Dresa Pacolli, L.C.M.H.C.A, L.C.A.S.A.

Dresa Pacolli, L.C.M.H.C.A, L.C.A.S.A.

Accepting new patients for therapy

Qendresa “Dresa” Pacolli is a licensed clinical mental health counselor.  She completed her Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at North Carolina State University in 2022 and her practicum and internship with Insight-Swain Recovery Center. She has previously worked in community mental health and substance-use outpatient treatment.  Ms. Pacolli enjoys working individually with adults 18 and over. She supports clients with anxiety and depression management and treatment of alcohol/substance addictions, trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder . She also supports clients with emotion regulation problems, grief/loss processing, and relationship challenges.  Ms. Pacolli uses a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavior therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. She  also uses somatic, person-centered, and trauma-informed approaches.  She offers gentle and compassionate care through highlighting patient’s strengths, offering empathy and understanding, and approaching challenges without judgment.  In her spare time, Ms. Pacolli enjoys hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway, reading, fitness training, playing with her cats, and spending time with her loved ones.

Neal Jones, Psy.D.

Neal Jones, Psy.D.

Accepting new patients for therapy

Dr. Jones is a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience. He earned his B.A. from Wake Forest University and his Psy.D. from Baylor University. He sees therapy as an invitation to explore how one’s past informs one’s present, how one’s internal life (thoughts, emotions, and aspirations) influences one’s external life (job, family, and friendships), and how one’s perception shapes one’s reality. He works with adults who are facing relationship difficulties, life transitions, losses, past or recent traumas, questions of meaning and purpose, end-of-life decisions, depression, and anxiety. He also works with couples to help them communicate with more understanding and empathy and to develop a more respectful, nurturing, trusting, and trustworthy relationship. Rather than relying on a single technique or perspective, he draws on various clinical approaches based on the unique personalities and circumstances of the client. In his spare time, Dr. Jones enjoys reading, watching movies, and live theater, hiking, and traveling.

Tammy Kurecki, M.S.N., P.M.H.N.P.

Tammy Kurecki, M.S.N., P.M.H.N.P.

Accepting new patients for medication management

Mrs. Kurecki is board certified nurse practitioner in both family medicine and psychiatry.  She enjoys working with patients 6 yrs old through adulthood.  Mrs. Kurecki has experience is working with people who have depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, trauma, LGBTQ, bipolar disorder, substance-use disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders.  She approaches everyone in an unbiased, empathetic, and holistic way to provide what they need for success. She received her Nurse Practitioner Family Practice graduate degree from the University of South Florida and her post graduate degree in Psychiatry from the University of Cincinnati. She is active with National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) organization. Ms. Kurecki is passionate about learning and serving the local community in awareness and outreach programs. 

Erin Morrison, D.O.

Erin Morrison, D.O.

Accepting new patients 25 and younger for medication management

Dr. Morrison is a psychiatrist at the Pisgah Institute who works with children and adolescents as well as young adults.  She completed her undergraduate training in Chemistry, Art and Design from North Carolina State University, Medical School from Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia, her Residency in Adult Psychiatry in New Orleans at Louisiana State University – Ochsner Clinic New Orleans, Louisiana and her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry training at Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri.  She enjoys working with children, age 5 years and above through young adulthood.  Her areas of interest include psychotropic medication management of mood and anxiety disorders of childhood and adulthood, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorders, attention-deficit disorders and impulse control disorders of childhood, psychotic disorders and eating disorders of childhood, adolescence and young adulthood.  She uses Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy inspired treatment approaches as well to help approach treatment to mental ailments.  In addition to psychiatry, she enjoys fine art, film and true crime books and podcasts.

Edith Gettes, M.D.

Edith Gettes, M.D.

Accepting new patients for medication management

Dr. Gettes is an adult psychiatrist who has worked in many different settings. After completing medical school and psychiatry training at UNC Chapel Hill, she served as a psychiatrist there, primarily focused on women’s mental health, reproductive psychiatry, collaborative psychiatry with Family Medicine and OB-GYN, consultation psychiatry, and general adult private practice. She has presented locally, nationally and internationally on subjects at the intersection of trauma, mental health, learning  and reproduction. Dr. Gettes moved to western North Carolina to live in the beautiful mountains and work at the JFK Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center. She can sometimes be found playing violin in the Asheville Symphony, gardening or writing. Delighted to be in practice with the Pisgah Institute, Dr. Gettes looks forward to helping clients with reproductive, mood, anxiety, trauma, physical illness, addiction, performance-related or other mental health challenges discover and maintain their healthiest possible lives. 

Doug McKee, Psy.D.

Doug McKee, Psy.D.

Accepting new patients for therapy

Dr. McKee is a psychologist who is dedicated to helping his clients work through their issues. He sees adults of all ages and children over the age of six years.  Dr. McKee sees each of his clients as a unique individual and therefore tailor makes his treatment plan accordingly. He is a Master Addiction Counselor and treats people with depression, anxiety, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, and relationship issues that include romantic relationship problems and child-rearing problems. His style of therapy involves coaching techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy, experiential therapy, gestalt therapy, and family-systems approaches. He has worked in a variety of settings and has taught at two universities. He has been licensed as a psychologist in three states and is past president of the Western North Carolina Psychological Association. Dr. McKee is dedicated to his profession and wants to bring out the best in his clients. He has worked in the field of psychology for over 30 years.

Mackenzie Muldowney, M.A., L.C.M.H.C.

Mackenzie Muldowney, M.A., L.C.M.H.C.

Accepting new patients for therapy

Mrs. Muldowney is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and nationally certified counselor who provides individual psychotherapy for a variety of adolescents’ and adults’ concerns.   Mrs. Muldowney has been with The Pisgah Institute since 2017, first in an administrative role and now as a clinician.   She completed her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Montreat College, where she was a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the International Counseling Honor Society.   She completed her graduate internship at The Pisgah Institute.   Mrs. Muldowney believes that every person can thrive with the right tools and that our unique challenges can serve as catalysts for change.  Her treatment approach is person centered and trauma informed and is based in cognitive-behavioral therapies including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, an evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD.  In her free time, Mrs. Muldowney enjoys hiking, waterfall hunting, and watching RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Susan Hill, Ed.D.

Susan Hill, Ed.D.

Accepting new patients for therapy

Dr. Hill is a psychologist who began her practice in the public-school system and college counseling centers.  She continues to work with children, age six years and older, and has added adults to her therapy and testing practice.  Individual therapy along with psychological and psycho-educational testing are Dr. Hill’s areas of interest.  Her focus is psychodynamic theory with an eye towards development throughout the life span.  She also has a special interest in the GLBTQ+ population.  Mindfulness, hypnosis, and spirituality also inform her work.  She completed her training at Rutgers University in New Jersey in counseling psychology and moved to Western North Carolina.  Dr. Hill is a shareholder at The Pisgah Institute.  In her spare time, she enjoys long walks out in nature, live musical and theatrical performances, and her spoiled cats.

John Donkervoet, Ph.D.

John Donkervoet, Ph.D.

Accepting new patients for DBT therapy & group

Dr. John Donkervoet received his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Rhode Island in 1994 with an internship at the Medical University of South Carolina.  His professional education and training was heavily grounded in strong clinical practice work with children, adolescents, and adults.  John began his career working with families utilizing the Multi-Systemic Therapy model.  He was recruited to Hawaii in 1996 to serve as the Clinical Director for the Hawaii Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division. Subsequently, he became a Director of Psychology and Clinical Therapies at a private psychiatric facility on the island of Oahu. During this time, John provided treatment to youth with delinquency issues and their families, geriatric populations, individuals with substance abuse issues, as well as a variety of inpatient psychiatric child, adolescent, adult, and forensic populations. John has had a thriving private practice in Hawaii for  nine years.  John brings 25 years of experience working with adolescents, adults and families with complex challenges.  His practice currently specializes in work with individuals with personality disorders as part of a comprehensive Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) program. John returned to the mainland (how islanders refer to the United States) from Hawaii to be closer to family, realizing his long term goal of living in the mountains so he can hike, bike, and canoe as often as possible.

Samantha Isakson Lyerly, Ph.D.

Samantha Isakson Lyerly, Ph.D.

Accepting new patients for testing

Dr. Isakson Lyerly treats children, adolescents, and adults. She began her practice in the public school systems, state hospitals, and residential-treatment programs. She integrates several therapeutic approaches to individualize care, which may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy, and person-centered treatment. Attachment theory, internal family systems, and positive psychology also inform her work. Dr. Isakson Lyerly also offers a range of assessments, including psychoeducational, neurodevelopmental, and personality testing.  She completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Fielding Graduate University and her Specialist in School Psychology degree from Western Carolina University. In her spare time, she enjoys being with family and friends in nature, listening to and performing music, running, and cycling.

Danielle Mitchener, M.S.N., A.N.P., P.M.H.N.P

Danielle Mitchener, M.S.N., A.N.P., P.M.H.N.P

Accepting new patients for medication management

Mrs. Mitchener is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who joined The Pisgah Institute in 2008. Mrs. Mitchener enjoys working in multiple settings including a psychiatric crisis center as well as a substance-abuse and eating disorder inpatient and outpatient facility.  She also sees adult patients at The Pisgah Institute.  She treats a variety of psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, trauma, bipolar disorder, substance-use disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders. Mrs. Mitchener attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for undergraduate and graduate education.  Prior to moving to Asheville, she worked at Duke University Medical Center in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit and as a Neurology Research Coordinator.  Mrs. Mitchener has become a shareholder at The Pisgah Institute in 2018, serving in a leadership and practice management role. When not working, she enjoys many of the great Asheville restaurants, yoga, hip hop dance, and spending time with friends and family.

Parks Harper, P.A.

Parks Harper, P.A.

Accepting new patients for medication management

Ms. Harper enjoys helping adolescents and adults with many types of mental health issues to reach their highest potential. She  currently sees patients at The Pisgah Institute for medication management services and works with students at University of North Carolina Asheville.   Ms. Harper previously worked with patients at an acute inpatient psychiatric facility for crisis stabilization. She completed her Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies at Wake Forest School of Medicine after graduating with highest honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before coming to The Pisgah Institute, Ms. Harper worked in family practice and in ear, nose, and throat specialty practice. She loves reading, the natural world, learning about other cultures, and time with her friends.

Leif Johnson, M.S.N., P.M.H.N.P.

Leif Johnson, M.S.N., P.M.H.N.P.

Accepting new patients for medication management

Mr. Johnson has been a psychiatric nurse practitioner for 15 years and in that time has worked with kids, teens, adults, and the elderly, in settings as varied as nursing homes, the VA hospital, and child residential-treatment units. He is particularly enthusiastic about working with people who, regardless of their age or diagnoses, enter treatment with an eagerness for change. Mr. Johnson’s own life story has included many distinct chapters, living in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Seattle, Santa Fe, Boston (where he attended graduate school), and Asheville. Prior to entering medicine, Mr. Johnson spent his 20s and early 30s as a freelance illustrator and animator, winning awards and working for clients such as Microsoft and The New York Times. Now relatively settled in his life, Mr. Johnson shares his Swannanoa home with his family, which includes one son, two large hound dogs, and a rotating cast of neighborhood bears.

Sandy Sun, F.N.P., P.M.H.N.P.

Sandy Sun, F.N.P., P.M.H.N.P.

Practice full at this time

Ms. Sun is double board certified as a psychiatric and family nurse practitioner.  She employs an integrative approach to treatment, using both medication therapy and a lifestyle approach depending upon each individual’s needs. She treats adults 18 and older for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance-use disorder, psychotic disorders, women’s issues, and trauma.  She is passionate about making folks feel welcome in seeking mental -health care to improve their current situation and their sense of well-being. She listens carefully to her clients.  She earned master’s degrees in clinical medicine from George Washington University and in nursing from Ball State University, followed by postgraduate certification as a psychiatric nurse practitioner from Florida State University.  Ms. Sun is a published author on minority mental-health issues for children, as well as in nutrition and wellness. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, ballroom dance, and playing in the mud (making pottery).

Nancy McKeel, Ph.D.

Nancy McKeel, Ph.D.

Practice full at this time

As a psychologist, Dr. McKeel works with adult men and women ages 45 and older using a variety of perspectives and interventions as appropriate for the client’s needs and goals. She strives to maintain a whole-person perspective, understanding that body, mind, emotions, and spirit all interact in the healing process.  Dr. McKeel came into psychology by way of nursing. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing from the University of North Carolina — Chapel Hill and the University of Virginia. She worked as a registered nurse in public health, neonatology, and psychiatry/mental health. She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Georgia State University and completed an internship at George Washington University Medical Center and a post-doctoral program in behavioral medicine at the University of Utah Medical Center. She has worked in group private practice as a psychotherapist since 1983. She moved to the North Carolina mountains in fulfillment of a lifelong dream in 1994 and joined The Pisgah Institute at that time.

Dorcas "Cassie" Miller, Ph.D.

Dorcas "Cassie" Miller, Ph.D.

Practice full at this time

In her private practice, Dr. Miller specializes in treating individuals with issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as chronic medical conditions, sexual identity, end-of-life concerns, substance abuse, and trauma. Dr. Miller is a psychologist who retired after 30 years at the Department of Public Safety working with female offenders and correctional staff.  She has served as a mental-health Red Cross volunteer and has provided critical incident debriefings for first responders and correctional personnel. She started her undergraduate studies at Indiana University and completed her graduate work at North Carolina State University. Dr. Miller uses cognitive-behavioral interventions and believes that individuals cope best by having physical, mental, and spiritual strategies to balance their lives. In her spare time she enjoys nature walks, attending live theater performances, learning piano, and singing in community chorus.

Katelin Double, Psy.D.

Katelin Double, Psy.D.

Practice full at this time

Dr. Double is a psychologist who provides trauma-informed care rooted in the belief that you are the best expert on yourself. She works with adolescents and adults who are navigating trauma, addiction, mood disorders, and life transitions. She also provides psychoeducational, psychodiagnostic, and career assessments as well as assessments for individuals seeking gender-affirming medical and/or surgical treatment. Dr. Double earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary and completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina. She is a shareholder at The Pisgah Institute. In her spare time, Dr. Double enjoys mountain biking, running, cuddling with her dog, and serving as a foster parent to youth in the community.

Sarah Wells, M.D., D.F.A.P.A.

Sarah Wells, M.D., D.F.A.P.A.

Practice full at this time

Dr. Wells is a psychiatrist who enjoys working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Primarily, she provides medication management. She also believes it is important for her patients to be engaged in psychotherapy and to be focused on healthy lifestyle habits and other ways to maximize one’s mental health. Dr. Wells sees patients at The Pisgah Institute, and also works in a variety of other settings.  She is a consulting psychiatrist at Asheville Academy for Girls, a local therapeutic boarding school.  Her passion is teaching medical students and residents.  She is a professor at the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine and serves as psychiatry site director for the Asheville campus. Also, she is on faculty at the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) Psychiatry Residency program. Dr. Wells completed her training at the University of North Carolina Hospitals. She is board certified in adult psychiatry as well as child and adolescent psychiatry.  Dr. Wells is the current President of The Pisgah Institute. She is a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and a member of the UNC Academy of Educators. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking in our beautiful mountains.

Eliot Steer, Ph.D.

Eliot Steer, Ph.D.

Practice full at this time

Dr. Steer is a post-doctoral psychologist and Ayurvedic practitioner with a focus in integrative mental health. He is a graduate of Palo Alto University’s Ph.D. clinical psychology program, and The Ayurvedic Institute’s Level 1 and 2 programs, and he has completed clinical training in integrative medicine at University of California San Francisco’s Osher Center. Dr. Steer completed his pre-doctoral internship at Maimonides Medical Center and has worked in a variety of community mental-health, hospital, and academic medical settings. Dr. Steer is well versed in evidence-based psychotherapies, including ACT, CBT, DBT, MBCT, Jungian therapy, and internal family systems. In addition, drawing from his extensive knowledge of Ayurveda, yoga, and mindfulness-based therapies, he employs a holistic and client-centered approach to therapy to address the complex interplay between mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Steer collaborates with each client to develop an individualized treatment plan that empowers individuals to unlock their full potential and lead fulfilling, balanced lives. He is a published researcher, has presented at several professional conferences, and is a member of an Ayurveda and yoga research team for depression and anxiety at UCSF. Dr. Steer’s passion for spirituality, nature, and creative expression deeply influence both his professional and personal life. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and practicing yoga.

Wheeler Heck, B.S.N., R.N.

Wheeler Heck, B.S.N., R.N.

Registered Nurse

Wheeler received his BSN from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He has worked as an inpatient nurse on a psychiatric unit at the University of Utah, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Ogden Regional Hospital, and Mission Hospital (Copestone). He has worked as an outpatient nurse for two years starting at the Bowen Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is currently obtaining his doctorate degree from Rush University to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. His current work at The Pisgah Institute has him interacting with patients in a variety of ways, including direct care.

Bill Barley, Ph.D.

Bill Barley, Ph.D.

Retired as of September 30, 2024

Dr. Barley is a clinical psychologist with more than four decades of experience in cognitive-behavior therapy for diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, body-centered repetitive behavior disorders, and mood and depressive disorders.  He graduated from Texas Tech University’s doctoral program in clinical psychology in 1980 and was a staff psychologist at Highland Hospital in Asheville till 1993.  Dr. Barley is a founding member of The Pisgah Institute and a current shareholder of the practice.   He is twice past president of the Western North Carolina Psychological Association.  He is past president, former long-time editor of the association’s newsletter, and former member of the board of directors of the North Carolina Psychological Association.  Dr. Barley has several publications and has made many presentations to professional audiences in his areas of practice.  Occasionally he is told he resembles Stephen Spielberg, which his wife says he does, “vaguely.”

Kelly R. Hermann, M.B.A., C.M.P.E.

Kelly R. Hermann, M.B.A., C.M.P.E.

Practice Manager

Kelly R. Hermann, M.B.A., is the practice manager for The Pisgah Institute for Psychotherapy and Education, P.A., in Asheville, N.C.  She works alongside the shareholders using her leadership and entrepreneurial skills to promote a business model that supports longevity and patient-centric care for the practice. Mrs. Hermann is responsible for business operations, public relations, human resources, and patient satisfaction. Her expertise, perspective, and patience allow her to help guide the largest behavioral health practice in Western North Carolina through the ever-changing landscape of modern healthcare. Mrs. Hermann holds a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on healthcare administration from Western Carolina University and is a member of the Medical Group Management Association and the Western North Carolina Medical Managers Association. She enjoys helping others realize their potential and spending her free time with her family and enjoys science fiction and fantasy pop culture.

Mary Berg, M.D.

Mary Berg, M.D.

Retired as of September 30, 2024

Dr. Berg is a psychiatrist who has been practicing general adult and geriatric psychiatry at The Pisgah Institute since 1999.  Her clinical interests include evaluation and medication management of a broad range of adult mental-health disorders.  She also administers transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy for major depressive disorder.  Dr. Berg obtained her undergraduate degree at Duke University and attended East Carolina University School of Medicine for medical school and psychiatry residency.  She has worked at the Copestone Psychiatric unit and administered ECT treatments in the past. Dr. Berg is a shareholder at The Pisgah Institute, serving as Vice-President and in a leadership and practice-management role.  Her personal areas of interest include medical missions, travel, and ballroom dancing.