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
Mental Health Therapy
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
Mental Health Therapy
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
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
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
Mental Health Therapy
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
Mental Health Therapy
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
Staci Ellsworth
Mental Health Therapy
Staci grew up as a ‘military brat’ and moved around about every 2-3 years of her life until landing in Wilmington in 2010 to attend The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She began her career as a Registered Nurse in 2016 and worked in various specialties until deciding to make a career change in 2020. She then began graduate school at Liberty University to achieve her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Staci graduated and became licensed as an LCMHC-A in the summer of 2024.
Staci enjoys working with couples and individuals ages 18+ who are struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, military life, infertility, trauma, chronic illness, faith and spirituality issues, and perinatal/postpartum issues among others. Given her experience in the healthcare industry, Staci also has a passion for working with healthcare workers experiencing burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma.
Staci utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as her main therapeutic technique to help clients break down their thought patterns to examine how their thoughts are affecting their emotions and then resulting in behavior changes. She also utilizes Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Gottman techniques depending on the individual client needs.
Staci describes herself as having an easy going, comforting, and empathetic presence with a dash of therapeutic humor. Her main objective is to create a safe space for her clients to process their thoughts and emotions as well as make steps in reaching their mental health goals, whether it takes weeks, months, or years!
Certifications: NCC, RN, SYMBIS Facilitator, and NBCC member.
Direct email: staci@sagewellnessilm.com
Staci Ellsworth
Mental Health Therapy
Staci grew up as a ‘military brat’ and moved around about every 2-3 years of her life until landing in Wilmington in 2010 to attend The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She began her career as a Registered Nurse in 2016 and worked in various specialties until deciding to make a career change in 2020. She then began graduate school at Liberty University to achieve her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Staci graduated and became licensed as an LCMHC-A in the summer of 2024.
Staci enjoys working with couples and individuals ages 18+ who are struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, military life, infertility, trauma, chronic illness, faith and spirituality issues, and perinatal/postpartum issues among others. Given her experience in the healthcare industry, Staci also has a passion for working with healthcare workers experiencing burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma.
Staci utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as her main therapeutic technique to help clients break down their thought patterns to examine how their thoughts are affecting their emotions and then resulting in behavior changes. She also utilizes Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Gottman techniques depending on the individual client needs.
Staci describes herself as having an easy going, comforting, and empathetic presence with a dash of therapeutic humor. Her main objective is to create a safe space for her clients to process their thoughts and emotions as well as make steps in reaching their mental health goals, whether it takes weeks, months, or years!
Certifications: NCC, RN, SYMBIS Facilitator, and NBCC member.
Direct email: staci@sagewellnessilm.com
Dylan Collins
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
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
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.