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
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.
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.
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-BC
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.
Aprill Fike, PMHNP-BC
Aprill Fike, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
My journey in healthcare began over 10 years ago as a Certified Nursing Assistant, where I discovered my passion for caring for others during vulnerable seasons of life. I continued to grow in my career as a Registered Nurse and now as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, bringing a decade of experience serving individuals across the lifespan. Much of my background includes working with postpartum mothers and children, which deepened my understanding of how mental health impacts both individuals and families.
I believe in meeting people where they are and creating a safe, supportive space where they feel heard and valued. My goal is to help patients build resilience, develop practical tools, and experience lasting growth, not just symptom relief.
I am excited to be part of the Mentally Strong team, providing compassionate, high-quality care to the Colorado Springs community and expanding access to needed mental health services.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, and serving in our local church community.
Alli Daemke, PMHNP-BC
Alli Daemke, PMHNP
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER
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.
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.
Savanna
Savanna
Hello, my name is Savanna. I enjoy spending time with friends, even during everyday activities such as running errands, and I take pride in helping others whenever possible. In my free time, I enjoy playing games and reading. I am excited to be part of the Mentally Strong team and look forward to contributing in a positive and productive way.
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.
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!