Meet The Maples Therapist Team
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.

Katelyn Papierski, MSW, LMSW
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

Saadi Francis, M.A., PLPC
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

Briana Garcia, LMSW
Therapist, Case Manager
Briana Garcia is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). She joined the Maples after graduating with her Masters in Social Work in May 2023 from Louisiana State University.
Briana previously worked with adolescents in an Intensive Outpatient Program and in outpatient with college students. She has a passion for working with adolescents and utilizes various therapeutic interventions such as CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing in order to empower and support clients as they work to achieve their goals.
- Licensed Master Social Worker
- Louisiana State University, Master of Social Work
- Louisiana State University, B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Social Work

Brianna Kora, LMSW
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

Samantha Webb, PLPC
Therapist
Samantha has experience collaborating with clients of diverse backgrounds while developing strong therapeutic relationships using humanistic approaches that incorporate Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She works with her clients to achieve and maintain holistic wellness and promotes autonomy and self-advocacy.
- Member of the American Counseling Association
- Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor
- LSU, Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- LSU, Bachelor of Science & Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

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

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
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
- National 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.

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

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

Dr. Jodi H. Manton, Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC
Family Therapist
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 their families to identify problematic patterns and create healthier dynamics to support their continued growth after treatment. Dr. Manton uses a person-centered therapeutic approach, grounded in the following theories to meet the individual needs of her clients:
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Humanistic Existential
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma Informed
- Narrative Therapy

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

LaChanda Harris, MSW, LCSW
Family Therapist
LaChanda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience working in a variety of settings, including medical social work, residential, school, and private practice. Her approach uses a blend of treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Therapy.
LaChanda works with diverse clients, including those dealing with identity development, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, relationships, and parenting challenges. She is passionate about providing a brave and confidential space for her clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. She believes that everyone has the potential to heal and grow. She strives to help her clients reach their full potential.
- Louisiana State University, Master of Social Work
- Louisiana Group Psychotherapy Society
- American Group Psychotherapy Association
Tenets of My Practice include:
- Providing unconditional positive regard
- Living life purposefully
- Cognitive restructuring
- Increasing self-compassion
- Learning acceptance
- Self-regulation

Ryan Martin, M.Ed, PLPC
Family Therapist
Ryan Martin is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) who officially joined The Maples team as a family counselor in July 2023. Ryan earned his undergraduate degree in History from the University of Virginia in 2008, his Juris Doctor degree from Tulane Law School in 2013, and his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Louisiana State University in 2023.
Prior to joining The Maples, Ryan worked in both a residential addiction treatment facility as well as in an outpatient facility providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families. Ryan approaches counseling from a holistic, trans-theoretical approach that emphasizes evidence-based techniques drawn from a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Adlerian theory.
When working with clients, Ryan further focuses on developing a collaborative, non-judgmental, and supportive environment that allows clients the space to process life experiences and ultimately achieve their therapeutic goals.
- Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor
- Louisiana State University, M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Tulane Law School, J.D.
- University of Virginia, B.A. in History, Minor in Sociology
- Member of the American Counseling Association and Louisiana Counseling Association
Allowing individuals and families to address their needs in a safe, nurturing environment, providing an increased level of self-esteem, self-worth and emotional regulation.
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