The Pali-English Dictionary translates citta as heart or heart-mind.
In yoga, citta is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “consciousness”. Planning, conceiving, infertility, pregnancy loss, and postpartum transition can bring up so many new and old emotions. Staying present in those emotions can be difficult for everyone, especially those experiencing PMADs. For some people therapy is not enough, and medications can help address symptoms that interfere with managing and processing these emotions. Our goal is to serve our patients from a holistic perspective, honoring and strengthening the connection between mind, body, and baby.
CORE BELIEFS
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ONE
We believe that the terms “perinatal” or “reproductive mental health” are all inclusive; the mother, father, birthing person, infant, toddler, or any caregiver can suffer from mental health problems and deserve equitable treatment.
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TWO
We believe that mental health drives physical health and needs to be at the forefront of health and wellness.
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THREE
We believe that THE MOST important aspect of treating perinatal mental health disorders is developing, securing, and nourishing the infant-caregiver bond which is critical to an infant’s overall development and significantly lowers their risk of future behavioral/psychological/developmental problems.
OWNER
Ashley is a dual certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with an additional certification in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International. She received her graduate training from Georgia State University and Augusta University, along with fellowship training from the University of Mississippi Medical Center in behavioral/developmental pediatrics, the only one of its kind in the country for nurse practitioners.
During her fellowship, Ashley’s training focused on early childhood development, specifically ages 0-3, and within this specialty she found a passion for maternal and infant mental health. In her practice, she witnessed the negative impact of undiagnosed and untreated PMADs on both mom and baby, but she never truly understood the lived experience until she developed postpartum depression and anxiety. After 20 years in the medical field caring for mothers, newborns, children, and families, she now works diligently to prevent and treat PMADs.
Education/Licensure
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Pracitioner
Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Perinatal Mental Health Certificate (PMH-C)
University of Wisconsin- Madison, BSN
Georgia State University, MSN
Augusta University, Post-Master’s Certificate
Professional Affiliations
Postpartum Support International
Zero to Three
The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Neuroscience Education Institute
Training
National Curriculum in Reproductive Psychiatry: Advanced Practicum Training and Supervision
Fellowship in Integrative and Reproductive Psychiatry
Child Health and Development Promotion, Mississippi Thrive! Fellowship Program, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychopharmacology
PSI/2020 Mom Certificate Webinar Series - Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training
DC:0-5 Clinical Training - Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood
Virtual Rounds at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women’s Health - Reproductive Psychiatry
National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute for Nursing Research - Summer Genetics Institute
Child Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) training