We’re staffed by understanding people who enjoyed being a student so much we want to help make sure you do, too. We are highly trained, certified, knowledgeable and experienced health education professionals, clinicians, coaches and accomplished student associates who enjoy what we do.
Check out our profiles and feel free to email us directly if there are things we can help and support you with. We’re here for you!
Dean completed his undergraduate degree from Elon University and a graduate degree from Duke University. He blends theories from social work, psychology, student development and public health into his work collaborating with students, staff, faculty, alum, parents, and community partners to create an atmosphere that promotes and supports students’ healthy decision making regarding their overall safety and wellbeing. In his personal life, Dean enjoys spending time with his partner, family and his two rescue pups, Sampson & Sebastian.
Sharon “Shay” Seymour is the Administrative Assistant Specialist -Advanced (Office Manager) to the UNC Student Wellness Team. Sharon provides direct administrative support to the Director and to the Student Wellness office, supervises the work-study students and student assistants, as well as provides a high level of customer service to create a welcoming environment for all who enter space. Sharon has over 29 years executive administrative experience, including event and conference planning, travel planning, and human resource coordination. Sharon came to us from the UNC Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and from RTI as the Senior Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Finance. Sharon was employed at RTI for over 20 years. Sharon enjoys spending time with her daughter, twin sister, and planning events to keep the fun factor an all-time high for all.
Dr. Holman-Copeland, affectionately referred to by students as “Dr. D”, is a professionally trained Health Educator, certified health and wellness coach, and two-time alumnus of UNC. In addition to earning her master’s degree in public health from the Gillings School of Global Public Health, she also received her PhD in Educational Leadership from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. Through her coaching, Dr. D is committed to enhancing and elevating students’ sense of belonging through self-awareness, resilience, persistence, empowerment, and intentionality.
Kelsey earned her B.S. in Public Health from Coastal Carolina University and her M.S. in Health Education and Health Behavior from the University of Florida. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) with a passion for translating complex health information into practical, accessible education that empowers individuals and communities to make informed decisions.
She approaches her work in wellness by meeting people where they are—recognizing their lived experiences, building on what they already know, and developing evidence-based health initiatives that are responsive, practical, and grounded in the needs of the community.
In her free time, she is a yoga teacher who enjoys staying active. She also is a coffee enthusiast who loves spending time with her partner, family, and cat, Stuart!
Danny completed her undergraduate degree from the University of California Santa Cruz and obtained a master’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill School of Social Work. Dually licensed with her LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and LCAS (Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist) she provides clinical services informed by an earnest desire to support students in the goals of their choosing. She utilizes Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Supportive Psychotherapy as her main modalities of treatment. In her personal life, Danny enjoys exercise classes, spending time with loved ones, and cooking new recipes.
Princess earned her B.A. in English from the illustrious North Carolina Central University. Shortly after graduation, she worked in the Recreation and Wellness department at her alma mater as a community engagement coordinator which reignited her passion for health and wellness. She uses her creativity to help build and sustain systems centered around holistic wellness, care, curiosity, and community. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, gardening and trying new recipes.
Hayden graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2022 and has been in recovery since 2017. His own recovery journey, as well as his experience as a student in recovery on a college campus, informs how he interacts with, and advocates for, the students in recovery at UNC. In his spare time he can be found reading philosophy, playing with his two cats, Taco and Gurgi, or playing pickleball.
Yavin Bizarretty earned a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology and a B.A. in History with a minor in Interdisciplinary Classical Civilizations from the University of South Florida in 2020. They have since earned an MPH in Global Health and a graduate certificate in Medicine, Literature, and Culture from UNC Chapel Hill. In their professional work, they value creativity and collaboration to produce and support health programming, encouraging students to have fun, reach their academic goals, and improve their physical and mental well-being. As for hobbies, they enjoy horror games, movies and books, farmers markets, thrifting, picnics in cemeteries, museums, plants, and hanging out with their pets.
Ava Cote is a transfer student from Wenham, MA. She’s a rising junior majoring in Exercise Sport Science, and interested in pursuing Human Development and Family Studies with aspirations of pursuing occupational or physical therapy. Ava values working on the Heels Care Network to promote mental health resources and seminars to fellow students. Before coming to Carolina, Ava ran cross-country and track & field at Stonehill College. In her free time, she takes photos, enjoys art, and listens to music. Ava is excited to be a part of the Carolina community, Go Heels!
