Therapists and Staff: Kitty Hawk Location
Karla Coughenour, MA, RDN, LDN, LCMHC
Karla Coughenour, MA, RDN, LDN, LCMHC
Karla Coughenour, MA, RDN, LDN, LCMHC
Owner, Therapist and Nutritionist
Karla started the Thrivewell Counseling Center in 2017 and is dedicated to helping each client find greater peace in their life. The practice has grown from one counselor to three as well as an office administrator. She also added a therapy dog to the practice in 2019. Karla is committed to providing a s
Owner, Therapist and Nutritionist
Karla started the Thrivewell Counseling Center in 2017 and is dedicated to helping each client find greater peace in their life. The practice has grown from one counselor to three as well as an office administrator. She also added a therapy dog to the practice in 2019. Karla is committed to providing a safe place for every client to explore, grow, and find healing.
Karla has been working with clients who struggle with eating disorders since 1997. As a Registered Dietitian, she was only able to address the nutrition treatment but now is able to offer a unique approach with a combination of counseling and nutrition education to guide you to the freedom and healing you desire.
Credentials & Education:
· Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the State of North Carolina.
· Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
· Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist in North Carolina.
· Masters of Arts Degree in Human Services/Marriage & Family Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
· Bachelor of Science Degree in Dietetics from Seton Hill College in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
· Completed Integrative Health Coach Training at Duke Integrative Medicine.
Outside the office, Karla enjoys being outdoors, hiking, playing with her dog Ollie, reading, photography and enjoying the beautiful landscapes here on the Outer Banks. She has dreams of camping, traveling, and spending more time with family.
Elizabeth Jennings, MA, LCMHCA
Karla Coughenour, MA, RDN, LDN, LCMHC
Karla Coughenour, MA, RDN, LDN, LCMHC
Therapist
Elizabeth has been part of the Thrivewell team since February 2023. Elizabeth has worked in mental health for 11 years.
Elizabeth has experience with crisis intervention and prevention, intensive in-home services, and outpatient services. She has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns including anxiety, depre
Therapist
Elizabeth has been part of the Thrivewell team since February 2023. Elizabeth has worked in mental health for 11 years.
Elizabeth has experience with crisis intervention and prevention, intensive in-home services, and outpatient services. She has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, parenting concerns, and self-esteem.
Elizabeth works with both adolescents (12-18) and adults (18 and older).
Elizabeth describes her therapeutic approach as a combination of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic therapy and mindfulness-based counseling. Elizabeth’s counseling style is person-centered and interactive. Elizabeth strives to create a safe and collaborative space to meet clients where they are and assist them in their journey towards healing.
Outside of the office, Elizabeth lives on the Outer Banks with her husband, two children, and fur babies. She enjoys spending time with her family, being in nature, traveling, reading, and learning new things.
Credentials and Education:
-Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate
-MA in Counseling from Waynesburg University in April 2011
-BA degree in Psychology from California University in December 2008
Maegan Ellison, LRT, CTRS
Karla Coughenour, MA, RDN, LDN, LCMHC
Maegan Ellison, LRT, CTRS
Master's Level Intern
Maegan is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Catawba College. She started with Thrivewell in August 2023.
She received her BS at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she studied and then became licensed to practice Recreational Therapy in NC.
Since then, Maegan has worked in a variety of
Master's Level Intern
Maegan is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Catawba College. She started with Thrivewell in August 2023.
She received her BS at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she studied and then became licensed to practice Recreational Therapy in NC.
Since then, Maegan has worked in a variety of behavioral health settings, including both inpatient and outpatient facilities. Her clinical interests include complex trauma, co-occurring disorders, and the de-stigmatization of mental illnesses.
With a background in recreational therapy, Maegan enjoys incorporating leisure education, crafts, talents, hobbies, and interests into the therapeutic and personal space.
When she isn’t busy with school, work, or her professional organizations, Maegan enjoys outdoor adventures with her fiancé, mindful movement, such as yoga or climbing, and trying to keep up with her border collie, Roman!
Therese McMaster
Therese McMaster
Maegan Ellison, LRT, CTRS
Office Administrator
Therese started at Thrivewell in February 2023. She is our Office Administrator.
She has lived on the Outer Banks her whole life and truly loves being part of the community here. When she’s not in the office, Therese enjoys spending time with her son, boyfriend and “mini zoo” of animals at home, being outside as much a
Office Administrator
Therese started at Thrivewell in February 2023. She is our Office Administrator.
She has lived on the Outer Banks her whole life and truly loves being part of the community here. When she’s not in the office, Therese enjoys spending time with her son, boyfriend and “mini zoo” of animals at home, being outside as much as possible, writing and playing music, and getting involved with her church family.
She has an AA degree from COA and is currently working on her Bachelors of Psychology from Liberty University with goals of working in the mental health field.
Ollie
Therese McMaster
Ollie
Furry Therapist and Greeter Extraordinaire
Ollie is 4 years old and has been working at Thrivewell since 2019. He started working when he was only 3 months old. He offers unconditional love and acceptance to anyone who walks in his door. He is our greeter and often will escort you to your counseling room. He works alongside Karla in he
Furry Therapist and Greeter Extraordinaire
Ollie is 4 years old and has been working at Thrivewell since 2019. He started working when he was only 3 months old. He offers unconditional love and acceptance to anyone who walks in his door. He is our greeter and often will escort you to your counseling room. He works alongside Karla in her sessions.
In his free time, Ollie enjoys long walks, treats, bones, playing in the sound and he loves people and other dogs.
Therapists and Staff: Nags Head Location
Jessica Zottoli, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Melinda Morton Creef, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Melinda Morton Creef, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Clinical Director and Therapist
Jess has worked in mental health and substance abuse treatment for 6 years and has experience within outpatient services and the psychoeducational intensive outpatient setting. She has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns including: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting p
Clinical Director and Therapist
Jess has worked in mental health and substance abuse treatment for 6 years and has experience within outpatient services and the psychoeducational intensive outpatient setting. She has experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns including: depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, self-esteem and substance abuse.
She describes her therapeutic approach as a combination of cognitive-behavioral, psychoanalytic understanding of emotions, and mindfulness-based counseling. What does this look like? Having the therapeutic tools to “meet your emotions where they are” and being able to navigate with respect, sensitivity and compassion. Her counseling style is client-centered and interactive. She will tailor dialog and treatment plan to meet your individualized needs.
It takes courage to seek support and actively work on the steps towards a more fulfilling, happier life. If you are ready to take that step, Jess looks forward to supporting and empowering you on your journey.
As the Clinical Director, Jessica provides oversight to all the clinical staff, assistance with program development, serves as a liaison between external agencies and Thrivewell, as well as, provides supervision of interns and associate level staff.
Outside the office, Jess lives on the Outer Banks with her husband and two kids. She enjoys being outdoors in nature, going for walks with her littles, couponing, reading, and traveling.
Melinda Morton Creef, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Melinda Morton Creef, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Melinda Morton Creef, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Therapist
Melinda Creef has received professional training focused on challenges with mental health, substance abuse, and trauma. She has been practicing counseling since August, 2008. She strives to establish a safe and trusting environment for you to share your story, identify your needs, and develop personal goals for life improvement.
Therapist
Melinda Creef has received professional training focused on challenges with mental health, substance abuse, and trauma. She has been practicing counseling since August, 2008. She strives to establish a safe and trusting environment for you to share your story, identify your needs, and develop personal goals for life improvement. Melinda works with both adolescents (12-18) and adults (18 and older).
Credentials & Education:
· Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist and Licensed Professional Counselor.
· MA in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in July 2009.
· Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Makenna Evers, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Melinda Morton Creef, MA, LCMHC, LCAS
Makenna Evers, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Therapist
Makenna has been a part of the Thrivewell team since December of 2020.
Makenna began as our office administrator while she was completing her education. She recently obtained her License as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in the State of North Carolina.
Makenna completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Heal
Therapist
Makenna has been a part of the Thrivewell team since December of 2020.
Makenna began as our office administrator while she was completing her education. She recently obtained her License as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in the State of North Carolina.
Makenna completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University in August 2023 and received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus in Crisis Counseling from Liberty University in 2021.
Makenna specializes in working with adolescents and young adults. She has developed and led psychoeducational groups for teens and young adults on coping with anxiety, building self-esteem, and discovering identity. From her background working in youth ministry and her clinical training in graduate school, she strives to create a warm and welcoming environment for her clients to be heard and understood.