Meet our Providers

Dr. Maureen Okereke, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care 

Dr Maureen Okereke is a dual board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner  (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C). She earned her Doctorate Degree with  specialty in psychiatric and Mental Health from Brandman University Irvine, California in 2020.  She also obtained a master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Charles R Drew  University, Los Angeles California in 2018. Ms Okereke earned a Master of Science of Nursing  Degree/ Registered Nurse through an entry level nursing program to master’s degree from  Charles R Drew University, Los Angeles, California in 2016. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society.

Maureen is committed to providing individualized evidenced based patient’s care that  combines the most effective tools including comprehensive assessment, medication  management and supportive therapies. Maureen has vast experience working with individuals with depression, grief, anxiety, insomnia,  schizophrenia, PTSD, mood disorders and OCD. She also has a passion for working with  vulnerable populations and people with comorbid conditions and substance abuse. 

Maureen strives to establish a warm and caring relationship with you to help in overcoming your obstacles and setbacks and work together towards achieving your goals and living  according to what holds the greatest value in your life. 

Education 

Brandman University, Irvine California
Masters of Science of Nursing in Family Nurse Practice 

Specialties 

• Depression Disorder 
• Anxiety Disorder 
• Mood Disorder 
• PTSD  
• Stress management 
• LGBTQ 
• • OCD

Janeen Vieira Taylor, LMFT

Philosophy of Care 

Janeen Vieira Taylor is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. She has more than 10 years of experience in clinical settings, where she has been responsible for assessment, the creation of individualized treatment plans, providing one-on-one as well as group counseling, coordinating care with various support agencies, and helping clients to develop strategies for their ongoing success. She has worked with individuals experiencing PTSD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, depression, bipolar I, anxiety/panic disorders, substance abuse, and many other conditions. She has received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Sonoma State University, and received her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco.

Janeen believes strongly in an individualized approach and tailoring her care to the specific needs of her clients, rather than using a “one size fits all” model. She is truly client-centered, and uses an empathetic, collaborative approach based on the idea that the client is the expert on their own experience.

Janeen sees her role primarily as that of a facilitator: someone who helps the client in their journey towards becoming healthier and more satisfied in their day-to-day life. She looks forward to developing a trusting, non-judgmental relationship with her clients, which she believes is the best instrument for positive change.

Education

University of San Francisco
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

Specialties

• Bipolar disorder
• Chronic mental disorders
• Crisis intervention/stabilization
• Mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Panic disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Sleep disorders

Joseph Derije, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Joseph is board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, he graduated from Gonzaga University with a Master’s in Nursing. He completed his undergraduate degree from Ohio University. Upon graduation, he trained under Exodus Recovery Foundation. Currently, he provides care for clients in his local community with a focus on team based approach and patient centered care.

Education

Gonzaga University
Master’s of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Schizophrenia

Michelle Chieme, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Michelle Chieme is a Nurse Practitioner in the state of California who specializes in the field of psychiatry.  Michelle has a wealth of experience treating adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, and life adjustments. She completed her Master’s Degree of Science In Nursing at Azusa Pacific University. She is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and is credentialed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Michelle incorporates a nursing-based approach that is patient focused while also taking into consideration the individual’s environment as a whole. She works collaboratively with clients to determine the best form of treatment that will meet their unique needs while also promoting mindfulness and introspection.

Michelle is passionate about destigmatizing mental health. She especially enjoys working with clients who have been silently suffering from depression/anxiety and are ready to take the first step towards getting treatment. Michelle looks forward to connecting with you in a safe and nonjudgmental space, where together we can work towards building resiliency and getting you back to your best life.

Education

Azusa Pacific University
MSN In Nursing

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Life Adjustments
• Mood Disorders
• Stress Management

Samaneh Ferdosian, PMHNP

**Samaneh offers therapy services in English and Farsi***

Philosophy of Care

Samaneh Ferdowsian is a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the state of California, who graduated from Walden University. Samaneh has been in the mental health field for over five years and has experience working with both adolescents and adults. She completed her Bachelors of Science at Chamberlain University and received her Masters of Science in Psychiatry from Walden University.

Samaneh uses a collaborative and holistic approach to address biological, psychological, and social factors that impact a client’s health. She utilizes mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy to meet the needs of every client in their own unique way. In addition, she is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.

Samaneh believes that one of the most crucial factors in becoming an effective Advanced Practice Nurse is promoting hope to individuals and families with mental illnesses, to instill self-responsibility and empowerment, and in helping individuals living with mental illness seek a meaningful role in life. With this, she hopes to help clients meet their goals in order to live the life they value and desire. 

Education

Walden University
Masters of Science in Psychiatry

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• OCD
• PTSD
• Eating Disorders
• Self-esteem
• ADHD