Every day, our nation’s heroes struggle with the mental and physical scars uniquely earned through military service. The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone is a nonprofit philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting this selfless population by offering accessible, high-quality mental healthcare services. We have walk-in clinics in Clarksville, Tennessee, Jacksonville, Florida, and Fayetteville, North Carolina and also offer telehealth, face-to-face video therapy to reduce barriers to treatment.
Meet Our Team
Our Cohen Clinic at Centerstone team is led by experienced, culturally competent professionals who are trained to work specifically with veterans and their family members.
Kami Perez, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS-I – Clinic Director
Kami Perez has worked with both active duty service members and veterans in outpatient settings and has counseling experience across a variety of treatment venues which include: inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse, community and assisted living based services, and medication assisted treatment services. Kami holds a master’s degree in social work and also has experience working with issues related to chemical dependency, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. Her training includes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Relapse Prevention. She is also a registered national Cognitive Processing Therapy provider.
Karen Soutullo, LCMHC – Assistant Director
Karen Soutullo is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor providing outpatient therapy to adult & adolescent individuals, groups, families, and partnered individuals. Her clinical expertise and experience includes diagnosis and treatment of those in different, and difficult walks of life including the LGBTQ+ community, those with experiences of complicated trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, OCD, difficulties with emotional regulation, and personality disorders.
She uses empirically supported methods of therapeutic interventions including Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) therapy interventions with a foundation of person-centered therapy.
Karen is native to Fayetteville/Fort Bragg area and values providing empirically-supported and culturally competent mental health care to those in her community. She’ll work with you in collaboration to meet your goals, while providing a safe space and resources to assist you in improving your quality of life.
Natasha Schauer, MSW, LCSW, LCAS – Clinical Supervisor
Natasha Schauer is a United States Army Veteran with two Operation Iraqi Freedom deployments. Since finishing her time in service at Fort Bragg in the 82nd Airborne Division as a Non-Commissioned Officer, Natasha has become skilled in mental health and substance abuse counseling. Now a licensed clinical social worker and licensed clinical addiction specialist, she is also well versed in assessment, individual and group therapy, suicide prevention, and crisis response. Natasha has specialty training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for adults, adolescents and children. Her areas of focus are individuals diagnosed with personality and complex trauma related disorders, enhancement of effective parenting, and the treatment of adolescent and childhood conduct, disruptive and mood related disorders. Natasha holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master of Social Work.
Marfa Nicanor, MSW, LCSW-A – Case Manager
As a former military spouse for 19 years, licensed clinical social worker, Marfa Nicanor, is passionate about working with Veterans and their families and understands the unique challenges military families face. Marfa believes in working collaboratively with her clients; whether it be an adult or child individual, family or couple that seeks her support, she strives to use their strengths to help them work through challenges and achieve their goals. She uses a blend of therapy, motivational interviewing, psychoeducation and solution focused therapy to best serve her clients’ needs. Marfa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work and is trained in TF-CBT, CBT for Suicide Prevention, and PTSD assessment.
Foy Crandall, BS – Case Manager
Foy Crandall is a Tennessee native based in Nashville, working remotely for the Fayetteville NC clinic. She is the step-daughter of a retired airman and serving the United States Military and their families is very important to her. Foy has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Services. She is passionate about bringing awareness to the importance of mental health in the military population and their families. Foy strives to help people reach their goals and to provide the support they need during life’s challenges. When she is not working, Foy is spending time with her daughter, husband, and dog. Foy loves being outside in nature, traveling, cooking, and going to see new bands. She enjoys exploring farmer’s markets, local businesses, and festivals.
Diana Miller, LCSW – Clinician
Diana works to ensure that clients leave therapy sessions with the practical tools, knowledge, and resources to meet their therapeutic goals. She strives to provide a safe, authentic, thorough, and client-centered space in therapy to empower her clients to strengthen their skills and resilience in resolving their own challenges by using evidence-based tools and applicable methods along with an emphasis on psychoeducational to relieve or reduce symptoms.
Diana utilizes strategies and interventions from the following modalities: Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Grief Recovery, and Gottman for couples and parents. She has special interests in trauma-focused work, relational issues, grief and loss, life transitions, specific/non-specific spirituality issues, as well as other cultural and LGBTQ+ related challenges.
Patience Thomas, LCSW – Clinician
Patience Thomas is the daughter of a military veteran, born and mostly raised here at Fort Bragg. Since she grew up in a military family, Patience has first-hand knowledge of the challenges military families experience. This has given her a deep passion for helping veterans, service members and their families navigate these difficulties.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Patience uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with most of her clients to assist with difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, life stressors and struggles with societal expectations. Her goal with each client is to provide a safe, non-judgmental, environment where her clients lead the way to their own mental healing.
When not at work, Patience enjoys juggling life as a mom to a busy toddler and wife of a first responder.
Angelina Armstrong- MSW, LCSW- Clinician
Angelina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and daughter to a retired Army Veteran who served 20 years in the military and honorably received the military purple heart award. Angelina is originally from Texas but has resided in NC for 18 years and has officially adopted NC as her home. Before joining the social work field, Angelina worked as an outbound military move coordinator for 3 local moving companies helping service members during their PCS move process. Growing up in a military populated city, serving the military has always been a passion of Angelina’s and when she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, children and fur babies.
Angelina’s experience includes working across a variety of settings and populations to include; Domestic violence & sexual assault emergency shelter manager, victim/family advocate, community mental health crisis center behavioral health specialist, and private practice psychotherapist; Angelina has worked with all ages beginning as young as 5+ and across many target populations with issues related to chemical dependency, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, trauma disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, obsessive compulsive and related disorders and some neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD. Angelina is trained in many therapy interventions however she primarily utilizes Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Exposure Response Prevention, Relapse Prevention, Expressive Arts Therapy and Gender affirming and celebratory care.
Frankie Oxendine, LMFT, MDiv, CCTP – Clinician
Frankie is a United States Navy and Army Veteran who retired after 22 years of combined service as both an NCO (Navy) and Officer (Army). Frankie was raised an Army dependent in and around the Fayetteville, NC area. Frankie has completed 4 combat and 2 non-combat tours during his military service. Frankie combines his personal and professional experiences to bring a unique perspective to the lives of those individuals, couples, and families he serves. In addition to being a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Frankie is also a Licensed and Ordained Southern Baptist Minister and believes that the spiritual aspect of us is as important as the emotional and physical. Within this aspect Frankie provides Pastoral Counseling to those who prefer a faith-based approach. As a Certified Clinician Trauma Professional, Frankie specializes in military-related traumas such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, and loss. Skilled in numerous modalities, Frankie brings together Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T), Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness, Logotherapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy into the therapeutic relationship. When not at work, he can be found spending time with his family in the great outdoors, usually on or near the water. Frankie has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in military families and a Masters in Divinity.
Victoria Bradford, LCSW-A – Clinician
Victoria Bradford is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate with over 5 years of experience in community-based mental health services. As a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and proud alum of Fayetteville State University, Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and a Master of Social Work. Though the greater Fayetteville area is home, Victoria has also provided clinical therapeutic services to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area as well.
Victoria has evidenced based certifications in Family Centered Treatment, a trauma-focused child and family treatment modality, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Victoria is passionate about furthering her education and has plans to continue to add more certifications to her skill set. In the future, Victoria has a goal to earn a doctoral degree.
When Victoria is not serving her community, Victoria can be found enjoying time with her family, exercising, or reading a good book.
Candy Tryggestad, LCSW- Clinician
Candy Is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a proud military spouse. She received her bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from Kansas State University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Aurora University. Candy uses a person-centered approach with a variety of therapeutic interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness to meet the needs of each individual client. She has experience working with all ages, to include children as young as 5 years old in a community and outpatient setting. Candy is dedicated to assisting children, adolescents, and adults in developing and strengthening interpersonal skills, recognizing and regulating their emotional states, creating healthier relationships and achieving new goals.
Kristy Wood, LCMHC – Clinician
Kristy is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) providing outpatient care to children, adolescents, adults, couples, partnered individuals, families, and groups. She has been both a military dependent and military spouse, providing her with insight into the difficulties military families face on a daily basis. Kristy believes in taking a collaborative approach from a strengths-based perspective to help clients reach their goals, holding the therapeutic relationship in the highest regard. She has experience and expertise in diagnosing and treating individuals from many different backgrounds, those with experiences of trauma and complex trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Kristy uses evidence based approaches in her work with clients, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Kristy will utilize these approaches in an integrative and culturally competent manner, striving to provide you with a safe space to work through anything you might be experiencing.
Rachel Dibbins, LCSWA/LMSW – Fellow
Rachel Dibbins is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Associate (NC), Licensed Master Social Worker (TN) and a current Cohen Clinic Fellow. Rachel got her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in child and family development from Northwest Missouri State University. She then attended the college of Social Work at the University of Tennessee to obtain her Master’s Degree in 2021. Rachel got her therapy start as a clinical intern with the Steven Cohen Clinic in Clarksville. During her time there, Rachel was trained in Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Crisis Response Planning for Suicide Prevention. After coming home from her deployment in 2021, Rachel rejoined the Cohen family as a virtual fellow for the North Carolina Clinic. Since beginning her fellowship in 2021, Rachel has been trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD and Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. As the daughter of a Navy Veteran and an Army National Guard Veteran herself, Rachel understands the unique challenges service members and their families face every day. Rachel has a specialty focus on military sexual trauma and combat trauma.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys traveling to see friends, eating at new restaurants, taking excessive photos of her dog and spending time with her family.
DeAndra Parker, LCSWA – Fellow
DeAndra Parker is the proud wife of an Army veteran who is excited to utilize her awareness and understanding of military culture to best serve our veterans and their families. Alongside her support for our veterans, DeAndra served military families for 3 years as both a patient representative and case manager with the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Cape Fear Valley. She is eager to continue providing a positive attitude and friendly face for our clients while making an impact on the lives of veterans and military families. DeAndra holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work.
Luis Velarde Gensollen, MSW, LCSW-A, LCAS-A – Fellow
Luis Velarde Gensollen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker – Associate (NC) and a current CVN Fellow. Luis obtained his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2014 and then began his career in the mental health field in 2015 by working in administrative positions and then as a case manager in a non-profit mental health clinic. After acquiring experience as a case manager for 3 years, Luis decided to pursue a Master of Social Work degree program at UNC-Chapel Hill and graduated in May 2023 with a specialization in substance use and addictions.
Luis is a native Spanish-speaker and has a passion for helping veterans, service members, and their families bridge the language barrier to accessing high-quality mental health services. Luis has clinical training in various evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, Harm Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure. Luis’ area of focus includes diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and other difficult life transitions and/or cultural stressors. Luis aims to provide clients with a safe and person-centered space that fosters self-exploration, acceptance, healing, and alignment with one’s value system. Outside of work, Luis enjoys spending time in nature, music, traveling, and trying out new foods and recipes.
Megan Simental, MSW, LCSWA – Fellow
Originally from Washington state, Megan Simental is an Army spouse who has called the Fayetteville-Fort Bragg area home since 2019.
As a military spouse, she has worked closely with families at Fort Bragg providing support and resources to those who are navigating the unique experiences and challenges military life presents.
Megan has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and holds a master’s degree in social work, as well. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she is grateful to be working closely with military service members, veterans and their families in her role as an Intake Coordinator.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys trying out new recipes, checking state and national parks off of her bucket list and appreciating a hot cup of coffee any time of year, even in the North Carolina heat and humidity.
Sarai Gutierrez, MA – Intake Coordinator
Sarai Gutierrez is a California native but has called North Carolina her home since 2009. She is the daughter of an Army veteran and had the opportunity to connect with Marines at Camp Lejeune while attending the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.
Sarai has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is pursuing a master’s degree in Psychology, as well as a license in Substance Abuse Counseling. She is passionate about bringing awareness to the importance of mental health in the military population and their families. Sarai strives to help people reach their goals and to provide the support they need during life’s challenges.
When she is not working, Sarai is spending time with her two dogs and trying new recipes in the kitchen. She enjoys exploring farmer’s markets, local businesses, and festivals.
Alexys Freeland, BSW – Intake Coordinator
Alexys Freeland is a clinical social work intern. She is currently completing her Masters of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She is a North Carolina native. She is the proud granddaughter of an Air Force veteran, which is one of the primary reasons she is so passionate about serving military veterans and their families. She strives every day to make an impact on the military community by providing quality care. During her time as an intern, Alexys has been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Crisis Planning for Suicide Prevention. Outside of work and school, Alexys enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and giving back to her community.
Zoe Panizzi, PMHNP-BC, APRN, RN – Prescriber
Zoe Panizzi is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner providing medication management services for the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics at Centerstone in the Clarksville, Jacksonville, and Fayetteville locations. As a military wife and mother, Zoe understands the challenges that military families face and is passionate about providing high-quality psychiatric care for service members and their families. Mrs. Panizzi graduated from Bowdoin College with a BA in Psychology before completing her Masters of Nursing at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in 2013. She has a wide range of experience in behavioral health care, including work in community mental health, addiction medicine, intensive outpatient treatment, child and adolescent behavioral health, and extensive work with adults with anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD. In addition to her clinical work, Zoe has served as a preceptor for Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, University of Tennessee College of Nursing, and Campbell University’s Physician Assistant program. She greatly enjoys teaching and the opportunity to participate in the education of the next generation of advanced practice providers.
Tannis Smith – Office Manager
I am passionate about the work that is done to help people become the best representation of themselves by utilizing therapy. I love to hear the success stories of the people we serve. I am a Fayetteville native, born and raised and my Father is an Army veteran. I have spent 20 years in behavioral health with operations and management roles. Prior to coming to the Cohen clinic, I worked for a multi clinic community based provider with several locations in eastern NC as an operations manager.
What resonates with me about the Cohen clinic is the accessibility that is available with the model of care for the population that is served. The Cohen Clinic is an invaluable asset to the community at large. I enjoy being part of the team and positively affecting some’s day even if it’s just a smile in passing to people that come into our clinic.
Deja Lowe – Office Coordinator
Deja is from Fayetteville, N.C. And is an active duty Army spouse who has called the Fayetteville-Fort Bragg area home again since 2018. Deja has her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science Pre-Athletic Training, and has worked closely with rehabilitation with military service members, veterans and their families. Outside of work, Deja enjoys traveling and new adventures.
Shaquiaya Allen – Office Coordinator
Shaquiaya Allen comes from a long line of military service members and is the honored spouse of a retired disabled veteran. Shaquiaya was born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and is a veteran of the military lifestyle. She is a skilled administrative support professional with over eight years of experience serving nonprofit organizations and the military community. She is deeply driven by being able to serve and support the men and women of our armed forces and their families, as they have served our country with honor. She strives to promote positive attitudes and put a smile on the faces of our clients. Shaquiaya expresses that it is her mission to be an active player and assist part of the team here at the Cohen Clinic that is changing lives every day.
Major (ret) Sharjuan Burgos – Outreach Director
Major (ret) Sharjuan Burgos is a 27 year, dual military soldier who understands the challenges a life of service demands. She is also no stranger to the Fayetteville area having been stationed at Fort Bragg for 10 years. Upon retiring, Sharjuan wanted to give back to her community and to support those she knew best – veterans and their families. As the Cohen Clinic Outreach Manager, Sharjuan draws on her personal military experiences and expertise as a human resources expert to grow the clinic’s client base and collaborate with community partners. She takes pride in being able to connect veterans and their families with evidence based behavioral healthcare and support, that impacts veterans’ lives and helps bring them back to better. Sharjuan holds a Master’s Degree in Human Recourses Development and is currently working towards a Doctor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management.
Aaron Goletz – Data Manager
Aaron Goletz holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Science and is working towards his master’s in Data Science. He is an Army veteran with two Operation Iraqi Freedom deployments who now serves in the National Guard. Aaron has worked as a case manager and counselor for Centerstone and as a researcher for various grant-funded veteran programs. Ever since transitioning back into civilian life he knew he wanted to help other veterans do the same and learned his skills are best utilized in the structured operation of data collection and analysis. As the Cohen Clinic at Centerstone’s Data Manager, Aaron continues to serve the veteran and family population from behind the scenes by supporting the front lines of mental health care.
Blog
Cohen Military Family Clinic
March 20, 2024
Connecting in the Community Room
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone’s community room was a busy place last month. Nearly 100 people took advantage of the clinic’s February enrichment classes and organizers ...
Cohen Military Family Clinic
March 20, 2024
Fort Liberty Spouses Club Social
Our clinic was proud to partner with the Fort Liberty Spouses Club for their February Social! We provided lunch, shared information about the clinic, and had a great time decorating ...
Cohen Military Family Clinic
March 20, 2024
Honoring K9 Veterans Day
March 13 is National K9 Veterans Day and the day we honor our K9 Veterans and their steadfast service to our nation. Courageous, loyal, unwavering are among the many descriptors we ...
Cohen Military Family Clinic
March 20, 2024
Minority Stress: What is it and what can we do about it?
We all face stress in everyday life. From jobs to school to family and friends. However, if you identify as someone in a marginalized group, research tells us that there ...
Cohen Military Family Clinic
March 20, 2024
National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month and the team at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone wants our heroes to know they stand ready to ...
Cohen Military Family Clinic
March 20, 2024
Utilizing Smartphones to Improve Mental Health
We know that in many ways smartphones may be contributing to the decrease in mental health in teenagers. But we also know that most teens own smartphones and enjoy using ...
Cohen Military Family Clinic
March 20, 2024
Meet Our Advisory Council: Commander (Ret.) Sean W. Dougherty
Commander Dougherty is originally from Quakertown, Pennsylvania and enlisted in the United States Navy in May 1996. Upon completion of Recruit Training in Great Lakes, Ill., he was recognized for ...
Cohen Military Family Clinic
March 13, 2024
Growing Supporting Environments While Growing Ourselves
As we engage in daily practice that thoughtfully includes all communities, backgrounds, orientations, and genders, it’s important to be cognizant of our attitudes, behaviors, and- even more so- our mindset. ...
Cohen Military Family Clinic
February 21, 2024
Spice Ya Life
Sometimes, we get caught up in our daily routine and life can start to feel bland. When you’re feeling bland, add some S.P.I.C.E.S. back into your routine! Social: Sometimes our ...
Cohen Military Family Clinic
February 21, 2024
Sparking Friendships
Military spouses looking to make new connections did so in style thanks to Mission: MilSpouse and the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone recently. “This was a first-of-its-kind ...
Contact Us
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone
3505 Village Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304
To make an appointment
(910) 500-1800
(877) 463-6505
For more information
cohenNC@centerstone.org
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