Meet The Team
Clinical Team
Dr. Cheryl Meola, PhD, LCMHCS
Cheryl is the visionary founder of Mane Source Counseling and Coaching and the co-founder of Horses and HEALTH Inc. Her deep-rooted passion for horses began in childhood, hopping on ponies at her aunt’s farm. At just 10 years old, Cheryl’s life changed when her grandmother, Elsie, gifted her a horse, sparking a lifelong connection and commitment to equine care and training.
With over 20 years of professional experience as a horse trainer, instructor, and intercollegiate coach, Cheryl transitioned to a new calling in counseling. She earned her Master’s in Counseling from Bridgewater State University, where she discovered her passion for equine-assisted therapy under the mentorship of a local practitioner.
Motivated to address the lack of experiential therapeutic opportunities in her new home of Eastern North Carolina, Cheryl facilitated equine-assisted therapy at several local farms. In 2022, she realized her vision by acquiring a property for Mane Source Counseling dedicated to experiential therapy and consent-based equine work.
Cheryl’s qualifications include:
– Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, NC
– Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MA
– PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
– PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning
She collaborates closely with local Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning, ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment for both clients and horses during equine-assisted activities. Cheryl is also pursuing certifications in Natural Lifemanship: Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Counseling to further enhance her skills.
Beyond her professional roles, Cheryl is the author of Anxiety~The Joule Thief: How to Take Back Control of Your Life, a workbook designed to increase resiliency and self-awareness while reducing anxiety. She contributes to academia as an adjunct professor at several universities and mentors students and recent graduates in experiential therapies. Her dedication to advancing the field is evident through her volunteer role as co-chair role of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation Education Committee and her role on their board of directors. In 2023, she edited Integrating Horse into Healing, a comprehensive resource for those interested in equine-assisted services, which fostered increased collaboration within the field.
“I am living my dream, waking up each day to care for my equine partners and sharing space with humans interested in growth, connection, and healing through horses. Residing near nature with my two boys and a growing group of animals, I find inspiration and motivation in helping others through the integrative approaches offered by Mane Source. Creating connections and building new programs are what drive me to continue growing and finding innovative ways to help people.”
Cheryl offers private pay sessions in Ayden, NC, and virtual sessions for residents of Massachusetts and North Carolina. She also provides in-person and virtual consultation for therapists and equine professionals venturing into private practice or equine-assisted services. Cheryl invites you to embark on a transformative journey towards well-being, rooted in her genuine passion for equine-assisted therapy and her mission to create meaningful connections between humans and horses.
Private pay rate: $225. Taking on new wellness clients only.
Loren Strong, MS, Clinical Intern
Loren is a graduate student enrolled in ECU’s MS in Clinical Counseling program. She is passionate about providing mental health services to underserved communities including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folx. She strives to use multiculturally sensitive and person-centered approaches to support youth and adults navigating transitions in life, minority stress, trauma, and other mental health concerns. When she’s not studying or working, Loren enjoys playing cozy games, creating art, and spending time with her husband and little dog.
Private pay rate: $30-50 sliding scale, Accepting new clients
Luis E. Zuniga Jr., MS, LCMHCA, LCASA
Luis is a graduate of East Carolina University with an MS in Clinical Counseling. He has served tours overseas and is a leader in the US Army. From this experience, Luis has witnessed challenges in the mental health arena from some of the strongest, most diligent, and driven people he has ever had the pleasure of working with and knowing.
He is passionate about providing Clinical Counseling services to active-duty members, their families, and Veterans. Challenges he’s helped people work through include addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other challenges that impact people from all walks of life. Luis has also worked with adults with mental health and substance use concerns. In his practice, Luis uses a CBT, person-centered, and strengths-based approach. Through empathic understanding and unconditional positive regard, he aims to provide a safe space for personal growth.
Private pay rate: $150, waiting list openings only
Ola Alrokh, LCMHCA, NCC
Ola graduated from East Carolina University’s clinical counseling program. She is committed to working with adolescents and adults of diverse cultures to promote mental wellness and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives in harmony with their cultural and spiritual identities.
Ola enjoys spending time with family and friends and believes that cherishing the simple things in life can bring the most happiness. Ola has worked with adolescents and adults through abuse, relationship problems, trauma, and other mental health issues.
Ola says, “I believe every client is unique, and I will work with them to create a space where they feel heard and appreciated. Together, we can connect in a safe and inclusive environment, utilizing your personal strengths to promote growth.”
Private pay rate: $130, Accepting new clients
Aniya DeRiggs, CRC, LCMHCA
Aniya is a graduate of East Carolina University and holds a licence in vocational rehabilitation as well as clinical mental health counseling. Aniya has experience working with a large age range including children and adults. She offers evening and weekend sessions to accommodate typical family and work schedules and help make therapy more accessible.
Aniya says, “Counseling has become a passion of mine over the last year and a half, and I want to use my knowledge and experiences to help others. I have been in counseling myself and understand how helpful a genuine and authentic counselor can be. I hope to pay it forward with my own clients!“
Private pay rate: $130, Accepting new clients
Dr. Lauren Bethune Scroggs, PhD, LCMHCA, LCASA, NCC, NCMHC
Lauren is currently completing a postdoctoral appointment at Duke University in Addictions and tobacco regulatory science. She has a PhD in Rehabilitation Counseling and Administration with cognates in Applied Psychophysiology and biofeedback and a MS in Substance Abuse and Clinical Counseling with certificates in Military and Trauma Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling. Lauren attended UNC-Chapel Hill for her undergraduate education.
After graduating from UNC, Lauren lived in the US and British Virgin Islands working as SCUBA instructor, first mate, and chef on term charter sailboats and as a SCUBA instructor at local dive shops for 5 years before returning to NC. Lauren has lived and traveled in many areas of the world.
She has worked with a wide range of populations, including adolescents, adults, students, Veterans, and clients in court proceedings, and specializes in biofeedback, mental health, and substance use and misuse counseling. Lauren is completing further training in Biofeedback services and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) that she integrates into her practice with clients.
Private pay rate: $175, wait list openings for appointments, Virtual only.
Equine Team
Dr. Debra Thompson, DNP, FNP-BC, ESMHL
Debra Thompson is a certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning through PATH Intl. and a Level 1 Certified Practitioner with the Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A). With over 37 years of experience in healthcare, Debra has held a variety of clinical and leadership roles across diverse settings. Her graduate and doctoral work focused on translating evidence-based research into frontline clinical applications and developing innovative population health programs.
In addition to her healthcare career, Debra serves on the Education and Governance Committees and the Board of Directors for the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF). She is also the co-founder and co-owner of Follow My Lead, an equine leadership and personal development business.
Debra plays an integral role in equine-assisted therapy sessions, ensuring the welfare of the horse is prioritized while facilitating meaningful interactions between clients and the herd.
Debra’s passion for the horse-human connection began when she became a horse owner four years ago, starting with her mare, Lady Dreamwalker. Now, she cares for a small herd of four, as well as cows, goats, and other pets. She believes in the transformative power of equine-facilitated interactions and enjoys helping individuals, teams, and leaders uncover their true selves through focused reflection and engagement with horses.
When asked how she would describe the relationship between horses and humans, she says, “Horses are mirrors and truth-serum—they read our body language, sense our thoughts before we speak, and offer honest, unbiased feedback. They are incredible educators who challenge us to be authentic and aware.”
Our Animals
We couldn’t do what we do without our herd of equine partners. Click below to learn more about who you could be working with in your sessions!
