Mentally STRONG Team
Meet the Mentally STRONG Team
Welcome to Mentally STRONG! Our dedicated team is divided into two specialized groups to better serve your needs: The Academy Team and The Treatment Team.
Each team is here to help you in different ways. If you’re looking for training to help others or need personal care for yourself, our teams work together to give you the best support possible. Both the Academy and Treatment Teams are committed to your well-being and are ready to guide you every step of the way.
Educating and Supporting Growth
Our Academy Team is dedicated to teaching and guiding individuals and professionals through the Mentally STRONG Method. They focus on helping you grow and make lasting positive changes, offering knowledge and support to help you succeed in your learning journey.
Dr. Cristi Bundukamara, EdD PMHNP
Dr. Cristi Bundukamara, EdD PMHNP
FOUNDER AND CREATOR OF THE MENTALLY STRONG METHOD
Dr. B is the Founder of Mentally STRONG and creator of The Mentally STRONG Method. Through hardship and grief, she created this method and now wants to share it with you. It is a formula for mental strength that anyone can learn.
Click on the link below to visit Dr. B’s page. There, you can meet our founder, learn more about the creator of the Mentally STRONG Method, learn about her life and professional experience, and access additional programs offered personally by Dr. B.
Kim Smith, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Kim Smith, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER AND DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
I am a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, I spent over 5 years in the field of project management and completed a Masters degree in Leadership and Organizations in 2012. While I enjoyed the projects and teams I worked on, I knew my calling was in the field of nursing where I would have the opportunity to serve and work with people on a more personal level. My nursing experience began as an active-duty member of the United States Air Force. While working on an inpatient medical-surgical unit, I have had the opportunity to work with patients across the lifespan in various specialties, including oncology and pediatrics, and eventually became board-certified as a medical-surgical nurse. While I loved my years as both a nurse and military member in the Air Force, I made the decision to pursue a degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner and completed my Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 2019. During my clinical experiences in my FNP program, I developed a passion for clients struggling with mental health issues and for the field of psychiatry. As a result, upon completing my FNP program, I continued to complete a Post-Masters Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to partner with clients and support each person on the journey to become mentally stronger. I was born in Colorado, and even though I spent some time living in Texas and Ohio, I definitely call Colorado home. I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and dog mom! My family and I spend our free time hiking, biking, exercising our dogs, and anything else that involves being outdoors!
Heather
Heather
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
I have lived in Colorado Springs most of my life and am a graduate from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. I am the mother to three amazing kids. Life has presented us with various tragedies and challenges. It is through those challenges that I realized my true passion lies in helping others. I am a Certified Mind Body Nutrition Coach and have over 13 years’ experience in the health and wellness industry. Over these years, I have come to realize that true health encompasses the whole person; mind, body, spirit, and emotion. My goal is to help people have better, happier, and healthier lives and I am honored to be able to assist others in making positive life changes through The Mentally STRONG Method.
Jada
Jada
PROJECT DIRECTOR
My background includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida, where my focus was on behavioral psychology. I also have extensive experience in financial counseling, patient access, and medical insurance in a hospital setting. When I first learned about The Mentally STRONG Method, I knew that it was different. This cognitive-behavioral approach has truly helped me and I know it will help others. I am extremely excited about the amazing opportunity to be a part of the team as an advocate for reaching new pathways to growth! I am very proud of and love spending time with my daughter. Some of my interests include reading, yoga, animals, art, and music.
Providing Compassionate Care and Support
Our Treatment Team is dedicated to supporting your mental health with expert care and compassion. Everyone here plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
Michelle Egbert, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Michelle Egbert, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER
I am a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. I started my career in clinical research and gastroenterology as a registered nurse after graduating from Brigham Young University in 2002. During this time, I married my husband, settled in Colorado Springs where I have lived for 16 years, and raised my 5 kids ages 20 to 9. Life experiences led me to find a calling to work in psychiatry. I returned to UCCS for my Master of Science in Nursing and to Liberty University for a Post-Graduate Certification in Psychiatry. I feel privileged to be invited into people’s stories and I understand firsthand as a wife, mother, and friend the need for quality psychiatric care. I am proud to be part of the Mentally STRONG team as it provides important access to comprehensive and individualized psychiatric services. In my spare time I love to run, backpack, eat candy, and spend time with my family. I look forward to meeting with you.
Courtney Baker, PMHNP
Courtney Baker, PMHNP
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER
Courtney Baker is a passionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner committed to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness within the community. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), Courtney recently attained her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University in February 2024. With over 16 years of extensive experience, she commenced her career as an Emergency Department registered nurse, where she provided compassionate care to individuals facing psychiatric and medical emergencies.
During her tenure in the Emergency Department, Courtney recognized the pressing need for top-tier mental health care in the community. Driven by her dedication to improving mental health outcomes, she aspires to serve as a catalyst, empowering her patients to discover inner peace and cultivate mental resilience. Courtney takes great pride in being a valued member of the Mentally Strong Team, which offers vital access to comprehensive and personalized psychiatric services.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Courtney finds solace and rejuvenation in outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, paddleboarding, and traveling. She cherishes quality time spent with her family, including her beloved son, daughter and cherished pets—a goldendoodle and aussie. Courtney eagerly anticipates the opportunity to collaborate with all desiring support and encouragement on their journeys toward mental strength and well-being.
Tabitha Hudson, PMHNP
Tabitha Hudson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience across inpatient, emergency, and forensic psychiatric settings. My journey in mental health began with a passion for supporting individuals through some of life’s most difficult moments, whether in hospital settings, forensic facilities, or community clinics. I am especially drawn to the therapeutic relationships formed in outpatient psychiatry and the opportunity to support long-term growth and healing.
I have called Colorado Springs home for the past 11 years. I value building strong, therapeutic relationships with my patients and believe in collaborative, compassionate care tailored to each individual’s unique story. I’m proud to be part of the Mentally STRONG team, where innovation and patient empowerment are at the core of what we do.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking the trails around Colorado Springs, practicing yoga, and finding quiet moments in nature to recharge. I look forward to walking alongside you on your mental health journey.
Amanda Sturgeon, PMHNP
Amanda Sturgeon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
I am a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. I earned my BSN from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and my MSN in nursing education from Colorado State University Pueblo, where I also completed a post-masters certificate as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. My background includes emergency nursing, quality management, and education in rural Colorado and New Mexico. I strive to understand the complexities of mental health, each person’s unique story, and the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence it.
Growing up in rural Northern New Mexico, I am grateful for the rich cultural diversity that shaped
me, believing that our differences enrich our lives, and make us stronger and more resilient. I am passionate about serving rural and underserved populations and making mental health care accessible and stigma-free. Outside work, I enjoy traveling, gardening, and spending time with my family and two dachshunds, Pumpkin and Roxy.
Eric Miller, PMHNP
Eric Miller, PMHNP
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER
I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner currently completing the Mentally STRONG Fellowship. Before transitioning into mental health, I spent decades serving the Colorado Springs community as a critical care nurse and paramedic, providing care in high-intensity environments where teamwork and compassion were essential. I also continue to serve as an officer in the United States Air Force Reserves, with several overseas deployments that deepened my understanding of resilience, leadership, and the psychological impact of service.
My professional interest focuses on working with patients across the age spectrum and working with first responders, veterans, and individuals carrying the weight of generational trauma. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and have a special interest in helping patients navigate complex and generational trauma and rediscover their inner strength.
Outside of work, I enjoy writing, exploring the outdoors, and taking in the beauty of Colorado’s mountains and open spaces.
Taylor
Taylor
OFFICE MANAGER
I'm Taylor, I am a Colorado native, a wife and proud mother of two adventurous boys. For the past few years, I've been working in the mental health field as nursing staff, I've gained valuable experience and a deep passion for helping others. When I'm not at work, you'll find me cheering on the Broncos, Rockies, and Nuggets—I'm a huge sports fan! I also enjoy road trips and exploring our beautiful country. I am so excited to be joining the Mentally Strong team, with like minded coworkers who share the same passion as me. I am committed to making a positive impact on those around me and everyone I encounter.
Nidra
Nidra
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
I am originally from Homestead, Fl. I relocated to Colorado Springs with my family in 2017, I am a mother of 3 beautiful children. I have 4 years of experience as a CNA and over 10 plus years of experience of working with at- youth and individuals with IDD. I am currently enrolled at Pikes Peak Community college working to complete my social service certification.
Brianna
Brianna
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST
Hi! I'm Brianna. I enjoy spending time with my 2-year-old and listening to music. I am a strong believer of mental health and have been an advocate for as long as I can remember. I also have experience in in-home nursing and caregiving and helping people is one of my passions. I believe becoming a part of the Mentally STRONG team is an amazing fit for me and look forward to blossoming here.
Evevetta
Evevetta
Evevetta's background is in Healthcare Administration. She expresses that she likes working here because it is what she has been called to do. "I am here to serve others and help them become mentally stronger prior to and after dealing with trauma and life stressors." Evevetta's hobbies include making memories with others, adventurous things, obstacle courses, working out, movies, good food, and living life to the fullest before it's over.
Janessa
Janessa
Hello! My name is Janessa and I am a medical assistant here at Mentally Strong. I have a background as a CNA/QMAP and plan to further my education in the medical field. I have always had a passion for helping others and want to make a positive impact in our community surrounding mental health. In my free time, I love spending time with my fiancé and my daughter who just turned one. I also enjoy traveling, taking my daughter to new places, and cooking! I am so lucky to be a part of a team who truly cares about mental health and look forward to meeting new people on a daily basis to make a positive impact in their lives!
Adam
Adam
I am originally from Colorado Springs and joined the US Navy and became a Navy Corpsman in 1999, which took me away from Colorado for 20 years. After 8 years of service, I resided in Pittsburgh, PA until 2019 when I moved back to the Springs. While in the military and after being discharged I worked in Emergency Medicine specializing in Emergency Cardiology and Neurology. After moving back, I dabbled in working in a nightclub when I realized that I wanted something more stable for my family. My partner and I have 2 teenage boys, which are our lives. My interests include spending quality time with my family, raising money for charity and performing. I love being a part of an amazing team that is dedicated to treating and educating about mental health. The camaraderie with the Mentally STRONG team is phenomenal and I am honored to be a part of it.
Taylor
Taylor
I was born in San Diego, CA and recently moved to Colorado Springs with my husband, to seek out a better way of life. I was never a beach girl or anything like that while living in California like the stereotypical Californian; I am a homebody that likes to stay where I'm most comfortable. I enjoy working on either home projects, singing, playing video-games, binging tv shows, baking treats, and decorating for the holidays. Whenever I am not at home, my husband and I go out to try new speakeasies, bars, and restaurants with our friends.
I was diagnosed with Autism at a very young age and struggled with multiple years of special education throughout my life, but I did not let that stop me from striving to earn two A.S degrees, moving across several states to be in Colorado, and becoming a certified notary public. I am a proud cat mom “crazy cat lady” to two beautiful rescued cats named Eevee & Ash. Someday we would like to adopt a dog to complete our little furry family for now until we decide to bring a little “us” of our own into the world.
Joining the Mentally Strong team is such a great honor and a great start to having a stable career.
Irina
Irina
I am committed to supporting individuals through life's challenges, fostering emotional well-being, and empowering personal growth. As a cognitive behavioral approach, I utilize the Mentally STRONG method to provide personalized care. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their concerns and work towards meaningful change. I believe in the power of taking control of your own mental health to heal, restore balance, and build resilience.
Leah
Leah
Hi, I’m Leah a Colorado Native and a member of the mentally strong team, I have worked in various healthcare settings as a CNA/QMAP where I have honed my skills in patient care. I have a passion for helping others. It not only brings me joy and fulfillment but also creates a ripple effect of kindness to those around you. Outside of my duties here at mentally strong, I enjoy being a mom. I have two daughters and a German Shepard pup. We love spending time together outdoors. Going on adventures, fishing and our all time favorite camping. I enjoy being a part of an amazing team and helping reduce the stigma on mental illness.
Cristian
Cristian
Hey! My name is Cristian. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, I moved to the United States at the age of 5 and grew up with a deep passion for the arts in the city of Miami. These creative outlets helped me understand and connect with different perspectives and emotions. Today, I am using that same curiosity and empathy into the mental health field, with the goal of supporting anyone through life’s challenges and helping them build a healthy foundation. I’m passionate about creating a safe, non judgmental space for clients to explore their concerns and work toward meaningful change. Outside of work, I enjoy making music, photography, DJing , gym and hiking. I look forward to working together and getting to know you!
