Staff Profiles
Jordan Perry
(they/she)
Director
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
(he/him/his)
Associate Director
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
(she/her/hers)
Nutrition Specialist
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
(she/they)
Collegiate Recovery Community Coordinator
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.
Justin Parks
(he/him/his)
Coordinator for Wellness Promotion
Justin Parks
Justin (any pronouns) is originally from Wilkesboro, just down the mountain from Boone! He attended Appalachian for both his BS and MS in nutrition, working as a peer educator with Wellness and Prevention Services from his junior year onward. After early mentoring work in the community, he was excited to get back to working with students on campus, and functioned as a counseling dietitian and adjunct instructor at Virginia Tech, before returning to App to work with WPS. He has a passion for all elements of wellness, and enjoys brainstorming different ways to make healthier habits more fun. Outside of work, Justin spends time playing games, singing and dancing, and chatting with friends, his partner, and their two dogs.
Dina Critcher
(she/her/hers)
Administrative Support Specialist
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.
Abby Everhart
(she/her/hers)
Front Desk Assistant
Abby Everhart
Abby grew up in a small town located in Davidson County, North Carolina. She is an undergraduate student here at Appalachian State working to earn her Bachelors degree in Nursing. In addition to working at Wellness and Prevention Services, she also works as a certified nursing assistant in a retirement community. When she is not working or studying, Abby likes doing small crafts, baking, going to the parkway with friends, and planting.
Ryan Musgrave
Graduate Assistant - Nutrition and Outreach Specialist
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
Clinical Intern
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
(she/they)
Clinical Intern
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
(he/him/his)
Clinical Intern
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.
Rachel Sciarrino
(she/they)
Clinical Intern
Rachel Sciarrino
Rachel (she or they pronouns) was born in Arlington, VA and raised for most of their life in Winchester,VA. They got their Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a minor concentration in criminal justice from James Madison University. They are currently working to complete their masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and Addictions certificate and are ecstatic to be an intern and student at Appalachian State University. Prior to being employed by Wellness and Prevention Services, Rachel worked in community mental health providing mental health services in Winchester, Virginia. Rachel has a significant background in global experience, having conducted a psychological analysis of the holocaust in Israel and studying systemic change related to LGBTQ+ rights in Berlin, Germany. Rachel conducts academic research on anger and aggression in youth. They have completed professional training in topics including identifying trauma in development, Narcan administration, workplace violence and cybersecurity. Rachel is the standing president for the Student Association of Marriage and Family Therapy at Appalachian State. When they arent working, Rachel fosters animals at the Watauga Humane Society, skis, and watches true crime TV shows.
Jay Ward
(any pronouns)
Twitch Stream Intern
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.
Mitchell Edwards
(he/him/his)
Collegiate Recovery Community Intern
Mitchell Edwards
Mitchell Edwards graduated from Seton Hall University with a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy, and a minor in economics. He received his certification in chemical dependency counseling from Schenectady County Community College. Presently, Mitchell is a second year transfer student with a major in music therapy. Michell is passionate about social justice issues, diversity, equity and inclusion. Mitchell is a former executive board member for the NAACP-Charlotte Mecklenburg branch, and started a pilot study chronicling the stories of students in Hayes School of music for the diversity, equity and inclusion committee. Mitchell is also passionate about serving individuals living with substance use disorder, and substance use prevention.
Zoe Lebkuecher
(any pronouns)
CRC Peer Mentor
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.
Carter Hayes
(he/they)
WeCARE Peer Educator
Carter Hayes
Carter was born in Kentucky and raised in Morrisville, NC. He is currently studying biochemistry and Spanish at App State, and he will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill for pharmacy school. When not working with WeCARE or at the tutoring center, he enjoys baking, watching RuPauls Drag Race, and drinking overpriced iced coffee.
Chloe Baychuck
(she/her)
WeCARE Peer Educator
Chloe Baychuck
Chloe Baychuck was born in New York and raised in Waxhaw, NC. She is a senior Public health major with a minor in exercise science. She is doing her internship next semester at the Western Youth Network in Boone, NC working on their community health team. Outside of being a WeCARE Peer Educator she is also an Appol Corps Director and is a member of the Spirit and Traditions council of APPS. She also works as a server at Peppers Restaurant! In her free time she likes to watch movies, hangout with her friends, and go to the parkway!
Zoe Bestmann
WeCARE Peer Educator
Zoe Bestmann
Zoe Bestmann was born and raised in Durham, NC. She is a senior majoring in Public Health with a minor in Social Work. She actively contributes to various organizations, serving as the Social Media Chair for WeCare, the Secretary for the Public Health Club, and as an AmeriCorps fellow. She is also a research assistant for various professors and is currently conducting her own independent study on sexual violence. In her free time, she dedicates herself to volunteer work with OASIS, the HHC, and the Children Environmental Health Network. Beyond her academic and volunteer commitments, Zoe loves to read, go for hikes, and drink Hatchet coffee.