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
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.
Haley Lawrence, PMHNP
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Taylor Bright
Taylor Bright
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.
Jessie Dunn
Jessie Dunn
MENTALLY STRONG METHOD COUNSELOR
My name is Jessie Dunn, and I currently work as a Psychoeducational Counselor for Mentally Strong. My family, and I, have lived in Colorado Springs for 3 years now and are enjoying all that it has to offer. We are originally from San Jose California, where all 5 of our children were born. Things I enjoy include spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, running, playing games, art and reading.
I have always had a passion for education and an understanding that we all have our own mental health journey. I have a AA in Social & Behavioral Sciences, as well as a BS in Marriage & Family Studies. In my previous job, I was a Substitute Teacher for my children’s School District. I enjoy staying involved in the community, and look constantly for opportunities to volunteer in my children’s schools and at my church.
Prescott Williams
Prescott Williams
MENTALLY STRONG METHOD COUNSELOR
Hello! My name is Prescott Williams and I am a psychoeducational counselor at Mentally STRONG. I have a bachelor's degree from Colorado State University - Pueblo in Psychology. I have spent the last four in a half years working in Applied Behavioral Analysis working with children on the autism spectrum. I have lived in Colorado most of my life and love the mountains. I spend my free time going on hikes, reading books, or watching my comfort tv shows. I look forward to working together and getting to know you!
Irina Pop
Irina Pop
MENTALLY STRONG METHOD COUNSELOR
As a dedicated and compassionate counselor, 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 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.
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.
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.
Chloe Solari
Chloe Solari
PMHNP FELLOW
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 5 years of nursing experience in the psychiatric field. I have worked with clients of all ages with a variety of different mental health conditions. My practice emphasizes integrative care by blending traditional psychiatric treatments with evidence-based holistic and lifestyle interventions. In addition to the PMHNP fellowship program at Mentally Strong, I am also pursuing a certification in psychiatric functional medicine to address the root cause of mental health concerns and help individuals achieve lasting wellness. When I'm not working or studying I like to spend time with family, exercise, and create new recipes.
Amanda Sturgeon
Amanda Sturgeon
PMHNP FELLOW
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.
Tabitha Hudson
Tabitha Hudson
PMHNP FELLOW
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.
Evevetta Harris
Evevetta Harris
MENTALLY STRONG
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.