About The Sage Institute
Our mission
Our mission is to help people learn skills to support their mental, physical, and spiritual health; to facilitate a therapeutic space that allows for healing and inspiration; and to promote resilience, vitality, health, and growth in individuals and in our community.
Our founder
Meet Laurie Arena
Laurie L. Arena, MSW, PMHNP
Founder · Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Laurie L. Arena, MSW, PMHNP is the founder of The Sage Institute. She has been a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner since 2010. She earned her Master’s of Nursing degree from Boston College and then went on to complete a Psychopharmacology Fellowship through Cambridge Health Alliance in 2011. Prior to this, she obtained a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston University in 2006 with a concentration in Group Work. Her training as a social worker paved a foundation of therapy skills and was also rooted in the social work tradition of advocating for human rights. Her undergraduate degree is from Queens University of Charlotte as a double major in Music and Psychology. Laurie has also completed a 200-hour level Yoga Teacher Training through Seaside Yoga in Wilmington, NC in 2009.
Laurie has worked in various mental health settings including Inpatient Psychiatric Units, Outpatient Treatment, Detox/Substance Abuse Treatment, Addiction Services, Crisis Stabilization Unit, Psychiatric Emergency Room, Assisted Living Facilities, Middle and High School school-based therapy program, and with an ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) Team, which entails working with clients with severe and persistent mental illness (primarily psychotic disorders) in the community and utilizes an interdisciplinary, person-centered, and empowerment model. In addition to her work with The Sage Institute, Laurie is also currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, with a focus on nutrition and mental health-related research.
Personally, Laurie is anchored by her family, yoga, meditation, a vegan diet, nature, and music. She has learned through her travels to appreciate the importance of connecting to each moment, grounded by the ebb and flow of each breath, and to stay connected to one’s heart, emotions, values, and body while facing and interacting with the world. She believes there is intrinsic value and healing potential in all human beings and that science, medical advances, art, therapy, spirituality, and healing traditions can all combine to offer a reprieve from suffering and to support us in living our most meaningful, vibrant, and empowered life.
Her approach
Laurie’s Philosophy
My approach to supporting people with their mental health needs is holistic and comprehensive. I specialize in Psychopharmacology and Lifestyle or Holistic Psychiatry. I also offer Mindfulness and Meditation techniques, Yoga for Mental Health, Psychoeducation, Nutritional Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy — with a focus on coping skills, self-compassion, and assertive communication and boundaries. My work is trauma-informed, LGBTQIA-allied, and prioritizes inclusion and social justice.
Areas of focus
- Psychopharmacology
- Lifestyle & Holistic Psychiatry
- Mindfulness & Meditation
- Yoga for Mental Health
- Psychoeducation & Nutritional Psychiatry
- Psychotherapy, coping skills & self-compassion
Conditions I work with
- Anxiety & Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- ADHD
- PTSD
- Psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia & Schizoaffective), including LAI antipsychotics
- Substance use & addiction
How I work
- Trauma-informed care
- LGBTQIA-allied
- Inclusion & social justice
- Person-centered & empowerment model
- Assertive communication & boundaries
Ages I Treat
Adults, age 18 and up
Self-Pay Rates
- $280 — intake (60–90 minutes)
- $140 — standard follow-up (20–30 minutes)
- $200 — extended follow-up (50–60 minutes)
Insurances I accept
- BCBS excludes Blue Local, UNC Health Alliance, and other local / closed-network plans.
- Not in-network with Medicaid or Medicare plans.
A thoughtful approach to medication
My philosophy with psychiatric medications is to work with you to find the most effective medications, with the fewest risks or adverse effects. While for some people numerous psychiatric medications may be necessary, with distinct mechanisms of action, I work to avoid or reduce polypharmacy.
As a disclaimer, I prescribe controlled substances sparingly and only for FDA-approved indications. Many supplements and herbal remedies have an evidence base for psychiatric conditions, and while I can discuss such research and options with you, I do not formally prescribe supplements (although most do not require a prescription).
Therapeutic influences
Therapeutic approaches are woven into medication-management sessions as needed. The influences that shape my work include:
Our team
Meet the team
Alongside Laurie, our clinicians share a commitment to evidence-based, compassionate, and individualized mental health care.
Jade Montana, PMHNP, CNM, FNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner · Certified Nurse Midwife
Jade Montana, PMHNP, CNM, FNP is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a practicing Certified Nurse Midwife with additional Family Nurse Practitioner training.
Jade provides psychiatric medication management services integrated with supportive therapy. She practices with patience and open-mindedness to help meet you where you are. Visits are tailored toward your needs and goals. Jade can help you decide if psychiatric medication is right for you and work with you to optimize your medication plan, as well as consider a range of interventions to support your mental health. Jade’s goal is to ensure you have a safe place — without stigma or judgement — to be yourself, and to grow.
“The mind, body, and soul are at the core of each individual. We are all unique and should be treated as such.”
“Mental health is like the tide of the ocean — as the tide comes in and the waves crash against the sand, it can be difficult to find the seashells. This is comparable to what we can experience during times of anxiety, turmoil, stress, and change. It is my job to help you calm the sea, cultivate peace of mind, and find your shell.”
“I believe safety is first, then discovery, and eventually moving on to recovery. Taking a holistic approach and prioritizing your mental health is imperative for your wellbeing.”
Areas of focus
- Psychiatric medication management
- Supportive therapy integrated with visits
- Holistic, whole-person care — mind, body, and soul
- Optimizing your medication plan
Conditions I work with
- Visits are tailored toward your needs and goals — reach out about what you're navigating
How I work
- Patience and open-mindedness — meeting you where you are
- A safe place, without stigma or judgement
- Safety first, then discovery, then recovery
Ages I Treat
Ages 16 and up
Self-Pay Rates
- $280 — intake (60–90 minutes)
- $140 — standard follow-up (20–30 minutes)
- $200 — extended follow-up (50–60 minutes)
Insurances I accept
- BCBS excludes Blue Local, UNC Health Alliance, and other local / closed-network plans.
- Not in-network with Medicaid or Medicare plans.
Amy Main, PMHNP, FNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
I believe that no one should be made to feel guilty about their struggles with mental health, and that everyone deserves to have a safe place to talk about these issues. Just as every person is unique, there is no one right way to treat mental illness. I strive to approach each individual with this in mind, knowing that they may have been through many treatment options already.
I know this can be a challenging and frustrating process, but I will listen to your concerns and work with you through the journey. My primary focus is on medication management, while also incorporating lifestyle modifications because of the connection between physical and mental health. My experience includes working with adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders.
“My goal is to provide a welcoming, comfortable experience, where you will feel seen and heard.”
Areas of focus
- Medication management (primary focus)
- Lifestyle modifications that support mental health
Conditions I work with
- Depression & anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychotic disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Adolescents and adults
How I work
- No guilt or judgement about mental-health struggles
- Listening to your concerns and working with you through the journey
- A welcoming, comfortable experience where you feel seen and heard
Ages I Treat
Ages 16 and up
Self-Pay Rates
- $280 — intake (60–90 minutes)
- $140 — standard follow-up (20–30 minutes)
- $200 — extended follow-up (50–60 minutes)
Insurances I accept
- Not in-network with BCBS.
- Not in-network with Medicaid or Medicare plans.
Lindsey Rebollar, PMHNP
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Life can feel overwhelming at times, and when you’re struggling, it’s easy to feel like you’re carrying the weight of everything on your own. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, relationship challenges, or a major life transition, you deserve support from someone who will walk alongside you.
As a psychiatric provider and nurse with 13 years of experience in emergency medicine and the operating room, I have cared for people during some of their most vulnerable moments. Those experiences taught me the value of compassion, connection, and truly listening to each person’s story. When you work with me, you’ll find someone who combines years of nursing experience with a trauma-informed, compassionate approach to mental health care — because I understand that healing isn’t linear.
“My philosophy is simple: nobody walks alone.”
Areas of focus
- Trauma-informed psychiatric care
- 13 years of nursing experience in emergency medicine and the operating room
- Compassionate, connection-centered care
Conditions I work with
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Burnout
- Relationship challenges
- Major life transitions
How I work
- Nobody walks alone — I'll walk alongside you
- Truly listening to each person's story
- Understanding that healing isn't linear
Ages I Treat
Ages 16 and up
Self-Pay Rates
- $280 — intake (60–90 minutes)
- $140 — standard follow-up (20–30 minutes)
- $200 — extended follow-up (50–60 minutes)
Insurances I accept
- BCBS excludes Blue Local, UNC Health Alliance, and other local / closed-network plans.
- Not in-network with Medicaid or Medicare plans.
Joshua McKelvey
Health Coach and Personal Trainer
Integrative Health Coach and Certified Personal Trainer
Mindfulness, Mobility, and Nutrition
About Me
Wellness is about more than exercise, nutrition, or moving through life in a state of zen-like serenity. It is about developing a healthier and more compassionate relationship with your body and thoughts while finding practical ways to care for yourself within the realities of your life. My own path to wellness has included physical injuries, mental health challenges, substance use challenges, and the ongoing cultivation of self-acceptance and self-compassion. These experiences shaped my belief that meaningful change does not require perfection. It begins with meeting yourself where you are, identifying what matters to you, and taking manageable steps guided by your values. As an integrative health coach and certified personal trainer, I help clients incorporate strength training, cardiovascular exercise, mindfulness, movement, and practical nutrition into their daily lives. My approach is supportive, collaborative, and tailored to each person’s abilities, needs, and goals. Whether you are returning to movement, navigating physical or emotional limitations, building confidence, or simply trying to feel stronger and more in tune with your body and mind, we will develop an approach that works for you. I am also pursuing a Master of Social Work to deepen my understanding of the relationship between physical health and emotional well-being. My particular interests include mobility across the lifespan, psychological flexibility, and creating sustainable change without shame or rigid expectations.
My Coaching Approach
I believe mental health and movement are deeply connected. Strength and cardiovascular training can support mobility, confidence, independence, and quality of life at every age. Mindfulness and meditation can help cultivate psychological flexibility and emotional resilience. Any effective program, however, must be adapted to the individual. Together, we may use progressive strength training to build physical capacity, cardiovascular exercise to support endurance and overall health, mindfulness and yoga principles to strengthen physical and emotional awareness, and practical nutrition strategies to support energy and well-being. Previous injuries, chronic conditions, or current limitations do not have to exclude you from meaningful movement or a compassionate relationship with yourself. Exercises can be adapted to respect your body’s present capacity while helping you safely work toward greater strength and mobility. Mindfulness and meditation can also be developed gradually through a variety of techniques. The raft that carries you across the river does not have to follow a predetermined design. It simply has to float. My approach does not center on restrictive dieting, punishment, or “earning” food through exercise. We are not trying to tame the mind or crush uncomfortable feelings. Instead, I help clients develop realistic routines that nourish the body and mind, support everyday life, and remain flexible enough to be sustained over time. Above all, coaching is a partnership. You are the expert on your life. My role is to offer knowledge, structure, encouragement, and practical tools while respecting your choices, boundaries, and goals.
Beyond Coaching
Outside of coaching and graduate study, I am the proud father of four young daughters who keep me active, curious, and grounded. I also enjoy coding and web development, which reflect the same problem-solving mindset I bring to coaching: understanding how different pieces work together and finding solutions that fit the individual rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all formula.
Qualifications and Education
I am currently a Master of Social Work candidate and hold a Bachelor of Arts in Music. My certifications through the American Council on Exercise include Certified Personal Trainer, Health Coach, Nutrition Specialist, and Group Fitness Instructor. I am also a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and mindfulness meditation practitioner, with more than three years of experience helping clients build strength, improve well-being, and develop routines they can carry into everyday life.
“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself. - Thich Nhat Hanh”
“The mind and body were never separate. When we move the body, we move the mind. When we train the mind, we change the body. Meditation is an exercise, and exercise can become a meditation. -Josh ”
“The resistance that you fight in the gym and the resistance that you fight in life can only build a strong character. - Arnold Schwarzenegger”
Specialties
- Strength Training
- Nutrition Specialist
- Meditation Teacher and Mindfulness Coach
- HIIT
Ages I Treat
18+
Self-Pay Rates
- $30 per Hour