Psychiatric Providers
Psychiatrist in Lakewood, CO
Our psychiatric providers are among the best in their field. When you visit a provider at Denver Wellness Associates, you are in good hands. These mental health professionals have the training and experience necessary to perform thorough assessments, provide accurate diagnoses, and recommend customized treatment protocols. Please take a moment to learn more about each of our providers below.
Meet the Lakewood, CO Team
Judy Kwedar, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - Clinical Lead
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and have been a part of the DWA family since 2018. Prior to my career as a nurse practitioner, I first gained valuable medical experience working as a registered nurse in intensive care, intermediate care, and cardiac units. Additionally, I spent time in my graduate program training in various treatment settings including outpatient clinics, crisis centers, skilled nursing facilities, and therapy offices.
I pride myself in normalizing mental health care struggles and the challenges that life throws at us. Life can be difficult. I provide medication management to clients across their lifespans. I value fostering patient relationships and caring for the whole person. This includes practicing safe, competent care that incorporates current evidence-based practices. Other services that may be recommended and offered include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ADHD testing, ketamine, esketamine, and genetic testing.
As a clinical lead in our fast growing practice, I precept students, help to streamline care, and further foster educational growth and support of our providers.
I like to destress by taking a walk with my dog, spending time in my garden, or by catching up with friends. Location: Lakewood, CO
Michele Hills, MMS, Physician Assistant
I am a certified Physician Assistant and received my PA degree from Red Rocks Physician Assistant program. I have a master of science in medical science from Saint Francis University. Additionally, I have an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. I have experience working with all ages in psychiatric emergency rooms, inpatient settings, and outpatient clinics.
I provide medication management and work towards whole well-being support, balancing an integrative approach (physical, mental, spiritual) while being mindful of your goals. I understand that mental wellness is essential to quality of life. I am proficient in psychiatric evaluations, disorder management (mood, anxiety, trauma, psychoses, ADD/ADHD), and treatment plans. I also offer genetic testing for psychiatric medication response and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Location: Lakewood, CO
Annah Kennett, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I earned my master’s degree at the University of Southern Maine. I recently relocated to Colorado to enjoy the state’s numerous outdoor recreation offerings. Prior to graduate school, I worked as a registered nurse in homeless healthcare, community mental health, and substance use disorder treatment settings.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages to help them meet their goals. I value open communication and work to form strong therapeutic relationships with my clients. I offer medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ADHD testing, and genetic testing within the practice environment.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Samantha (“Sami”) Tengberg, Physician Assistant
I completed my bachelor of science in biology in Flagstaff, Arizona. I earned my physician assistant master’s at Midwestern University in Arizona. Having lived in Phoenix, Arizona, most of my life, I decided to move to Denver, Colorado, in October 2019.
I became interested in psychiatry during my rotations in PA school and decided to pursue it following graduation. I have been working at Denver Wellness Associates since April 2020 and have gained valuable knowledge throughout my time here.
I enjoy taking care of patients of all ages and love collaborating with my patients to decide the appropriate individualized treatment. I have a large LGBTQ patient population and have a special interest in those patients. I value building lasting relationships with my patients in a judgement-free environment. I offer medication management, as well as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and genetic testing within the practice setting.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Laurel Tronsen, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Doctorate of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and received a doctorate in nursing practice from the University of Washington. I have prior experience working as an outpatient psychiatric nurse practitioner in a community mental health setting in Seattle, Washington. Before working as a psychiatric mental health practitioner, I worked in an adult psychiatric unit at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.
I provide medication management to clients across their lifespans. I am dedicated to developing trusting, collaborative, and effective working relationships with my clients. I enjoy working to provide evidence-based treatment options that align with the clients’ goals and values. I offer medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ADHD testing, and genetic testing.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Lauren Wheeland, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I recently moved from Upstate New York to Colorado with my family. I earned my master of science degree from Binghamton University in New York and received my nursing degree from Gannon University. I have almost ten years of experience in healthcare. I have worked in various nursing settings, with most of my time spent in medical and inpatient psychiatric nursing. Recently, I worked as a PMHNP for a telehealth provider.
I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds while building a therapeutic and trusting relationship with each client. I have always had a passion for psychiatry and helping those in need. I have a holistic approach to care, focusing on overall wellness for both the mind and body. I offer medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ADHD testing, and genetic testing.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Kyle Faulkner, Physician Assistant
I am a board-certified Physician Assistant and received my PA degree from Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke, Virginia. I have spent the last three years working as a Physician Assistant in Pain Management, both in Colorado and Virginia.
I first gained interest in Psychiatry while taking college courses, this interest was further peaked during my Psychiatric rotation in PA school. I spent 6 weeks working both in outpatient and inpatient settings at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. Working in Pain Management has helped me gain further knowledge in mental health as there is often crossover between the two fields. What I enjoy most about working in Psychiatry is getting the opportunity to build long lasting and collaborative relationships with my patients in a judgement-free environment. I offer medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation, ADHD evaluations and genetic testing.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Diane Friedman, Physician Assistant
I am a certified Physician Assistant dedicated to providing mental health care that is individualized and evidence-based. I have a passion for helping people to optimize their mental, emotional, and physical health in their own unique way. I believe it is essential that my patients feel heard and important that they are involved in creating a treatment plan that may include medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
I completed my PA master's degree at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. My interest in psychiatry began while working as a PA with patients living with chronic migraine. I experienced the healing power of strong therapeutic relationships built on empathy and trust. I gained an understanding of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and insomnia. I believe that by easing the struggle of mental health conditions people can regain control of their life.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Sydney Gettel, Physician Assistant
I am a board-certified Physician Assistant and received my PA degree from North Greenville University in Greer, South Carolina. Additionally I have a bachelor's degree from The University of Oklahoma. My previous practice specialties include pain management and physical medicine and rehabilitation. My passion for psychiatry started during clinical rotations in PA school and grew while working as a PA in pain management. Seeing first hand what a huge impact mental health can make for chronic pain patients drove me to pursue a career in psychiatry. I look forward to collaborating with patients to build a treatment plan that will make the biggest impact on their lives.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Jackie Croney is a board-certified physician assistant.
Jackie offers medication management, TMS, and genetic testing – and she is excited to meet you.
Her passion lies in fostering a welcoming environment for all clients and treating them with intention. She sees each client as an individual with unique needs and works collaboratively to discover the most appropriate treatment plan for each person.
Jackie completed her bachelor of science in health science and medical diagnostics at the University of Delaware in Newark, where she gained research experience in tobacco cessation and bedside counseling. She went on to obtain her master of science in physician assistant studies from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania.
In 2020, Jackie moved to Denver, where she spends most of her time outdoors, in the mountains, hiking and skiing.
Location: Denver, CO
Michele Hills is a board-certified physician assistant.
She has experience working with all ages in psychiatric emergency rooms, inpatient settings, and outpatient clinics. Michele is proficient in psychological evaluations, disorder management (mood, anxiety, trauma, psychoses, ADD/ADHD) and treatment plans, and medication management. She also provides genetic testing for psychiatric medication response and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Michele earned an undergraduate and master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She went on to obtain her master’s in medical science from St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. She then completed Red Rocks Physician Assistant Program at Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood, Colorado.
Michele understands that mental health is an important component of good quality of life. She uses an integrative approach that addresses a client’s physical, mental, and spiritual needs, while being mindful of their individual goals.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Kevin Huyhn is a board-certified physician assistant.
He specializes in offering medication management, TMS, ADHD and genetic testing, and has a special interest in working with LGBTQ+, adult, and geriatric populations.
Kevin received a bachelor of science in human biology and a bachelor of art in art history and criticism from the University of California in San Diego. He went on to earn his master’s degree and complete the physician assistant program at the University of Colorado.
Prior to moving to Colorado, Kevin spent 2 years as an EMT, followed by another 2 years as a TMS technician. Working in the field of TMS, he found himself naturally gravitating toward psychiatry, and has continued to enhance his skills in the field. During his clinical training, Kevin gained experience in various domains, including outpatient pediatric ADHD management and inpatient geriatric dementia care.
Kevin believes that although many individuals may have similar symptoms, the causes and circumstances affecting those symptoms vary greatly – and require a unique approach every time. This is what inspires him to partner with his clients to find the perfect balance for their physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Location: Denver, CO
Annah Kennett is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Annah enjoys working with clients of all ages to help them meet their treatment goals. She provides therapeutic services that include medication management, TMS, ADHD and genetic testing. She values open communication and forming strong therapeutic relationships with each client.
Prior to earning her master’s degree from the University of Southern Maine, Annah worked as a registered nurse in homeless healthcare, community mental health, and substance use disorder treatment settings.
Annah is happy to be in Colorado, where she can enjoy the state’s numerous outdoor recreation offerings.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Judy Kwedar is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Judy provides medication management to clients of all ages. She also provides mental health services that include TMS, as well as ADHD and genetic testing.
Prior to her career as a nurse practitioner, Judy gained valuable medical experience working as a registered nurse in intensive care, intermediate care, and cardiac hospital units. Judy earned a master’s degree from the University of Missouri and has experience in various treatment settings, including outpatient clinics, crisis centers, skilled nursing facilities, and private practice offices.
Judy values fostering relationships with her clients, and she provides safe, evidence-based care that takes the whole person into account.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Amanda Poindexter is a board-certified physician assistant.
Amanda offers medication management, genetic testing, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to clients in her care.
She received a bachelor’s in social work from Colorado State University and a master’s in social work from the University of Denver. She completed the physician assistant studies program at the University of Colorado.
Amanda worked as a clinical social worker prior to returning to school to become a PA. She also worked in inpatient psychiatric hospital settings, residential programs for adults with intellectual disabilities, and in the community mental health space providing services to at-risk youth.
After practicing in a variety of treatment settings as both a social worker and a PA-in-training, Amanda continues to provide high quality and compassionate behavioral healthcare for patients of all ages. As a clinician, she strives to facilitate a collaborative therapeutic relationship and takes a holistic and strength-based approach to care. She especially enjoys understanding clients within a biopsychosocial-spiritual framework in order to better assess each individual's unique needs as they work together toward treatment goals.
Location: Denver, CO
Samantha Tengberg is a board-certified physician assistant.
She enjoys taking care of clients of all ages and loves collaborating with her clients to decide on the best treatment specific to each person. Samantha has a special interest in, and a large population of, LGBTQ+ clients. She values building lasting relationships with her clients in a judgement-free environment. She offers medication management, TMS, and genetic testing for medication matching.
Samantha received her bachelor of science in biology from Midwestern University in Flagstaff, Arizona, followed by a master’s degree in physician assistant studies at the same school. She became interested in psychiatry during her graduate school rotations.
In 2019, Samantha left her hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, for Denver, Colorado. She joined Denver Wellness Associates in 2020.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Laurel Tronsen is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
She provides medication management, TMS, as well as ADHD and genetic testing for clients of all ages.
Laurel worked in the adult psychiatric unit at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, before earning her doctorate in nursing practice from the University of Washington. While still in Seattle, she worked as an outpatient psychiatric nurse practitioner in a community mental health setting.
Laurel is dedicated to developing trusting, collaborative, and effective working relationships with each person. She provides her clients with evidence-based treatment options that align with their goals and values.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Joanna Westerfield is a board-certified physician assistant.
She specializes in treating anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, trauma, PTSD and OCD. Her goal is to deliver the highest quality of care to all psychiatry clients, with treatments ranging from standard protocols to newer approaches, such as genetic testing, TMS, and ketamine therapy.
Joanna earned her undergraduate degree in history and psychology from The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. From there, she went on to earn a master’s degree and complete the physician assistant program at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
Prior to joining Denver Wellness Associates, Joanna worked in clinical research at Washington Children's Hospital and has cared for clients of all ages and walks of life, primarily in hospital and emergency medicine settings.
Joanna’s practice is built on compassion, respect, and evidence-based approaches to psychiatric medicine. She is especially committed to working alongside each of her clients to build a holistic, whole-person treatment plan that emphasizes their mental, spiritual, and physical well-being.
Joanna is excited to welcome you to Denver Wellness Associates and greatly looks forward to your first meeting.
Location: Denver, CO
Lauren is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
She enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds while building a therapeutic and trusting relationship with each client. Lauren has always had a passion for psychiatry and helping those in need through a holistic approach to care that focuses on overall wellness for both the mind and body.
Lauren received her nursing degree from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. She went on to earn a master of science from Binghamton University in New York.
Lauren has nearly 10 years of experience in healthcare. She has worked in various nursing settings, with most of her time spent on medical and inpatient psychiatric nursing. Lauren has also recently worked as a PMHNP for a telehealth provider.
She recently moved with her family to Colorado from upstate New York.
Location: Lakewood, CO
Psychiatric Providers Near Me
Are you ready to get the psychiatric help you need? Contact Denver Wellness Associates to get started. Simply call or text us at (720) 724-3668, email info@denverwellness.com, or schedule an appointment now. Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to get the comprehensive mental health care you’ve been looking for.