PGY-4
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 education 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 while in medical school 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. She plans to pursue a future career in Reproductive Psychiatry. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her daughters and husband.
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, Ark., 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 third year of medical school 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, riding her bike, and 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.
PGY-3
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.
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 interest in Psychiatry began during her third year of medical school, when she recognized the far-reaching impact of mental health care on patients’ lives. She is particularly interested in forensic psychiatry and plans to pursue fellowship training in the field. She is currently part of the NIH-funded T-32 research program, where she is developing research skills to complement her clinical training. In her free time, Varenya enjoys taking workout classes, boxing, and spending time with her friends, family, and dog, Havana.
PGY-2
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 originally from Frisco, Texas. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Environmental Studies from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. Her interest in mental health began early in college and was strengthened through diverse clinical experiences, including an opportunity to shadow at an inpatient psychiatric ward in Spain. She attended medical school at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in Jonesboro, where her passion for psychiatry deepened during her third- and fourth-year clinical clerkships. Her current areas of interest include child and adolescent psychiatry and women’s mental health. Outside of medicine, Nikitha enjoys international travel with her family, 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.
PGY-1
Sarah grew up in Jonesboro, Ark., and attended Arkansas State University where she earned dual degrees in Biology and Psychology. She attended UAMS for medical school, where she solidified her passion for psychiatry during her clinical rotations at the Arkansas State Hospital and the PRI women’s inpatient unit. Sarah is especially interested in child and adolescent psychiatry and women’s mental health. Outside of work, she loves to throw pottery, try new restaurants, travel, and spend time with her fiancée and dog.
Chelbi was raised in Alma, Ark., and earned her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Spanish from Hendrix College. She went on to attend medical school at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. She developed an interest in psychiatry during her third year of medical school when she saw firsthand the need for quality mental health care. Coming from a small town with limited medical access, she is passionate about expanding psychiatric care in underserved areas. Chelbi enjoys reading, watching reality TV, all things Taylor Swift, and spending time with her husband and family.
Jake grew up in Wimberley, Texas. He earned his bachelor of science in Movement Science from Texas Christian University (TCU) before going to Duke University for his master of science in Biomedical Science. He would work professionally as a licensed real estate agent in Austin, Texas, before returning to TCU for medical school where he would earn his medical degree. Jake credits real estate for gently guiding him to the field of psychiatry, having worked to help people navigate the emotional landscape of their lives going from home to home. His third and fourth years of medical school cemented his passion for psychiatry as he saw mental health concerns outpacing those available to provide care. Jake has a peaked interest in the psychiatric fields of Child and Adolescent and Women’s Mental Health. You would find Jake spending free time with his wife and son at the park, cheering on his Texas sports teams, or exploring the city of Little Rock.
Parker is from Beebe, Ark. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Harding University. He became interested in psychiatry while on his third-year rotation on the acute inpatient unit at the North Little Rock VA and soon realized that psychiatry was the field of medicine that best aligned with his vision of an ideal. He is interested in public and community psychiatry, medicine and ethics, and working with vulnerable populations. Outside of medicine, he enjoys reading/listening to audiobooks, spending time outdoors, playing board games, sharing meals and time with friends and family, and spending time with his wife and their daughter.
Alaina grew up in Nashville, Tenn., and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Classical Western Literature at Baylor University. She went on to attend medical school in Memphis, where she was drawn to psychiatry by the opportunity to hear patients’ stories, approach care holistically, and serve underserved populations. Her current clinical interests include women’s mental health and child and adolescent psychiatry. Outside of her professional work, Alaina enjoys baking, songwriting, playing board games, and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Kelsey grew up in Little River-Academy, Texas. She attended Texas Tech University, earning her degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Spanish. She then continued to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to complete her Master of Public Health degree, followed by her medical degree. Her interest in psychiatry began during her third year of medical school as it became clear that psychiatry was the ideal intersection of addressing social determinants of health and connecting with patients. Currently, she is interested in child and adolescent psychiatry. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys vintage shopping, road trips, attending concerts and hanging out with friends and family.
Cameron grew up in Conway, Ark., and went on to earn a bachelor of science in Anthropology with a minor in Biology from the University of Arkansas. He continued his education at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he received his medical degree. His interest in psychiatry was sparked during his third year of medical school, when he discovered the field’s unique ability to integrate multiple disciplines at the level of patient care. He is particularly interested in interventional psychiatry as well as hospice and palliative care. In his free time, Cameron enjoys kayaking, hiking, and watching any Razorback sporting event.
Kellee grew up in Gurdon, Ark. She earned her bachelor of science in Biology with a minor in Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas and went on to complete her medical degree at UAMS. Her passion for psychiatry emerged during her third- and fourth-year clinical rotations, where she saw firsthand the meaningful impact psychiatrists can have on patients’ quality of life. Kellee is particularly interested in rural psychiatry and addressing the mental health needs of underserved communities. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, watching sports with her husband, reading, and shopping.