About

Chris Pagnani, M.D.

Chris Pagnani, MD treats adolescents (eighteen and older) and adults in his outpatient private practice of psychiatry. In addition to private practice, he is an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, he supervises Interns and Residents at Jefferson Hospital, and is an elected member of the Young Professionals Board, for Uplift, The Center for Grieving Children. He provides comprehensive and individualized care for his patients. He is trained in all areas of adult psychiatry including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and discreet office-based treatment of addiction.

He has a strong medical background and often sees individuals who have had multiple diagnosis and/or medical comorbidities that would benefit from a thorough re-evaluation and second opinion. He will work with other providers to coordinate care (including physicians, therapists, dietitians etc.).

College, Medical School, and Residency

Dr. Pagnani graduated from Vanderbilt University where he was awarded the top student in his major and track. He then attended Jefferson Medical College and upon completion was awarded the Bodine Research Award, given to one student each year for their dedication to research. He has published four medical manuscripts and been involved in roughly a dozen abstracts and poster presentations. He has collaborated with researchers at Vanderbilt University, Thomas Jefferson University, The Duke University School of Medicine and the Assiut University Hospital in Egypt. He has presented his research both nationally and internationally.

Following medical school, Dr. Pagnani focused his energy on clinical psychiatry. He completed residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and was asked by the chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences to serve as Chief Resident, which he did during his final year of training. While at Johns Hopkins his training included specialized inpatient units and outpatient clinics for mood disorders (Major Depressive Disorder [MDD] and Bipolar Affective Disorder [BPAD]), anxiety disorders (Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD], Obsessive Compulsive Disorder [OCD] and Panic), addiction and others.

Post-residency Appointments & Academic Achievements

• Appointed Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Medicine where he teaches medical students psychopharmacology.
• Supervisor at Thomas Jefferson Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences for residents training in psychiatry.
• Elected member of The Young Professionals Board, for Uplift, The Center for Grieving Children
• Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
• Licensed Physician and Surgeon in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland.
• Licensed to provide discreet outpatient treatment for opiate dependence and addiction
• Founder and Medical Director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates – Collaborator with all Nurse Practitioners at all locations.

Gracie Yeo, MD

Call Dr. Yeo directly at (267) 843 – 4867

Karen (Yang) Chen, CRNP

Call Karen (Yang) Chen, CRNP directly at (267) 831- 4053

Richard D’Amato, CRNP

Call Richard D’Amato directly at (267) 331- 4002

Richard D’Amato, CRNP is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with training and experience treating patients with various psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Mr. D’Amato is trained in all areas of psychiatry including Attention Deficit Disorder, Mood Disorders (Bipolar Affective Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder), Anxiety, PTSD and Autism Spectrum Disorders (a particular focus). Mr. D’Amato brings a philosophy of holistic care, and an abiding commitment to personalized and comprehensive treatment for patients.

COLLEGE, NURSING SCHOOL, MASTERS IN PSYCHIATRIC NURSING AND BOARD CERTIFICATION TO PRESCRIBE PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATIONS:

Richard D’Amato received his Bachelor’s of Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He then received his Masters of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to his Masters, Mr. D’Amato worked in various disciplines of nursing including, crisis response, inpatient psychiatry, pediatrics and cardiology. Mr. D’Amato holds a special interest in research and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders, with additional training in Autism Integrated Care at the University of Pennsylvania and mentoring under Dr. Margaret C. Souders at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He is Board Certified and licensed to prescribe psychiatric medications and works as an Instructor at both The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and Saint Joseph’s University.

• Instructor at The University of Pennsylvania
• Instructor at Saint Joseph’s University
• Board Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice.
• Licensed to prescribe psychiatric medications.
• Comprehensive Care of Clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Kimberly Joffe, CRNP

Call Kimberly Joffe directly at (215) 309 – 8406

Kimberly Joffe, CRNP is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with training and experience diagnosing and treating patients across the lifespan. Ms. Joffe is trained in all areas of psychiatry including Attention Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Sleep Disorders. Ms. Joffe has a diverse background including many years of experience as an Emergency Room Registered Nurse, allowing her the ability to attend to the psychiatric need of her patients who may also have complex medical illnesses. She is also a Clinical Instructor for The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing.

Ms. Joffe treats patients 18 years of age and older in her outpatient private practice in Paoli, Pennsylvania. She provides holistic, compassionate and personalized care. In addition to treating patients suffering with Anxiety, ADHD and other illnesses, she has a particular focus on mood disorders.

College, Nursing School, Masters in Psychiatric Nursing and Board Certification to prescribe psychiatric medications:

Kimberly Joffe graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s in Science in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She then earned her Masters’ in Nursing with high marks from The University of Pennsylvania. She is Board Certified and licensed to prescribe psychiatric medications.

Post-residency Appointments & Academic Achievements:

• Instructor at The University of Pennsylvania
•  Board Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Nursing
•  Licensed to prescribe psychiatric medications

Elizabeth A. Milburn, CRNP

Call Ms. Milburn directly at (267) 358-6010

Elizabeth Milburn, CRNP has approximately a decade of experience in the mental health field, including performing psychiatric evaluations, initiating psychiatric medical treatment and providing therapy for College Students at the University of Pennsylvania’s Counseling and Psychological Services Center (CAPS) and evaluating patients and managing referrals for Pennsylvania Hospital’s Crisis Response Center. Prior to becoming Board Certified to prescribe psychiatric medications, she worked on telemetry, caring for post-surgical patients at The University of Pennsylvania. Her medical experience allows her to effectively communicate and coordinate care, with patient’s physicians, therapists and other providers.

Ms. Milburn treats adolescents (eighteen and older) and adults in her outpatient private psychiatric practice in Philadelphia. She provides holistic suggestions, sometimes including recommendations of supplements, therapy, exercise, dietary modifications, sleep hygiene measures, and psychiatric medication management. She treats all psychiatric illness, and has a particular focus in treating college and graduate students.

Ms. Milburn is trained and experienced in all areas of adolescent and adult psychiatry including mood disorders (such as Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Affective Disorder), anxiety disorders (such as Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), ADHD and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (such as hair pulling and skin picking). She tailors treatment to the individual’s specific difficulties and needs. If individuals already have a therapist with whom they wish to continue to work with, she will collaborate with that individual to optimize coordination of care. She also has a great deal of experience in switching antidepressant medications for patients, as well as tapering individuals off of antidepressants and habit forming psychiatric medications safely.

College, Nursing School, Masters in Psychiatric Nursing and Board Certification to prescribe psychiatric medications:

Ms. Milburn earned a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing after graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing. She then received a Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with the highest marks. She has been Board Certified in Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and is licensed to prescribe Psychiatric medications.

Post-residency Appointments & Academic Achievements:

• Board Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
• Licensed to prescribe psychiatric medications: Psychopharmacologist

Jessica M. Plocher, CRNP

Call Ms. Plocher directly at (267) 358-6009

Jessica M. Plocher, CRNP has over a decade of experience working in the mental health field, including working as a mental health resource specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) 2003-2008, working at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in both clinical and supervisor roles and serving as an Instructor at The University of Pennsylvania.

Ms. Plocher treats adolescents (eighteen and older) and adults in her outpatient private practice of psychiatry. She provides comprehensive and individualized care for her patients. She is trained in all areas of adult psychiatry including mood disorders (such as Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Affective Disorder), Anxiety disorders (such as Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and Adult ADHD. She tailors treatment to the individual’s specific difficulties and needs, and she will work closely with your therapist to coordinate care.

Areas of focus include college and graduate student mental health (psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis and second opinions. She is Board Certified to prescribe psychiatric medications.

College, Nursing School, Masters in Psychiatric Nursing and Board Certification to prescribe psychiatric medications:

Jessica M. Plocher, CRNP received her first Bachelor’s Degree from Brandeis University. She then received a second Bachelor’s of Science from The John’s Hopkins University School of Nursing and was inducted into the Honors Society of Nursing. After several years serving in both clinical and supervisor roles at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry, she obtained her Masters of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. She has been Board Certified and licensed to prescribe psychiatric medications and is also an Instructor at The University of Pennsylvania.

Post-residency Appointments & Academic Achievements

• Appointed Instructor at The University of Pennsylvania, where she teaches psychiatric mental status examinations and other topics pertaining to adult mental health.
• Board Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.
• Licensed to prescribe psychiatric medications: Psychopharmacologist

Rachel Reis, CRNP

Call Ms. Reis directly at (267) 687- 0900

Rachel Reis, CRNP, has over a decade of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients and their families, helping them achieve mental and physical wellness and ultimately, optimal quality of life. Her experiences as a provider in outpatient psychiatry and as a nurse in inpatient and emergency psychiatry, critical care and healthcare epidemiology, have served to provide Ms. Reis with an intimate understanding of the human experience and a genuine, empathic approach to the treatment of psychiatric conditions.  Furthermore, her role as clinical educator at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing serves to broaden her clinical database and stay current with the latest evidence in psychiatric treatment.

Ms. Reis treats adults in her outpatient private practice working in partnership with patients and their families to provide comprehensive psychiatric care. She is trained in the treatment of a multitude of psychiatric conditions including, but not limited to, Mood disorders (such as Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Affective Disorder), Anxiety disorders (such as Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), ADHD and Eating Disorders. Treatment plans are jointly created between Ms. Reis and her patients and care planning and implementation is sought to be inclusive of all members of the treatment team including therapists and other relevant providers.

COLLEGE, NURSING SCHOOL, MASTERS IN PSYCHIATRIC NURSING AND BOARD CERTIFICATION TO PRESCRIBE PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATIONS:

Rachel Reis, CRNP received her first Bachelor of Science Degree in Biopsychology, graduating from Philadelphia University Summa Cum Laude. She then received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Pennsylvania, while working in the field of developmental disabilities epidemiology. Following provision of nursing care in the hospital setting, Ms. Reis obtained her Masters of Science Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and has since been Board Certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She holds current licensure to prescribe psychiatric medications in Pennsylvania and has served as a clinical educator at The University of Pennsylvania.

• Appointed Instructor at The University of Pennsylvania
• Board Certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice.
• Licensed to prescribe psychiatric medications.

Loretta Sernekos, PhD, CRNP

Call Ms. Sernekos directly at (267) 607 – 5264

Loretta Sernekos, PhD, CRNP, provides holistic, empathic, and evidence-based care to her patients. Her prior experience as a nurse practitioner in outpatient primary care informs her thinking regarding psychiatric conditions and their relationship to the whole person’s physical and emotional health. Her appointment as a Senior Lecturer, teaching pharmacology and pathophysiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing allows her to stay current with evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions, as well as other medical conditions.

Dr. Sernekos treats adolescents (18 and older) and adults in her outpatient private practice. She is trained in a range of psychiatric conditions including, but not limited to, Mood disorders (such as Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder), Anxiety disorders (such as Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and ADHD. She has a special interest in the treatment of Anxiety and Mood disorders that arise from the experience of living with a chronic medical condition. Prior to becoming a Registered Nurse, she taught stress management and relaxation techniques to numerous patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain.

COLLEGE, DOCTORATE, NURSING SCHOOL, MASTER’S IN ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING, POST-MASTER’S IN PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING AND BOARD CERTIFICATION TO PRESCRIBE PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATIONS:

Loretta Sernekos, CRNP received her first Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics, graduating from Stockton University with Highest Honors. She then received a PhD in Political Science from Rutgers University. She later received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, graduating Summa Cum Laude, from Thomas Jefferson University. After working as a Registered Nurse in both acute and sub-acute physical rehabilitation facilities, Dr. Sernekos earned her Masters of Science Degree in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Advanced Practice Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania. As she treated primary care patients as a nurse practitioner in an outpatient setting, Dr. Sernekos recognized that she needed training in psychiatry. She subsequently earned a Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice Nursing from the Johns Hopkins University. She maintains dual Board Certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. She holds current licensure to prescribe psychiatric medications in Pennsylvania and is on the faculty of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

Post-residency Appointments & Academic Achievements:

• Senior Lecturer at The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Certified Nurse Educator (CNE).
• Board Certified as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
• Board Certified as Adult-Gerontology Primary Nurse Practitioner.
• Licensed to prescribe psychiatric medications.

Kristine Spano, Psy.D. – Director of Psychotherapy

Call Dr. Kristine Spano directly at (267)-499-4193

Kristine V. Spano, Psy.D. is a Licensed Doctor of Psychology in Pennsylvania. Dr. Spano treats clients 18 years of age and up, in her private practice at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, her primary goal is to help clients understand the interdependency of thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Along with CBT, she utilizes mindfulness-based and trauma-informed interventions that emphasize the mind-body connection.

Dr. Spano obtained her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has provided PA state-board approved trainings for social workers, marital and family therapists, licensed counselors, and doctoral residents on topics including relapse prevention therapy (RPT), trauma, mindfulness, and violence and abuse.  Her most recent talk was on behalf of the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders (IAPMD) in Boca Raton, Florida where she spoke about coping strategies for premenstrual symptoms.

Dr. Spano obtained her masters in education from Rutgers University. She was a classics major, graduating summa cum laude, from Drew University.

Sonya Mendelovich, BSW MBA

Call Sonya Mendelovich directly at (267) 888 – 2871

Ms. Mendelovich completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Health Administration. She participates in ongoing specialized training in the addictions and Mental Health fields.  She brings over 25 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings including detoxification, inpatient hospitalization and outpatient programs offering individual and group therapy.  Sonya is a trainer and speaker on the Recovery Oriented System of Care in collaboration with Philadelphia’s DBHIDS.  She has developed and grown innovative service delivery models.  She has provided clinical and administrative supervision to social work students, interns and professionals. She trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at The Beck Institute of The University of Pennsylvania where she maintains a Certification to practice CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). She has a great deal of experience treating individuals with Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, addiction and relationship struggles and life transitions (including college and graduate student mental health).

Sonya’s approach emphasizes the mutual development of goals for therapy and provision of ongoing evaluation of the therapeutic approach. Services can include individual, family and group therapy. Sonya is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy. She continues to seek ongoing updates to her skills and knowledge base. Sonya is committed to an approach emphasizing an integrative, dynamic, and holistic approach to mental health.

Lauren Carone, MA

Call Lauren Carone directly at (267) 703 – 4248

Lauren M. Carone, M.A. has dedicated over a decade to improving quality of and access to care by providing therapy and clinical supervision within the mental health and addictions field. Lauren is committed to utilizing Evidence Based Practices (EBPs) to provide individuals with the foundation to develop the skills, self-worth, and sense of empowerment necessary to break patterns of problematic thinking and embrace a deserved quality of life. As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, she works with individuals to develop an understanding and awareness of the ways one’s experiences color the lens through which they view themselves, others, and the future. Lauren is also trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy, evidence based treatments for PTSD and experienced trauma.

Lauren obtained her master’s degree in Community Counseling, graduating summa cum laude, from The College of New Jersey, and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, graduating summa cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh. She currently works as an Instructor for the Penn Beck Community Initiative through the University of Pennsylvania. Lauren specializes in mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, emotional regulation, and substance/alcohol use disorders. She focuses on developing a collaborative and safe, yet challenging therapeutic environment and tailors treatment to individuals’ presenting needs, goals, and issues.

 Our Collaborating Physicians

John Dougherty III, DO

John Dougherty, III DO is Board Certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Family Medicine. He trained in Psychiatry at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and his unique background in Medicine, allows him to focus on patients with psychiatric sequelae of neurological disorders and traumatic brain injury. He additionally has experience in the use of Ketamine for the treatment of treatment resistant depression. Dr. Dougherty serves as a collaborating physician for the nurse practitioners at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates and maintains his own private practice in West Chester, PA: www.johndoughertydo.com

James Yi, MD PhD

Dr. James Yi, MD PhD is Board Certified in Both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He trained in Psychiatry at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He has over a dozen publications, has taught at The University of Pennsylvania and has presented both nationally and internationally. He serves as a collaborator for the nurse practitioners at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates and maintains his own private practice in Blue Bell, PA: www.BlueBellPsychiatry.com