PGY-4
Charlie grew up in Clarksville, Ark., and received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Arkansas Tech University. He worked as a microbiologist before attending medical school at UAMS. He was drawn to psychiatry while listening to patients share their stories during his third-year rotations at the Arkansas State Hospital and UAMS. He is interested in caring for patients with SMI and is spending his fourth year in community mental health and adult inpatient settings. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children, playing drums and disc golf.
Bill grew up in Houston, Texas, before moving to Arkansas to attend Hendrix College where he received his B.A. in biochemistry. He then completed his M.D./Ph.D. at UAMS, with his Ph.D. research focused on the behavioral pharmacology of drugs of abuse. This research sparked his initial curiosity in psychiatry. William is interested in both adolescent and addictions psychiatric research as well as clinical practice at an academic medical institution, potentially using psychoactive compounds like MDMA or psilocybin as therapeutic tools. In his free time William enjoys woodworking, working out, playing soccer, competing in Highland Games, drawing, reading, learning new hobbies, making unnecessarily long and detailed lists, and chasing his cats around the house.
Nadia was born in St. Louis, Mo., but grew up in Rogers, Ark. She returned back to her birthplace for undergrad, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology at Washington University in St. Louis. She then attended UAMS for medical school, where she discovered psychiatry during her third year clerkship. In particular, she was drawn to the holistic approach applied to patient care and the opportunity to interact with patients on such a personal level. She is interested in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry. In her free time, Nadia enjoys spending time with her husband and cat, Milo, discovering new restaurants, and visiting her family’s ranch.
Jake was raised primarily in Appleton, Wis., before moving to Conway, Ark., in high school. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biological physics at the University of Central Arkansas. He completed medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He developed an interest in psychiatry during his pre-clinical courses and realized it was a passion during his third-year clerkship at the Arkansas State Hospital rotation. He is drawn to the field for many reasons, including the holistic approach and the depth of the psychiatric interview. He is spending his fourth year of training serving as Co-Chief Resident and working elective rotations focused on inpatient psychiatry. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife, son and pets (two golden retrievers and one cat), commissioning his fantasy football league and playing board games.
Alex earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian studies at Loyola Marymount University and a Master of Public Health degree from Columbia University with a focus on population health. She attended medical school at the University of Texas at Austin, where she discovered the subfield of reproductive psychiatry that solidified her choice of a psychiatry residency. Women’s mental health remains her area of interest, and she is spending her fourth year training with expert faculty. In her free time she enjoys cooking, getting a good Peloton workout in and spending time with her husband and dog.
Wesley was born in Texas but moved to Arkansas early in life. He grew up in Little Rock and later attended Hendrix College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and philosophy. While pursuing his medical degree at UAMS, he quickly became fascinated with the field of psychiatry. He couples matched with his wife who is going into general surgery. He is interested in the fields of addiction psychiatry and consult services and hopes to work in academic medicine. He enjoys spending time outside, playing board games, and traveling.
Jordyn was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. She moved to Arkansas to compete in Cross-Country at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Master of Science degree in Molecular Biology. Before attending medical school, she worked as a forensic toxicologist at the Arkansas State Crime Lab. She attended medical school at UAMS were she discovered her interest in psychiatry during her third year rotation. In her free time, she enjoys playing hockey, DIY projects and going to the lake.
PGY-3
Jae is from West Houston, Texas. She is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University where she studied psychology. Some of her favorite college courses were in the criminology field during which she learned about the criminal justice system and the mental health needs of incarcerated people. She received her medical degree from Texas Tech University where she discovered a passion for forensic psychiatry. In her free time, she explores her new neighborhood with her little dog Dax, makes updates to her fixer-upper, and reads books from every genre indiscriminately.
Kristen grew up in Texarkana, Ark. She is a proud graduate of Texas Christian University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with minors in psychology, chemistry and business. She worked in both the health care and educational fields prior to returning to school as a non-traditional student, attending medical school at UAMS. Both her experiences in her third-year psychiatry rotation as well as an away rotation in psychiatry confirmed her passion for the field of psychiatry and her desire to pursue that as a future career. Kristen has always had a passion for helping others and has especially enjoyed working with women of various ages as well as her time spent on the women’s inpatient unit at PRI. Thus she is very interested in pursuing Reproductive Psychiatry. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her daughters and husband as well as DIY projects.
Catey May-Martin grew up in Northwest Arkansas and attended Hendrix College. There, she obtained a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology while playing volleyball for a top-five nationally ranked D3 team. She attended medical school at UAMS and became interested in psychiatry during her third year after working on the women’s health unit. Catey is interested in pursuing a career in reproductive psychiatry, consultation liaison psychiatry, interventional psychiatry, and neurodiversity, which she believes UAMS is the best place for her to accomplish this goal. During her free time, Catey enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and strength training.
Chris grew up in Minnesota, earned a BS in Biochemistry at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and attended medical school at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was drawn to psychiatry due to his fascination with how psychiatric illness can be influenced by all aspects of a patient’s life. He is interested in Consult Liaison Psychiatry for the interplay between psychiatric and non-psychiatric medical issues, and Forensic Psychiatry due to the overlap of psychiatry and the legal system. In his free time, he enjoys lifting, cycling, following Formula 1 racing, and spending time with his cat.
Molly grew up in White Hall, Ark., and attended Arkansas State University, where she majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry and Spanish. She attended UAMS for medical school, where she confirmed her passion for psychiatry during her third-year rotation at the Arkansas State Hospital. Growing up, Molly was fascinated by books and movies portraying the field of psychiatry, and she was pleased to find her real-life experiences with the field even more meaningful and interesting. Molly is particularly interested in pursuing a career in Forensic Psychiatry. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, attending concerts, watching Razorbacks sports, and spending time with her husband Grant and their two Basset Hound/Labrador puppies, Nellie and Lou.
Kesley grew up in Rogers, Arkansas and attended Ouachita Baptist University where she received a degree in biomedical sciences. She attended UAMS for medical school and first became interested in psychiatry during her 3rd year after working with the amazing psychiatry interdisciplinary teams at UAMS and appreciating the patient-centered care. In her time outside of work, she enjoys eating good food, running, riding her bike, hanging with her husband and their friends.
Molly was born and raised in Hopkins, Minnesota and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry at Carleton College in Northfield MN. She attended medical school at Des Moines University in Iowa and public health at the University of Minnesota. Even with having never been to Arkansas before matching to UAMS, she was drawn to the program because of the wide range of opportunities, strong training, and sense of camaraderie and support among residents. She is most interested in community mental health, treating people with serious mental illness, and harm reduction and addiction. Outside of work she enjoys hiking, DIY projects, and reading with her 20-pound cat, Echo.
Katherine grew up in Austin, Texas, and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a B.B.A. in Business Management and B.S.A. in Biology. She went to medical school at UIWSOM in San Antonio, where her third-year inpatient psychiatry rotation confirmed her plan to specialize in psychiatry. Her passion for patient advocacy sparked her interest in child and adolescent psychiatry, and she plans to pursue a fellowship in the field. In her free time, Katherine enjoys going to coffee shops, traveling, reading, and hanging out with her feisty calico, Gigi.
PGY-2
Caitlin is a native of Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor of arts in Psychology. She went on to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy in cell biology and a medical degree at UAMS. Caitlin first became interested in psychiatry after taking an abnormal psychology course in college. Her interest was solidified while rotating on the acute inpatient unit of PRI as a medical student. In her free time, Caitlin enjoys gardening, undertaking DIY projects, watching movies, and tending to her dog, three cats and three birds.
Mary grew up in Van Buren, Ark., and first became interested in psychiatry in high school. Her interest was solidified by her third-year clerkship experiences at PRI and the Arkansas State Hospital. She is currently undecided on a specific interest within the field and is excited to see more of the subspecialties. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her friends and family.
Nadia has been exposed to psychiatry throughout her life, from family members with mental health issues to her mom, a psychiatric nurse. However, it wasn’t until the third-year rotation that she considered it her future career. Forensic or geriatric psychiatry are her main interests, but she will keep an open mind throughout her residency. Fun fact, Nadia loves to hike so much that she had to be rescued via helicopter after getting lost on a trail.
A Massachusetts native, Shalini earned a B.S. in Bioengineering and M.S. in Biology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Her master’s thesis involved human gut microbiome research. She then attended William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Mississippi. Clerkship experiences drew her to psychiatry as she witnessed the powerful impact of mental health on patients’ quality of life. She would like to explore all avenues, especially women’s health, forensic, emergency psychiatry, and ketamine treatment. Outside of work, Shalini enjoys international travel, spending time with her cats, and being in the sun.
Tarahn was born and raised in Fayetteville, Ark. She received a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Anthropology at the University of Arkansas and attended UAMS for medical school. Her meaningful experiences during third-year psychiatry rotations solidified her decision to pursue a career in this field. She is drawn to psychiatry’s humanistic approach to evidence-based medicine and its unique opportunities for creativity, research, and connection. Currently, Tarahn is especially interested in child and adolescent psychiatry and women’s mental health. She enjoys writing, reading, music, spontaneous travel plans, and snuggling with her cat named Kitten and her husky, King.
Born in Ann Arbor, Mich., she moved around until settling in Brentwood, Tenn. She earned a bachelor of science degree in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans and a master of science degree in Biomolecular Science from Lipscomb University in Nashville. She attended medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tenn., where she found a passion for psychiatry during her clerkship year. She aspires to become a child and adolescent psychiatrist. She enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family, and keeping up with her favorite shows in her free time.
Mallory was born and raised in Pollock, La., and received a bachelor of science from University of Louisiana at Monroe. She attended medical school at LSU New Orleans. She discovered her passion for psychiatry during her third-year clerkship on a dual diagnosis unit. She enjoys being able to treat patients with the biopsychosocial model in mind and enjoys when psychiatry overlaps with medicine, but is currently unsure if she will pursue a subspecialty. In her free time, Mallory enjoys spending time outdoors and reading, and she read 200 books last year.
Varenya was born and raised in Bentonville, Ark., and has called Arkansas home ever since. She earned her degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Hendrix College and completed her medical education at UAMS. Her pursuit of Psychiatry began her third year of medical school when she recognized the impact mental health treatment could have on many different facets of patient life. Currently, she hopes to specialize in women’s mental health and substance use in pregnancy. In her free time, Varenya enjoys taking several different workout classes, boxing, and spending time with her friends, family and dog, Havana.
PGY-1
Claire grew up in Greenwood, Ark. She attended Harding University, earning her degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Psychology. She then completed her medical education at UAMS. Her interest in Psychiatry began during her M1 Brain and Behavior module and grew during her M3 clerkship, where she realized the impact that mental illness can have on all facets of an individual’s life. Currently, she is interested in women’s mental health and Geriatric Psychiatry. In her free time, Claire enjoys watching Razorback sports, working out, gardening, reading, and spending time with her friends, family, and dog, Winston.
Kennedy grew up in Vidor, Texas. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, earning her B.S.A. in Biology with a minor in Anthropology. She then attended the University of Texas Medical Branch for medical school, where she realized her interest and growing passion for psychiatry during her third-year clerkship. She is thrilled to be continuing her medical training at UAMS but is not yet certain which area she wishes to specialize. Outside of work, Kennedy enjoys spending time outside, crafting, traveling, and spending time with her cat.
Kyle was born in Fort Myers, Fla., and was a Gator at the University of Florida, where he received his BS in Psychology. He went on to earn his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in Tampa, Florida. During his third-year psychiatry clerkship along with a rotation at the Arkansas State Hospital during his fourth year, Kyle confirmed that he was ready to pursue a career in the field. He is currently interested in exploring all fellowship options and is also considering gaining additional training as a hospice and palliative care physician. In his free time, he enjoys keeping up with pop culture and the latest TV shows, movies, and video games. He also loves to explore Arkansas’s restaurant scene and surrounding natural beauty.
Madelyn was born and raised in West Monroe, La. She received her bachelor of science degree in Biology from Louisiana Tech University and master’s in medical science at Mississippi College. She completed medical school in the inaugural class at Edward via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Louisiana campus (VCOM-LA). She first became interested in psychiatry while working as a medical scribe in the ER but that interest was further developed during her third year clerkship on the inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry unit. Currently, Madelyn is interested in child and adolescent psychiatry in the inpatient setting as well as adolescent addiction and CAP consults. In her free time, Madelyn enjoys spending time with her son and family, traveling, running, playing tennis, baking, and arts and crafts.
Nikitha is from Frisco, Texas. She went to Austin College in Sherman, Texas, earning her degree in Psychology with a minor in Environmental Studies. She then attended medical school at New York Institute of Technology in Jonesboro, where her interests in Psychiatry grew further during third- and fourth-year clinical clerkships. Currently, Nikitha is interested in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She is enthusiastic at calling Little Rock her new home. Outside of work, she enjoys international traveling, hiking, and spending time with her cat, Minnie.
Justin was born and raised in North Little Rock, Ark. He received his Bachelor of Science degrees in both biology and medical laboratory science from the University of Central Arkansas. He completed medical school at UAMS, where he became interested in Psychiatry through the M1 Brain and Behavior module as well as the M3 clerkship, where he realized the power of mental illness to upend individuals’ lives and the exciting opportunities for psychiatrists to help treat patients and reduce stigma. Currently, Justin is interested in general adult psychiatry in either the inpatient or outpatient setting as well as addiction psychiatry. In his free time, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife, indoor rock climbing, backpacking, running, and biking.
Emily grew up in Fayetteville, Ark., and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hendrix College in Conway, Ark. She went on to attend UAMS where she studied medicine and public health. Her interest in psychiatry began in high school but was solidified through her research and clinical experiences during medical school. Some of her most meaningful experiences include addiction research in the Women’s Mental Health Program, and exposure to forensics at the Arkansas State Hospital and consult psychiatry at the NIH. She has a particular interest in forensic psychiatry and academic medicine. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and family, and refinishing old furniture.
John grew up in Bryant, Ark., and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from the University of Arkansas. He completed medical school at UAMS, where he became interested in psychiatry during his pre-clinical coursework. This interest was solidified during his third-year clerkship at the Arkansas State Hospital and PRI. Currently, he is interested in child and adolescent psychiatry and addiction psychiatry. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and running.