Staff
Laurie Arena MSW, PMHNP
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, and Middle and High School school-based therapy programs. In addition to her work with A Path to Wellness, Laurie continues to work 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.
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.
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/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.
I have experience in working with various mental health issues, including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder), PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), Psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective disorders) with the use of Long-Acting Injection (LAI) antipsychotic medications, and Substance use disorders/Addiction treatment.
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 actions, I work to avoid or reduce polypharmacy.
As a disclaimer, I prescribe controlled-substances sparingly and only for FDA-approved indications. Additionally, 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 approaches will be woven into your medication management sessions as needed. Therapeutic influences of my work include Irvin Yalom and Existential Psychotherapy, Marsha Linehan and DBT (Dialectic Behavior Therapy), Internal Family Systems (Richard Schwartz), Terry Real and Relational Life Therapy, The Gottman Approach, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness and Meditation/Buddhist-based Psychology (Tara Brach), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, and a Person-Centered focus.
Tabitha Bowman, PMHNP
Tabitha Bowman, PMHNP is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who provides Psychiatric Medication Management treatment woven together with Psychotherapy. She works with adults, teens, and children ages 10 and up. Her passions include Women’s Mental Health, Substance Use Disorders, and Geriatric Mental Health, including Alzheimer’s and dementia treatment. Tabitha can work with you to decide if psychiatric medications may be helpful for you, tailor your current medication regimen, or help you find alternatives to pharmaceuticals. She can make recommendations regarding lifestyle, sleep-hygiene, nutrition, supplements, or daily movement to promote holistic mental health.
From Tabitha:
“Mental illness or a psychiatric diagnosis can often feel disparaging, stigmatized, or outdated—this language and terminology often strays people away from seeking the help they need. Mental health, on the other hand, encompasses mind, body, spirit, and brain health.”
“I can help provide space to navigate your individual process. Not only will I offer recommendations regarding a medication plan, but I also offer individual therapy. My goal is to meet you where you are while offering a holistic plan of care. My approach is flexible and supportive, with emotional safety and instillation of hope as top priorities.”
Jade Montana PMHNP, FNP, CNM
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.
Jade's Philosophy
“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, rushing to the shoreline, 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. Finding your personal path is difficult in this big messy world, but taking a holistic approach and prioritizing your mental health is imperative for your wellbeing. It is my goal to ensure you have a safe place-without stigma or judgement-to be yourself, and to grow.”
Amy Main PMHNP, FNP
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 goal is to provide a welcoming, comfortable experience, where you will feel seen and heard. 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.
