At The Maples, we have a team of licensed clinical social workers, professional counselors, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners who will support teenage girls and their families during the healing process.
Sierra D. Williams, RN
Administrator
Sierra is a Registered Nurse, BSN with 17 years of experience caring for the Behavioral Health Population and 6 years in an administrative role. Sierra is a Psychiatric and Substance Abuse healthcare champion with experience supporting and implementing psychiatric care facility mission, vision, and core values. Sierra has always been passionate about providing holistic care to adolescents in need of Behavioral Health Resources, which led to joining The Maples team.
Before coming a member of the Maples Team, Sierra worked as the Chief Nursing Officer at Ochsner Rehabilitation Hospital in Jefferson Parish, LA, providing oversight of a 56-bed unit, collaborating with the Clinical department to ensure all aspects of care aligned with the Regulations and Standards of Care. Sierra has also provided strategic oversight of day-to-day administrative, operational, and fiscal functions of 7 units (140 beds) while ensuring support for in-patient and outpatient services, in addition to representing judicially committed population. Sierra also has a nursing background which includes oncology, stepdown, and telemetry. Sierra excels in collaborating with senior leadership to develop and implement high-quality treatment programs that deliver impactful outcomes to the population served.
Joshua Bourgeois, M.Ed., LPC-S Clinical Director
Joshua Bourgeois is the Clinical Director of The Maples. Before becoming a member of The Maples team, Joshua worked at the Plaquemines Community C.A.R.E. Centers Foundation, Inc., located in Plaquemines Parish, LA, serving various clients within that parish. Having started at the C.A.R.E. Centers in 2015, he filled several roles over the intervening years, with his final role serving as Clinical Supervisor from 2018-2023. Prior to C.A.R.E., he worked in the community, school, and home settings with children and families across the greater New Orleans area.
Joshua holds the Licensed Professional Counsel Supervisor (LPC-S) credential from the Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2010) and Master of Education in Counselor Education (2013) from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA.
- Southeastern Louisiana University, B.A. in Psychology
- Southeastern Louisiana University, M.Ed. in Counselor Education
Dr. Megan Thompson D.O., Medical Director
Dr. Thompson is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She earned her medical degree from The Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009. After learning about the disparity in the mental health system that was still present years after Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Thompson felt compelled to help bridge this gap so she moved to New Orleans to complete her General Psychiatry Residency at Tulane University. After falling in love with the people and culture in Southeastern Louisiana she then stayed at Tulane and completed a Fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, where she served as Chief Resident from 2013-2014. Upon completion of her medical training Dr. Thompson moved to Baton Rouge in 2014 to practice near her mentor, Renee M. Bruno, MD.
Dr. Megan Thompson is trained in the evaluation and management of all disorders within the DSM. She is particularly interested the following:
- Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Childhood Trauma
- Life Transitions
- Attachment Disorders
- Early Childhood Mental Health
- Autism
Midwestern University (2005 – 2009)
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Tulane University School of Medicine (2009 – 2012)
Dept of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
General Psychiatry Residency
Tulane University School of Medicine (2012 – 2014)
Dept of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship
Dr. Adewale O. Oyemade, M.D.
Psychiatrist
Dr. Oyemade has been practicing psychiatry in the greater New Orleans area for over 7 years. He attended the University of California at Los Angeles for his undergraduate degree, and he is a graduate of the Howard University college of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He subsequently completed a general psychiatry residency and child and adolescent fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN.
Dr. Oyemade is board certified in child, adolescent, and adult Psychiatry. Prior to entering private practice, he worked as medical director on in adolescent inpatient Psychiatry and has worked as a psychiatrist in community mental health care settings. He currently is an attending psychiatrist on the adolescent inpatient unit at Covington Behavioral Health Hospital.
Dr. Oyemade is an avid sports fan and loves to cheer on all teams from his alma mater, UCLA as well as teams from his hometown of Washington, D.C.
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Howard University, Washington D.C.
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Brianna Kora, LCSW
Therapist
- Louisiana State University, B.S. in Child and Family Studies with Minor in Social Work
- Tulane University, Master of Social Work
- Certificate in Mental Health, Addiction and the Family
Jackie Woods, LCSW-BACS
Therapist
Jackie is a graduate of the LSU School of Social Work, and has been practicing social work for over 10 years. Jackie specializes in treatment of substance use disorders and recovery maintenance. Jackie has worked in the prison, healthcare, and non-profit settings, helping clients through life challenges to achieve their goals.
Jackie works to help individuals and families recognize their strengths and their value, as well as potential for change using a holistic, person-centered approach.
- LSU School of Social Work, Master of Social Work
- Louisiana State University, B.A. in Psychology, minor in sociology
Adrian Illes, PLPC
Therapist
Adrian is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) born and raised in Louisiana. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Kansas and completed her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with distinction at Loyola University New Orleans.
Adrian brings experience from diverse clinical settings, including acute inpatient facilities and correctional institutions, where she has worked with individuals navigating complex mental health challenges. She completed her graduate internship at The Maples, where she developed a passion for working with adolescents and refined her ability to provide compassionate, individualized care.
Outside of The Maples, Adrian enjoys time with friends and family, hanging out with her cat Butter, reading, and planning her next travel adventure.
Madi Engels, LCSW
Therapist
Madi Engels is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker born and raised in Dallas, TX. She attended the University of North Texas for her bachelor’s degree in social work, with a minor in counseling. Madi continued her education at Tulane University to achieve her Master of Social Work, with a certificate in Mental Health, Addiction, and the Family.
Madi incorporates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Approaches, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, incorporating Parts Work and Systems Approaches while working with clients to empower them to be the best version of themselves.
In her free time, Madi enjoys working on her various creative projects, watching international TV shows, enjoying time with her friends, and working towards her current foreign language goals.
- University of North Texas, Bachelor of Social Work with a Minor in Counseling
- Tulane University of New Orleans, Master of Social Work
- Certificate in Mental Health, Addiction, and the Family
- Member of National Association of Social Workers
Carlie Dowell, LMSW
Therapist
Carlie Dowell, LMSW, is a proud Louisiana native and dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Louisiana State University. During her academic journey, Carlie developed a passion for behavioral health and youth advocacy through internships and volunteer work with local nonprofits.
Currently pursuing her LCSW licensure, Carlie brings valuable clinical experience from both residential and inpatient settings. She has a solid foundation in therapeutic interventions and is committed to fostering a supportive, empowering environment where young clients can thrive and build lasting resilience into adulthood.
Outside of The Maples, Carlie enjoys shopping, watching reality TV, spending time with family/friends, and playing with her dog, Chubbs. As a proud LSU alumna, she’s often found cheering on the Tigers at sporting events.
- Licensed Master Social Worker
- Louisiana State University, Bachelor of Social Work
- Louisiana State University, Master of Social Work
Katie Krause, LPC
Therapist
Katie Krause, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor working with families, teens, adolescents, individuals and couples helping to navigate life’s challenges. Katie earned a Bachelor of Science in counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University and has nearly a decade of experience in the field.
She specializes in communication issues, conflict resolution, and relationship dynamics using evidence-based approaches, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Katie enjoys traveling and new experiences in her free time while raising her two teenagers.
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Southeastern Louisiana University, B.S. in Counseling
Kevin Zimmerman, PhD, PLMFT
Family Therapist
Dr. Kevin Zimmerman is a provisionally licensed marriage and family therapist with over a decade of combined experience in clinical care, teaching, and research focused on healthy family functioning. At The Maples, he provides family therapy with a steady, compassionate presence and a deep commitment to helping each adolescent—and her family—move toward healing and wholeness.
Kevin holds a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies and has taught university-level courses in child and adolescent development, family dynamics, and communication. His therapeutic work is grounded in evidence-based approaches such as Family Systems Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He has worked with clients navigating substance abuse, self-harm, anxiety, trauma, grief, attachment injuries, and complex relational dynamics.
Parents working with Kevin often appreciate his calm demeanor, his direct but compassionate communication style, and his ability to make sense of difficult patterns in a way that fosters both understanding and hope. He is passionate about helping families in crisis, and approaches each case with the belief that meaningful change is possible when families are given the support and tools they need.
Outside of work, Kevin is a dedicated husband and father of three sons. He also enjoys roller skating, and believes that physical health is key to mental and emotional health.
Monique “Niki” Banta, MA, LPC, Ed.S.
Family Therapist
Niki Banta is the parent support counselor for The Maples Adolescent Residential Program. Niki has experience working with inpatient, outpatient and family group therapy as an eating disorder counselor. She has worked extensively with adolescents and has knowledge of clients with depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders and trauma. She utilizes a variety of counseling modalities tailored to meet the needs of the client.
- Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor
- Louisiana State University, M.A. in Clinical Counseling
- Louisiana State University, Education Specialist
- Louisiana State University, B.A. in Psychology
- Member of the Louisiana Counseling Association
Dr. Melissa Roy, M.D.
Primary Care Provider
Melissa Roy, M.D. is a native of Metairie, Louisiana. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Louisiana State University. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Dr. Roy completed her pediatric residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans where she also served as Chief Resident. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Hospital Medicine. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Roy serves as the Program Director of the Our Lady of the Lake Pediatric Residency Program.
- Louisiana State University, B.S. in Biological Sciences
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, M.D.
- American Board of Pediatrics, certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hospital Medicine
- American Academy of Pediatrics Fellow
- Our Lady of the Lake Pediatric Residency Program Director
Collin Rougeau Thomas, BSN, CPNP, PMHNP
Collin Rougeau Thomas, BSN, CPNP, PMHNP is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of Louisiana. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2009. In 2014, she received her Masters of Nursing from the University of South Alabama, obtaining her Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification. Collin furthered her education at Southeastern Louisiana University after acquiring her Postmaster’s” Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification in 2023. She serves as a preceptor for master’s degree students in pediatric and psychiatric specialties.
- Southeastern Louisiana University, B.S. in Nursing
- University of South Alabama, M.S. in Nursing
Alicia George, RN
Director of Nursing
Alicia is from Springfield, Louisiana, and currently resides in Hammond, Louisiana. She is currently the Head RN at The Maples, Hammond. Alicia has been a nurse for 14 years. She obtained her bachelor’s degree of Science in Nursing from Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She has worked in various areas of Nursing and held different roles in her career. Alicia has worked in Orthopedic Surgery, Clinic, Utilization Review, Population Health, Rehabilitation, and Behavioral Health/Mental Health. She has had the pleasure to have worked in Mental Health/Behavioral Health for 10 years and counting, with many different positions held: Charge Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, Nurse Manager, and Assisted Director of Nursing. All which she has done successfully and effectively.
Although she has experience in other areas of nursing, Behavioral Health/Mental Health is her passion and purpose. Alicia gets fulfillment when working with individuals/residents in this area of nursing. Seeing the change from before and after treatment with willing participation of the individuals in the program is very rewarding. She truly feels that this area of nursing is her purpose, and she is pleased to have the gift to serve, assist, guide, and manage individuals who are willing to make a change in their life.
- Our Lady of the Lake, Baton Rouge, B.S. in Nursing
Melissa Landry, LDN, RDN
Consultant Registered Dietitian
Melissa Landry has been a Registered Dietitian for 19 years. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, and completed her Dietetic Internship at Southern University. She is certified in ServSafe, Quorum Lean Healthcare Leadership and Adult Weight Management. Melissa has had experience working with nutritional needs of mental health and substance abuse for 11 years.
- Licensed Registered Dietitian
- Southern University, Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Louisiana State University, B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Specializing in food service management
Lori Harper, B.S. Education
Lori Harper is the Director of Education for The Maples. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education. Before coming to The Maples, Lori was a classroom teacher for 37 years. She started tutoring at the Baton Rouge facility and realized how important it is for adolescents to have an advocate to help them navigate school while in treatment. Lori gradually developed a process for monitoring and encouraging residents while continuing their schoolwork.
Lori works with each resident’s school or district to establish the best plan of action for academic success and a smooth transition after discharge.
- Louisiana State University, B.S. in Secondary Education
Kimberlee Hedrick, LCSW
Eating Disorder Specialist
Kimberlee Hedrick is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) and Certified Group Psychotherapist
(CGP) who has been in private practice in Baton Rouge for over 20 years
providing individual, group and family psychotherapy.
She specializes in treating both males and females struggling with disordered eating including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder, as well as body image disturbance and underlying mood disorders. Her strong belief in an authentic,
compassionate and relational approach provides the underpinnings of her
treatment philosophy as she strives to empower others to live “a life worth
living.”
- Southeastern Louisiana University, Bachelors of Social Work (BSW-1991)
- Tulane University, Masters of Social Work (MSW-1994)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-1997)
- Academy Certified Social Worker (ACSW-1997)
- Board Certified Diplomate (BCD-2004)
- Certified Group Psychotherapy (CGP-2006)
Ryan Phillips, LPC, NCC, M.Ed.
Substance Consultant
Ryan is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University’s Masters of Counseling program with a focus on family counseling. Ryan has been a practicing clinician since 2012. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, and a Nation Certified Counselor, specializing in addiction and family counseling. Ryan has developed family programs through education, led development of chemical dependency program literature, and is an active supervisor for Provisional counselors entering the field. He has been focused on counseling professionals facing family issues, addiction, and working closely with state monitoring boards such as the Louisiana state board of nursing, Louisiana state board of physical therapy, Louisiana state board of social work, and other professional assistance programs.
Ryan approaches counseling from a holistic perspective focusing on the core beliefs and associated behaviors contributing to the issues we struggle with daily in our lives. He views the clinical relationship as a process in which the client and the counselor have come to understand and trust one another, working as a team to explore and define underlying issues and contributing factors, and develop future goals to improve mental and emotional health.
- Southeastern Louisiana University, Masters of Counseling
- Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor
- Nation Certified Counselor
- Specializing in addiction and family counseling
Travis Weisbrod, MS, EP-C, CPT, PES
Physical Activity Instructor
Travis Weisbrod is a certified exercise physiologist who specializes in working with mental health and behavior change. He has worked in the mental health treatment field for the last 10+ years and first began working in health and fitness 20 years ago. Travis, a California native who now calls Baton Rouge home, completed his master’s degree from LSU in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Clinical Exercise Physiology.
As a certified exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning specialist, and behavior change specialist, Travis uses evidence-based methods to help improve symptoms and outcomes for patients with a variety of mental health conditions. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine, National Academy of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, and the American Council on Exercise. Travis has found working in mental health to be especially satisfying because exercise is still a relatively novel but powerful tool in the treatment of individuals with issues ranging from depression and anxiety to substance abuse, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders.
- Louisiana State University, M.S. in Kinesiology
- University of California, Santa Barbara, B.A. in Business Economics
- Academic Minors in Exercise and Health Science and Fitness Instruction
- American College of Sports Medicine, Certified Exercise Physiologist
- National Strength and Conditioning Association, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
- American Council on Exercise, Behavior Change Specialist
- National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer
- Specialized Training in working with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Travis enjoys helping clients reach their health and fitness goals while also improving their mental health and body image.
Sam Bodin
Sammy is Ms. Brie’s three-year-old Beagle that frequently visits our Hammond location. Sam works to protect the girls by consistently barking at the doorbell and any strangers. When off duty he trots around the Hammond facility looking for dropped snacks and cuddles. His favorite hobbies are chasing squirrels, playing fetch outside and napping with the residents.
Zepelin Shadow Stuart
Zepelin is a big dog with an even bigger heart! He might look huge, but he’s as gentle as a teddy bear. Zepelin was crowned King of the Friends of the Animals Strolling for Strays in 2024. Zepelin makes appearances at all three Maples locations!
He’s great at sitting quietly, giving soft snuggles, and just being there when you need a friend. Zepelin knows that sometimes, just having a big, fluffy buddy nearby can make a tough day feel a little easier.
His favorite things? Ear scratches, slow walks, making kids smile—and chasing squirrels (but only when he’s off duty)!
Give us a call or fill out the form and one of our team members will reach out to you as soon as possible.