Meet the Team
Take a peek at our bios and find the personality, expertise, and perspective that fit you best.
Allelia "Lia" 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, as well as faith-based therapy upon request.
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
Presley Peterson
LMFT-A
Presley feels privileged to walk alongside adults, adolescents, families and couples while they move towards understanding, healing, and connection. Presley earned her undergraduate degree from Central Washington University. Then she pursued and earned her Master's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy at The University of Alabama.
Presley works with adults and adolescents to navigate life changes, anxiety, self-worth, depression, and personal growth. She serves as a neutral guide to partners and families to better understand one another and work through conflict. Presley uses a collaborative approach to therapy. She believes that she may be an expert on the theories, but the client is an expert on their life and their experiences. Presley believes that working as a team results in cultivating progress and the client meeting their goals.
Presley believes that each individual is unique because of the experiences they have endured. Because of this Presley has an assortment of therapeutic techniques and theories she uses based on what would be the best fit for each client. Some of her most used theories are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Attachment Based Family Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy.
Presley strives to create a safe space for clients to feel comfortable. She is intentional about showing her clients compassion and support so they feel comfortable. Presley understands that therapy can be a difficult process for many individuals and because of that understands the importance of a client building trust in the therapeutic relationship. She feels honored to be trusted with her client's difficulties and the emotions that follow.
Direct email: presley@sagewellnessilm.com
Maggie Collins
LCMHC-A
Maggie earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Gardner-Webb University and her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. Originally from Wilmington, she has always loved the area and is grateful for the opportunity to work with clients in the community she calls home.
As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA), Maggie is currently accepting women, adolescents, and children (8+). She is particularly drawn to working with clients experiencing self-esteem concerns, social pressures, life transitions, relationship challenges, and is passionate about supporting neurodivergent clients.
At the heart of Maggie's approach is the idea that therapy should feel like a real conversation. Her approach is straightforward, honest, and collaborative, drawing from principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy. She believes therapy doesn't need to be complicated to be meaningful. She works alongside clients to better understand themselves, gain perspective, and recognize the ability they have to influence their own lives.
For clients who wish to incorporate their faith into therapy, Maggie also offers faith-based counseling while honoring each client's individual beliefs and values.
When she's not in session, Maggie is probably doing something creative, rearranging something in her house, collecting shells she absolutely did not need to bring home, or finding a reason to be outside. She enjoys DIY projects, loves a thrift store find, and has a soft spot for a good reality TV show, all usually with her little dog, Duck, close by.
Direct email: maggie@sagewellnessilm.com
Grayson Curtis
LMFT-A
Grayson comes to Sage all the way from Birmingham, Alabama. He began his journey in the mental health field by earning his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Montevallo. He went on to earn his Master's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies, with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy, from The University of Alabama. Grayson enjoys working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families and believes in coming alongside each person to create a life centered around healing, growth, and empowerment.
Grayson works with adults and adolescents navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, low self-esteem, major life transitions, and the challenges that often come with personal growth. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of where to begin, Grayson offers a welcoming and comfortable space where you can feel heard, respected, and accepted. Together, you'll work to build confidence, develop practical coping strategies, and gain a clearer understanding of yourself and the goals you want to pursue.
When working with couples and families, Grayson provides a neutral and supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel heard and understood. He helps clients strengthen communication, navigate conflict, and develop healthier, more meaningful relationships. His goal is not to take sides, but to help each person better understand themselves and one another so they can move forward together.
Grayson takes a warm, collaborative, and down to earth approach to therapy. He brings professional knowledge and clinical experience while honoring that you are the expert on your own life and experiences. Together, you'll explore what matters most to you, find meaningful solutions, and work toward realistic, lasting progress at a pace that feels supportive and manageable.
In therapy with Grayson, you can expect a space where you can speak openly and honestly without fear of judgment. You'll be met with understanding, encouragement, and practical support as you work through whatever is weighing on you. Whether you're facing a difficult season, feeling stuck, or simply want to better understand yourself and your relationships, Grayson will meet you where you are and work alongside you to help you become more confident, resilient, and equipped to move forward.
Direct email: grayson@sagewellnessilm.com
Eleanor "Nell" Taylor
LCMHC-A
Nell is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHC-A) who is passionate about helping adults navigate life's challenges with greater confidence, self-awareness, and self-compassion. She earned her Bachelor's from Furman University and her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University. Nell believes therapy should be a place where clients feel genuinely heard, accepted, and supported as they move toward meaningful change.
She works with adults ( 18+) experiencing anxiety, stress, burnout, life transitions, and relationship concerns. Nell especially enjoys working with those who are often seen as "having it all together," while internally feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, or weighed down by life's expectations. She believes therapy offers a space to set down those expectations and reconnect with who you are beneath them.
Her approach is relational, collaborative, and tailored to each client's unique needs. Drawing from person-centered, cognitive behavioral (CBT), solution-focused, Adlerian, and existential approaches, she believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy and values meeting clients where they are.
Nell is often described as laid-back, warm, thoughtful, and easy to talk to. She values authenticity, curiosity, and the therapeutic relationship, believing that meaningful growth happens when people feel safe enough to be themselves. Outside the therapy room, you'll often find Nell exploring local coffee shops and farmers markets, attending group fitness classes, or working her way through a new cookbook-one recipe at a time.
Direct email: nell@sagewellnessilm.com
Laura Graham
LCSWA
Laura's journey to becoming a therapist has been shaped by a lifelong passion for helping others and a deep belief that healing happens through connection. Originally from New York, Laura always dreamed of living near the ocean. After meeting her husband of 25 years, life took an unexpected and beautiful turn, leading her to Missoula, Montana, where she helped raise her stepchildren, whom she loves as her own. Laura earned her undergraduate degree in Counseling from Liberty University and her Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Walla Walla University. She has been working in the social work field since 2007, providing support to children, families, and individuals through a variety of settings. Her experience includes providing in-home family services, supporting children navigating parental divorce and family transitions, educating and empowering parents through divorce-related challenges, and creating and leading a school-based therapeutic program for middle school students.
Nine years later, Laura and her family relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, where she continued her work as a therapist, supporting individuals through trauma, life transitions, relationships, emotional challenges, and personal growth. Laura believes we are not meant to navigate life's challenges alone. She strives to create a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, understood, and supported as they explore their stories, heal from painful experiences, and reconnect with themselves. Laura is passionate about helping clients process trauma that has impacted their lives, heal the wounded parts of themselves, and develop greater self-compassion and self-acceptance. She especially enjoys working with college-aged women, new mothers, nurses and caregivers, and individuals navigating significant life transitions.
Laura is a trained EMDR provider and utilizes an integrative, trauma-informed approach incorporating evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS)/parts work, somatic and body-based interventions, attachment-based therapy, mindfulness practices, and trauma-informed care.
In addition to her clinical work, Laura has specialized training in yoga therapy and offers private yoga therapy sessions, integrating mind-body approaches to support healing and emotional wellness. She believes true healing involves caring for both the mind and body and works collaboratively with clients to create a therapeutic approach that honors their individual needs and goals.
Laura describes herself as empathetic, compassionate, and deeply committed to helping others recognize their worth, heal their past, and create a life that feels aligned with who they truly are. She believes therapy is a partnership built on trust, authenticity, and hope.
If you are seeking lasting transformation, renewed purpose, and a therapist who values empathy, connection, and collaboration, Laura would be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey toward greater self-love, grace, and compassion.
Direct Email: laura@sagewellnessilm.com
Johnell Lambert
LCSW
Johnell earned her undergraduate degree from Salisbury University in Maryland and her Master's of Social Work from the University of South Florida in Tampa. She has spent over a decade in the social work field and has been practicing therapy since 2023, bringing experience, insight, and a down-to-earth approach to every session.
Johnell works with adults who want to move past surface-level therapy and have honest conversations about anxiety, OCD, relationship struggles, and the echoes of childhood trauma. Many clients already "get" why they feel the way they do, but still find themselves stuck in familiar patterns. She loves helping people unpack early experiences and see how they show up in adulthood, blending insight with humor, compassion, and a touch of realness.
Johnell's approach is grounded, direct, and flexible, using tools from CBT, ACT, DBT, and ERP-so sessions are tailored to what each client actually needs. She believes therapy works best when it's more than just a weekly appointment: it's about doing the homework, trying new patterns, and really leaning into change. With Johnell, clients often feel like they're talking to a best friend who's honest, supportive, and genuinely rooting for them…even when the work gets messy.
When she's not in session, Johnell is reading, tending her plants, walking with her dog Finn or playing pickleball.
Jodie Bartlett
LCMHC-A
Jodie is a mental 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 a trained EMDR provider. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is 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
Caroline Brinson
LCMHC-A
With over a decade working as a dental hygienist, Caroline found a passion for transforming patients fears into positive and empowering experiences. Caroline offers an eclectic approach to counseling that is warm and conversational. She uses various therapeutic approaches and evidence-based modalities tailored to the clients' individual needs. Caroline resonates with aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered, internal family systems and narrative therapy. At her core, Caroline believes that authenticity is key to fostering a genuine therapeutic relationship. Her clinical interests include mothers and post-partum support, relational issues and skill building, life transitions, divorce, self-esteem, anxiety and spirituality. She believes in the importance of creating an environment that exudes safety and warmth, with the aim of cultivating personal growth and self-discovery. Her use of humor creates a more lighthearted atmosphere that helps ease tension and make difficult topics feel less overwhelming. Caroline is intentional in creating a positive therapeutic space where stories can unfold organically and clients feel seen.
Personal info:
She enjoys living coastal with her husband, young son, and dog. She loves spooky season and has a candle and glowy lights obsession. She is a runner and loves all things outdoors!
Direct email: caroline@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
Jenna Grady
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Social Work, from Meredith College in 2025, which is where she developed her passion for compassionate and intentional mental health care. Currently, she is pursuing her master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. As part of her graduate training, she is serving as a counseling intern, gaining exposure and hands-on experience working with clients. Jenna is actively accepting new clients at a reduced cost as she works toward completion of her degree and full licensure.
Jenna's clinical interests include working with women, college students, and emerging adults as they navigate the unique experiences and adversities of this season of life. She is drawn to fostering a supportive and inviting atmosphere for clients. This includes helping clients as they explore identity, navigate academic and career stressors, relationship challenges, and adjust to life transitions as they grow. No matter what you are walking through, whether it is preparing to take that next step or if you just need someone to talk to, Jenna strives to meet her clients with compassion, openness, and encouragement that extends beyond the therapy room.
Her counseling style is defined as warm, empathetic, supportive, and reflective. Jenna creates a collaborative space where she helps her clients feel understood, journeying with them as they reconnect with who they are at their core. Central to her approach, it is her goal to create an environment where her clients leave feeling truly seen, heard, and valued, while cultivating a space for authentic and honest connection. Jenna believes that healing starts with embracing vulnerability with gentleness, compassion, and a willingness to grow. She utilizes evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral techniques and person-centered therapy.
Most importantly, Jenna values the significance and beauty of getting to walk alongside clients during their healing journey. It gives her great joy, and she feels deeply privileged to see each client progress and heal as they take these next steps, navigating the complexities of life, developing as individuals, and coming to realize their full potential, strengthening their confidence and connections.
Direct email: jenna@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.
