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, catching rides 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 area, Cheryl facilitated equine-assisted therapy at several local farms. In 2022, she realized her vision by acquiring a property for Mane Source Counseling, strategically located next to a like-minded friend who shared her dedication to 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 recent graduates in experiential therapies. Her dedication to advancing the field is evident through her co-chair role on the Horses and Humans Research Foundation Education Committee and her work on the 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 embarking on 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. Currently she is not taking new therapy clients as she is focusing on wellness coaching and immersions.
Private pay rate: $225. Location: Ayden, NC, and virtual.
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, virtual, not accepting new clients at this time
Luis E. Zuniga Jr., MS, LCMHC
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.
He provides office-based as well as equine assisted therapy at our Greenville location. He is currently starting training in Trauma Informed Yoga from the therapist’s perspective and Natural Lifemanship, a trauma-informed approach to equine-assisted therapy.
Private pay rate: $150, Ayden and virtual, open to referrals
Karen Jenkins, MS, LCMHC, LPC, LCAS, CRC
Karen began her mental health professional journey in 2007 working in a community agency as a case manager and group leader. She returned to graduate school in pursuit of dual masters degrees from East Carolina University. She has been practicing as a licensed clinician for the last decade and has experience with a range of ages and presenting concerns.
School-aged youth, young adults, professionals, and parents are a particularly good fit, but she enjoys working with a wide variety of folx. Karen’s approach to therapy starts with the person as the center. She utilizes an eclectic counseling approach grown from several theories and techniques, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and Rogerian person-centered theory. With children, she enjoys using play therapy, sand tray, and other age-appropriate interventions.
She is a trauma-informed therapist and utilizes Trauma Focused CBT, Structured Sensory Interventions, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). She is also a LGBTQQAI+ affirming therapist and have received specialized training from the Gender and Sexual Diversity Initiative in Durham, NC. At Mane Source Counseling, Karen is excited to begin integrating more eco therapy, walk-and-talk therapy, and equine/animal-assisted therapy.
Karen enjoys living a full life with her family and friends (pets included). You might find her hiking in the woods, enjoying a local festival, laughing at ridiculous humor, and generally trying to live a memorable life. Her mission as a counselor is to walk alongside each individual as a companion and witness to their experiences, without judgement. People heal when they feel safe.
Private pay rate: $130, Ayden and virtual, current waiting list
Makayla Stefanski, MS, LCMHCA, NCC
Makayla is a graduate of East Carolina University’s clinical counseling program. Her therapeutic approach to counseling prioritizes understanding one’s unique experiences and goals. By creating a relaxed and comfortable environment, her aim is to assist you in navigating challenges and achieving goals. With a focus on trauma, abuse, and addiction, Makayla has worked with diverse age groups, ranging from 7 to 50 years old, encompassing various races, genders, and income levels. Having lived and worked in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and North Carolina, she brings a broad perspective to her practice. Outside of her professional endeavors, Makayla shares her life with a one-and-a-half-year-old Tuxedo cat named Benny.
Private pay rate: $130, Ayden and virtual, open to referrals
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, Ayden and virtual, open to referrals
Aniya DeRiggs, Graduate Intern
Aniya is a second-year graduate student at East Carolina University studying Rehabilitation Counseling. During her practicum at McClammy lab at ECU, Aniya focused primarily on a cognitive behavioral and person-centered approach to therapy with adults and children. She is excited to expand her knowledge into more experiential therapies during her internship at Mane Source! In her free time, she enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with her family. 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: $50, Ayden and virtual, open to referrals
Alexis Askew, LCMHCA
Have you experienced something painful, changing how you view yourself or those around you? Do the day-to-day pressures feel too much to handle? Are you constantly feeling on edge? Or do you feel shame because you think you should be coping better? You’re not alone! Imagine feeling joy, peace, and a sense of purpose again. It can be scary, but you can find your inner strength and resilience. You have the power to create a life of purpose. My approach is rooted in mutual trust, respect, and cultural humility. I use a person-centered, eclectic, and trauma-informed framework, tailoring my approach to fit each client’s unique needs.
I believe that we are strong alone but stronger together. Let’s weather the storm together. I provide a non-judgemental and safe space for you to express your thoughts and feelings. I assist individuals and families with diverse concerns: PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship stress, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ trauma, and life transitions.
I’m here to be a calming center where you can feel comfortable breaking down barriers and processing growth. Are you seeking affordable therapy rates and an open-minded, inclusive counselor who wants to help you address your deepest concerns? Let’s meet! Before starting your therapy journey, a free 15-minute phone consultation is available for any questions.
Equine Team
Debra Thompson, DNP, FNP-BC, ESMHL
Dr. Debra Thompson is certified as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning from PATH Int. and as a Practitioner through the Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A). She has 41 years of experience in health care across a variety of settings. Dr. Thompson is a member of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) Education Committee, Governance Committee, and HHRF’s Board of Directors. For fun, she enjoys spending time caring for a herd of horses, cows, goats, and several pets.
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 Equine-Assisted Services Sessions!
