Your college years are an exciting time for you to explore, discover, and develop the lifestyle you’d like to embody during adulthood. Throughout this time, you might also encounter challenges that sometimes feel too big to overcome on your own — from finding your people, to finding school-work-life balance, to wondering if college is the right fit for you. But these obstacles can also provide opportunities for you to grow, pivot, and learn more about yourself.
You don’t have to navigate it all on your own. In fact, having a support system can give you the tools and motivation to move towards the life you want.
That’s where our board-certified wellness coaches come in! They are advocates and mentors that can help you:
- Craft intentional wellness goals and integrate them into your current lifestyle through realistic, actionable steps
- Develop sustainable healthy habits around sleep, stress management, and self-care
- Process life events and transitions
- Navigate campus life at UNC-CH from academics to relationships to lifestyle changes
- Highlight and tap into your innate strengths to improve self-confidence
- Build life skills such as resilience, accountability, empathy and time management
- Connect with other beneficial campus resources
- Celebrate your wins along the way
Explore what wellness coaching can look like for you by booking a consultation with one of our coaches below!
How is Professional Wellness Coaching different from Counseling?
| Professional Wellness Coaching | Counseling |
| An evidence-based practice that focuses on practical skills to support students’ individual goals and promote self-determination. Supports students to enhance their holistic well-being through identification of their values, strengths and goal-directed behavior change. | A service provided by CAPS or other mental health professionals that uses therapeutic modalities to offer confidential support and treatment for student mental health needs. |
| Coaching sessions are private, not confidential. Coaches are required to disclose reports of sexual misconduct or indications of harming self/others. Coaches are Responsible Employees. | CAPS staff are licensed mental health providers who are committed to being a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space. |
| Empowers clients through thoughtful communication and motivation strategies to promote behavior changes to develop a healthier and more meaningful lifestyle. | CAPS staff work with students through a variety of modalities to cultivate emotional well-being by addressing interpersonal concerns, anxiety, depression, psychiatric medication management, and more. |
*Coaching and counseling services can be used in conjunction and certain situations may benefit from both services. Wellness coaches can help facilitate lifestyle changes for symptom management related to mental health concerns.
Available Coaches
Dr. Devetta Holman-Copeland aka “Dr. D”
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.
Student Testimonials
“My journey at UNC was profoundly shaped by Dr. D’s unwavering mentorship, especially during a freshman year filled with self-doubt and academic hurdles. She not only connected me with invaluable resources like Professor Chi and the REAL Talk group, fostering friendships and a crucial support system, but also consistently uplifted my spirit. She helped me believe in my own intelligence and pushed me to persevere through challenging courses, truly making me feel capable. Her guidance in recognizing my strengths, acknowledging weaknesses, and celebrating every step of my progress has been instrumental in my growth as a student and as a person.”
“Dr. D is more than a mentor; she is an example of what it means to lead with compassion and care. She sees me as a whole person, not just a student, and pours into me with honesty, empathy, and guidance that always feels personal and intentional. From the moment I met her, she has encouraged me, and continues to do so, reminding me that my goals are possible and I am more than deserving of everything I want. Watching the way she leads and uplifts others has set the standard for the kind of woman and changemaker I aspire to become.”
“Dr. D has been an integral part of my journey through Carolina over the last 11 years. As an out of state student that strongly considered transferring after my first year, she curated a sense of belonging here at Carolina — a “home away from home.” Dr. D’s support did not stop after I left Carolina as an undergraduate student, proving her care and dedication to me as a person, not just a student. She has mentored me as a young professional staff member at Carolina and provided support as I navigated the path to pursuing a doctorate at Carolina. She has connected me to resources and always lends a listening ear.“
Silja Sistok
Silja Sistok has a Master’s in Communication and is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is originally from Estonia but has lived overseas for many decades. Her current home is in the Philadelphia area. Silja is a former educator, having worked on all levels from Kindergarten to higher education. As a Wellness Coach, she will partner with you to identify your wellness goals and set up actionable steps to reach these goals. She will provide accountability, help to work around obstacles, and celebrate your wins. In her free time, Silja loves hiking, biking, and yoga.
To best support your individual needs and availability, all coaching sessions are scheduled directly with Silja. Click the button below or email [email protected] to arrange a day and time that works best for you.
Student Testimonials
“I’ve had an extremely positive experience with Wellness Coaching, and it was instrumental in helping me successfully transition into college. After having participated in Wellness Coaching for multiple semesters, I now feel much more in control of my own life, I’ve developed healthier lifestyle patterns, and I’m able to focus on the things that are most important to me. My Wellness Coach has been a consistent source of support throughout my time at UNC, and I’m now much more confident in my ability to navigate post-grad and beyond!“
Lisa Barnes
Lisa Barnes is a Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach with over a decade of experience supporting individuals in achieving sustainable well-being. With a background in physical therapy, adaptive yoga, Reiki, and holistic wellness, she brings a unique, integrative approach that blends science-backed strategies with mindfulness and Eastern healing practices. Holding a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences and multiple national certifications, including Diabetes Prevention and Health Coaching, she empowers UNC students to take ownership of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through personalized coaching, she helps students manage stress, build resilience, and create lasting lifestyle changes that support both academic and personal success.
To best support your individual needs and availability, all coaching sessions are scheduled directly with Lisa. Click the button below or email [email protected]to arrange a day and time that works best for you.
Student Testimonials
Coaching was honestly one of the most impactful parts of my semester. I came in feeling completely overwhelmed—between classes, labs, and trying to have some sort of life outside of school, I was running on empty. My coach helped me break things down and build routines that actually worked for me, not against me. The stress management tools and emotional support I received helped me feel grounded during midterms and finals, and I left each session feeling more in control and less alone. I really don’t think I would have gotten through the semester the same way without it.
Wellness coaching gave me the space to breathe and figure things out when everything felt like too much. I was dealing with a lot—balancing academics, a part-time job, and personal struggles—and my coach helped me create realistic strategies for time management and emotional coping. I especially appreciated the encouragement during finals season when burnout was hitting hard. I learned how to be more compassionate with myself and stay focused without spiraling into stress. It genuinely helped shift how I approach challenges, and that’s something I’ll carry with me beyond college.