Contact us:
p: 704-517-2106
f: 855-975-2701
e: intake@chronichealthnc.com
Our Team
Chronic Health Counseling, PLLC, is the proud home to some of the most highly skilled and well-rounded licensed therapists, all sharing an intense passion for what they do. Chronic Health Counseling, PLLC, is very selective in hiring therapists who are both highly specialized and have the ability to move clients forward through a careful balance of challenging and validation.
Angela Espin, MSW, LCSW
Founder, CEO, CFO
Angela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Chronic Health Counseling. She established the practice in order to bridge the gap between mental and medical healthcare by utilizing a person centered, eclectic approach
in order to empower clients to address areas important to them. Angela has also has a passion for providing mental
health care for those in a caregiver role, medical and mental health profession.
Angela’s other subspecialty is working with people who have simple and complex trauma by providing a safe, non-judgemental environment for clients to feel safe expressing their experiences. She has been trained and utilizes
EMDR therapy and draws from CBT, DBT mindfulness skills to help the client effectively cope with stressors and
process painful events.
Angela earned her Masters Degree from UNC Charlotte and obtained additional clinical experience while working
at Daymark Recovery Services in emergency intake services, substance use recovery, assisted with DBT therapy
and ran a group for those with SPMI. She also developed and implemented group therapy for people living with
chronic medical conditions and chronic pain. At this time, Angela acts in an administrative capacity as CEO and CFO.
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Emily Materdo, MSW, LCSW
Mental Health Therapist
Emily is a LCSW with 10+ years of clinical and medical social work experiences, serving populations from
adolescent to young adults, the elderly and disabled individuals. Emily specializes in working with anxiety,
depression, mood disorders, teen therapy, young adults adjusting to their professional careers, simple or complex trauma, families and friends affected by a person's addiction, and other chronic health issues.
Emily is a person-centered therapist that views the therapeutic experience as collaborative. Emily uses a
therapeutic approach of incorporating therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, Self-Compassion, & other Trauma Informed Practices. Emily has a passion to serve those in need of learning how to identify and process how our upbringings within our homes and community impact us as adults. As a therapist Emily promotes the importance
of creating a safe space for you to share what brings you to therapy. And that this first starts with recognizing
that coming to therapy can be hard, but can be rewarding too. Emily strives to empower her clients to see
themselves as being the expert in their own life despite feeling lost and uncertain.
Emily attended UNC-Greensboro earning her Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) in 2010 and earned her
Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from UNC-Charlotte in 2013. In Emily's free time she enjoys spending
time with her family and friends, reading, and trail running. She is a pet parent to a rambunctious golden
retriever named Chester, who also enjoys hiking.
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Laurie Ford, M.Ed, LMCHC
Mental Health Counselor
Laurie Ford is a devoted Mental Health Therapist,Traveling Kingdom Speaker, and transformative leader who empowers others to break generational cycles and embrace healing. As a Wife, Mother, Prophethic voice,
4x Author, #1 Authors Coach, and Ministry Leader, she has made it her life's mission to inspire change and bring restoration to individuals and families.
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Laurie holds a B.S. in Psychology from Shaw University and a Master’s in School Counseling from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Christian Education and Psychology at Christian Bible Institute & Seminary. Laurie is a trailblazer in her family, being the first to earn a
license as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor. With over 14 years of experience, she helps others overcome generational barriers, restore their identities, and find peace.
Specializing in virtual counseling, Laurie uses a holistic approach to guide clients who feel disconnected or lost.
Her therapeutic techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brainspotting, Solution-Focused
Strategies, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Talk Therapy, and Psychodynamic approaches. She is
passionate about helping clients heal from trauma and see themselves as whole and restored, moving from
a place of brokenness to one of growth.
Laurie’s clients describe her as a voice for the voiceless who empowers them to reclaim their mental clarity and
spiritual authority. She integrates practical strategies with faith-based principles to create lasting transformation
that impacts future generations. Whether you seek healing, clarity, or a renewed sense of purpose, Laurie is here to guide you on a journey toward a life worth living.
Find Laurie on Psychology Today!​
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Amy Smith, MSW, LCSW
Mental Health Therapist
Amy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25+ years of clinical experience serving individuals and families.
Amy specialized in working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, neurodiversity, family conflict,
relationship issues, and adjustment to life changes.
Amy’s approach is person-centered, and incorporates techniques such as CBT, ERP, Mindfulness, ACT, and
Psychodynamic interventions. She recognizes that taking a step forward and sharing your story with someone
new can be intimidating. Amy is committed to developing a therapeutic relationship that promotes a sense of
safety, and encourages collaborative work toward your individual goals.
Amy attended Purdue University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree studying Psychology, and graduated
from East Carolina University with her Master’s in Social Work. In Amy’s free time you can usually find her
hanging out with family and friends, and enjoying all of the great outdoor activities that NC has to offer.
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Sidney Skerlak, MSW, LCSWA
Mental Health Therapist
Sidney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate with a specialization in mood disorders, psychosis, ADHD, and
trauma. With a passion for helping individuals navigate life's challenges, Sidney is dedicated to providing compassionate
and collaborative care.
Sidney earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Appalachian State University in 2018, where she completed an
internship with the ACT Team at Daymark Recovery. She went on to earn her Master of Social Work (MSW) from UNC
Charlotte in 2023, along with a post-baccalaureate certificate in Early Childhood Mental Health in 2021. During her time
at UNC Charlotte, Sidney gained diverse experience through internships in school and public health settings, as well as a
one-year internship with Atrium Behavioral Health, where she began working following graduation.
Sidney has experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, borderline personality
disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, self-esteem issues, and mood disorders. Sidney’s therapeutic approach is rooted in
creating a safe and collaborative space where clients can explore their emotions and gain insights into their experiences.
Sidney uses an eclectic range of modalities including mindfulness based practices, trauma informed CBT, DBT, humanistic,
and IFS, among others. She is committed to empowering her clients to better understand their mental health and work
toward healing and personal growth.
In her free time, Sidney likes hanging out with family and friends, getting outside with her dog Rex, and doing things that
help her unwind and stay grounded.
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Tammie Elliott, LCSWA, LCASA
Mental Health Therapist
Tammie received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from New Jersey State University, and earned her
Master’s degree in Social Work from Johnson C. Smith University where she also was inducted into the
Phi Alpha Honor Society. Tammie was influenced/determined to join the helping profession after watching
family and friends struggle with mental health/substance abuse as well as having her own experiences/struggle
with mental health.
Tammie’s background includes 9 years of experience in the human service field. Tammie has provided services to
individuals both adolescents and adults in outpatient, inpatient, residential, and hospital settings. Tammie has
been recognized for excellence in leading programs, service implementation and supportive counseling. She has
served populations presenting a range of emotional, behavioral, substance abuse and developmental challenges.
Tammie is also a firm believer of breaking generational curses while providing continued support in communities
of color. Tammie since 2019, has organized and moderated symposiums that focused on the importance of
Mental Health within African American communities in efforts to end stigma which events are held on the campus
of Johnson C. Smith University, and she continues to hold these events. In Tammie's free time she enjoys spending
time with family, cooking, painting, and attending live music events.
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Celia McComiskey, LCSWA
Mental Health Therapist
Celia McComiskey is a passionate LCSWA with 5 years of experience in a variety of specialities. Celia's specialities
include substance abuse, ASD, depression/anxiety, trauma, geriatric counseling, personality disorders, etc.
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Celia has experience working with populations of all social economic status', elderly, children, teens, families, and mental health/substance abuse problems. Celia uses multiple therapeutic interventions and modalities such as DBT,
CBT, trauma informed care, crisis intervention, exposure therapy, psychoeducation, play therapy, and mindfulness
based therapy.
As a therapist, Celia prioritizes the client's safety and comfort while creating an environment for
clients to process thoughts effectively. I aim to empower people to find their voice and confidently use these
interventions independently. I strive to create a meaningful impact!
Toscha Wilkins, LCSWA
Mental Health Therapist
Toscha Wilkins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) with over 23 years of experience working
with individuals in various community settings. From providing micro-level direct services to engaging in macro-level
systemic interventions, her journey has been dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering positive change
within their communities.
Her passion lies in helping others achieve their highest quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma,
relationship struggles, or life transitions, her goal is to provide you with the tools, support, and encouragement
necessary to lead a life that is fulfilling and authentic.
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Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important.” Toscha is passionate
about helping you enrich your quality of life and become your best self. She is excited to join you on this transformative
journey toward greater fulfillment and well-being. Toscha believes that with guided self-reflection and insight, you
can unlock new levels of personal growth. By providing a structured framework, she helps you explore your
thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a more focused and productive way.
Grace Bergman, MSW
COO, Clinical Coordinator
Grace joined Chronic Health Counseling in 2023 as the Chief Operations Officer and Clinical Coordinator.
Grace earned her MSW from UNC Charlotte in 2013. She has vast knowledge and experience in social work practices,
working with survivors of domestic violence and those experiencing homelessness. She also has first hand
knowledge of the needs of military families and working with special needs children. Grace's attention to detail,
background knowledge of social work ethics and practices, and passion to contribute to mental health wellness
in the community make her an invaluable part of the CHC team.
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In her free time, Grace enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, taking her
kids to the pool or beach, and running.