Meet the Team

The Made Well Center for Wholeness has a team of passionate and driven individuals ready to help you achieve optimal wellness. Our team maintains a high level of integrity, confidentiality, wisdom & discernment, as well as desire to see sustainable change for our clients. Read below to learn more about each therapist and their specialties, or take our quick quiz to see who your best match may be! If you’re ready to begin, scroll to the bottom and fill out the contact form to get started today!

Buffy Andrews

Buffy Andrews

LCSW, RYT200, CNHP
Buffy Andrews

Buffy Andrews

LCSW, RYT200, CNHP
Position:   Owner, Therapist, Yoga Instructor
Experience:   7 years
Email:  buffy@madewellcenter.org
Phone:   910.240-4473

Biography:

Buffy Andrews has lived in the Wilmington, NC for the past 8 years. She has worked for Child Advocacy & Parenting Place, worked at Coastal Horizons Center as an Intensive In-Home team Lead therapist, outpatient therapy in Pender County Schools, and is now working in private practice (at the Made Well Center, hellooo).

Buffy works WITH the client to identify what works for them, while educating them and empowering them with tools, skills, and coping mechanisms.

Buffy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Natural Health Practitioner. She is trained in EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness based treatments, has 200hr Yoga Training, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, has studied under Bessel Van Der Kolk’s trauma trainings, anxiety reduction, and Gottman Method Couples & Relationship Counseling.

Buffy loves working with adults, and couples who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or difficulty in relationship.

“I believe we are made well, and I believe we’ve been given the right tools and skills, we just sometimes need a little community, need a little education & encouragement, and need a little practical help to get back to this original state of paradise.”

Buffy’s Schedule:

Monday/Tuesdays: 9am-3pm
Wednesday/Thursdays: 1pm-6pm

Madison Strickland

Madison Strickland

Office Manager + Health Coach
Madison Strickland

Madison Strickland

Office Manager + Health Coach
Position:   Health Coach + Office Manager
Experience:   2 Years
Email: info@madewellcenter.org
Phone:   910.240-4473

Biography:

Madison is the lady that helps keep this ship afloat. She is currently in school for counseling, and is a Certified Health Coach. So not only can she handle all your questions about the office and how we run, while getting you scheduled, and connecting you with the right practitioner – but her heart is also for holistic health.

A native to Wilmington, Madison is a Certified Health Coach with a desire to help her clients feel WELL! After struggling with her own health issues, she turned to holistic and root cause health practices to improve her own body and mind.

Now Madison uses what she has learned personally and in training to deliver the best coaching for improving body, mind, and spirit. Madison loves to work with young adults and adults who are ready to feel a breakthrough in their body and create better lifestyle rhythms.

She is passionate about using the health foundations (air, water, nutrition, exercise, rest, balanced emotions, and spirituality) to help clients elevate their life and feel WHOLE. If your ready to take control of your health and start thriving message Madison today!

Madison’s Health Coach Schedule:

Tuesday/Thursday: 9am-Noon
Wednesday (telehealth only): 5-8pm

Lia Zalvin

Lia Zalvin

Therapist, LMFTA
Lia Zalvin

Lia Zalvin

Therapist, LMFTA
Position:   Therapist
Experience:   2 Years
Email: lia@madewellcenter.org
Phone:   910.240-4473

Biography:

Lia was born and raised in northern New Jersey, and has since lived in Pennsylvania, Georgia and now has finally settled down in Wilmington! Lia graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor’s in English-Writing, and went on to attend and graduate from Liberty University, earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Lia strongly believes in taking a client-lead approach, coupled with evidence based techniques, to help her clients feel as though they have a real ally in their efforts to achieve their goals. Lia focuses on creating a therapeutic space that is calming, peaceful and safe for each of her clients. She is passionate about helping women who are struggling through a journey with infertility, those with poor self-esteem, women who have been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
(PCOS) and couples throughout all walks of life.

Lia works to ensure that each and every client feels accepted, heard, advocated for and validated.  Always keeping in mind the end goal of reaching optimal levels of health and wellness.

Lia’s Schedule:

Mon/Thurs: 9am-5pm (in person)
Tues: 9am-5pm (virtually)
Wed: 4pm-9pm (virtually)

Carrie Sink

Carrie Sink

Gut Health Coach, CHHC, AADP
Carrie Sink

Carrie Sink

Gut Health Coach, CHHC, AADP
Position:   Nutrition + Gut Health Coach
Experience:   6 years
Email: carrie@madewellcenter.org
Phone:   910.240-4473

Biography:

Carrie was raised on the plains of Kansas.  After being sick for so many years, she overcame her chronic health issues by addressing nutrition, lifestyle choices and more!  She then went back to school to study holistic health, nutrition & wellness.

Carrie is a Board Certified Holistic Health Coach & Wellness Practitioner. She has been in private practice for 6+ years, teaching people how to nourish their bodies using real food and upgrade their health through diet and lifestyle changes. Her special focus in her practice is gut health. Carrie is passionate about root cause healing and helping individuals find true freedom and relief from unpleasant digestive symptoms, food overwhelm and more!

Carrie believes there is always hope for healing and truly enjoys the privilege of walking alongside people on their health journey!

Carrie’s Schedule:

Wed/Thurs/Friday: 10am-6pm

Melissa Candler

Melissa Candler

Therapist, LCSWA
Melissa Candler

Melissa Candler

Therapist, LCSWA
Position:   Therapist/Counselor
Experience:   3
Email: melissa@madewellcenter.org
Phone:   910.240-4473

Biography:

Originally a North Carolina native, Melissa has recently been enjoying east coast life since returning from living out West for several years. Melissa attended Lee University where she earned her Bachelors in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Family Studies, then received her Masters of Clinical Social Work from Florida State University.

Melissa has worked with children with Autism and related disorders as an ABA therapist, worked as the clinical assistant of a residential treatment facility for adolescent girls, has been a case manager for families of children with behavioral and emotional needs, and has also worked in crisis response.

Melissa has a heart for people and simply wants to meet others where they are so that together, they can walk towards healing and wholeness. She is warm and discerning, and she values empowering others to growlearn, and live authentically.

Melissa enjoys working with people of all ages and stages including children, adults and couples. She especially desires to help those who are looking to heal from trauma, adjust in times of transition, gain coping skills, or create a more functional life for themselves. Melissa is focused on utilizing the best therapeutic approach according to the specific needs of each individual she sees.

Melissa’s Schedule:

Mon/Wed: 10am-7pm

Tues/Thurs: 10am-6pm

Brittany Patterson

Brittany Patterson

Therapist, LCSW
Position:   Therapist
Experience:   16 years
Email: brittany@madewellcenter.org
Phone:   910.240-4473

Biography:

Brittany moved to Wilmington, NC from Boston, MA in 2011. She received her Masters of Social Work from Simmons University and has been working as a clinician in various settings since graduating in 2006. Brittany is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Therapist) who specializes in treating trauma, familial issues, parenting skills work, mood disorders, and anxiety/depression.

Some of Brittany’s specialties include doing work with somatic/sensorimotor trauma processing, EMDR, and incorporating mindfulness practices into therapy. Brittany is committed to making sure no one is invisible and sees mental health treatment as a way of strengthening the broken places until people feel WHOLE again.

She also has many talents including dance through her studies of Ballet and Modern dance in Purchase, NY. Sometimes she likes to include body work into the therapy practice as well. She loves working with adults, particularly parents, as well as adolescents, young children and their families to help heal relationships.

Brittany’s Schedule:

Mon: 10am- 7pm
Tues: 11am-7pm
Wed/Thurs: 10am-6pm
Friday: 10am-3pm

Jenny Vaughn

Jenny Vaughn

Counselor, LCHMCA
Jenny Vaughn

Jenny Vaughn

Counselor, LCHMCA

Position:   Counselor/Clinician

Experience:   2 years
Email: jenny@madewellcenter.org
Phone:   910.240-4473

Biography:

Jenny Lynn is born and raised in the Wilmington area. Jenny earned an undergraduate degree in Biology with a Sociology minor at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, followed by her graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Jenny provides an eclectic approach with therapeutic approaches such as EMDR, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectical behavioral therapy, Solution-focused techniques. Jenny Lynn believes in collaborating and helping individuals connect with their true selves through education, encouragement, and dedication. Jenny is passionate in practicing goal-oriented strengths to help individuals boost their wellbeing. She offers compassion in a judgment free environment, working through a wide range of experiences.

Jenny Lynn enjoys working with individuals of all ages. She works well with artistic individuals and enjoys incorporating music therapy with clients. Jenny has been expressing her musical talents in the Wilmington area for about 15 years. She enjoys playing live shows in the area where she expresses herself through singing and playing guitar, and loves to incorporate these skills into the therapeutic environment to enhance mindfulness and increase coping across contexts.
Reach out today for your first appointment!

Jenny’s Schedule:

Monday-Thursday: 10-6pm

Laura Shaw

Laura Shaw

Therapist, LCSW
Laura Shaw

Laura Shaw

Therapist, LCSW
Position:   Therapist
Experience:   5 years
Email: laura@madewellcenter.org
Phone:   910.240-4473

Biography:

Laura was born and raised in southeastern North Carolina, and has lived in various areas of NC. Laura graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelors in Psychology and studied Childhood Development. She then received her Masters in Social Work from UNCW.

Laura has worked as an Autism Support Professional for the Autism Society of NC. She has worked for Coastal Horizons Center as a Family Resource Partner, School-based Mental Health Therapist in Columbus County Schools, and as an outpatient Child and Family Therapist.

Laura believes in taking a collaborative, relational approach to the therapeutic process. She focuses on creating a connected and judgment free environment.

She enjoys working with people at various stages of life and especially enjoys working with adults navigating life transitions.

She is passionate about anxiety management, supporting relational healing, and helping people to live in accordance with their values. Laura loves supporting people to build their self worth and to find balance between self compassion and accountability.

Laura operates under the view that we are all the experts of our own lives, but we can learn and grow from each other’s perspectives. She finds joy through creating art and by learning (from trial & error) in her garden. She hopes to create an atmosphere that promotes care and healing. Be sure to reach out today if you are interested in working with someone like Laura.

 Laura’s Schedule:

Monday: 10am-6pm
Tuesday/Wednesday: 9am-3pm

Cecilia Patino

Cecilia Patino

Counselor, LCMHCA
Cecilia Patino

Cecilia Patino

Counselor, LCMHCA
Position:   Counselor
Experience:   2 years
Email: cecilia@madewellcenter.org
Phone:   910.240-4473

Biography:

Cecilia was born and raised in Cordoba, Argentina, and has proudly called Wilmington home for over twenty-two years! Cecilia graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan College with a Bachelors in Psychology and Organizational Administration. She received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University.

Cecilia previously interned at Made Well and is ecstatic to continue assisting individuals in their healing journey. She loves working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, trauma, depression, self-esteem, and life transitions.

Cecilia believes that therapy is a collaborative process and everyone comes to therapy for various reasons, and all find themselves in different places in their life. Her hope is for clients to feel they can be their authentic selves while reflecting on their strengths and bringing
awareness to their vulnerabilities and needs through a non-judgmental approach.

One of Cecilia’s primary goals is to help her clients learn to embrace & welcome all parts of themselves, even the parts that are hurt &  hidden. Her therapeutic style is warm, genuine, compassionate, and curious. Coming from a multicultural and diverse background, Cecilia offers a safe and understanding space. She understands how scary and challenging it can feel when initiating therapy, and she commits to honoring you while helping you find meaning so that you can live a fruitful life.

Cecilia is passionate about working with adults, adolescents, young adults, first-generation immigrants, and Spanish-speaking clients.

Cecilia’s Schedule:

Tuesday/Wednesday: 3-7pm

Thursday/Friday: 9am-5pm

Lindsay Evans

Lindsay Evans

Clinical Resident
Lindsay Evans

Lindsay Evans

Clinical Resident
Position:   Clinical Resident
Experience:   1 year
Email: cit@madewellcenter.org
Phone:   910.240-4473

Biography:

Lindsay is a North Carolina native and recently settled down in the Wilmington area. Lindsay graduated from Appalachian State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology of Family Life and Intimate Relationships. After graduating college, she went on to work as an Early Intervention Specialist while going back for her master’s degree in counseling. Lindsay is in the final stages of finishing her master’s degree in the Clinical Mental Health and Counseling program at Liberty University. She is excited about getting one step closer to becoming licensed and helping individuals overcome their daily battles.

Lindsay is passionate about helping individuals of all ages. She loves working with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, body image, self-esteem, and OCD behaviors. She values the importance of health and wellness and believes that it is an important contributor towards mental healing. Lindsay also practices faith-based counseling and approaches. Lindsay is also a certified SYMBIS facilitator. SYMBIS (Saving Your marriage before it starts) is to help seriously dating, engaged, and newlywed couples better prepare for the lifelong commitment of marriage.

Book with Lindsay today, as she is able to see individuals for a reduced rate for services at $25/session. Email cit@madewellcenter.org to get started. 

Hannah Parham

Hannah Parham

Therapist, LCSWA
Hannah Parham

Hannah Parham

Therapist, LCSWA
Position:   Therapist
Field Experience:   4 years
Email: hannah@madewellcenter.org
Phone:   910.240-4473

Biography:

A Wilmington native, Hannah is passionate about seeing the community she loves thrive. She attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington where she received her Bachelor’s in Social Work, and her Master’s in Clinical Social Work.

Hannah Parham has worked with survivors of sex and labor trafficking as a clinically focused Case Manager and Director of aftercare programs to foster a safe place for healing and empowerment. She has also done extensive outreach work to the unsheltered population in the community, offering critical support to those who are often overlooked.

She is passionate about meeting clients where they are, building relationships, and empowerment through education of the mind, body, and soul connection. Hannah believes therapeutic interventions should be collaborative and built with a discerning spirit based on the unique needs of each client, and believes it is an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with people’s stories.

Hannah enjoys working with teens and adults. She is especially well-versed in helping individuals who have experienced trauma. Her greatest joy is to walk alongside individuals as they do the work to heal and discover who they were created to be. Hannah has great deal of experience helping clients with personality and mood disorders, along with anxiety and depression. Her time in practice has also given her many opportunities to work with those who are recovering from substance abuse, utilizing a holistic approach to aid people in their sobriety.

Ms. Parham knew from a young age that she had a deep desire to spend her life genuinely loving others. Hannah’s desire is to create a safe space where clients can forage a different path, learn new skills, and find inner healing. She aims to help clients discover healthy perceptions of themselves and break free of the things that hold them back from living a life where they feel whole and secure.

Hannah's Schedule:

Mon: 3-7pm
Tues: 10am-6pm
Wed: 9am-5pm
Thurs: 9am-noon, and 2-5pm>(Telehealth only)
Friday: 9am-3pm

3804 Park Ave.,Suite C,Wilmington,NC,USA,28403
Stephanie Tucker

Stephanie Tucker

Therapist, LCSWA
Stephanie Tucker

Stephanie Tucker

Therapist, LCSWA
Position:   Therapist
Field Experience:   3
Email: stephanie@madewellcenter.org
Phone:   910.240-4473

Biography:

Stephanie Tucker has lived in North Carolina for the last 2 years and recently relocated to Wilmington, NC. Stephanie graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, where she worked in the field of child welfare for 4 years offering support to low-income families in need.

Stephanie went on to attend and graduate from The University of Louisville with a Master’s in Social Work. Since graduating with her Master’s in 2020, Stephanie has worked as an inpatient assessment clinician for an acute psychiatric hospital and as a clinician at a non-profit child/adolescent residential group home. Stephanie received her certification as a Clinical Traumatologist from the Traumatology Institute in 2022 and is currently working towards certification as a Guided Meditation/Mindfulness Teacher through the School of Positive Transformation.

Stephanie has worked with individuals ranging from 4 years old to 60 years old. Stephanie loves working with individuals who have experienced anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. Stephanie enjoys traditional “talk-therapy,” but loves incorporating meditation, mindfulness techniques, and art into sessions. Stephanie will ensure that each client feels heard, validated, respected, and empowered. Stephanie values the importance of self-empowerment and self-awareness, as this helps
pave the way to health, healing, and hope.

3804 Park Ave.,Suite C,Wilmington,NC,28403
Staci Ellsworth

Staci Ellsworth

Clinical Resident
Staci Ellsworth

Staci Ellsworth

Clinical Resident
Position:   Clinical Resident
Experience:   2 years
Email: cit@madewellcenter.org
Phone:   910.240-4473

Biography:

Staci is a military brat who grew up moving every two to three years of her life until she came to Wilmington for college! She graduated from UNCW in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science before going on to nursing school at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Staci graduated with her BSN in 2015 and worked as a nurse for about six years before deciding to pursue a career in mental health.

Staci is currently a graduate student obtaining her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University where she plans to graduate in the spring of 2024! She enjoys working with college students as well as women facing life transitions, anxiety, and infertility among other issues. Staci utilizes multiple therapeutic approaches for her clients depending on their background and current circumstances. She also likes to incorporate her knowledge of physiological illness and physical health into her treatment plans for her clients, taking a holistic approach to make strides in every area of wellness.

It is her hope that her clients feel safe to be vulnerable and dig deeper into their issues to uncover causal factors of their presenting issues during therapy. Staci desires to walk with each client on their unique path towards reaching their goals for therapy and also enjoys exploring faith-based discussions with her clients when desired.

Staci is able to see clients as an intern at a reduced rate of $25 per session.

E-mail cit@madewellcenter.org to get scheduled today!

Start Your Healing Journey Today:

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