Meet the Team
Scroll to read our bios and learn more about us to determine who would be the best fit for you
Allelia Zalvin
Founder & LMFT
Lia is the founder of Sage Wellness. She was born and raised in northern New Jersey, and through life’s twists and turns, landed in coastal North Carolina to begin her career as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Lia received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. She specializes in working with couples, teachers, both men and women who are walking through infertility, those diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and/or Hashimoto’s Disease.
Lia utilizes a collection of therapeutic techniques and theories to follow a custom-to-you treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals. Some of her most used theories include Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Structural Therapy. Similarly, she draws from many of John Gottman’s techniques as they pertain to the needs of the client.Lia believes strongly in following the client’s lead in developing which methods to utilize. Each session is often structured around the direction that you, the client, initiate, and at the pace most comfortable for you, all while keeping in mind the “bigger picture” of your ultimate goals along the way.
Lia describes herself as an empathetic, compassionate and genuine person who has a passion for meeting people where they are, helping them to feel seen & validated and holding space for any and all emotions that present themselves along the journey to ultimate healing and wellness.
Certifications: Gottman Method Level 1 and 2 Couples Therapy, SYMBIS Facilitator, AAMFT Member
Direct email: info@sagewellnessilm.com
Allelia Zalvin
Founder & LMFT
Lia is the founder of Sage Wellness. She was born and raised in northern New Jersey, and through life’s twists and turns, landed in coastal North Carolina to begin her career as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Lia received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Liberty University. She specializes in working with couples, teachers, both men and women who are walking through infertility, those diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and/or Hashimoto’s Disease.
Lia utilizes a collection of therapeutic techniques and theories to follow a custom-to-you treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals. Some of her most used theories include Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Structural Therapy. Similarly, she draws from many of John Gottman’s techniques as they pertain to the needs of the client.Lia believes strongly in following the client’s lead in developing which methods to utilize. Each session is often structured around the direction that you, the client, initiate, and at the pace most comfortable for you, all while keeping in mind the “bigger picture” of your ultimate goals along the way.
Lia describes herself as an empathetic, compassionate and genuine person who has a passion for meeting people where they are, helping them to feel seen & validated and holding space for any and all emotions that present themselves along the journey to ultimate healing and wellness.
Certifications: Gottman Method Level 1 and 2 Couples Therapy, SYMBIS Facilitator, AAMFT Member
Direct email: info@sagewellnessilm.com
Lauren Kearney
LCMHC-A
Lauren, also known as Lo, is originally from Oklahoma and spent many years in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. However, she has now made Wilmington and the beach her home. She has a deep empathy for people and a strong passion for promoting self-compassion and personal strengths. Lauren enjoys being a cheerleader, professional pace-setter, and attentive listener.
After earning her undergraduate degree in Advertising from the University of Oklahoma in 2012, Lauren gained over 13 years of professional experience before pursuing her M.A. in Counseling from the Townsend Institute of Concordia University Irvine, which she completed in 2024. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA).
Lauren is particularly dedicated to working with adults and college students who are dealing with stress, life transitions, burnout, feelings of overwhelm, not feeling enough, and perfectionism.
She also specializes in helping individuals who have experienced sexual and family trauma, struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties.
In her counseling approach, Lauren takes a personalized and holistic perspective. She uses various modalities, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to foster personal insight, challenge thought and behavior patterns, and promote change, growth, and healing. Lauren highly values the client’s experience and expertise. Therefore, she ensures that the sessions are client-led to address each individual’s needs and personal goals.
Describing herself as calm, down-to-earth, warm and easy-going, Lauren wholeheartedly believes in her clients and their capabilities. Emphasizing self-compassion and accountability, she creates a safe and cozy space to encourage healing, self-awareness, and growth.
Certifications: National Certified Counselor (NCC) and is a member of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Direct email: lauren@sagewellnessilm.com
Lauren Kearney
LCMHC-A
Lauren, also known as Lo, is originally from Oklahoma and spent many years in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. However, she has now made Wilmington and the beach her home. She has a deep empathy for people and a strong passion for promoting self-compassion and personal strengths. Lauren enjoys being a cheerleader, professional pace-setter, and attentive listener.
After earning her undergraduate degree in Advertising from the University of Oklahoma in 2012, Lauren gained over 13 years of professional experience before pursuing her M.A. in Counseling from the Townsend Institute of Concordia University Irvine, which she completed in 2024. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA).
Lauren is particularly dedicated to working with adults and college students who are dealing with stress, life transitions, burnout, feelings of overwhelm, not feeling enough, and perfectionism.
She also specializes in helping individuals who have experienced sexual and family trauma, struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties.
In her counseling approach, Lauren takes a personalized and holistic perspective. She uses various modalities, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to foster personal insight, challenge thought and behavior patterns, and promote change, growth, and healing. Lauren highly values the client’s experience and expertise. Therefore, she ensures that the sessions are client-led to address each individual’s needs and personal goals.
Describing herself as calm, down-to-earth, warm and easy-going, Lauren wholeheartedly believes in her clients and their capabilities. Emphasizing self-compassion and accountability, she creates a safe and cozy space to encourage healing, self-awareness, and growth.
Certifications: National Certified Counselor (NCC) and is a member of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Direct email: lauren@sagewellnessilm.com
Pamela Penrose
LCMHC-A
Pamela has a heart for working with adults navigating divorce, grief, loss, self-acceptance, and rebuilding after challenging life transitions. She also enjoys helping clients discover their values, set boundaries, and connect back to their authentic self. She is passionate about creating a space for her clients to feel seen, heard, and valued. During sessions, Pamela offers a steady and warm presence as clients process their experiences and emotions; believing in the power of the therapeutic relationship and it’s potential to serve as a catalyst for individual insight, progressive change and overall mental health wellness.
Pamela approaches counseling from a client-centered lens, while incorporating a range of therapeutic brain-based and body-based modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Parts Work, Attachment Theory, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She also believes in the power of creativity, allowing clients to bring their love of music, writing, knitting, sewing, painting, etc. into their sessions as a means of finding deeper healing.
While Pamela completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2010 at Union University, it wasn’t until 2020 that she went back to school to receive her M.A. in Counseling from Townsend Institute of Concordia University Irvine. She has been facilitating divorce process groups and seeing clients since 2022, and officially graduated in August of 2023. Pamela is currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA).
Pamela describes herself as a soulful and creative being, who is always finding beauty in the mundane, and meaning and purpose in the deepest of emotions. She can meet you in your depths because she has been willing to meet herself in her own depths. Pamela believes change, healing, and growth are always available to us and values each individual’s unique journey.
Certifications: Integrative Somatic Parts Work Certificate Level 1, Level 1 and 2 Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Direct email: pamela@sagewellnessilm.com
Pamela Penrose
LCMHC-A
Pamela has a heart for working with adults navigating divorce, grief, loss, self-acceptance, and rebuilding after challenging life transitions. She also enjoys helping clients discover their values, set boundaries, and connect back to their authentic self. She is passionate about creating a space for her clients to feel seen, heard, and valued. During sessions, Pamela offers a steady and warm presence as clients process their experiences and emotions; believing in the power of the therapeutic relationship and it’s potential to serve as a catalyst for individual insight, progressive change and overall mental health wellness.
Pamela approaches counseling from a client-centered lens, while incorporating a range of therapeutic brain-based and body-based modalities, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Parts Work, Attachment Theory, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She also believes in the power of creativity, allowing clients to bring their love of music, writing, knitting, sewing, painting, etc. into their sessions as a means of finding deeper healing.
While Pamela completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2010 at Union University, it wasn’t until 2020 that she went back to school to receive her M.A. in Counseling from Townsend Institute of Concordia University Irvine. She has been facilitating divorce process groups and seeing clients since 2022, and officially graduated in August of 2023. Pamela is currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA).
Pamela describes herself as a soulful and creative being, who is always finding beauty in the mundane, and meaning and purpose in the deepest of emotions. She can meet you in your depths because she has been willing to meet herself in her own depths. Pamela believes change, healing, and growth are always available to us and values each individual’s unique journey.
Certifications: Integrative Somatic Parts Work Certificate Level 1, Level 1 and 2 Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Direct email: pamela@sagewellnessilm.com
Dylan Collins
LCMHC-A
Dylan is a North Carolina native from right outside of Charlotte. He moved to Wilmington in 2023 for his love of the coast and to be closer to his fiance, now wife. Dylan received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2022 and got right to work on his postgraduate studies. He graduated in the winter of 2024 with his MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He is currently an LCMHC-A and also serves as a youth pastor at a local church here in Wilmington.
Dylan specializes in working with middle and high schoolers, college students, young adults, and men working through a variety of different situations. Some populations that he has personal or professional experience with include ADD, ADHD, OCD, Spiritual Issues, Anxiety, Couples, or Individual in the midst of Life Transitions.
Dylan will utilize a range of therapeutic techniques and interventions on a client by client basis. He believes in a collaborative approach in which the client and clinician walk through issues side by side. Some of the theories that he works from most often include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.
A session with Dylan would feel like a coffee shop conversation with an old friend. Dylan's style most closely resembles that of a non-judgemental, observant, and laid back helper. His primary goal is to provide a space where you feel seen, heard, known, and understood. His hope is that in this space, you will be equipped with the tools and resources you need to live your optimal life. As a counselor, Dylan loves nothing more than watching a client realize their potential, recieve their healing, and step into their true identity.
Direct email: dylan@sagewellnessilm.com
Dylan Collins
LCMHC-A
Dylan is a North Carolina native from right outside of Charlotte. He moved to Wilmington in 2023 for his love of the coast and to be closer to his fiance, now wife. Dylan received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2022 and got right to work on his postgraduate studies. He graduated in the winter of 2024 with his MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He is currently an LCMHC-A and also serves as a youth pastor at a local church here in Wilmington.
Dylan specializes in working with middle and high schoolers, college students, young adults, and men working through a variety of different situations. Some populations that he has personal or professional experience with include ADD, ADHD, OCD, Spiritual Issues, Anxiety, Couples, or Individual in the midst of Life Transitions.
Dylan will utilize a range of therapeutic techniques and interventions on a client by client basis. He believes in a collaborative approach in which the client and clinician walk through issues side by side. Some of the theories that he works from most often include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.
A session with Dylan would feel like a coffee shop conversation with an old friend. Dylan's style most closely resembles that of a non-judgemental, observant, and laid back helper. His primary goal is to provide a space where you feel seen, heard, known, and understood. His hope is that in this space, you will be equipped with the tools and resources you need to live your optimal life. As a counselor, Dylan loves nothing more than watching a client realize their potential, recieve their healing, and step into their true identity.
Direct email: dylan@sagewellnessilm.com
Jodie Bartlett
LCMHC-A
Jodie is a fully virtual telemental health therapist whose passion lies in working with diverse individuals with a particular heart for those ages 13+ who are navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, life transitions, abandonment, and the heaviness that comes from feeling like the world is on their shoulders. Originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jodie spent many years dreaming of her move to North Carolina. From a young age, she felt a deep calling to become a counselor, and she has remained unwavering in that pursuit throughout her academic and professional career.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Mississippi (affectionately known as Ole Miss), where she also minored in Education and Gender Studies. She went on to complete her Master of Education in Counselor Education with a focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jodie is currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA). Jodie’s therapeutic approach is grounded in humanistic values, honoring and respecting each client’s lived experience. She sees each person as the expert of their own life and works collaboratively to support meaningful growth and self-discovery. Her work is informed by a blend of evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual’s needs.
She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a structured approach used to treat trauma and PTSD by helping clients reprocess events and reduce the emotional impact of distressing memories. She draws on Reality Therapy to help clients consider the connection between their actions and unmet needs, supporting them in making intentional choices that align with their values and goals. Jodie also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to explore how thoughts and emotions may influence patterns of behavior and overall well-being. Additionally, she integrates Narrative Therapy, inviting clients to reflect on how their personal stories shape their identity and experiences, while encouraging a view of problems as external influences—reminding them they are not defined by their struggles.
Describing herself as warm, an attentive listener, and someone with a witty spirit, Jodie is deeply passionate about her work and devotes herself to being a safe, supportive presence for those who feel they are navigating emotional struggles on their own while seeking meaningful support through life’s challenges. She feels truly honored and immensely grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside her clients throughout their therapeutic journey.
Direct email: jodie@sagewellnessilm.com
Jodie Barlett
LCMHC-A
Jodie is a fully virtual telemental health therapist whose passion lies in working with diverse individuals with a particular heart for those ages 13+ who are navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, life transitions, abandonment, and the heaviness that comes from feeling like the world is on their shoulders. Originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jodie spent many years dreaming of her move to North Carolina. From a young age, she felt a deep calling to become a counselor, and she has remained unwavering in that pursuit throughout her academic and professional career.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Mississippi (affectionately known as Ole Miss), where she also minored in Education and Gender Studies. She went on to complete her Master of Education in Counselor Education with a focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jodie is currently a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA). Jodie’s therapeutic approach is grounded in humanistic values, honoring and respecting each client’s lived experience. She sees each person as the expert of their own life and works collaboratively to support meaningful growth and self-discovery. Her work is informed by a blend of evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual’s needs.
She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a structured approach used to treat trauma and PTSD by helping clients reprocess events and reduce the emotional impact of distressing memories. She draws on Reality Therapy to help clients consider the connection between their actions and unmet needs, supporting them in making intentional choices that align with their values and goals. Jodie also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to explore how thoughts and emotions may influence patterns of behavior and overall well-being. Additionally, she integrates Narrative Therapy, inviting clients to reflect on how their personal stories shape their identity and experiences, while encouraging a view of problems as external influences—reminding them they are not defined by their struggles.
Describing herself as warm, an attentive listener, and someone with a witty spirit, Jodie is deeply passionate about her work and devotes herself to being a safe, supportive presence for those who feel they are navigating emotional struggles on their own while seeking meaningful support through life’s challenges. She feels truly honored and immensely grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside her clients throughout their therapeutic journey.
Direct email: jodie@sagewellnessilm.com
Maggie Collins
Clinical Resident
Maggie is originally from Wilmington, North Carolina, where her coastal upbringing fostered a strong sense of community and a heart for helping others. She completed her undergraduate degree at Gardner-Webb University in 2023, where she began developing her passion for mental health and holistic care.
Currently, Maggie is pursuing her master's degree in clinicalMental Health Counseling through Liberty University with the purpose of becoming a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. As part of her graduate training, she is serving as a counseling intern and is actively accepting new clients, at a reduced cost, as she works toward full licensure.
Maggie specializes in working with middle school, high school, and college-aged women-offering a supportive space to explore emotions, strengthen self-awareness, and develop healthy coping skills during these formative years. She is drawn to supporting her clients through the unique challenges that come with growing up in today's world. This includes working with young women experiencing anxiety, self-esteem issues, social pressures, and life transitions. Whether you're navigating the challenges of adolescence, preparing for increased independence in young adulthood, or simply looking for someone to talk to, Maggie meets her clients with encouragement, and practical tools they can carry with them beyond the therapy room.
Her counseling style is warm, down-to-earth, and deeply relational-think of it like sitting down to a lunch date with a trusted friend, where you can show up exactly as you are. She creates a judgment-free, collaborative environment where young women can find strength in their stories. Maggie believes that healing begins with authentic connection and that through curiosity, compassion, and trust, meaningful growth is possible. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness strategies, and person-centered therapy. Her work is always tailored to the individual and moves at a pace that feels right for them.
Above all, Maggie values the courage it takes to begin counseling and is honored to be present with clients exactly where they are.
Direct email: maggie@sagewellnessilm.com
Maggie Collins
Clinical Resident
Maggie is originally from Wilmington, North Carolina, where her coastal upbringing fostered a strong sense of community and a heart for helping others. She completed her undergraduate degree at Gardner-Webb University in 2023, where she began developing her passion for mental health and holistic care.
Currently, Maggie is pursuing her master's degree in clinicalMental Health Counseling through Liberty University with the purpose of becoming a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. As part of her graduate training, she is serving as a counseling intern and is actively accepting new clients, at a reduced cost, as she works toward full licensure.
Maggie specializes in working with middle school, high school, and college-aged women-offering a supportive space to explore emotions, strengthen self-awareness, and develop healthy coping skills during these formative years. She is drawn to supporting her clients through the unique challenges that come with growing up in today's world. This includes working with young women experiencing anxiety, self-esteem issues, social pressures, and life transitions. Whether you're navigating the challenges of adolescence, preparing for increased independence in young adulthood, or simply looking for someone to talk to, Maggie meets her clients with encouragement, and practical tools they can carry with them beyond the therapy room.
Her counseling style is warm, down-to-earth, and deeply relational-think of it like sitting down to a lunch date with a trusted friend, where you can show up exactly as you are. She creates a judgment-free, collaborative environment where young women can find strength in their stories. Maggie believes that healing begins with authentic connection and that through curiosity, compassion, and trust, meaningful growth is possible. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness strategies, and person-centered therapy. Her work is always tailored to the individual and moves at a pace that feels right for them.
Above all, Maggie values the courage it takes to begin counseling and is honored to be present with clients exactly where they are.
Direct email: maggie@sagewellnessilm.com
Our Mission Statement
The 'why' behind what we do
Sage Wellness emerged from a deep-rooted belief in the power of holistic, client-centered care. This belief guided the creation of a space where comprehensive support and compassion are the foundation of every interaction. At Sage Wellness, we put our clients first. It is our goal that each and every client feels seen, validated, and supported from intake through treatment, no matter the journey. We achieve this goal by conducting an extensive intake designed to get to know you and your goals, drafting a treatment plan that fits your specific needs, and coming alongside you as you learn, reflect and grow.
Compassion at the Core
In every session, your well-being is our priority, guiding a personalized approach to support your mental health journey with empathy and understanding.
Let's Start Your Healing Journey
Reach out, we're here to listen
Booking your first appointment is a step towards wellness. Navigate to the online booking page for a simple, direct way to schedule your session. Alternatively, you can visit the contact page for more details, or simply fill out the contact form to get in touch. We look forward to embarking on this journey with you.