MEET The TEAM

Dr. Andrew Pleener

Andrew Pleener M.D., Psychiatrist

Dr. Pleener is a Board Certified Integrative Psychiatrist who believes that medications are just a “single” tool in an entire tool box to help heal. He works uniquely with each individual to uncover the root cause behind their symptoms while bringing forth a stronger understanding of mental health. Part of this process involves educating his clients on the impact that stress has on the nervous system, and how if left alone, can influence neurobiological outcomes such as hormonal imbalances, inflammatory changes, and various medical complications, resulting in disruptions of our natural bodily rhythms further impacting the way we think feel and function. Dr. Pleener aims to create a customized plan with each client to help re-wire the nervous system, restore rhythm and promote mental wellness and fitness. This often involves the use of various non medicative healing modalities such as breathing, yoga, nutrition, psychotherapy and meditation.

Dr. Pleener is the founder and director of the #SameHere Psych Alliance, a collaborative movement amongst integrative practitioners to help bring awareness towards that many ways to heal outside of simply prescribing medication.
 
He has additional experience with humanitarian efforts. During Hurricane Irma in St. Maarten, Dr. Pleener helped set up and direct a makeshift Psychiatric Trauma center at the American University of the Caribbean. The trauma center served as the main resource of treatment for the local communities of Cupecoy and Maho. The story was featured in Newsday, along with the 2019 September edition of Central Florida Lifestyle magazine. He has since provided several grand rounds on disaster psychiatry.
 
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 the Mount Sinai Hospital in NY. He is the founder of Regional Psychiatry, and serves on board the #SameHere Global MH Movement.
Dr. Cathleen Gomez

Cathleen Gomez M.D., Psychiatrist

Dr. Gomez thinks outside the box when it comes to patient care. Aside from being compassionate and thorough, she also understands the impacts that trauma has on creating not just mental health issues but “physical” health issues as well. Dr. Gomez is currently a fellow of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI) , one of the most comprehensive integrative training programs globally.

Additionally Dr. Gomez has researched, and presented lectures on the effects of ketamine for treatment resistant depression. She has also researched the impacts of adrenal hormones, such as DHEA on mental health. Prior to her outpatient work, Dr. Gomez has 4 years of Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) experience.

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. 

Elizabeth Palmer, AP, LCSW, MPH., PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Elizabeth Palmer is an Integrative Psychotherapist and Licensed Acupuncturist, trained in both Botanical Medicine and Naturopathy. She has 20 years of experience in the fields of mental health, public health, and health education. She completed a dual master’s degree program at the University of South Florida in Clinical Social Work and Public Health with a specialization in maternal and child health. Her teaching experience includes college level instruction as well as individual and small group instruction at the elementary, middle and high school levels. The culmination of her experiences in mental and public health led her to research alternative modalities that would assist individuals in developing mind-body wellness. 

Elizabeth chose to study Traditional Chinese Medicine due to the integration of the body, mind and spirit within the health and disease spectrum. An important tenet in Eastern philosophies is quieting the mind and dwelling in the present thus promoting emotional regulation and overall health. She specializes in treating coexisting physical and mental health concerns using integrative approaches that work synergistically to produce positive results. Elizabeth is currently obtaining additional integrative medicine training through the Leslie Korn Institute.

ERIN KIM, PMHNP., PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER ​

Erin is an ANCC board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and an AANP board certified Family Nurse Practitioner trained in both Psychiatry and Family Medicine.  She has over 20 years experience in both fields of mental health and physical health.  Erin truly believes in the irrevocable interdependence of mind and body and aims to achieve whole health for her patients.

She holds a BA in Psychology from University of Colorado, BSN from Excelsior College in NY, MSN – FNP from Walden University, and Post Graduate in PMHNP from Regis College in Boston.

Erin had been exposed to the wonderful benefits of natural remedies and homeopathic interventions to maintain optimum health since a very young age. She is currently undergoing integrative and nutritional certifications courses through the Leslie Korn Institute of Integrative Medicine. 

Christina Davis, PMHNP., Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Ms. Christina Davis is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as well as a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP). Christina completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Florida State University, then her Master of Science degree at the University of South Alabama. She holds national board certification with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Psychiatric Family Nurse Practitioner.

She 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 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.

Lina Perez, M.D., PSYCHIATRIST

Dr. Perez is a Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist who has been in practice for over twenty years. She has worked in a variety of treatment settings including inpatient, crisis residential programs, long-term residential treatment facilities, assertive community treatment programs, and outpatient facilities. For over ten years, she has utilized a hybrid model of treatment in these settings, involving both in-person and Telemedicine care. 

Dr. Perez believes in establishing a balance between mental health and physical wellness. She values connecting with her patients to create a bond of trust, which has allowed her to create an individualized plan of treatment. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Throughout the years it has been important to her to treat members of the hispanic population in her places of work, which is an often underserved portion of the community. Dr. Perez completed her psychiatric residency training at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is also a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the Florida Psychiatric Society.

Joey Guarnaccia, LMHC, Psychotherapist

Joey received his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. His experience as a therapist began at AMIkids Greater Fort Lauderdale, a Department of Juvenile Justice system program for at-risk youths. He continued his experience with Memorial Healthcare System, one of the largest healthcare systems in the US. He was proudly part of the Outpatient and Community Action Treatment Team. 

His most recent experience is at a transitional living program for young adults. Joey has worked with a variety of clients with mental health disorders, ages ranging from toddlers to young adults. Joey believes that progress is made through building rapport and creating healthy connections. His approach is collaborative, encouraging his clients to work together towards treatment goals and objectives.

He loves to spend his free time outdoors either camping, hiking, exercising and exploring the world.

DR. YARON MARKFELD, M.D, PSYCHIATRIST

Dr. Yaron Markfeld, is a board-certified Child, Adolescent, & Adult Psychiatrist, serving as Director of Regional Psychiatry’s Child & Adolescent Division. He completed his general psychiatric training at Richmond University Medical Center, an affiliate of the Mount Sinai Health Network, where he served as Chief Resident.

During his tenure as Chief Resident, Dr. Markfeld placed heavy emphasis on preventative medicine, having conducted Quality Improvement Studies to help implement metabolic screenings to minimize treatment induced medical side effects. After completing his fellowship training at Northwell’s Zucker Hillside Hospital in 2019, Dr. Markfeld was appointed Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNY Downstate School of Medicine.
In addition to lectures, he has provided numerous Grand Rounds, with most recently on the impacts of Bullying, Cyberbullying, & Social Media on mental wellbeing. He has consulted for several hospital systems and tele-health organizations to build, implement, and oversee child-adolescent psychiatric divisions. Dr. Markfeld’s high regard for lifestyle medication and holistic healthcare has resulted in his enrollment in STARR (Stress & Trauma, Active, Release & Rewiring) via Maryland University Integrative Health, a course that provides foundational overview to the brain-body connection and teaches on healing modalities beyond prescription medication.

In addition to clinical training, Dr. Markfeld is father of three, an avid tennis player, former head instructor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and former semi-pro football player. He is currently a member of the American Psychiatric Association, & the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

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.

Bryan Coviello,
LHMC Psychotherapy

Bryan completed his undergraduate degree in psychology via Florida Atlantic University (FAU). He later went on to receive his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Lynn University in 2020.

He has past experience working in crisis stabilization at South County Mental Health Center, in addition to serving as clinical assistant director at New Directions for Young Adults (a facility specialized in helping young adults with autism), as well as working with youth in a residential academic setting. He is currently undergoing training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) through the ACT Immersion Program. 

KARRIE JENNINGS, PMHNP, PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER

Karrie is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the ANCC. She began her career in nursing as a labor and delivery nurse, practicing in Arizona, California, Iowa, and Florida. She transitioned to mental health to follow her passion for further helping her patients.

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.

Adam Scheller,
PH.D , Psychologist

Dr. Scheller Prior to becoming a licensed psychologist, Dr. Scheller’s professionaljourney began as a behavioral therapist for children with Autism and other neuro-developmental disorders.
In 2011 he became involved in the Clinical Assessment industry as an individual contributor and then leader for professional learning services and clinical training. In 2019 Dr. Scheller was asked to lead the growth of Pearson’s measurement science capabilities as the Head of Pearson’s Pharmaceutical & Biotech business, meeting strategic goals 2 years ahead of plan. In 2022 he joined an innovative team of CNS researchers at Denali Therapeutics as a Senior Scientist for Clinical Outcomes, helping lead the charge to defeat neuro-degeneration. Dr. Scheller is a scientist and a practitioner.

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.

He has over 4 years of experience in the mental health field specializing in children and adolescents, in addition to overseeing a hospital setting across the lifespan. Prior to advancing his degree in Nursing, he worked at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in the state of Maine for six years as a Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse. Jason has experience working with children and adolescents with a history of trauma and eating disorders. Jason is passionate about the growth and development of children and adolescents both mentally and medically. Jason utilizes both non-pharmacological and pharmacological tools to help restore functionality, promote wellness, and resilience with patients across the lifespan. In his spare time Jason enjoys spending time with his family, visiting lakes, and enjoying the annual fairs in Maine.

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.

The Journey to Wellness starts with you