THE STORY: I am originally from Atlanta. After graduating from high school, I joined the Air Force so I could travel the world. I returned to Georgia after leaving the active-duty military and received my undergraduate degree in Nursing from Georgia State University. I worked as a registered nurse for five years in an Emergency Department, and it was there I was first introduced to the dire need for mental healthcare.
To further my career, I pursued a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and then worked as a pediatric nurse practitioner, providing primary care to infants, children, and adolescents. As my focus shifted from primary care to mental healthcare, I identified a critical shortage of mental health providers and the grave need for the pediatric population to receive mental health treatment. With that need in mind, I earned a doctorate in nursing from St. Catherine University in Minnesota and certification as a pediatric mental health specialist.
Currently, I own and operate the mental health clinic, Axis Hope LLC in East Cobb, where I asses, diagnose, and treat the mental health needs of children and adolescents by developing treatment plans and prescribing medications for symptom management. I specialize in treating anxiety, ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, and autism. In 2019, I also began teaching at Emory University and Kennesaw State as an adjunct professor. I enjoy giving back to the community whenever I can. I am fluent in Spanish. I am married with four boys, and remain in the military as an officer in the Air National Guard.
WHY I CHOSE TO LIVE IN COBB: The quality of the schools and welcoming spirit of the community are why I was drawn to Cobb. I have four sons, so I understand the importance of receiving quality education. The people in Cobb County are kind, warm-hearted, and really value civic connections. I could not imagine living any place else!
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love knowing that I am in a position to assist a person with turning things around in their life. The best compliments I hear are “I have my daughter back” or “I have my son back, thank you!” It is so rewarding to make a positive impact with these children and believing I can possibly help guide them down a healthier path of life.
LEISURE TIME: I enjoy cooking, traveling, and reading. I hope to see more of the world next year; and I always look forward to spending more time with my family!
BEST ADVICE: Ensure you carve out some time for self-care. It is just as important that you are mentally, emotionally, and physically stable first, before you can begin to help someone else.
WHAT’S NEXT? Next for me is expanding my practice to adults and providing therapy to my patients, in addition to what I am currently providing. I love learning and will stay current on evidence-based practice, which includes attending conferences and lectures around the world. I hope to continue spreading the word about mental health with some speaking engagements as well. Ultimately, I would like to offer mental health services in neighboring states (via telemedicine) to provide care to those who have limited access to mental health treatment. I love connecting patients to mental health resources and see myself doing that for the next 30 years!
678.503.8629 • axishope.care
