Joseph W. Iskandar, D.O., F.A.P.A.: Medical Director
Dr. Joe is a diplomate of the american board of psychiatry and neurology. He is double boarded in General and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. He received his D.O. from the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2010 with honors; then began a general psychiatry residency at Virginia Tech-Carilion School of Medicine (VTC), followed by a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship.
Cecile Dietrich, DNP, Ph.D:
Cecile Dietrich’s preparation in health care spans mental health (Radford University), geriatrics (Purdue Global), and gerontology (Virginia Tech); she also has experience in acute-care settings. Her holistic approach to mental health encompasses solution-focused and other therapies in addition to diagnosis and drug therapy. Dr. Dietrich is also an educator and educational researcher who has mentored numerous nurse practitioners and NP students; in this role she uses her background in education and applied statistics (Virginia Tech, Texas A&M) to help other practitioners understand health care research and employ evidence-based practices with their own clients.
Katie Pruitt MSN, PMHNP-BC:
Katie is a psychiatric nurse practitioner. She comes to us with fifteen years of experience as a psychiatric nurse who has worked in acute psychiatry, residential programs, and outpatient psychiatry. She is completing postgraduate training at the Salem VA Medical Center in substance abuse and PTSD in the veteran population. Her compassionate, non-judgmental approach centers on making emotional wellness a priority for all patients. She is passionate about mental health and promotes a warm, welcoming environment for her patients that is instrumental for healing. In her spare time, Katie enjoys spending time with her family as well as her dog, Maple, and two cats.
Lois Walters-Threat, DNP:
Lois Walters-Threat’s preparation in healthcare spans psychiatric mental health (George Washington University), health informatics (University of Illinois at Chicago), and nursing informatics (University of Minnesota). Her expertise encompasses veteran-centered care, telehealth integration, and informatics-driven solutions to enhance mental health outcomes. Dr. Walters-Threat employs a holistic, patient-centric approach, combining evidence-based therapies with cutting-edge technologies to support diagnosis, treatment, and patient empowerment. She is also an educator and mentor, leveraging her extensive background in informatics and program analysis to guide nurse practitioners and information technology students in understanding healthcare systems and applying evidence-based practices to improve client care.
Connor Carrigan, PA-C:
Connor is a certified physician assistant with more than six years of combined psychiatric experience. He received his Bachelor’s in Psychology, and later his Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from Emory & Henry University. Connor started his PA career in school-based mental health, and developed a passion for pediatric psychiatry. However, he has extensive training with all ages of behavioral healthcare, and has treated individuals and families in outpatient and inpatient settings. He is a lifelong resident of Southwest, VA and is experienced working with our local community. Outside of the office, he spends his time with his family, friends, and many hobbies.
Angela Meredith, PA.
Angela is a proud native of the New River Valley. A 2003 graduate from Virginia Tech with a BS in Psychology, and a 2010 graduate from the Jefferson College of Health Sciences with a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies, She has developed a well-rounded training focused on treating numerous medical and behavioral health issues. As a practicing Physician Assistant for over 15 years, She has dedicated 13 years’ experience in inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, as well as addiction medicine. Her passion includes assisting others achieve their optimal wellness goals through customized mental health programs, medication management, and MAT therapy as indicated. She is looking forward to providing compassionate, unbiased, and individualized care to her patients.
Karen Hanley, Ph.D, LPC: Clinical Director
Dr. Karen Hanley has extensive education and experience in the field of mental health. She has worked in the mental health field for more then 17 years, in Virginia.
Karen is known for a warm, relaxed, and comfortable approach to counseling. Karen utilizes a variety of orientations and therapeutic techniques, according to the client's individual needs. she enjoys woking with kids and adults. Karen's approach involves genuine caring, acceptance, and non-judgment. Karen works with a wide range of issues, including addiction, depression, anxiety, attachment, trauma, unresolved emotional issues, self-esteem/self-empowerment, grief and loss, relationship/family concerns, parenting, co-parenting, individual counseling for personal and emotional growth, creating more meaning and purpose in one's life/living a more fulfilled life, and multiple other issues. Karen works with adults, children, groups, and families in counseling.
Alexandria Gunn, M.Ed
Alex is a Marriage and Family Therapy Resident. Alex graduated with honors from Eastern University with a Master of Education in School Counseling and Liberty University with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has worked with children and adults from diverse populations and all ages with individual, family, and couples therapy. Alex is a native of Chicago and devotes her free time to family and giving her cat Levi his best life. Alex provides a warm, welcoming, and open-minded environment for her clients to discuss their concerns. There is no judgment with Alex; she wants all clients to feel safe, relaxed, and be empowered by the changes they will be making in their lives. Although she is a Marriage and Family Therapy Resident, Alex works with a wide range of issues beyond couples and families. She uses a variety of treatment modalities to help clients meet their goals with lots of encouragement.
Carsyn Pauley, MA. Resident in counseling
Carsyn holds the position of Resident in Counseling. She earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. Her professional background includes providing therapeutic services to diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults, through individual and family therapy, as well as parent training. She has also facilitated both support and psychoeducational groups for various age groups. Carsyn is committed to fostering warm and positive therapeutic environments and excels in establishing safe and nonjudgmental spaces for clients to explore and process their emotions, while also cultivating effective coping strategies. She integrates behavioral and mental health perspectives into her practice, utilizing an eclectic approach tailored to the unique needs of each client. Outside of work, Carsyn enjoys outdoor activities and time spent with her family.
Shaniah Stephens, BS.
Shaniah is currently an intern working towards her licensure in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Shaniah received her bachelor's degree in psychology at Radford University and has been working diligently in the mental health field for over 4 years. Shaniah’s professional background includes skill-building services, psychoeducational groups, addiction population, and working with adolescents and adults. Additionally, Shaniah enjoys working with various populations while using an open, friendly and non judgemental approach. Shaniah ensures that she is welcoming while facilitating a safe, comfortable and relaxed environment. Shaniah accepts clients of all kinds and wants her clients to live their best lifestyle while feeling empowered and proud of themselves. During her free time, Shaniah enjoys spending time with friends and family, being a dog and plant mom, trying new foods and simply relaxing.
Samantha Waelti, MA. Resident in counseling
Samantha holds her masters in Masters of Arts in counseling from Bluefield University and graduated in May of 2023. Samantha has worked with diverse populations with children, adults, adolescents in therapy settings and school settings. Samantha’s passion is to help her clients and advocate for mental health. Samantha makes sure to make her clients feel comfortable and heard and to find the best therapy method for them. Outside of working Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband, and her two young children and her dogs.
Christopher Rowland, MA. Resident in counseling
Chris is currently Resident in Counseling. He graduated from Liberty University where he earned his bachelor's degree in psychology with a specialization in military resilience and Walden University, earning his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Chris provides a warm, welcoming and non-judgmental environment for his clients to feel at ease discussing their concerns. Chris utilizes various treatment methods to help clients meet their goals. When Chris is not working, he enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Matt King, MA. Counseling Intern
Matt King is a counseling intern currently completing his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Carolina University and an MBA from Liberty University. Matt brings nearly two decades of experience in spiritual-based counseling, working with children, adults, and couples. His approach emphasizes care for the whole person—biologically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. He is passionate about helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, relationship concerns, addiction, and parenting challenges in a goal-oriented and supportive environment. He enjoys staying active and spending time with his wife and three children.
Dr. Joe is a diplomate of the american board of psychiatry and neurology. He is double boarded in General and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. He received his D.O. from the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2010 with honors; then began a general psychiatry residency at Virginia Tech-Carilion School of Medicine (VTC), followed by a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship.
Cecile Dietrich, DNP, Ph.D:
Cecile Dietrich’s preparation in health care spans mental health (Radford University), geriatrics (Purdue Global), and gerontology (Virginia Tech); she also has experience in acute-care settings. Her holistic approach to mental health encompasses solution-focused and other therapies in addition to diagnosis and drug therapy. Dr. Dietrich is also an educator and educational researcher who has mentored numerous nurse practitioners and NP students; in this role she uses her background in education and applied statistics (Virginia Tech, Texas A&M) to help other practitioners understand health care research and employ evidence-based practices with their own clients.
Katie Pruitt MSN, PMHNP-BC:
Katie is a psychiatric nurse practitioner. She comes to us with fifteen years of experience as a psychiatric nurse who has worked in acute psychiatry, residential programs, and outpatient psychiatry. She is completing postgraduate training at the Salem VA Medical Center in substance abuse and PTSD in the veteran population. Her compassionate, non-judgmental approach centers on making emotional wellness a priority for all patients. She is passionate about mental health and promotes a warm, welcoming environment for her patients that is instrumental for healing. In her spare time, Katie enjoys spending time with her family as well as her dog, Maple, and two cats.
Lois Walters-Threat, DNP:
Lois Walters-Threat’s preparation in healthcare spans psychiatric mental health (George Washington University), health informatics (University of Illinois at Chicago), and nursing informatics (University of Minnesota). Her expertise encompasses veteran-centered care, telehealth integration, and informatics-driven solutions to enhance mental health outcomes. Dr. Walters-Threat employs a holistic, patient-centric approach, combining evidence-based therapies with cutting-edge technologies to support diagnosis, treatment, and patient empowerment. She is also an educator and mentor, leveraging her extensive background in informatics and program analysis to guide nurse practitioners and information technology students in understanding healthcare systems and applying evidence-based practices to improve client care.
Connor Carrigan, PA-C:
Connor is a certified physician assistant with more than six years of combined psychiatric experience. He received his Bachelor’s in Psychology, and later his Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from Emory & Henry University. Connor started his PA career in school-based mental health, and developed a passion for pediatric psychiatry. However, he has extensive training with all ages of behavioral healthcare, and has treated individuals and families in outpatient and inpatient settings. He is a lifelong resident of Southwest, VA and is experienced working with our local community. Outside of the office, he spends his time with his family, friends, and many hobbies.
Angela Meredith, PA.
Angela is a proud native of the New River Valley. A 2003 graduate from Virginia Tech with a BS in Psychology, and a 2010 graduate from the Jefferson College of Health Sciences with a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies, She has developed a well-rounded training focused on treating numerous medical and behavioral health issues. As a practicing Physician Assistant for over 15 years, She has dedicated 13 years’ experience in inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, as well as addiction medicine. Her passion includes assisting others achieve their optimal wellness goals through customized mental health programs, medication management, and MAT therapy as indicated. She is looking forward to providing compassionate, unbiased, and individualized care to her patients.
Karen Hanley, Ph.D, LPC: Clinical Director
Dr. Karen Hanley has extensive education and experience in the field of mental health. She has worked in the mental health field for more then 17 years, in Virginia.
Karen is known for a warm, relaxed, and comfortable approach to counseling. Karen utilizes a variety of orientations and therapeutic techniques, according to the client's individual needs. she enjoys woking with kids and adults. Karen's approach involves genuine caring, acceptance, and non-judgment. Karen works with a wide range of issues, including addiction, depression, anxiety, attachment, trauma, unresolved emotional issues, self-esteem/self-empowerment, grief and loss, relationship/family concerns, parenting, co-parenting, individual counseling for personal and emotional growth, creating more meaning and purpose in one's life/living a more fulfilled life, and multiple other issues. Karen works with adults, children, groups, and families in counseling.
Alexandria Gunn, M.Ed
Alex is a Marriage and Family Therapy Resident. Alex graduated with honors from Eastern University with a Master of Education in School Counseling and Liberty University with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has worked with children and adults from diverse populations and all ages with individual, family, and couples therapy. Alex is a native of Chicago and devotes her free time to family and giving her cat Levi his best life. Alex provides a warm, welcoming, and open-minded environment for her clients to discuss their concerns. There is no judgment with Alex; she wants all clients to feel safe, relaxed, and be empowered by the changes they will be making in their lives. Although she is a Marriage and Family Therapy Resident, Alex works with a wide range of issues beyond couples and families. She uses a variety of treatment modalities to help clients meet their goals with lots of encouragement.
Carsyn Pauley, MA. Resident in counseling
Carsyn holds the position of Resident in Counseling. She earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. Her professional background includes providing therapeutic services to diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults, through individual and family therapy, as well as parent training. She has also facilitated both support and psychoeducational groups for various age groups. Carsyn is committed to fostering warm and positive therapeutic environments and excels in establishing safe and nonjudgmental spaces for clients to explore and process their emotions, while also cultivating effective coping strategies. She integrates behavioral and mental health perspectives into her practice, utilizing an eclectic approach tailored to the unique needs of each client. Outside of work, Carsyn enjoys outdoor activities and time spent with her family.
Shaniah Stephens, BS.
Shaniah is currently an intern working towards her licensure in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Shaniah received her bachelor's degree in psychology at Radford University and has been working diligently in the mental health field for over 4 years. Shaniah’s professional background includes skill-building services, psychoeducational groups, addiction population, and working with adolescents and adults. Additionally, Shaniah enjoys working with various populations while using an open, friendly and non judgemental approach. Shaniah ensures that she is welcoming while facilitating a safe, comfortable and relaxed environment. Shaniah accepts clients of all kinds and wants her clients to live their best lifestyle while feeling empowered and proud of themselves. During her free time, Shaniah enjoys spending time with friends and family, being a dog and plant mom, trying new foods and simply relaxing.
Samantha Waelti, MA. Resident in counseling
Samantha holds her masters in Masters of Arts in counseling from Bluefield University and graduated in May of 2023. Samantha has worked with diverse populations with children, adults, adolescents in therapy settings and school settings. Samantha’s passion is to help her clients and advocate for mental health. Samantha makes sure to make her clients feel comfortable and heard and to find the best therapy method for them. Outside of working Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband, and her two young children and her dogs.
Christopher Rowland, MA. Resident in counseling
Chris is currently Resident in Counseling. He graduated from Liberty University where he earned his bachelor's degree in psychology with a specialization in military resilience and Walden University, earning his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Chris provides a warm, welcoming and non-judgmental environment for his clients to feel at ease discussing their concerns. Chris utilizes various treatment methods to help clients meet their goals. When Chris is not working, he enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.
Matt King, MA. Counseling Intern
Matt King is a counseling intern currently completing his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Carolina University and an MBA from Liberty University. Matt brings nearly two decades of experience in spiritual-based counseling, working with children, adults, and couples. His approach emphasizes care for the whole person—biologically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. He is passionate about helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, relationship concerns, addiction, and parenting challenges in a goal-oriented and supportive environment. He enjoys staying active and spending time with his wife and three children.