachian State University in August 2021 and is actively pursuing licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of North Carolina. She is certified in Expressive Arts Therapy and enjoys incorporating the arts into her personal and professional life.

Calista loves supporting clients who feel stuck in the “in betweens” of life. College students are in the midst of so many transitions and it can be challenging to adjust to the social, environmental, intellectual, physical, emotional, occupational, and spiritual shifts that occur during this time. Calista utilizes a person-centered, strengths-based approach to support her clients during these shifts and emphasizes collaboration and client choice. In every interaction she has with clients, Calista is passionate about creating a brave space for their intersecting identities to speak. As a Native American* woman, she recognizes the continued need for social justice and advocacy and appreciates the counseling field as an opportunity to create change on personal, relational, and communal levels. Calista enjoys meeting with clients in individual and group settings and building relationships with students through outreach opportunities.

When not at WCU, you can find Calista painting, quilting, snuggling with her dogs, singing, or playing board games with her partner.

*Tribal Member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Megan Smith: Ph.D. Psychologist (she/her/hers)

Dr. Smith is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Dakota. She is actively pursuing licensure in the state of North Carolina. Megan has a special interest in working with students with minoritized identities and enjoys doing individual work. Her clinical interests include mood concerns, anxiety, adjustments/transitions, BIPOC concerns, Native American mental health issues and cultural identity development. Megan uses an integration of insight-oriented paradigms, liberation psychology (examining oppressive structures that have influenced the concept of self and their communities), and cognitive behavioral techniques in her work with students.

Outside of the office, Megan enjoys watching reality tv, going to concerts, reading, and spending time with family, friends, and community.

Myranda Warfield: M.Ed. Counselor In Residence (she/they)

Myranda is a provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of North Carolina and a National Certified Counselor. They graduated from Ohio University with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health/Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling and is currently completing a Doctorate in Counselor Education at the University of Florida. Their passion for working with college students had led to working in a variety of roles within the university setting, including previous training and clinical experience at two university counseling centers and teaching undergraduate courses on stress and anxiety, mindful living, and interpersonal communication.

Myranda uses an integrated Relational-Cultural and Mindfulness approach when working with students, believing that wellness can be viewed through a holistic lens and that people are the expert of their own lives. Their counseling interests include providing services to LGBTQ+, student-athlete, BIPOC, international student populations, and the impacts of social injustice within marginalized communities. Myranda has also worked with students experiencing adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, identity development, and perfectionism. Their utilization of talk therapy and creative approaches has led to using pop culture, music, design, and other creative forms of expression in counseling.

In their free time, Myranda enjoys cooking/baking, playing video and tabletop games, and embracing their sense of adventure in outdoor activities and pursuits.

Luke Carswell: BSW Case Manager (he/they)

Luke graduated from Western Carolina University in December 2021 with their bachelor of Social Work. Luke started working at Counseling & Psychological Services as a Case Manager as part of a grant funded by the UNC System Office. Luke hopes to go on to get their MSW with a concentration in communities and socail systems, as well as non-profit management. 

Luke uses a person-centered approach with a trauma informed framework when working with students. They believe that each person is the expert into their own needs and experiences.  Luke states that “true healing begins when one is connected to their community and the community in turn lifts them up and celebrates them.”

When not at CAPS, you can catch Luke listening to kpop, reading books on social justice, watching anime, going to drag shows, and taking long naps in the grass.

Luke’s Life Quote: “Radical simply means grasping things at the root.” -Angela Davis

Alex Carmago: M.S. Psychology Intern (she/her)

Alex is a psychology intern who received both her B.S. and M.S. in psychology at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky. She previously worked in in-patient and residential mental health facilities.

Alex’s counseling interests include LGBTQ+, expressive arts, anxiety, athletics, AD/HD, and identity development, including personal, relational and sexual concerns. It is important to her to create a supportive place that affirms her clients' full identity. Her approach to counseling is integrative with a focus on Person-Centered and Feminist perspectives. 

Outside of work, Alex enjoys hiking, spending time with her wife and 3 rescue dogs, paint pouring, and being outside whenever possible.

Mehak Kapoor: M.S. Psychology Intern (she/her)

Mehak earned her MA from Punjab University, Chandigarh, India and is currently in the Ph.D. program at Tennessee State University. She has over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and older adults who have been struggling with a wide range of difficulties in inpatient, outpatient and community settings.  These include but are not limited to: anxiety, adjustment difficulties, depression, phobias, panic, stress, self-harm, interpersonal/relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, anger, and traumatic experiences.

She practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a Person-Centered approach. She believes every client is an individual person and should be treated in that way. Her work with each client is focused specifically on the client's needs and she works to create trust in the therapeutic relationship so that clients feel they are seen and heard.

She has a special interest in working with women issues and believe in providing a safe space for women to discuss life’s issues and connect with another woman who truly cares. Being an immigrant, she  understands their specific struggles and approach therapy from a multicultural and social justice lens, and utlizes a culturally sensitive framework for applying cognitive, affective, and behavioral interventions.

Outside of the office, she can be found advocating for social issues, travelling with her son , reading and spending time with friends and family.

Bree Riley: M.A. Psychology Intern (she/her)

Bree Riley obtained her B.S. in Psychology from Keystone College and her M.A. in Psychology from Marywood University. She is currently completing a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Marywood University in Scranton, PA. 

Bree treats a variety of mental health concerns with a specialization in the treatment of trauma, personality disorders, disordered eating, and sports psychology.  

Utilizing an integrative approach from relational, attachment, and CBT theories, she believes the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for growth and healing. Approaching students with curiosity, warmth, and openness, she strives to create a safe environment for exploration of their origins of distress including relational patterns, past wounds, and unmet needs. Her insight-oriented approach empowers individuals to discover their inner strength and develop an understanding of how they can best meet their present-day needs.  

Outside of work, Bree enjoys playing soccer, hiking, running, being outdoors, and spending time with her cat, Mittens.

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

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)

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.