- our locations
Medical Team
Nzinga Harrison, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Specialties: Addiction Medicine, Psychiatry
Nzinga Harrison, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Steve North, MD
Vice President, Medical Operations
Specialties: Family Medicine, Adolescent Medicine
Steve North, MD
Vice President, Medical Operations
Amanda Brown, PA-C
Specialties: Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care
Amanda Brown, PA-C
Darleatha Hiers, NP
Darleatha Hiers, NP
Regina Evans, MD
Provider, Mooresville
My name is Regina Evans, and I am a provider with Eleanor Health. I am trained as an OB-Gyn which involves care of women’s mental as well as physical health. Providing treatment for Substance Use Disorder in pregnancy was my entrance to MAT in 2014, and it feels like treating addiction is the right place for me now. I started with Eleanor Health in August, 2021 and enjoy working remotely with our Community Members in North Carolina. When not working online, I enjoy reading, running on the beach, and catching the latest show on Netflix with my husband, two sons, and a dog named Indy.
Ashley Keys Campbell, NP-C
Nurse Practitioner, Mooresville
Hi, I’m Ashley Campbell. I am a Family Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner and licensed by the state of North Carolina. I began my career 6 years ago providing inpatient care. Since that time I have accumulated years of experience and education in various areas of patient care including; intensive care and in primary care. I have found a special interest in Mental Health and the treatment of Substance Use Disorders. When I am not working, I enjoy projects with my family and photography.
Cheryl Smith, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner, Matthews
Hello! My name is Cheryl Smith and I am excited to be a NP for the Matthews, NC location. My experience as a NP has been in Primary Care and MAT for OUD. Prior to becoming a NP, I was a RN for 16 years with med/surg, pain management, and outpatient surgery experience. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, cooking/baking, flipping through magazines and cookbooks, and trying new restaurants.
Kelly Pieh Holder, DO, FACOG, MA
Physician, Cary
My name is Kelly Pieh Holder, DO, FACOG, MA and I am a Staff Physician for the Cary, NC location. I am a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist. As an ob-gyn I have served on faculty at the University of North Carolina as the Director of Gynecology for the Chatham Hospital, as the Director of Women’s Health at a community health center in Eastern North Carolina and as an Ob Hospitalist. It was while working in these underserved communities that I noticed a gap in care for women with substance use disorders and so I started providing addiction treatment with a special focus on substance use disorders in pregnancy. I am deeply committed to providing high-quality care to a diverse population and am thrilled to be joining Eleanor Health. While not practicing as a physician, I enjoy running (especially RunDisney races in Disney World), spending time with my family and practicing Krav Maga.
Ray Mercado, DO
Lead Physician, Central Region
My name is Dr. Ray Mercado, I am a practicing physician whose emphasis is on Addiction Medicine. I have worked with high risk populations with multiple comorbidities thus affording me the advantage of being familiar with a wide variety of perspectives. I have served as Medical Director in several Treatment Centers in North Carolina and served as the Chairman, Residency Program Director and Director of the FM OB Fellowship in Acute Care Facility in NYC. I have enjoyed teaching and working with multi disciplinary teams over the years in a culturally and linguistically competent manner.
Sarah Noe, MSN, NP-C
Nurse Practitioner, High Point
Hello, my name is Sarah Noe, MSN, NP-C. I am a family nurse practitioner, board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and licensed by the state of North Carolina. I received my master’s degree and nurse practitioner training from Emory University in Atlanta. I have experience in both family practice and MAT. I have been treating substance use disorders for the past seven years in both North Carolina and Colorado. I am passionate about expanding access to treatment, and I believe in partnering with my patients to assist them in living their healthiest life. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Manisha Shroff, MD
Psychiatrist, Fayetteville
Hello, I am Manisha Shroff, a psychiatrist working remotely in North Carolina I have worked in college mental health, at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and most recently at a community mental health center. I have been in clinical practice since 2006 and I have seen the need for patient-centered substance use services increase rapidly. I am excited to join a team that is dedicated to and enthusiastic about providing compassionate care and being a larger voice in our communities. In my free time, I love to cook, I love to read any fiction, and I enjoy exercising, playing pickleball and spending time with my friends and family. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to join you all at Eleanor Health!
Peter Ngosong, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Raleigh
I am Peter Ngosong, I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I have been in mental health for over 12 years working with patients from all age groups. I have been treating clients suffering from SUD and Mental health. I enjoy working and helping individuals in our community to improve their quality of life. Working in mental health and helping people has always been my passion.
Lilla Ford, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Provider
Hi, my name is Lilla, and I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner for community members in North Carolina. Psychiatry is a true passion of mine, and I feel grateful to have this role at Eleanor Health where I am able to meet each community member where they are, at whatever stage in their journey, and help improve their life by utilizing different modalities of treatment and being a support person during challenging times.
Andrew Runkle, MD
MSUD Physician
Hello, my name is Andy Runkle, MD and I am a physician providing medication support for substance use disorders. I am working out of our Asheville, NC location. I am excited to be part of the Eleanor Health team and excited to continue the much-needed work of supporting people with substance use disorders.Nurse Care Managers
April Price, RN
Nurse Care Manager
I join my team at Eleanor Health as a registered nurse with 6 years of experience working with individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Most recently, I have led my team at an outpatient MAT program. I have also enjoyed working in the hospital setting and inpatient detox programs. I am passionate about my field and enjoy making a difference in people’s lives on their road to recovery. I am a firm believer that recovery is about progression, not perfection. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and watching football.
Tanya Young, LPN
Nurse Care Manager, Mooresville
I come to Eleanor Health with 20+ years as a nurse with many years of mental health experience and the last two years being in the Substance Use Disorder field. I am also a former correctional nurse which is when I decided I wanted to work with people affected by SUD. I could not stand watching people suffer through withdrawals with little to no help, and once released, no follow-up care. I love what I do. In my free time I run two small businesses of my own and spend time with my husband and our dogs.Therapists
Evan Maas, LCSW, LCAS
Clinic Administrator & Therapist, Durham, NC
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist
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Evan Maas, LCSW, LCAS
Clinic Administrator & Therapist, Durham, NC
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist and am also obtaining my license to supervise and train addictions professionals. I hold a dual degree in Spanish and Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from Western Carolina University. I’ve worked for several years delivering substance use recovery services to the Cherokee community and more recently the Durham/Raleigh community. I have a passion for providing compassion and empowerment for the people I serve and when not working, I enjoy spending time hiking and with my little dog.
Alexia Montague, MSW, LCSWA
Therapist, Cary
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate working as a therapist here at Eleanor’s cary office. I received my bachelor’s degree from Meredith College, and my Masters from NC State University. I have experience working within the foster care system, as well as community based outpatient therapy. During my clinical internships I gained experience from working with the Raleigh Police department, Interact, the LGBT Center of Raleigh, and a local private practice specializing in intimacy and sexuality. From a very young age I have always found enjoyment in helping others and engaging in my community. I am very proud to be a part of the Eleanor Health family as their guiding principles truly direct us in the work that we do. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two big fur babies outdoors, traveling, trying new foods, working out, and embarking on new adventures with friends and loved ones.
Rachel Greening, MSW, LCSWA
Therapist, Wilmington
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) that is new to Eleanor Health as well as North Carolina. I earned my Bachelors of Social Work in 2020 from Eastern Connecticut State University and my Masters of Social Work in 2021 from Fordham University. My previous work experience has been with victims of domestic violence as well as in an intensive outpatient program for adults with active suicidal ideation. Being relatively new to the social work field I am continually astounded by the power and resilience human beings possess. It’s very exciting for me to start my journey here at Eleanor Health in my new home of North Carolina. In my free time you can find me cuddled up with my fur baby watching James Bond, Casablanca, or a Red Sox game!
Tajae Thomas, LCSW
Behavioral Health Clinician, Raleigh
Hello, my name is Tajae Thomas but I mostly go by Jae. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in our Raleigh location. I attended The Fayetteville State University where I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2017 and my Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health and Substance Abuse in 2018. I have experience working with children, teens, adults, older adults and families with concerns related to depression, anxiety, relational/adjustment issues and trauma. I follow a strength-based perspective and believe in meeting you where you are and respecting your wisdom. I borrow from various different theory bases to meet the individual needs of each person but the main theories I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. Some of the techniques that I utilize are reframing of negative thoughts, mindfulness, stress management, positive decision making and psychoeducation. I am dedicated to supporting you in utilizing your strengths and developing new skills to respond to the challenges in your life. I look forward to joining you on your path toward healing and transformation.
Ilana Yanku, LCSW, LCASA
Behavioral Health Clinician, Matthews
Hello! My name is Ilana Yanku, LCSW, LCASA and I am a Behavioral Health Clinician in our Matthews office. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate in the state of North Carolina. I hold a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology from The George Washington University and a Master of Social Work from UNC Charlotte. Prior to joining Eleanor Health, I worked as a therapist on the inpatient behavioral health unit of a hospital in Charlotte, NC. I’m excited to be a part of the Eleanor Health team and working with our clients on reaching their goals! When not working, you can typically find me at the lake or spending time with family and our 2 dogs and cat.
Colleen Hannush, MSW, LCSW
Behavioral Health Clinician, Asheville
I have been in practice for the past 15 years after graduating from East Tennessee State University with my MSW. I have worked for a community mental health center in a wonderful rural community for 4 years and worked with a mobile crisis unit for a year giving me a broad range of experience. I moved into a medical social work practice through Mission Hospital System working in the entire hospital and finding myself most content in the ICU. My goal was always to return to working in a medical clinic as I did for my graduate internship with MAHEC. I was able to accomplish that when I transferred within Mission to work in the outpatient medical clinic in Spruce Pine. I worked with Dr. Stephen North at that clinic and joined him in his group focused on chronic pain management with patients. I have focused my training on trauma care as well as chronic pain. I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy as well as EMDR and Poly Vagal Theory based skill training. I am an avid cyclist, I love plants, my parrot and my dog, I am a student of Spanish (you are never too old to learn), I have three grown children and two grandchildren and have just moved to a new town with new experiences in store.
Sonia Payerpaj, LCSWA, LCASA
Behavioral Health Clinician, Durham
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate. I hold a degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I have worked for several years in residential, inpatient, and outpatient treatment settings providing mental health and substance use recovery services. When I am not engaged in my passion for serving others, I am outside hiking, running, spending time with my dog, creating art, and playing musical instruments. I am honored to be a part of the Eleanor Health team and look forward to the empowering and life-changing work ahead.
Alessia Bhargava, MD, MBA
Behavioral Health Clinician, Durham
Hi there, I’m Alessia Bhargava, MD, MBA and starting at Eleanor as a Psychiatrist in the Durham, NC office. In my psychiatry training, I saw how interlinked substance use is with mental health conditions, and want to be able to treat both types of issues at the same time to give our members the best care possible. I’m passionate about harm reduction and making the world a safer place for everyone, including people who use drugs. I’m also interested in value-based care, and finding a way to make our healthcare system more equitable and sustainable. I think providing good mental health and substance use services is a huge part of improving our system. In my free time, I like to read (mainly fiction), swim, and hang out with friends!Chrisenda Young, MA LCAS, CCTS-A
Behavioral Health Clinician, Hickory
Chrisenda Young, MA LCAS, CCTS-A
Behavioral Health Clinician, Hickory
Robert Hjorth, LCMHC, LCAS-A
Behavioral Health Clinician, High Point
Hello my name is Robert (Rob) Hjorth (pronounced Yort), LCMHC, LCAS-A. I work at the High Point, NC location as a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Utah in Sociology and a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Counseling from the University of Phoenix. My counseling style is Holistic and I will work with my Members in their 5 pillars of health (Emotional, Mental, Physical, Social, and Spiritual). Some of my hobbies include reading, being outdoors, and woodworking.Valerie Blouin-Hunter, LCSW
Behavioral Health Clinician, Cary
Hello, my name is Valerie Blouin-Hunter, LCSW and I am a Behavioral Health Clinician for our Cary location. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have been working in behavioral health for over 15 years. I recently relocated to North Carolina from New Jersey. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my children and family, cooking new foods, and painting. I am excited to be a part of the Eleanor Health Family.Community Recovery Partners
Sasha M.
Clinic Administrator & Community Recovery Partner, Raleigh
I am a substance use counselor who brings invaluable experience and compassion to my role. I earned my Master’s Degree in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University and a Substance Use Counseling certification from Wake Technical Community College. I’ve supported individuals of all ages and backgrounds and love to collaborate with others. I’ve lost many loved ones due to addiction and lack of knowledge about mental health. Helping people overcome their struggles with substance use gives me joy and gives me purpose. When I leave here, I want to leave knowing that everything that has been poured into me from learned mistakes, wisdom, and education was used to help others. I am an advocate for the LGBTQ community and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. When I am not at Eleanor, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exercising, going to festivals or concerts, and traveling.Tara D.
Community Recovery Partner, Durham
Tara Day is NC Peer Support certified and brings a wealth of knowledge and over four years of experience in this field. Prior to Eleanor, she served as a Certified Peer Support Specialist with the Drug and DUI Treatment Court of Illinois. Tara’s humble spirit, openness, and willingness to serve were regarded as an integral part of the program’s success. Tara’s desire to help others stems from personal experience. She states, “I have been in recovery from substance use disorder for 9 years. I have been in a hopeless state where my world was falling apart. It is my passion to help others recover and have a life again.” Outside of her time with Eleanor, Tara enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.
Liz S., CPSS
Community Recovery Partner Team Lead, Hickory
I am Liz Smith and I am a Morganton native, mother of six, and a person living in long-term sustained recovery. I come to Eleanor Health from a background of inpatient crisis care at a detox and psychiatric unit. I also have education in holistic and complementary health and work as a holistic health coach and Reiki practitioner. I firmly believe that sustained recovery is holistic and individual in nature, so I am thrilled to be a part of Eleanor’s mission and commitment to the community.Chad P.
Community Recovery Partner & Clinic Administrator, Hickory
Chad P.
Community Recovery Partner & Clinic Administrator, Hickory
Lakeitha G.
Community Recovery Partner, Matthews
I am super excited to join the Mooresville team at Eleanor Health. I have over 15 years of experience working with the North Carolina mental health population and I am passionate about helping others in general. I feel that helping others is my calling and I am very excited to join forces with Eleanor Health to continue my journey in community service.
Aaron P.
Community Recovery Partner, Mooresville
My name is Aaron Price and I have a strong passion for this field. I have worked in peer support for 2 years and I am proudly 5 years sober as of October 2021. My favorite thing about this job is interacting with our members and building relationships. I love the Dallas Cowboys, anything outdoors, and hanging out with my beautiful wife. I am proud to serve our Eleanor community and look forward to meeting you!Member Experience Administrative Specialists (MEAS)
Summer D.
Member Experience Administrative Specialist, Hickory, NC
I’m excited to be the Member Experience Administrative Specialist
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Summer D.
Member Experience Administrative Specialist, Hickory, NC
I’m excited to be the Member Experience Administrative Specialist for the Hickory team. I have an extensive background in retail management and customer service, and I worked as an administrative assistant for a printing company before I changed paths and entered the field of substance abuse treatment. As a front office coordinator at a methadone clinic, I discovered my passion for working with individuals with substance use disorders. I’m proud to be part of an organization that truly cares about its members and treats them with the compassion, dignity, and respect they deserve. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, music, and spending time with my husband and our two dogs.Allie C.
Clinic Administrator, Lead Member Experience Administrative Specialist, Mooresville & Matthews
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Allie C.
Clinic Administrator, Lead Member Experience Administrative Specialist, Mooresville & Matthews
My name is Allie Cairelli, and I have the pleasure of serving as the Lead Member Engagement Administrative Specialist & Clinic Administrator for our Eleanor Health Mooresville and Matthews Clinics. I am a proud graduate of Appalachian State University, and I came to Eleanor with experience in mental health and substance use care from peer support and administrative positions. In both crisis and outpatient settings, I have worked hard to serve communities and individuals affected by mental illness and substance use. At Eleanor, I always strive to use my passion for advocacy to help our members feel safe and welcome. In my spare time, I love playing with my cat Luna, antiquing and thrifting, and playing (losing) board games with my partner Zachary.Tefanie B.
Member Experience Administrative Specialist, Cary
Tefanie B.
Member Experience Administrative Specialist, Cary
Amber E.
Clinic Administrator, Member Experience Administrative Specialist, High Point & Greensboro
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Amber E.
Clinic Administrator, Member Experience Administrative Specialist, High Point & Greensboro
I have worked in healthcare & mental health for over 10 years. I am an extrovert to the extreme! I love staying busy and meeting new people! Fun Fact: I LOVE penguins! I collect and have an exorbitant amount of penguin paraphernalia.
Patricia (Trish) A.
Member Experience Administrative Specialist, Matthews
Hello hello hello! My name is Trish Archie and I work as the MEAS (Member Experience Administrative Specialist) for Eleanor Health, Matthews, NC location. I attended Belmont Abbey College with a major in sociology, but “life” happened in my last semester, and I was unable to complete it. Most of my work history is in construction administration but I always wanted something more rewarding and purposeful. I have a few years of “working” experience with mental health and/or substance/alcohol use disorders, but a “lifetime” of being affected by either family or friends. I now strive to support and encourage those on the road to recovery; it’s my heartfelt mission to make an impact just by being me. In my time away from work, I love to spend time with my amazing granddaughter, my fantabulous daughter, and my incredible loony friends!Nicole J.
Member Experience Administrative Specialist, High Point
Nicole J.
Member Experience Administrative Specialist, High Point
Ali F.
Member Experience Administrative Specialist, Greensboro
With a deep passion for helping others, it’s my absolute joy to serve our members. I love finding ways to remind people of their worth, and fight for them at every turn. I was created to love people, and it’s my true mission in life to remind people how beautiful they really are, no matter what. Being a MEAS gives me a real opportunity to serve in this way, being one of the first points of contact in our members day. I get to bring a little hope, and offer gentle reminders of sunlight in the dark places. This is my joy. I’m grateful to be a part of this. In my spare time I love listening to music, I have an absolute obsession with the drums, (think Neil Peart, Stewart Copeland, John Bonham) I love hiking, photography and anything outdoors. I enjoy watching documentaries and am a huge fan of all things Everest and Appalachian Trail.Barbara G.
Member Experience Administrative Specialist, Raleigh
I am currently getting my masters degree in Kinesiology and Recreation management with a concentration in Athletics Administration. I used to teach middle and high school Science, Math and PE. I enjoy helping and educating people so that they can live their best life. I love attending concerts and reading books. I also love fashion and have been modeling since the age of 13.
Priscilla L.
Member Experience Administrative Specialist, Durham
Hi my name is Priscilla Little and I will be the MEAS for the Durham location. I am excited to be on this new journey and can’t wait to see what the future brings.
Christine H.
Member Experience Administrative Specialist
Hello, my name is Christine, and I am one of the Member Experience Administrative Specialists in the Hickory location. I have a passion for helping others and love to see people achieve their goals and/or dreams. I want to help people with kindness and compassion instead of judgment of their past transgressions. When not helping others here at Eleanor Health, I enjoy true crime podcasts, spending time with my family, exploring small towns, and volunteering with the local “No more Addiction” program. I am honored and excited to join the Eleanor team and help people in my community grow and make the most of their lives.
Xandria C.
Member Experience Administrative Specialist, Asheville
My name is Xandria Colbert and I am the Member Experience Administrator Specialist for the Asheville, NC location. I have always had a special connection with helping others in the best way possible. In my free time I enjoy playing video games, watching movies, and playing with my cat fur babies. I am super excited to start this journey with Eleanor Health!
Rhonda K.
Member Experience Administrative Specialist, Fayetteville
My name is Rhonda K and I am the Member Experience Administrative Specialist for the Fayetteville, NC location. I have been working in the Medical Office Administration field for 12 years and truly love my job. I am a career long firefighter’s wife and was a volunteer firefighter for 2 years. Our family enjoys riding 4-wheelers and getting muddy as much as possible in our free time.Administrative Team
Danica Patterson
Regional Market President
Danica Patterson serves as Eleanor’s Regional Market President, leading up growth and operations for North Carolina, New Jersey, and Texas. Her career path has anchored on innovating and driving change in paying for quality, centering on patient-desired outcomes. Prior to joining Eleanor, she served as VP of Value Based Care at GoHealth Urgent Care where she worked with large health systems across the country to design value based programs by leveraging the convenient access of urgent care centers. Patterson spent 11 years at a large non-profit health system where she built the organization’s value based care division. She also led the health system’s strategic planning and business development initiatives for acute and ambulatory care services, physician clinics and comprehensive patient care programs. She worked in state and federal government affairs representing hospitals and health systems in Florida and New York. Patterson holds Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degrees in health policy from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Patterson enjoys living in North Carolina with her husband and four children.
Candace Harris, MSW, LCSW
Interim Director of North Carolina Operations
I serve as the Interim Director of North Carolina Operations for Eleanor Health in NC. I have had the privilege of working in the Mental Health/Substance Use Disorder field for 10 years and have served in various clinical settings. My experience has taught me that when we are brave enough to embrace our vulnerabilities, our true power is revealed. I’m excited to support our community as our team helps people to live amazing lives by delivering a whole-person, personalized approach to treatment and recovery. When I am not at Eleanor, my daughter, the light of my life, keeps me busy with her cheer, dance, and social activities.
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