Residents

Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Pariss shares her goal “as a practicing psychiatrist is to become a patient advocate for people of all backgrounds”. She joins us from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. During medical school, she started the Rocky Vista University Student Initiative for Community Outreach Support in coordination with the Highlands Ranch Community Association Therapeutic Recreation Program which allowed medical student volunteers to provide care and support for individuals with physical disabilities. Prior to medical school she worked as an EMT for a mental health crisis team which served 30 counties in Southwest Colorado. She enjoys Painting with Bob Ross, Great British Baking Show inspired baking & water coloring during said show, writing & performing stand-up comedy, reading, listening to podcasts, meditation with intentional breathing, mountain biking, hiking, and camping.

Medical School: The Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont

Obhi graduated from Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT) with degrees in Biology and Philosophy. In the decade before enrolling in medical school, he conducted clinical trials in both stroke epidemiology and pediatric anesthesia, designed math and science curricula for bright high schoolers contending with myriad learning differences, founded an NGO, coordinated medical device development, and captained a semi-professional rugby team. Throughout, Obhi cultivated a commitment to the individual dignity and agency accessible through practical concept- and process-based mastery, often in situations balancing divergent stakeholder interests. When not in-clinic or teaching, he cooks, reads, drums, takes motorcycle tours, strength trains, and supports live music as the conditions allow.

Medical School: San Francisco State University

Tara studied biology-physiology and chemistry at San Francisco State University before attending medical school at Pacific Northwest University in Yakima, WA. Since young-adulthood she found psychiatry to be the perfect intersection of the two things that interest her most: psychology and medicine. She specifically shares an interest in trauma-informed care, medication-assisted psychotherapy, breathwork, and treating marginalized populations such as the LGBTQIA+ community. Prior to medical school Tara co-founded a volunteer organization to work with the San Francisco Veteran population, and was a community healthcare volunteer with the Peace Corps in Madagascar. She enjoys tennis, downhill skiing, painting, and interior and architectural design.

Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

Alyssa earned her M.D. from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and was the first recipient of the AMA Foundation’s Dream MD Equity award during her med school training. She is originally from Texas where she worked at Spectrum of Hope, a mental health clinic for children with autism and other developmental disorders. Alyssa currently serves as the Policy Co-Chair for a nonprofit organization called Filipinx/a/o Community Health Association (Fil-CHA) and works on mental health disparity research and policy advocacy for marginalized communities. She also works with Senator Durbin on immigration reform lobbying and gives talks in UW-Madison undergraduate courses on LGBTQ+ mental health and DEI concerns in the medical field. Alyssa is a classically trained soprano, and in her free time she enjoys singing, attending live music shows, and spending time with her dog.

Medical School: Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences

Oghenetega earned her medical degree in 2012 from Obafemi Awolowo University College of Health Sciences, Nigeria. Since then she has worked very hard to be able to train as a psychiatry resident in the United States and has a significant and meaningful work history. In this process she completed an M.Sc. in the UK and an MPH in the US. She worked extensively in public health while living in Texas. Some of her other experiences in psychiatry include Graceland Psychiatric & Neuromodulation Center, Lone Star Behavioral Health, and many more locations spanning the United States. Outside of her work experiences, she has also volunteered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). She brings an important perspective and “seeks the goodness in life even in the face of challenges”. Oghenetega’s hobbies include hair crocheting, making ‘suya’ (steak kabobs), and watching fantasy movies.

Medical School: University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

Brandon earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine in May of 2023. He returned to Madison after attending University of Wisconsin for his undergraduate degree (During his undergraduate years, he also worked as a UW Health volunteer on B6/5!). During his time in Iowa, Brandon has been a part of research in which the “aim was to identify potential mechanisms by which ketamine and its metabolites influence neuronal plasticity”. He has volunteered a lot of his time during medical school to the Short Coat Podcast, Iowa City Free Mental Health Clinic, and for the Carver College of Medicine in which he was eliciting student feedback and reporting it to the Medical Arts and Sciences Committee “for implementation and management of future curricula”. Outside of work he enjoys parenting, practicing mindfulness meditation, and playing video games.

Medical School: Faculdade de Medicina de Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA)

Gabriel earned his medical degree from the Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA) School of Medicine, Brazil. Gabriel has since had significant work and volunteer experience in Brazil. He completed a residency in psychiatry at Hospital Professor Edgard Santos – UFBA and received a Master’s Degree in psychoanalysis from the Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). His career as a psychiatrist in Brazil was remarkable for being a pioneer in the field of C-L psychiatry, as he broke new ground in his region by founding the psychiatric service of a traditional general hospital in his country. He completed a C-L Psychiatry Fellowship at Hennepin Healthcare in 2022. He had such a positive experience in this fellowship position he “decided to take a step forward and apply for a residency in Psychiatry in the U.S.”. Outside of work, you can find Gabriel spending time with his family, listening to music, playing the guitar, enjoying nature, and reading.

Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine

Max earned his M.D. from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in May 2023. Before starting his medical career, Max was an undergraduate and graduate political science major and worked in financial policy within the Federal Reserve System. He believes his time in that field will offer a unique perspective to his work as a doctor. He was active in his medical school’s student government, and served on the school’s Executive Committee, Accreditation Monitoring Committee, and Student Mental Health Task Force. Other volunteer experience includes the time he has spent with Project SHORT, which provides “pro-bono admissions consulting to students from diverse and underrepresented populations in STEM”. Max loves to read and travel and he looks forward to getting to know Madison’s food (and bookstore!) scene.

Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Brandon joins us from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health with his “desire to care for underserved communities through individualized health advocacy and community engagement.” This commitment is seen in his roles as co-president of Medical Students for Minority Concerns at UWSMPH and engagement in the UW Center for Health Disparities Research. He is also an active member in the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association Legislative Committee, most recently meeting with the Wisconsin Department of Human Services and presenting data about the benefits of the Collaborative Care Model as a way to improve access to care in Wisconsin. In his free time he enjoys playing the clarinet (he is a former member of the UW Marching Band), volleyball, paddle boarding, and cooking paella.

Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

Dave earned his M.D., M.P.H. from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.  Before going to medical school, he completed an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at Gonzaga University, followed by a graduate degree in Physiology and Biophysics at Georgetown University.  Prior to medical school he worked as a medical scribe at a Rheumatology Clinic & a Community/Technical Specialist with a healthcare company whose product was an online clinical tracking portal.  Prior to and during medical school, Dave was involved in a variety of volunteer experiences which included working with a community organization to conduct a health needs assessment for the region and push forth development of a mobile health clinic in Spokane.  He is an avid student at Aloft Circus Arts (swinging on the trapeze weekly), enjoys dancing, singing, reading playing strategic board games, and exploring nature and green spaces in his free time.

Jordan earned his M.D. at the University of North Dakota, where he was part of the Native Americans into Medicine program. After graduation, he completed a year of Internal Medicine residency. Jordan has strong Wisconsin ties, having completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin – Superior. Jordan made the decision to leave Internal Medicine and has been committed to pursuing psychiatric training. In the intervening time, he has been working and learning clinical skills in therapy and dual diagnosis treatment at the Leech Lake Behavioral Health in Northern Minnesota. Having been raised on a reservation, and now working with the indigenous population, he is highly aware of health disparities, and is committed to treating psychiatric conditions, particularly substance use disorders. He was involved with compiling data on the opioid crisis that was presented at the US Senate and part of the effort that passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). Jordan additionally has interests in choral singing and his pets.

Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

David earned his M.D. from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.  He completed his undergraduate degree in Theology and Psychology at Creighton University.  During medical school he conducted a quality improvement project with the Department of Academic Affairs & Dr. Elizabeth Petty to evaluate the effectiveness of an undergraduate module on suicide prevention and presented his findings at the University of Wisconsin Research Forum.  He has organized and ran the MEDiC Mental Health clinic and successfully transitioned the clinic to virtual during Covid, served as a co-leader of the Psychiatry Student Interest Group, was an ambassador with the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association, and participated in the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association.  In his free-time, he enjoys camping, hiking, reading, biking, playing piano, playing video games, and collecting Legos.

Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School

Billy earned his M.D. from the University of Minnesota Medical School.  Prior to medical school, he earned his Masters of Public Health followed by working as a program coordinator at a non-profit where he partnered with adolescents from marginalized communities to foster interpersonal communication skills for success in the workplace and helped them navigate the college application process.  During medical school, he continued to seek out opportunities to directly serve marginalized communities from teaching a class to inmates at the Hennepin County jail, volunteering at the student-run Phillips Neighborhood free clinic, and coordinating a research project aimed at reducing disparities of Hmong people living with diabetes.  His hobbies and interests include NCAA volleyball, video games, hiking, kayaking, tennis, trying new foods, and asking pet parents to share pictures and stories of their fur babies.

Medical School: Meharry Medical College

Mika Nelson earned her M.D. from Meharry Medical College in May of 2023. She grew up on Moloka’i which is a rural outer island and houses Hawaii’s last leper colony. Mika says this influenced her view on patient care because she “learned to see patients’ struggles and disability, instead as strength to persevere”. Mika’s research experience includes working with Meharry Medical College Family Medicine Department on researching opioid overdose prevention. She has made Naloxone education and awareness a very important part of her career. She has also volunteered as a mentor for Revive Detox Los Angeles and a member of her medical school’s Covid-19 Task Force. In her free time, Mika takes pie baking very seriously and loves to spend time with her dog, Hamlet.

Medical School: New York University Long Island School of Medicine

Anna earned her M.D. from New York University Long Island School of Medicine in May 2023. She comes from a multidisciplinary background starting as an economics major at Harvard University, moving to a humanities fellowship with the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, before moving on to medical school. She brings an extensive research background, notably working on a NATO Science for Peace and Security Grant for an international conference on PTSD. Other scholarly experiences include an ACLP poster presentation on Moderate Depression in Patients with COPD and a textbook chapter on the Neurobehavioral Aspects of Acute Care Surgery in Geriatric Patients. Her hobbies include hiking with friends and listening to podcasts.

Ryan is earning his medical degree from The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. He was raised just north of Milwaukee in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. His early interest in medicine came from his older brother being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease at a young age. He gained a passion for public and global health while spending time working in Riverton City, Kingston, Jamaica. He completed a Bachelor of Science in public health at the University of South Carolina and went on to pursue a Master of Public Health in epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa as a Rotary Global Grant Fellow. Completion of his MPH was disrupted by the COVID pandemic around which time he enrolled in medical school back in his home state. Ryan loves the science of medicine, but his biggest passion comes from making genuine human connections with others. He enjoys finding common ground with others and using empathy and humor to form lasting relationships. Ryan believes strongly in being well rounded and has many hobbies including spending time with his wife and chocolate lab, gardening, disc golf, pickleball, rock climbing, weightlifting, running, backpacking, reading, wood carving, pub trivia and supporting any and all Wisconsin sports teams.

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

Dr. Bowie comes to the Department of Psychiatry from doing a Transitional Year at HCA Healthcare/USF Morsani in Brandon, Florida. Owen completed his medical school training at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) in 2024 where he was awarded an Honors in Research. Owen has worked at Rogers Behavioral Health as a behavioral specialist, as well as working at MCW’s student-run free clinic as their Board Chair of the Education Resource committee and as co-chair of their clinic Advisory Committee. Owen notes psychiatry feels “most at home” and helps to foster meaningful, long-term connections with patients and colleagues. Owen’s hobbies include competing in triathlons, social fitness clubs and outdoor activities like soccer, hiking, skiing and fishing.

Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Dr. Danielsen comes to the Department of Psychiatry from the Psychiatry residency at the University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine. Brodey completed medical school at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in 2024. Brodey has an extensive background in community involvement/mentorship, research, and public health. He has worked with multiple organizations including The Rainbow Project, a counseling service organization that aims to support children and families who have experienced trauma, the Green Bay Area School District, and the Native American Center for Health Professions (NACHP). Brodey’s hobbies include baking, running, and exploring new restaurants!

Carter will be earning his medical degree from Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center. He has worked as a Curriculum Developer at Rush Medical Center and piloted an “Innovation in Medicine” elective for first- and second-year medical students in 2020, to delve into subjects such as human-centered design, market analysis, and intellectual property. As a refugee from the Vietnam War, his mother instilled the value of family heritage and resiliency above all else. Volunteering at a local community crisis hotline, he quickly learned that a person’s mental health could be influenced by a variety of external factors that can cause harm. Carter was elected by his class at Rush Medical College to serve as a representative to deliberate on the consequences for medical students who potentially violated the Rush Medical College’s Honor Code.

Alex will be earning his medical degree from University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Alex served in the US Navy, including service as the Assistant Leading Petty Officer of the Naval Hospital Jacksonville’s Color Guard. His experience included community outreach and scheduling armed forces ceremonies as well as managing “25 enlisted sailors in military bearing, impeccable uniform standards, and military drill”. Alex gained skills in teamwork, professionalism and an attention to detail and an invaluable lesson in mentorship. During his medical student surgical rotation, Alex encountered a patient that asked him why he went into medicine. He realized that not all healing occurs under a knife. This motivated him to pursue psychiatry. In an early part of his career in the US Navy, Alex witnessed shipmates deploy and return as different individuals and while listening, both as a medic and friend, he realized the importance of mental health care.

Ahmad (AH-mid) earned his M.D. from the University of Minnesota Medical School. Prior to that, he earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from UW – Madison. He has always had an interest in the intersection between psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, and the humanistic aspect of psychiatry. He has done research studying the anticipatory and consummatory interpersonal pleasure experienced by patients with schizophrenia, autism, and academic psychiatry. In his free time, Ahmad is a fan of heavy metal, concerts, playing guitar, hiking, and playing video games.

Ji Won will earn her medical degree from Medical College of Wisconsin. She is a member of several professional societies including the American Psychiatric Association and the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association. She is a Project Leader in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, at Medical College of WI and did research in Defining Immunological Characteristics of Kabuki Syndrome. She learned during this experience how research can directly improve patients’ lives. Ji Won worked at Student Doctor in Milwaukee at a Saturday Clinic for the Uninsured (SCU). Along with her experiences after immigrating from Korea as a teenager, these experiences have fueled her commitment to advocacy work, aiming to reduce mental health stigma and improve access to mental health care services to underserved and diverse communities.

Medical School: Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine

Dr. Levy comes to the Department of Psychiatry from the Pediatrics Residency at Texas Tech University Health and Sciences Center. Laura earned her medical degree and masters of public health in epidemiology at Oregon Health & Science University in 2024. Some of her experiences in psychiatry include completing a quality improvement project on violence risk assessments at the Oregon State Hospital, being a co-coordinator for a longitudinal research workshop series through the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists and working on an inpatient pediatric psychiatric residential unit. Laura is an active advocate for improved psychiatric support for youth, with long-standing interest in  psychiatry and public health policy. Laura’s hobbies include embroidery, anything in nature and lifting weights.

Rheiner earned her M.B.B.S. from Abia State University Faculty of Medicine in Nigeria and attended Grad school at University of Limpopo, South Africa. She grew up In Nigeria and as a child took trips to her father’s busy clinic, where he was a practicing physician, and hoped to follow in his footsteps. After graduating with a master’s in public health she worked as a physician providing care to patients in underserved communities in Cape Town, South Africa. She worked with those of the “Ubuntu” culture which emphasizes humanity and actively promotes mental health. She has worked as a Clinical Extern in Chicago, IL and has done extensive work as a Clinician in South Africa and Nigeria. Rheiner received the FEDCOL award as a recognized athlete and represented her school in multiple marathons and other long-distance races.

Madeleine earned her medical degree from Medical College of Wisconsin. She completed her undergraduate education at Marquette University. In medical school, she volunteered on an adult inpatient psychiatry unit in the evenings where she built meaningful relationships with patients by spending time with them in a non-clinical role. She also completed research in quality improvement focusing on discharge optimization, served as a peer mentor, and volunteered at free clinics in Milwaukee. She has experienced personal loss familiarizing her with the devastating effects of psychiatric illness. She has a profound commitment to walk alongside patients with empathy.

Jonathan earned his M.D., from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Michigan. He was raised in a rural WI homeschooling community. He did his undergrad work at University of WI-Stevens Point. Jonathan was a highly awarded competitive swimmer through college. One of Jonathan’s most recent experiences is with the WI Alzheimer’s Institute and was instrumental in a novel study aimed at disseminating educational interventions on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia to primary care physicians. This project addressed the need for effective treatments for diverse and underserved populations. He has worked as a swim coach, a hospice volunteer, and a crisis counselor. Jonathan is looking forward to returning to Wisconsin, and living in Madison will reinforce his commitment to fostering inclusivity both within his family and the community.

Claudia will be earning her M.D. from University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She grew up in WI. One of her most recent experiences was working as a volunteer/service/advocacy, Southside Intake Coordinator at MEDiC Clinics in Madison, the SMPH Student-run free clinic. She learned through this experience that many of the patients avoid searching for providers for fear of discrimination or deportation which gave her understanding of the value of trust when establishing rapport with patients. Claudia has engaged in work with many community-based organizations and research projects demonstrating her commitment to the well-being of others. She processes her experiences through poetry, short stories, and journaling, which she can then share with her grandparents.

Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Dr. Cordeiro comes to the Department of Psychiatry from a Neurological Surgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Kevin completed his medical school training at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public health in 2024 where he received the 2024 Charles Russell Bardeen, Founding Dean, Fourth Year Student Award. During his Neurological Surgery residency, he realized that he most rewarding part of his clinical duties were “the conversations I had with my patients regarding their diagnoses”. Therefore, Dr. Cordeiro decided to pursue residency training in Psychiatry.  One of his most meaningful experiences is working with Prescribe it Forward in which he helped mentor undergraduate students looking to pursue professions in healthcare. In his spare time Kevin enjoys photography, Basketball, and training his Australian Sheperd!

Medical School: Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center

Samuel (Sam) will be graduating from Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center in May 2025. During his time at Rush, the American Psychiatric Association/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration selected Sam for a summer scholarship for medical students that are interested in working with those in underserved communities. He has also worked with AmeriCorps where he taught mental health education to underserved communities with limited resources. Going into residency, Sam looks forward to collaboration with his community and peers and hopes to work closely with our geriatric psychiatry program. He says he appreciates “the collegial culture within psychiatry, and I am excited about the prospect of continuing to grow within this dynamic and supportive community”. In his spare time, Sam plays basketball and loves exploring hidden gem restaurants in his neighborhood!

Medical School: University of Colorado School of Medicine

Teresa will be graduating from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in May 2025. Before medical school, she spent time in Rwanda conducting research with victims and perpetrators of genocide. Her experience also includes volunteering with the Denver Indian Family Resource Center. She states that their mission, supporting the diverse needs of American Indian children, is “close to my heart given my own family structure and passion for promoting healthy indigenous communities.” In her spare time, Teresa can be found lost in a book, spending as much time as she can in the sunshine, or pampering her mini-dachshund.

Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo

Brandon will be graduating from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo in May 2025. During his undergraduate years that the University of Iowa, Brandon volunteered at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in the pediatric psychiatry unit. While there, he tutored and mentored children. Further into medical school, he became a Peer Support Specialist for Recovery Options Made Easy in which he “facilitated community reintegration of individuals transitioning from acute inpatient psychiatric facilities and provided support for unhoused individuals in the community”. Brandon’s hobbies include rock climbing, having a game night, and listening to fantasy/science fiction audiobooks!

Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin

Dr. Lechleitner graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin in December 2024. Kia has an interest in psychotherapy and holistic health, which is part of what drew her to the University of Wisconsin program. Her experience with research projects, working as a behavioral technician at KMK Consulting, and volunteering as a domestic violence and hospice vigil volunteer at Heartland Hospice, have shaped the doctor and psychiatrist that she has become today. Dr. Lechleitner is “excited to continue expanding my knowledge base and developing my own style within the art of psychiatry”. In her spare time, you can find Kia admiring art, finding adrenaline-pumping activities to do, and working on her wellness!

Medical School: Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University School of Medicine

Dr. Mat earned her medical degree from Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University School of Medicine in Istanbul, Turkey. During her time in medical school, Beril and friends founded an organization to help Syrian refugee children with their education and assessing their needs. Beril has worked in different research labs, including projects with the University of Wisconsin-Department of Psychiatry and Neurology. Working in Turkey’s largest adult psychiatry hospital, confirmed her calling in psychiatry. Beril’s hobbies include Zen meditation, Social Latin Dance, board games and organizing game nights to bring people together.

Medical School: All Saints University College of Medicine

Dr. Okafor earned her medical degree from All Saints University College of Medicine, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. During medical school, Nnenna was involved in various community outreaches including ones for her university. Nnenna’s experience in psychiatry include working in a Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Enugu, Nigeria that housed 130 beds, as well as founding “Mentally Up-to-Date” a nonprofit organization whose mission is to normalize mental illness by raising awareness in rural areas of Nigeria. Nnenna’s hobbies include travel, staying active through running and her favorite sport basketball.

Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Stephanie will be graduating in May of 2025 from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. During medical school Stephanie was a recruitment ambassador for Office of Multicultural Affairs, helping orientate prospective students to UW SMPH’s curriculum, opportunities and life as a student. Stephanie also worked as a researcher for the Embark Lab, within the UW Department of Psychiatry. Stephanie’s hobbies include being the go-to person for restaurant recommendations, being a film and TV lover, and Podcast Consumer.

Medical School: Azad University, Tehran Faculty of Medicine

Dr. Sedighi received her medical degree from Azad University, Tehran Faculty of Medicine. After graduating, she worked as a primary care doctor in the southern rural regions of Iran, where she often saw how mental health was overlooked. It was during that time she realized how strongly drawn she was to psychiatry.

Saman later moved to the U.S. and completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Southern California in a cancer neuroscience lab. While there, she also helped with the USC Mindfulness Center and volunteered in the Psychiatric Emergency Room at LAC+USC Medical Center, where she continued learning how to care for people in moments of deep crisis.

Outside of work, she enjoys practicing meditation and Iyengar yoga, and spending time with friends.