I earned my bachelor’s (psychology) and master’s degrees (social work) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I have been a practicing psychotherapist in both Wilmington and Raleigh for the past 47 years, and have enjoyed working with individuals, couples and families. 

My volunteer work over the years includes having chaired the following academic and philanthropic boards: the UNC School of Social Work; VISIONS, a non-profit international multi-cultural, anti-racism training organization; Wright’s Center, an adult day healthcare center; and Lift Up the Vulnerable, an international organization combating human trafficking and sex slavery. 

I have been active in issues relating to the status of women, domestic violence and child abuse, and have fundraised for many organizations, including the Fuller Center for Housing and the Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW). 

I have received the following professional awards: the YWCA Lifetime Achievement award, the UNC School of Social Work Outstanding Alumna award and the Philanthropist of the Year award from the North Carolina Cape Fear chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. 

I am a lifelong Episcopalian and have been married to my husband, Steve Coggins, an attorney, for 47 years.