Our Counselors

Amara Toure, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Amara Toure is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with experience conducting psychiatric evaluations, diagnosing and treating individuals with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. He has experience providing care to patients of different populations (adolescents, adults, geriatrics and veterans), in different settings (inpatient, outpatient and homecare), with the goals of restoring, improving and stabilizing patients’ mental health. He completed his Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program) at Eastern Kentucky University. Prior to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, he received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Maryland school of Nursing. He worked as a psychiatric nurse and a medical surgical nurse at different private and public hospitals, and long-term care facilities, in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia. His practice philosophy emanates from his nursing background that emphasize providing safe, compassionate, and empathetic patient-centered care. He strongly believes in a holistic approach to promote mental health and well-being, and he takes pride in delivering the best evidence based psychiatric care that is individualized to the needs of each patient.

Education

Eastern Kentucky University
Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner )

Specialties

•  ADHD/ADD
• Mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder)
• Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder)
• Psychotic disorders (schizophrenia, brief psychotic disorder)
• PTSD

Binta Bojang, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Binta Bojang is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with over 20 years of clinical experience. She specializes in medication management to treat schizophrenia, anxiety, mood disorders, dual diagnosis, and mental health disorders across the spectrum. She will work with your mental healthcare team to collaborate and develop a plan to achieve your goals.

She received her Bachelor’s degree from Coppin State University and a Master’s degree from George Washington University in DC. She completed her post-masters certification in Mental and Behavioral Health from the University of Cincinnati.

Education

George Washington University, University of Cincinnati
Master's in Science

Specialties

• Medication Management

Bolanle Saba, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care 

Bolanle Saba is a Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner in the state of Maryland and Virginia who has 2 years experience with adults seeking treatment with pain management in addition with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and women's mental health. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Pennsylvania State University, second Bachelors of Nursing from George Washington University and her Masters of Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner from George Washington University as well. Bolanle realized after treating acute and chronic pain that most of her patients with behavioral comorbidities needed more care and collaborative treatment, it is this that inspired her to then receive her Post Master Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health from Liberty University. 

Bolanle believes in offering a warm, compassionate, holistic and collaborative approach to treatment and therapy. She utilizes her experience, knowledge and evidenced based practice to create a treatment plan that best meets the needs of every unique individual. Bolanle believes that each individual knows themselves best and in order to be a great provider one must first be a great listener. 

Bolanle seeks to establish a genuine and meaningful relationship with you in order to assist in helping you live a quality lifestyle. Bolanle believes that if you look good, you will feel good and in return you will do good to others. All of this starts with your mental health and trickles down to your emotional and physical well being. 

Education

George Washington University & Liberty University
Master's of Nursing

Specialties

• Pain Management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Women’s mental health
• ADHD
• Adjustment Disorder
• Alzheimer’s Dementia

Ebun Akinyemi, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Ebun Akinyemi is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in Maryland with seven years’ experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges; first, as a nurse, and now as a psych nurse practitioner. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and has a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University, specializing in psychiatric-mental health nursing.

Ebun collaborates with clients to ensure individualized care for clients with mental health challenges. She utilizes evidence-based practice to assess, diagnose, and treat clients.

Ebun seeks to create a caring partnership with clients, ensuring that the client has the support they need through their journey to wellness.

Education

Walden University
MSN

Specialties

• Medication Management

Elba Rivas, LCSW-C

Philosophy of Care

**Elba offers therapy services in Spanish 

Elba Rivas is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Maryland who has over 6 years of experience providing quality mental health services. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Work at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She completed the advanced standing Master’s in Social Work program at the University of Maryland Baltimore.

Deciding to schedule an appointment with a therapist is a big step. Elba understands this and meets clients where they are. She provides a supportive environment for clients to identify and work towards their goals. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, life changes/transitions, stress, or are seeking self-exploration, therapy can help.

Elba tailors her treatment specifically to each client's identified needs. She draws on an eclectic approach, utilizing cognitive behavioral, strength-based, solution-focused and person-centered approaches. Her goal is to provide a non-judgmental environment in which clients feel connected, supported, and understood.

Education

University of Maryland Baltimore
Master's in Social Work

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress management
• Self Esteem
• Life Transitions/Adjustment
• Anger Management
• Women’s Issues
• Relationship issues
• Domestic Violence
• Cultural Issues
• Trauma
• Grief & Loss

Eric Brooks, LCSW

Licensed as a clinical social worker since 1997, Eric began his career in social work offering compassionate service to children, youth and families with Prince George’s County Department of Social Services. After serving the community for four years, Eric transitioned to Montgomery County, Maryland child welfare services as a clinical social worker and soon began as a supervisor of clinical social workers. Eric’s touts over 25 years of case management, supervisory experience and expertise in Social Work. His proven ability to quickly cultivate and build trust and rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures through exceptional communication utilization of the most up to date industry standards made him a highly sought after supervisor in Montgomery County Child Protective Services, Foster Care and In-Home clinical Services. He is extremely adept at providing clinical supervision for social workers, including case planning and diagnosis management and achieving high-quality, cost-effective care for individual clients and families. He has Court testimony experience, a myriad of training in different modalities. 

He also have proven success in providing effective and empathetic care, identifying and documenting incidences of child abuse and neglect and providing well-reasoned solutions. Provided clinical counseling to children, adolescents and adults to improve their overall functioning thus improving their lives.

He has been happily married for over 38 years and is the proud father to two wonderful children. His son is a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon and his daughter is an accomplished attorney. He has two exceptional grand-children he adores.     

Eric seeks to be bring his many years of outstanding clinical expertise to children, teens, young adults and adults in order to improve their overall functioning and well being. 

Francine Kamhoua, CRNP-PMH

Philosophy of Care

Education

Walden University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

Francis Oduah, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Francis Oduah MSN, FNP-BC, PMHNP, is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides comprehensive client-focused mental health care to individuals and their families. He has managed several psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. He completed his Master of Science in Nursing at Concordia University Wisconsin and received his Certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Washburn University.

Francis utilizes reflective practice and therapeutic use of self as a core to his practice. He is committed to building and establishing a therapeutic relationship with you, identifying your mental health concerns and providing appropriate treatment. Furthermore, Francis performs client assessment, develops treatment plans and provides recommendations to community resources when appropriate.

Francis seeks to ensure you achieve health and wellness by identifying your psychiatric disorder and focuses on treatment that meets your mental health care needs – allowing you to live a meaningful life you value and desire.

Education

Washburn University
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Depression
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder and Other Mood Disorders
• Postpartum depression
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• social Anxiety
• Panic disorder

Maureen Tabansi, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Maureen Tabansi is a licensed Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Maryland who has over 13 years experience as a nurse; she is a caring, people oriented, optimistic, empathetic and enthusiastic person. She completed her Masters in Science from Walden University and graduated as a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2019. Since her graduation, she has worked as a clinician in both outpatient and inpatient facilities to provide care to both adults and children seeking help with Bipolar, anxiety, depression and adjustment issues.

Maureen employs a non-judgmental innovation in problem solving, she possess good communication skills, she has great stamina, acquires a good sense of humor, and her commitment to client advocacy makes her strive to take her clients to their highest functional level.

Maureen uses her critical thinking skills acquired through her years of education and training to build a caring environment and relationship which her clients in other to map out an individualized treatment plan in collaboration with the client to achieve a desired common goal.

Education

Maryland
Masters Degree

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Schizophrenia
• PTSD
• Bipolar
• Depression
• Adjustment issues
• Conduct issues
• Personality issues
• ADHD

Nadine Kakanou, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

A psychiatry nurse practitioner is tasked with evaluating a patient’s mental health status by assessing their relevant medical background, conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, and identifying potential issues that might negatively impact a patient's mental health. The primary concern of individuals suffering from mental health problems is accessing mental health care professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care and offer preventive strategies. Although psychiatry nurse practitioners receive intense training to meet mental health patients' needs, their roles are poorly understood because regulatory barriers have limited the entire scope of the practice. Therefore, this paper will explore their philosophy of Care.

Due to the complexity of human beings in understanding their lives and illness experience, PNP requires the ability to access situations from different perspectives, not only through a psychological lens but also from a biological and development view, while recognizing the perspective of stakeholder affected. Besides, Mental health disorder affects the ability to communicate experiences, and its symptoms may not conform to conventional diagnostic criteria. Therefore, PNP needs to have a high tolerance of uncertainties and a willingness to frequently re-evaluate assessments upon discovering new information.

In addition to diagnosing and treating disease, PNP natures resilience, and growth capacity because of psychiatry disorder on patients' growth and development abilities. The existing healthcare system may fail to address the complexity of problems suffered by patients completely. Consequently, PNP needs to effectively advocate for patients to acquire all the services needed to meet their mental health needs. They also need to push for the development of more effective services.

In conclusion, psychiatry nurse practitioners are well prepared and equipped to provide independent and effective psychiatric care and treatment to effectively meet the needs of mental health patients.

Education

Walden University
PMHNP

Specialties

• Medication Management

Tolulope Lawson-John, PMHNP, CRNP

Philosophy of Care

Tolulope Lawson-John is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in Maryland, who specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating various mental health conditions not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD, Psychoses, and Substance abuse disorders. She has over ten years of clinical experience working in diverse clinical practice and settings (including hospital, long term care, primary practice and Corrections) which have tutored her to be empathetic and compassionate while still providing evidence-based practice in treating patients.

Tolulope believes in removing the stigma from mental illness, thereby making treatment and recovery possible. She is proficient in conducting thorough psychiatric evaluation and evidence-based medication management. She believes in holistic, patient-centered approach to psychiatry, with individual touch.

Tolulope obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN, FNP) from Coppin State University. She completed her Post Masters in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Washburn University. Besides English, she speaks Yoruba fluently.

Education

Specialties

• Ages 18+
• Medication Management

Victorine Ngang, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Victorine (Vicky) Ngang is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner specialized in treating patients with mental illnesses in Washington DC and Maryland. She is board certified with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She completed her undergraduate degree from American Sentinel University and pursued her Master degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from Walden University. After working as a registered nurse in several settings, she decided to further her education with specialty in mental health. Her inspiration was driven from the stigma associated with mental health illnesses in the communities. She is a community advocate of mental illness and her grit is to bridge the gap between physical and mental health as well as reduce the stigma about mental health

Victorine (Vicky) is proficient in her role to intervene with vulnerable populations and promote mental health across the lifespan. Her scope of practice include: being an active listener, collaborating and coordinating care, performing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, obtaining labs and interpreting results as well as prescribing psychotropic medications that are Evidence Base for diagnosis.

Victorine is goal directed towards partnering with you to uncover your unique strengths. She is focus on providing empathic, compassionate, respectable, and acceptable care through assessment, diagnosing, planning, implementing and evaluating.

Education

Walden University
Masters

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic Disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactive disorder/Attention deficit disorder (ADHD/ADD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Eating disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Psychiatric medication review
• And many more

Quintin Talley, LCPC

Philosophy of Care

Quintin Talley is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland, and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of VA (he accepts self pay in VA). Quintin has nearly 10 years of experience working with adults (18 - 90) and children (5-17), in a number of therapeutic settings. Quintin has experience working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. He has helped clients to work through issues related to anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, school problems, career/job stress, communication problems in marriages and relationships, trauma, and other behavioral concerns. Quintin has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bowie State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Towson University. 

Quintin uses CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) based, person centered, mindfulness, solution focused, play therapy, and family systems interventions to help his clients meet their therapeutic goals. Quintin also provides coaching and counseling to couples and marriages having difficulty with communication and other relationship stressors. 

Quintin is very warm and approachable, yet intuitive. He understands that change can be difficult, and structuring a therapy plan that is both realistic and challenging is the key to making lasting change. Quintin understands that every individual is unique, and needs a customized approach in order to become the best versions of themselves.

Education

Towson University
Master's in Counseling Psychology

Specialties

• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Marriage/Relationship issues 
• Social Interaction 
• Men’s issues 
• Family dynamics 
• Self-Esteem 
• Children (5-17) 
• Grief and loss 
• Life Transitions

Stacey Jaundoo, LCPC

Philosophy of Care

Stacey is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the states of Maryland, North Carolina and the District of Columbia with over 20 years of experience counseling adults and couples.  Stacey completed her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Bridgewater State University and Master of Education in Counseling from Howard University.

Stacey incorporates Cognitive Behavior Therapy to help clients uncover unhealthy thinking patterns that lead to stress, anxiety and depression then teaching skills to employ healthier patterns.  She also uses strength-based and mindfulness approaches to help guide your journey and Faith-Based for those who share an interest.

Stacey’s compassionate and warm approach makes it easy for you to build a trusting relationship.  She believes in empowering and strengthening the growth of individuals to live happy, fulfilling lives.

Education

Howard University
Master of Education in Counseling

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship Issues
• Stress Management
• Parenting
• ADHD
• Grief and Loss
• Faith Based/Christian Counseling

Eric Yenchi, NP

My name is Eric Kowshoh Yenchi, I was born in Cameroon central Africa, I grew up in a small village in the North West region of Cameroon known as Babungo. Growing up in Cameroon, life was very tough, especially when it came to health care .There was just 1 health center in my village which was staffed with 1 nurse and a medical doctor who visited once every two months. This meant people who were very sick and could not wait till the arrival of the medical doctor had to drive for about 5 hours to the closest hospital in the town of Kumbo to get health care. This meant that many people who made the journey died due to bad roads, and sometimes the long waits that it took to see a medical doctor at the hospital.

The poor state of the health sector in my native country cost the lives of many of my family members, resulting in my resolve to become a medical professional so I could one day change the situation and help my community. With this in mind when I arrived the United States in 2006, I decided to study nursing. After graduating with my BSN in 2010, I decided to start my nursing career in a long term care facility taking care of geriatric patients with various illnesses confined to a nursing home. In January 2011, I visited my native country Cameroon for the first time, volunteered at the only clinic that was in my village. This time around they had more staff (4 nurses, and 1 medical doctor), which made my experience less tedious than I had anticipated. However, during this visit, I noticed that many of the people that were coming into the clinic with a mental illness were being turned away to traditional healers as the clinic did not have any experience dealing with mental illness.

With my observation, I decided to do a little research about mental health in Cameroon .What I found was not only shocking but was also very scary. I found out there were only two government hospitals in the country providing mental health services to 22 million people. Cameroon has 0.03 psychiatrists per 100, 000 of the population, and 0.2 psychiatric nurses per 100,000 of the population (psychology in Africa, 2013).Initiatives by private organizations in recent years have seen the creation of Mental Health hospital in Kumbo and BIMEHC, a mental health clinic in my village of Babungo.

With the acute shortage of these facilities and personnel, my focus changed. I realized there was not only a need for personnel but leadership to transform the mental health sector and sensitize the population about mental illness, as many attribute mental illness to witchcraft and spiritual curses. With this in mind, in 2011 I became a psychiatric nurse, enrolled and earned an MSN in Nursing Leadership in 2013.In 2015 I went to Cameroon, this time around I volunteered at Babungo Integrated Mental Health Care (BIMEHC) as a psychiatric nurse. During this service the main problem was the lack of a qualified practitioner for mental health. There was 1 psychiatrist coming from the capital every 6 months to meet with patients and prescribe medications for them. This acute shortage of mental health practitioners, has led me to believe that I can make a difference in the lives of those suffering from a mental illness by becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Since becoming a psychiatric nurse , I have had various positions in the Mental health filed , from Charge nurse to , supervisor , and to Director of various mental health clinics in the Washington DC area .In November 2019  I passed my Boards to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner  and I am loving every minute of it .My short term goal is to continue providing services to those in need in and around my community , while my long term goal will be to someday own my own practice.

Martha Harris, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Martha is a strengths-based, person-centered, solution-based counselor who approaches each therapy session focused on the individualized need of each individual and will tailor specific interventions to fit the specific needs.

Martha shares her main goal as a counselor is to support and provided new ways of viewing life in the present verses the future or past. She utilized the analogy of her role as providing seeds of change that when you are ready and able you will have the skills to plant, nurture, and watch the seeds of your life grow into the flowers and trees that will create your new normal.

Education

Martha is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Approved Supervisor. Martha graduated from McDaniel College receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. Martha has extensive history working with various ages ranges; however, focuses her treatment on college-age and older. 

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Behavioral Issues
• Child/Adolescent and Parental Training
• Depression
• Family or Peer Conflicts/Relationships
• Grief/Loss
• Life Transitions
• Racial or Cultural Identity/Issues
• Stress Management
• Trauma/PTSD