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.

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.

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.

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.

Brian Richards, PsyDClinical Psychologist

Brian D. Richards, PsyD, completed a Masters 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 and healthy normal adults. 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 was a Lead Trainer and Mentor for Compass Pathways (a UK-based Life Sciences Company), and he also mentors students at the California Institute for Integral Studies, the leading Psychedelic Medicine Certificate Program worldwide. He also contributed to Compass’ Phase II Study for Treatment Resistant Depression at Sheppard Pratt Hospital, a newly built Center of Excellence for this Life Sciences company.

Dr. Richards was a Lead Psychologist on an innovative, simultaneous group administration psilocybin trial with Cancer patients at the Aquilino Cancer Center in Rockville, Maryland. This cutting-edge, purpose-built psychedelic medicine clinic—located in a busy outpatient oncology center, is the first of its kind in the world, and may serve as a prototype for future clinics nationwide.

Dr. Richards’ clinical and research interests include meaning-centered psychotherapy, mystical experience, brain science-based approaches to vibrant health and wellness, and working with treatment refractory patients. He finds joy and meaning practicing yoga, gourmet cooking, working in nature and caring for wildlife and plants.

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.

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.

Nakeia Newton, DNP, PMHNP-BC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Nakeia Newton, DNP, PMHNP-BC is from Philadelphia and joined Oasis in early 2021. She attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore for her post-baccalaureate studies to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice/Certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Previously, Nakeia worked in the adult psychiatric unit at Inova Fairfax Hospital for six years where she treated patients with conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. There, she also designed and helped to implement new protocols for reducing patient seclusion and restraint events that were adopted by the entire inpatient behavioral health service line.

She believes healing is holistic, encompassing mind, body and soul and aims to be more than a provider, but an ally on your journey to wellness.

Nakeia also writes poetry and has authored a book called, “E.C.H.O.: Exhibition. Clarity. Healing. Oneness.”

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.

Alissa Starkey, LMSWLicensed Master Social Worker

Alissa Starkey, LMSW, completed her undergraduate studies at Towson University with a B.A. in Psychology before earning her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland (Baltimore). She has experience in both hospital and outpatient therapeutic settings with adults and children. She has extensive knowledge of crisis intervention, assessment and de-escalation strategies.

Prior to joining Oasis, Alissa has worked with the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) in the pediatric emergency department. She also has worked in a private practice setting where she treated individuals, families and couples with psychotherapy treatment services. In addition, she worked as volunteer at Sheppart Pratt Health System and provided case management services for at-risk individuals for the Neighbor to Neighbor organization.

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.

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

Ogo Tunde-Sanya, MSN, CRNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner

Ogo is a dual Certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PHMNP ) and a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) offering compassionate, versatile, and exemplary delivery of patient care in the areas of behavioral and medical healthcare.

Previously, Tunde-Sanya has worked as a nurse at Walter Reed National Army Medical Center and as a Nurse Practitioner Jessup Correctional Institute. After becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she has started working in various outpatient clinics across Maryland with patients suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorder and more. Her role as a PMHNP- BC is to provide medication management, psychiatric evaluations, review symptoms, vital signs, diagnosing lab testing related to psychiatric treatment protocols, formulate treatment strategies, collaborate with specialists, and educate patients on treatment options, medical and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.

Atola Okorie, PMHNP-BC, MSNPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Atola Okorie, PMHNP-BC, MSN joined Oasis in early 2021. Previously, she worked at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where she was awarded the “Good Catch Award,” a citation given to staff members who identify potential patient safety concerns before they happen. In addition to being a PNHNP-BC, MSN, she is also a certified Forensic Nursing Examiner.

Atola has been featured in the Medstar Southern Maryland Bulletin, a quarterly magazine distributed by Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital Center about health-related issues and the services offered in their medical system.

She enjoys traveling and cooking and is passionate about supporting the Good Samaritan Food Pantry.

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.”

Hannah Rogers, LMSWLicensed Master Social Worker

Hannah Rogers, LMSW, joined Oasis in 2021 and is a native of Joppa, MD. She completed her undergraduate studies at Salisbury University with a B.A. in Social Work before returning to earn her Master’s in Social Work.

She previously worked in child welfare at the Harford Social Services and interned with the Veteran’s Health Administration where she was trained in trauma-informed care. Trauma-Informed Care understands and considers the pervasive nature of trauma and promotes environments of healing and recovery rather than practices and services that may inadvertently re-traumatize. The intention of Trauma-Informed Care is not to treat symptoms or issues related to sexual, physical or emotional abuse or any other form of trauma but rather to provide support services in a way that is accessible and appropriate to those who may have experienced trauma.

Hannah enjoys writing poetry and studying chess and being with her elderly cat, Pandora. She is devoted to cultivating safe spaces and client-centered care.

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

Sandee Eisel, Operations Manager seisel@oasismentalhealth.net

Providers (Bios coming soon!)

Miranda Nance, PhD, LCSW