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.

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.

Teshia Jones, Physician Assistant, Certus Psychiatry

Teshia Jones, MHS, PA-C | Physician Assistant

Winston-Salem

Teshia grew up in Greensboro and attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she received her Bachelor’s degree. She received her Master’s degree in Health Sciences and Physician’s Assistant Certificate. She is a board-certified Physician Assistant.

She has worked in various settings, including underserved clinics in Gaston county and Statesville. She prides herself on providing quality and evidence-based care to all patients.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, watching documentaries, and doing puzzles.  She resides in Forsyth county with her two young children. She is thrilled to be a part of a diverse and competent team of practitioners and therapists.

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.

Susan Schleith, Nurse Practitioner, Certus Psychiatry

Susan Schleith, PMHNP | Nurse Practitioner

Raleigh

Susan is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s of Science in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing from East Tennessee State University. She gained extensive experience working as an inpatient psychiatric nurse for many years, becoming skilled at addressing a wide range of psychiatric disorders for individuals in acute crisis and those with chronic mental health needs before continuing her journey to become a nurse practitioner.

She believes in personalized care and strives to work collaboratively with individuals to aid them in achieving their optimal mental and physical health. Her clinical practice focuses on consultation, treatment selection and administration, and care coordination for patients facing a wide range of mental health challenges.

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.

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.

Lindsay Ponce, LCMHCA | Clinical Therapist

Winston-Salem

Lindsay is originally from Raleigh, NC and received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from NC State University in 2009 and her Master’s in Professional School Counseling from Appalachian State University in 2012.  She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor-Associate, with experience in anxiety, depression, children/adolescents, and has a passion for working with mood disorders, children and exploring maternal mental health for mothers.  She considers it a true honor to be a therapist and she is open to all people on all walks of life and is happy to join you on your wellness path and any difficulties you may be facing.

Lindsay has been a professional school counselor for over a decade and is excited to provide therapy to her clients through a person-centered lens with kindness and warmth at her core. She provides a non-judgmental and empathic environment for clients to explore their deepest emotions, foster their strengths and achieve their goals.  She also has extensive experience in education, helping children and adolescents navigate academics/personal social/emotional concerns and can help with educational related consulting such as collaborating on 504/IEP services and other school related issues.  She works with individuals from ages five to adult.  She is grounded in person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, strengths based, DBT and play therapy although she tailors her approach for each individual client’s desires and needs.

Lindsay is married and has four children.  She loves all things beauty/makeup related as well as sitting on her front porch in the sunshine, warm weather, journaling, window shopping and practicing mindfulness. She is so excited to join you on your journey towards wellness and healing; she believes you are the expert on your life and she is honored to walk alongside you on that journey.

Crystal Ramey Scott, LCMHC | Clinical Therapist

Winston-Salem

Crystal received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Radford University and a Master of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She obtained her license as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor by the state of North Carolina in 2010. Crystal has a variety of experience in adolescent group homes, community-based services and child protective services. Since the completion of her master’s degree, Crystal has gained experience in individual and group settings along with a partial hospital program specializing in acute adolescent, adult acute, and the acute geriatric unit.

Crystal has such a strong passion for therapy. Crystal’s approach is centered around teaching others how they can live a healthy and happy life. She incorporates evidence-based therapies into her work, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Mindfulness, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Crystal also uses many other techniques depending on the patient and specializes in Marriage and Family.

Outside of therapy, Crystal enjoys spending time with her 3 children. She also takes advantage of the time she has by sewing, doing machine embroidery, completing DIY projects, and travelling.

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.

Isley Bell, Certus Therapy Intern

Isley Bell | Clinical Therapy Intern

Winston-Salem

Isley graduated with a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in visual art from North Carolina Central University. After graduating, Isley worked with children and special needs populations aged 8-21 before returning to school. She gained experience working with children and families and learned about the challenges that both children and adults experience. Isley is now a second-year master’s student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with a concentration in couples and family work at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

During her first year in the Counseling Program, Isley completed a practicum experience in which she provided individual counseling to UNCG students. In her second year, she did the same with couples. This experience helped her build basic counseling skills and taught the importance of building a strong, therapeutic relationship with clients. Isley worked with clients experiencing a wide range of concerns like depression, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Isley is a native of Winston-Salem and enjoys continuing to serve a community that she calls home. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her cat. Isley also enjoys reading and watching movies.

Isley offers in-person services at the Winston-Salem location and virtual appointments for those in North Carolina who are uninsured or have out-of-network insurance. Each session is $40.00 (cash or credit).

Let’s Move Forward Together