Presenting Center for the Advancement of Human Potential

We are a team of highly-qualified individuals leading the way in up-to-date treatments for a variety of mental disorders.  What sets us apart from other practices is that we are passionately dedicated to finding the neurological root to your issues, and then helping you find the best solution.  Center for the Advancement of Human Potential offers alternative methods of treatment that go outside of prescription medications to create lasting changes.

Our Staff:

Ed Hamlin, Ph.D
Clinical Psychology

Dr. Hamlin obtained his clinical psychology training at UNC-Chapel Hill and taught at UNC and Duke University.  He worked at the VA Medical Center in Durham before returning to Asheville to work at Highland Hospital. He specializes in neuropsychology, including neurofeedback, for a variety of conditions, including attention deficit disorder, traumatic brain injury and stroke. He conducts quantitative EEG (brain mapping) assessments.  He also works with clients to develop optimum brain functioning.  He conducts research and is frequently invited to speak at conferences and workshops on brain/mind relationships.

Andrea Meckley, M.A.
Health Psychology/Neurofeedback

Ms. Meckley has a master's degree in health psychology. She has received postgraduate training in EEG neurofeedback and in administering quantitative EEG. She treats a variety of disorders with neurofeedback.

Steve Gold, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychology

Dr. Gold earned his doctorate in clinical psychology from Purdue University. He worked for nine years in residential treatment for adolescents with drug problems. He directed a masters level clinical training program at Western Carolina University and a doctoral clinical program at Northen Illinois University, each for twelve years. He also maintained a private practice providing individual and couples therapy. His clinical work focuses on adults with concerns about anxiety, depression, sexuality, childhood abuse, and anger management. He also provides couples therapy for relationships in distress or seeking enhancement. He utilizes cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal based approaches to psychotherapy. When not working he enjoys riding his horses, running and reading.

Cynthia Ackrill, M.D.
Neurofeedback

Dr. Ackrill has a background in primary care medicine. She received training in EEG neurofeedback, biofeedback and integrative medicine. Her interests include treatment of attention deficit disorder, headaches, stress education and health coaching.

Mary Ammerman, Psy.D.

Clinical Psychology/Neurofeedback

Mary Ammerman earned her doctroal degree from Pepperdine University.  Her clinical training has given her the opportunity to work with adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of problems.  Before joining the Center for the Advancement of Human Potential, Dr. Ammerman worked with military veterans, college students, adolescents and adults in the criminal justice system, clients with substance abuse problems, parents, and families.  Dr. Ammerman is highly experienced in working with people who want to overcome problems with substances, as well as with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, difficulty managing their moods, and relationship issues.  Ever since joining CAHP Dr. Ammerman has been studying how the brain works and how clients can use neuroscience to create positive changes in their lives.  Dr. Ammerman frequently combines mindfulness-based psychotherapy with neurofeedback in her practice.  She is an EEG brainwave feedback and LENS (Low Energy Neurofeedback System) provider.   

Amy L. Palmer, Ph.D.
Psychologist

Dr. Palmer earned her doctoral degree from the University of South Carolina. She completed her Pre-Doctoral Internship and two-year Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland with a focus on children with developmental disabilities and behavior disorders. Prior to moving to the Asheville area, Dr. Palmer worked as a psychologist in the Behavior Management Clinic at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Her specialty is in the area of child psychology and she provides behavioral and cognitive-behavioral treatment for children and adolescents. Dr. Palmer is particularly interested in the treatment of young children, birth to 6 years of age, who are experiencing a behavioral difficulty or developmental delay. Dr. Palmer has extensive experience working with children struggling with anxiety, depression, adjustment problems, and behavioral challenges. She enjoys providing group therapy for social skills deficits and anger management training. Dr. Palmer conducts testing and assessments for young children through college level students. She is able to see families during daytime and evening hours and can accept Medicaid and a variety of other private insurances.

Terry Sloan, M.S., LPC
Counseling/Neurofeedback

Ms. Sloan has a master’s degree in community counseling from Western Carolina University. She has received postgraduate training in EEG neurofeedback. She integrates cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused talk therapy with neurofeedback and other forms of biofeedback. Her areas of interest include college transition, grief, anxiety, depression, and stress reduction. She sees adolescents, adults and couples.

Deborah Burns, M.S., M.Ed., LPC

Counseling/Neurofeedback

Ms. Burns attended UNC at Chapel Hill to receive her under-graduate degree and MA in Education.  She obtained a second Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from East Carolina University.  Ms. Burns received training in EEG Neurofeedback which she often incorporates into therapy sessions.  She has worked in private practice and in schools as a counselor.  Her clinical interests include working with relationship issues with couples, families, and young adults, as well as, working with attention and behavioral issues in children.  Her solution focus perspective builds on clients' strengths to help with issues like self-esteem, stress, anxiety, anger, grief/loss, depression, parenting skills, and men and women in transitions.  She employs mindfulness approaches for deeper healing, awareness and overall well-being.

Would you like to learn more about us and our services?

We would love to hear from you.  Just give us a call at (828)251-2882.