Emily Gitau, PMHNP

Lori Harris, PMHNP, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of experience in inpatient and outpatient care. She earned her diploma in nursing from UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, her BSN and MSN from the University of Pittsburgh, and is certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Her background includes nine years as an ICU nurse in a Level I trauma center, along with advanced training in integrative psychiatry and functional nutrition.

Lori Harris creates a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free environment where patients feel respected and at ease. She prioritizes building trust and long-term relationships through a collaborative, partnership-based approach, ensuring patients feel heard, understood, and actively involved in their care.

Lori Harris begins with a thorough, unhurried assessment to understand each patient’s full story. She develops personalized treatment plans aligned with individual goals, integrates mindfulness strategies, and emphasizes education. Her approach fosters a supportive, collaborative process with clear goals and meaningful progress.

Donna is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner dedicated to breaking down mental health stigma and expanding access to compassionate, quality care. With over 20 years of nurse practitioner experience, she has supported patients and families through life’s emotional and physical challenges across outpatient, inpatient, and telepsychiatry settings. Donna is passionate about creating a safe, empowering space where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued on their mental health journey.

Donna helps patients become the best, healthiest version of themselves, both mentally and emotionally. She values open communication, mutual respect, and collaborative decision-making. Her treatment plans include medication management, healthy coping strategies, and tools to build self-awareness and resilience. Known for her warmth and empathy, Donna creates a judgment-free environment where every voice matters.

Donna begins by building trust through a compassionate, in-depth initial interview. Together with each patient, she develops a personalized treatment plan that blends medication management with lifestyle recommendations tailored to individual goals and values. Her holistic approach focuses not just on symptom relief, but on fostering lasting growth, confidence, and overall well-being.

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Karen Tonner, MSN, PMHNP-BC is an ANCC board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience providing psychiatric care in outpatient and community mental health settings. She works with patients across the lifespan and treats a broad range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Karen primarily provides medication management in conjunction with supportive therapy, using evidence-based practices to help patients achieve symptom relief and improved functioning. Her approach to care is holistic, person-centered, and collaborative, emphasizing shared decision-making and individualized treatment planning. She strives to create a welcoming, approachable, and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable being themselves and actively participating in their care. She believes that understanding each patient’s unique experiences, goals, lifestyle, and strengths is essential to effective mental health treatment.

Karen earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kennesaw State University and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is dedicated to continuing education to remain current with psychiatric research and is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care that helps patients feel heard, respected, and empowered.

Claudine Allen, PMHNP, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (ANCC) with over 20 years of experience across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and state hospital settings. She earned both her BSN (2003) and MSN (2019, magna cum laude) from Husson University in Bangor, Maine. Her clinical work includes psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, medication management, and CBT. She treats depression, anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and OCD, and has experience with schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and neurocognitive disorders. She has over 7 years of telehealth experience.

Claudine Allen, PMHNP, takes a relaxed yet professional approach, creating a comfortable, supportive environment while maintaining high clinical standards. Patients can expect evidence-based care, clear communication, and to be treated with respect, honesty, and dignity. She values transparency, accountability, and reliability in every interaction.

Claudine Allen, PMHNP, fosters a nonjudgmental, welcoming space where patients feel safe sharing. She conducts thorough, purposeful assessments and develops individualized, evidence-based treatment plans that integrate medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle considerations. She emphasizes shared decision-making, realistic goals, and ongoing follow-up to monitor progress and adjust care.

Caterina Goldberg-Dunnett, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice with psychiatric certification from the University of North Florida, graduating with honors as a commencement speaker, and her MSN (FNP) from South University with highest honors. With over a decade of experience, she cares for adult and geriatric patients with complex medical and psychiatric needs, specializing in ADHD, bipolar disorder, panic symptoms, insomnia, and cognitive disorders including dementia.

Caterina fosters a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel safe to be open. She values genuine human connection, listens deeply, and communicates with honesty and compassion. Her approach is collaborative and focused on building trust, helping patients find practical, meaningful solutions that improve daily functioning and overall well-being.

She begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand each patient’s history, symptoms, and goals. She develops accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans integrating medication management with evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and psychoeducation. Caterina emphasizes actionable strategies, monitors progress closely, and adjusts care to support long-term stability, using telehealth to provide accessible, consistent support.

Debra Ort, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience across diverse mental health settings, including inpatient psychiatric facilities and outpatient clinics in private and group practices. She earned her Nursing degree from the University of Maine and her Master’s in Nursing with a focus on Psychiatry from Husson University. She is dedicated to compassionate, evidence-based mental health care.

Debra is passionate about treating all aspects of mental health and believes in a collaborative, holistic approach to care. She places each client at the center of treatment, ensuring they feel supported, respected, and actively involved in their care. Her style is warm, attentive, and grounded in helping clients achieve optimal mental wellness.

In initial sessions, Debra focuses on understanding each client’s history, current concerns, and goals for treatment. Together, they identify priorities and desired changes, then develop a personalized treatment plan with realistic short- and long-term goals. Her approach builds a strong foundation, so clients feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their progress.

Michelle Kotte is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 13 years of nursing experience. She creates a warm, supportive environment and values open communication. Michelle is passionate about focusing on the whole person and tailoring care to each client’s unique needs.

Michelle’s approach is direct, collaborative, and centered on partnership. She works closely with clients to develop a personalized plan, emphasizing transparency and shared decision-making throughout treatment.

Michelle begins with an in-depth initial assessment covering physical, mental, emotional, social, and environmental well-being. She focuses on medication management, supportive therapy, and lifestyle modifications to help clients reach their goals.

Jaime Sather, PMHNP is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with over 20 years' experience in the mental health field. Specialty areas include ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance abuse, PTSD, and women’s health. Clinical experience with inpatient, outpatient, detoxifications rehab, psychiatric emergency department, IOP, and PHP.

Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and brief psychotherapy are provided. Besides medication management with psychotherapy, individual therapy may be recommended for the best possible patient outcome.

Patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns in a non-judgmental therapeutic environment. Education is provided about diagnosis and treatment options with the patient being empowered to be an active part of their treatment plan.

Jennifer Garner is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with Talkiatry. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2009 and a master's degree from Vanderbilt University in 2011. Jennifer enjoys treating all adults and has outpatient experience with community mental health, corrections, and private practice. Besides outpatient care, she has worked in crisis stabilization and ambulatory detox for adults with primary psychiatric and dual diagnosis illnesses. Jennifer is skilled in treating a wide range of conditions including ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance misuse, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. She is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, ensuring all gender identities feel safe and respected. With a focus on patient-centered care, her approach is carefully tailored to each person's individual needs and goals, promoting a collaborative therapeutic relationship. During appointments, she combines medication management with therapy techniques to empower patients with the skills for their well-being. Appointments are as unique as each individual that she meets with. If you're ready (and even if you're not so sure) take the first step and let's talk.

Mary Birse is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (ANCC) with over 20 years of nursing experience. She graduated magna cum laude with a BSN from Florida Atlantic University and earned her MSN from the University of Florida. She completed a Psychiatric NP Residency at the VA in Charleston, SC. Mary has worked in a variety of settings including the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, the Palm Beach County Firefighter’s Clinic, various outpatient telehealth platforms, and a child and adolescent inpatient facility. She was also an adjunct professor at Palm Beach State College.

Mary believes in empowering patients through education and collaboration so they can play an active role in their mental health journey. She works to create a warm and welcoming space where patients feel safe, heard, and understood. Whether the treatment path includes therapy, medication, integrative approaches, or a combination, she ensures that the plan reflects the patient's needs and goals.

Mary takes a thorough and holistic approach to care. She spends time understanding each patient’s history and past treatments—what has or hasn’t worked—and listens carefully to their current concerns and future goals. By factoring in lifestyle and preferences, she works with patients to build thoughtful, individualized treatment plans.

Laura Hendricks is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with over 20 years of experience across a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient care, inpatient psychiatric facilities, private practice, consult-liaison psychiatry, and telepsychiatry. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan and brings a Family Systems perspective to her practice, helping patients develop greater awareness of their personal growth, attachment styles, and behavioral patterns to support more fulfilling lives.

Laura is also a long-time practitioner of Nonviolent Communication (Compassionate Communication), a method that fosters deeper empathy and connection with oneself and others. She integrates these principles into her clinical work to help individuals live more authentically and meaningfully.

Her approach is rooted in a whole-person perspective, guiding clients to recognize their strengths and utilize appropriate treatment tools. This begins with building a strong, respectful therapeutic relationship based on collaboration and shared decision-making. Laura practices evidence-based medication management and incorporates supportive counseling and psychoeducation into every session. She believes that empowering patients through education is essential to improving mental health outcomes.

Laura conducts thorough assessments to clarify diagnoses and treatment needs, with ongoing evaluation throughout the course of care. She works collaboratively with patients to refine treatment goals and strategies, always emphasizing a strengths-based and empowering approach.

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Jennifer Young-Cott is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who brings compassion, warmth, and a strong commitment to patient well-being into her work. With a deep respect for each individual’s story, she values creating a safe, supportive, and healing environment. Outside of clinical practice, Jennifer enjoys learning Spanish and spending time hiking with her dog, Mavis—interests that help her maintain balance and bring a holistic perspective to care.

Jennifer approaches care through a collaborative, patient-centered lens. She believes trust, confidentiality, and open communication are essential to effective treatment. With extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, she brings expertise in trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, and thought disorders while remaining attentive to each patient’s unique needs and goals.

Jennifer begins by listening carefully and gathering a thorough history to understand each patient’s challenges and strengths. She partners with patients to develop individualized treatment plans using current, evidence-based interventions. Her process emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and ongoing support to promote long-term mental health and overall well-being.

Zakiyyah Weatherspoon is a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience. Since 2011, she has worked in family medicine, and since 2013, she has focused on mental health care across the lifespan. Her background includes treating children, teens and adults in hospitals, private practices, and community settings.

Since 2017, Weatherspoon specialized in helping individuals manage depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, ODD, eating disorders, and substance use. She uses supportive therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.

Weatherspoon is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health. She encourages her clients to speak up, get help, and take control of their mental wellness. Her approach is based on the Mental Health Recovery Model, which focuses on hope, healing, and building a life beyond diagnosis.

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Sonya R. Isler, PMHNP-BC, began her nursing journey over 30 years ago in a state psychiatric hospital in Goldsboro, NC, inspired by the poised nurse she admired at church as a child. Her path includes roles as LPN, RN, BSN, and multiple advanced practice degrees. Sonya has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, VA clinics, and private practices. She also serves as a preceptor for PMHNP students at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Sonya creates a welcoming, respectful space where patients feel safe to communicate openly. She practices active listening and values patient input when setting therapy goals. Her approach is holistic—treating the whole person—and she encourages collaboration, helping patients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their care.

Sonya reviews a patient's history before each session and begins with clear introductions and goal setting. She invites open discussion of concerns and tailors' treatment plans with patient input. She often incorporates CBT, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy into care, promoting growth through supportive, personalized strategies.

Nicole Powers is an accomplished Autonomous Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience and 6 years as a Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master's degree in Nursing, specializing in psychiatric mental health, and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Throughout her career, Nicole Powers has cultivated a deep commitment to mental health care, focusing on patient-centered approaches that empower individuals to achieve optimal well-being.

Before joining Talkiatry, Nicole worked in various healthcare settings, including inpatient psychiatric facilities and outpatient clinics, inpatient critical care units where she honed her skills in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health disorders. Her specialties include anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions, and she is particularly passionate about integrating holistic practices into her treatment plans.

Nicole Powers treatment style emphasizes collaboration and open communication, ensuring that her patients feel heard and understood. She believes in utilizing evidence-based practices while incorporating patients' personal experiences and preferences into their care. By fostering a supportive and compassionate environment, she aims to help her patients navigate their mental health journeys with confidence and resilience.

As a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness, Nicole Powers also engages in community outreach and education, striving to reduce stigma and promote access to mental health resources. Her commitment to excellence in psychiatric care makes her a valuable asset to the Talkiatry team.

Neena Tressa Mathew has built an impressive career in the medical field, with a strong focus on mental health. She is dually board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), providing care across all age groups. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Malayalam, she is licensed to practice in Florida, New York, Texas, and Georgia. Neena offers a patient-centered approach that integrates her diverse experience and certifications.

Her dedication to mental health is evident through her extensive hands-on experience in assessing, treating, and evaluating patients with a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. She has delivered exceptional care at institutions such as Mindful Behavioral Healthcare, AdventHealth Hospital, and Park Place Behavioral Health Care. Her international experience includes roles in Canada, where she further developed her expertise in geriatric psychiatry. Neena has also worked in various practice areas, including addiction medicine, grief counseling, and primary care.

Her academic background includes a Post-Master’s Certification from Florida State University and a Master of Science from D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Delhi University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the Delhi School of Social Work. Her professional affiliations, including membership in the American Nurses Association, reflect her commitment to the field. Recognized for her academic, leadership, and research capabilities, Neena was invited to join Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) as a graduate nursing student for her excellence in scholarship and outstanding achievements in nursing.

Neena has contributed to several U.S. nursing journals and magazines and has published and presented research articles in international peer-reviewed journals. She maintains an active academic presence through platforms like Google Scholar and ResearchGate.

Her approach to care is both traditional—prescribing evidence-based psychiatric medications—and holistic, incorporating natural treatments such as vitamins, supplements, lifestyle modifications, nutrition, exercise, and stress management. She believes in the mind-body-spirit connection, viewing individuals as whole beings rather than a collection of symptoms, echoing the philosophy of Hippocrates, the "Father of Medicine." Her holistic philosophy is evident in her skillful management of psychotropic medications and her integration of psychotherapy, including supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy.

Neena’s primary interest lies in exploring the relationship between mental, physical, and spiritual health. She finds great fulfillment in helping others and goes beyond diagnosis and treatment by conducting thorough mental health assessments to ensure accurate identification of psychiatric conditions. What sets her apart is her commitment to patient education—empowering individuals and their families with a deep understanding of their conditions and treatment plans, including medication as part of a comprehensive care strategy.

In addition to her clinical work, Neena serves as a clinical instructor, sharing her knowledge and insights with future healthcare professionals. This dual role highlights her multifaceted contribution to healthcare, emphasizing both treatment and education in supporting individuals on their mental health journeys.

Outside of her professional life, Neena enjoys reading, writing, beach activities, hiking, and traveling with her family. She is also actively involved in charitable work through the Lions Club. She lives by the principle:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Indeed, she believes that it is in giving that we truly receive.

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Belinda received her undergraduate education at the University of Tulsa and completed her nurse practitioner training at the University of Texas–Arlington, earning a Master of Science in Nursing. She is nationally board-certified in psychiatry across the lifespan and has over a decade of experience working in outpatient, residential, and inpatient care settings. She is skilled in medication management and utilizes therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and psychodynamic approaches.

Belinda is a passionate psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to continual development and lifelong learning. With over ten years of experience, she spent more than five years working in a residential eating disorders facility. She has evaluated and treated individuals with a wide range of diagnoses, including depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Belinda believes in addressing the whole person and thrives on helping people find individualized solutions. While she specializes in using medication when necessary to alleviate symptoms, she also incorporates therapeutic techniques into her sessions to help clients discover what works best for them.

She prioritizes the therapeutic relationship and supports patient-centered goals. Belinda empowers her clients to choose options that align with their lives and encourages active engagement in self-care. She is deeply committed to helping individuals improve their quality of life by identifying and addressing areas of struggle, such as depression or grief. Additionally, she supports clients in recognizing and overcoming fears by identifying stressors and developing new coping strategies. Her approach inspires clients to reduce stress and prioritize rest and sleep to enhance overall wellness—body, mind, and soul.

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Justin Stone is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with experience in both outpatient and inpatient psychiatric settings, including in-person and telehealth care. He completed his undergraduate and master’s programs at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. Justin is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care that addresses the whole person—mind, body, and environment.

Justin works collaboratively with patients to reach personal goals and support a more fulfilled life. He strives to create an open, judgment-free relationship where patients can be completely themselves. His aim is to provide a safe space for vulnerability without fear of judgment, fostering trust and partnership in the therapeutic process.

Patients can expect a thorough initial evaluation to ensure the correct diagnosis is addressed from the start. Justin prioritizes safety and evidence-based best practices while tailoring treatment plans to individual goals. His approach is focused on developing personalized strategies that help patients achieve meaningful improvements in mental health and overall well-being.

Alana Ward is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Alan has been practicing since 2018 and has experience with individuals of all ages. Prior to becoming a PMHNP, Alana worked as a registered nurse in critical care and psychiatry. As a PMHNP, she has experience working on inpatient adult and geriatric psychiatric units, as well as providing psychiatric evaluations and consultations to individuals on medical units and emergency rooms at hospitals. Alana is very experienced working in outpatient settings managing various psychiatric diagnoses. She has also helped manage individuals in long term care facilities and assisted living facilities. When Alana is not providing direct patient care, she will on occasion help with instructing future nurses at Kent State University. Alana graduated with her Master's of Science in Nursing from Kent State University, and is board certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center. Alana enjoys treating a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, and various psychotic disorders. She believes in client-centered care, where clients get a say in their treatment in order to help make them feel their best. Alana truly believes that therapy is a crucial part of successfully treating any mental health diagnosis, in combination with medication management when warranted. Alana likes to add mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to her medication management appointments to help individuals receive effective, quality care.