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.
Kristi Wood, LCSW - Clinician
Kristi Wood holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of Alabama. She received her undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University. Kristi has worked as a social worker in child protection both in the US and in London. She came to us from the Three Spring Paint Rock Valley program where she worked with young women. She is licensed clinical social worker in the state of North Carolina.
Kristi has experience in creating and leading groups on adoption issues, dialectical behavioral therapy skills, dealing with divorce/separation, substance abuse, social skills, and managing emotions. She has particular interest of working with adolescents with learning disabilities, information processing delays, and poor social skills. She works with them to develop concrete, practical goals that address these very significant issues in their lives. Kristi also loves experiential therapy as well, using games, art therapy, and meaningful activities to teach therapeutic skills and introspection." We appreciate the clarity and commitment that Kristi brings to the young women of Auldern.
Darci Hall, M.A. – Clinician
Darci Hall received her Masters of Arts in Psychology from the Georgia School of Profession Psychology at Argosy University in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Texas. Before joining Auldern, she worked with adolescents at the New Dominion outdoor therapeutic program in Virginia. She has additional experience working with children, adolescents and adults in several other programs throughout the country that include positions such as being a primary therapist, lead teacher and guidance counselor.
Darci has recently relocated to the Chapel Hill area. She comes with a wealth of enthusiasm and expertise in helping adolescents and their families in the process of healing and growing. In her spare time, Darci enjoys reading, traveling and shopping to decorate her new home.
Nicole Hopkins, M.Ed. – Clinician
Nicole Hopkins received her Masters of Education in Family Counseling from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. She received her undergraduate degree in English and Spanish from Mercer University in Macon, GA. Before joining Auldern, she provided intensive in home support to adolescents and their families. She enjoys using different techniques and approaches when working in individual and group therapy and with families. She has experience facilitating groups focused on substance abuse and recovery from addiction.
Nicole brings great enthusiasm and creativity to her work. She thrives on collaboration and loves being part of the Auldern team. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling to visit her extended family and many friends. She also enjoys reading, watching movies and spoiling her niece and nephew.
Gail Gustafson, LCSW
Clinician
Gail has a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California as well as a Master of Fine Arts in theatre from Brooklyn College. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California where she has been working for the last 6 years. Gail has extensive experience working in clinical settings with adolescents in a variety of different settings, including group homes, community mental health organizations and in the foster care system. Gail relocated to North Carolina in order to accept the position at Auldern and to be close to her extended family.
Gail enjoys integrating her love of the arts, particularly theatre, into her therapeutic work using creative expression as an avenue toward personal growth. Gail’s time away from Auldern is focused on her greatest joy, her two toddler aged sons.