PSYCHIATRIC PROFESSIONALS - Key Persons
I have called Georgia home from the age of three. However, since my parents are from Chicago and South Africa, I tasted grits for the first time as an adult, later learned that a couch in the back of a pick-up is "extra seating," and found out (the hard way) that "Bless your heart" is not a compliment. But, in true Georgia fashion, I moved to Athens to complete a Bachelor of Science at the University of Georgia, studying Medical Science through the Honors Interdisciplinary Studies program. I, then, moved to St. Louis to pursue a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at St. Louis University.
As I worked in pain and addiction medicine and gained experience in the foster/adoptive system, the pervasive need for mental health treatment became increasingly apparent. It's an honor to be trusted and invited into someone's story-and that is the great privilege in practicing psychiatry. I particularly enjoy working with children, adolescents, and young adults-together with their families.
I live in Athens with my four children and adorable labradoodle. In my free time, I enjoy writing and making music, walking/hiking, reading, and YouTubing how to fix the things my children break.
Since I was younger, I always had a passion for helping people. As an adult I turned that passion into reality. I had a brief stint in the criminal justice system, but it became more apparent that I was more intrigued with the mental health aspect of treating and helping others reach their goals. I am a therapist with over 10 years experience working in this field. I have my bachelor's in criminal justice from Mercyhurst University, and Master of Social Work from Penn West Edinboro University in my hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania.
I am a therapist committed to helping all age groups learn how to build healthier relationships with themselves and their families. My work focuses on targeting effective behaviors, habits, and beliefs in improving oneself which is a collaborative approach. I believe in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, an effective therapy for a multitude of diagnoses such as anxiety and depression. I am passionate about helping resolve anger management issues with adolescents and am interested in participating in group therapy on a collective of mental health diagnoses.
Just as I would like to learn as much as possible about you during your visits to our practice, I would imagine it may be helpful for you to know a little about me and my journey. I am fluent in both Spanish and English. I feel so fortunate to have found my calling in life. I came to the career of Medicine and Psychiatry as a mature adult. I started my 4-year pre-med track at the University of Florida at the age of 26 after relocating from San Juan, Puerto Rico, where I was born and raised. This is only significant, because becoming a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist entails 9-10 years after completing a 4-year pre-med track successfully. I came to this career late in life. I started pre-med with no previous science or mathematic background. Prior to that, I worked in many different fields, and had many life experiences that contributed to the conclusion that in life, following your dreams is a challenge that, although at times absolutely terrifying, it is always worth the pursuit.
I have the great privilege of meeting patients every day and having them trust me with the most intimate details of their lives. My patients are all different and enrich my life with wonder on a daily basis. Even painful experiences offer the opportunity for growth and provide life-changing lessons. My approach to mental health care is holistic as I do not think one can achieve mental health without considering all aspects of wellbeing including: sleep, food, lifestyle, spirituality and, when indicated, medication that can optimize function, when used appropriately and as a component of treatment. I work with the patient and family to make educated decisions as a team.
I have met many wonderful people, many of them as patients and others as friends and colleagues. I feel fortunate to have met my three amazing partners here at PPG. We respect and complement each other well and learn from each other every day. I now reside in suburban Atlanta, with my wonderful husband Chris, our daughter, Madeline, and my father, who I also love dearly.
I graduated from the University of Nigeria, College of Medicine. I then moved to England, United Kingdom for postgraduate psychiatry training at Keele University in Staffordshire. The next phase of my education was psychiatry residency at the renowned University of Maryland and Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry program in Baltimore, Maryland.
I have fostered an interest in psychiatry from my passion of listening to, understanding and providing the right environment and treatment for those with psychiatric disorders. I have very good listening skills and have a genuine interest in the welfare of my clients and their families. My experience came from working in various mental health settings including outpatient offices, state mental health clinics and multi-specialty hospital settings. I believe this background has prepared me to provide the best possible care for my patients.
I enjoy teaching both medical and nurse practitioner students. I am a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a member of the Georgia Psychiatric Physician Association. In my free time I enjoy going to sporting events, traveling and spending time with my family.
Dr. Krishna is double board certified in adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry.
With over 12 years of experience at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Krishna has excelled in both clinical and leadership roles. His dedication to providing exceptional care has earned him recognition, including the prestigious KARIS award, for going above and beyond & demonstrating exceptional overall performance in serving his patients.
Dr. Krishna believes in a holistic approach to mental health, addressing not only the symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to a patient's well-being. By considering the physical, emotional, and social aspect of mental health, he strives to provide comprehensive care tailored to each individual.
Patient experience is at the heart of Dr. Krishna's practice. His commitment to creating a comfortable and compassionate environment ensures that patients feel heard, respected and empowered throughout their journey towards mental well-being. Dr. Krishna strongly believes in a collaborative approach to treatment. By working closely with the patients and their families, he aims to foster a therapeutic partnership that encourages open communication and shared decision making. This collaborative process empowers patients to actively participate in their treatment plans.
Dr. Krishna has developed a specific interest in childhood anxiety, depression and ADHD. With his in-depth knowledge and experience in these areas, he provides comprehensive evaluations, evidence based treatments, and ongoing support and care to children and adolescents facing these challenges.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Krishna enjoys various hobbies that keep him energized and balanced. He is an avid tennis player, finding solace and joy on the court as he engages in the sport. Additionally, he has a great enthusiasm for football, finding delight in watching matches and cheering for his favorite teams.
Dr. Krishna also cherishes the opportunity to travel. Recently, he made the decision to relocate to Suwanee, a place that holds special significance for him as it brings him closer to his beloved family and friends.
The term "psychiatry" is derived from the Greek words for "soul" and "healer." Baring your soul to a medical professional can be a deeply vulnerable experience, so let me first break the ice by telling you a little about myself. I am originally from Charlotte, NC, and I moved to Suwanee, GA to live near my in-laws. My wife and I have lived all over the East Coast, but Suwanee has proven to be a uniquely wonderful place to settle down. Outside of our work as a psychiatrist and music teacher, we spend a lot of time enjoying the green spaces around town and backpacking throughout the National Park System.
On a professional level, I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry. I am a strong proponent of evidence-based psychiatry, which means that I work hard to combine the latest clinical research with a patient-centered approach. In addition to the biomedical perspective, I also value interventions that prioritize the psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of suffering and healing. My training included a strong emphasis on psychotherapy, so talk therapy works it way into all my visits. I never see my time with you as just "medication management." My primary therapeutic modality is Rogerian, person-centered therapy, which is an approach grounded in humanistic psychology. I occasionally will also draw on my training in psychodynamic, meaning-centered existential, and cognitive-behavioral therapies.
In addition to my clinical care, I teach psychiatric residents, medical students, and nurse practitioners through my adjunct professorships. I am also a member of the editorial board for the journal Psychiatric Services, which is the American Psychiatric Association's leading publication on serious mental illness and community psychiatry.
Just as I value the importance of getting to know you, I feel you should know a little about me. I was born in Bangalore, India and moved to Columbia, South Carolina when I was 4 years old. I moved to Georgia when I started college at Emory University. I loved being in Atlanta so much that I decided to call it home. I now enjoy family life with my wife, 2 children and our dog in suburban Atlanta.
I am Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Adult Psychiatry and in Addiction Psychiatry. Growing up, I saw firsthand, the effects of mental illness on members of my greater family. This experience deeply influenced my decision to practice psychiatry and affected my approach to mental health care. In treating you, I will listen and take the time to get to know you, understand your problems, see how these problems are impacting your daily life. I will incorporate and guide you and your family in the treatment process so that you can start feeling the way you have always wanted to feel. Every treatment decision will be an educated and informed one.
Education & Training
B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
Emory University
Medical Doctorate
University of South Carolina School of Medicine
I was born in Los Angeles, California and am a second generation Korean American. My interest in mental health led me to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Georgia. I then went on to pursue a Master of Science in physician assistant studies at MCPHS University where I was trained in general medicine. I am a board-certified physician assistant and have worked in many different areas of medicine including infectious diseases. I found working in psychiatry to be the most rewarding and have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I practice evidence-based medicine and am dedicated to providing compassionate care for my patients in a safe and supportive environment. In my free time I love to spend time with my family, friends, and mini goldendoodle.
I've always connected with adults and children as early as being an educator for 7 years and now as a therapist. Growing up in the Caribbean and settling in Georgia have given me a profound appreciation for mental health and wellness. My contrasting cultural experiences became my driving force to bridge the gap between both worlds and has led me to pursue a career in providing psychoeducation and therapy to children, adults, and families. By blending these cultural influences, I aim to create a safe and inclusive space where individuals and families can explore their unique journey towards mental and emotional well-being. I pride myself on being a therapist who meets you where you are, whether it's on a yoga mat, at a coloring table, in a mindful space or simply in an open, face to face conversation.
I usually introduce myself as a "mango-peach" because I am a blend of both worlds- the Caribbean and Georgia. Georgia has been my home for two decades, where I've built a loving family with my husband and three wonderful children. In my spare time, I find joy in dancing, seeking new experiences and exploring new cozy corners of eclectic shops. As for my therapy approach, I believe that everyone's story is as unique as a fingerprint, but it's how you play the cards that you're dealt, that truly matters. I feel deeply honored to accompany you on your journey of self-discovery, healing, and love. See you soon in a mindful session!
Life can be overwhelming at times. Although I cannot change your past, I am willing to walk with you into a more hopeful future. I believe it is easy to get stuck in patterns of behaviors and thoughts that keep someone from living the best life possible. From experience, I know that when one person struggles in a family, the family struggles. I will take the time to learn about you, your family, and your belief system in order to provide a treatment plan specific to you. At times, we all need a non-judgmental presence in a place of safety, I strive to create such a space for your return to wellness.
I am an ordained minister, chaplain, and counselor. My experience includes working with adolescents and adults struggling with grief, addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma therapy, addiction counseling and other challenges. I am married and I have been blessed with three children. I understand the level of trust I must have in someone before allowing access to my children. I consider it a privilege to gain that level of trust from others.
Education:
Undergraduate
B.S. in Information and Computer Science, Georgia Tech
I began my nursing career in 2012 and chose to further my education 5 years ago when I became a family nurse practitioner. As a nurse practitioner, I have worked in primary care and geriatrics, as well as provided medical care on an inpatient psychiatric unit. It was in this setting that I discovered my interest in psychiatry and saw firsthand how optimal outcomes are achieved when a patient's medical and mental health needs are addressed collaboratively as a team. I look forward to working with you and your mental health provider to maximize the effectiveness of your care and make you feel at ease during your journey to health and wellness.
I have lived in the Atlanta area for the past 20 years. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband and 2 small children. We are avid sports fans, especially UGA football.
My passion for mental health was cultivated during my physician assistant education at the University of South Alabama, where I completed a rural psychiatric rotation in a small town in Alabama. There, I was able to fully realize the importance and impact of mental health services to the community. After graduation, I worked in family medicine where I practiced general medicine, but was also able to provide the first steps of treatment for many patients struggling with psychiatric illnesses. From there, I saw that there was an intense need not only for more psychiatric providers, but also for more understanding and compassion in general for the mental health field overall. This led me to pursue a career in the psychiatric specialty, where I am today. I believe that caring for one's mental health should not be a luxury, but should instead be considered crucial for living a fulfilling life. It is my goal to connect with patients of all backgrounds to help them realize that they are meant for more than a life consumed by affliction, and instead can prosper when we work together for a better mental livelihood.
I was raised in Auburn, Alabama and attended Auburn University for undergraduate, where I studied Biomedical Sciences. My husband and I moved to Atlanta in 2020 and we live together with our dog and cat. I enjoy trying new restaurants, attending concerts and other activities around Atlanta, and of course going to any and all Auburn sporting events.
I love working in psychiatry and am lucky to get to do so!
When you love what you do it doesnt feel like work. I am passionate about removing the stigma of seeking mental health treatment and empowering individuals on their path to recovery. I am truly humbled and honored for patients to invite me into their stories and entrust me with their care. I believe your treatment should be as individualized as you are - using a holistic, multi-faceted approach grounded in evidence-based medicine and modalites.
Growing up, I had many different interests, unsure of my career choice I followed my father and brother's career path and attended Georgia Tech for engineering. That experience helped me decide what I didn't want to do. My interest in anatomy, human behavior and healthcare led me to pursue undergraduate degrees in Biology, Psychology and Occupational Therapy. That education along with my desire to make a greater impact in healthcare motivated me to advance my education further and I became a physician assistant.
After having a long and fulfilling career in many different areas of medicine I found my personal path was redirected. Initially resentful, through my own challenges and unexpected life circumstances, I discovered a rewarding opportunity in the mental health field. Kubler-Ross once said "should you shield the valleys from the windstorms, you would never see the true beauty of their canyons" . I have spent the past 7 yrs providing comprehensive care to individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health conditions mostly in a residential setting. When discharged, many of these individuals did not have access to outpatient services to continue their recovery. I am excited to now have the opportunity to join a team that shares my enthusiasm and goal of providing accessible, affordable and high quality mental health and substance abuse treatment.
On a personal note, I've been a Southern girl all my life- initially from southern California and then as a teenager we moved to the real south to establish roots. I call Augusta, GA my home. When not working, you can find me enjoying the outdoors with my 2 boys, fur babies or friends. A funny fact about me is that I train for marathons but ironically, I dont love to run. A few years ago, I decided to challenge myself and join a running group. Within a year I ran my first marathon- it was horrible…but the next year I ran another one. Haile Gebrselassis, a marathon runner was correct when she said, ‘'Everything you ever wanted to know about yourself, you can learn in 26.2 miles" . - referring to the gamut of emotions you experience while running 26.2 miles and the mental fortitude and physical endurance it requires to finish. Joining that group has proven to be one of my best decisions (just behind becoming a mom and a PA)- the friendships made and personal growth achieved despite the physical and emotional discomfort has been invaluable. I look forward to working with you on your marathon called life.
Adolescents and youth have always been my passion since I got into the field of social work. For the past three years, I have served the families in the North Hall community and helped them to advocate for change. I have empowered parents to be social supports for their children and encourage youth to be advocates for themselves. I have also been an empathetic ear to the school staff I have served.
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family.
I was born in Bangladesh and moved to New York City with my family when I was 11 years old. Later my family moved to New Jersey where I finished my high school and college. I received my bachelor's degree in psychology from Rutgers University and received my master's degree in social work from Stockton University. I discovered my passion to be a listening ear and empathic toward others since I was young. Throughout high school and college I have prepared myself with proper training and education to help those who struggles with their mental health the most. My training is diverse, and I utilize family systems, solution oriented, CBT and narrative based psychotherapies. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief & loss, stress, life transitions, and those seeking personal growth. It is my mission to help my patients navigate their experiences and challenges within their life in a way that is both meaningful and oriented with their personal goals. I work with my patients to help develop the necessary skills, strength, and resilience needed to overcome hardships in life and strengthen their relationships with others. I personally believe in having a balanced life of spending time with my family and friends which brings the most meaning to my life. During my free time I love hiking, traveling, and trying out different cuisines. I enjoy both my work life and my personal life. As I navigate through my personal life, I love being a part of aiding others navigate through their personal life who needs my help.