MEET The TEAM
Prescribers
Andrew Pleener M.D., Psychiatrist
Dr. Pleener is a Board-Certified Integrative Psychiatrist who views medications as just one tool in a comprehensive toolkit for healing. He takes a personalized approach with each individual, uncovering the root causes of their symptoms while fostering a deeper understanding of mental health. This process involves educating clients on the profound impact of stress on the nervous system, including its effects on hormonal balances, inflammatory responses, and various medical complications, which can disrupt our natural bodily rhythms and influence how we think, feel, and function. Dr. Pleener aims to create customized plans to help rewire the nervous system, restore rhythm, and promote mental wellness and fitness. This often incorporates non-medicative healing modalities such as breathing techniques, yoga, nutrition, psychotherapy, and meditation.
As the founder and director of the #SameHere Psych Alliance, Dr. Pleener leads a collaborative movement among integrative practitioners to raise awareness about the diverse ways to heal beyond medication.
He has extensive experience in humanitarian efforts, including setting up and directing a makeshift Psychiatric Trauma Center at the American University of the Caribbean during Hurricane Irma in St. Maarten. The center served as the primary resource for treatment for the local communities of Cupecoy and Maho, and the story was featured in Newsday and the September 2019 edition of Central Florida Lifestyle magazine. Dr. Pleener has since provided several grand rounds on disaster psychiatry.
Dr. Pleener is a sought-after speaker and has provided numerous keynote and panel speaking engagements discussing the intersections of mental and physical health. His speaking engagements include the Broward Mental Health Summit, The International Stress Management Association (ISMA), The Integrative Mental Health Summit (IMMH), and most recently the National Chiro by FCA. He has shared his expertise with diverse audiences, promoting a comprehensive approach to health and wellness.
Dr. Pleener is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (ABPN), a Fellow of the American Institute of Stress (FAIS), and a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP). He completed his psychiatry training at Richmond University Medical Center, an affiliate of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. He is the founder of Regional Psychiatry and serves on the board of the #SameHere Global Mental Health Movement.
Cathleen Gomez M.D., Psychiatrist
Dr. Gomez is a compassionate and innovative psychiatrist who takes a holistic approach to patient care. She recognizes the profound impact of trauma on both mental and physical health and is dedicated to addressing the whole person. A graduate of the prestigious Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI), Dr. Gomez has received advanced training in integrative psychiatry, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of innovative treatments and therapies.
Dr. Gomez has expertise beyond prescription medication, including interventional treatments such as ketamine, TMS therapy, and cranial electrical stimulation therapy. She has presented a lecture on the cutting-edge approach of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression and has researched the crucial role of adrenal hormones, such as DHEA, in mental health. With 4 years of experience in Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), Dr. Gomez has honed her skills in crisis intervention and emergency psychiatry.
Dr. Gomez completed her psychiatry training at Richmond University Medical Center, an affiliate of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. She is a proud member of the American Psychiatric Association and the Richmond Medical Society, demonstrating her commitment to staying at the forefront of her field.
Dr. Gomez completed her Psychiatry training at Richmond University Medical Center, an affiliate of the Mount Sinai Hospital in NY. She is also a proud member of the American Psychiatric Association, and the Richmond Medical Society.
Lina Perez, M.D., PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. Perez, a seasoned Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist, brings over 20 years of experience in diverse treatment settings to her practice. With expertise in hybrid treatment models, combining in-person and Telemedicine care, she delivers comprehensive and patient-centered care. Dr. Perez is passionate about balancing mental and physical well-being, and her bilingualism and fluency in Spanish enable her to serve the Hispanic community with sensitivity and understanding.
By building trust with each patient, Dr. Perez creates personalized treatment plans that address unique needs and goals. Her impressive credentials include completing psychiatric residency training at the esteemed Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As an active member of the American Psychiatric Association and the Florida Psychiatric Society, Dr. Perez stays abreast of the latest advancements and best practices in her field.
DR. YARON MARKFELD, M.D., PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. Yaron Markfeld, a board-certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, serves as Director of Regional Psychiatry’s Child and Adolescent Division. He completed his general psychiatric training at Richmond University Medical Center, an affiliate of the Mount Sinai Health Network, where he was Chief Resident. Dr. Markfeld emphasized preventative medicine, conducting Quality Improvement Studies to implement metabolic screenings and minimize treatment-induced side effects.
After completing his fellowship at Northwell’s Zucker Hillside Hospital in 2019, Dr. Markfeld became a Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNY Downstate School of Medicine. He has delivered lectures and Grand Rounds, including a recent presentation on the impacts of bullying, cyberbullying, and social media on mental wellbeing. Dr. Markfeld has consulted for hospital systems and telehealth organizations, building and overseeing child-adolescent psychiatric divisions.
Dr. Markfeld values lifestyle medicine and holistic healthcare, leading him to enroll in STARR (Stress & Trauma, Active, Release & Rewiring) via Maryland University Integrative Health. This course provides a foundational overview of the brain-body connection and teaches healing modalities beyond prescription medication. Outside of clinical work, Dr. Markfeld is a devoted father of three, an avid tennis player, former head instructor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and former semi-pro football player. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Jason Dobrovolny
PMHNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Jason Dobrovolny is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as well as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Jason completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Southern Maine, then two master’s degrees at Husson University in Bangor Maine.
He holds national board certification with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric Nurse ractitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner.
KARRIE JENNINGS, PMHNP, PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER
Karrie has her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from UCF and her Master’s degree in Nursing from Purdue University Global.
She is an American Psychiatric Nurses Association member and is currently undergoing STARR training at the Maryland University of Integrative Health.
Karrie enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two daughters. They enjoy visiting theme parks, swimming, the beach, and playing with their dog, Piper.
Christina Davis, PMHNP., Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Christina Davis, is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP)
Christina has over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, ranging from leadership positions such as managing a large urban community mental health facility as a charge nurse in the Crisis Stabilization Unit, to medication management in residential, detox, and outpatient settings.
She holds national board certification with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric Family Nurse Practitioner, and has a Master of Science degree from the University of South Alabama and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University.
With a compassionate and holistic approach, Christina utilizes evidence-based medicine and solution-focused therapy, dedicated to building a warm and caring relationship with each patient, empowering them to achieve their goals and live a meaningful life.
She has experience working with trauma and is passionate about helping others overcome this. Christina seeks to establish a warm and caring relationship with you in order to assist in building on your strengths, and better collaborate with you towards meeting your goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire. She utilizes holistic therapy, solution-focused, and evidence-based medicine to meet the needs of every individual.
Therapists
Joey Guarnaccia, LMHC, Psychotherapist
Joey Guarnaccia, LMHC, is a seasoned therapist, holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. He is certified in Brainspotting, a cutting-edge therapeutic technique used to treat psychological trauma. Brainspotting taps into the interconnection between the eyes and the brain, leveraging the precise eye positions that correlate with the storage and processing of traumatic memories in the midbrain. By accessing these “brainspots,” individuals can release traumatic experiences, promoting deep healing and emotional release. Joey’s extensive experience spans various settings, including AMIkids Greater Fort Lauderdale, Memorial Healthcare System, and a transitional living program for young adults. Throughout his career, Joey has worked with diverse clients, from toddlers to young adults, addressing a range of mental health disorders.
Joey’s approach is built on collaboration and rapport-building, empowering clients to take an active role in achieving their treatment goals. He believes that progress is made through healthy connections and shared efforts. When not working, Joey enjoys outdoor activities like camping, hiking, exercising, and exploring the world, reflecting his passion for life and well-being.
He loves to spend his free time outdoors either camping, hiking, exercising and exploring the world.
Elizabeth Palmer, AP, LCSW, MPH., PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Elizabeth Palmer, MA, LAc, EMDRIA Certified, is a seasoned Integrative Psychotherapist and Licensed Acupuncturist with 20 years of experience in mental health, public health, and health education. She holds a dual master’s degree in Clinical Social Work and Public Health from the University of South Florida, with a specialization in maternal and child health.
Elizabeth’s is highly specialized in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), for which she is certified by EMDRIA. She has extensive experience in using EMDR to help clients process and heal from trauma, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
Elizabeth is a graduate of the prestigious Leslie Korn Institute of Integrative Mental Health, where she deepened her knowledge of integrative approaches to mental health. She is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine and incorporates mind-body techniques into her practice, promoting emotional regulation, overall health, and well-being.
Bryan Coviello,
LHMC Psychotherapy
Bryan Coviello, LMHC, holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Lynn University, which he earned in 2020. His professional experience includes working in crisis stabilization at South County Mental Health Center, serving as clinical assistant director at New Directions for Young Adults (a facility specializing in supporting young adults with autism), and working with youth in a residential academic setting.
Bryan is trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach that harnesses the power of mindfulness and meditation to help individuals develop a greater sense of acceptance and compassion towards themselves and their experiences. Through ACT, individuals learn to observe their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment, recognizing that they are not in control of their thoughts and that their worth and value extend beyond their mental content. By cultivating mindfulness and engaging in values-guided action, individuals can shift their focus away from unwanted sensations and towards living a more meaningful and purpose-driven life, aligned with their core values.
Notably, Bryan has also presented at the Florida Mental Health Counseling Association’s Virtual Summit on Autistic Affirming Care, sharing his expertise on supporting individuals with autism. Additionally, he has served as a panelist for Florida Atlantic University, providing tools and insights to help professionals enhance their career-related goals. Bryan’s commitment to innovative and inclusive mental health care is evident in his work and presentations.
Korrie Allen, licensed clinical psychologist
Dr. Korrie Allen is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children and families. Her areas of expertise include autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, memory and learning, school readiness and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Dr. Allen received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and her doctoral degree in Psychology from St. John’s University. She directed the Educational Services Clinic at University of Denver and was an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Eastern Virginia Medical School and on the professional staff at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters prior to joining Birch Psychology.
Dr. Allen has successfully completed several research projects funded by agencies such as the Commonwealth Health Research Board, U.S. Department of Education, Governor’s Office of Substance Abuse Prevention and the Society for School Psychology Research. She is extensively involved in applied research that focuses on children with severe behavior problems. Her recent studies evaluated the impact of parent-child interaction training to address aggressive and oppositional behaviors among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has presented at national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Allen is co-editing the book Cognitive Behavior Therapy in the School Setting.
Dr. Allen works clinically across the age-span and has specialties in the areas of learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, anxiety, and parent child interaction training. She will help identify the strengths and challenges your child is experiencing to set them on a path forward at home, school and socially. She is also available for speaking engagements and consultation.
Specialties:
- Testing- ASD/ Autism Assessments
- ADHD Assessments
- Social/Emotional Assessments
- Full Battery Assessments
- Early Childhood Developmental Assessments
Therapy
- Parent Coaching
- PCIT
- ADHD
- ASD
- Anxiety
- Family Therapy
- Early Childhood
- Depression
Coaches
Teresa Rosa,
HEALTH COACH
Teresa Rosa is a board certified integrative health and wellness coach and graduate of Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH), where she received an M.A. in Health and Wellness Coaching. She is currently working towards her second M.A., this time in Nutrition & Integrative Health with an expected graduation date of Spring 2025.
Before joining Regional Psychiatry, Teresa spent 7 years in various roles at Accessible Beltway Clinics, a family-owned management company that oversees 16 integrative medicine clinics in Maryland and Virginia. She jumpstarted her coaching career at Dignity Integrative Health and Wellness located in Rockville, Maryland where is currently the head health and wellness coach.
Her journey toward health and wellness coaching started when she underwent Achilles reconstruction surgery, experiencing multiple complications and setbacks during the rehabilitation process. As her body was healing, it was simultaneously rejecting re-growth. The healing process lasted nearly two times longer than anticipated and resulted in countless hours in rehab facilities.
If she could take one positive thing away from this experience, it’s that it challenged her to constantly show up as the best version of herself day in and day out even when she didn’t want to.
Coming from a family of healthcare workers, Teresa has long been a student of what it takes to get healthy and stay healthy. Her thirst for knowledge on diet, exercise, sleep, and resiliency is insatiable.
Teresa is also a graduate of St. Joseph’s University, where she received a B.S. in Marketing and Family Business & Entrepreneurship.
Samantha Arsenault Livingstone, HEALTH COACH
Samantha Arsenault Livingstone is an Olympic Gold Medalist, performance consultant, keynote speaker, educator, entrepreneur and mental health advocate. At home in the classroom, Samantha spent six years teaching high school science and coaching swimming. After a near-death experience with her then 12- month old daughter, Samantha knew it was time to pay forward all she’d learned about high achievement, rising through hard things and finding fulfillment in the striving.
In 2016, Samantha founded Livingstone High Performance and the Whole Athlete Initiative (the WAI) in response to the mental health crisis impacting adolescents across the globe.
LHP provides pillars of support to organizations, teams and individuals to elevate mental wellbeing and improve performance.
In 2020, Samantha co-founded WholeHealth Sport to equip coaches and parents with the training, skills and support needed to change the narrative, culture and game regarding mental well-being in sport. In addition to private and group coaching, Samantha consults with teams and organizations on mental performance, emotional agility, mindful leadership and developing healthy, high-performing cultures. She is a certified instructor of Mental Health First Aid and facilitator of Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE).
Samantha was a member of the U.S. Swimming National Team, 1999 U.S. Pan Pacific Team and 2000 U.S. Olympic Team. As an 18-year-old, she stood atop the Olympic podium in Sydney, Australia after swimming the lead-off leg of the record-setting 4 x 200 Freestyle Relay. Post-Olympics, Samantha battled an eating disorder, depression and shoulder surgery. With the help of an amazing mentor, she rose from the rubble stronger, happier and healthier, ending her career as a 7 x NCAA All-American. To close out her career, Samantha led her teammates to the 2005 National Championship title as the co-captain of the Georgia Bulldogs.
Samantha holds a Master’s in Secondary Science Education from the University of Georgia. She lives in New England with her husband, Rob, and four daughters.
ERIC KUSSIN
Health Coach
Eric Kussin is a 20-year professional sports executive, turned health coach, who got his start at the NBA League Office. After five years with the League, he went the team business route, and rose the ranks with the expansion Chicago Sky, and then the Phoenix Suns.
He later switched over to the NHL, working with the New Jersey Devils, and the Florida Panthers. So, he is no stranger to intense corporate office environments, high-pressure situations, and lofty expectation. During his ascent, a debilitating mental health crisis stopped Eric’s burgeoning career and life in its tracks for over two and a half years.
After many failed treatment modalities, being tried on over 50 different psychotropic combinations, TMS therapy and ECT in-patient during that time span, he began to learn, study, and implement mind-body-skills that enabled him to heal.
His passion for these mind-body-skills grew when he learned that stress and trauma from – a childhood of challenging life events involving many debilitating ailments his older brother had to fight, and the loss of three of his close friends in their 20s – had built up inside of him and started to impact his own brain-body-connection in a major way. These skills he learned, helped him go on a transformational healing journey. From breath work training via the Art-of-Living, to learning trauma releasing exercises (TRE) from David Bercelli, to traveling to Indonesia to study Qigong meditation, amongst many others (EFT, Havening, Meditation, Yoga), Eric has since made it his mission to raise awareness towards the many healing benefits behind these various mind-body exercises. From Corporate settings such as CNBC to JP Morgan Chase, Professional Sports Teams from the Golden State Warriors to the New York Mets, and Military & First Responder groups from the NYPD, to the DOD, Eric is frequently invited to give keynote addresses about his journey, and educate on STARR Exercises (Stress & Trauma, Active, Release & Rewiring), AKA “Gym for the Brain.” Although he’s invited to present on these big stages, he has a passion for getting in the trenches, day-to-day, to blog about mind-body on Instagram at @samehere_global, and to work with clients to share all he has learned and to help them take control of their lives and go on their own healing journeys.
Gabriela Garces, STARR Certified Health Coach
Empowering Mind-Body Connections
As a Venezuela native and passionate tennis player since age 6, Gabriela Garces pursued a dual career in Graphic Design and coaching tennis, pickleball, and padel (9 years). Certified in STARR Exercises (Stress, Trauma, Active, Release, and Rewiring) through Maryland University Integrative Health, she has gained expertise in cutting-edge techniques for stress and trauma management. Additionally, Gabriela is a certified BIONEURO Emotion Practitioner and is currently studying Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), further expanding her toolkit for empowering clients.
Gabriela’s personal journey as a young immigrant in the US led her to overcome eating disorders, body image issues, toxic relationships, and past traumas through psychotherapy and diverse holistic practices. Now, she dedicates herself to guiding others toward healing and growth, empowering them to embrace mindset shifts and cultivate a deeper mind-body connection for a fulfilling life.
With her unique blend of coaching, holistic expertise, and cutting-edge certifications, Gabriela helps clients unlock their full potential, bridging the gap between mind, body, and spirit.
Neuropsychological Assessment Team
Adam Scheller,
PH.D , Psychologist
Kelley Villegas, OT, Neurofeedback Specialist
Kelley’s career started after graduating from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 1992. In El Paso, TX, she began treating patients on the Brain Injury Unit of an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, and there her love for the brain began! When her own children had problems with attention and mental health, she searched and found neurofeedback.
Kelley founded and owns Focus NeuroRehab, LLC, which has been serving the needs of patients of all ages since 2009. Focus NeuroRehab initially specialized in the treatment of children with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders for the first 10 years. Over the past seven years, Kelley has been treating all ages, including adults in their 80’s, for anxiety, depression, migraines, and PTSD.
Kelley has led several speaking engagements on the topic of Neurofeedback and its use in front of audiences of professionals and parents—including a presentation at the Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Conference in 2014. Kelley most recently spoke at the Advanced Clinical Summit at EEGInfo in California about “Brain Science Perspectives on Neurofeedback Placements” on March 14,2024.
In addition to her work as a Neurofeedback specialist, Kelley co-authored a book called “Restoring the Brain: Neurofeedback as an Integrative Approach to Health” in 2015.
Kelley’sareas of interest in her field of work include:
- ILF Neurofeedback (Othmer method) for any brain-related disorder
- Alpha-Theta neurofeedback for trauma
- Synchrony neurofeedback for anxiety and OCD and sleep
- Certified Irlen screening
- Seizure disorders
- Migraine and chronic pain relief
- Autism/ADHD
- PTSD/Anxiety disorders
- Nutritional healing and wellness
- Sleep disorders and bed-wetting
- Dolphin Neurostim MPS (microcurrent point stimulation) with vagal nerve stimulation
Notable credentials include receiving over 100 hours of training in Neurofeedback, attending and speaking at Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Conferences, Irlen Screening certification, and Amen Brain Health Professional Certification in 2022.
