Meet Our Team
Kristen - Greenville Office Front Desk
Kristen is a seasoned professional with two decades of experience as a Front Office Manager in the field of mental health. Her dedication to supporting individuals in their journey towards well-being has made her an invaluable asset to MindWell.
Kristen's commitment to providing exceptional service and maintaining a welcoming environment is evident in her interactions with both colleagues and clients.
Outside of work, Kristen finds joy in her role as a loving spouse and parent. She embraces her passion for reading, which allows her to explore diverse perspectives and broaden her understanding of the human experience.
April Johnson, FNP
April Johnson is a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner at MindWell, bringing a wealth of expertise to the team. With a specialization in Women's Health, OBGYN, and Urgent Care, April's professional journey has led her to develop a profound interest in mental health.
Hailing from Ohio, she has found a deep affection for the vibrant community of Greenville, SC. As a mother of a wonderful 7-year-old daughter, April cherishes her role as a parent. She embraces an active lifestyle, enjoying outdoor activities, gardening, and exploring the wonders of nature. A passionate reader, April finds solace and growth in books.
April is actively pursuing a post-master's certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, further expanding her knowledge and skills in the field of mental health. She is committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. Traveling and relishing good food with friends bring her immense joy and fulfillment. In addition to her personal pursuits, April is actively involved in her church, nourishing her spiritual well-being.
Bernadette - RN
Meet Bernadette, an accomplished Registered Nurse (RN) at MindWell. Bernadette's educational journey began at Greenville Technical College, where she completed her undergraduate studies, followed by earning her bachelor's degree at Clemson University. Recently, she graduated from Walden University, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) studies. Currently focused on preparing for her Boards, Bernadette aspires to continue her career at MindWell as an FNP, furthering her dedication to providing comprehensive care.
With 8 years of nursing experience, Bernadette has honed her skills in various fields including the ER, Medsurg, NICU, and Psych. It is in the realm of psychiatry where her passion truly thrives, having dedicated 6 years to this specialty.
Outside of her professional pursuits, family time holds great significance to her, and she enjoys creating lasting memories with loved ones. Exploring the outdoors, visiting parks in the upstate area, and indulging in the diverse culinary scene are among her favorite pastimes. Additionally, Bernadette and her family find joy in traveling, with Florida being a favorite destination.
Laura Law, PMHNP
Meet Laura Law, a dedicated and seasoned Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Laura hails from the Upstate of South Carolina and has been a pillar in our healthcare community for over two decades. She graduated from Walden University in 2019 with a Master’s Degree in Nursing, specializing in psychiatry.
Laura's extensive experience includes working with clients in both inpatient and outpatient settings, providing her a well-rounded perspective on patient care. She believes strongly in the healing power of a trusting relationship and encourages her patients to take an active role in their care. By working collaboratively with her patients, Laura develops individualized care plans that truly work for each person's unique needs.
Outside of work, Laura is a loving wife and mother of two children - and let's not forget her two fur babies! When she finds spare time, Laura enjoys catching a movie, diving into a good book, or planning her next travel adventure. We're thrilled to have Laura bring her expertise, passion, and patient-centered approach to the MindWell team!
James Walker, MD
Meet Dr. James Walker, Psychiatrist
Dr. Walker brings a rich tapestry of experiences and a deep commitment to psychiatric care to MindWell Health. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, and an alumnus of Auburn University (War Eagle!), Dr. Walker's journey in healthcare began in the Navy. While serving, he worked as an instructor at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Charleston, where he nurtured his passion for teaching and leadership.
After dedicating 13 years to the Navy, medical school, and specialized training in Charleston, Dr. Walker completed both his residency in psychiatry and a fellowship in addiction psychiatry. His extensive training and experience have equipped him with profound insights into the complexities of mental health and addiction treatment.
For the past six years, Dr. Walker has been a key figure at CCBH in Greenville, where he has left a significant impact on both his patients and colleagues. Recently, Dr. Walker has embraced a new chapter in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida, alongside his partner, Cody, of nearly four years. They are preparing to welcome their first fur baby, Wally, a blue French Bulldog, to their home and looking forward to many walks along the beautiful canals nearby.
A world traveler with visits to all 50 states and six continents, Dr. Walker brings a global perspective to his practice, enriching his approach to patient care with a broad understanding of diverse cultures and human experiences.
At MindWell Health, Dr. Walker is excited to contribute his expertise and passion for psychiatry, helping patients navigate their paths to mental wellness with empathy and precision.
Lauren - RN
Lauren Allen is a dedicated Registered Nurse at MindWell Health, specializing in mental health care. A Greenville local since infancy, she completed her nursing education at Greenville Tech in 2011 and has been passionately serving in the field of mental health ever since.
Family is the cornerstone of Lauren's life, with both hers and her partner Mike's families residing nearby. She firmly believes in creating cherished memories through experiences with her children - from beach outings and Disney adventures to lake days, camping trips, and Clemson football games.
When she's not providing top-quality care to her patients or making memorable experiences with her family, Lauren enjoys a wide range of hobbies. She is an avid reader, a keen listener of podcasts, a true crime show enthusiast, and enjoys live music through attending concerts. Her multifaceted life experiences and interests enrich her empathetic approach to patient care at MindWell Health.
Maria Kugler, Health Coach
Maria Kugler is an esteemed health and life coach at MindWell Health. She boasts a 500-hour yoga teacher certification alongside her health coaching certification from Wellcoaches, completed in 2016, and she's currently working towards her national board certification.
An alumnus of Grand Valley State University, Maria holds a Bachelor of Business Administration. She merges her business acumen with her coaching skills to create personalized, effective wellness strategies for her clients. A lifelong athlete and dedicated yoga practitioner, her holistic approach to health is steeped in both physical activity and mindful practices.
In addition to individual coaching, Maria offers yoga instruction, leads workshops, and organizes retreats aimed at promoting self-care, achieving personal goals, and enhancing life enjoyment. Travel is another passion of Maria's, as she loves exploring new places alongside her husband.
Maria brings her wealth of knowledge, experiences, and enthusiasm to the community of Greenville, SC, where she resides and continues to inspire people towards their wellness journeys.
Jay Motley, MD
Dr. Jay Motley is the founder of MindWell. He was born and raised in Tennessee and received his undergraduate degree from Birmingham-Southern College. He then attended medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and completed his Anesthesiology Residency at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston.
Dr. Jay has over 12 years of experience practicing as an anesthesiologist in Greenville. However, his interest in mental health care was sparked by a personal experience when his wife was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 26. As the primary caregiver, he witnessed the toll that a cancer diagnosis and end-of-life care can have on both the patient and the caregiver. He learned firsthand that chronic disease, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and pain can all go hand in hand.
Motivated to learn more about disease prevention, Dr. Jay became boarded in Lifestyle Medicine and dedicated himself to studying the role that nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other lifestyle factors play in maintaining good health. It was during this time that he also became aware of the potential for ketamine, a medication he had used for years as an anesthesiologist, to be a life-changing treatment for mental health conditions.
Dr. Jay is a leading expert in the use of ketamine for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions and is passionate about helping his patients feel better through the unique mind-body benefits of this powerful medication.
At MindWell Greenville, Dr. Jay is dedicated to providing compassionate and evidence-based care to his patients, and he believes in the boundless potential of humans at their best and is committed to helping his patients find hope on their journey to wellness.
Bri Garmon - PMHNP
Bri, a proud native of Pendleton, SC, has joined the MindWell Health team, bringing with her a wealth of experience in psychiatric care. Bri completed her Master's degree in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatry from Anderson University in 2023, culminating five years of dedicated work as an RN in inpatient psychiatry settings.
Beyond her professional life, Bri is a devoted wife and mother who thrives in the outdoors. She enjoys spending quality time with her three dogs, three horses, and a cat. Whether it’s tending to her garden, baking a new recipe, or relaxing at the lake, Bri finds joy in the simple pleasures of life.
Her passion for mental health and her commitment to her family and community make Bri a compassionate and skilled practitioner, ready to make a positive impact on the lives of her patients at MindWell Health.
Emily Harris - Licensed Counselor
Emily is a recent addition to the MindWell Health team, arriving in Greenville from Knoxville, TN, with a strong foundation in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Auburn University. Since earning her degree in 2020, Emily has developed a compassionate approach, specializing in working with both adolescents and adults. She is a licensed counselor in Tennessee and South Carolina, affirming and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Her therapeutic techniques are diverse and tailored to individual needs, incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive processing therapy for trauma, and skills for interpersonal and communication development. Emily is particularly skilled in addressing ADHD, anxiety disorders, trauma disorders, mood disorders, interpersonal conflict, process addictions such as self-harm and binge eating, and body image issues.
Outside of her professional life, Emily is an avid knitter and yoga enthusiast, which complements her passion for baking. She shares her home with her spouse, their two cats, and a beloved dog, creating a warm and inviting environment that reflects her nurturing personality.
At MindWell Health, Emily is excited to contribute her expertise and warmth, helping her clients navigate their mental health journeys with confidence and support.
Dorothy, RN
Dorothy brings nearly 14 years of dedicated nursing experience to the MindWell Health team, with a specialized background in emergency care. She is a proud alumna of Clemson University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2010, and she recently obtained her masters in nursing education from western governors university demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and patient care excellence. Dorothy has spent the majority of her career in the Emergency Department, honing her skills in high-pressure environments.
Outside of her rigorous work and study schedule, Dorothy finds joy in the simplicity of outdoor life—whether it's tending to her garden, enjoying a run, or just spending quality time with her neighbors. Family and faith are central to Dorothy’s life. She is happily married to Josh, the owner of Cohesive Coffee, and is a devoted mother to their two young children.
Dorothy embodies the values of MindWell Health through her compassionate care, community involvement, and dedication to her faith and family.
