ABOUT US
The Western North Carolina Psychological Association (WNCPA) is dedicated to creating a welcoming, diverse, and valuable organization for Psychologists in the Western North Carolina region. Our organization strives to meet the mental health needs in our region and build a strong community for all Psychologists.
Our Mission and Values
WNC Psychological Association exists where mind meets heart.
We bring our members opportunities for thoughtful connection with one another and the communities we serve.
SCHOLARSHIP
We have made a lifelong commitment to teaching and learning. We are passionate about strengthening psychology as a science and a profession.
INCLUSIVITY
We welcome and honor
diverse voices and perspectives. We recognize that there are many pathways to healing.
GENEROSITY
We share our time, attention, and knowledge in order to improve the psychological health of our region. We are advocates for public good.
Board Members
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Jennifer Howell, Ph.D.
CO-CHAIR
Christen Mullane, Ph.D.
CO-CHAIR
Kara Lustig, Ph.D.
MEMBER RELATIONS
Susan Arnold, Ph.D.
TREASURER
Dominique
Honeycutt, Ph.D., J.D.
PAST PRESIDENT
Susan McCammon, Ph.D.
MEMBER AT LARGE
Justin D'Avella, Psy.D.
MEMBER AT LARGE
Jill Calderon, Psy.D.
MEMBER AT LARGE
Erika Czerwinski, Ph.D.
MEMBER AT LARGE
Our Story
On the way back from the 1974 American Psychological Association Convention in New Orleans, two Asheville psychologists, Dr. Ted Seitz and Dr. John Fellerath, decided to invite area psychologists to meet. In their first meeting, 20 psychologists gathered in a now long forgotten restaurant: the Bavarian Cellar in Innsbrook Mall.
In that era, very few psychologists worked in private practice. The participants were largely associated with hospitals or schools – the Asheville VA Center, the Blue Ridge Mental Health Center, Highland Hospital, Appalachian Hall, UNC-A and WCU. More than four decades later, most of the original psychologists have moved on in one way or the other. However, they have left a legacy of scholarship, community-building, and generosity of spirit for psychologists in Western North Carolina.
WNCPA was somewhat of a leader in the development of local psychological groups and organizations. In 1974, there were only two other such groups in North Carolina, located in Charlotte and Eastern North Carolina. The Asheville Area Psychologists remained an informal group until 1982, when the Western North Carolina Psychological Association was officially formed. Over the years, the organization has grown considerably, and we look forward to our continued growth and development.
