Staff

Our staff has many years of experience that has created a wealth of Development.  This development has created caring individuals that energetically pursue the helping profession. 
Christopher A. Gazdik, LCSW chrisgazdik@metpsych.com
 Chris is an energetic and passionate therapist.  He is a licensed clinical social worker with a former certification in alcohol, tobacco, and other drug treatment.  He has over 20 years of experience.  This vast experience includes work in many settings (inpatient hospitals, public mental health clinics, crisis units, and outpatient offices.  Chris works with all ages and couples.  In treatment, he uses an individualized approach that enhances his fundamental application of cognitive-behavioral techniques and other theoretical approaches.  Here is his resume:  CHRIS – Resume 1
New Book:  Publication date November 2024
Allison Tucker, LCSW, LCAS allisontucker@metpsych.com
Allison is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed clinical addictions specialist.  Allison graduated from UNCC with an MSW and has over 20 years of experience treating adolescents and adults with substance abuse / mental health issues.  She provides individual, family, marital, and couples therapy.  Allison meets the client where they are and uses an eclectic approach that is very caring and supportive.
John-Nelson Pope, Ph.D., LCMHCS john-nelsonpope@metpsych.com
John-Nelson Pope earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision from Texas A&M – Corpus Christi (TAMUCC);  he is a nationally certified counselor (NCC), Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and a licensed professional counselor supervisor (LPCS).  John-Nelson has a long history in the field with a varied background including teaching Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Montreat College, the Director of the Counseling Program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, counseling clinical director at TAMUCC, and U.S. Navy chaplain (both overseas and abroad).  As a trained PTSD group facilitator, he enjoys supporting veterans recently released from active duty or who served during the Viet Nam and Gulf War.  Last year, he received extensive training to provide Cognitive Processing Therapy.
Victoria Pendergrass, LCMHC, NCC Victoriapendergrass@metpsych.com
Victoria is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and a National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC). She graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Victoria has been a practicing licensed clinician for 4 years. She has a passion to meet with children ages 5-13 and welcomes clients of all ages. Stemming from a person-centered and cognitive behavioral approach to therapy, Victoria focuses on the client as a whole individual. Victoria believes people are on a life journey and, she will use her professional expertise to help guide you toward a better self.
Cyrilla Purnell, RD
CyrillaPurnell@metpsych.com
Cyrilla Purnell, MPH, RD, LDN is a Behavioral Health Dietitian passionate about promoting mental and physical well-being through personalized nutrition. Cyrilla holds a master’s degree in public health and nutrition, with a special interest in mindfulness techniques and an integrative approach to health. Her unique background allows her to
understand the complex relationship between nutrition, emotions, and behaviors, enabling her to provide holistic and evidence-based dietary interventions. With an intuitive and empathetic approach, Cyrilla believes in the power of a therapeutic partnership to foster positive change in individuals; lives. She collaborates closely with her clients, taking the time to understand their unique needs, challenges, and goals.
Cyrilla’s areas of expertise focus on developing a healthy  relationship with food, establishing and maintaining goals, and overcoming barriers for a wide spectrum of nutritional concerns including Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for nutrition-related diagnoses, emotional eating, disordered eating behaviors, weight management, healthy aging, and stress/sleep management. As a Behavioral Health Dietitian, Cyrilla Purnell is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve optimal health by making positive and lasting changes in their lives and adopting healthy eating habits that nourish both their bodies and minds.
The letters behind the names indicate qualifications that demonstrate each clinician’s ability to practice a helping profession independently.  They usually take years of training and supervision to achieve and are a testament to the professionalism the individual has developed.
 
for the purpose of definition, they represent:
LCSW:  licensed clinical social worker
LCMHC:  licensed clinical mental health counselor
LCMHCS:  licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor
LCAS:  licensed clinical addiction specialist
LCASA:  licensed clinical addiction specialist associate 
RD:  Registered Dietician