Meet the Staff - Coastal Carolina University
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Marguerite O'Brien, MSW


Director, LiveWell Office 

Marguerite O’Brien (she, her, hers) received a B.A. in International studies and a Masters in social work from the University of South Carolina. Marguerite has worked in student affairs and student health for almost 14 years and is active in the field, serving as the Region 1 Representative on the American College Health Association Board of Directors. Marguerite has been in the wellness and fitness industry for over 30 years and is a certified personal trainer and fitness/Yoga instructor. Her areas of interest include people to become the best version of themselves, promoting wellbeing of body, mind and spirit and using a social justice lens to inform her work. Marguerite is trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and looks forward to an opportunity to share mindfulness practices with Teal Nation. She enjoys spending time with her husband, travel and reading and looks forward to walks on the beach.

Chris Donevant-Haines, M.A., LPC


Chris Donevant Haines staff pictureAssociate Director, LiveWell Office

Chris Donevant-Haines (she, her, hers) is a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina who serves as the associate director of the LiveWell Office.  Chris serves as the advisor for the SHORE Peer Educators and the LiveWell Peer Educators. For over 17 years Chris has served in various roles at CCU and her areas of interest include student engagement through peer education, destigmatizing various health and wellness topics and empowering students in their personal and professional development.  Chris is originally from West Virginia and has enjoyed living in Myrtle Beach for nearly 30 years where four generations of her family have lived.

Tena Nardin, M.S., LPC


Tena NardinAssistant Director of Substance Use Education and Services, LiveWell Office

Tena Nardin (she, her, hers) is a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina who serves as the Assistant Director of Substance Use Education and Services in the LiveWell Office. Tena received her B.A. in psychology at Ohio University and M.A. in professional counseling from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA. Her areas of interest include advocacy for collegiate substance abuse recovery, a holistic approach to student wellness and promoting resilience in student populations. Tena enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, cooking, traveling, and music.

 

Bevelyn Mitchell


Assistant Director for Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Services

Bevelyn Williams Mitchell (she her, hers) is a proud native of the SC Lowcountry. She earned her undergraduate degree in Social work from South Carolina University in Orangeburg SC and a Masters in Human Service with a concentration of organizational leadership from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. She has served in several capacities with various community organizations in both Horry and Georgetown Counties. She and her family have lived in Myrtle Beach for the past 23 years. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, gardening, and cooking.  

Bev is married to Gregory Mitchell and they have two adult children: Mitch, Ashleigh, and an adorable 6-year-old grandson Trey.

Kayla Welch, MS, RD, LD


 Kayla Welch -square photoRegistered Dietitian

Kayla Welch (she, her, hers) is a Registered Dietitian with 8 years of experience working in various settings including childcare & education, food service, and public health. Kayla has earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master's degree in nutrition. Her professional interests include Intuitive Eating, Health at Every Size, utilizing a non-diet approach to help manage nutrition-related medical conditions, and teaching food-related skills such as cooking, meal planning, and grocery shopping. Kayla enjoys being outdoors, yoga, cooking, and spending time with her spouse and 2 young children.