An Emphasis on Emotional Growth

Philosophy and Objectives

Auldern provides regular support in the form of individual and group therapy, specialty groups, and workshops that serves as the framework for achieving emotional, social, and character development goals.  The goal of this department is to coordinate efforts with all other departments, both Academic and Student Life, to assure that student goals are achieved and challenges effectively addressed.

Auldern Academy has a team of master’s level clinicians with a variety of backgrounds, whose job it is to deliver individual and group therapy, specialty groups and workshops as well as provide parent support, and communicates student information to all necessary parties.  As with all aspects of the Auldern Academy program, the efforts of the Counseling Services Department are aimed at fostering the skills and character required for success in future schools, at home and in college. The therapists unify the efforts of the student, staff, family members, and referring professionals so that all parties can support the student’s personal growth goals.

The Counseling Services Department fosters accountability and encourages the student to remain focused on critical life goals.  Students learn to balance the demands of personal integrity and conviction with those of cooperation, relationship, and community.  This balance is essential to their future success in school, college and beyond.

 
Counseling Services Staff

Vito Guarnaccia, Ph.D., Consulting Clinical Director - Dr. Guarnaccia has worked for the past 30 years with adolescents and families in private practice and has also served as a Consulting Psychologist with several schools. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical School Psychology from Hofstra University. He received his Master of Science in Clinical School Psychology from City University of New York. He is a Licensed Psychologist in both North Carolina and New York, and holds several other certifications.

Natalie Sisson, M.S.W.  - Lead Clinician

Natalie, our lead clinician,  holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia. She recieved her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Illinois State University. A member of the National Association for Social Workers, she has previously worked with adolescents as an Advisor for Carlbrook School, was a therapist at Peace Place and a counselor at Chestnut Health Systems in Virginia.

Nataie has recently moved to Sanford, NC with her husband and son. She enjoys spending time in her garden, scrapbooking and reading. She is a highly dedicated therapist who most enjoys helping teens develop a strong sense of themselves and finding direction for their future.

Julius Jessup, M.S. - Clinician

Julius received his Master of Science in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University and his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Educational Studies from Emory University. He came to Auldern Academy from Carlbrook School where he was an Advisor. He has previously worked as a Clinical Intern at the Center on Interventions for Children and Families in Cleveland, OH and as an Individual and Family Counselor at the National Counseling Group in Richmond, VA. Julius was the recipient of the Kenneth Cole Fellowship for Community Building and Social Change and the Delores P. Aldridge Excellence Award in Community Service.

Amy Berent, M.A. - Clinician

Amy holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Education at Prescott College in Arizona. She has work experience in both educational and wilderness settings. She was the Clinical Director and Field Therapist at Blackwater Outdoor Experiences. She has worked as a clinical psychotherapist and a Montessori teacher.

Kristi Wood, MSW - Clinician

Kristi Wood holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of Alabama.  She received her undergraduate degree from BrighamYoungUniversity.  Kristi has worked as a social worker in child protection both in the US and in London.  She came to us from the ThreeSpringPaintRockValley program where she worked with young women.  She is provisionally licensed clinical social worker in the state of North Carolina. 

Kristi loves music and is teaching herself to play the violin.  She also likes reading and watching “Survivor” on TV.  We appreciate the clarity and commitment that Kristi brings to the young women of Auldern.