Region Piedmont Triad
Our region is comprised of four key service areas which include: the Winston-Salem area, Mount Airy area, and Kernersville area. To see the centers within each of our service areas, select ‘locations’ on the menu to the right or scroll to the bottom of the page.
We are a compassionate, spiritually-integrated and community-based care organization affiliated with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. As one of six regions in the CareNet Counseling family, we are committed to improving the mental health of our region and the counties we serve.
We are supported in our mission by highly-engaged boards in each of our three key service areas above, made up of religious, business and professional leaders with one driving goal – making sure everyone has access to our counseling services and educational programs regardless of their ability to pay.
New Client Forms
(Click on the form name to complete and submit online)
- Consent to Treat and Center Information | download PDF
- Consentimiento para dar tratamiento e Información del Centro | download PDF
- Client Rights and Responsibilities | download PDF
- Client Information Form | download PDF
- Notice of Privacy Practices | download PDF
- Anuncio de Prácticas de Privacidad | download PDF
- Privacy Practices Acknowledgment | download PDF
Our Team
WINSTON-SALEM TEAM
Michael Branton is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate who joined CareNet in 2024 as a clinical resident. He holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Master of Divinity degree at Wake Forest University. Michael brings experience working with both adults and adolescents. His clinical interest include anxiety, depression, life-transitions, grief, stress management, self-esteem, substance use, and exploring meaning and purpose. He utilizes solution-focused techniques grounded in an existential framework to help clients achieve their personal and therapeutic goals. Michael is committed to providing trauma-informed, culturally competent care.
Joe Cius ( She/Her) is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate who joined CareNet in 2025 as a clinical resident. Joe graduated from Wake Forest University with a Master of Arts in Counseling. Joe has experience working with adolescents, young adults, college students, families, and older adults across various clinical settings. Joe’s areas of clinical interest include grief, substance use, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, crisis intervention, and trauma work. Joe takes an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, and Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP) frameworks. Joe believes in creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. Joe views human experiences as deeply individual, shaped by personal history, relationships, and the search for meaning. Joe approaches her work with the belief that growth often emerges from life’s most challenging moments. Joe values incorporating a sense of spiritual connection, whether through mindfulness, faith, or personal values, into the healing process.
Michael A. Ferguson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He graduated in 2020 from Webster University with a MA in counseling with an emphasis in couple, marriage, and family counseling. He has additional training and certifications in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Michael also graduated in 2002 from Truett Seminary with a MDIV. He is a retired Army chaplain and is willing to integrate spirituality in therapy. He has experience working with adolescents, adults, and families. His clinical interests include complex trauma, family conflict, anxiety, depression, grief and loss.
Morgan Goforth is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who joined CareNet Counseling as a clinical resident in 2016. She earned a Master of Arts in mental health counseling and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Campbell University. Morgan completed a two-year residency program and a one-year fellowship program in Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy through CareNet and Wake Forest Baptist Health. She provides counseling to adolescents, adults, couples and families in individual and group settings. Morgan’s clinical interests include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, family conflict, identity and self-esteem issues, spirituality, stress management, life transitions and marital counseling. Morgan is also trained to treat trauma with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy.
Kirby Hastings (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate who joined CareNet as a clinical resident in 2024. She graduated from Wake Forest University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2024. Kirby has experience working with children five and up, adolescents, young adult/college students, adults, couples, and families. Her clinical interests include grief and loss (including anticipatory, complicated, disenfranchised, traumatic), anxiety, depression, family conflict, relationship issues, self-esteem, stress, and trauma. Kirby’s theoretical orientation includes a client-centered and trauma-informed approach, along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and arts-based therapies. She views the therapeutic experience as an opportunity to address the human experience in a holistic sense, considering the mind, body, and spirit.
Carleton Irving is a counselor with over 10 years of experience with parenting, teens, children and families. He enjoys helping others with spiritual matters, depression, anxiety, and identity concerns. Trained in CBT and Internal Family Systems, he has also completed a full residency in the integration of psychotherapy and spirituality. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Carleton also works with individual adults, trauma, athletes, men’s issues and marriages. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Guilford College in 2000 and later gained a Master of Arts in professional counseling from Liberty University in 2010.
Tamara received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate. She specializes in working with children and caregivers, including those experiencing various stressors such as parenting/fostering/caregiving, life transitions, challenging relationships, substance use, and numerous forms of trauma. Tamara often uses modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and somatic and experiential therapies. Tamara is also a trained facilitator for Circle of Security Parenting. Tamara takes a holistic approach to treatment that cultivates well-being by supporting functioning in 8 areas: emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, financial, social, environmental, and spiritual.
Tamara has a life-long love of horses and the outdoors. When she’s not chauffeuring her children, she enjoys spending time at the barn and walking her dog Violet. She also loves to travel and be immersed in different cultures.
Claire Morison is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Board-Certified Music Therapist who joined CareNet as a clinical resident in 2023. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Music Therapy from Appalachian State University and has additional training in Neurologic Music Therapy, Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems Theory, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Claire’s experience as a Mental Health Counselor and a Music Therapist includes work with individuals to address trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, stress, mental health needs related to chronic illness, identity exploration, and faith/spirituality. Her background as a Music Therapist includes experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, neurologic disabilities, and minority stress. Claire is committed to a culturally responsive approach to counseling, and bases her theoretical orientation in client-centered, trauma-informed, and expressive arts models.
Elizabeth Sandoval is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate who recently joined Carenet in 2024. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2020 with a BA in psychology and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a MS in mental health counseling in 2023. Elizabeth offers marital, premarital, family, and individual counseling. She has experience with Emotionally Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as Existential Therapy. Some of her clinical interests include building trust in relationships, generational trauma, post traumatic stress, recovery from domestic abuse, women’s issues, immigration trauma, grief, and end of life care. She is bilingual and offers therapy in both English and Spanish.
Elizabeth Sandoval es una Asociada de Consejería Clínica de Salud Mental con Licencia que recientemente se unió a Carenet en 2024. Se graduó de la Universidad de Carolina del Norte en Chapel Hill en 2020 con una licenciatura en psicología y se graduó de la Universidad de Carolina del Norte en Greensboro con una maestría en consejería de salud mental en 2023. Elizabeth ofrece asesoramiento matrimonial, pre matrimonial, familiar e individual. Tiene experiencia en Terapia Centrada en las Emociones, Terapia Dialéctico Conductual, Terapia Cognitivo Conductual, así como Terapia Existencial. Algunos de sus intereses clínicos incluyen generar confianza en las relaciones, trauma generacional, estrés postraumático, recuperación del abuso doméstico, problemas de la mujer, trauma de inmigración, duelo y atención al final de la vida.
Ella es bilingüe y ofrece terapia tanto en inglés como en español.
Wiley Smith (he/him) is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapist, and Board-Certified Music Therapist. He joined CareNet in 2022 as a clinical resident after completing Master’s programs in music therapy and counseling at Appalachian State University. He completed certification in Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy in 2025 through the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Wiley also practices Play Therapy and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). Wiley uses a variety of techniques and theories to support children/adolescents as young as 3 and their families as well as adults. He serves individuals and their families dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, trauma, spiritual/religious abuse, and challenges related to developmental delays including Autism Spectrum Disorder.
David Sylvester is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who joined CareNet in 2010. Prior to that he was a CareNet clinical resident from 1999 until 2002 and President of Counseling Solutions, Inc. in Wilmington, N.C. from 2002 until 2010. He earned his Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy and counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary in 1999 and his Bachelor of Arts in social work and criminal justice from University of North Carolina Wilmington in 1978. David has previous career experience as a crisis intervention specialist, outdoor adventure counseling trainer and school student services director. He is certified in Prepare/Enrich for premarital and marital enrichment and DISC personality profiles. His approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of spiritual, psychological and relational health. He works with couples, families and individuals (middle school age and older), with a variety of issues including: premarital, marital, parenting, intimacy, depression, anxiety, trauma, spirituality, sexual compulsions, ADHD, and school and workplace issues.
Dr. Lori Michelle Tirado is a licensed psychologist who earned her doctorate degree from Palo Alto University in Palo Alto, CA, in 2005. Dr. Tirado has specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic modalities. She possesses extensive experience in treating anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, trauma, and age-related transitions. Her therapeutic approach is client-centered, aiming to empower clients by leveraging their positive traits and self-awareness strategies to help them identify and implement their own solutions. Dr. Tirado is also experienced in working with children and adolescents, including those within the school system and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Additionally, she has conducted parenting classes, focusing on enhancing family communication, conflict management, and overall growth support.
Ron Wachs is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor. He is an ordained United Methodist minister with over 15 years of service in parish ministry. After completing his clinical training in 1992, he worked as a part-time therapist at Baptist Hospital until becoming full-time in 2001. Having previously earned an M.A. from Wake Forest University and a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he taught History at Atlantic Christian College, now Barton, from 1968 to 1983. His areas of clinical interest include depression, grief and loss, life stage transitions, issues of aging and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
Holly Weisse is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor serving the pediatric population, primarily, children, adolescents, and young adults in the North Carolina area. Holly transferred from a Pediatric office, working with clients who struggled with unique physical illnesses that greatly impacted their mental health. Holly has 12 years of experience in diagnosing and counseling clients who have survived extensive trauma within the family and outside the family. Holly received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Liberty University, in 2014 and in 2017. Holly’s areas of expertise are as follows: working with intellectually challenged children/adolescents who feel discouraged in adapting to new stages of life, children/adolescents who are resistant to change and/or present an oppositional demeanor towards authority figures, children/adolescents who are experiencing grief from losing a family member and/or friend, children/adolescents who are finding life to be difficult in coping with their parent’s separation or divorce, severe anxiety associated with life’s uncontrollable circumstances, struggles relating to one’s faith base, and any form of abuse that has been witnessed or personally experienced.
Mary Anne Helm is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor. She graduated from Gardner Webb University with an MA/EdS in Mental Health Counseling in 2009. She has additional training and certifications in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Mary Anne has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Her clinical interests include complex trauma, adolescent substance use, family conflict, anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, grief and loss, suicidal behaviors and self-injury.
Elizabeth Foley is a graduate student in the Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Wake Forest University. She holds a J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2005) and a B.A. from The University of the South in Sewanee, TN (2001). Elizabeth aims to incorporate mindfulness, spirituality, and somatic therapy approaches to help clients identify and achieve their mental health goals. She has a special interest in supporting neurodiverse students and their families, including those impacted by autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit disorder.
April Gregory is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. She is expected to graduate from Montreat College in December 2026 with a MS in Counseling Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy. She holds a BS in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Appalachian State University. She has experience working in behavioral health with adolescents and adults, as well as experience working with individuals, couples, and families who are expectant parents or are already parents providing pregnancy and parenting education. She has many years of experience working in ministries inside and outside of her church that include children, teens, and adults. This prior experience fosters a deep appreciation for how social and familial systems influence individuals and their relationships. She provides individual, couple, and family therapy to support clients in addressing a variety of challenges, including relationship issues, mental health concerns, and personal growth. She believes every individual possesses inherent strengths and the ability to grow, heal, and achieve personal goals. She seeks to help clients recognize these strengths and learn skills that empower them to navigate challenges and achieve their goals.
Locations (Winston-Salem Area)
Winston-Salem
403 South Hawthorne Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Phone: 336-716-0800
Fax: 336-716-0822
Other locations in the area where clients are seen by appointment:
Wake Forest Lexington Medical Center
250 Hospital Dr
Lexington, NC 27292
Wake Forest Baptist Clemmons Pediatrics
2311 Lewisville Clemmons Rd
Clemmons, NC 27012
Locations (Mount Airy Area)
Blue Ridge CareNet Counseling Center
To schedule a first appointment, please call 336.716.0800
131 W. Lebanon St.
Suite C&E
Mt. Airy, NC 27030
Phone: 336.786.1922
Fax: 336.786.1923
Locations (Kernersville Area)
Main Street United Methodist Church
To schedule a first appointment, please call 336.716.0800
306 South Main Street
Kernersville, NC 27284
Phone: 336.716.0855
Fax: 336.716.0822
Donate
At CareNet we know everyone should be able to get the mental health care they need that’s why we’re inviting you to support our mission and help make it happen.
Remember, it’s because of donations from organizations, service clubs, corporations, foundations and individuals like you, that we’re able to provide these critical counseling services for the communities we serve here in the Piedmont Triad Region.
Please join us by giving the gift of mental health and help us help the children, teens and adults who need us most. Every gift makes a difference.
ONLINE GIVING
GIVING BY MAIL
Please mail your donation to the appropriate address below with your check made payable to CareNet Counseling:
CareNet Counseling Center
403 South Hawthorne Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Blue Ridge CareNet Counseling
P.O. Box 6525
Mount Airy, NC 27030
CareNet Counseling of Kernersville
306 S. Main Street
Kernersville, NC 27284
VOLUNTEER – An Invitation to Give Your Time & Talent
We always need volunteers to serve on our volunteer board of directors and committees. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Mary Helm at mhelm@wakehealth.edu or 336-716-0800.
Our Administrative Staff
Brenda Thiel
Associate Administrative Coordinator
LaToya Johnson
Billing Specialist
Kathleen Young
Billing Specialist
Our Boards
Winston-Salem Area Board
Michelle Shanks – President
Genevra Kelly – Vice President
Scott Walker – Treasurer
Michelle Gross
Chip Mims
Kris Ryan
Stan Scott
Mount Airy Area Board
Dr. Dawn Hawks – President
Heather Elliott – Secretary
Rev. Kennette Thomas – Treasurer
Abigail Linville
Rev. Santiago Reales
Jane Rountree
Kernersville Area Board
Denys Davis – Chair
Betsy Dagenhart – Vice Chair
Tina Crew – Treasurer
Thomas Cormier
Susan Furmage
Lynne Garms
Terry Griffin
Jeff Hutchins
Dr. Pam Peoples-Joyner
Contact Us
Want to make an appointment or looking for new patient information? Call us at:
- Winston-Salem: 336-716-0855
- Blue Ridge: 336-716-0855
- Kernersville: 336-716-0855