Dr. Gisela Kohl, MD, Certus Psychiatry

Dr. Gisela Kohl, M.D.

Raleigh & Winston-Salem

Dr. Gisela Knebl Kohl founded Certus Psychiatry & Integrated Care in Winston-Salem. A native of Argentina, she was a chemical engineer before following her passion and going to medical school. Her vision of psychiatric care involves looking at the entire patient, including lifestyle, nutrition habits, and physical activity. She then works on developing strategies where patients are active participants in their care.

In starting Certus, Dr. Kohl has taken her career in psychiatry and created an independent practice where she has developed her own proven unique paths to wellness in patent care. She and her husband, Federico, who runs the practice with her, enjoy a happy life with their four children, including triplets who attend Wake Forest University and a young daughter in elementary school.

Callie Barnes, PA-C, MPAS | Physician Assistant

Raleigh

Callie Barnes, PA-C, a North Carolina native, is an experienced Physician Assistant with a demonstrated history of patient-focused care working in the hospital and outpatient care settings. Her practice history includes Hospitalist Medicine, Medical Intensive Care, Neuroscience Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care, and Psychiatry.

Callie received her undergraduate education in Biology Cume Laude from Campbell University and completed her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Gardner-Webb University.

She is a firm believer that physical activity is imperative to good mental health. Her practice in medication management strongly encourages psychotherapy in conjunction with medication for optimal patient care.

During her free time, she enjoys staying on the go and spending time with her daughter Savannah.

Amy Bilicki, Nurse Practitioner, Certus Psychiatry

Amy Bilicki, MSN APRN FNP-C | Nurse Practitioner

Winston-Salem

Amy attended South University for her Bachelor’s degree in science and her Master’s degree and is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

She has worked in various settings, including 20+ years in Critical Care.  She has gained experience in providing holistic care to both the chronic mental health client in the outpatient setting and the client in crisis in the inpatient setting.  Amy provides care to adolescents, adults, and the aging adult.  She enjoys educating her clients and their families about their mental health diagnoses and feels that an informed person can better control their mental health.  Her focus is on healing, well-being, and understanding of the entire person and collaboration with families, therapy, and other disciplines to achieve optimal physical and mental health.

In her spare time, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband and three children and the family cat “Gus.”  She loves the beach and is an avid “Star Wars” geek.  Amy is thrilled to be a part of such a diverse and competent team of caring providers and looks forward to providing care to you.

Amy Jo Couch, PMHNP | Nurse Practitioner

Winston-Salem

Amy Jo grew up in Wilkes County and attended Wilkes Community College for ADN. She then went on to get her Masters in Nursing at South College. Amy Jo is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has 20 years of experience in various settings including cardiology, med surg, home health, and mental health both inpatient and outpatient.

Providing care to children, adolescents, adults, and the aging adults, Amy Jo uses several approaches to patient care. Amy Jo has a focus on educating patients and empowering them to be involved in their own plan of care, treating patients holistically, and collaborating with other disciplines to achieve optimal health outcomes. She believes in building trust and rapport while individualizing treatment plans to meet the patient’s personal goals.

In her free time, Amy Jo enjoys spending time with her children, family, and friends. She also takes advantage of her time through outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, lake days, beach trips, riding horseback, and four wheeling.

Will Golding, PMHNP | Nurse Practitioner

Winston-Salem

Will is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He obtained his MSN from East Carolina University. Will has been working in mental health for many years. Prior to coming to Certus Psychiatry & Integrated Care, Will was an RN at an inpatient behavioral health hospital in the Triad. He obtained his BSN from Radford University in Radford, VA, and earned his MSW from Arizona State University in Phoenix, AZ, and he maintains his Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential.

During his 10-year social work career, Will specialized in working with older adults who had cognitive impairment and with adults who were receiving hospice and palliative care services.

Originally from Maryland, Will obtained his BA in psychology from the University of Maryland at College Park. Will’s passion has always been to work in the human service profession. He is committed to collaborating with others who are having difficulties when dealing with life’s challenges and to improving their quality of life and well-being. Will has empathy for others and adheres to the principle of unconditional positive regard when building a trusting relationship with his patients.

In his spare time, Will enjoys spending time with his family, listening to his vinyl record collection, exploring new restaurants, and spending the day at the pool on a warm, sunny day.

Elena McGinty, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Certus Psychiatry

Elena McGinty, FNP | Nurse Practitioner

Winston-Salem

Elena attended South University for her Bachelor’s degree in science, as well as her Master’s degree and post Master’s degrees, and is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

She finds great importance in listening to her clients’ needs and goals and treating them holistically, using integrated care inclusive of communicating with therapists, primary care providers, and any other disciplines the client may permit. Elena’s goal is to build trust through open and honest communication in creating a platform for healing and wellbeing.

Vicky Surratt, MA,|FNP-BC, LPA, PMHCNC-BC | Nurse Practitioner

Winston-Salem

Vicky attended Saint Joseph’s College in Maine and obtained her Bachelor of Science. She then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a degree in public health. She is board-certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center as a Family Nurse Practitioner and as an Adult Psychiatric Mental Clinical Nurse Specialist. She began her work in cardiothoracic surgery, later worked in pediatrics and eventually Family Medicine. Vicky then attended Wake Forest University obtaining a degree in psychology and became licensed as a Clinical Psychologist.

Vicky has worked for several years in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. She provides care for adolescents, adults, and aging adults. She enjoys taking a holistic approach to working with clients, making sure they understand the plan of care and are active participants in it while optimizing their mental and physical well-being.

In Vicky’s spare time, she enjoys time with family and friends and is an avid dog lover. She loves the outdoors, especially the beach and playing golf, and is very excited to join the Certus team and all the facets of care that are offered to her clients.

Greg Tallent, Physician Assistant, Certus Psychiatry

Greg Tallent PA-C, MPAS | Physician Assistant

Raleigh

Greg is a native of Cape Girardeau, MO, and completed PA school at South University in Savannah, GA in 2005. Following his PA studies, he briefly practiced orthopedics and family medicine before finding his way into emergency medicine. Greg has extensive Emergency Department (ED) experience in both rural and academic settings. Prior to moving to the Raleigh area to work in the ED at UNC Rex Hospital, he was a traveling ED clinician providing care in SC, NC, NY, OH, and VA.

After working on the frontline throughout the COVID pandemic and experiencing his own mental health challenges, Greg is excited to join Certus Psychiatry. He is thrilled to be a part of such a diverse and competent team of caring providers and looks forward to providing care to you. Greg believes in fostering a safe, therapeutic environment where individual relationships can form and grow. He believes a team approach combining pharmacotherapy and counseling is key to successful and meaningful outcomes.

In his free time, Greg enjoys spending time with those he loves the most – his wife, children, and two dalmatians. His passions include exploring the world of wine, spending time in nature, staying active, and playing sports with plenty of fresh air and great views – biking, hiking, golf, and running.

Lisa Law, Lead Therapist, Certus Psychiatry

Lisa Law, LCMHCS | Lead Clinical Therapist

Winston-Salem

Lisa works with adolescents and adults to assist them in dealing with day-to-day struggles. Her experience includes but is not limited to treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and grief. Her expertise includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy).

She received her Master of Arts in Counselor Education from Wake Forest University. She also is a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a Supervision Credential. Lisa has received specialized training in CBT and DBT and Trauma-Focused CBT. She attends ongoing training for specific disorders and therapies and has an extensive history of inpatient, partial hospitalization, utilization review, marketing, and outpatient therapy.

Lisa is originally from New Hampshire and Massachusetts. She is married and has three dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family in her free time, enjoying her garden and her pool, reading, and vacationing in New Hampshire’s seacoast and lakes.

Latimer Alexander, Certus Psychiatry Therapist

Latimer Alexander, MSW, LCSWA, LCASA | Clinical Therapist

Winston-Salem

Latimer is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill in Social Work with a focus on direct practice and specializes in treating substance use disorders. Latimer believes that understanding, growth, and recovery benefit from addressing a struggle as an individual and involving the family and support system as a whole. Latimer looks to help individuals, adolescents, couples, and families increase their understanding through education and open dialogue. Areas that Latimer addresses are depression, anxiety, grief, and difficulties with adjustment to changing life events, and he has a passion for working with individuals and families living with the disease of addiction.

Latimer commends all who are looking for ways to address current troubles and concerns and hopes that you give yourself credit for looking for counseling. He is happy you are investing in yourself and would like to continue to help you along that path. We often feel that we are the only ones who understand our fear. It can distort being the only ones who have ever struggled or felt that pain. Regardless of where you are in the process, Latimer wants to meet you where you are and continue to see your growth.

Lauren Boyette, Therapist, Certus Psychiatry

Lauren Boyette, LCMHC | Clinical Therapist

Winston-Salem

Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHC) who works primarily with adults and emerging adults. She earned her BA in Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Asheville and her MS and EdS degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also maintains her National Certified Counselor certification.

Her counseling experience ranges from college counseling centers to outpatient therapy. She has experience working with depression, anxiety, bipolar, stress, trauma, life transitions, and identity. She is an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist and works with a variety of concerns for this population. Her methods used in counseling may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy, Reality/Choice Therapy, Mindfulness, and Psychotherapy/Talk Therapy.

Therapy can be daunting and sometimes overwhelming. Lauren believes with the right support and direction, everyone has the opportunity to find their own inner and outer happiness.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Lauren has lived in North Carolina for over 15 years. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, two dogs, and a cat.

TyKia Browns Clinical Therapist at Certus Psychiatry

Ty’Kia Brown, LCSWA | Clinical Therapist

Raleigh

Ty’Kia earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from Savannah State University. She is passionate about working with teens, young adults, and couples struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems, addiction, self-esteem issues, and other life stressors.

Ty’Kia has experience in acute PHP/IOP programs, as well as domestic violence/teen dating violence, and substance abuse treatment by helping clients develop and utilize coping skills, guiding clients to reach their personal goals, and helping them establish and maintain self-care.

Ty’Kia’s approach has a holistic framework and family systems foundation to promote whole- person wellness. She also incorporates evidence-based practices into her therapy sessions, including art therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Trauma-Focused CBT to assess motivation to change, address any ambivalence towards change and to aid negative, faulty, or irrational thoughts.

Outside of therapy, Ty’Kia enjoys creating art, making candles, fashion design, and engaging in community work.

Clavenda Canty, LCSWA | Clinical Therapist

Winston-Salem

Clavenda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) with years of experience working with individuals across the lifespan and from different cultures and backgrounds. She enjoys working with adolescents, teens, emerging and young adults to work through challenges related to unmanaged stress, life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-worth, and self-esteem. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from High Point University and went on to receive her Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Clavenda is originally from Monrovia, Liberia and grew up in Winston Salem, North Carolina. She believes that we each intentionally and uniquely exist holding intrinsic strength, potential, and value. Clavenda also believes that each client is an expert on their life, and thus she welcomes the opportunity to partner with her clients empowering them to tap into their inner strength to achieve their desired growth and goals toward living holistically well. When working with clients, her treatment approach is determined by their needs. She utilizes modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Clavenda enjoys spending time with her large family. She also loves dancing, exercising, hot yoga, enjoying nature, hiking, and walking. The ocean is her humbling, happy place.

Zoe Caves, LCSWA | Clinical Therapist

Raleigh

Zoe grew up in Durham and graduated from Western Carolina University and Smith College, where she earned her MSW. She has clinical experience with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages in inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings around the country.

Zoe draws on skills from various evidence-based, trauma-informed practices, including DBT and CBT, focusing holistically on strengths-based, person-centered wellness and a healthy, collaborative therapeutic relationship. She is passionate about work with children and adolescents, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, aging adults, and those living with mood disorders, substance misuse, or disabilities.

In her free time, Zoe likes traveling, cooking, reading, camping, creating, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.

W. Louanne Cook, LCMHCA | Clinical Therapist

Winston-Salem

Louanne received her master’s degree from Liberty University and her undergraduate degree from Winston-Salem State University.  

Louanne works with adults with a variety of behavioral health issues. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), but she is open to using other therapies that fit the needs of a diverse client population. 

Louanne enjoys spending her free time as a daughter, friend, and dog mom. 

Beverly Everett, Therapist, Certus Psychiatry

Beverly Everett, LCMHCS | Clinical Therapist

Winston-Salem

Beverly is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHCS) who works with people of all ages aged four to adult and provides individual, family, marital, and group therapy. She has extensive experience helping people steer through difficult moods, whether from oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, bipolar, depression, borderline personality disorder, or stress and trauma. Beverly is experienced in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness Therapy. She has training in specialized approaches for trauma, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Brainspotting, and EMDR.

She received her graduate degree in professional counseling from Liberty University. She is married and has three children and enjoys spending time with them and being active in the community.

Rachel Everette, Therapist, Certus Psychiatry

Rachael Everett, LCSWA | Clinical Therapist

Raleigh & Winston-Salem

Rachael received her Master of Social Work from Appalachian State University, and she works with individuals, families, and groups of all ages.

She serves a wide variety of people with mental health-related issues and conditions. She specializes in working with young children and adolescents with behavioral issues, mood issues such as oppositional defiance disorder, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), autism, anxiety, depression, and more.

Rachael believes in empowering individuals and groups to overcome issues and challenges. She is experienced in CBT, DBT, TFCBT, and Mindfulness, and play therapy.

Rachael was born and raised in Winston-Salem. She is a mom to the sweetest Pitbull puppy girl named Stella and enjoys spending her free time with family, friends, and volunteering in her community.

Robert Hodges, LCMHCA | Clinical Therapist

Winston-Salem

Robert is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate (LCASA). He completed his Master’s in Mental Health Counseling & Rehabilitation from North Carolina A&T State University in 2018. Robert has a passion for working with teens and adults struggling with trauma, addictions, anxiety, depression, and other life stressors.

His methods used in counseling may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), EMDR Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Robert is also open to utilizing other treatment modalities that best fit the needs of his clients.

Robert was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina. He is married and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Casey Johanson, Therapist, Certus Psychiatry

Casey Johanson, LCSW | Clinical Therapist

Winston-Salem

Casey a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She received her undergraduate degree from James Madison University in Psychology with a minor in Family Issues and Early Childhood Education in 2003. She completed her MSW at Florida Atlantic University in 2008.

Casey joined the Certus team with eight years of teaching experience and more than 12 years of clinical experience in various settings, including hospice, community mental health, and outpatient care.

She is a certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist and takes psychodynamic and attachment-based approach in intervention. She specializes in trauma, grief and loss, and ego-state work.

Casey embraces other therapeutic modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and Sandtray. She is dedicated to reducing human suffering, across the life span, with the hope of increasing resiliency and whole-hearted living in all those she serves.

Lindsee Kyles, LCSWA | Clinical Therapist

Winston-Salem

Lindsee works with adolescents, adults, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those struggling with substance abuse. She specializes in depression, trauma, anxiety, and addiction, and has expertise in CBT, psychotherapy, TF-CBT, and motivational interviewing.

Lindsee earned her Master’s in Social Work from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Prior to joining Certus, she gained experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, partial hospitalization, and community mental health.

Lindsee is originally from San Diego. She is married, and her family includes a dog and evil mastermind of a cat. She enjoys binge-watching anime like a true nerd, as well as mixed martial arts, attending concerts, and traveling.

Claudia Robeson, LCSWA, Clinical Therapist, Certus Psychiatry

Claudia Robeson, LCSWA | Clinical Therapist

Winston-Salem

Claudia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) who attributes her success in mental health to her time at Arizona State University, where she earned her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Behavioral Health, and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree.

Claudia is trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Anger Management. Claudia is passionate about working with teens and adults who may be dealing with trauma, relationship concerns, grief and loss, and abuse.

Claudia believes that everyone deserves a safe space to share thoughts and feelings and is excited to join Certus Psychiatry, where she can help clients process experiences and move towards their goals in a safe and confidential space.

Claudia enjoys attending museums, football and basketball games, and taking care of her many plants. Claudia also has a special place in her heart for furry friends, especially cats and dogs.

Shana Smith, Therapist, Certus Psychiatry

Shana Smith, LCSWA | Clinical Therapist

Winston-Salem

Shana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate graduating from Walden University with a master’s degree in social work with a concentration in substance use disorders.  Born and raised in North Carolina, Shana is an accomplished Division 1 collegiate athlete (volleyball) who completed her undergraduate degree from High Point University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Relations with concentrations in psychology and social work.  Shana’s passion is to incorporate a whole system’s approach that enhances the lives and wellbeing of individuals and families.  By utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Solution focusing, art/expressive therapy, and other forms of therapeutic intervention, Shana strives to meet each client on their journey of wellbeing, recovery, growth, learning, and change and to make a positive impact in each journey.  She is certified in ADHD treatment and encourages many tools that include but are not limited to books/journals and alpha-stem therapy.

Much of Shana’s career has included therapeutic intervention in an in-patient hospitalization setting working with individuals diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety, PTSD and a multitude of trauma forms, dual diagnosis, and other individuals with mental health challenges.  She also has experience working in intensive in-home family centered treatment, foster care divisions of the Department of Social Services, and has been part of an intense program partnered with EMS for harm reduction and drug abuse/addiction and recovery in Guilford County.

Family is most important to Shana, and she has found the way to enjoy a healthy work/life balance with her husband and five children.  She doesn’t miss an opportunity to cheer for any sporting event or to laugh and make fun memories with her family!  Down time includes relaxing outdoors, coffee in hand with her two lab pups snuggled close by.

Jaime Moreland, Clinical Therapy Intern

Winston-Salem

Jaime is a dedicated Master of Social Work (MSW) student at UNC-Chapel Hill, specializing in clinical mental health. Her graduate studies build upon her diverse life experience and incorporate the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, and other healing modalities.

Jaime is driven by a strong belief in the power of therapeutic relationships. She strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, supported, and valued. Using evidence-based practices and a trauma-informed approach, she believes in the transformative power of empathy to facilitate healing and growth.

Jaime looks forward to contributing her unique perspective and professional skills to the Certus team, embracing the opportunity with enthusiasm and commitment.

Let’s Move Forward Together