Our goals for 2026 include:
- Foster a sense of community among Nashville-area mental health professionals
- Offer CEU events relevant to our practice areas
- Help members network through social events
- Foster a sense of community among Nashville-area mental health professionals
- Offer CEU events relevant to our practice areas
- Help members network through social events
Meet the Current Board
Past President: Amanda Mendez, Psy.D.
Dr. Amanda Mendez received her doctoral degree from Loma Linda University, completed her internship and post-doctoral fellowship in San Diego at Sharp Mesa Vista and San Diego Center for Children. She subsequently moved to Nashville in the fall of 2021 and found her clinical home at Nashville Neuropsychology & Family Services. Dr. Mendez enjoys working with individuals from early childhood to college-aged, and older adults. She is also passionate about working with parents to transform their relationship with their children through evidence-based treatments. Dr. Mendez delivers brief and long-term therapy focusing on theoretical frameworks including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Outside of work, she enjoys trying new restaurants in Nashville, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband.
Dr. Amanda Mendez received her doctoral degree from Loma Linda University, completed her internship and post-doctoral fellowship in San Diego at Sharp Mesa Vista and San Diego Center for Children. She subsequently moved to Nashville in the fall of 2021 and found her clinical home at Nashville Neuropsychology & Family Services. Dr. Mendez enjoys working with individuals from early childhood to college-aged, and older adults. She is also passionate about working with parents to transform their relationship with their children through evidence-based treatments. Dr. Mendez delivers brief and long-term therapy focusing on theoretical frameworks including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Outside of work, she enjoys trying new restaurants in Nashville, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband.
President & Treasurer: Loran Kelly, Ph.D.
Dr. Loran Kelly is a licensed clinical psychologist providing outpatient psychotherapy across the lifespan in her private practice on Music Row. Her specialties include the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, and anxiety disorders. She also provides treatment for depression, adjustment concerns, disruptive behavior, emotion dysregulation, and life transitions. Her doctoral education and training were completed at Vanderbilt University where she has a role as adjunct faculty supervising graduate student therapists. Outside of work, Loran enjoys reading, knitting, and anything feline-related.
Dr. Loran Kelly is a licensed clinical psychologist providing outpatient psychotherapy across the lifespan in her private practice on Music Row. Her specialties include the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, and anxiety disorders. She also provides treatment for depression, adjustment concerns, disruptive behavior, emotion dysregulation, and life transitions. Her doctoral education and training were completed at Vanderbilt University where she has a role as adjunct faculty supervising graduate student therapists. Outside of work, Loran enjoys reading, knitting, and anything feline-related.
Secretary: Valerie Martin, LCSW, CST
Valerie Martin is the founder and clinical director of The Gaia Center for Embodied Healing, a psychotherapy practice based in Nashville. Valerie is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Certified EMDR therapist, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Discernment Counselor, ICF Professional Certified Coach, and is currently working toward Relational Life Therapy (RLT) certification. She works with individuals and couples in both therapy and coaching capacities, and co-hosts the podcast But For Real, a variety show bringing an intergenerational lens to topics across mental health and pop culture. Valerie is currently pursuing a PhD in Existential Psychology at Saybrook University. Follow along on Instagram at @thegaiacenter!.
Valerie Martin is the founder and clinical director of The Gaia Center for Embodied Healing, a psychotherapy practice based in Nashville. Valerie is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, Certified EMDR therapist, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Discernment Counselor, ICF Professional Certified Coach, and is currently working toward Relational Life Therapy (RLT) certification. She works with individuals and couples in both therapy and coaching capacities, and co-hosts the podcast But For Real, a variety show bringing an intergenerational lens to topics across mental health and pop culture. Valerie is currently pursuing a PhD in Existential Psychology at Saybrook University. Follow along on Instagram at @thegaiacenter!.
Student Representative: Julia Lebovitz, M.S.
Julia is a third-year PhD candidate in Vanderbilt's Clinical Science program, training under Dr. Sohee Park. She completed her undergraduate studies in psychology at Stanford University. Her research examines mechanisms underlying bodily self-experience in schizophrenia-spectrum conditions and dissociative disorders. Outside of work, she enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her dog, Nellie. Julia looks forward to serving as the 2026 NAPA student rep!
Julia is a third-year PhD candidate in Vanderbilt's Clinical Science program, training under Dr. Sohee Park. She completed her undergraduate studies in psychology at Stanford University. Her research examines mechanisms underlying bodily self-experience in schizophrenia-spectrum conditions and dissociative disorders. Outside of work, she enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her dog, Nellie. Julia looks forward to serving as the 2026 NAPA student rep!
Emeritus Board Members
President 2024: Amy Mariaskin, Ph.D.
President 2023: Danielle Mizell, Psy.D.
President 2022: Mary Payne, Ph.D.
President 2020: Jackie Klaver, Ph.D.
President 2019: Katie Herrington, Ph.D.