Our Team

Raj Mukatira, PHD, PMHNP​

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Medical Director & CEO

Raj Mukatira is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed to treat patients
across life span. He holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from Purdue University (2000)
and masters from Vanderbilt University (2015) as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner. He is motivated to cultivate a meaningful and therapeutic alliance with his
patients while offering state of the art psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic
care. His practice philosophy includes helping his patients reach their full potential
through an holistic, integrative approach with emphasis on accountability. He also
provides outpatient care for patients via telehealth at Memphis Psychiatry under the
supervision of Nga Huynh MD.

Nga Huynh, MD

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Huynh earned her Doctor of Medicine from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center where she later completed her internship and General Psychiatry training. Following that, she completed: Leadership Education in Neuro-Developmental Disabilities & Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowships at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Kristena Partridge, LCSW

Clinical Director

Kristena Partridge, LCSW, is licensed in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Illinois. She
comes to The Transformation Center with a background in trauma-informed care,
program development, and clinical leadership. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in
Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Memphis and her Master of
Social Work from Aurora University. Kristena brings a well-rounded perspective to her
work, combining direct clinical experience with systems-level insight. She has supported
clients through a range of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and
relational challenges. Her clinical approach integrates EMDR, parts work, somatic
practices, CBT, and DBT-informed strategies, always tailored to the individual needs of
each client. As Clinical Director at The Transformation Center, Kristena oversees
programming and clinical care with a focus on quality, accessibility, and integrity. In
addition to her leadership role, she also maintains a small private practice, which allows
her to continue offering individual therapy in a more flexible setting. She is passionate
about providing grounded, meaningful care and remains committed to improving mental
health outcomes across the communities she serves. Outside of her professional life,
Kristena enjoys road trips, a good fantasy novel, board games, and spending time with
her partner and loved ones. She believes in the healing power of humor, connection,
and creating space for people to feel seen just as they are.

Alisa Waltz, MA

Director of Health Services

Alisa serves as the Director of Health Services at The Transformation Center, bringing over 20 years of dedicated experience in mental health care. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Mars Hill College and a Master’s degree in Educational
Psychology and Counselor Education from Tennessee Tech University. A committed and compassionate leader, Alisa plays an integral role in the daily operations of the Center, ensuring the highest standards of care for every individual served.

Her extensive background in mental health, coupled with a deep understanding of credentialing requirements, makes her a vital part of the organization’s mission to transform lives.

Outside of work, Alisa enjoys spending time with her family, reading and watching college sports.

Andrea Brooks

Office Manager & Biller

Andrea has over 10 years of experience working in Psychiatry. Before beginning in
healthcare, she was in account management for twenty years. She has extensive
experience with patient care, payroll, billing, prior authorizations for medications and
general provider support. In 2021, she was involved in initiating a Spravato treatment
center including organizing the REMS program, monitoring and reporting and educating
patients on the Spravato process.

When she is not working, she is a wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoys gardening,
cooking and her pets, one chihuahua, one cat and two horses.

Angel Laughlin

Office Manager

Angel is a lifelong Memphian with over a decade of experience in the mental health
field, specifically within the Memphis area. With over a decade of dedicated service in
outpatient facility settings, she has developed a deep passion for patient care and a
strong sense of teamwork. Angel is known for her commitment to providing
compassionate and effective support to those in need. Outside of her professional life,
Angel enjoys spending her free time watching movies, sewing, and crafting, which
allows her to express her creativity and unwind.

Laura Wickman, MS

Clinical Lead & Therapist

Laura earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The
University of Memphis and brings extensive experience from her work in residential
facilities, where she has served diverse populations, including those recovering from
eating disorders and substance abuse. Passionate about empowering her clients, Laura
is dedicated to helping them build skills that foster self-sufficiency and confidence. She
thrives on guiding individuals to connect with their inner motivation for recovery and
mental well-being. Outside of her professional life, Laura enjoys hiking, camping,
attending local events, and spending quality time with friends.

Stuart Jansen

Therapist

Stuart earned a Bachelor of Science in Photography and Judaic Studies from Drexel
University in 2009, a Master of Arts in Teaching from the School of the Art Institute of
Chicago in 2014, and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the
University of Memphis in 2024. Before transitioning to counseling, Stuart spent a
decade as an art teacher, fostering creativity and growth in his students. He believes
that, whether in the art studio or a therapy group, “practice makes progress.” Stuart
excels at leading groups and in individual sessions, offering compassionate support,
and helping clients uncover the root causes of their challenges. When not working with
clients, he enjoys gardening, cycling, cooking, and making a joyful mess in his art
studio.

Elizabeth Westberry

Clinical Care Coordinator & Therapist

Elizabeth obtained a degree in Corporate and Organizational Communications from
Northern Illinois University with additional coursework in Communications Psychology.
While currently pursuing a Clinical Social Work Degree, with an additional specialty
certification in Trauma Treatment Counseling from the University of Tennessee, she
uses her extensive work experience in various fields to aid in client case management
and to support the clinical staff. Committed to creating and supporting a safe treatment
environment, Elizabeth uses a multifaceted approach of Person Centered, Person in
Environment, and Strength based perspectives to work with clients of all backgrounds.
Passionate about treating each client as an individual Elizabeth uses her knowledge,
experience and research skills to work with clients with Substance Use Disorder, ADHD,
PTSD, C-PTSD, Depression and Anxiety disorders, while specializing in working with
Military, First responders, and survivors of traumatic abuse.

Jennifer Rhodes

Therapist

Jennifer brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by military
families, shaped by her upbringing in a military household and over a decade of
supporting her spouse’s military career. Her personal journey of healing from childhood
trauma and complex family dynamics inspired her path into the field of therapy and
continues to inform the compassionate, client-centered care she provides.
Jennifer is committed to creating a therapeutic space where clients feel truly seen,
supported, and empowered. Her approach is collaborative and adaptable, drawing from
evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, and others to meet each client’s
individual needs and goals.
She specializes in working with young adults and adults navigating trauma, anxiety,
depression, identity development, grief, and eating disorders. Jennifer is especially
passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and those working through religious
trauma or internalized shame. She believes healing is possible and is honored to walk
alongside clients on their path toward greater self-understanding and well-being.

Star Pack

Therapist

Star Pack holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in
Clinical Counseling. Star brings a warm, structured, and client-centered approach to her
work, drawing from a variety of therapeutic techniques to support each client’s unique
needs. She is passionate about helping individuals improve their quality of life and
enjoys walking alongside clients as they navigate personal growth, build resilience, and
foster greater well-being. Star works with a wide range of clients and values creating a
safe, supportive space where healing and transformation can occur.

Shelbee Avelino

Shelbee Avelino received her Masters of Art in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University in March of 2025. Shelbee has experience working with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorders, developmental disorders and substance use disorders in group and individual therapy. Shelbee has a passion for working with children, adolescents and their families drawing from a variety of therapeutic techniques. Shelbee works from a flexible treatment approach of CBT and DBT but enjoys art therapy and play therapy as a way to heal in a creative way. She brings a warm and empathetic style to allow her clients to feel seen and heard. In her free time, Shelbee enjoys powerlifting at the gym, building lego sets, gardening, and making sourdough bread.

Danzi L. Cutter, LMSW

Intake Assessor & Therapist

Danzi earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in
2005. After relocating to Tennessee, she completed her Master of Science in Social
Work at the University of Tennessee. With extensive experience working with both youth
and adults in diverse behavioral health settings—ranging from crisis intervention and
group homes to inpatient treatment and outpatient therapy—Danzi brings a wealth of
clinical expertise. She is particularly skilled in conducting compassionate and thorough
intake assessments. Beyond her dedication to providing exceptional mental health care,
she enjoys sewing and spending time with her family.

Monica Dennis, MSN, RN

Monica Dennis is a dedicated mental health nurse that earned her Bachelor of Science
in Nursing from UTHSC in 2024. She also holds a Master’s degree in Instructional and
Curriculum Leadership in Education from the University of Memphis, a Drug and Alcohol
Counseling certification from Memphis Theological Seminary, and a dual degree in
Psychology and English Literature from Fisk University. Monica is committed to
providing compassionate and effective care to those in need. She is passionate about
mental health, recovery, and overall well-being. Outside of nursing, Monica enjoys
spending time with her family, reading, watching movies, and traveling to new places.

Mitchell Copeland

Therapist

Mitchell Copeland is a dedicated counselor who obtained his Masters Of Clinical Mental
Health Counseling Degree From Christian Brothers University. Mitchell has great
experience in running adult and adolescent groups. In addition, Mitchell has experience
working with clients with diverse presenting concerns such as depression, anxiety,
substance abuse, etc. Mitchell brings a charismatic and passionate approach to
counseling and strives for clients to see they are more than what they are currently.
Mitchell believes “We do everything for a reason” and that your reason for being here is
what pushes him to do the work with love. In his free time Mitchell enjoys break dancing
at the dance studio, skating, or practicing mixed martial arts.