Personal Growth | ULM University of Louisiana at Monroe

Panel Track 3 HEALTH SCIENCES
Women in Mental Health & Therapy Innovative Practices: Women Expanding Access to Care			9:15 am - 10:00 am
As society focuses more on mental health awareness, women are embracing methods of self-care and constructing boundaries around their professional and personal lives. As women are statistically more likely to experience depression and anxiety, not to mention increased societal expectations, seeking treatment via therapy is a means of focusing on our own well-being and identifying accessible mental health resources. Our panelists include counselors and a Marriage and Family Therapy ULM student, here to answer your questions about the benefits of mental health counseling and the opportunities for women in this career space.
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Dr. Sabryna Herring-Antwine, LPC-S Owner of Antwine Counseling Clinic Dr. Sabryna Herring-Antwine is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor who empowers individuals to navigate life’s challenges and embrace their authentic selves. She holds a Doctorate in Professional Counseling and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health, blending her academic expertise with years of clinical and private practice experience. She is the owner of Antwine Counseling Clinic, LLC, serving communities across Northeast Louisiana and Texas, where she specializes in perinatal mental health, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. Drawing on evidence-based approaches such as person-centered therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques, Dr. Herring-Antwine creates safe, culturally attuned spaces for healing and growth. In addition to her clinical work, she is an Associate Professor in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. She is also the author of Paw Paw’s Special Sky, a children’s book that helps young readers process grief, and Exactly Who I Think I Am, a powerful new resource designed to help women confront and overcome imposter syndrome. Passionate about merging personal transparency with professional expertise, Dr. Herring-Antwine shares her own healing journey as a way to inspire others. Guided by her Christian faith, she leads with love, grace, and an unwavering belief in the dignity and worth of every person.	Leslie Lamb, LPC-S Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Children's Author Leslie Lamb is a licensed and nationally certified mental health counselor, writer of Christian teen fiction, and host of the Sifted Wheat Podcast. She graduated from ULM and has faithfully worked as a non-profit therapist through the out patient services of Mercy Multiplied, that provides counseling free of charge for women ages 18+. She has two amazing and talented adult daughters and a very supportive and patient husband of 25 years, Brian Lamb. She is passionate about meeting others through her work in therapeutic counseling, mentoring, and public speaking, where she highlights grace and compassion for those who struggle with life-controlling issues. Her mission is helping others find their identity and purpose, first through personal relationship with Christ, and empowering them to live that out by investing and engaging healthy relationships with others.	Alisa Nelson Therapist & Children's Author Alisa Nelson-Nelson is a Certified Wraparound Supervisor, author, small business owner, and community advocate who has spent more than a decade serving children and families across Louisiana. Alisa has supervised and led teams that have impacted more than 500 families through strong leadership, hands-on support, and a deep commitment to family-centered care. Alisa is known for being thorough, approachable, and confident, someone who can hold people accountable while still making them feel seen, respected, and capable of growth. Whether she’s developing trainings, mentoring staff, or collaborating with schools and community stakeholders, she brings a steady mix of compassion, structure, and “let’s get it done” energy. Outside of work, Alisa’s heart is rooted in community and legacy. She’s a longtime foster parent and advocate, and her experience fostering has shaped how she sees love, parenting, and the power of belonging. She enjoys serving others by supporting schools, advisory councils, and founding the Ouachita Gators Pep Squad to build school pride and connection for students and families. Through her brand, In the South, Alisa blends storytelling, culture, and creativity to uplift families and inspire others to live boldly and grow confidently. When there’s a need, she doesn’t just talk about it—she shows up, figures it out, and helps make things better.	Dr. Valerie Ramsey Licensed Professional Counselor With over two decades of dedicated experience in the mental health field, Dr. Valerie Ramsey specializes in identifying the heart of an issue to foster healing and transformation. Her practice focuses on individual and relational growth, healing, and restoration through emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and Christian faith alignment, offering a unique blend of therapeutic expertise and spiritual wisdom to individuals, families, and couples. Known for her direct and compassionate approach, she provides counseling sessions in her private practice, retreats and intensives, and executive coaching to help clients navigate complex life challenges and personal development. Beyond her clinical work, she has made a significant impact on corporate wellness as a mental health consultant. Most notably, she served as the keynote speaker on a national platform and provided ongoing mental health initiatives for a Fortune 300 company. Dr Ramsey earned a Master’s degree from Harding University and a PhD from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, both in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is an active community member, serving on the Board of Directors at Strauss Youth Academy of the Arts, teaches youth in a school setting, and serves in a local faith community. A devoted wife married to her high school sweetheart and mother of three, she brings a wealth of personal experience to her practice. She enjoys hiking, traveling, exploring new cuisines, and reading in her spare time. Dr. Ramsey can be reached at valerie@ramseycounseling.net.

Women in Physical Health & Therapy Shaping Tomorrow’s Practice: Women Imagining the Future of Physical Health		10:15 am - 11:00 am
As ULM has evolved as the health sciences hub of northeast Louisiana, recently opening the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, many women students are showing interest in Allied Sciences - most notably physical therapy and occupational therapy. Physical therapy is an appealing career choice due to its practitioners' direct involvement in helping people heal and transform their lives. Likewise, careers in occupational therapy allow professionals to help others gain independence through relearning common, everyday tasks - improving quality of life for fellow citizens. Both occupations share the benefits of witnessing immediate impacts on patients and increased interaction with one’s community. Our panelists come from both disciplines and will share their insights on these hands-on career paths.
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Dr. Ashanti Jones ULM PT Program Dr. Ashanti M. Jones is a servant-leader, educator, and community advocate whose work centers on empowering others to lead with purpose, integrity, and impact. An ordained Minister at Glory Church Monroe, she serves as Director of the Community Outreach Ministry and is guided by her faith, a deep commitment to service, and the belief that meaningful change begins by investing in people. As a wife, mother of three, mentor, and leader, Dr. Jones brings an authentic and relatable perspective on resilience, balance, and leadership across personal, professional, and community spaces. Professionally, Dr. Jones is a licensed physical therapist with 20 years of clinical, educational, and leadership experience. She currently serves as Associate Program Director, Admissions Chair, and Neuro Curriculum Coordinator for the University of Louisiana Monroe Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Dr. Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from Dillard University, a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of the Incarnate Word, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe. In addition to her academic and professional roles, Dr. Jones serves on the Boards of Directors for St. Francis Medical Center, the St. Francis Medical Center Foundation, the Junior League of Monroe Endowment Board, Health Occupations Students of America–Future Health Professionals (Louisiana), and the Louisiana Purchase Council of Scouting America. She is passionate about advancing educational excellence, access, resilience, and leadership development, and her work reflects a steadfast commitment to uplifting individuals and strengthening communities through service, education, and intentional leadership.	Aimee Green Hayward Owner of the MAC & Anytime Fitness Aimee Hayward is a longtime leader in the health and fitness industry with over 20 years of experience at Anytime Fitness. She began her career part-time in 2005 while completing her Marketing degree at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. What started with one location grew into six Anytime Fitness franchises, which Aimee has owned and operated since 2015. In June 2024, she expanded her business portfolio by purchasing Monroe Athletic Club, a full-service health club she acquired to preserve and strengthen a longtime staple in the neighborhood and local community. Aimee is passionate about building strong teams, creating welcoming fitness environments, and empowering individuals to lead healthy, confident lives.	Hannah Guilbeau Ouachita Physical Therapy, Women's Pelvic Floor Therapist Stacey Majure is a dedicated Physical Therapist and the owner of MPOWER Physio & Wellness, which she founded in early 2024. Her mission is to empower and support women’s health through exceptional patient care. Stacey’s career began in 2009, where she developed a love for outpatient orthopedics. However, her passion shifted in 2011 after attending a pelvic health continuing education course. This experience ignited her interest in pelvic health, an area often lacking in education and resources for women, and changed the trajectory of her career. MPOWER Physio & Wellness was established to empower women in the community by providing awareness, education, and treatment for the musculoskeletal changes that occur throughout a woman's life. In addition to her practice, Stacey serves as an adjunct faculty member at ULM’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) school, where she shares her expertise and passion with future physical therapists. Stacey earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, FL. She holds certifications in pelvic floor therapy, manual therapy, and dry needling. After completing her education, Stacey returned to her beloved hometown of West Monroe, where she resides with her husband John and their three children, John Wallace, Anders, and Merritt. She is a member of North Monroe Baptist Church, serving in the children’s ministry alongside her husband. Her spare time is often spent running between school, ball games, and dance, but quality time with family – preferably at the lake – is her priority. She is grateful for the support of female mentors and friends who enable her to empower other women to thrive at any stage of life.

Women in Medicine The Future of Medicine: Women Leading in Healthcare			10:15 am - 11:00 am
For women in medicine, a rapidly changing healthcare environment means contending with practitioner burnout, patient frustration, insurance roadblocks, and public questioning of medical research. Practitioners are battling a crisis of confidence from patients paired with soaring healthcare costs. And yet at the root of medicine is a practitioner’s commitment to healing and protecting the public, a noble endeavor and a much-needed public service. Whether you are considering a career in medicine or pondering a career change, our panel of professionals are here to share their experiences in providing healthcare and in healthcare administration.
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Dr. Cynthia Brown-Manning, MD Family Practice Physician Lamy Lane Family Medicine Dr. Sarah Gregory is a Monroe native who graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2007. She completed her studies in New Orleans at LSU School of Dentistry in 2011. In 2018, she opened Southern Roots Dental with her dear friend Dr. Julie Simpson. Together with their rockstar dental team of all women, they have worked relentlessly to create a space for patients to feel welcomed and comfortable; of which, some may perceive as an impossible task for a dental office. Dr. Sarah Gregory is married to Dr. Nicholas Gregory. They have three energetic and entertaining daughters Lillian, Eliza and Hazel. She enjoys adventuring with her family, hiking, camping and surfing the Ouachita River.	Dr. Lisa Smart, FNP FNP Morehouse General Hospital Kandice Hunter Sanders is a proud native of Monroe, Louisiana, and she is deeply passionate about educating her community on achieving and maintaining good health. She graduated from the University of Louisiana Monroe with multiple degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Additionally, she obtained her Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner from Southeastern Louisiana University. Kandice is a dual-certified nurse practitioner and team lead advanced practice provider at Ochsner LSU Health Monroe. She specializes in palliative care, providing crucial support to patients and their families who are dealing with severe, life-limiting illnesses. Kandice assists them in navigating the complexities of end-of-life care. Kandice's professional journey showcases her exceptional dedication and leadership in the healthcare field. She always seeks opportunities to promote healthcare education and preventive measures, highlighting her commitment to improving community health. Outside of her professional endeavors, Kandice enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Dr. Bret Sanders, family, friends, and their two adorable Yorkies, Bruno and Jax.	Dr. Amber Shemwell OBGYN at Women's Clinic Mandi Sills Hart is a dynamic and passionate healthcare executive, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to making a difference in her family, profession, and community. With over a decade of experience as a Registered Nurse, Mandi spent seven transformative years managing the Labor & Delivery Unit at Minden Medical Center, leading it to become the first Baby-Friendly Perinatal Unit in North Louisiana. In her current role as the Corporate Director of Emergency and Hospital Medicine Services for Allegiance Health Management, Mandi ensures that rural communities across Louisiana receive high-quality emergency care during their most critical moments. Her leadership and strategic vision continue to strengthen healthcare access in underserved regions. Beyond healthcare, Mandi is a devoted wife to Donny and a proud mother of 14-year-old triplets, Maddox, Mason, and Harleigh. Together, they reside in Minden, Louisiana, where Mandi serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the Greater Minden Chamber executive board. Inspired by her time with the chamber and her desire to bring joy to families in her community, Mandi and her husband opened Shug’s Minden, a charming ice cream shop in historic downtown Minden that quickly became a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Mandi holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Louisiana State University Shreveport, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Studies from Louisiana Tech University. Her commitment to excellence and community impact has earned her prestigious accolades, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Angel Award Finalist, Nurse Manager of the Year, Employee of the Year, Webster Parish’s Top 15 Under 40, graduate of Leadership Webster, and a 2024 graduate of Leadership Louisiana. With her unwavering dedication to improving lives through healthcare and community engagement, Mandi continues to inspire those around her to strive for excellence and serve with purpose.	Dr. Krista Jones NP Nurse Practioner Krista Jones, FNP-C, found cardiology as her calling since she worked in a cath lab and special procedures unit years ago. Her mission is for every patient to know their voice is heard when they share what is important to them in life. Jones treats her patients with the best cardiac care possible so they can meet their life goals. As a certified family nurse practitioner (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners), Jones treats patients ages 0 through the end of life. At Willis Knighton Cardiology Ruston, Jones is part of a welcoming and supportive environment for patients with many different heart conditions. Cardiology is her passion and she offers high quality care to each patient she encounters. Originally from Monroe, Louisiana, Jones received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Louisiana at Monroe, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing at Northwestern State University of Louisiana College of Nursing in Shreveport. Outside of work, Jones is fond of quality time with her family. She and her husband are proud parents of three children.