Skip to content
Tab thru menu links. Enter key for site map

Staff Profiles

Alex Howard

Dr. Alex F. Howard
Director

(he/him/his)
howardaf@appstate.edu

Alex is a native of Sampson County, North Carolina and a proud graduate of Clinton High School.  Following his high school graduation Alex completed a Bachelor's of Science in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine at High Point University, and both a Master's and Doctorate of Public Health at the University of Kentucky.  Alex considers his work in the Department of Wellness and Prevention Services to be his ideal setup, because the work unites his commitment to education and educational settings with his passion for public health.  When Alex is not engaging students through his work on campus, he can be found enjoying time with his family at a nearby park, or attempting to fly fish in the local streams and rivers.

Ben Asma

Ben Asma
Assistant Director and Substance Abuse Counselor 

(he/him/his)
asmabt@appstate.edu

Ben was born in Asheville, NC and raised in nearby Haywood County prior to moving to Virginia where he graduated from Alleghany High School.  After high school, Ben attended James Madison University and graduated with a bachelor of science in Psychology and a minor in Biology.  He then returned to North Carolina and enrolled at Appalachian State University where he completed a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with post-master's certificates in Addiction Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapy.  Ben views his work in the Department of Wellness and Prevention Services as his perfect job, working with his favorite population—students, and environment--the university setting, in efforts to promote, create and sustain holistic well-being during a significant developmental period of life.  When Ben is not providing counseling and wellness services, he enjoys spending time and playing with his family and dog, Blue, as well as listening to music, watching football (Go App!) and Formula 1 racing, or trying his hand at woodworking.

Elisabeth Cavallaro

Elisabeth Cavallaro
Coordinator for Student Mental Wellness

(she/her/hers)
cavallaroe@appstate.edu

Elisabeth was raised in Jacksonville, Florida and graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology from Florida State University and a Master's of Public Health from University of North Florida. She loves being able to apply a truly public health approach to improving the mental health of the students on campus, especially since improving mental health through public health techniques is such a new practice in the mental health world. Making a difference with students and working with the great team in Wellness and Prevention keep her excited to come into work every day. In her off-time, Elisabeth is usually playing with her dog or cat, enjoying all that Boone has to offer with her friends, contra-dancing, or reading a good book

Janna Lyons

Janna Lyons
Nutrition Specialist

(she/her/hers)
lyonsjw@appstate.edu

Janna is a native of Watauga Co. and an alumni of Appalachian State University, having completed both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Nutrition. Janna enjoys her work with students through the Department of Wellness and Prevention Services.  When Janna is not engaging students through her work on campus, she enjoys spending time with her family, bouldering, and being outside in general.

Kyra Patel

Kyra Patel
Coordinator for Student Social Wellness

(she/her/hers)
patelk@appstate.edu

Kyra was raised in Apex, NC and attended Appalachian State University for her undergraduate degree in Statistics. While at AppState, she was an orientation leader, worked in the Dean of Students Office, and founded the Annual Suicide Remembrance Night. Following graduating in 2016, she attended the University of Kentucky earning a Masters of Public Health in Health, Behavior & Society. During her time there, she was the graduate assistant in the Office of Financial Wellness. Since her sophomore year of undergrad, she has wanted o work n the field of student affairs, and is excited to use her public health degree to work with WECAN and the Red Flag Educators to raise awareness for holistic well being on AppState's campus. When she's not at work, Kyra is busy reading in her eno and enjoying all Boone has to offer.

Renee Porter

Renee Porter
Administrative Support Specialist

(she/her/hers)
porterrl@appstate.edu

Renee was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky but raised in Canton/Magnolia, OH.  She later moved to the Lake Norman/Charlotte area before falling in love with the North Carolina Mountains.  In 2001 she and her husband built their home in West Jefferson and became residents of the High Country. Renee has worked in a variety of administrative support, training facilitation, and supervision related roles within the health and medical fields.  Through these experiences Renee developed a passion for working with the public, particularly emerging adults and the students of Appalachian.  In her free time, Renee enjoys camping, spending time with her family, crafting, and enjoying time with her two cats. All-in-all, Renee's love of her family, the outdoors and her love of animals are her idea of a truly fulfilling life!

Blank woman placeholder

 

Lexi Gross 
Post-graduate Trainee, Mental and Social Well-being and Prevention Education

(she/her/hers)

grossa@appstate.edu

Lexi grew up outside of Chicago, Illinois where she graduated from Hinsdale Central High School. Lexi received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and the Classics from Davidson College. She then completed her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Appalachian State University with a certificate in Addiction Counseling. Coming from a wilderness therapy background, she enjoys incorporating the outdoors into her work with students. She has a passion for working with the college student population at App State because of her ability to promote holistic well-being for emerging adults. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time trail running, hiking, cooking, and sharing meals with friends, family, and her dog, Willow.