Staff Profiles
Jordan Perry
Director
(they/she)
- perryj2@appstate.edu
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.
Ben Asma
Asst. Director/Coordinator for Alcohol & Other Drug Services
(he/him/his)
- asmabt@appstate.edu
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.
Elisabeth Cavallaro
Asst. Director/Coordinator for Student Mental Wellness
(she/they)
- cavallaroe@appstate.edu
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.
Janna Lyons
Nutrition Specialist
(she/her/hers)
- lyonsjw@appstate.edu
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.
Kyra Patel
Coordinator for Student Social Wellness
(she/her/hers)
- patelk@appstate.edu
Kyra Patel
Kyra was raised in Apex, NC and attended Appalachian State University for her undergraduate degree in Statistics. While at AppState, she was an orientation leader, worked in the Dean of Students Office, and founded the Annual Suicide Remembrance Night. Following graduating in 2016, she attended the University of Kentucky earning a Masters of Public Health in Health, Behavior & Society. During her time there, she was the graduate assistant in the Office of Financial Wellness. Since her sophomore year of undergrad, she has wanted o work n the field of student affairs, and is excited to use her public health degree to work with WECAN and the Red Flag Educators to raise awareness for holistic well being on AppState's campus. When she's not at work, Kyra is busy reading in her eno and enjoying all Boone has to offer.
Kayla Reber
Trainee in Mental/Social Wellbeing & Prevention Education
(she/her/hers)
- cheekkb@appstate.edu
Kayla Reber
Kayla was born and raised in Siler City North Carolina. She attended the University of North Carolina Greensboro for her undergraduate program, receiving a Bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Human and Family Development. Kayla then attended Appalachian State University's clinical mental health counseling graduate program where she received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Marriage and Family concentration and an Addictions Certificate. She is currently licensed as a clinical mental health counseling associate at the Wellness Center. Kayla tries to focus on incorporating diversity and providing compassionate and non-judgmental care for students no matter their situation. In her free time she enjoys watching her favorite shows, knitting, painting, playing games, and relaxing.
Dina Critcher
Administrative Support Specialist
(she/her/hers)
- critcherdw@appstate.edu
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.
Sheridan Northcutt
Graduate Assistant - Nutrition
(she/her/hers)
- northcuttsg@appstate.edu
Sherican Northcutt
A graduate student in Appalachian State University's combined M.S. in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship program, Sheridan works as a Graduate Assistant for Appalachian State's Wellness & Prevention Services.
Ethan Beaver
Clinical Intern
(he/him/his)
- beaverel@appstate.edu
Ethan Beaver
Ethan was born and raised in Iredell county North Carolina. He attended Appalachian State University for his undergraduate degree in Psychology with a concentration in human services and a minor in criminal justice. He is currently completing his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and working as a clincial intern for Appalachian State's Wellness and Prevention Services.
Olivia McGowan
Intern - Collegiate Recovery Community
(she/her/hers)
- mcgowanor@appstate.edu
Olivia McGowan
Olivia was born and raised in Matthews, North Carolina. She began her degree at Appalachian State in 2019. After two years of undergrad, she found herself passionate about psychology and general wellness. Her plans are to continue her education at Appalachian and receive her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her ultimate goal is to become a therapist. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at the Humane Society and spending time outdoors in the mountains of Boone.
Jay Ward
Intern - Twitch Wellbeing Stream
(any pronouns)
- wardne1@appstate.edu
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.