North Carolina Behavioral Health

Meet Mina, a dedicated psychiatrist and researcher with a passion for behavioral health care. With expertise in ADHD and a strong understanding of public health policy, Mina is committed to expanding access to care and addressing issues of interoperability in healthcare technology.
As the founder of Animo Sano Psychiatry, Mina’s goal is to provide personalized, comprehensive care for his patients. With a focus on the individual and their unique story, Mina and his team strive to help patients achieve their goals and passions. Mina’s work at Animo Sano is driven by his belief that a healthy mind is key to overall wellness. Mina would be honored to assist you in your journey towards wellness.

Sally has a great love for medicine and helping people. She completed her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at Jefferson College of Health Sciences. During that time, she developed a passion for psychiatry. Sally enjoys getting to know her patients and helping them achieve their goals and she has already won the hearts of our patients. Sally has a great passion for treating patients with Depression and Anxiety and is excited to connect with everyone and help them become the best versions of themselves.

Maddison is a dedicated Physician Assistant with a passion for mental health care. A proud alumnus of Mercer University, she not only earned her Bachelor’s degree from this institution but also successfully completed her Physician Assistant studies there in 2021. She has worked in outpatient behavioral health care since 2021. Her commitment to providing compassionate and comprehensive care is evident in her approach, always ensuring that her patients feel heard, understood, and supported.

Outside of her professional life, she cherishes the moments she spends with her family. She is a wife to her husband and a mother to a lively toddler son. They also have an energetic golden retriever and two cats at home. When she’s not attending to her patients or spending quality time with her family, she enjoys catching up with friends and traveling.

Kelly is passionate about helping clients achieve their therapy goals. She achieved her Master’s in Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, and has been practicing as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) since 2013, in various outpatient and residential settings.

Kelly considers her therapeutic approach as “eclectic” and draws upon multiple theoretical orientations and techniques, including behavioral and person-centered therapy. Kelly’s therapeutic approach can help patients in dealing with anxiety, depression, eating & personality disorders, trauma, and many other issues.

Kelly’s relatable and “non-judgmental” approach includes developing a trusting clinical alliance early on in the treatment process with her clients.

Pamela has always had a love for medicine and felt privileged to help others. “I’m aware that our work to help patients improve their mental health, helps not only the individual, but also impacts their family members and all spheres of their lives.” said Pamela. “Being able to provide “Individualized, high-quality care was a big motivator for my interest in joining the Animo Sano Team”.”

Pamela achieved a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from PACE University in New York, and her Physician Assistant Certification from Wake Forest University.

Pamela has been a Physician Assistant since 2001 in various outpatient settings in both Medical and Behavioral Health clinics.

With a lifelong commitment to behavioral health, MacKenzie is a professional and empathetic PA-C with experience in medical management, telemedicine, CBT, and lifestyle changes. Her education includes a Masters of Medical Science from Mercer University with a focus on Physician Assistant Studies, including an addiction management rotation and special lectures on LGBTQ safe medicine. As a former patient advocate and MA at a non-profit clinic, she understands the importance of serving underserved populations.

With a Masters in Science from Philadelphia University and a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, Stefanie brings a unique combination of educational and clinical experience to her role as a Physician Assistant. She is involved in all aspects of patient care including taking detailed histories and physical exams, developing and implementing treatment plans, and prescribing medications. Her expertise includes management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health conditions, as well as evaluation and treatment of acute illnesses through telehealth platforms. Stefanie’s commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate care is evident in all that she does.

Charlotte is a highly experienced counseling professional with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling and Christian Education with over a decade of experience providing mental health and substance abuse services to children, adolescents, adults and families. She has a proven track record of delivering high quality services in various settings, including outpatient clinics, crisis walk-in clinics and juvenile justice centers. Charlotte is a compassionate and empathetic counselor, skilled in using integrative care and evidence-based interventions to help clients manage their problems and find solutions to their personal issues. She is also an effective leader with demonstrated success in supervising and developing new clinicians, building relationships with stakeholders, and running day-to-day operations of a clinic.

As a skilled Physician Assistant with a background in both primary care and behavioral health, Ruth brings a unique combination of knowledge and experience to her patients. With a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from South University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from North Carolina State University, she has honed her skills to provide exceptional care to patients in need. Ruth’s career has taken her to various clinics, including B&D Integrated Health Services, where she served as a Physician Assistant, and Mindpath Care Centers, where she provided behavioral health care. Ruth is proud to have also served as a Physician Assistant at Urban Ministries Open Door Clinic, providing primary care to those in need. With a passion for helping others, Ruth is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to all her patients.

A lover of people, Lauren is a therapist with a wide range of experience since completing her Masters in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin in 2011. Throughout her career, Lauren has worked with individuals, families, and couples, facing a variety of needs, including relational difficulties, grief and loss, trauma, Autism, and professional and educational concerns. She considers it a great honor to walk alongside individuals as they bravely take steps to confront their pasts and enrich their futures.

Dr. Whitenack received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. After medical school, he completed his adult psychiatry residency at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC. During the last year of training, he was appointed Chief Resident over the large residency program. Dr. Whitenack specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of women’s mental health issues, ADD/ADHD, panic attacks, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. He utilizes TMS treatment for depression. When not working, Caleb, originally from Denver, CO, enjoys the mountains, snowboarding, good food, homebrewing beer and traveling with his family.

Dr. Nakamura is a board-certified psychiatrist and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and trauma and stressor-related disorders. She obtained her MD and PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During her graduate studies, she explored the role that apoptotic proteins play in neurodevelopment and disease. Dr. Nakamura then completed her adult psychiatry residency at Duke University and, while at Duke, was part of the Medical Education Leadership Track. In addition to seeing patients, she has a passion for teaching medical students, residents and APPs. During her free time, she enjoys cooking, photography and spending time with her family.

Whitney earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Sciences from North Carolina State University and her Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Elon University. She started her PA career in oncology and then transitioned to psychiatry after becoming interested in how mental health impacts physical health and quality of life.

Whitney has lived in NC since the age of 8 and believes there is no better place to live! She has been married to her husband Lee since 2001 and they have 3 wonderful children. In her free time; she loves to spend time with her family and friends, attend CrossFit classes at her local gym, hike, read, sing at her church, play piano, cook, and watch her teenage children do the activities they love.

I am a physician assistant with both the passion and experience treating patients who feel unseen or unsupported. I received my Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from South University in Savannah, GA and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I am the child of immigrant parents that worked hard to provide for my sibling and I, therefore it’s important to me to advocate for our underserved, minority, and more vulnerable populations. With experience in addiction medicine, treating pediatric and adult populations with depression, anxiety, mood and neurodevelopmental disorders, I am dedicated to continuing to learn and to educate patients on how to best treat their mental health.

After obtaining his medical degree, Dr. Vijay Swahari completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he studied brain development and maturation and the ensuing disorders that occur during neurodevelopment. Following his research fellowship, he trained in the psychiatry residency program at Duke University. During his training at Duke, he was particularly drawn to the biopsychosocial approach of treating psychiatric illness. This approach involves careful medication management with equal emphasis on therapy and improving social support. Training first as a Tarheel and then a Blue Devil, Dr. Swahari has made North Carolina his home.

Ariel obtained her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and her Bachelors of Science in Respiratory Therapy from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She has always been dedicated to collaborative care with other providers as well as informed and collaborative care with her patients, this is a vital part of her practice. She will do her best to meet you where you are in a caring and compassionate manner. Ariel has been told that she is easy to talk to and laid back which she believes facilitates a strong provider-patient relationship, especially in the mental health field. In her free time, she finds enjoyment in learning about the latest in psychiatric and psychological practice to share with her patients. She is truly fascinated by the “human condition”.

I have been a PA for 11 years and have practiced in Urgent Care, Clinical Research and Addiction Medicine. I attended the University of South Carolina where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science in 2009. I then attended South University and received a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2012. Dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized care, I will always do my best to meet my patients where they are. I am passionate about expanding access to mental healthcare and truly enjoy getting to know my patients.

Being a mom is my greatest joy in life. My husband and I have 3 children, ages 8,7 and 2. We also recently welcomed a puppy to our family, Ollie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who goes everywhere with us. I enjoy traveling and exploring all the outdoor activities that the Lowcountry has to offer. I am a proud Carolina Gamecock and Atlanta Braves fan!

Brock Carter, MMS, PA-C earned his Master of Medical Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee in 2017 following his completion of their didactic program and clinical rotations at various healthcare institutions throughout Central Florida and Houston, Texas. He began his career in Emergency and Behavioral Medicine in Central Florida in 2017, and continued to practice in Internal Medicine with Administrative roles at various hospitals and practices in Knoxville, Tennessee from 2018-2022. Prior to his clinical education, Brock was a Research Associate for Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Biosciences Division where he contributed to a Climate and Biofuels Research initiative after obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology from The University of Tennessee in 2012. His interest in science and dedication to helping others through practicing medicine have led him to a promising future with Animo Sano Psychiatry, which he joined in October of 2023. In his freetime, he enjoys playing live music, spending time with his family and friends, exploring nature, and taking road trips.

Hunter received his Bachelor of Science from North Dakota State University and his Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. He has a background in family medicine, psychiatry, and multi-specialty research. Hunter believes in a holistic approach to health and wellness. As with both pathology and treatment, rarely is there a singular factor in disease or healing. Hunter encourages approaching physical and mental health from all potential angles including
mind, body, and spirit. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, and cheering on the UT Volunteers.

Hi there, my name is Sydney! For as long as I can remember, I’ve been passionate about mental health and how I can help those who are struggling. My love for Psychiatry has steadily grown throughout my education. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Colgate University and my Master’s degree from Pacific University. I am currently working on my Doctorate in Medical Sciences from Pacific University. My approach to mental health is continually evolving, but firmly rooted in a foundation of compassion and empathy. I want my patients to feel heard, while working on small, daily habits to improve their quality of life.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy reading, running and playing with my 4-year-old rescue dog, Teddy. I’m determined to improve my cooking. Currently in the stage of more burnt meals than edible ones, but still working on it!

Mattias is originally from Florida. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Florida Institute of Technology where he also played on the varsity tennis team. He obtained his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. Mattias fell in love with Raleigh, North Carolina, during one of his travels during his PA program. Shortly after completing his NCCPA State licensure, Mattias moved to Raleigh North Carolina to experience the cool fall weather. Mattias enjoys reading books and playing tennis in his free time.

Hannah earned her Master of Physican Assistant Practice and Master of Science in Public Health degrees from Campbell University. She is passionate about mental health and working with patients to meet their goals and address barriers to wellness. She treats many mental health conditions but has professional interests in ADHD and anxiety.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her wife and 3 cats, making art, gardening, hiking, doing yoga, and reading.