Our Care Team
Our staff comprises warm and friendly people! Coming from a wide variety of backgrounds with expertise in high-quality mental health care, we aim to help our patients reach their goals in health and wellness. Come in for a visit!
Providers
Nicole Brooker
PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP, MSN, RN, ACUDETOX SPECIALIST
NICOLE BROOKER, MSN, RN, AGPCNP, ACUDETOX SPECIALIST
Nicole Brooker’s dream was to become a Registered Nurse. She realized that dream when she graduated as a Registered Nurse in Atlanta, Georgia in 1999. Her enthusiasm to work in more challenging roles led her to devote 15 years of her nursing career in the Neonatal ICU, Pulmonary ICU, and the Emergency Department. These experiences prompted Nicole to obtain her Master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner in Adult Gerontological Nursing in 2013 from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio. Upon graduation, Nicole recalled the experiences and satisfaction she encountered while working in the Emergency Department of a military hospital at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California. There, Nicole treated a variety of illnesses which included mental illness and drug addiction. In addition, drug addiction was fast becoming a huge epidemic. This problem in turn created a shortage of certified trained personnel needed to meet the needs of this underserved population. Nicole moved to Raleigh, North Carolina in 2013 where she began her work in the field of mental health and drug addiction.
Nicole believes that recovery from mental illness and drug addiction is a journey that she and her staff will take with their patients to help them achieve their individualized goals of health and wellness maintenance. Nicole realizes that her expertise in treating patients with the above-mentioned issues emboldened her to create “Journeys in Mental Health and Wellness”. Here, patients will be afforded high-quality care where dynamic individualized programs will be implemented to foster and promote restoration and maintenance of mental health and wellness. Nicole met and married her wonderful husband in Brooklyn, NY. They have 2 beautiful children; daughter Isabella and son Noah. Nicole’s favorite thing in the world is traveling and experiencing different cultures. She also enjoys cooking, reading, and Broadway musicals.
Therapists
Christine Sande
LCMHC-A AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER
LCMHC-A AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER
Christine was born and raised in Sicily, Italy. She moved to the United States in 1996. She has lived in several states over her lifetime before making North Carolina her home in 2003. Christine is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling at Grand Canyon University and expects to graduate as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in March 2021. She came to Journeys in Mental Health to complete the required clinical hours and obtain invaluable experience required in her program of study. Christine began her career with an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education at Johnston Community College in 2007. She then continued on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus in Addiction and Recovery while earning a double minor in Child Psychology and Christian Counseling from Liberty University in 2015. Her quest for knowledge is insatiable and after graduation, Christine already has plans to seek certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist.
In her free time, Christine enjoys cooking, reading, running, listening to music, and spending time with her family and friends. Like anyone else, Christine has a past and a story, and she believes that anyone can change and rewrite their story if they work at it!
Carissa Berry
MSW, LCSWA, LCASA, OUTPATIENT THERAPIST
CARISSA BERRY, MSW, LCSWA, LCASA, OUTPATIENT THERAPIST
Carissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and Licensed Addiction Specialist Associate. She is from Long Island, New York, but has been in N.C. since her teenage years. She received her Bachelor’s in Psychology at William Peace University in 2017 and her Master’s in Social Work in 2019 from Louisiana State University. Carissa started her journey into the healthcare field as a Certified Nursing Assistant, providing in-home healthcare. Carissa uses a person-centered approach and has experience in both inpatient and outpatient treatment. She has worked with many populations including children, adolescents, couples, and adults. Carissa has worked with individuals combatting Physical and Intellectual Disabilities, PTSD, Depression, OCD, Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, Mood Disorders, and Behavioral Struggles.
Her passion in life is to help break the stigma of mental illness; by empowering individuals with the skills needed to combat mental health struggles.
Fakira Wahid
MA, LCMHC, OUTPATIENT THERAPIST
FAKIRA WAHID MA, LCMHC, OUTPATIENT THERAPIST
Fakira began her career in criminal justice. She began to see the close relationship between the legal system and those afflicted with mental health issues. Fakira understood that for many, having access to mental health services may have altered their path into the justice system. She wanted to be proactive rather than reactive. Fakira pursued a career in counseling where she could use her passion for helping others to make a difference not only for them but also for their families and the communities in which they live.
Fakira is now a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with over 3000 hours of counseling and related experience. She holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She has experience working with the pediatric, adolescent, and adult population and offers individual counseling, couples counseling, and group counseling. Fakira practices from an eclectic style with an emphasis on the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modality. She is an action oriented-clinician who believes outcomes speak for themselves. The evidence-based practices, programs, and interventions she utilizes are documented, peer-reviewed activities, strategies, and information; whose effectiveness is proven and based on empirical research and evaluation.
Fakira is competent in managing a myriad of challenges including, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, obsessive and compulsive issues, Bipolar-Disorder, impulsiveness, oppositional defiance, and behavioral issues, poor school performance, substance use, self-esteem issues, boundaries, infidelity, personality disorders, work-related stress and anxiety, and intellectual and developmental disabilities to name a few.
In her spare time, she is an avid reader and user of audiobooks. She enjoys interior decorating and spending time with her family.
Magen Henley
MSW, LCSWA OUTPATIENT THERAPIST
MAGEN HENLEY, MSW, LCSWA, OUTPATIENT THERAPIST
I was born and raised in eastern North Carolina where I completed my undergraduate degree in social work and then went on to earn a Master’s of Social Work degree, both from East Carolina University. I served as a behavioral health case manager at a community health center for two years–this experience solidified my desire to help others.
My main goal is to create a comfortable, safe, and non-judgmental environment for clients. I enjoy using a Strengths-Based perspective with clients as well as a Cognitive Behavioral approach, working to identify and ultimately eliminate negative thinking patterns. I have a passion to work with adolescents and young adults struggling with depression and anxiety. I also desire to work with couples or families, striving to empower them and help them overcome the stressors they may be facing. I look forward to working with clients from all different backgrounds.
In my free time, I cherish spending time with family, friends, and my 5-year-old pup! I enjoy the excitement of traveling or the comfort of relaxing at home.
Regina Hales
LCMHC-A, LCAS-A, OUTPATIENT THERAPIST
REGINA HALES, LCMHC-A, LCAS-A, OUTPATIENT THERAPIST
Gina Hales was born and raised in Raleigh, NC. A true hometown girl! In 2001, she began her career by first earning her AA in Paralegal Technology. One month later she gave birth to her second child, a baby boy, and decided to dedicate her time to raising her family. In 2013 she returned to school to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Gina graduated from North Carolina State University in 2018 and went on to earn her Master in Clinical Counseling, Addictions and Rehabilitation in 2021.
Gina now practices as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and Licensed Certified Addiction Specialist Associate and Certified in Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT). She loves her work but she is done yet.
She is planning to pursue certifications in Circle of Security, EMDR. She has experience in counseling men, women, adolescents, children, couples and families. Her counseling style is tailored to the individual, family dynamics, culture, and sociology-cultural needs. She believes in treating the whole person; mind, body and spirit. She uses multiple techniques that include talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectal behavior therapy and a person-centered approach.
Gina came to Journeys with excitement and passion for helping others to live their best life by coping with traumas, mental health, and addiction. Gina believes anyone can live their best life if they put in the work.
Gina enjoys spending time with her daughter, three-year-old grandson, and son. She loves being with friends, enjoying food, listening to music, and taking drives with the windows down. The beach is where she refreshes her mind, body and spirit.
Solana Sparks
LCMHC-A OUTPATIENT THERAPIST
SOLANA SPARKS, LCMHC, OUTPATIENT THERAPIST
Solana Sparks is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate. She was born in Bronx, NY and raised in Richmond, VA. She moved to Raleigh, NC in 2006 where she obtained her BA in Psychology and leadership studies and a minor in theatre from William Peace University (2010). She earned her Master’s in Professional Counseling in 2015 from Liberty University. She has experience in counseling men, women, families, and children of all ages. Her counseling style takes into consideration the individual differences, as well as the developmental stages of each client and family, while at all times demonstrating respect for the client’s beliefs, customs, and socio-cultural values. She is adept in using multiple treatment modalities tailored to the client’s needs, abilities, strengths, and desire to change. Furthermore, she believes it is important to examine clients’ potential choices connected to their therapeutic goal(s). Her approach is on the whole person, his/her feelings, behaviors, thoughts, and beliefs. She uses techniques to include talk therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, a person-centered approach and expressive techniques, which integrate art, music, movement and written or spoken word poetry into the session. She spends much of her time being creative with dance, with family and friends, fur babies, and in nature, as she enjoys taking long bike rides on the trails in Raleigh. She also instructs dance fitness classes Sparking Bodies on zoom. She wants to leave a little sparkle wherever she goes and is passionate about helping the community. She wants to empower others to discover their gifts and to remember that every move that they make matters, so make those moves count!
Medical Team
Michelle Catalan
Medical Assistant
MICHELLE CATALAN, MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Michelle Catalan is an experienced Certified/Registered Medical Assistant born in San Diego, California. Growing up in a Mexican family, she has been the first of her family to attend college and graduate in 2020 with her Medical Assistant Certification and Associates degree. She is a proud new mother of an 11-month-old baby who is also studying at Wake Technical Community College to pursue her goal of becoming a Pre-Med Student at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Michelle is graduating in the summer of 2022 for her Associate’s Degree of Science and will be continuing her education for the Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in the fall.
As a Medical Assistant and student, her ultimate goal in life is to become one of North Carolina’s well-respected Specialty Doctors. With her, she brings to us a variety of clinical experiences from Primary Care, Pulmonology, to Internal Medicine with knowledge of infectious diseases and medications. Driven by her love for helping others, she takes pride in providing the best medical care possible to all of her patients. In her busy life, she enjoys learning how to cook, and spending time with her son and family, along with a passion for body modifications.
Wendy Bourne
Certified Phlebotomist
WENDY BOURNE, CERTIFIED PHLEBOTOMIST
Wendy Bourne is a Certified Phlebotomist. She brings with her 15 years of knowledge and experience to our on-site clinical laboratory. She was born and raised in Ohio and has been in North Carolina for 4 years. She is a huge college football fan and bleeds Scarlet and Gray. GO BUCKS! She has three grown children and two small grandchildren to date. Wendy loves the outdoors and enjoys anything that puts her near the water. She loves music, live concerts, reading, roller skating, and spending time with family and friends. Partnered and contracted with Journeys through Paradigm Laboratories.
Administrative Team
Caridad (Cary) Calzadilla
Office Manager
CARIDAD (CARY) CALZADILLA, FRONT OFFICE MANAGER (WENDELL)
Cary was born and raised in sunny Miami. Born to Cuban parents, she is fluent in Spanish and in English. Her language skills have made her invaluable in her role as Administrative Assistant at Journeys, where we serve a large Latino patient population. Growing up in Miami, gave her the opportunity to experience life with many different cultural groups. She developed love, appreciation, and respect for all people. Cary has a natural ability to make patients and staff feel welcomed. She loves to see people achieve their goals and derives great satisfaction from helping others. She is a mentor to her colleagues and an advocate for our patients.
Cary has over 12 years of experience in the medical field. She is adept at performing all duties that promote the efficient functioning of a medical practice. Whether it’s front office, billing and coding, credentialing, office management, and or staff training, she does it with precision, compassion and always with a smile. As if this wasn’t enough, she has become the office tech guru. There isn’t a technology problem she has not been able to solve. These qualities have always thrust her into leadership positions. Future plans include furthering her education to enhance her expertise in her field.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids. Her hobbies include graphic design, cooking delicious Cuban cuisines, and tending to her plant babies. These activities allow her to nurture her creative side and show off her green thumb!
Chloey Sande
Intake Coordinator
CHLOEY SANDE, INTAKE COORDINATOR
Sandra Peña
Patient Support Specialist
SANDRA PENA, FRONT OFFICE RECEPTIONIST
Sandra has called Wendell home her entire life. She is currently attending school at Wake Technical Community College majoring in Business Administration. She devotes her free time to her passion for baking treats and making delicious chocolate-covered strawberries. Sandra is bilingual in Spanish and English and is a great asset to Journeys and to our fast-growing Wendell community. As one of the first faces you’ll see when you arrive at Journeys, she hopes to make you feel welcomed.
Brenda Pianigiani
Credentialing Specialist
BRENDA PIANIGIANI, CREDENTIALING SPECIALIST
Brenda is a 25 year old Italian from Florence, Italy. She is proudly raised in the Tuscan Paradise but carries with her Latina blood from her Cuban mother. She moved to the United States in 2014 in search of a brighter future and is currently a junior at North Carolina State University, double majoring in Film Studies and Communication Media. #GoPack! She spends most of her time watching television series, analyzing them, writing about them, and hoping to produce one someday. When she is not in the office, on campus, or at church, she is probably somewhere photographing someone! She is at her happiest behind that 35 mm lens, but also enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, reading, taking care of her plants, playing with her cats and spreading God’s love. Brenda is a determined and persistent person, always reaching for higher levels and achieving her goals despite adversities. She is an empath and passionate about injustices, always ready to step in when needed and have challenging conversations. Her strong personality doesn’t stop her from always having a smile and kind word for everyone. Although often loud and silly, don’t let her fool you: she is a hard-working busy bee and always on the move, working on the next thing!
Isabella Buchanan
Insurance Specialist
ISABELLA (BELLA) BUCHANAN
Isabella (Bella) is the newest and youngest member of our Journeys family. She was born in Atlanta, GA but raised in NY and CA. As a military brat, she aspired to serve her country but her dream could not be realized. Having exercise-induced Asthma, excludes her from military service. Never to be deterred, she has turned her attention to her love for animals and is now pursuing a career in Veterinary science.
At Journeys, she will be working as our insurance verification specialist and credentialing assistant. This is a very crucial part of the successful operation of a medical practice. Despite her youth, she has demonstrated enthusiasm and compassion for her role. She is shy, kind and always stands up for the underdog. There is no doubt that she will become an invaluable asset to the practice.
Bella has many interests and talents. As a child, she played piano, rode horses, danced, and participated in swim competitions. Her first job was a lifeguard for the city of Raleigh. At a very early age she displayed artistic skills in drawing and painting. In fact, she can do just about any craft she is interested in. She taught herself how to crochet! Her adventurous side has embraced travel at an early age. She has been to the Caribbean, Spain, Morocco, Australia, Belize, Gibraltar, and Hawaii-All before the age of 21.
