Triangle Wellness & Recovery PLLC

Dr. Koenig (she, her, hers) established Triangle Wellness & Recovery PLLC in 2019 to better serve individuals challenged with complex trauma, substance use disorders, mood disorders, chronic pain, and compulsive behaviors with a whole person focus and innovative approaches such as Ketamine and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Dr. Koenig graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine in 2006 and is triple-board certified in Addiction Medicine, Transfusion Medicine, and Clinical Pathology. She has completed both the Advanced Clinical Training for Attachment Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) and the Master Psychopharmacology Program through the Neuroscience Education Institute as well as earning her certification as a level II Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II). She is an active member of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners. Dr. Koenig practiced and taught in academic medicine for five years as an Assistant Professor at UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine and University of New Mexico School of Medicine. In 2015 she shifted her focus to community mental health care and served as Chief Medical Officer at Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless where she chose to devote her clinical effort working with vulnerable clients struggling with substance use disorders. Upon returning to the Triangle area, Dr Koenig enrolled in the first cohort of fellows for the UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine Addiction Medicine fellowship which provided a strong base of psychiatric skills as well as training in chronic pain management. In addition, she gained valuable skills and experience in both addiction medicine and psychiatry while working at Piedmont Health Services. Dr. Koenig earned her M.B.A from the Anderson School of Management at University of New Mexico, that along with her enthusiasm as an educator and her hands-on approach, has fostered a strong, multidisciplinary team and dramatic growth including a new Intensive Outpatient Program, a KAP certification program and a clinic that has more than doubled in size in just 4 years.

Lydia Johnson, FNP-C (she/her/hers) is a Family Nurse Practitioner who joined the Triangle Wellness & Recovery team in July 2021 with the mission of integrating primary care services into the behavioral health, psychiatric and specialized medical services which have been at the core of Triangle Wellness & Recovery since opening in 2019. Lydia’s experience as a primary care provider gave her an up-close view of how inadequate and even harmful the mainstream healthcare system can be for individuals living with mental health conditions or substance abuse. Raised by parents who have devoted their professional careers to mental health, Lydia has a deep appreciate of the therapeutic value of seeking to understand patients through their own eyes instead of seeing them as their diagnosis. In joining Triangle Wellness & Recovery, Lydia is able to provide medical care in a team-based practice with a commitment to healing instead of just treating. Prior to joining Triangle Wellness & Recovery, Lydia spent two and a half years working in Internal Medicine providing primary care to a complex client population, where helping clients and families navigate sensitive and difficult health concerns, connecting patients to appropriate resources, close follow up and patient advocacy were as integral to her work as direct medical management. Lydia’s duties included primarily chronic and co-morbid care management, geriatric and end of life care, pain management, mental health and dementia. In addition to providing primary care services for established clients of Triangle Wellness & Recovery, Lydia provides addiction treatment, medication management and follow-up visits for clients who are primarily seen by Dr. Sara Koenig. Lydia is also a Suboxone waivered provider and trained in use and clinical application of HeartMath biofeedback device. Lydia earned a BA in Literature from the University of North Carolina at Asheville (2008). She became a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar, and completed a Master of Creative Writing at the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (2010). After returning to the United States, Lydia returned to her academic pursuits, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the Duke University School of Nursing (2012), followed by a Master’s in Nursing Science through the University of South Alabama (2018). Lydia is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Lydia completed her specialty training in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for the treatment of Substance Use /Opioid Use Disorders through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) in conjunction with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) in 2020. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Lydia worked in various hospital and outpatient mental health settings. Experience as an RN includes general medicine, post-surgical, postpartum and neonatal care.

Heather (she,her,hers) Grew up with family members living with mental illness which gave her a deeply personal perspective on how important compassionate, quality mental health care is for clients and families. She works with adults and families seeking treatment for complex mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring substance use. She enjoys helping clients manage life transitions and coping with change, parenting support (including parenting children with special needs), adjustment to disability and chronic illness/chronic pain, stress management, and lasting lifestyle behavioral change. Heather’s 20 years in the corporate world uniquely positions her to navigate workplace issues, burnout, women’s needs in the workplace, job changes, and second careers. Using a strengths-based, value-driven approach to therapy, Heather incorporates multiple modalities including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy based on client needs. As a Duke-trained health coach, Heather includes health and wellness strategies (sleep, nutrition, movement) into her sessions as appropriate and believes that optimal health is a strategic integration of mind, body, and spirit.

Hollis Vilagos is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and trained Animal-Assisted Therapist (AAT). Specializing in trauma recovery, she offers compassionate support to a broad range of clients, guiding them through the everyday challenges they encounter to help them find peace during difficult moments. Inspired by her volunteer work as a hospital responder, Hollis developed a passion for helping survivors of trauma through a person-centered lens. Recognizing the isolating nature of trauma and its significant impact, she places value on reframing survivors’ experiences, helping them alleviate feelings of fault or responsibility. Hollis holds a dual master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University, complemented by a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. With this diverse educational background, Hollis brings a wealth of expertise extending beyond trauma recovery. Her professional focus involves working with teens, young adults, and adults, addressing a spectrum of issues such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, self-harm, academic and vocational concerns, grief work, and navigating changes and challenges in relationships. Hollis’s commitment to supporting individuals through different life stages is evident in her tailored approach to therapy. She personalizes her therapeutic toolbox by incorporating various modalities to address the unique needs her client’s. What sets Hollis apart is her integration of animals into the therapeutic process using Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI). Together with her animal co-therapists, Nyx and Shadow, they create a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental space, offering a unique form of unconditional support that complements traditional therapy. Take the courageous step towards healing and embark on a collaborative journey of healing with Hollis. And, of course, be prepared for a sprinkle of puns, corny jokes, and a touch of Dr. Seuss whimsy along the way.

Gabriela is a Raleigh native and Graduate student in the School of Social Work at North Carolina State University with a concentration in Addictions. Gabriela’s practice is influenced by a diverse background of working with adults in the criminal-legal system, HIV counseling and education with uninsured or underinsured individuals in a community clinic, assisting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and assessing children and adolescents with traumatic head injuries. Gabriela operates from a person-centered approach and a strengths-based perspective to help individuals become the best versions of themselves. Each individual is unique. Every individual has strengths. Together through this lens, Gabriela works with her clients to explore the impact of anxiety disorders, substance use, gender and sexuality identity exploration, and trauma. Her goal is to provide a safe and grounding space for individuals, couples, and families. Gabriela is LGBTQ+ affirming and has a passion for working with non-dominant populations. She encourages feedback, questions, and transparency with her clients as they work together to become healthier individuals. Outside of Triangle Wellness and Recovery, Gabriela is an active member of The City of Raleigh Human Relations Commission. She enjoys attending community events, exploring nature, or exercising with local run and bike clubs.

Nicole Chase (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA), who recently joined Triangle Wellness & Recovery after migrating north from Florida. Nicole graduated with her MSW and while in school she spent a year offering counseling and life management services to homeless families, after which she provided free counseling to children and families who reside in the Palm Beach County of FL. Following her graduation, Nicole worked at a dual diagnosis treatment facility that provided Partial Hospitalization as well as Intensive Outpatient treatment to individuals struggling with substance use issues and/or mental health conditions. Nicole’s passion for a collaborative and holistic approach to mental health began with her own journey in therapy, which allowed her to see how integral it is to look at a client as a whole person – not just their diagnoses or ailments. The body and mind help keep each other balanced when a person has appropriate skills and tools to navigate through life. Nicole understands how important it is to help clients find new approaches to building a balance for a fulfilling life. She grew up mainly abroad and has traveled extensively around the world, thus allowing her a unique perspective on how to be mindful of different cultures and integrate that knowledge into her therapeutic approach. Nicole originally graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Environmental Science, until she realized that her passion to help better the world was best expressed by helping others learn how to overcome whatever obstacles may be blocking them. Nicole is deeply driven by her own experiences to offer empathetic, non-judgmental, and dedicated support to individuals struggling with mental and physical illnesses, so that they can choose a life they find worth living.

Crosby Franklin (she/her/hers, they/them/theirs) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate, and graduate of the UNC Chapel Hill School of Social Work. At UNC, Crosby received specialized training in substance use and providing trauma-informed behavioral healthcare. Their previous experience includes working with adolescents and families in crisis, being part of a diversion treatment team for substance-using adults in the criminal legal system, and facilitating a harm reduction group. Though Crosby specializes in working with clients with substance use disorders and other addictions, she has worked with clients across a diversity of experiences, identities, and perspectives. Her approach to therapy is rooted in social justice and informed by her own lived experience of recovery. She believes that therapy must be person-centered in order to be effective and hopes to empower clients to bring their whole, authentic selves into not just the therapy process, but also their lives outside of it. Crosby strives to meet clients exactly where and how they are with warmth, curiosity, and patience.

Lesley Moran is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Qualified Supervisor, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist and certified as a Master Addiction Counselor. Lesley is also Intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy through Behavioral Tech. She has 26 years of experience in diverse clinical settings including forensics, residential, PHP/IOP, emergency room triage/ assessment and outpatient treatment. She relocated back to North Carolina in 2023, after living out west in Colorado and Washington for 15 years. She has also lived in Asheville, NC. Lesley is a Miami, Florida native and lived there for 30 years. She has advanced degrees in Psychology, (ABD) , Psy. D in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Concentration and a Master of Science in Psychology from Albizu University in Miami, Florida. She completed internships through Jackson Memorial Hospital- Forensic Services, part of the University of Miami Medical School and at the Goodman Psychological Services Center.