Wellness & Prevention Services

Jordan Perry

Jordan (they or she pronouns) was born and raised in Iredell County, NC, got their bachelors degree in sociology from UNC Asheville, and masters degree in public health from UNC Chapel Hill. They are working to complete their doctorate in Educational Leadership and are excited to be both a staff member and a student at Appalachian State University.

Prior to taking on this position, Jordan worked in health promotion at UNC Asheville, for a violence prevention non-profit in Washington, DC, and for several East Coast colleges and universities. Jordan is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist, a Certified Worksite Wellness Specialist, and has completed professional trainings on racial justice, social justice, sexual health, bystander intervention, peer education, restorative justice, smoking cessation, harm reduction, suicide prevention, mental health, and more. They taught as an adjunct lecturer for UNC Asheville and UNC Chapel Hill and have served on several WNC nonprofit boards. They work with the American College Health Associations Healthy Campus Leadership Team at the national level and are excited to be part of the future of health promotion on campus.

When they arent working, Jordan plays roller derby, cooks, and crafts.

Elisabeth Cavallaro

Elisabeth was raised in Jacksonville, Florida and graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology from Florida State University and a Master's of Public Health from the University of North Florida. She loves being able to apply a truly public health approach to improving the mental health of the students on campus, especially since improving mental health through public health techniques is such a new practice in the mental health world. Making a difference with students and working with the great team in Wellness & Prevention Services keep her excited to come into work every day. In her off-time, Elisabeth is usually playing with her dog or cat, enjoying all that Boone has to offer with her friends, contra-dancing, or reading a good book.

Ben Asma

Ben was born in Asheville, NC and raised in nearby Haywood County prior to moving to Virginia where he graduated from Alleghany High School. After high school, Ben attended James Madison University and graduated with a bachelor of science in Psychology and a minor in Biology. He then returned to North Carolina and enrolled at Appalachian State University where he completed a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with post-master's certificates in Addiction Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapy. Ben views his work in the Department of Wellness and Prevention Services as his perfect job, working with his favorite population (students), and in his favorite environment (the university setting), in efforts to promote, create and sustain holistic well-being during a significant developmental period of life. When Ben is not providing counseling and wellness services, he enjoys spending time and playing with his family and dog, Blue, as well as listening to music, watching football (Go App!) and Formula 1 racing, or trying his hand at woodworking.

Janna Lyons

Janna is a native of Watauga County and an alum of Appalachian State University, having completed both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Nutrition. Janna enjoys her work with students through the Department of Wellness & Prevention Services. When Janna is not engaging students through her work on campus she enjoys spending time with her family, bouldering, and being outside in general.

Jordan Kessler

Jordan (she/they) was raised in Jacksonville, Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology along with a minor in Philosophy from the University of North Florida. After serving time in the military, Jordan enrolled at Appalachian State where they completed a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. Prior to taking on this position, Jordan worked in community mental health and non-profits serving people experiencing addiction, mental health concerns and domestic and sexual violence. When Jordan isnt working, they can be found lounging with their dog, Richard, creating art or playing roller derby.

Dina Critcher

Dina was raised in a close-knit community in Davidson County, North Carolina, and graduated from Appalachian State University with a bachelor's degree in Sociology, along with a minor in Psychology. Although not the career path she had intended, she worked for 23 happy years in private medical practices. Managing the Office of Wellness & Prevention Services combines her administrative skills with her desire to work in public health. When she is not working, she loves to spend time with her family, travel, and have dinner with friends.

Ryan Musgrave

Ryan was born and raised in Apex, North Carolina and completed his undergraduate studies in nutrition and dietetics at Appalachian State University. Currently, Ryan is in the MS/DI program at App State for nutrition and dietetics, and serves as the GA for WPS. Ryans ideal day of not having any major commitments would involve sitting outside and drinking dark roast coffee in the morning, followed by a work out, spending more time outside, eating dinner with friends, and watching a movie.

Shawn Pressley

Shawn Pressley is a graduate intern of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program who has completed the certificate requirements for Addictions Counseling and has worked with students through the conduct process for over a year.

Scarlet Jovin-Fisher

Scarlet was born in upstate New york, raised in Florida and has been in North Carolina for about 17 years, got their Associates in Biocommunication Photography, Bachelor's degree in Art Education K-12 from UNC Greensboro, and is pursuing a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Expressive Arts certification from Appalachian State University. They are a clinical intern at Wellness and Prevention Services at Appalachian State University. Scarlet is the Vice President of Chi Sigma Iota, the Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society. When they aren't working, Scarlet enjoys dancing, hiking, listening to and playing music and making art.

Jay Gunn

Originally from Waynesboro, Mississippi, Jay earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees at The University of Southern Mississippi, then spent a decade working in communications at his alma mater. Life eventually led Jay to enroll at Appalachian State, where he is working on his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on addictions. After graduation, Jay hopes to continue working in a clinical setting specializing in populations who have issues with depression, anxiety, and drug and alcohol issues. In his spare time, Jay enjoys watching college sports (SMTTT!), gaming, and spending time with his dog, Gilbert.

Jay Ward

Jay was born and raised in Concord, North Carolina. They began their undergraduate degree at Appalachian State University in the fall of 2020, with a major in public health and minor in American Sign Language. In addition to interning with Wellness and Prevention they also serve as the president of WeCARE, and in their free time enjoy tabletop gaming or reading a good book.

Zoe Lebkuecher

Zoe was raised in Indiana, and moved to Wilkes County, North Carolina after graduating high school. After moving to North Carolina, she received an Associates of Arts at Wilkes Community College in 2022 and transferred to Appalachian State University. Currently, they are working on both a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Health Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Languages, Literature and Cultures with a concentration in Spanish and Hispanic Studies. Last school year, they volunteered with Wellness and Prevention Services, and completed a collegiate recovery project on campus with a national non-profit organization. In her free time, Zoe likes to play video games, watch RuPauls Drag Race, attend local drag shows with friends, and bake with her family.