To provide the highest and most effective level of care for teenage girls struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma and/or disordered eating with the intention of supporting the entire family to be successful in the home after treatment.
Provide our residents and their families a safe place to work together on their unhealthy past decisions. The TRANSFORMATION by using respect, accountability, and self-love to encourage healthier choices while becoming the best version of themselves.
Family involvement in order to generate the most successful outcomes
Accountability for one’s decisions
Respect for oneself and others
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.
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. Ashley Albarado, M.D.
Psychiatrist
Dr. Ashley Albarado grew up in Scott, Louisiana and graduated from Acadiana High School. She attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Dr. Albarado studied medicine at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She became a medical doctor (M.D.) in 2009. She stayed in New Orleans to train as a psychiatrist at LSU-Ochsner Psychiatry Residency. To specialize as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, she completed a fellowship at Tulane University in New Orleans. In 2014, Dr. Albarado moved to Baton Rouge, where she practiced psychiatry for five years. She moved “home” to Acadiana in 2019 and opened Albarado Psychiatry, LLC.
- University of Louisiana, B.S. in Chemical Engineering
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, M.D.
- LSU-Ochsner, Psychiatry Residency
- Tulane University, Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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
Tanya Stuart, LCSW-BACS, LAC Administrator
Tanya Stuart is a mental health and substance abuse professional with over 21 years of experience with children, adolescents, and adults. Tanya believes in a holistic approach when struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. She practices incorporating the mind, body, and spirit into her treatment to assist the individual in finding balance. Tanya is dedicating her career to adolescent treatment with an emphasis on the family unit, “family counseling is necessary to accomplish positive, sustainable outcomes for the adolescent’s life.”
- Owner of Genesis/Holistic Solutions Center of Baton Rouge
- Co-owner of The Maples of Baton Rouge
- Faculty / Our Lady of the Lake Residency Program
- Liaison for LSU / MSW Students
- Adjunct Professor Louisiana State University
Bachelor’s in Business Administration from University of New Orleans in 1997
Master of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans in 2002
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (BACS)
SMART Recovery Trained
Theresa Jacobsen, BSN, RN-C Director of Nursing and Admissions
- Adolescent Substance Abuse
- Intake Coordinator
- Crisis Nurse
- Mood Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Mental Health Patient Care Navigator
- Clinical Liaison for Behavior Health
- Accomplished Mental Health Educator
- National Speak for Suicide Prevention
- Parent Educator and Certified Trainer for “Transforming the Difficult child the Nurtured Heart Approach”
- Nurse Volunteer for a home for girls who have been trafficked
- Consultant for Archdiocese of New Orleans Crisis Team
- Health Care Hero for the City of New Orleans
- Nominated for the Florence Nightingale Award for Community Service
Theresa believes we all are given gifts and talents. In a nurtured structured environment facilitated by a multidisciplinary team approach utilizing evidence-based practices we each have the capacity to utilize our gifts to “Empower the Champion Within!
Hannah Hopkins, LPC, NCC
Clinical Director
Hannah Hopkins is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has experience working with children and adolescents as the program manager in an intensive outpatient setting in addition to seeing children, adolescents, and families on an individual outpatient basis. She uses a multidimensional approach in counseling to meet individual client needs that include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Her counseling philosophy is aimed at helping clients utilize their inner strengths to navigate through life and find contentment in their daily living.
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- National Certified Counselor
- M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Social Work
- Member of the Louisiana Counseling Association and the American Counseling Association
Lori Harper, B.S. Education Education Coordinator
Lori Harper is the Education Coordinator for The Maples. The residents in our facility continue their schoolwork via online platforms approved by their school or district. Lori monitors residents’ online school progress, helps them set and reach achievable academic goals, and communicates with school counselors and parents.
At The Maples, we have teacher facilitated school time for 2 hours Monday-Thursday afternoons each week. The residents have one hour of self-directed school time from 9:30-10:30 am on those days as well. The morning block can be used for working on assignments or taking video monitored tests if the school requires them. In the afternoon sessions, content area teachers are on site to help residents with their coursework. We try to help the girls stay as up to date as possible in their schoolwork during this limited time, but circumstances sometimes arise that interfere with that goal. Therefore, sometimes work might be turned in late and tests possibly delayed. Please know that at The Maples, we make every effort to keep residents productive and on target in their schoolwork.
- Education Coordinator
Katelyn Papierski, MSW, LMSW
Primary Therapist
- Licensed Master Social Worker
- Louisiana State University, Master of Social Work
- Louisiana State University, B.S. in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology
- Member of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports
- SMART Recovery Trained
Alli Daigle, PLPC
Primary Therapist
A Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC), Alli Daigle joined The Maples in December of 2021. Alli earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2018 and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021 from Southeastern Louisiana University. Alli has worked primarily with adult clients with a wide range of mental health disorders.
Her first job as a counselor was at an addiction recovery treatment center in Denham Springs where she began as an intern. There she found her passion for working with those, particularly females, with mental health struggles by empowering and supporting them through a therapeutic partnership. In addition to her current work at The Maples, she provides group treatment services at Brandon P. Romano & Associates, L.L.C. Alli is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).
- Southeastern Louisiana University, MA of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Southeastern Louisiana University, B.S. of Psychology
Saadi Francis, M.A., PLPC
Primary Therapist
Saadi Francis is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) who officially joined The Maples team in August 2022, after interning at The Maples for the month of July 2022. Saadi earned her undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Nicholls State University in August 2019. She then received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nicholls State University in August 2022. Saadi worked in the Nicholls State University Counseling Center providing individual, group, family, and couples counseling to students struggling with an array of mental health issues.
Through her final internship here at The Maples, Saadi found a passion for residential treatment through her connection with the residents. Saadi utilizes DBT and CBT interventions within her counseling practice at The Maples.
She focuses on assisting her clients in setting and reaching their goals while also providing a safe space nurtured with trust and respect for clients to explore identity and emotions.
- Nicholls State University, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Nicholls State University, B.A. in Psychology and Minor in Business Administration
Hailey Armstrong, LMSW
Primary Therapist
Hailey Armstrong is a Licensed Master of Social Worker (LMSW). She joined the Maples in November 2022. Hailey earned her undergraduate degree in Child and Family Studies in May of 2020, and a Masters in Social Work in May 2022 from Louisiana State University. Hailey has previously worked with at-risk youth, and adults in an acute setting with a wide range of mental health disorders. Hailey uses a humanistic approach to counseling integrating modalities, such as Dialectical Behavioral therapy and Cognitive Behavioral therapy, to best support and guide clients in their treatment.
- Licensed Master Social Worker
- Louisiana State University, Master of Social Work
- Louisiana State University, B.S. in Child and Family Studies
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
Chris Redden LPC, NCC, CST
Family Therapist
- Southeastern Louisiana University, Masters in Counseling Education
- Notre Dame School Of Theology, Masters in Education
- Private practice LPC
- Certified sex therapist
Jodi Manton LPC, NCC
Family Therapist
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Humanistic Existential
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Ryan Phillips, LPC, NCC, M. Ed
Addictions Consultant/Therapist
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.
Dr. Donna Fargason, M.D.
Psychiatrist/Equine therapy
Donna Fargason, M.D., a native of West Monroe Louisiana, attended medical school and completed her Residency in Psychiatry and her Fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at LSU New Orleans. She has lived in Baton Rouge for 20 years and has been a practicing psychiatrist at Family Focus, LLC where she is the owner and manager.
Dr. Fargason became interested in equine therapy about eight years ago and became certified at that time through EAGALA. She has continued with other certifications from other organizations since that time, gleaning knowledge from multiple practitioners throughout the years. She has seen the benefit of horse therapy in so many clients during that period of time that she has devoted more and more time over the years to the practice of equine therapy. Dr. Fargason is very happy to be collaborating with the Maples Residential Treatment Program combining her skills in psychiatry with her interest in horses and her knowledge that this combination is such an amazingly powerful tool for patients to get better. Former residents have requested ongoing equine therapy, and an aftercare group has been established and running since 2022.
Dr. Fargason also rides horses and enjoys showing and trail riding with all of the members of her family including her husband, and two young adult children.
- Owner and manager of Family Focus, LLC, a mental health center in Baton Rouge Louisiana
- Equine Facilitated Therapy Certifications obtained through EAGALA and OK Corral
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, Gratis Faculty appointment by the Department of Psychiatry School of Medicine, 2006 – present
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Residency Clinic, Clinical Assistant, Professor of Psychiatry, 2013 – 2020
- New Orleans Psychoanalytic Institute, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Fellowship 2002 – 2002
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, Harris Infant Fellowship 2001-2002
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, Child Psychiatry Fellowship 1999 -2001
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, General Psychiatry Residency 1996 – 1999
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, Medical Doctor Degree 1992 through 1996
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)
Nicole Lane, B.S. Art Education
Art Instructor
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
Melissa Landry, LDN, RDN
Consultant Registered Dietitian
Melissa Landry is a Registered Dietitian of 18 years. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, and completed a Dietetic Internship at Southern University. She is certified in Serv Safe, Quorum Lean Healthcare Leadership and Adult Weight Management. Melissa has had experience working with nutritional needs of mental health and substance abuse for 10 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
Jennifer Ramdass
Utilization Review
JT Odell, B.S. Psychology
Administrative Assistant
JT Odell graduated from Louisiana State University in May 2020 with a B.S. in Psychology. He has been working as an administrative assistant since 2020. JT likes to think of his role as alleviating whatever workload he can from our clinicians, so that they can focus on what’s most important – our clients. JT is passionate about youth mental health and feels lucky to be a part of The Maples
- Louisiana State University, B.S. in Psychology
Maple Tanya Stuart
Chief Happiness Officer
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
Grace Maple Stuart
Associate Officer of Amusement & Joy
- Puppy naps
- Snuggles
- Snoring
- Puppy Dog Eyes
Give us a call or fill out the form and one of our team members will reach out to you as soon as possible.