Providers and Staff - Oasis: The Center for Mental Health

Oasis: The Center for Mental Health is comprised of a team of licensed clinical and board-certified psychiatric mental health professionals. Our specialists provide care for adults and children ages 6-years-and-older living with a variety of mental health conditions. We are committed to providing ongoing and sometimes critical mental health services to the community that includes comprehensive evaluations and outpatient treatment services.

Services include mental health evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, and family therapy.

Gina Pennington, LCPCLicensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Gina Pennington, LCPC, has over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field with various populations. She works with individuals, couples and more recently children on issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress management and poor self-image.

“My approach is warm and collaborative using various evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Play Therapy to provide a safe space for growth and change.”

Gina obtained her Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Community Counseling from Johns Hopkins University and her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Georgia.She enjoys Dancing West Coast Swing, swimming, spending time in nature and with her pets.

James Perritt, CRNPCertified Registered Nurse Practitioner

James Perritt, is a CRNP with a focus on Psychiatric Mental Health. He is licensed and board certified in the state of Marlyand. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Maryland and Master of Science Degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama. James has worked in the medical field for almost fifteen years, starting with a position at the esteemed Johns Hopkins Hospital. His specialty is providing psychiatric care for children over eight, youths, adults, and families.

James prides himself on his ability to listen, knowing this is the key to getting to the root of the problem. It his sense of dedication to his patients that sets him apart from his peers. His experiences, first at Johns Hopkins and now at Oasis, have given him a unique insight into his patients and how best to help them.

Lauren Pantoulis, LCPCLicensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Lauren Pantoulis, LCPC is a Certified Specialist in ADHD and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy for children and adults. She earned her M.A. in Clinical Psychology, and M.S. Counseling Psychology from Loyola University. Lauren’s expertise is with ADHD and assisting students and families with the struggles of learning differences. She also specializes in anxiety disorders and has a special interest in school avoidance and social anxiety. She helps patients struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, trauma, attachment issues, multi-cultural and LBGTQ issues and adjustment issues related to life change . She has contributed articles for Baltimore’s Child Magazine and Washington Family Magazine, and been a featured interview for Chesapeake Family Magazine. Lauren volunteers with KEEN, a program for special needs children that supports their ability to engage in play and exercise.

Jenny Wilson, PhD, LCPC Psychotherapist

Dr. Wilson earned her PhD from the University of Florida. At Oasis, she offers provision of therapy services to individuals, couples, and families provision of additional documentation to support clients in their academic or vocational settings as needed. Dr. Wilson’s therapeutic style is grounded in an “oppression sensitive” world view that honors the diverse life experiences of each client.

Prior to Oasis, she worked as an outpatient psychotherapist at University of MD, Midtown, (previously Maryland General Hospital) and was a psychiatric clinician in the ER at AAMC (Annapolis) for ten years. Currently she serves as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Anne Arundel Community College.

Dr. Wilson is passionate about supporting The National Brain Tumor Society, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, NPR, and The Environmental Defense Fund.

Brian Richards, PsyDClinical Psychologist

Dr. Richards completed a Master’s degree in Existential-Phenomenological Psychology at Duquesne University, a Psy.D. at the University of Denver, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, where he contributed to some of the original research administering psilocybin with cancer patients.

Dr. Richards was formerly a Clinical Director with MedOptions, the largest behavioral health provider in the United States. He also provides diagnostic psychological testing at Oasis, an acute outpatient center in Maryland. Dr. Richards is now working on clinical research protocols administering psilocybin for Treatment Resistant Depression at Sheppard Pratt Hospital (with COMPASS Pathways), and Cancer patients at the Aquilino Cancer Center in Rockville, Maryland. This cutting-edge psychedelic medicine clinic—located in a busy outpatient oncology center, will be the first of its kind in the world, and may serve as a prototype for future clinics nationwide.

Jocelin Bailey, LCSWLicensed Clinical Social Worker

Jocelin Bailey, LCSW has treated young children, teens, and their families over the past 10 years. She excels in connecting with children and supporting the family system. Jocelin has experience working with children presenting anxiety, depressive symptoms, behavioral concerns, grief, trauma, and adjustments related to family changes. Jocelin has certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia and uses this method to treat adults experiencing sleep difficulties. Additionally, Jocelin is a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, which is a program for both adults and teens developed by Brené Brown.

She incorporates her clinical skills with a warmth and compassion for families with children. Additionally, she has extensive experience working within the school setting, supporting and advocating for student needs.

“I believe that children and families can walk through difficulties and challenges, coming out with greater skills, connection, and fulfillment. I believe that each person is already enough, and can develop this belief through support. I believe in connecting with others through listening and honoring each person’s goals. I believe in finding and having fun! “

Sandra O'Neill, LCPCLicensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Sandra O’Neill, LCPC, has been with Oasis since 2006. She has been an approved Drug and Alcohol Supervisor in the State of Maryland since 2011. She has also been an approved Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor Supervisor in the State of Maryland since 2015.

In addition to treating patients at Oasis, Sandra has authored several articles on Anne Arundel County Department of Health website on topics such as: Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events, Back to School Preparation, Children and Holiday Stress, and Mental Health Advice During Times of Stress.

She lives on the Eastern Shore and enjoys Gardening, geo-caching, genealogy, and walking with her dog.

Cary Lukens

Cary graduated from Johns Hopkins University before getting a Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland. He has worked at the Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital as well as Crownsville Hospital Center with adolescents and families in in-patient settings. He has also worked in Anne Arundel Department of Social Services in Family Preservation; and the Baltimore City School System, with a multidisciplinary team in a special school for emotionally disturbed young adolescents.

Adding to his experience, he has worked in addictions at The Pathways Program in Annapolis with adolescents and adults suffering from substance abuse disorders. Working for Psychotherapeutic Treatment Services in Annapolis, he provided therapeutic services and oversight for 28 chronically mentally ill patients living in Arundel Lodge’s supervised housing.

Cary’s current work with Oasis is directed toward cognitive behavioral treatment for clients of all ages, ethnicities, diagnosis, and backgrounds.

A lifelong resident of Annapolis, he is part of the local community and enjoys working with others.

Grace Akinpetide, PhD, DNP, CRNP-Family, CRNP-PMHPsychiatric/Family Nurse Practioner

Grace Akinpetide, PhD, DNP, CRNP-Family, CRNP-PMH, has over 10 years of professional experience treating patients for all major psychiatric illnesses, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, adjustment disorders, and schizophrenia.

She earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Howard University {Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)] and completed a Post Master’s Certificate Program in Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (NP), Saint Louis University.

Grace actively supports organizations such as StrongMinds, Rethink, Active Minds, Mental Health America, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“Mental health providers can do more than prescribe medications. People need to be aware that mental health conditions are real but it’s not a personal weakness. Everyone is different and those with mental illness are not alone.”

Akhere Gwan, PMHNPPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Akhere Gwan has over a decade of experience in various areas of health care. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion Indiana, earned her Master of Science degree at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio and obtained her Post Masters certification from the University of Texas.

She holds two national board certifications with the American Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Family Nurse Practitioner as well as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her training thus allows her to serve clients across the lifespan.

Akhere is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and she enjoys making a difference in the lives of individuals by listening to them while managing their health through individualized plans.

Morgan Widerman, LCSW-CLicensed Clinical Social Work - Certified

Morgan Widerman, LCSW-C, completed her undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University and her Master’s at the University of Maryland School of Social Work.

Morgan believes in working collaboratively with clients to find the treatment approach that works best for them. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP), and a qualified Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) provider. In addition, she has advanced professional training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), CBT+, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Morgan has worked for several non-profit mental health organizations, and has experience in all levels of care, including inpatient and residential. She enjoys working with clients all ages, including families. “I strive for a comfortable and inclusive therapeutic environment for individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.”

Amanda Marcus, LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker

Mandi Marcus earned her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She has years of experience working with children and teens in a variety of settings including camps, daycares, schools, and a partial hospitalization program. Mandi graduated with a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Towson University. She eventually chose to switch to Social Work because, “I want to help people and make a positive impact in other’s lives.”

Mandi volunteers her time with several organizations that are near to her heart, including Empowering the Ages, which is an organization that writes letters to adults in quarantine during COVID-19. She also volunteers for the National Institute of Health’s Clinical Center’s Recreational Playroom and the Montgomery County Interfaith Works in the Empowerment Center Art Therapy Class.

Mandi loves theater, art, and reading and has three kittens

Melanie Carson, LMSWTherapist

Melanie Carson, LMSW, earned her Master’s in Social Work in Clinical Specialization from George Mason University. In addition, she has a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, specializing her talents in working with elderly patients. Since 2017, Melanie worked as an outpatient social worker, which involved interviewing patients and family members for psychosocial assessments, facilitating therapy groups for caregivers and family members, and monitoring and assessing the needs of patients throughout their hospice experience.

Previously, Carson worked in Adolescent and Adult Inpatient Care Units at Dominion hospital, where she conducted assessments and planned and facilitated group therapy. Melanie also continued her specialty in gerontology by working in Older Adult Clinical Services, where she was an advocate for her clients and provided supportive counseling and intensive case management for older adults with mental and physical health needs.

Onaija T. Bryant, D.O.Psychiatrist

Dr. Bryant is a board-certified psychiatrist with a wide range of experience having practiced for 13 years in Southern California and Maryland. She obtained her medical degree of Osteopathy from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA. Her empathetic approach to providing individualized care reflects the osteopathic philosophy of promoting wellness of the mind, body, and soul, emphasizing the importance of developing an understanding of the person beyond a collection of symptoms.

She has previously served as a psychiatrist for Assertive Community Treatment programs in Anaheim and Los Angeles, CA, which provide comprehensive community- and evidence-based services to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. In addition, she has also worked in an urgent care setting providing psychiatric care for individuals in crisis and other outpatient community mental health clinics.

Dr. Bryant provides medication management for individuals 18 years of age and up and treats all psychiatric disorders.

Onaija T. Bryant, D.O.Psychiatrist

Dr. Bryant provides medication management for individuals 18 years of age and up and treats all psychiatric disorders.

Our Team

Oasis is equipped with a team of more than a dozen leading board-certified, licensed psychiatric professionals. We invite you to utilize our services to get critical support for a variety of mental health afflictions that could include: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, anger and stress management, grief and loss, substance abuse and addiction counseling, bipolar disorder, behavioral problems, ADHD, mood disorders and much more.

Senior Staff

Kathy Miller, MA, LCPC, Owner

Sandy Eisel, Operations Manager seisel@oasismentalhealth.net

Providers (Bios coming soon!)

Miranda Nance, PhD, LCSW