Meet The Team

Our Management Team

Thomas C. Cook, Jr.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Hayley I. Porter. Psy.D.

Chief Compliance, Ethics, and Training Officer & HIPAA Privacy Officer

Aruna Rao, MD

Board Certified Psychiatrist & Chief Medical Officer

Brandi Tanasescu, LCPC

Chief Financial Officer

Michael S. Contreras-Cook

Chief Strategy & Public Relations Officer

Lauren Cook

Director of Marketing

Molly Martin

Chief Operations Officer

Kathryn DeRaffele, LCPAT, ATR-BC

Vice President of Clinical Services

Jennifer Haller, CRNP

Vice President of Psychiatry

Sandy Young

Vice President of Human Resources

Nate Christian

Vice President of Operations

Anna Jung, LCSW-C

Vice President of Staff Development and Training

Lisa Foley

Director of Finance

Lauren Cook

Director of Marketing & Intake

Our Mental Health Treatment Providers

Providers are currently accepting new clients. Contact us at 410-800-2169, option 1, to schedule an appointment/referral

** Please note: All providers are currently providing Telehealth Services **

Olalekan Ajayi, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner From Walden University

Kwesi Codrington, PMHNP-BC

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Masters from Walden University

Connor Bayley, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Masters in Counseling in Mental Health and Wellness from New York University

Annmarie Chiarini, LGPC

Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor, Masters from the University of the Cumberlands

Wynell Frame, LMSW

Licensed Master Social Worker, Masters in Social Work from the University of New England

Olalekan Ajayi, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Position: Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner From Walden University
Categories: Hunt Valley
Location: Hunt Valley

Olalekan Ajayi is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who graduated from Walden University. He is a highly skilled professional with thirteen years’ overall nursing experience, five years in psychiatry before he went back to school and became licensed as a PMHNP. Olalekan’s experience encompasses a commitment to delivering exceptional, qualitative, and compassionate patient care to diverse and multicultural client mixtures.

He has a holistic understanding of psychiatric and medical techniques, processes, and the unique protocols of the Psychiatric-Mental healthcare delivery in outpatient settings, community, correctional health care systems, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The years of experience bring to fore proficiency in obtaining a history, carrying out a physical assessment, diagnosing, implementing treatment, and evaluating care outcomes while maintaining safety and promoting client dignity, respect, and in accordance with each facility’s policies and procedure.

Note: Mr. Ajayi works in the Hunt Valley Office, as well as provides Telehealth Services.

Kwesi Codrington, PMHNP-BC

Position: Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Masters from Walden University
Categories: Hunt Valley, Telehealth
Location: Hunt Valley, Telehealth

Kwesi is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a degree from Walden University. Kwesi has 15 years of nursing experience with a focus on critical care and behavioral health. He has extensive experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders from various age groups and cultural demographics.
Specializing in a range of mental health conditions, Kwesi has honed his skills in diagnosing and treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and schizophrenia. He approaches each patient with an individualized treatment plan, recognizing the uniqueness of their experiences and tailoring interventions to suit their specific needs. His holistic approach takes into account biological, psychological, social, cultural, and environmental factors that contribute to mental health issues.
Beyond his clinical experience, Kwesi is well known for his empathetic and non-judgmental demeanor. He strongly believes in inclusivity for people from all walks of life. He creates a safe and supportive environment where patients can openly express their thoughts and emotions. His collaborative approach focuses on building a strong therapeutic alliance that involves working closely with patients to set achievable goals, empowering them to actively participate in their healing journey.

Mr. Codrington works in our Hunt Valley office and remotely, providing Telehealth services. 

Connor Bayley, LCPC

Position: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Masters in Counseling in Mental Health and Wellness from New York University
Categories: Hunt Valley
Location: Hunt Valley

Connor is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who earned her Master’s degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in the clinic and farm setting. Connor’s clinical experience includes helping clients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ASD, trauma, and more.
Connor provides equine-facilitated therapy at our farm location and in-clinic and telehealth services. She describes her approach to counseling as integrative and holistic, utilizing a person-centered approach, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In addition, she believes in building a collaborative and supportive relationship with her clients to help them feel empowered in their own therapeutic journey.

Ms. Bayley works in our Hunt Valley office. 

Annmarie Chiarini, LGPC

Position: Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor, Masters from the University of the Cumberlands
Categories: Hunt Valley
Location: Hunt Valley

Annmarie is passionate about empowering her clients to manage change – both the changes they desire and the unexpected changes that life throws at them. Using cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness approaches, she guides her clients in developing their ability to heal, foster growth, and embrace the fullest expressions of their authentic selves. Annmarie enjoyed a 2-decades-long career as a college professor and brings her passion and energy for helping others to this new chapter in her life. Annmarie provides adventure and eco therapies at the Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center as well as telehealth and in-office services at the Hunt Valley location. She is a general EMDR practitioner and certified anxiety treatment professional.

Annmarie works in our Hunt Valley office.

Wynell Frame, LMSW

Position: Licensed Master Social Worker, Masters in Social Work from the University of New England
Categories: Hunt Valley
Location: Hunt Valley

Wynell received her MSW degree from the University of New England with a focus on providing clinical services to individuals, families, and groups. Prior to joining Balance Point Wellness, she worked in community mental health and military settings. Her most recent clinical experiences include practice in school-based mental health, hospital social work and disaster relief services. Wynell believes that connection and creating safe, empowering spaces enable clients’ self-exploration and growth. Utilizing client-centered and empowerment driven approaches Wynell employs various therapeutic techniques including Play Therapy, CBT, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused methods. She is trauma-informed and believes that healing often begins by recognizing one’s inner strengths, talents, and gifts. Wynell believes in the inherent beauty of every individual’s dream, aspirations and in living with purpose and harmony.

Ms. Wynell works with our School-Based program while also offering some services out of our Hunt Valley office.

 

Our Wellness Team

Olalekan Ajayi, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner From Walden University

Olalekan Ajayi is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)…

Kwesi Codrington, PMHNP-BC

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Masters from Walden University

Kwesi is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with…

Jessica Hurst, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Masters in Counseling Psychology from Towson University

Jessica is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Board-Certified…

Sara LaMonica, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Masters in Community Mental Health from McDaniel College

Sara is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience providing…

Michelle Jolley, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Masters in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University

Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master’s…

Olalekan Ajayi, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP-BC

Position: Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner From Walden University
Categories: Hunt Valley
Location: Hunt Valley

Olalekan Ajayi is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who graduated from Walden University. He is a highly skilled professional with thirteen years’ overall nursing experience, five years in psychiatry before he went back to school and became licensed as a PMHNP. Olalekan’s experience encompasses a commitment to delivering exceptional, qualitative, and compassionate patient care to diverse and multicultural client mixtures.

He has a holistic understanding of psychiatric and medical techniques, processes, and the unique protocols of the Psychiatric-Mental healthcare delivery in outpatient settings, community, correctional health care systems, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The years of experience bring to fore proficiency in obtaining a history, carrying out a physical assessment, diagnosing, implementing treatment, and evaluating care outcomes while maintaining safety and promoting client dignity, respect, and in accordance with each facility’s policies and procedure.

Note: Mr. Ajayi works in the Hunt Valley Office, as well as provides Telehealth Services.

Kwesi Codrington, PMHNP-BC

Position: Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Masters from Walden University
Categories: Hunt Valley, Telehealth
Location: Hunt Valley, Telehealth

Kwesi is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a degree from Walden University. Kwesi has 15 years of nursing experience with a focus on critical care and behavioral health. He has extensive experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders from various age groups and cultural demographics.
Specializing in a range of mental health conditions, Kwesi has honed his skills in diagnosing and treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and schizophrenia. He approaches each patient with an individualized treatment plan, recognizing the uniqueness of their experiences and tailoring interventions to suit their specific needs. His holistic approach takes into account biological, psychological, social, cultural, and environmental factors that contribute to mental health issues.
Beyond his clinical experience, Kwesi is well known for his empathetic and non-judgmental demeanor. He strongly believes in inclusivity for people from all walks of life. He creates a safe and supportive environment where patients can openly express their thoughts and emotions. His collaborative approach focuses on building a strong therapeutic alliance that involves working closely with patients to set achievable goals, empowering them to actively participate in their healing journey.

Mr. Codrington works in our Hunt Valley office and remotely, providing Telehealth services. 

Jessica Hurst, LCPC

Position: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Masters in Counseling Psychology from Towson University
Categories: Hunt Valley
Location: Hunt Valley

Jessica is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Board-Certified Supervisor for the State of Maryland. Jessica’s current areas of clinical focus are with adolescents (16 and older), adults, and couples by helping them through life’s challenges. She specializes in treating individuals who come to counseling for Anxiety and Depressive Disorders, bipolar disorders, co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues, and other emotional and trauma-related disorders.

She utilizes an integrative and client-centered approach and draws from Cognitive-Behavioral, Rational-Emotive, Motivational Enhancement, Dialectical-Behavioral, Trauma-Informed therapies, and mindfulness-based modalities. She assists people who are having a tough time dealing with life stressors to find new ways for healing optimum functioning, and to help them “thrive vs. survive.”

Note: Ms. Hurst works in the Hunt Valley Office.

Sara LaMonica, LCPC

Position: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Masters in Community Mental Health from McDaniel College
Categories: Hunt Valley
Location: Hunt Valley

Sara is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with experience providing services to children, adolescents, and adults. Sara is passionate about working with teenagers and young adults navigating through life transitions and challenges.

She has experience in working with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, and ADHD. Sara utilizes a strengths-based approach and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in working collaboratively with clients to meet their goals. She hopes to partner with each of her clients on their journey to becoming the best and healthiest versions of themselves that they can be.

Note: Ms. LaMonica works in the Hunt Valley Office.

Michelle Jolley, LCPC

Position: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Masters in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University
Categories: Hunt Valley
Location: Hunt Valley

Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She has been part of Balance Point Wellness, as an intern, for over a year. Michelle started her journey as a Healthcare Leadership Coach, receiving her Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University certification.

She looks forward to integrating her counseling and coaching skills to work with clients on finding balance and self-acceptance while removing barriers.

Note: Ms. Jolley works in the Hunt Valley Office and remotely providing Telehealth Services.

 

Thomas Austin-Braxton

License: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Celia Parada-Worby

School Attended and Major: Maryland University of Integrative Health, Nutrition and Integrative Health with a Concentration in Herbal Medicine
License: Certified Nutrition Specialist, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist

Celia is a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist with a deep passion for promoting health and well-being through personalized nutrition and lifestyle guidance. She holds a Master's Degree in Nutrition and Integrative Health with a Concentration in Herbal Medicine from the maryland University of Integrative Health. She has successfully guided clients of all ages and backgrounds towards increased health and vitality, with a focus on cardiometabolic health, digestive support, hormone balancing, and mental health nutrition. Celia believes in fostering a compassionate, non-judgmental, and inclusive approach to health and well-being. She draws from functional medicine, herbalism, Health at Every Size®, and Intuitive Eating, a mindful and compassionate framework that helps individuals break free from diet culture and embrace a more balanced and joyful approach to eating. She enjoys collaborating with clients to create customized plans tailored to their unique health needs.

Yvette Lyn Myers, M. Ac., L.Ac.

Licensed Acupuncturist
Masters in Acupuncture from TAI SOPHIA / Maryland University of Integrated Health.

Yvette Myers is an acupuncturist licensed by the state of Maryland. Over seventeen years ago, she received her Master of Acupuncture degree from TAI SOPHIA/ Maryland University of Integrative Health in Laurel, MD. She specialized in the study of the Five Element teachings of J.R. Worsley and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Since graduation, Yvette has provided detoxification acupuncture to clients in two Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Substance Abuse programs in Baltimore City.

In her private practice, she treats various general medical conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, allergies, anxiety, depression, sports injuries., etc. Working in concert with Dr.’s, therapists, and other practitioners to combine Eastern and Western medicine for the best possible outcomes. Yvette helps her patients discover their healing abilities by supporting them along their healing path.

Note: Ms. Myers works in the York-Belvedere Medical Center office.

Rochan Olson-Burrell, DAOM, L.Ac, MATCM

Licensed Acupuncturist
Masters and Doctorate in Healthy aging and Longevity from Yo San University.

Dr. Rochan Olson-Burrell is a nationally licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. She graduated from Yo San University in 2012 with a master’s in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and went on to get her doctorate in 2014 with a focus on healthy aging and longevity.

She spent time in China studying at the Shanghai University spending time in the stroke center. She had a private practice in LA for eight years where she treated a wide variety of conditions, including but not limited to pain, digestion, PMS, fertility, stress, and anxiety. She focuses on treating the whole person physically, mentally, and spiritually, using many different modalities in combination with lifestyle and nutrition coaching to empower the patient to help heal themselves, working to treat the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Note: Ms. Olson-Burrell works in the Hunt Valley office.

Department Directory

Join the Balance Point Wellness Family!

We are looking to hire dedicated clinicians and support staff for our practice! If you are interested in working for Balance Point Wellness, email a resume and cover letter to Sarah Krieger, Talent Acquisition Manager, at [email protected].

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