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.
Heather Henniger
Heather Henniger
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 West
Jada West
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.
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!
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, from those who provide counseling and medication management to the team members who ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes
Adam Martinez
Adam Martinez
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
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 Rocho
Taylor Rocho
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
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.
Penny Mickens
Penny Mickens
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST
I am a military brat, having been born in Maine, but moving around to multiple states, to include Illinois , Wisconsin and finally settling in Colorado, which I consider home. I am excited to join the team here at Mentally Strong blending my expertise in healthcare finance with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in the medical field. My career is complemented by a passion for educating others, highlighted by my role as a teacher’s assistant and instructor for a community-based QuickBooks class during my accounting studies, where I achieved a perfect attendance and graduated with a 4.0 GPA, showing dedication to every endeavor.
Outside of my professional pursuits, I find joy in spending quality time with my family, indulging in reading, and enjoying outings to the Penny Arcade and the bowling alley. I harbor a love for motorcycles, and dreams of cruising on a Harley every weekend if circumstances allowed.
Angel Walker, FNP
Angel Walker, FNP
FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER
I am originally from Minnesota and as active in the outdoors as I am, the family and I decided to move to Colorado seven years ago to pursue a place where we can enjoy the weather more year-round. I enjoy hiking, skiing, camping, paddleboarding, weightlifting, and of course my phenomenal ping pong playing skills. I have a grown daughter who decided to move back to Minnesota, and two teenage boys. All my children are very active in sports, and at the moment I am enjoying watching them do what they love, even if that means camping trips are few and far between. I started my nursing career back in 2006 as an LPN and went back for another year to complete my RN degree. I later obtained my BSN and most recently decided that I wanted to do more in the nursing field, and I really wanted to be a medical provider. So, nearly two years ago in the middle of covid, I completed my MSN and am now a Family Nurse Practitioner. I absolutely love what Mentally Strong has to offer patients and their family. I feel blessed to be a part of such a strong community that offers the best access to mental health, and is available and accommodating to so many individuals that truly rely on the services we provide. I am eager to continue learning and growing the clinic and finding even more ways we can help people with their mental health needs, even more so with the patients that have nearly debilitating illnesses.
Autumn Schriever
Autumn Schriever
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Hello my name is Autumn, and I am a Medical Assistant here at Mentally Strong. I am currently working to finish my prerequisites for Nursing School and hope to one day become a NP myself. I have always had a passion for helping the people around me in any way I can. I have lived in Colorado my whole life and spend most of my free time outdoors. Oftentimes this includes skiing, trail running, volleyball and walking my dogs. I am a huge animal lover and currently have two dogs, a cat, and a ferret at my home. The horse (Evie) is now located at a summer camp. I also enjoy traveling and going on adventures with my friends and family.
Cody Lovell
Cody Lovell
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST
Hi, I’m Cody! I was born and raised in Georgia and spent a few years in Texas before moving to Colorado in 2024. I fell in love with Colorado right away. Through career opportunities and my own personal experiences I’ve realized my heart is in mental health and helping others on their journey. I’m excited to be starting my career in the mental health field with Mentally Strong. It brings me a lot of joy and comfort to be surrounded by like minded people who are as passionate in helping others as I am.
Outside of work, I enjoy going to concerts, traveling to new places, and exploring the outdoors. I also love binge watching a good show or having a relaxing night at home, but most of all cuddling with my pit-bull James.
Something that has helped me on my mental health journey is remembering there is growth in discomfort.
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.
Dezerae Elsen, PMHNP
Dezerae Elsen, PMHNP
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER
Dezerae Elsen is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides a full range of psychiatric services. Dezerae earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at North Dakota State University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. She has over 10 years of nursing experience in various roles including adult and pediatric nursing case management, hospital inpatient and outpatient cardiac nursing, as well as hospital administration/supervision. She uses her various nursing experiences and roles in her psychiatric practice to provide quality, patient-centered care to patients across the lifespan. Dezerae's goal as a psychiatric nurse practitioner is to work in tandem with her client's to build a treatment plan that works best for them where they are currently at in life. She aims to help clients cultivate a treatment plan that incorporates many areas of their life: mental health, emotional health, physical health and spiritual health and well-being.
Dezerae is originally from South Dakota but has lived in Colorado for over 10 years. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to sporting events, watching comedy shows, reading, painting, biking, skiing, cooking and traveling.
Haley Lawrence
Haley Lawrence
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to work against the stigma around mental health. I believe in a holistic approach and active listening to my patients needs. My position at Mentally STRONG is something I value to provide collaborative care to support my patients well-being.
My nursing experience started by floating around the hospital from floor to floor to gain knowledge in each specialty following graduating from Augustana College with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology & Psychology in 2019 and from Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2020. While starting my nursing career, I immediately returned to school for my Doctorate of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health at Regis College.
I was originally from Illinois and moved to Colorado in 2020 due to my love for the outdoors and mountains. Outside of work you would more than likely find me camping, hiking, mountain biking, traveling, reading, and spending time with my two mini aussies + husband.
Heather McCrystal
Heather McCrystal
MENTALLY STRONG METHOD COUNSELOR
I grew up in a large Irish family and was raised primarily by my father and my older sister. I have 22 cousins who are more like siblings. During my primary education, I lived in Security, Colorado. It was a very tight knit community, and still is. During my secondary education, I started at Widefield then moved north to attend Rampart in Colorado Springs. After Graduation, I spent the next 7 years in Las Vegas, NV raising my family. In total I have 9 children; five I helped create, and four bonus children. After returning home and allowing most of my children to grow, I returned back to school and received my bachelor's in psychology from UCCS. Upon graduation I worked as an RBT with children with special needs and supported them in behavioral changes and day-to-day needs. I am excited to have a wonderful space like Mentally STRONG to grow and help others grow.
Heidi Davis
Heidi Davis
MENTALLY STRONG METHOD COUNSELOR
I grew up in California and New Mexico, moving frequently due to my father's oil field job. I attended 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools, resulting in instability that affected my self-esteem and ability to form lasting friendships. My family eventually settled in New Mexico, where I met my ex-husband and had my son. When my son was 11 months old, my ex-husband was severely burned in a workplace explosion, leading to PTSD, anxiety, depression, and drug addiction. His refusal to seek therapy resulted in abusive behavior, which caused my own depression and suicidal thoughts. After an intervention where he chose drugs over family, I moved back to New Mexico with my son and found support with my family. With their help, therapy, and self-reflection, I began to rebuild my life. Once stable, I wanted to help others improve their lives. I moved to Colorado, earned an associate's degree from PPCC and a bachelor's degree from UCCS in psychology. I worked with adults with intellectual disabilities and later as a case manager for children with disabilities. Now, as a counselor at Mentally STRONG, I'm eager to help others live their happiest lives.
Taylor Henderson
Taylor Henderson
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
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.
Irina Pop
Irina Pop
MENTALLY STRONG METHOD COUNSELOR
I was born and raised in Romania, I came to the US in 2015 where I met my now husband and together we found our home in beautiful Colorado Springs. We have two rescue dogs that we absolutely adore and spoil rotten.
I like keeping busy and when I’m not at work I enjoy all the outdoor adventures, working out, home improvement projects, reading, cooking for others, listening to my favorite podcast, documentaries and live stand up comedy shows. The list could go on and on but these are a few things that help me keep a healthy balance and spiritually grounded life.
I find joy in helping people and I am proud to be part of a team that works hard to make a positive impact in our community.
Mentally STRONG team’s mission is very dear to my heart because I am a strong believer that everyone deserves a chance or two or three to be the best version of themselves and enjoy life to the fullest.
My favorite quote:
“We all have the capacity to experience joy, but it's up to us to cultivate it through our thoughts, actions, and habits.” -A. Huberman
Tara Riffle
Tara Riffle
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST
I am originally from Portland, Oregon and relocated to Colorado Springs in 2001 with my husband and two daughters when my husband got an offer to be a firefighter at the Air Force Academy. I Spent most of my career in the Chiropractic field, Making connections with patients and getting to see their growth and healing each visit was incredibly rewarding. I am so grateful for the opportunity to join this team and bear witness to the lives that get changed here everyday.
I enjoy crafts, Hiking, and camping in these beautiful Colorado mountains with my dogs.
Jacky Rascon
Jacky Rascon
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST
I was born and raised in Colorado, but love to travel to new places and explore. I love hiking through the mountains and am a serious adrenaline junky. I will do anything from ziplining to riding motorcycles. Most of the time, you can just catch me painting, baking, hanging out with family and friends, and trying out new things. I am very excited to be part of a team that is as passionate about mental health as I am.
Janessa Pingrey
Janessa Pingrey
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
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!
Leah Leyba
Leah Leyba
MENTALLY STRONG METHOD COUNSELOR
Hi, I’m Leah a Colorado Native and a new 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.
Lilian Lopez
Lilian Lopez
RECEPTIONIST
I was originally born in California but grew up in Fountain Colorado. My love for nature, art, food, animals, and different ways of life have led me to a passion for traveling, and meeting new people. I am a big extrovert when you get to know me as I love hearing new stories, adventures, and interests of others that I may not have ever thought of! I’ve always had a heart for art and creativity whether that’s on a canvas, a piece of paper, or even on a human as I went and finished cosmetology school. I found my real love through the art of individuality and more so by conversations I've had through my journey thus far. I am so excited to now begin my journey with Mentally Strong with an amazing group of individuals with the same goal of helping and understanding others.
Marybeth McBain
Marybeth McBain
MENTALLY STRONG COUNSELOR
After a career in teaching followed by case management for DV survivors, Marybeth has chosen to follow her passion for mental health awareness with the Mentally Strong family.
Ruairidh Weir
Ruairidh Weir
MENTALLY STRONG COUNSELOR
I was born in Scotland, but spent a good deal of my childhood traveling across the States in the plow truck that served as our home before settling in Colorado. I moved to Colorado Springs 6 years ago to study at UCCS. I graduated in 2018 with Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminology. After college, it was my original intention to move into law enforcement. I wanted to get experience in mental health prior to going into law, and found myself working in Applied Behavior Analysis for 3 years as a Registered Behavior Technician. It is my passion to help people learn and grow, and I am constantly seeking to improve myself and help others do the same. Counseling here at MentallySTRONG is a fantastic opportunity to do exactly that. The other passions in my life include video games (especially winning at them), tabletop games with friends, reading and writing, and insisting I’m not that tired before passing out on the couch.
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.
Michelle Kuster, PhD
Michelle Kuster, PhD
MENTALLY STRONG COUNSELOR (EXPERT, CHILD SPECIALIST)
I grew up in Canton, Ohio and lived there until I turned 23. I spent the next 25 years traveling with my ex-husband and four sons wherever the Army needed us. I am so proud of my myself, my ex-husband and sons for all the sacrifices we made to serve this great nation. My background is in Social Work as well as fitness. I earned my Doctorate in Sociology while raising our four sons and supporting my ex husbands career as a physician in the US Army. I am proud to say I worked with our redeploying soldiers to assist them with reintegration back into their families and lead the crisis management team while in Hawaii. My passion to help others ended up taking me in a new direction when I decided to go back to school to become a Certified Personal Trainer. Working as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and Fitness center manager helped me gain valuable tools to lead and manage expectations as well as motivate individuals who didn’t think they could accomplish more. In November 2019 I made the decision to return to Colorado to be near my 4 sons and 2 grand kids. I realize how important family is to our overall health and I am proud to say I am once again a full time mom and grandma. With all the turmoil of Covid19 I felt my heart being pulled back into mental health and knew Mentally Strong is where I belonged. My goal is to help others achieve their full potential emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Nidra Bundukamara
Nidra Bundukamara
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.