Dr. Zainab Saherwala, DO

Zainab Saherwala, DO is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in treating common psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Dr. Saherwala earned her Bachelor's of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology at the University of Texas at Dallas. She graduated from Kansas City University of Medicine and completed psychiatry residency at Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. She served as a Chief Resident in her residency program, focusing on managing the outpatient psychotherapy clinic along with teaching residents and medical students. While in residency she received several awards including the Outstanding Resident Award, Excellence in Contributions to Intellectual Disability, and Resident Wall of Excellence at Miami Valley Hospital.

Dr. Saherwala has passion and interest for psychotherapy, intellectual disability disorders, as well as cultural psychiatry. She is skilled at psychodynamic therapy and integrates psychotherapy with medication management in patient care. She has published articles and presented regarding the effects of racism on mental health, particularly for Muslim women.

Dr. Saherwala emphasizes strong relationships with each patient. She starts with a detailed history during the initial evaluation, approaches each case with an open mind, and develops an individualized treatment plan to meet the needs of each patient. Her goal is not only to treat disease symptoms, but also to make a meaningful impact on the daily lives of each person.

Jacey Monroe, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

I’m eager to partner with patients and families to develop a treatment plan and trusting relationship that addresses their individual goals and exceeds their expectations. I’m driven to care for the unique concerns of every patient and ensure they achieve long-term recovery.

I have worked in healthcare for over 9 years. I started as a medical assistant and scribe, and truly felt called to continue my healthcare career after assisting in a medical mission’s trip in Haiti. I went on to become a registered nurse and started my nursing career in the intensive care unit working with the adult and geriatric population. Through ICU nursing, I gained valuable experience and insight in caring for patients struggling with self-harm, substance use disorders, adverse reactions to medications, and other various mental health disorders. I have a lot of compassion for patients struggling with addiction and mental health illness and want to ease the burden that these have on patient’s lives.

After my years in the ICU, I went on to pursue pediatric home health nursing, where I worked extensively with children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental and other mental health disorders. This role allowed me to partner with parents to support and care for their chronically ill child in their home environment, which was very rewarding. From this experience, I have made it my priority to develop trusting relationships with families and patients in the outpatient setting as well.

The themes that guide my practice and interactions with patients are humility, empathy, patience, and advocacy. My goal is to focus on the patient and their expressed needs, input, and concerns when determining their best treatment options. I respect patient’s views, lifestyle, and feelings and incorporate a nonjudgmental and unbiased approach to all patient encounters. I act as an advocate for patients and go the extra mile to ensure they have the resources they need to achieve recovery and remission. 

Eliza Creedon, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Eliza Creedon, PMHNP is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Auburn University. She then earned her Master of Science in Acute Care Nursing from Texas Woman's University and her Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health from Regis College. Prior to completing her advanced degree, Eliza worked in Emergency and Trauma Centers in Georgia and the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. She has worked at Level I Trauma Centers within the Medical City and Piedmont Healthcare systems.

Eliza is a committed and dedicated provider serving her patients and community. She is an advocate for mental health and mentors McKinney ISD middle and high school students. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, the Texas Nurse Practitioners, and the American Nurses Association. 

Prior to switching careers to nursing, Eliza worked as a Senior Associate in financial valuations in New York City, and she holds an MBA from the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University. Eliza enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Chukwudi 'Anthony' Okeke, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Chukwudi Anthony Okeke is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner ( PMHNP). He obtained his bachelor's degree from Old Dominion University, Norfolk Virginia, and master’s degree from University of Texas at Tyler. Prior to coming to Allen Psychiatry, Anthony worked at Oceans Behavioral Hospital of Plano, as well as in the Neuro/Telemetry Unit of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Plano. Anthony believes in providing care to patients in a safe, competent, and compassionate way.

In his spare time, Anthony enjoys watching soccer, football, movies, and spending time with his family.

Cartrina Danner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Cartrina Danner is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She received her first Bachelor of Science in Community Health at the University of Central Arkansas in 1998. She worked in several roles serving those in her community which would eventually lead her to further her career in healthcare. Cartrina earned her Diploma in Registered Nursing at Baptist Health School of Nursing in Little Rock, Arkansas in 2003. She would later earn her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington, with PMHNP as her specialty. Prior to the completion of her advanced practice degree, she worked within the Texas Health Resources system for over 15 years. Her clinical experience involved roles in various inpatient and outpatient settings including: Oncology, Medical-Surgical, Orthopedics, Neurology, and Surgical Services. In these roles, she was able to identify the need for an increase in mental health providers and a decrease in the negative stigma associated with it. 

She is passionate about serving others and dedicated to providing comprehensive and individualized mental health care in a team approach with her clients. Cartrina is recognized as an Advanced Practice Nurse by the Texas Board of Nursing and is board certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC). In conjunction with your physician, she will evaluate, diagnose, and treat various psychiatric disorders including Anxiety Disorders, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Eating Disorders, Major Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Substance Use Disorders. In her spare time, Cartrina enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Tomekia Starling, DNP, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Tomekia Starling is dual-certified advanced practice nurse (APRN) from San Antonio, Texas. She earned her BSN in 2009 at The University of Mary-Hardin-Baylor and worked as a circulating nurse in the cardiovascular operating room for 5 years. In 2014, Tomekia completed her MSN program at UT Health Science Center at San Antonio in Family Practice. Tomekia then moved up to Dallas in 2015 and provided chronic and acute care in a correctional health facility for adult male and female inmates. While working in correctional health, Tomekia earned her Doctorate in Nursing at Chatham University in 2018. After working in correctional health, Tomekia found she enjoyed working with clients suffering from substance abuse and mental health disorders and decided to earn her psychiatric mental health certification (PMHNP) in 2020. 

Dr. Starling is a compassionate advanced practice provider and is dedicated to providing quality comprehensive care. In conjunction with your physician, she will evaluate, diagnose and treat a wide variety of psychiatric disorders including Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity, Major Depression, Bipolar, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders.  Dr. Starling enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Rezwan Khan, MD

Rezwan Khan, MD, is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Geriatric Psychiatry. With over 18 years of extensive experience, he specializes in treating common psychiatric conditions such as depression, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, ADD, treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Dr. Khan obtained his medical degree from the prestigious Dow University of Science in Pakistan and completed his residency training at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana. He also completed a fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry.

Dr. Khan has served in the Department of Veterans Affairs in Indiana, Illinois, and now Texas. He has held positions as a faculty member and associate professor at the University of Urbana Champaign, as well as chief psychiatrist and mental health supervisor at VA Illiana Health Care System. He has been actively involved in both inpatient and outpatient treatment, as well as teaching medical students and residents. Dr. Khan strongly adheres to evidence-based practices and is dedicated to providing the best possible care for his patients. He believes in delivering care in a safe, competent, and compassionate manner.

Lesley John, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Lesley John is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). In conjunction with your physician, she will evaluate, diagnose, and treat a variety of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, schizophrenia, OCD, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Lesley received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Texas Woman’s University and her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has experience treating patients in the community mental health setting, working with underserved populations. Lesley utilizes evidence-based practice as the foundation for treatment, with a commitment to delivering compassionate care. She is recognized as an Advanced Practice Nurse by the Texas Board of Nursing, and is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in her psychiatric specialty. Lesley also has nursing experience working in orthopedic-trauma at Medical City Plano, as well as in the home health setting. In her free time, Lesley enjoys music and spending time with her loved ones. 

Jacqueline (Jacki) Riley, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC 

Jacqueline (Jacki) Riley is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with diverse background in primary and psychiatric care including treating depression, ADHD, bipolar, OCD and PTSD. Jackie takes a holistic approach to treating psychiatric condition and strives to be an advocate for all her patients.

Jackie's background in nursing includes working in a level 3 trauma center in Pullman, WA. She also worked in primary care and urgent care as an FNP. Assisting women with their unique health concerns including birth control options is also a priority. Jackie has also performed successful Botox treatment of patients living with chronic migraines.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Jacki is happily married and has three adult children and three grandchildren; all live in the Texas area. Her personal interests include family activities, reading, scrap-booking, walking for exercise, party planning, and, of course exploring the many areas of her new Texas home. Her professional interests include volunteering each summer at a Type 1 Diabetes summer camp as a medical provider, educator, and fundraiser. She enjoys patients of ages 18 and up, assisting in their emergencies as well as helping them to achieve or maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Jennifer Hanson, LPC

Regardless of age, all need to be accepted as is and have a sense of belonging — which requires getting connected to yourself first.  I have experience working with those who struggle with past or present trauma, separation and divorce, single parenting, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship issues, and those who want to be more assertive, live with purpose, and address undesirable behaviors and thoughts (known and hidden). My goal is to provide a safe place where you can discuss any topic without judgment.

Experience in classrooms, corporate settings, church ministry, inpatient/outpatient trauma units, with individuals on probation, and in private practice have equipped me to comfortably approach a wide variety of symptoms and behaviors. I use visuals and have several tools for communication that help clarify complex concepts and make sure we are on the same page. 

My favorite therapeutic influences come from the work of Carl Rogers, Viktor Frankl, Marsha Linehan, and Brene Brown.  I also utilize several concepts from Attachment Theory, Personality and Career Inventories, and Transactional  Analysis.  

In my spare time, I love spending time with my daughter, journaling, DIY projects, going to new places, and being around animals or in nature.

I look forward to hearing your perspective, learning your story, exploring your questions, and accompanying you in discovering your authentic path.

Rachel Ellington, LPC

Rachel is originally from Garland but graduated from Howard Payne University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and from Hardin-Simmons University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working in corrections, hospital settings as well as private practice. Rachel specializes in disruptive disorders, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and trauma. Rachel’s four years of experience in various therapeutic settings has equipped her to explore all possibilities when it comes to assisting clients achieve their goals. Rachel utilizes a Strengths and Solutions focused approach to therapy. Currently, Rachel sees individual clients and also facilitates our Revive Intensive Outpatient Program. In her spare time, Rachel collects comic books, listens to music and attempts to educate her two dogs on the importance of boundaries.

“My first job working as a therapist was in a juvenile correctional facility. Therapy can look a lot different when someone makes you go! However, if you are a person who wants to move forward, who works to live happier, who strives to become more…You deserve a standing ovation. The first step towards self-discovery is always the hardest. I'm excited to run this race with you, whatever your track looks like.” – Rachel

Ricci Criner, LPC

Ricci Criner is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). She received her education and training from Texas A& M University-Commerce with clinicals giving her experience in both Residential and Out-Patient settings. In Addition to her counseling education, she received a Bachelors in Business Administration and a Bachelors in Education.   Ricci has eleven years of experience in the counseling field. She has worked with clients who suffer with depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, schizophrenia, PTSD; her specialties are substance use disorders and marriage and family therapy.  She has had success working with clients from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.  She understands the unique challenges faced by clients of LGBTQIA community.

Ricci recognizes that one of the highest goals of counseling is to assist clients to make changes in the heart, in the mind, and in behavior – and while positive change is difficult for anyone to make, she is committed to giving her best work toward this high goal! She has the knowledge needed to help the client make sure the goals are both challenging and realistic. While a spirit of professional care will be maintained at all times, the client-counselor relationship is also warm, and personable within the context of mutual confidence, trust, and positive regard.

Ricci is a proud mother of two, has been married for ten years, and is grounded by her spiritual beliefs. 

Kyle Freeland, LPC

Kyle Freeland, LPC graduated with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler. Kyle has experience with adolescents and adults across the lifespan. He’s worked with people in acute crisis as well as those managing challenges related to figuring out who they are, spiritual identity issues, grief and loss, career stress, and familial and relationship problems. 

As a two-time cancer survivor—first as a child, second as a young adult—Kyle brings an insider’s perspective to the fallout of chronic illness. As someone who understands just how much physical health battles impact mental health, he knows that even when your health improves or an illness ends, the journey is not over. If you struggle with depression, anxiety, loneliness, isolation, trauma, or stress caused by an illness or have been affected by the illness of a family member or friend, Kyle wants to come alongside you. Using an empathetic, supportive, and engaging therapeutic process, he’ll encourage you to do more than just survive your illness, he’ll help you learn to thrive. -

Lynnell Payne, LPC-Associate

Lynnell is a Licensed Professional Counselor- Associate with a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Development with a concentration in marriage and family counseling from Lamar University. She views each case from a systematic perspective, identifying how interpersonal dynamics combine with individual thought patterns to influence behavior. In short, she believes that each person is like a flower. If not taken care of properly, flowers may not bloom to their fullest potential. However, when nurtured with patience and care, flowers can heal and thrive, making the world a more beautiful place. 

Lynnell strives to provide a healing environment by first and foremost listening to the client and attempting to understand their story, employing unconditional positive regard and empathy. She empowers her clients to take control of their story using narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and techniques from other modalities as necessary. She also enjoys incorporating arts and somatic experience interventions to enhance the counseling experience. 

Lynnell’s prior experience includes counseling individuals (adolescent and adult) suffering from complex PTSD, traumatic grief, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, ADHD, and more, as well as couples and families. She also has experience supporting individuals just before and just after hospitalization due to mental health crises. Regardless of the client’s diagnosis, Lynnell takes an individualized approach that considers the person’s strengths and barriers.

In her free time, Lynnell enjoys watching sports with her husband and fur baby, trying new activities with her girl friends, and cooking (and eating!) delicious food. 

 Kayla Corley, LPC-Associate, Supervised by Dr. Lisa Grubbs, LPC-S

Meet Kayla, a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate dedicated to helping you navigate life's challenges with compassion and humor. With a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas Woman’s University, she's experienced in supporting individuals of all ages. Her previous clinical experiences in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient settings presented unique challenges that motivated her to expand her understanding of a variety of client concerns.

Kayla believes in the power of trust and safety in therapy, providing a nurturing space to set goals, process emotions, and discover personal meaning. Her expertise lies in working with adolescents, young adults, and neurodivergent individuals, addressing ADHD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, identity exploration, perfectionism, burnout, and past trauma.

When not supporting clients, Kayla enjoys reading, writing, watching movies, crafting, and spending time with her beloved pets.