HEALTH AND COUNSELING STAFF
Michelle Diehl, Team Lead, 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 equine assisted counseling, 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.
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.
Abby Erdman, Resident in Counseling joined Hollins Counseling services in November 2023. She is provisionally licensed as a Resident in Counseling, pursuing full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She worked previously as a board-certified music therapist with variety of populations and settings, including early intervention, university mental health services, children and adults with developmental disabilities, and hospice/end-of-life care. She has supervised counseling experience with children, teenagers, adults, and families. In addition to traditional “talk therapy” counseling techniques, she engages clients in creative techniques such as music, art, movement, or writing/storytelling, as well as mindfulness and meditation.
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 and Carilion Clinic in August 2016. Emily earned her MALS from Hollins University, and Master of Arts in Counselor Education from Virginia Tech. Emily has over 14 years of experience in mental health work, initially with roles in community-based counseling with children, families and adults, as well as coordination, management, creation of programs, and supervision, before moving into outpatient therapy with adolescents and adults. Emily is a trauma-trained and informed therapist with an integrative, person-centered approach, utilizing CBT, ACT, and Schema Therapies with interests in narrative, mindful, and health-focused approaches as well. Emily serves as a therapist at Hollins and with Carilion Mental Health.
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.