Our Team

Sarah Monceaux

CEO, Co-Founder & FPMHNP-BC

Sarah Monceaux is a dedicated mental health nurse practitioner serving the community of southwest Louisiana. With a passion for supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, Sarah brings compassion and expertise to her practice.

Sarah's journey in nursing began with her Bachelor's in Science of Nursing from McNeese State University in 2009. She continued her education at McNeese State University, earning her Masters in Science of Nursing in 2015. In addition to her formal education, Sarah has also obtained Cosmetic Nursing Certification from the National Laser Institute in 2015, further expanding her knowledge and skills in the field of nursing.

In her role, Sarah works closely with both adult and juvenile populations within local prisons, witnessing firsthand the struggles and challenges that individuals face in their daily lives. She understands the impact that mental health issues can have on individuals and families, and is committed to providing holistic care to support their well-being.

Driven by her desire to make a difference beyond clinical practice, Sarah serves as a board member for Able Moms International (AMI). Through AMI, Sarah strives to empower mothers to be strong and resilient in their practical parenting, unwavering in their faith, and impactful in their mentorship. She is also a member of The Alliance to Fight Human Trafficking in Southwest Louisiana, and is dedicated to ending human trafficking through education, advocacy, and action. The Alliance aims to foster a community where every individual is valued and respected.

Her most recent journey includes becoming a living kidney donor for Bro. Jack Tillery!

Kara Warshaw

CFO, Co-Founder & FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

Kara Warshaw is an experienced nurse practitioner with a deep commitment to providing exceptional healthcare. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Kara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice.

Kara holds board certifications in both psychiatric mental health and family practice, allowing her to comprehensively address the psychiatric needs of patients with complex medical illnesses. She received her education from Northwestern State University and McNeese State University, where she honed her skills and passion for holistic patient care.

At Unity Psychiatry, Kara specializes in treating individuals across the lifespan, from children and adolescents to adults and geriatric populations. She believes in a collaborative approach to mental health care, working closely with local counselors to ensure her clients receive comprehensive support and guidance.

Kara's approach to treatment combines evidence-based practices with medication management, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. By providing compassionate care and fostering open communication, Kara is dedicated to improving the overall mental health and well-being of her clients.

Melissa Brown

PMHNP- BC

Melissa Brown, PMHNP is joining our team! With a decade of dedicated experience in both medical and psychiatric nursing, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate touch to her practice.

Melissa's passion for serving others shines through in her holistic approach to healthcare. She believes in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, and is committed to fostering wellness in every aspect of her patients' lives. Her approach is rooted in empathy and a deep respect for the unique journey of each individual. This dedication to holistic care ensures that her patients receive comprehensive support that nurtures both physical and mental well-being.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Melissa is particularly focused on improving family bonds and relationships. She understands the critical role that strong family support plays in the healing process and strives to help families navigate their seasons of life with resilience and understanding. Melissa's commitment to her patients and their loved ones makes her an invaluable addition to our team, and we are confident that she will be an asset to the care we provide to our community.

Rebecca Perry

MSW, LCSW

Becky Perry is a compassionate and experienced mental health therapist, specializing in helping individuals from age 3 to young adulthood navigate life's challenges. With a deep passion for working with teenagers, Becky is known for her nurturing approach and commitment to supporting those who struggle with various life stressors.

Becky holds a Master's in Social Work and is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). She utilizes an eclectic and evidence-based approach to therapy, tailoring her methods to meet each person's unique needs. Her therapeutic practices include play therapy, art therapy, and sand tray therapy, all designed to engage clients in the healing process.

Specializing in trauma-based care, Becky integrates psychoeducation and psychoanalytic techniques to address both conscious and unconscious struggles stemming from past experiences. She also leads group therapy for girls ages 13-18, fostering a supportive environment where participants can build healthy relationships, enhance self-care practices, and learn from one another.

Understanding the importance of a holistic approach, Becky encourages family involvement in a child's care, often advocating for family therapy as a vital part of the healing process. She collaborates closely with prescribers when medication is a necessary component of treatment, ensuring that her clients receive comprehensive care.

Evin Weir

Parenting Counselor

Evin Weir is joining our team remotely as a Parenting Instructor and will also oversee the Family Unity room. With a deeply rooted passion for seeing families flourish, she brings empathy and excellence to her classes.

Evin graduated from Nelson University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and has since earned certifications in various coaching disciplines.

With a background in both social work and public education, she is excited to work with families striving for growth and betterment. Her approach to family well-being goes beyond imparting knowledge—she fosters a supportive environment where every family member feels valued and heard.

Evin's dedication extends beyond the classroom. She actively engages in community outreach programs, offering her expertise to help families navigate challenges and build stronger relationships. Committed to continuous learning, Evin frequently attends workshops to stay updated with new parenting strategies and techniques. Her colleagues describe her as compassionate, resourceful, and an unwavering advocate for family unity.

In addition to her work with parents, Evin believes in the vital role of motherhood. She serves as the Exposure Director for Able Moms International (AMI), empowering mothers to be capable, unshakeable, and memorable in their parenting.

Dr. Christina Jones

Addictionologist

Located in the heart of Lake Charles, LA, Dr. Christina Jones brings a deep commitment to the well-being of her patients through her specialization in Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine. A proud alumna of Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Jones not only earned her medical degree there but also a Bachelor of Science in Human Sciences, achieving cum laude honors.

Her medical journey includes a robust internship at the University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, followed by a comprehensive residency at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. At Unity Psychiatry, Dr. Jones applies her extensive training and compassionate approach to help patients navigate their paths to recovery, emphasizing holistic and patient-centered care.

Dedra Alexander

FNP, PMHNP-BC

With a robust foundation in both family and psychiatric nursing, Dedra Alexander brings over six years of diverse healthcare experience to the forefront of mental health care. Her career, rich with varied roles such as Mental Health Technician, Staff Registered Nurse, Director of Nursing for an inpatient facility, and Psychiatric Nurse Case Manager, has imbued her with a deep understanding of the complexities of patient care in mental health settings.

Currently serving as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in rural health environments, Dedra is committed to the holistic well-being of her patients, a value that resonates strongly with Unity Psychiatry’s mission. Her experience extends to providing empathetic, comprehensive care that not only addresses immediate health concerns but also fosters long-term wellness and stability.

Dedra’s dedication to enhancing the lives of those she serves through thoughtful, informed psychiatric care aligns seamlessly with Unity Psychiatry’s commitment to holistic treatment. She is eager to contribute her expertise and passion for mental health to Unity Psychiatry and looks forward to discussing how her background, skills, and compassionate approach can play a role in the continued success and growth of your team.

Sandra Armer

MSW, LCSW

From a tender age, Sandra Armer was drawn to a life of service, inspired by a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful impact. Her name, meaning "Helper of Mankind," foreshadowed a future in healing and support. Sandra holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from LSU and began her career in child protection, gaining insights that no other job could provide.

For over two decades, Sandra has excelled in private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Christian/Scripture-based therapy, Grief Therapy, and Trauma Therapy. She integrates scripture with traditional therapeutic techniques, empowering clients to harness their faith as a cornerstone of recovery and resilience.

In her grief therapy practice, Sandra offers compassionate support to those navigating the pain of loss, respecting a spectrum of cultural and spiritual perspectives on death and the afterlife. Her expertise also covers treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders, utilizing the DSM-5TR for accurate diagnostics.

At Unity Psychiatry, Sandra is dedicated to enriching the lives of her clients through professional excellence and genuine care.

Ryan Ellender

MSW, LCSW

Ryan is a dedicated and experienced psychotherapist committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals, couples, families, and groups. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from McNeese State University and a Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University. His professional background spans both inpatient and outpatient settings, specializing in the treatment of substance use disorders, mood disorders, and acute psychiatric conditions.

With a career rooted in fostering healing and empowerment, Ryan has worked with diverse populations, including adolescents, adults, and older adults, providing tailored support for a range of mental health challenges. He has worked extensively in dual diagnosis treatment, helping both individuals and families navigate the recovery process while addressing the psychological and behavioral components of addiction.

Specializing in individual, couples, family, and group therapy, Ryan emphasizes a person-centered approach. In his work with clients, he integrates a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. An experienced group therapist, Ryan has a special interest in facilitating trauma-informed experiential group therapy, creating dynamic spaces for self-exploration and healing.

Ryan is a passionate advocate for inclusivity, ensuring his practice is a welcoming, affirming, and safe space for all. He believes that the therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of effective treatment. At the heart of his work is the belief that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. With a warm and collaborative approach, Ryan strives to empower clients to uncover their strengths, build resilience, and create meaningful change in their lives.