MMP Staff

Phone: 804-409-7525 x 7

Insurance: Tricare East- Certified Provider & Optum/United Health.

Private/Self Pay, and Out of Network Insurance Processing

Patients: Adult (13 y/o or older)

Location: Office and Telehealth

Joanna is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She completed her Master of Science degree at Old Dominion University and is currently enrolled in their Doctor of Nursing Practice program. She is licensed to provide both psychiatric medication management and psychotherapy, allowing her to tailor treatment to meet each client’s individual need. 

Joanna believes that the human experience is complex and dynamic, with each of us experiencing life differently through our individual experiences. She seeks to meet people where they are and help them to get where they want to be. As a nurse practitioner, Joanna believes in providing non-judgmental, wholistic care, focusing on mind, body, spirit, family, and community. She understands the commitment to overcoming adversity, advocating for her clients to approach their own problems with a positive perspective and attitude of perseverance. It is her greatest joy to help people improve lives by mastering their thoughts and emotions.  

Phone: 804-409-7525 x 3

Insurance: Anthem/BCBS, Cigna & UHC/Optum, UHC/Optum (Medicare)

Patients: Adult (18 y/o or older)

Location: Telehealth

Stephanie was a military child who went on to serve in the Navy as a clinical psychologist and is currently an independent contractor with Mind Meld Psychotherapy.  She is warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental.  She deeply believes that people do the best they can in the circumstances they encounter, and that everyone has the power to grow into their potential.  Stephanie loves to help people define their goals, learn acceptance of their emotions, and practice mindfulness in their daily lives.  

Phone: 804-409-7525 x 5

Insurance: Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Beacon, Cigna, Humana, Magellan, VA Medicaid, VA Medicare, Optima, UHC/Optum, UHC/Optum (Medicare), and VA Community Care

Patients: Adolescent & Adult (13 y/o or old & Adult) 

Location: Telehealth

Adrian Evans graduated from the University of Mississippi with a BS in Psychology in 2001 and Jackson State University with a Master in Social Work in 2005. He worked as an alcohol and drug counselor for COPAC Inc, a Medical Social Worker for Fresenius Dialysis Centers, and the Assistant Director of Alternative Services for Parkwood Behavioral Health before enlisting in the Navy in 2008.

Through the Navy’s Health Sciences Collegiate Program, he earned his National License and received his commission as a LTJG in 2010. During his 15 year (and counting) career as an active duty LCSW he has worked as: a behavioral health counselor in clinic and hospital care; cardiac, postpartum, and combat casualty care discharge planner; HIV+ Case Manager; Maternal-Child Division Officer for Naval Medical Center San Diego; Department Head of Case Management, Discharge Planning, and Population Health for Naval Medical Center Portsmouth; and Psychological Health Team Lead for Embedded LCSWs with Coastal Riverine Group 2 in Virginia Beach Virginia. He is a Board-Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work through the ABCSW and a 15-year member of NASW. He and his wife of 21 years have 4 children and are currently in the process of adopting their 3 foster sons.

Phone: 804-409-7525 x 12

Insurance: Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Beacon, Cigna, Humana, Indian Health Services, Magellan, Meridian Health, Molina,  Optima, Optum/United Healthcare, UHC/Optum (Medicare), Optum (Veteran Affairs Community Care Network), Tricare East, VA Medicaid, VA Medicare Part B

Patients: Adolescent & Adult (13 y/o or old  & Adult) 

Location: Office & Telehealth

Keith Engel, a retired Naval Officer and founder and CEO of Engel Haus and Mind Meld Psychotherapy (MMP), where he works as a Clinical Social Worker. Keith graduate from Texas A&M University-Commerce and University of Southern California. 

Keith identifies as cis-gender gay man and has experience with the military and community services providing high quality care and support to people who are socially excluded or who are experiencing problems in their lives. Such as those who are part of the LGBTQI+ community, high risk patients (chronic suicidality & substance use), and providing care to adolescents, adults, and groups. 

Mental Health issues arise when we are faced with overwhelming emotions in isolation. Without the necessary support, emotions get so big and daunting that we defend ourselves against them, leading to numbness, anxiety, and depression. Keith’s goal is to invite intense emotions into the room so that you can learn to regulate them together and they can be reincorporated into the psyche, leading to a fuller and healthier life.

Phone: 904-409-7525

Insurance: Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Beacon, Cigna, Humana, Indian Health Services, Magellan, Meridian Health, Molina,  Optima, Optum/United Healthcare, UHC/Optum (Medicare), Optum (Veteran Affairs Community Care Network), Tricare East, VA Medicaid, VA Medicare Part B

Patients: Child, Adolescent & Adult (6 y/o or old & Adult) 

Location: Telehealth

Emily graduated Magna Cum Lade with a Master’s in the Art of Teaching from the University of Southern California and a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Emily’s many geographic and career changes help her understand the challenges and joys that come with major and sometimes unexpected life transitions. Some changes bring joy and others are far more difficult to tolerate.  Hurricane Katrina destroyed Emily’s hometown.  She learned about the short- and long-term stages of disaster recovery and how critical mental and emotional health are in the aftermath of crises. Growth and strength seem more difficult some days than others.  Emily is here to help you work through life's difficulties or disasters. Emily is also a former competitive sailor, avid fan of the outdoors, and supporter of wildlife conservation causes.

Phone: 804-409-7525

Insurance: Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Beacon, Cigna, Humana, Indian Health Services, Magellan, Meridian Health, Molina,  Optima, Optum/United Healthcare, UHC/Optum (Medicare), Optum (Veteran Affairs Community Care Network), Tricare East, VA Medicaid, VA Medicare Part B

Patients: Child, Adolescent & Adult (6 y/o or old  & Adult) 

Location: Office & Telehealth

Sarah Espinosa is a recent transplant from New York. She holds graduate degrees in  neuropsychology from NYU, clinical social work from Fordham University, and is currently working towards her doctorate at ODU. Sarah has been working in the mental health field for over 20 years and brings with her expertise in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; children and adolescent mental health; and forensic populations, specializing in trauma focused care; CBT; DBT; and behavioral healthcare. 

Sarah believes that although we are all on our own unique journey through life, none of us are self-sufficient. We all require the help and guidance of others to become the best versions of ourselves. Sarah's goal is to create a safe and warm environment that fosters growth, self-awareness, and transformative healing. 

Phone: 804-409-7525

Insurance: Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Beacon, Cigna, Humana, Indian Health Services, Magellan, Meridian Health, Molina,  Optima, Optum/United Healthcare, UHC/Optum (Medicare), Optum (Veteran Affairs Community Care Network), Tricare East, VA Medicaid, VA Medicare Part B

Patients: Adolescent & Adult (13 y/o  & Adult) 

Location: Office & Telehealth

Frank is a qualified mental health professional and currently a graduate student in the Advanced Standing Program seeking his MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). He has a background in substance abuse/recovery with over 5yrs of experience with the greater Richmond areas recovery community. Frank also works in research with both VCU and the University of Michigan, where he plans to continue to help reform the mental health system once he completes his PhD. He is originally from New Kent and excited to give back to the community by being a part of its community support system. Throughout his 20s he has been very involved in the music scene in Richmond and has played in bands all over the mid-Atlantic area. He remains somewhat active to this day and enjoys songwriting and recording in his spare time.

Phone: 804-409-7525

Insurance: Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Beacon, Cigna, Humana, Indian Health Services, Magellan, Meridian Health, Molina,  Optima, Optum/United Healthcare, UHC/Optum (Medicare), Optum (Veteran Affairs Community Care Network), Tricare East, VA Medicaid, VA Medicare Part B

Patients: Child, Adolescent & Adult (6 y/o or old  & Adult) 

Location: Office & Telehealth

Jacob David is a second year graduate student at the VCU School of Social Work. The past semester he was the Resource Coordinator for senior engagement at Jewish Family Services of Richmond. He has experience working as a therapeutic aide at RPS with Intercept Health. Jacob earned a Bachelor's in Psychology at Miami University in May of 2021. Jacob is passionate about learning new skills and finding connection with others. In his free time, Jacob enjoys building/tinkering with computers and trying out new recipes!

Phone: 804-409-7525

Insurance: Aetna, Anthem BCBS, Beacon, Cigna, Humana, Indian Health Services, Magellan, Meridian Health, Molina,  Optima, Optum/United Healthcare, UHC/Optum (Medicare), Optum (Veteran Affairs Community Care Network), Tricare East, VA Medicaid, VA Medicare Part B

Patients: Child, Adolescent & Adult (6 y/o or old  & Adult) 

Location: Office & Telehealth

Steven David is a second-year graduate student at the VCU School of Social Work. Prior to joining MMP he worked as an intern for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) where he worked with refugees navigate different social systems as well as establish and work towards goals for self-sufficiency. He is also a returned Peace Corps Volunteer from the Philippines, where he facilitated different programs and projects aimed towards community empowerment and sustainable development.

Since finishing his time in the Peace Corps, Steven has worked at non-profits to help address the housing crisis in America and as a case manager for victims of domestic violence. Steven’s personal and professional experiences has given him a passion for assisting people find and build the tools and strategies to overcome their challenges. Steven’s relaxation time is filled with his hobbies such as cooking, reading, and hiking.