We do this by utilizing specialized training with the best resources in the field. Our staff has trained with many of the best psychologists in the world. We think of ourselves as lifelong students. As a team, we are constantly learning, training, and improving our assessments. We use the latest tests, and the most cutting edge technology to make evaluations fun, engaging, and as efficient as possible.
Meet Our Team
Chris Mulchay
Chris Mulchay, MA, MS, PhD, ABPP is the co-author of The Field Guide to High Conflict Litigation, as well as the chapter on Child Custody in the Oxford Handbook of Psychology and Law. He also has published recent articles on evaluations of dyslexia (reading disorder), dyscalculia (math disorder), dysgraphia (writing disorder), ADHD, and child custody evaluations.
Dr. Mulchay is Board Certified in Forensic Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. He is a Fellow in the American Academy of Forensic Psychologists (AAFP).
He is a licensed psychologist in North Carolina, Hawai’i, Florida, and South Carolina. He has temporary permits to practice in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Commonwealth of the N. Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming (APIT/IPC/TAP).
Dr. Mulchay is honored to have served as president of our local psychological association (the Western North Carolina Psychological Association) and as the Membership Chair for our state psychological association. He is also proud to serve as the treasurer of the International Council of Psychologists. In addition, he serves on the continuing education committee for the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. For the past three years, he has served as an instructor at the National Family Law Institute.
Outside of work, Dr. Mulchay enjoys spending time with his family and his Australian Shepherd. He enjoys spending time on the water (surfing, paddling, swimming), hiking in the mountains, or attending a concert.
Simon Wullimann
Simon is a psychologist (LPA) who specializes in psychological evaluation and therapy. He has lived in Western North Carolina since 2005, and completed his Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Appalachian State University in 2010. Simon trained at the University Psychology Clinic and the University Counseling Center. He completed his internship administering psychological assessments, co-leading group therapy sessions, and doing individual therapy with adjudicated adolescents at the Swannanoa Valley Youth Development Center near Asheville.
After earning his masters, Simon served in several roles, including Managing Director and therapist at CooperRiis Healing Community in Asheville. Through his work at CoopeRiis, Simon developed a passion for working with people using a strengths-based approach.
Currently, Simon focuses on administering psychological evaluations at Asheville Testing.
Outside of work, Simon loves to spend time with his wife and two children. Simon enjoys trail running, hiking, and biking in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. Simon also loves skiing in the winter and is an avid soccer player and fan.
Elsa Berndt
Elsa is a psychologist (LPA) who specializes in psychological evaluation. She has lived in the Asheville area since 2002, and completed her Masters degree in Health Psychology from Appalachian State University in 2005. Elsa completed her internships at the Asheville TEACCH center and the Pisgah Institute, completing autism evaluations and administering neurofeedback.
After earning her masters degree, Elsa directed the Autism Society of North Carolina’s summer camp program, Mountain Adventure Camp, for 8 years. Following the closing of the summer camp she had the opportunity to recreate the camp under the ownership of Christmount Assembly in Black Mountain. She directed Camp Lakey Gap, for people with autism for 5 years.
Upon acquiring her license in psychology in 2015, Elsa began working for Mission Children’s Hospital at the Olson Huff Center conducting evaluations of learning disorders, autism, anxiety, ADHD and other related conditions. Through this work at the Olson Huff Center, she has developed a passion for helping children and their families best understand their strengths and challenges so that they can access appropriate therapies and support, allowing the children to meet their full potential.
Currently, Elsa focuses on administering psychological evaluations at Asheville Testing.
Outside of work, Elsa enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. Elsa enjoys hiking and paddle boarding, as well as playing guitar.
Jennifer Griffin
Jennifer earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology, with a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology, from Appalachian State University in 2000. After graduation, she moved to Asheville to start her career as a school psychologist working for Asheville City Schools (ACS). She has served multiple schools within ACS for over 20 years.
Jennifer is a lifelong learner who has accumulated over one hundred hours of training in reading assessment and instruction. Her passions include reading, advocating for children and families, and using assessments to inform instruction and clarify specific academic needs. She also enjoys investigating current research related to structured literacy as well as the science of reading, anti-racism, social and emotional learning, and trauma-informed practices. It is a goal of hers to partner with our families to advocate for researched-based instructional practices within the school setting.
Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, camping, and seeing live music.
Jenna Washburn
Jenna graduated from The Citadel in July of 2017 with her Master’s in General Psychology and her Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology. Before joining Asheville Testing, Jenna worked with students of all ages at various public schools. She has extensive experience testing for special education services and providing recommendations for individual education plans and 504 accommodations. She also used her technology background to develop software that she and other psychologists use to streamline their evaluation processes.
Currently, Jenna helps with administering psychological evaluations at Asheville Testing and works on her online software development business (you can learn more about Jenna’s business here: www.schoolpsychclickreport.com).
Jenna describes herself as a lifelong learner and has interest in psychology, coding, website design, health, fitness, cooking, and traveling. When she is not working, she can be found exploring Asheville with her husband and two young kids.
Annabel Franz
Annabel Franz (PsyD, LPA) earned her Doctoral degree in Psychology in 2024 from Western Carolina University. Her training included comprehensive testing for children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Franz worked at Asheville Testing during the course of her doctoral training and returned to the practice after completing her degree. In addition to testing, Dr. Franz has extensive experience in delivering therapeutic interventions with adults, adolescents, children, and families with a variety of concerns. Her interests include promoting resilience in those who have experienced trauma, parental mental health, substance use concerns, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, anxiety, and mood concerns. She believes each client is unique, and therefore tailors her interventions based on the individual. Dr. Franz utilizes techniques from several evidence-based therapy modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, amongst others. She believes building a positive relationship with her clients is of utmost importance and that this relationship is paramount to a client’s healing journey. Currently, she focuses her work primarily on adults 18 and older. In her free time, she likes playing with her dog, hiking, and seeing live music.
Dr. Franz has published on psychological testing as well as parenting:
Stevie Trinko
Stevie studied psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina – Asheville. After completing her bachelor’s in 2020, she entered a masters program for Licensed Mental Health Counseling. During her undergraduate years, she developed an interest in mindfulness and meditation and its application to mental health counseling. She presented research on this topic at UNC – Asheville’s research symposium in 2019. Since graduation, she has worked with children on the autism spectrum. She has lived in Asheville since 2017 and loves to create art, rock climb, and spend time outdoors. Stevie is also a licensed yoga instructor and enjoys teaching classes.
Celeste Joyce-McDermott
Celeste Joyce-McDermott worked as a psychologist for over 20 years in South Africa before moving
to North Carolina in 2021. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and certificates in Post-Masters Extra Curricular Courses in Psychology. Her practice in South Africa provided therapeutic services for all ages, as well as psychological, educational, clinical, and neuropsychological testing.
From 2012 to 2022, she served as a Study Psychologist and Sub-Investigator at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, South Africa. Her work there focused on the neuropsychological impact of HIV on children and mothers, the emotional impact of HIV on adolescents, and HIV status disclosure to children. She has co-authored several papers in these areas.
Celeste has a passion for understanding the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit and the
importance of living in the present moment, cultivating mindfulness and reducing stress through
practices like meditation and mindful breathing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her
family, teaching English online, and exploring her wide range of interests.
Selected Citations:
Neuropsychological performance in African children with HIV enrolled in a
multi-site anti-retroviral clinical trial
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5736412/
January 2018. AIDS. 2018 Jan 14; 32(2): 189-204
Authors: Michael J. Boivin, Linda Barlowmosha, Miriam Chernoff, Barbara Laughton, Bonnie Zimmer, Celeste Joyce, Mutsa Bwakura-Dangarembizi, Mmule Ratswana, Nasreen Abrahams, Lee Fairlie, Hermien Gous, Portia Kamthunzi, Katie McCarthy, Itziar Familiar-Lopez, Patrick Jean-Phillippe, Joan Coetzee, Avy Violari, Mark Cotton, Paul Palumbo and the IMPAACT P1104s Study Team
Validity of Neuropsychological Testing in Young African Children Affected by HIV https://www.thiemeconnect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/s-0038-1637020
March 2018. Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 2018; 13(03): 185-201
Authors: Miriam C. Chernoff, Barbara Laughton, Mmule Ratswana, Itziar Familiar, Lee Fairlie,
Tichaona Vhembo, Portia Kamthunzi, Enid Kabugho, Celeste Joyce, Bonnie Zimmer, J. L. Ariansen, Patrick Jean-Philippe, Michael J. Boivin
African Multi-site 2-year neuropsychological study of school-age children perinatally infected, exposed and unexposed to Human Immunodeficiency
Virus https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7755090/
October 2020. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2020 Oct 1; 71(7): e105 – e114. Authors: Michael J Boivin, Miriam Chernoff, Lee Fairlie, Barbara Laughton, Bonnie Zimmer, Celeste Joyce, Linda Barlow-Mosha, Mutsawashe Bwakura-Dangarembizi, Tichaona Vhembo, Mmule Ratswana, Portia Kamthunzi, Katie McCarthy, Itziar Familiar-Lopez, Patrick Jean-Philippe, Joan Coetzee, Nasreen Abrahams, Hermien Gous, Avy Violari, Mark F Cotton, Paul E Palumbo
Association between caregiver depression symptoms and child executive functioning. Results from an observational study carried out in four subSaharan countries
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540121.2019.1659917 April 2020.
AIDS Care: Psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV Volume 32, 2020 – Issue 4
Authors: Itziar Familiar, Miriam Chernoff, Horacio Ruisenor-Escudero, Barbara Laughton, Celeste
Joyce, Lee Fairlie, Tichaona Vhembo, Portia Kamthunzi, Linda Barlow, Bonnie Zimmer, Katie
McCarthy, Michael J. Boivin
Building capacity in neurodevelopment assessment of children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Quality
Assurance Model to implement standardized neurodevelopment testing
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6375801/ May 2019.Child Neuropschology, 2019
May ; 25(4): 466-481. Authors: Ruiseæor-Escudero Horacio, Familiar Itziar, Nyakato Mary, Kuteesa
Agatha, Namukooli Jackie, Ssesanga K. Titus, Joyce Celeste, Laughton Barbara, Grab Janet, Chernoff
Miriam, Vhembo Tichaona, Fairlie Lee, Kamthunzi Portia, Boivin Michael and the IMPAACT P1104s
team
Mental Health of Adolescents in the era of antiretroviral therapy: Is there a difference between HIV-infected and Uninfected youth in South Africa. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.01.010
July 2020. Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 67, Issue 1, July 2020, Pages 76-83. Authors: Janice Buckley, Kennedy Otwombe, Celeste Joyce, Given Leshabane, Stephanie Hornschuh, Khuthadzo
Hlongwane, Janan Dietrich, David J Grelotti and Avy Violari
Children’s positive and negative emotional responses to an HIV disclosure study in South Africa
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2022.857336 May 2022. Front. Pediatr., 31 May 2022, Sec. Children
and Health. Authors: Candice W. Ramsammy, Lisa Galvin, Celeste Joyce, Given Leshabane, Janice
Buckley, Kennedy Otwombe, Afaaf Liberty and Avy Violari
Experiences of South African caregivers disclosing to their children living with HIV: Qualitative
investigations.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277202 PLOS ONE, November 29 2022. Authors: Celeste
Joyce, Candice Ramsammy, Lisa Galvin, Given Leshabane, Afaaf Liberty, KennedyOtwombe, Janice
Buckley, Minja Milovanovic, Avy Violari
Nina Glawe
Nina graduated from Hofstra University with a dual degree in neuroscience and
anthropology. She is currently a graduate student in the Clinical Psychology master’s
program at Western Carolina University, where she has been trained to provide
comprehensive psychological assessments to children, teens and adults.
Nina’s research focuses on neurodevelopment, executive functioning, and frontal lobe
lateralization. In her free time, she enjoys baking, knitting, and spending time in nature.
Zoe Alatorre
Zoe is our intake coordinator. She handles all communication with potential new clients and schedules them for appointments with our clinicians as well as managing all other incoming communications such as referrals.
The easiest way to connect with Zoe is to Schedule a Consult Call or email her at hello@ashevilletesting.com.
Januar Mangampo
Januar is our billing specialists. He helps us with insurance claims. We work very hard to make psychological testing affordable by working with insurance companies. We have found success billing insurance companies for psychological testing. As with any medical appointment, you are responsible for your deductible and copays. Unfortunately, most insurance companies will not pay for educational evaluations, ADHD evaluations or court-ordered evaluations.
Januar helps process claims. He submits and re-submit claims on behalf of families. In an age when health insurance is making it more and more difficult to cover psychological testing, his dedication has helped many families.
You can contact Januar at Billing@AshevilleTesting.com
If you need to pay an invoice, you can pay online by clicking Make a Payment.