Michelle Kotte, PMHNP

Emily Gitau is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has worked in outpatient behavioral health clinics serving adult populations. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University.

Emily Gitau provides collaborative, respectful, and goal-oriented care focused on understanding each patient’s experiences and creating practical, individualized treatment plans. She emphasizes clear guidance, evidence-based medication management, and patient education, while fostering a supportive, nonjudgmental environment that encourages honesty, consistency, and patient autonomy.

Emily Gitau uses a structured, patient-centered approach that begins with a comprehensive psychiatric assessment and individualized treatment planning, which may include medication management, psychoeducation, and coordination with therapy. Follow-ups focus on progress, effectiveness, and side effects, with adjustments guided by clinical findings and patient feedback.

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.

Katrine Sorum is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry. Her interest in mental health began during her undergraduate studies, where she earned degrees in Social and Behavioral Sciences and Nursing Science. After working on a medical psychiatric unit at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, she completed her Master of Science through the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner track at the College of Saint Scholastica. Her work as a psychiatric nurse practitioner has become her life’s passion.

Kate prioritizes understanding each patient’s unique reasons for seeking care. She creates a supportive, collaborative environment where patients feel heard and respected. Her approach focuses on building trust and developing individualized treatment plans that align with each patient’s goals and needs.

Kate works closely with patients to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to their goals. She incorporates psychotropic medication management alongside supportive psychotherapy to help patients return to their baseline level of functioning. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood disorders, and ADHD.

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.

Katlyn Bowman is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a diverse background in nursing and mental health care. She began her career as a Registered Nurse, working in inpatient psychiatry, the emergency department, renal/surgical units, and the operating room. She earned her BSN from Augustana College (2011) and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Rush University (2018). She also holds a Master of Psychopharmacology certification and has experience in rural outpatient mental health care.

Katlyn Bowman takes a warm, collaborative, and patient-centered approach. She strives to create a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where patients feel heard and respected. She values open communication and emphasizes education so patients can better understand their symptoms and treatment options. She works alongside each patient to develop a plan that aligns with their goals and comfort level.

Katlyn Bowman begins with a comprehensive evaluation, exploring history, symptoms, and personal goals to guide diagnosis and care. She prioritizes education and shared decision-making when discussing treatment options. Follow-up visits focus on monitoring progress, adjusting care as needed, and providing ongoing support tailored to each patient’s evolving needs.

Damaris Chukwura, DNP, PMHNP-BC, is a Board-Certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in mental health care. She began her nursing career in 2007 and has been practicing as a psychiatric nurse practitioner since 2014. Damaris has worked in a wide range of settings including inpatient hospitals, residential treatment centers, partial and intensive outpatient programs, correctional psychiatry, and substance abuse treatment. Her clinical experience spans various conditions such as ADHD, eating disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, PTSD, and treatment-resistant depression. She earned her BSN from Texas Christian University, MSN from The University of Texas at Arlington, and her DNP from The University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Damaris values open communication and collaboration with her patients. She creates a warm, caring environment where individuals feel heard and respected. Her approach is both evidence-based and supportive, blending professionalism with a welcoming demeanor. She is passionate about mental health advocacy and reducing stigma. Outside of work, Damaris enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, traveling, decorating, and watching reality TV.

During initial psychiatric evaluations, Damaris takes time to fully understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She develops individualized treatment plans that align with these goals and may include supportive therapy or referrals for more intensive therapy if needed. Follow-up appointments typically last 30 minutes, allowing time to track progress and make adjustments as necessary.

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.

Diane Inda is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with extensive experience across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and telehealth settings. She is passionate about supporting patients in achieving their mental health goals while fostering trust, respect, and collaboration with a wide variety of care providers. Diane lives in Oregon with her husband, three cats, and four dogs, and enjoys writing fiction, photography, jewelry making, and martial arts.

Diane prioritizes what matters most to each patient, creating a safe space to discuss—or choose not to discuss—any concern. She values honesty and respect, and draws on her diverse clinical experience to see the whole patient. Diane collaborates with both traditional and non-traditional providers, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs.

Appointments begin by focusing on the patient’s goals and concerns. Diane uses evidence-based assessments to track progress and patterns and explores all aspects of a patient’s life, including sleep, nutrition, career, family, pets, and spirituality. Together, she and her patients create individualized treatment plans with actionable steps, monitoring what works best and adjusting as needed to support the patient’s chosen path to wellness.

Jill Moran is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with experience across inpatient, outpatient, crisis, and telehealth settings. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. Her background includes psychiatric emergency medicine and nursing, and she treats conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. She is also experienced in Spravato and TMS monitoring.

Jill Moran prioritizes compassionate, patient-centered care in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. She collaborates with patients to create personalized treatment plans and clear goals. She values transparency and communication, helping patients understand their care while empowering them to take an active role. Her approach integrates medication management with psychotherapy-informed, holistic care.

Jill Moran begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, reviewing symptoms, history, and goals. She assesses medications, labs, and past treatments, then develops individualized, evidence-based plans. These may include medication, lifestyle strategies, and coordinated care. She monitors progress closely and adjusts treatment to ensure optimal outcomes.

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.

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.

‍

Roel Sepulveda is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), he has over 10 years of experience providing mental health care in psychiatric emergency rooms, outpatient psychiatry, and telehealth settings. Roel is committed to delivering comprehensive and accessible care that supports patients across diverse needs and backgrounds.

As a provider, Roel values creating a compassionate and collaborative environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their experiences. He takes a patient-centered approach, meeting individuals where they are and working together to identify treatment goals. Patients can expect a nonjudgmental space where their concerns are heard, respected, and addressed with empathy and understanding.

When working with patients, Roel begins by taking time to understand their history, symptoms, and current challenges. He develops individualized treatment plans that may include a combination of medication management, lifestyle strategies, and coordination with therapy or other supports. His goal is to provide evidence-based care while empowering patients to actively participate in their mental health journey and achieve lasting well-being.

Denise White, PMHNP, has worked in the mental health field for over 30 years following the completion of her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Suffolk University in Boston. She began her career as a mental health technician in a geriatric residential program and later pursued additional education in nursing, earning an Associate Degree in Nursing from Quincy College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from South University, and a Master’s in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. Over the years, she has held diverse roles in adult and children’s case management, residential and intensive outpatient programs, inpatient psychiatric care, and crisis stabilization. Denise has provided care in both inpatient and outpatient settings as well as through hospital consult services across the country.

Denise prides herself on her ability to empathize with her patients and meet them exactly where they are in their journey. She believes that trust is the foundation of the therapeutic relationship and works diligently to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel safe, heard, and respected.

In the initial evaluation, Denise focuses on gathering comprehensive information to form a complete understanding of each patient’s unique background and needs. From there, she develops an individualized treatment plan that aligns with the patient’s prioritized goals. Each session begins from that foundation, allowing her to support patients at their own pace as trust deepens and progress unfolds.

Steven Warren, PMHNP, has over 25 years of psychiatric nursing experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He has provided extensive individual and group psychotherapy and education, and since 2017, has offered medication management and brief therapy in a collaborative community mental health setting. Steven earned his Bachelor of Nursing in 2011 and Master of Nursing in 2017 from Indiana University, and is ANCC board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Steven values open and honest communication, working directly with patients to set clear, achievable treatment goals. He is dedicated to ensuring each person he works with feels heard, respected, and supported throughout their mental health journey. His approach emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and trust.

During the first session, Steven takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. He develops individualized treatment plans that reflect patient values, adapting them as needs evolve. Through a strong therapeutic relationship, he provides guidance and support to help patients achieve meaningful and lasting progress.

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.