Staff

HEALTH AND COUNSELING STAFF

Michelle Diehl, Resident in Counseling joined Hollins Health and Counseling  in February 2023. Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Virginia Tech and her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Wake Forest university. She is a national certified counselor and continues to pursue state licensure as a LPC. She has  special interest in the mind-body connection and incorporates modalities such as yoga, mindfulness, breathwork and meditation into her counseling practice as well as placing high priority on delivering trauma informed care. Michelle has worked in various counseling settings including  school systems, pediatric outpatient services and substance use disorder treatment clinics. She enjoys the ample opportunities to get outdoors in the Roanoke community with her husband, daughter and 3 dogs.

Lisa Dmochowski RN joined Health Services in February 2021 as the Director of Health and Counseling.  She received her BS in Psychology from the University of Mary Washington and became a licensed RN in 2013.  Lisa has experience caring for patients in an inpatient and outpatient setting. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Mandy Griffin, Lead Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist joined Hollins Health and Counseling in November 2021. Mandy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from James Madison University and her Master’s Degree in Marital and Family Therapy from California School of Professional Psychology.  Mandy is an LMFT with fifteen years’ experience working with individuals and families utilizing: (1) systemic, (2) outcome informed, (3) expressive arts and (4) contextually respectful treatment modalities. Mandy is a trained REMO HealthRhythms Group Empowerment Drumming Facilitator and she enjoys living in Roanoke with her husband, 3 children and dog.

Kent Harris MD is the University’s physician. He is board certified in Family Practice and is currently on staff at Carilion Family Medicine, North Roanoke. He is a graduate of West Virginia University and completed his residency at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.  He is a resource for the nurse practitioner, director/nurse, athletic trainer, and Student Affairs staff.

Rachel Heletz NP transferred to the Hollins Student Health Services from the Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster, MD.  Rachel is a graduate of the University of Maryland nursing program and a 2009 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Adult Nurse Practitioner program.  She is certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center.  She is a valuable health resource/educator for the University.

Paula Leonard HAA joined Health Services in March 2021.  She has previous healthcare experience working as a Nursing Assistant and secretary in the NICU and as a Human Resources Representative in Employee Health at Carilion Clinic. Paula enjoys spending time with her family and going to concerts.

Emily Painter, Licensed Professional Counselor joined Hollins Health and Counseling Services in August 2016.  Emily earned a BA from Lynchburg College, MALS in Liberal Studies from Hollins University, and Master of Arts in Counselor Education from Virginia Tech and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Emily serves as a therapist, consultant, and educator with several community outreach programs.

Sondra Stephens, Licensed Professional Counselor earned her BA from Hollins University and Masters in Education, Counseling from Virginia Tech. Sondra is a LPC with 20 plus years of experience. She has provided therapy to children, teens, couples, and adults of all ages. She specializes in working with teen/young adult/young mothers, foster care and adopted youth, individuals with anxiety, ADHD, major depression, and trauma-related issues. She has a special interest in working with diverse populations and women who are struggling with setting life goals and those who need to be empowered. Sondra has recent training in EDMR therapy and is eager to implement this treatment within her practice.