SUMMERLIN OFFICE

Meet our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Psychotherapists and Staff at our Summerlin Office. Located on 911 North Buffalo Drive Suite 206 and 213.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners

Nicole Vaughn, PMHNP-BC

NOT ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Practicing at Changing Minds Psychiatry, Mrs. Nicole Vaughn serves the community of Las Vegas, NV. Mrs. Vaughn is a concerned psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, board certified, who attended Eastern Kentucky University, where she received her masters degree in psychiatric and mental health nursing.
Every day is a new opportunity to change the world. I live my life with that thought every day. ‘Life is too short to be unhappy’ my patients often hear me saying. Some people just need hope. When I can’t give a cure or an antidote, I try to instill hope. That’s what I can give. My passion to help people help themselves started before I could even spell the word Psychiatry. I was a young girl encouraging others to always do their best and hoping with them for better tomorrows. I never dreamed I would be in the position I am today. I wake up everyday with a new mission…. To help others believe in themselves and happiness again.”.
She feels that the practice of psychiatry is both her “passion and her purpose.”
Bethany Davis, PMHNP-BC

NOT ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Bethany Davis is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for helping those suffering from depression and anxiety, as well as bipolar disorder, ADHD, borderline personality disorder, and any other mental health roadblocks in the lives of her clients. Bethany has been with the company for three years. She enjoys taking her time getting to know each patient personally, and empathetically assessing the treatment needs of each individual, as she does not believe in a “one size fits all” approach to this work. She understands that each person’s story is unique in the causes leading up to mental disorder, and knows it is important to understand the underlying reasons as well as the current symptoms.
This work is more than a job to Bethany; it is a calling to help those who are living in the dark pits of depression to find their inner light and become the best version of themselves so they can live full, functioning, and meaningful lives.
Shelley Guarnera, PMHNP-BC

Shelley is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a passion for helping patients across the lifespan dealing with mental health issues. She provides quality mental health services to patients and families struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, and addictions.
Shelley has over 20 years of critical car nursing experience and ANCC board certification in 2022.
Angela Alesi, PMHNP - BC

Ms. Angela Alesi is a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and has been practicing in psychiatry for the last 24 years. She received her graduate degree from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in 1999. Since earning her degree, she has worked in several areas of psychiatry including both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. She has a particular interest in helping those with depressive and anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, and life adjustment issues.
Ms. Alesi is both dedicated and passionate about helping those with mental illness. She believes the most important thing in helping someone achieve recovery is by getting to know them and the best way to get to know someone, is to listen to them. Listening to each individual will help the practitioner truly understand their fears, concerns, symptoms and goals for recovery.
Ms. Alesi also understands that healing from a mental illness is a journey and this journey can often take time and it is important to her that each of her patients know that she will support them, through every step of that journey.
Ms. Alesi's approach to treatment is the use of insight-oriented therapy, life coaching, support and medication management, though she believes a conservative approach is often best. She also has a special interest in other modalities of treatment such as intranasal ketamine (Spravato) and TMS.
Ms. Alesi is originally from south Louisiana. She is also an animal lover and enjoys spending time with her 2 dogs and 3 cats. She is also an active tennis player.
Sam Hawkins, PMHNP-BC

Sam Hawkins is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Sam has recently joined the company. Sam likes getting to know his patients and hopes to care for them for many years. His method of getting to know his patients is to meet them where they “at”. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, he urges people to take charge of their own health. He focuses on teaching people about their conditions and the possible treatments so that they can understand what is going on in their bodies and make decisions that are good for their health.
Sam sees patients of all ages. He is particularly interested in Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), especially in adults, where it is often misdiagnosed. He also enjoys guiding anxious and depressed individuals through different therapy choices.
Sam was raised in Mississippi and received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Alcorn State University. He has a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) and is also pursuing a Doctorate of Nursing Practice there.
Sam spends his leisure time attending festivals, driving cross-country, gardening, beach tourism, and cycling with his wife.
Jerri Bracey, PMHNP-BC

Jerri Bracey is a Psychiatric Mental Heath Nurse Practitioner. Jerri has recently joined the company. She has experience in assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychiatric conditions in people across the lifespan including but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia and ADHD. Jerri believes in collaborating with patients to regain control of their mental health.
Jerri has been in the healthcare field more than 12 years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Hampton University in Hampton Virginia. It was while working in the emergency room she saw the disparities in mental health care and decided to return to school. Jerri then pursued her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, with a specialty in Psychiatric Mental Health from the University of Arizona. She is dedicated to decreasing the stigma surrounding mental health.
In her free time, she enjoys watching sports, traveling, hiking, and going to Disneyland with her son.
Donna Alog, PMHNP-BC

Donna Alog, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Donna has recently joined the company. Born and raised in San Francisco, was working at the Human Services Agency, County Adult Assistance Program for San Francisco City and County before moving to Las Vegas in 2017 when she got accepted into nursing school for her BSN at Roseman University. After graduating Roseman in 2019 she worked at Spring Valley as an orthopedic post op nurse, then moved to St Rose San Martin as a Stroke/Oncology nurse while she went to school for her masters at Chamberlain University. Originally was taking FNP but saw the need for care in the psychiatric mental health field and decided to make the switch during her last core NP class, which she considers the best decision ever. Donna Graduated in September 2023.
In Donna‘s words, “I feel that mental health should be taken care just as much as physical health and want to make sure my patients never feel like they are alone in their mental health journey no matter where they are in it. When im not at work, I find myself traveling whether it be to a new state, back home to SF (where all my family still is), or to a new country. My favorite time is the winter because I can go snowboarding (tahoe still trumps all the mountains I’ve been on), I like to cook and eat (love that Vegas is foodie town) and enjoy hot pilates and being outdoors/in the water”.
Frank Ngbeken, PMHNP-BC

Frank is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a passion for caring for people across lifespan. He believes in the importance of patient centered approach that focuses on physical and mental health, an advocate of the importance of mindfulness that entails basic ability to be fully aware of what one is doing and not being overwhelmed with what is within your immediate environment. It is this phenomenon that Frank brings to assisting people with mental health challenges.
Frank recently joined the company, received his education from Nevada State University and University of South Alabama. Frank incorporates and develops plans that is holistic and evidence-based, he has over six years of experience working with Veterans at the VA. Frank loves traveling, and has travelled extensively in mostly European countries.
Faith Salvador, PMHNP-BC

Faith has recently joined the company. She has 16 years of experience as a registered nurse in various clinical settings including critical care. She is passionate about getting to know more about her patients and from there, develop treatment plans that are evidence-based, holistic, and meaningful. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, she provides comprehensive mental health care across the lifespan with the philosophy of empowering patients through partnership and education.
Faith enjoys cooking, watching historical documentaries and period dramas, and spending time with her husband and son.
Dawn Parnello, PMHNP-BC

Driven by a deep commitment to mental health, Dawn brings over 15 years of experience in the medical field to her role as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She specializes in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and ADHD, for individuals across all stages of life. Dawn is dedicated to a holistic and collaborative approach to care, working closely with each individual to develop specialized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs. Her practice emphasizes creating a strong therapeutic alliance, fostering understanding, trust, and meaningful progress in her clients' mental health journeys. Passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, Dawn is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others through awareness and compassionate care.

Psychotherapists and Counselors

Laura Pineda, MA, MFT-Intern

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST INTERN
Laura Pineda, Marriage and Family Therapist, currently practices under an internship while supervised by a state certified CPC. Laura has been with the company for two years. Prior to she has spent over 5 years providing trauma informed care through clinical case management for at risk youth and foster families.
Laura facilitates individual and couples/family therapy. She is able to provide a therapeutic experience in English and Spanish. Through the use of different therapeutic approaches, she is able to provide a safe and judgement free space in order to help clients on their therapeutic journey. Laura treats patients experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Grief and Loss, and Self Esteem issues. Different therapeutic approaches used in sessions include Solutions Focus Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems and Psychoeducation.
Laura is a Las Vegas native and when not working, enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and attending concerts.
Jessica Holding, MS, LCPC

LICENSED CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR
Jessica Holding, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, has been with the company for 2 years. Prior to her time at Changing Minds, she has gained her experience in the non-profit agency sector providing outpatient services since 2018.
Jessica facilitates individual therapy and group therapy. Her treatment models include CBT, person-centered therapy, trauma-informed care, DBT, and psychoeducation. By utilizing a treatment model that fits the needs of the client, she actively works to instill hope, empowerment, healing, and self-growth. Jessica further works to fulfill the client's right to participate in treatment in a safe, calm environment with no judgments. She values the therapeutic alliance while honoring the ethical guidelines in professional counseling.
Jessica facilitates individual therapy for individuals experiencing Grief, lack of Self-Esteem and/or Self-Worth, Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Co-Occurring Disorders, and Trauma-related disorders. She is dedicated in helping individuals find the strength that exists within them and applying it to achieve their life goals.
Jennifer Mercier, MSW, CSW-Intern

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK INTERN
Jennifer Mercier, Clinical Social Worker, currently practices under an internship while supervised by state certified LCSW. Jennifer recently joined the company. Prior to her work at Changing Minds, Jennifer provided services in psychosocial rehabilitation, basic skills training, and case management.
Jennifer facilitates individual therapy, family/couples counseling and group therapy. With a background working with children, families, kinship guardianship, teens, and young adults experiencing depression, trauma, anxiety, behavioral difficulties, ADHD, and anger management. Jennifer provides services utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Neurosequential Model Therapy (NMT), Trauma Informed Care, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Psychoeducation, Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Equine Services.
Her approach comes from her belief “When people experience trauma or severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. My greatest passion is bringing healing to people who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience. I help my clients, who include children, young adults, and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, empowered, and safe.”
In Jennifer’s free time she volunteers through various charity events and is active in the female motorcycle community, enjoys camping, and traveling especially home to her native land Canada.
Kristy Fast, CDAC-Intern

LICENSED ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELOR
Kristy Fast, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, has recently joined the company as a substance abuse counselor.
As a born and raised Las Vegas native, I lead with compassion through my passion in giving everyone a voice in my community. I have 10 years in recovery and have a personal connection to the devastation addiction brings to the person and their families. I obtained my BA in Applied Behavioral Science in 2015 and MS in Forensic Psychology, specializing in Victimology in 2019. I am a doctoral student in Clinical Community Counseling and Education. I have been a part of the mental health and substance use field for five years, where I have specialized in Victimology and practice cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, intrapersonal cognitive therapy with motivational and person centered approaches.
Corey Johnson, MFT-Intern

MARRIGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST INTERN
Katherine “Corey” Johnson, LMFT Intern, practices under an internship supervised by a state certified CPC. has a master’s degree in couples and family therapy from Kansas State University. Prior to working at Changing Minds, Corey specialized in providing trauma informed care in out-patient community mental health settings working with a diverse range of clients, including at risk youth, blended families, low-income families, foster families, and individuals in the military. As a therapist and previous volunteer with the Trevor Project, Corey has clinical experience and training on providing LGBTQIA+ and gender affirming care.
Corey facilitates individual therapy and couples/family therapy. Corey focuses on meeting clients where they are, and centering clients’ needs when building treatment plans. Their treatment models include person-centered therapy, trauma-informed care, LGBTQIA+ and gender affirming care, ACT, DBT, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and multiculturally attuned therapy concepts. Corey has supported clients with a diverse range of presenting concerns, including and not limited to: ADHD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, body image, self harm, and suicidal ideation.
In their free time, Corey enjoys a variety of activities, including board games, going on walks with their dog, video games, and spending time in nature. They recently returned to Las Vegas after living in Kansas for several years to work towards completing graduate school and gaining experience in the mental health field.
Tianna Burnett, CSW-Intern

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK INTERN
Tianna Burnett, CSW-Intern, is a dedicated Clinical Social Work Intern committed to providing quality mental health services. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Medgar Evers College in NYC and her Master's Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University. With experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes, Tianna has developed a deep passion for helping individuals become their best selves. She views mental health therapy as a collaborative partnership, aiming to create a beautiful representation of each person's journey and potential.

Dietitians

Candace Haworth, RD

REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Candace Haworth is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, local to Las Vegas, Nevada for 25 years. She graduated from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a Bachelors Degree in Health Sciences and later decided to pursue a specialization in Eating Disorders. Candace uses her diverse background acquired from multiple settings to provide nutrition education for those in recovery from substance use disorders, treating complex medical comorbidities, and encouraging communities to participate in public health. One of her beliefs is to lead with a mental health focused approach to better support the needs of individuals who may find meeting their self care needs challenging. Candace believes that the state of our mental health is reflected in our eating habits like a mirror, and addressing mental health and nutrition hand in hand lies the greatest opportunity for change. With a passion for treating eating disorders, the unique challenges each person faces is never one and the same. This approach requires creativity to begin healing each individuals relationship with food. Clients will learn how to make peace with their body and restore trust in themselves using evidence based research to dispel diet myths, an integrative approach, and achieve autonomy in food freedom.