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

Dorothy B. Bassey, APRN

“I am committed to maximizing health, healing, and happiness in my patients’ lives. I prioritize attentive listening within the safe and comfortable environment I strive to cultivate. I develop personalized treatment plans to meet the individual needs of my patients, which may consist of medication, talk therapy, and lifestyle counseling.”

Graduate Education:             
Walden University, Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

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

Primary Specialty:
Family Psychiatric Mental Health

Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Sleep Disorders (Insomnia) and Problems, Bipolar Disorders, PTSD, ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder, Prescription Management, Medication Review, Psychiatric Medication Review, Psychiatric Consultant, Anger Management


Aniema Ekong, DNP, APRN, PHHNP-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, goal-oriented, outcome-driven relationships with patients. 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™)
Commission of Nurse Certification: Clinical Nurse Leader

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


Ronald E. McCaslin Jr., APN, CNP, PMHNP-BC

“I believe my role as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner uniquely positions me to be not only a care provider but also an educator and advocate. It is my belief that meeting a client where they are and creating a respectful and therapeutic environment is the foundation for healing. I base my care on evidence-based practice and strive to form treatment plans that are trauma-informed and culturally aware. My time in the military and as a floor nurse has instilled a deep sense of duty and responsibility for quality patient care that I have carried over into my practice.”

Graduate Education:
University of St. Francis, Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

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

Primary Specialty:
Family Psychiatric Mental Health

Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
Anxiety and Depressive Disorders, Mood Disorders, ADHD (6 years and up)


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


Stephanie kelly, MSW

“I want my clients to come as they are. Just show up. The rest will work itself out. There is no need for an agenda or a list of things you need to get off your chest…sometimes the best time to talk is when you are in a good headspace. Each therapy process is unique, and I am committed to being fully present and mindful of all that you bring into the room with you.”

Graduate Education:
Aurora University, Master of Social Work

Primary Specialty:
Clinical Social Worker

Clinical Interests/Practice Focus:
Educational Advocacy, 504 Plans, IEP Development, Identity Issues, Eating Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)