Maxine Minto, MD

Dr. Hyewon Choi earned her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, and an MBA from Rice University. She completed her psychiatry residency at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, and has practiced in both outpatient and inpatient settings, including the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX.

Dr. Choi values open communication and a collaborative approach. She works with patients to set clear, achievable goals and develop treatment plans that reflect their priorities, fostering a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected.

Dr. Choi begins with a comprehensive review of each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She then creates an individualized treatment plan tailored to the patient, which is continually updated as progress is made, ensuring care remains aligned with evolving needs.

Dr. Dodd, a Board-Certified psychiatrist, graduated from the University of Georgia Honors Program with a B.S. in Chemistry, and earned her M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia. During her psychiatry residency in Greenville, SC, she was chief resident and gained extensive experience through moonlighting. She joined the faculty of Gateway’s Savannah residency program in 2021, where she served as Assistant Program Director, and continues to teach residents and students as an Assistant Professor at Mercer University and the Medical College of Georgia. In her community psychiatry practice, she specialized in Assertive Community Treatment, worked with First Episode Psychosis programs, a forensic Diversion-Reentry clinic, telehealth, and outpatient psychiatry, particularly serving graduate students, professionals, and their families in the Savannah area.

Dr. Dodd fosters a comfortable environment for patients at any stage of treatment. As a passionate educator, she enjoys providing psychoeducation and supportive therapy to help patients understand themselves, their relationships, and their motivations.

Dr. Dodd tailors treatment to each individual’s goals, preferences, and strengths. She uses her expertise in diagnosis and pharmacology to optimize care, monitor treatment success, and maintain progress, with the ultimate goal of helping patients feel and function at their best.

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Tekisha Norwood, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience supporting adults navigating mental health challenges, chronic illness, trauma, life transitions, and aging-related concerns. She has an extensive background in inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings, including roles at the VA community outpatient program, skilled nursing homes, and as a crisis and behavioral health therapist in private practice. Tekisha earned her BSW (2010) and MSW (2012) from the University of Southern Mississippi and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is passionate about empowering clients through individualized, compassionate care that meets each person’s unique needs.

Tekisha offers a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment centered on compassion, cultural awareness, and mutual respect. She ensures that every client feels seen, heard, and valued without judgment. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative and flexible, designed to align with each individual’s goals for growth and healing.

During the first session, Tekisha conducts a thorough psychosocial assessment to understand each person’s background, challenges, and goals. Together, she and the client create a personalized treatment plan that guides the therapy process. Follow-up sessions focus on working through the plan collaboratively, with ongoing support, reflection, and adjustments as progress unfolds.

Paul Pennington is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of mental health experience in a variety of settings ranging from schools, private practice, residential facilities, and crime scene crisis counseling. Paul has had the privilege of helping people with various situations including depression, anxiety, stress, anger, trauma, abuse, life transitions, relationships, integration, existential issues, and other obstacles that have caused an imbalance in their lives. Paul specializes in working with teachers, first responders, young parents, and individuals that just want to be seen as who they truly are.‍Paul earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Texas State University and a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from Angelo State University. A few of the certifications Paul has earned over the years are: Residential Staff from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Certified Anger Resolution Therapist (C.A.R.T.), AgriSafe Farm Response, Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner Trainer, Texas Education Agency: EC-12 SpEd, 4-8 Generalist, EC-12 School Counselor, SAFE EMDR, Mental Health First Aid, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy.‍Paul believes everyone is different and takes an individualized approach with each client. He operates from a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness.

Dr. Monica Badillo is double board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and adult psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She received additional training and certification in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at the New York Medical College Psychoanalytic Institute. Dr. Badillo is bilingual and speaks Spanish and English to deliver quality care for patients and parents. She provides medication management while incorporating psychoeducation, supportive, and psychodynamic psychotherapies. Generally, she employs 30-minute follow up sessions, and she may request a psychotherapist to participate in treatment. She listens and builds rapport with patients and families, while utilizing a trauma-informed, patient-centered, comprehensive, and collaborative approach. She completed her undergraduate degree at Fordham University in New York, and subsequently received her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica. She then completed general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, BronxCare Health System. She excelled in her program and was awarded honors as Chief Fellow in achievement and professionalism. After completing training, Dr. Badillo continued to work at the institution as an attending psychiatrist in the Child and Adult Outpatient Services, Pediatric Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), and Pediatric Consultation Liaison services. She has held leadership roles, and instructed medical students, fellows, and resident physicians. Dr. Badillo has treated patients of all age ranges and diverse backgrounds in community mental health settings. Her primary focus is treating children, adolescents, and young-early adults for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, and other psychiatric conditions.

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.