Psychiatrist in Denver & 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.
Dr. Jeanne Theobald, Chief Medical Officer
Jeanne is the founder of Denver Wellness Associates and is Chief Medical Officer. She earned her medical degree at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. During residency, she received training specifically in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma, and co-morbid medical illness. She gained experience working in various treatment settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, as a psychiatric liaison to patients hospitalized with medical illnesses, as a DBT group leader, and as an outpatient provider. Jeanne also has additional training in the treatment of children and adolescents. During her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship, she received training specific to infants, the caregiver/infant dyad, families, autism and developmental delays, ADHD, school avoidance behaviors, and anxiety and depression in children and adolescents.
Denver, CO Team
JACKIE CRONEY, PA-C
I am a board-certified physician assistant and received my master of science in physician assistant studies at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania. I completed my bachelor of science in health science and medical diagnostics at the University of Delaware in Newark, where I gained research experience in tobacco cessation and bedside counseling. I moved to Denver in 2020, where I spend most of my time out in the mountains hiking and skiing.
I am especially passionate about fostering a welcoming environment for all my patients, whom I aim to treat with intention. I see each patient as an individual to collaboratively find an appropriate treatment plan that best serves that patient. I offer medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and genetic testing.
Location: Denver, CO
KEVIN HUYNH, PA-C
I received my master’s degree at the University of Colorado Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant (CHA/PA) Program. I completed my bachelor of science in human biology and bachelor of arts in art history and criticism at the University of California, San Diego. Before moving to Colorado, I spent two years as an EMT and two years as a TMS technician. Working in the field of TMS, I gravitated toward psychiatry and have continued to enhance my interest and skills in the field. I gained experience in various domains during my clinical training, from outpatient pediatric ADHD management to inpatient geriatric dementia care.
I believe that although many individuals may present with similar symptoms, the causes and circumstances affecting those symptoms will vary greatly and will require unique approaches. I enjoy working with patients to find the perfect balance between physical, social, and emotional well-being. I offer medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), ADHD testing, and genetic testing. I have a special interest in LGBTQ+, adult, and geriatric populations.
Location: Denver, CO
AMANDA POINDEXTER, PA-C
I am a board-certified physician assistant. I earned my master’s in physician assistant studies from the University of Colorado Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant (CHA/PA) Program. Prior to PA school, I was a clinical social worker in inpatient psychiatric hospital settings, residential programs for adults with intellectual disabilities, and community mental health programs that provided services to at-risk youth. I completed my bachelor of social work at Colorado State University and my master of social work at the University of Denver.
After practicing in various treatment settings as both a social worker and a PA in training, I am driven to provide quality and compassionate behavioral healthcare across patients’ lifespans. As a clinician, I strive to facilitate a collaborative therapeutic relationship through a holistic and strengths-based approach. I enjoy understanding clients within a biopsychosocial-spiritual framework to better assess everyone’s unique needs as we work together toward treatment goals. I offer medication management, genetic testing, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Location: Denver, CO
JOANNA WESTERFIELD, PA-C
My name is Joanna Westerfield and I am a certified physician assistant. I specialize in treating anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). My practice is built on compassion, respect, and evidence-based approaches to psychiatric medicine. I am especially committed to working alongside each of my patients to build a holistic, whole-person treatment plan that optimizes their mental, spiritual, and physical well-being.
After graduating from The University of Pennsylvania with a degree in history and psychology, I worked in clinical research at Washington Children's Hospital. From there, I earned my master’s degree at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program. In the years since, I’ve been fortunate to care for patients of all ages and walks of life, primarily in hospital and emergency medicine.
My goal is to deliver the highest quality care to my psychiatry clients, ranging from the standard treatment protocols to newer approaches, including genetic testing, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and ketamine therapy when indicated. I’m so glad you sought out Denver Wellness Associates and I greatly look forward to meeting you.
Location: Denver, CO
ANNMARIE KROPP, NP
I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner based in Denver, Colorado. I received my doctorate degree in family nursing practice from The University of Arizona in 2016. After completing my degree, I worked as a family nurse practitioner in pediatric neurology for over 4.5 years. I have always had an interest in psychiatry which prompted me to pursue my postgraduate certificate in psychiatric mental health. I gained most of my psychiatric experience during my clinical rotations. I have experience treating clients with anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
My goal is to provide patient centered evidence-based care. I believe in collaborating with my clients to develop a plan together that they feel comfortable with. I believe in providing education, resources, and alternative options that may facilitate treatment.
Location: Denver, CO
NATHANAEL LACARIA, FNP
I am board-certified in Family Practice with 3 years of expansive psychiatric experience. I love working with patients of all age ranges and all walks of life. I especially love working with older teens, 20’s, and 30’s patients who are working through life transitions. For fifteen years, I’ve mentored teens and young adults in developing their identity, navigating career choices, and embracing their life's calling. I believe that every person has intrinsic worth and has something unique and valuable to contribute to humanity’s story. As your provider, it is my goal to work with you to remove obstacles to making those contributions.
I provide care through a collaborative approach between patient and provider, which my patients have told me feels “gentle” and “disarming”. I am not afraid to dig deep, ask hard questions, or say truthful things when needed! I work to instill hope and resilience in all of my patients using my varied clinical experience.
I am always working to provide the best care possible for my patients. Often, that involves combining “old-school”, tried-and-true medications with new techniques. That also means I’m happy to refer to outside services if I think it will benefit my patients. This includes psychotherapy, Genetic testing, TMS, and esketamine treatment.
Location: Denver, CO
EMILY SISA, NP
I am a Nurse Practitioner and graduate of the George Washington University with my Master of Science in Nursing. I am a third-generation nurse who grew up in Northern Virginia and received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia in 2011.
I began my career in Bermuda working in the emergency room at the same hospital where my grandmother worked. I then moved to Washington, D.C. and worked at George Washington University Hospital. I also worked as a travel nurse at hospitals in New York City and Denver, Colorado. I have also volunteered my nursing skills with Project HOPE in Nepal, India, and Haiti. I have helped patients of all ages in my ten years working as an emergency department nurse.
I am dedicated to delivering safe, effective, and holistic patient care and have a passion for lifelong learning. I enjoy staying active and spending my free time exploring all that Colorado has to offer with my husband, Dan, and our Berndoodle, Lucille.
Location: Denver, CO
Lakewood, CO Team
MICHELE HILLS, MMS, PA-C
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, PMHNP
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health 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
JUDY KWEDAR, PMHNP
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who earned my master’s degree at the University of Missouri. I received experience in various treatment settings during training, including outpatient clinics, crisis centers, skilled nursing facilities, and therapy offices. 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.
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, and genetic testing.
Location: Lakewood, CO
SAMANTHA (“SAMI”) TENGBERG, PA-C
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, PMHNP, DNP
I am a board-certified psychiatric mental health 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, PMHNP
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
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
