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 12+ years of clinical and medical social work experiences, serving populations from
adolescent to young adults, the elderly and disabled adults. Emily specializes in working with anxiety,
depression, mood disorders, teen therapy, young adults adjusting to their professional careers,
simple and/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 an
integrative therapeutic approach, incorporating therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, Self-Compassion,
& other Trauma Informed Practices. She has a strong passion to serve those in need of learning how to
identify and process how their upbringings within our homes and community impact us as adults. As a
therapist Emily focuses on creating a safe and non-judgmental space for you to share what brings you to
therapy. Working with Emily is like working with someone who is able to offer genuine compassion and
understanding that coming to therapy can be hard but also rewarding. 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 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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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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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!
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.