MEET THE WIDENING CIRCLES TREATMENT TEAM
PRESCRIBERS
CAROLINE LEWIS, MD | MEDICAL DIRECTOR + PSYCHIATRIST
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Caroline Lewis, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of a wide range of psychiatric conditions in adults including depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, bipolar affective disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. Lewis graduated from The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in 2005. She completed an internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology before graduating from residency in Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico in 2009. Dr. Lewis has over 15 years of experience working in multiple settings including private practice, community mental health, hospital-based care, and consult-liaison psychiatry.
Dr. Lewis is experienced in administering ketamine in combination with ketamine assisted psychotherapy for treatment resistant depression.
Dr. Lewis is deeply committed to the individual healing and growth of each client. Dr. Lewis is skilled at pharmacotherapy; however, she maintains the firm belief that psychotropic medication is only one element of treatment and that the treatment of any health condition is most effective when managed by a multidisciplinary team.
Dr. Lewis’ philosophy of treatment is that growth, healing, and transformation occur when we have a safe space within which we can access our own innate ability to heal ourselves. We as your treatment team are here to help facilitate and support this process.
FAITH HISLOP, PA-C | PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT + KAP PRESCRIBER + IFS PRACTITIONER
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Faith started her journey as a healing professional at Blue Ridge Health Services in 2015. As a Physician Assistant in the Community Health Center, she gained experience supporting patients as they work toward their goals of healing in a resource-limited setting. During this time, she came to recognize that prescribed medications, while at times very useful, are not the only tool that should be utilized in one’s healing journey. As a result, she sought out further training in Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and the Internal Family Systems Modality of Therapy. Through these trainings and through her own personal work, she has connected with her own innate healing intelligence and looks forward to guiding patients in their journey to working with theirs.
Excited to work with an integrative team, she delivers therapies with the goal of guiding toward healing from within. Faith offers Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy.
Her pursuit to help others started as an undergrad at the University of Arizona, where she graduated from the College of Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Spanish. In 2015 she earned a Master of Science as a Physician Assistant from South University in Savannah, GA. While she enjoyed living in the Lowcountry, she deeply connects with the mountains and with nature. She is bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English and looks forward to serving Spanish-speaking patients.
In her free moments, Faith enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors, including hiking to waterfalls around Western North Carolina. When she can be caught indoors, she enjoys a good read, especially historical fiction, and spending time with her dogs Luna, Boomer, and Hazel.
AIMEE SPENCER, PA-C | PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT + FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST + KAP PRESCRIBER
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Aimee Spencer is a board certified Physician Assistant, functional medicine specialist and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy practitioner. She has worked in different arenas of medicine including integrative family practice, emergency medicine, urgent care, pediatrics as well as subspecialty in gynecologic oncology but found her passion and home in functional medicine. She believes in the body’s wisdom and innate healing and now acts as a guide toward healing from within by getting to the roots of chronic illness and imbalances.
Aimee specializes in functional medicine focusing on mental health, women’s health and hormones, preconception optimization and infertility, and digestive disorders. She takes a comprehensive, holistic and individualized approach when working with her patients, getting to underlying core issues such as inflammation, methylation problems, nutritional imbalances, gut and hormone imbalances, food allergies, toxin exposures, and sleep and lifestyle patterns. In addition to earning a Master of Physician Assistant Studies, she has completed training through Aviva Romm’s Functional and Integrative Medicine for Women’s Health, the Kharrazian Institute, Institute for Functional Medicine and has become a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner.
She is also passionate about the transformative power of psychedelic therapies to treat mental health disorders. She has completed Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy training through The Pearl Psychedelic Institute as well as Polaris Insight Center Medical Module for Ketamine Therapy and has been a board member for The Pearl Psychedelic Institute.
Being able to live out her dream while applying years of study and experience to helping others become their most healthy is Aimee's dharma. An aspect of her vision is being able to meet clients, sharing space and the connections of heart to heart wholeness, and helping others on their journey while honoring mind, body and soul.
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In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons outdoors–hiking, climbing and reveling in all Mother Nature has to offer and traveling. She is currently accepting patients in her practice, Koseli Health Collective, at The Pearl Psychedelic Institute, Widening Circles and virtually.
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registered nurse
KARA NASH, ASDCS, RN | KETAMINE PROGRAM NURSE MANAGER AND AUTISM COACH
Kara has been a mental health nurse in Western NC for over 20 years and is experienced in working with neurodiversity, trauma, anxiety, and disordered eating. Her passion for psychedelic medicine comes from the changes that she's seen it help facilitate in people's lives. She is trained in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) through multiple sources and has been working with ketamine for depression and anxiety since 2018.
Kara's other passion is working with people and the family members of people affected by autism spectrum disorder. She has spent the last 7 years as an autism coach, advocate, and educator speaking at regional conventions around the southeast. She is a Certified Autism Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) and a CAS (Certified Autism Specialist) giving her over 200 hours of study in the field.
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In her free time, Kara enjoys meditating in virtual reality, camping near rivers and lakes, mushroom hunting, LEGO, playing guitar and listening to music.
PSYCHOTHERAPISTS
KIM SKELTON, LCMHCS, LCAS | FOUNDER + CEO + PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Kim's approach offers compassionate connection and mindful, heart-centered care. Kim has advanced training in evidence-based approaches including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP); Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) MDMA Therapy Training Program (2019) and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy with the Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI) in Colorado. Kim has also studied herbalism through HERBalachia. Kim has volunteered as a faculty member with PRATI and is excited to be working with The Pearl Psychedelic Institute as the Training Director. Kim is currently serving as a co-therapist with the Pearl MDMA Expanded Access Project.
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Her treatment orientation is rooted in existential/humanistic psychotherapy; psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy; ecopsychology (“connection with” vs. “power over”); harm reduction psychotherapy; EMDR (adaptive resolution of trauma); and DBT (mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation.)
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​Kim holds a Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling (2005) from the University of Alabama and has experience working in a myriad of settings: universities; community mental health centers; school-based mental health; and a domestic violence shelter. She and Ilona Csapo, MD founded Willow Wellness and Recovery in 2013 and joined with other like-minded colleagues to create Widening Circles in 2017.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, paddling, gardening, photography, watercolor and playing with her furry, four-legged-children.
TEVA HITE, LCMHC | CLINICAL + NEUROFEEDBACK DIRECTOR + PSYCHOTHERAPIST
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Teva Hite, MS, LCMHC, is an outpatient therapist in Asheville, NC. Teva is trained to provide professional, relevant, and effective counseling services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. Teva’s areas of interest include: mood disorders, attention disorders, trauma, grief, self-identity and spirituality. Teva has completed extensive training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidenced-based treatment for trauma.
Teva specializes in the use of neurofeedback technology and EMDR to support a broad range of neurologically and/or psychologically traumatized clients within her clinical practice.
Teva’s theoretical orientation is rooted in providing a safe, supportive place for all individuals, clinically drawing from a wide range of theories and practices, including: neurobiology, expressive arts, existential counseling, feminist therapy, person-centered therapy, and family systems.
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Prior to her training as neurofeedback therapist, Teva worked in the community mental health setting since 2001, including intensive in home therapy, family reunification and visitation coaching, and community support. Teva has experience also working with adults with developmental disabilities using expressive art therapy.
ANGIE HAVILAND, LCSW, LCAS | PSYCHOTHERAPIST
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Angie Haviland, LCSW, LCAS is an outpatient therapist who developS supportive and healing relationships with her clients. She has been working for approximately 16 years in community mental health clinics serving a large variety of issues and clientele. Angie also has a passion for working for recovery of substance abuse and healing of childhood experiences. Angie is a BSW graduate of Warren Wilson College here in Asheville, NC and MSW graduate of New Mexico State University. Angie works primarily through CBT, DBT, systems theories and person-centered therapy.
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Angie loves to marvel at the mountains of WNC whether admiring them from her backyard, hiking through them, kayaking in water systems around them or just breathing the mountain air. Angie can often be found snuggling her dogs, Lucy and Maggie or eating the delicious food around Asheville.
AMANDA TURLINGTON, LCSW | PSYCHOTHERAPIST
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Amanda is a licensed social worker and outpatient therapist based in Asheville, NC. Amanda has been providing compassionate care for folks with substance use disorders for 10 years. Amanda worked as a therapist at a wilderness based residential program for several years before transitioning to private practice in 2017.
Amanda’s therapeutic style is open, direct, and warm. She curses frequently and enjoys incorporating a healthy dose of sarcasm and humor to sessions, so please bring your memes and dark humor to therapy. Amanda enjoys exploring complex dynamics and thinking outside the box to help clients find sustainable solutions to life’s challenges.
Amanda is trained in Brainspotting, Therapeutic Horticulture, and Reiki. Additionally, Amanda completed the MDMA Assisted Therapy training with the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in 2022. Amanda is an enthusiastic learner and loves exploring new, cutting edge research and skills to bring into the therapy room. She is passionate about helping folks struggling with substance use, chronic depression, trauma, and ADHD. Additionally, Amanda has significant experience working with members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Amanda is originally from the suburbs of Dayton, OH and moved to the southeast following her graduation from Ohio State University in 2013. Amanda has an intense love of nature and the mountains of western North Carolina. When not at work, you are likely to find her in the woods, tinkering in her garden, or tucked into a good book while cuddling her 2 dogs.
MATTHEW BEASON, LCMHC, LCAS | PSYCHOTHERAPIST
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Matthew is a dedicated professional with experience in mental health and addiction recovery since 2012. His ideal clients are families and individuals navigating a confusing path, yearning for guidance and genuine understanding.
Matthew's therapeutic style is warm, inquisitive, humorous, and challenging, focusing on the transformative power of the therapist-client relationship and its relevance to all other connections. He employs an attachment-based, somatic, and trauma-informed approach, fostering personal growth and enriching relationships.
With advanced training in Gestalt Therapy through the Appalachian Gestalt Therapy Institute (AGTI), particularly in the somatic and here-and-now aspects, Matthew brings a unique blend of authenticity, humor, and expertise to their work. He firmly believes in the therapist's ongoing self-discovery and attributes his own development to experiences in wilderness therapy and personal psychotherapy. This background equips Matthew with a well-rounded perspective, empowering them to guide clients towards meaning and fulfillment.
Matthew comes from San Diego, CA and besides being a therapist finds fulfillment in practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, cherishing time with friends, and immersing himself in the world of books. Above all, he treasures the moments spent with his partner and beloved dog.
ASSOCIATE THERAPISTS + COACHES
RACHAEL BRUTON, LCSW | PSYCHOTHERAPIST
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Rachael is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides individual therapy for adults in Asheville, NC and virtually for NYS folx. She received both her bachelor and master’s degree in Social Work. She has worked in various mental health settings including outpatient substance use treatment, crisis care for children and adolescents, community grief support for families who experienced perinatal loss, and intensive therapy in the homes/communities of individuals who are living with severe persistent mental health diagnoses.
Some areas of speciality for Rachael include ADHD, trauma, depression, disordered eating and body image struggles, grief/loss, psychosis, and mood disorders. She is trained with Progressive Counting, Internal Family Systems, and Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. She currently offers Ketamine Assisted Therapy. She received her training for Psychedelic therapy through Soundmind and the Living Medicine Institute. She is passionate about providing person-centered care to each of her clients in efforts to alleviate the burdens that the parts of oneself carry from past stories.
Rachael identifies as an ADHDer and finds that this compliments her work with other neurodivergent folx. She emphasizes the importance of her clients having the space to authentically be themselves and “unmask” in sessions. This as well for other folx who live in larger size bodies as she does too.
Rachael is originally from Buffalo, NY and she received her Masters in Social Work in Buffalo at the University at Buffalo. While she misses the pizza and wings from Buffalo she is in love with the beauty and community that Asheville offers. When Rachael isn’t working she spends her time in nature, swimming, with her fur baby family, at community events, listening to a podcast, or obsessing over decorating her home!
ALLISON CHAPMAN, LCSWA | ASSOCIATE PSYCHOTHERAPIST + RECOVERY COACH
Allison has a diverse history working in community mental health settings and therapeutic wilderness programs. She graduated with a Master of Social Work degree with a focus on substance use and addiction from Western Carolina University. She is mom of two wonderful girls, an active community member and social justice advocate.
Her person-centered, strengths-based approach seeks to empower people as they become the best version of themselves. She works 1:1 to gently guide individuals towards self-actualization.
In her free time she enjoys running, attempting interesting athletic adventures, gardening, and connecting with family and friends!
EVLYN JACKSON, LCSWA | ASSOCIATE PSYCHOTHERAPIST + COACH
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Evlyn approaches mental health from a compassionate, trauma-informed, humanistic, feminist, and person-centered perspective. She recently completed her Master of Social Work at Western Carolina University and is is excited to increase her acumen around innovative trauma treatment.
Evlyn lives with her golden retriever, Tanner, and her tabby cat, Lorelei. In her free time, she likes to get out in the woods with Tanner, find epic mountain swim holes, cook, play Rummikub, and connect with loved ones.
SAM ROBINSON | COUNSELING INTERN FROM LENOIR-RHYNE UNIVERSITY
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Sam’s journey towards counseling began while working at Buddhist meditation retreats where he was able to witness the power of awareness, exploration, and relational experimentation to transform struggles into strengths. His practice is woven around the perspective that most problems can be traced back to feelings of fragmentation or not belonging in some way. Using a foundation of compassionate curiosity, he helps people by walking beside them on their journey back towards wholeness, always reminding them that they belong and can thrive wherever life finds them.
His theoretical approach is supported by both the evidence-based practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and a psychodynamic perspective that meaningfully examines how the past manifests itself in the present. Some techniques that he uses include dialogue, directed compassion, decentering, cognitive reframing, meditation and breathing exercises, somatic self-monitoring, and dream exploration.
He will graduate from Lenoir-Rhyne University in August of 2023 with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, gardening, swimming in nearby creeks, creating music with his wife, and rolling around on the ground with his 2-year old son.
graduate level PSYCHOTHERAPIST INTERN(S)
INTUITIVE ASTROLOGER
LIZ GUNN | INTUITIVE ASTROLOGER
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Like so many involved in healing work, Liz's background is varied, experiential and distinctly unique. She has learned that there is no better teacher than life itself. She's traveled a long road to arrive home to a place of integrated lived experience and can share with you the uncommon wisdom found along the way. She believes in the value found through the power of discernment and the importance of paying attention to the cycles of change and transformation. The practical application of the living wisdom contained in ordinary reality is the cornerstone of her offerings.
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In 1986, at the age of 24, she helped organize the Adult Children of Alcoholics movement in Savannah, Georgia. This was the doorway that led her into the realm of spiritual exploration, personal growth and healing as a way of life. Her entry into the world of Astrology followed shortly thereafter. This combination, beginning with ACOA, astrology, extensive therapy and psychospiritual development, set the course for her growing passion to understand the “why” of existence.
Liz's work as a whole brings together a quality of understanding that facilitates a shift towards more authentic self- knowledge. It’s a deeply affirming, loving and compassionate experience to explore your astrological blueprint with her. She is a big believer in the practical application of spiritual wisdom so you can face your life with courage, faith and grace. The knowing that every single experience is absolutely bringing you into contact with your highest Self is what connects you to the essence of All That Is. Please see Liz's website for more information about her intuitive astrology practice.
OFFICE MANAGER & ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR
VICY WILKINSON, MA I OFFICE MANAGER + ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR
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Vicy holds both a BA from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA, and an MA from University of Durham (UK) in Philosophy of Science and Mind. She has studied mindfulness and consciousness for over 25 years, with specializations in East/West philosophies and neuroscience research analysis. She’s been a certified transformational life coach since 2009, and received her board certification in 2012, and truly loves helping people learn how to get more of what they really want out of life through her own private coaching practice.
Vicy joined Widening Circles as Office Manager and Admissions Coordinator to support the other group of people she feels passionate about: people doing direct care work. Vicy’s backgrounds in philosophy and broad perspective are a useful addition to the Widening Circles team.
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Vicy has an abiding enthusiasm for life and believes deeply that one of the missing components for many people is having an ongoing, spiritual relationship with the natural world. Vicy lives on the side of a mountain deep in the trees, and is an avid hiker, paddler, rower, and “wild swimmer.” She even swims in our gorgeous mountain lakes during the winter! Cold water and sunshine have so much to give, and regular swimming keeps her mind right. She also enjoys connecting with friends, family, and cats, and embraces world travel as often as possible, with open arms.
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In addition to her formal education and certifications in coaching, Vicy is also a Concept2 UCanRow2 Rowing Instructor, a 250-hour certified yoga instructor, and a Qi Gong and Tai Chi practitioner.
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