Pearl Psychedelic Institute

Joel Chisholm, MD is a graduate of Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. He trained in a combined internal medicine/psychiatry program at East Tennessee State University and board certified in psychiatry/neurology and addiction medicine. His passion for medicine is based on the principles of the Ojibwe medicine wheel of finding balance in one’s mind, body, emotional, and spiritual health. Dr. Chisholm has been practicing since 2008, the past 14 years in North Carolina for the eastern band Cherokee tribe where he served as behavioral health medical director for the past 10 years. In his time with the tribe he has helped develop several programs including an outpatient clinic, an addiction clinic including the use of MAT and OTP, a 20-bed inpatient residential program, an inpatient psychiatric unit, in-school mental health services, and working within the judicial system offering mental health and addiction treatment to patients within the detention center.

Star is a licensed psychotherapist (LCSW) and trauma-informed educator as well as an extreme visionary dedicated to the decolonization of mental health. Star holds a bachelor's degree in Social Work from New York University (2010) and a master's degree in social work and program development from Columbia University (2012). In 2023, she earned certifications in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI) and MDMA Therapy from the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Specializing in trauma, PTSD, and addiction recovery, Star employs methodologies that go far beyond conventional practices, operating her private practice and engaging in community-based efforts in Asheville, NC, where she resides with her family.

Justin W Powell is an experienced, independent wealth advisor practicing with Valor Private Wealth, LLC in Asheville, NC. His team’s work focuses on entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals, helping them solve for the unique financial complexities they face. He brings to The Pearl his deep Board experience having served on and chaired several boards and committees in Western North Carolina, including the KARE HOUSE and HCM, the largest food distributor to those in need in North Carolina west of Asheville. It was through his own healing experience that Justin was called to serve, and he has been an advocate for reducing the barriers to entry for psychedelic therapy and spreading our message and mission since The Pearl’s beginning.