Baton Rouge Team

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…

Chassity is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) who moved to Louisiana to pursue her education and quickly embraced the culture—becoming a proud LSU Tigers fan along the way. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Valdosta State University and went on to complete her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Louisiana State University. Her academic background and training have shaped a thoughtful, client-centered approach to counseling that prioritizes understanding each individual’s unique experiences and strengths. Chassity is passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel genuinely heard and respected. She believes…

Born and raised in Louisiana, Zadiee Waller is a dedicated, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Zadiee graduated from Louisiana State University with both her Bachelors and Masters of Social Work. There she honed her skills and deepened her love of social work. She completed her graduate internship at The Maples, which focused on adolescents and provided invaluable experience. Zadiee is committed to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for all her clients. When not at The Maples, Zadiee enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her dog, Willow. She also loves running and reading, which help her stay balanced…

Chris has worked in the counseling field for over 15 years in the private school system. He has been in private practice as an LPC since 2015 and  a certified sex therapist since 2018. He has an MA from Southeastern LA University in Counselor Education and an MA in Theology from Notre Dame School of Theology. His unique skill set often helps him help clients navigate the often hostile intersection of faith and sexuality. Chris has worked extensively with individuals and families and is dedicated to the work he does. Southeastern Louisiana University, Masters in Counseling Education Notre Dame School…

Dr. Manton is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and formerly Certified School Counselor in the state of Louisiana and a National Certified Counselor. She has practiced in a variety of settings, including inpatient, community, and university facilities as well as serving as a school counselor for six years, providing academic and social-emotional support for students in grades 9-12. Currently, she has a private practice where she sees individuals, couples, and families ranging from ages 14 to adults. She is also a counselor educator and supervises Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselors. At the Maples, Dr. Manton provides family therapy services, helping residents and…

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

Tessa is a Licensed Practical Nurse with over 25 years of nursing experience in the medical field, with the last 9 years in mental health and addiction.

She has been with The Maples in Baton Rouge since the beginning stages and was very instrumental in helping launch our Hammond location. Tessa believes we write our own story, the past doesn’t define who we are, and nobody is too broken. Her purpose is to help them be a better version of themselves through encouragement, self love, and confidence.

CPR Instructor
CPI Instructor
EMR Certified

Maple is the official house hound for The Maples Baton Rouge. She was adopted at a local shelter and was born with the natural ability to make people smile. Outside of protecting The Maples, she specializes in:

Zoomies
Begging for Treats
Face Kisses
Receiving Belly Rubs
Jumping on Furniture

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)!

Nicole Lane, a native of Baton Rouge, is an Art Educator at a local private high school.  She joined the Maples in July 2022.  Nicole believes the process of creating art can be a form of self-expression, reflection, and communication. She emphasizes using creativity in the artistic process to facilitate enjoyment and relaxation. Nicole believes in providing the creator a safe space to explore their artistic talents.

Louisiana State Unive­­­rsity, B.S. in Art Education

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…

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…

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.”…

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…

Mary Claire Delony, a Baton Rouge native and RYT, has been teaching on the yoga mat for 12 years.  After finishing her Masters degree in Painting and Drawing in 2008 in NYC, she moved back home to begin a teaching career in the art classroom.  From elementary and high schools to LSU studio classes, she taught art for a span of 13 years all while deeply entrenched in movement and breath practices that continually helped her manage and heal from a lifetime of debilitating anxiety.  An unexpected pivot from teaching in yoga studios to residential treatment in 2023 at St. Christopher's Addiction Wellness,…