Meet Our Counselors

Clinical Excellence with Clinicians who Care

One great thing about choosing to work with Evolution Wellness is that we have an entire team of clinicians on our staff. That means you’re likely to find the right person to help you achieve your therapy goals right here in our practice. Each of us have unique skills and training to provide care for a diverse range of individuals, so explore our information below or click the links to our full bios. You can get to know us a little better and find the best therapist to help you achieve your goals.

Delaney Avenue Office Team

Amy Phillips

Amy Phillips, MSW, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) experienced in working with individuals and families seeking support for a variety of reasons, including anxiety, depression, parenting problems, low self-esteem, emotion regulation and trauma. My ideal client is one who is ready to make changes to accomplish their goals. I can help you learn new skills and behaviors that will help you navigate life’s difficult obstacles and thrive.

amy@evolutionwellnessnc.com

Samantha Buford

Samantha Buford, MSW, LCSW

*online only

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who graduated with a Master of Social Work from West Virginia University. I spent just short of three years working in Child Welfare for a non-profit organization in Metro Detroit, Michigan. Also, I have experience working with children, adolescents, parents, and families in Wilmington, NC and the surrounding areas. I enjoy helping clients identify things that add meaning and purpose to their lives so that they may still experience joy even in the most difficult times.

samantha@evolutionwellnessnc.com

 

Allison Brilhante

Allison “Aleigh” Brilhante, MSW, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with adolescents, adults, and families in individual and group settings who have experienced a mental health crisis and are dealing with trauma, depression, and anxiety. My counseling approach is an individualized person-centered view where my clients can explore their own personal growth and development in a safe environment. As a therapist, I am a witness to their growth. I want to make sure every client feels understood, safe, and supported while working together to reach their goals.

allisonb@evolutionwellnessnc.com

 

Connor Branson, MSW, LCSWA

I am a LCSWA with experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in Statesville and Wilmington, NC. My favorite client is a teen or young adult who is an “overthinker” and is critical of themselves or they feel worthless, hopeless, and helpless when it comes to their outlook on their lives and themselves.I strive to not define an individual by their current or past behaviors and mental illnesses. I use a strengths-based perspective when working with clients to emphasize the positive aspects of their personality.

connor@evolutionwellnessnc.com

 

Meredith Bell

Meredith Bell, MSW, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is dedicated to providing a person-centered, individualized approach to each of my clients. I aim to help people see themselves at their best and recognize the value they bring to their families and communities. Through compassion and healing, I aim to help clients actualize their best life.

meredith@evolutionwellnessnc.com

Kerrie-Byer

Thomas McConnell, MSW, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I am passionate about working with clients to overcome depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and self-esteem issues.  I strive to collaborate with clients to feel safe and supported while exploring the challenges they are facing in order to make lasting changes.

thomas@evolutionwellnessnc.com

 

Toni

Toni D’Anna, MSW, LCSWA

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate with experience as a past program director and therapist working with individuals, families, and couples in Wilmington, NC. I am a solution-based, client-centered clinician that enjoys engaging with clients to help manage or overcome hardships in their daily lives.

toni@evolutionwellnessnc.com

 

Katie Chappell, MSW, LCSWA

Katie Chappell, MSW, LCSWA

I am a LCSWA with experience working with adults in both an inpatient and outpatient setting, facing severe mental illness and substance use disorder. I am passionate about helping clients with boundary setting, emotion regulation, and managing stress to avoid burnout. When not working, I enjoy spending time outside in the sunshine, finding the next great hike! I want my clients to know they will always have someone in their corner rooting for them!

katie@evolutionwellnessnc.com

 

Princess Street Office Team

Megan-Havel-Evolution-Wellness-Team

Megan Havel, MS, NCC, LCMHC

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor. I work with individuals and couples. I am especially passionate about exploring family conflict and parenting struggles, and I use a strengths-based approach to guide individuals and couples to achieve their therapy goals. Let’s work together to explore your perceptions of yourself, your partner, your family, and the world around you. Then, let’s shake up this point of view, so you can live a more meaningful and satisfying life.

 megan@evolutionwellnessnc.com

Jeremy-Serafin

Jeremy Serafin, MA, LCMHC, NCC, CCTP

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I have significant experience working with teens, adults, families, and couples. I love helping my clients overcome depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma through helping them make sustainable changes in their lives.

jeremy@evolutionwellnessnc.com

 

Kerrie-Byer

Darrian Pelkey, MSW, LCSWA

I am a LCSWA with experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I help individuals overcome their challenges and past experiences to create an empowered and fulfilling future. What I enjoy most about my job is witnessing the incredible growth my clients experience. It’s deeply fulfilling to see them realize how capable and resilient they truly are. I love being part of their journey, watching as they overcome challenges, build confidence, and unlock their potential. Supporting clients in understanding their strengths and seeing the transformation that takes place is what makes this work so meaningful to me.

darrian@evolutionwellnessnc.com

Shie Benisti

Shie Benisti, MSW, LCSW, CST

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and CST-Certified Sex Therapist and Evolution Wellness’ Clinical Director, I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples overcome challenges in their relationships, set healthy boundaries, deepen emotional and physical intimacy, and address sexual concerns with sensitivity and understanding. My therapeutic style combines warmth, empathy, and humor with a direct, caring approach, fostering a safe and supportive environment tailored to each person’s unique journey. I am honored to be a part of your path toward a more fulfilling and empowered life.  

shie@evolutionwellnessnc.com

 

James Hollingsworth

James Hollingsworth, MS, LCMHC, CCTP

I am a LCMHC that has experience working with individuals struggling to navigate difficult situations and emotions. My goal is to help individuals and couples recognize and value what’s special in themselves, even sometimes finding their strengths in what appear to be weaknesses.

james@evolutionwellnessnc.com

 

Market Street Office Team

Kayla Keyser

Kayla Keyser, MSW, LCSWA

I am a LCSW-A with experience working with adolescents, teens, and adults in Wilmington, NC. I enjoy helping people learn their true authentic self and empower them to be comfortable in who they are. I implement a collaborative approach to help my clients on their path to self-discovery.

 kaylak@evolutionwellnessnc.com

 

Ashley Strack

Ashley Strack, MSW, LCSWA

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSW-A) experienced in working with a wide variety of clients from children and adolescents through adulthood that have experienced anxiety, trauma, depression, low self-esteem and ADHD. I help clients to navigate conflict and challenges in their life and in their relationships while encouraging individual growth and healing. I also have experience in utilizing EMDR to help clients to process and cope with trauma that they are looking to let go of. 

ashley@evolutionwellnessnc.com

 

Faith Hon

Andy Bell, MSW, LCSWA, LCASA

I am a LCSW-A with experience working with individuals, families, and in group settings in Wilmington, NC. I am deeply inspired by the process of helping individuals reconnect with their true, authentic selves—rediscovering their values, strengths, and unique identities that may have been obscured by life’s challenges. My ideal client is someone who is ready to explore their authentic self, whether they’re facing a specific challenge or seeking greater alignment with their values and purpose. This individual is interested in practical ways to integrate their true self into their daily life and is looking for a collaborative, supportive space where they can develop the tools and insights to live more authentically.

andy@evolutionwellnessnc.com

 

Support Staff

Kayla Reilly

Kayla Reilly, CEO

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults and couples. I am knowledgeable about helping couples break out of cycles of anger and fighting. I also support anxious and depressed adults as they work toward achieving real change. I believe that therapy should be collaborative and help people achieve their goals, so I’ll take a solution-focused approach that is personalized to your unique needs and situation. **Not accepting new clients**

Kelsey--our-Care-Coordinator

Ali Callahan

I am Evolution’s Managing Director. I oversee the day-to-day operations of our offices and manage our team. I ensure that everything in the practice is running smoothly so that we can provide the best client experience possible. I have always been passionate about healthy lifestyles. I promote wellness in the community and have extensive experience working with sustainable food systems in the Wilmington area and beyond. When I’m not working or mastering my yoga skills, I enjoy spending time with my husband and four rescue animals (two dogs and two cats).

Begin Working with a Counselor in Wilmington, NC Today!

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