Our Team

Our team of qualified, knowledgeable, and compassionate mental health providers is dedicated to helping you navigate life’s obstacles and achieve emotional well-being.


 

Muhammad Nouman Azhar, M.D.

“I founded Shifa Therapeutics with the main goal of offering support, compassion, and encouragement to help with recovery and growth to children, adolescents, and adults. I have a strong desire to walk with a person in their journey and provide as much as I can to help people reach their own unique goals toward overall wellness.”  

Medical Education:             
Nishtar Medical College
Nassau University Medical Center
University of Arkansas

Board/License Certification:
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Primary Specialty:
Adult, Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry

Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Postpartum Mood Disorder, PTSD, Anger Management, Relationship and Intimacy, Senior Issues (Aging), Personal Growth


Rebecca J. Mortland, Psy.D.

“I believe psychological evaluations are helpful in understanding the nature of the problem and providing treatment recommendations that meet the individual's needs. My goal is to provide a warm, authentic, encouraging, and collaborative experience to help my patients achieve health and wellness.”

Graduate Education:             
Adler University of Professional Psychology

Board/License Certification:
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Primary Specialty:
Clinical Psychology

Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
Psychological Assessments, Psychological Evaluations, Child Psychology, Anxiety Disorders, Adolescent Psychology


Advanced Nurse Practitioners


Aniema Ekong, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, MSN, CNL

“My approach involves facilitating recovery through patient-centered care, incorporating evidence-based practice interventions, as well as treating patients and families with empathy. I value respectful, nonjudgmental, collaborative, active relationships that are goal-oriented and outcome-driven. I believe recovery from mental illness is possible, and maintaining good mental health is a lifelong process involving hard work.”

Graduate Education:             
University of Missouri, Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree
Saint Xavier University, Master of Science in Nursing

Board/License Certification:
American Nurses Credentialing Center/Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC™)
Clinical Nurse Leader Certification

Primary Specialty:
Family Psychiatric Mental Health

Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
Depression, Mood Disorder, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Panic Attacks, and Psychotic Thought Disorders

(10 years and up)


Shannon Meyer APRN, PMHNP-BC, MSA

Family Psychiatric Mental Health

Care Philosophy

“I chose to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to help ensure that everyone has access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care and an active voice in their treatment journey. I believe mental health care should be a safe, supportive space where individuals feel heard, respected, and free from stigma.”

Primary Specialty:

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Clinical interests/Practice Focus:

Depression, anxiety, psychosis, personality disorders, ADHD, and mood disorders.

Graduate Education:

Purdue Global University, Masters of Science in Nursing.

Board/License Certification:

American Nurses Credentialing Center/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC).

                                 


Therapists

Katherine Dolewski, MSW, LCSW, TTP

“I work diligently and enthusiastically to create a safe and secure space for clients to experience growth toward their treatment goals. I encourage clients to explore their lives honestly to uncover ingrained emotional or behavioral responses that may no longer be effective. Once the need for change is recognized, growth becomes possible, and difficulties become more manageable. I am passionate about empowering individuals to realize their inherent potential and partnering with them on how best to utilize their strengths to lead a more fulfilling life.”

Graduate Education:
Aurora University, Master of Social Work

Board/License Certification:
Licensed Clinical Social Work

Primary Specialty:
Clinical Social Worker

Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Self Esteem, Relationship Challenges, Emotional Regulation, Behavior Issues, and Educational Advocacy. Therapeutic modalities include: CBT, DBT, Somatic Exercises, Touch Therapy


BRIANNA PHILLIPS, msw, LSW

“As a mental health professional, I hold the belief that human behavior is a form of communication. In therapy sessions, I work closely with my clients to identify and understand their unique behaviors and develop strategies to improve their ability to cope with life’s hardships. By modifying these behaviors, we can better navigate life’s challenges and achieve our goals.”

Graduate Education:
Aurora University, Master of Social Work

Board/License Certification:
Licensed Social Work

Primary Specialty:
Licensed Social Worker

Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
Anxiety, Depression, behavioral issues, relationship challenges, educational advocacy, 504 plans, IEP development


nICOLE DANZELL, BA, MHS, ALMFT

“I've always had empathy for those going through trying periods in their lives. I acknowledge that in difficult times, we all require a little additional support. My mission as a counselor is to assist you in becoming your most ideal version of yourself. I want you to know that you are capable of making a difference. I am eager to work together with you to attain mutual goals through individualizing my approach to match the needs of individuals, couples, and families.”

Graduate Education:
Capella University, Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy

Board/License Certification:
Associate Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Primary Specialty:
Marriage & Family Therapist

Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Family Conflict, Grief, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, Marital and Premarital, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Racial Identity, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Self-Harming, Spirituality, Stress, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma and PTSD, Sexuality, and LGBTQ+


amy miller, msw, lcsw

“I believe therapy is a collaborative and empowering process. My goal is for clients to feel connected within the therapeutic relationship and their own sense of self as they navigate a journey of growth and healing. Providing a trusting, empathetic, and non-judgmental space allows my clients to explore deep emotions, past trauma and complex issues. I strive to support my clients through a myriad of feelings, challenges and life choices, while helping to cultivate confidence and a deeper sense of connection in their lives. Creating space for clients to articulate their lived experiences, from their own perspective, forms the cornerstone of effective and meaningful therapy.”

Graduate Education:
Aurora University, Master of Social Work

Board/License Certification:
Licensed Clinical Social Work

Primary Specialty:
Clinical Social Worker

Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
Anxiety, Attention Deficit, Behavioral Issues, Conflict Resolution, Depression, Educational Advocacy, Executive Functioning, Grief/Loss/Bereavement, LGBTQ+, Life Coaching, PTSD, Self Esteem, Social Emotional Awareness, Stress, Trauma

 

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Therapy Intern (s)




AUTUMN GUNNELL, BA, MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK CANDIDATE

Care Philosophy: As a mental health professional, empathy and understanding are two of the most important qualities to bring into my interactions with clients. My approach involves using a person-centered and trauma-informed framework to better understand clients from a comprehensive lens and to formulate plans best suited for their needs. I am passionate about helping individuals recognize that mental health challenges are a part of being human and empowering them to use their built-in strengths to create meaningful change in their lives.

Professional Education: Autumn received her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Michigan in 2025. She is currently a second-year Master of Social Work student in the Clinical Social Work program at Aurora University and is expected to graduate with her MSW in spring 2027.

Practice Focus: Autumn is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and working collaboratively with individuals to help them recognize their strengths and potential.

Clinical Interests: Anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, emotional regulation, coping skills, life transitions, stress, suicidal ideation, ADHD, life coaching, athletics.

Hours Available: Monday 9-4pm; Wednesday 9-4pm; Thursday 9-2pm