Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D., MSCP
A Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Dr. Romano founded Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2005. Dr. Romano obtained his Bachelors in Social Counseling, his Masters in Pre-Clinical Psychology / Psychometrics, and his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He completed his doctoral internship at the Mississippi State Hospital and his postdoctoral residency with the LSUHSC Juvenile Corrections Program. Dr. Romano completed a postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology through Alliant International University. Dr. Romano has worked in the field of psychology since 1989 in a variety of settings, serving in roles ranging from direct care to administration. He has provided supervision and training on evaluating and treating perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual offenders, and those struggling with substance abuse to numerous clinicians practicing in and outside of our state. He is currently a consultant for the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office for program development and training. He received the Louisiana Psychological Association’s Early Career Award in 2008, he previously served as Secretary and Public Policy Officer for the Louisiana Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, and he previously served as Chair of Membership for the Louisiana Psychological Association. Dr. Romano has been featured in local and national periodicals, on television and radio talk shows, and has collaborated on two Netflix documentaries. He is licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi. He predominantly focuses on evaluations, receiving a broad range of private and legal referrals. Dr. Romano’s psychological services occur at our main clinic, via Telehealth, and in the community (Baton Rouge and surrounding areas).
Amanda H. Chapoton, LPC-S
A Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), Amanda joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2010. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1997. She earned a Master of Education in Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2001. Amanda earned her certification as a Registered Play Therapist in 2005. Her diverse career includes time as an adjunct professor at Southeastern Louisiana University teaching courses in career planning, child development and marriage and family studies. Her extensive experience in counseling includes treatment of high-risk youth and those with mental health disorders as part of the Louisiana Judicial System. Amanda began providing treatment to juveniles who were adjudicated for sexual offenses in 2007. In her work with Brandon P. Romano and Associates, her practice has largely focused on treating victims and perpetrators of sexual offenses but has also included counseling children, youth, and adults experiencing a wide range of mental health issues. She is a trained forensic interviewer who has assisted law enforcement and child protection services in over seven parishes with child sexual abuse investigations, including testifying in open court. She has been qualified to testify as an expert in the field of counseling in the courts of Louisiana. Currently, Amanda’s counseling services consist of treating adult males at Baton Rouge group homes, sex offense-specific group treatment with adult females via Telehealth, and individual counseling with a small number of cases at our main office (Baton Rouge).
Julie Ritchie, LPC
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), Julie joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2013. In 2009, Julie graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with her Bachelors in Family and Consumer Sciences, concentrating in Family Studies. She earned her Master of Education in Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2012. She has worked and trained in the field of counseling since 2012. In addition to her LPC, Julie earned her certification as a Registered Play Therapist in 2020. Julie's experience includes individual and group therapy, trauma focused counseling, substance abuse treatment, juvenile and adult sex offender treatment, parenting skills, depression and anxiety, and play therapy. Julie published a chapter of Reactive Attachment Disorder: Play Therapy Interventions for School Settings in June 2013. Julie previously worked as a counselor at an inpatient facility in the Baton Rouge area focusing on helping individuals, families, and groups cope with substance abuse and mental health issues. Currently, Julie’s counseling services consist of sex offense-specific group treatment with adult males in the community (Denham Springs). She does not accept individual counseling cases.
Ernest Gross, Jr, LCSW-BACS
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor, Ernest joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2014. He graduated from Xavier University with his Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. He earned his Masters in Social Work from Southern University in New Orleans. Ernest has worked in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, in private practice, at Jetson Correctional Center for Youth, and in the New Orleans Public School System. In addition to being an LCSW-BACS, he is also a Certified School Social Worker Specialist. He has over three decades of experience which includes working with juveniles exhibiting sexual behavior problems, domestic violence, and other general mental health services via individual, family, and group counseling. In his work for our practice, Ernest exclusively provides group treatment to juveniles in the community (Baton Rouge). He does not accept individual counseling cases.
N. Nina Ducote, M.A., ATAP
A Clinical Assistant and Psychometrist, Nina began employment with Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2011 and then returned to our practice in 2014 after attending graduate school at Spalding University for her second Masters in Clinical Psychology. Nina routinely assists Dr. Romano with evaluations by obtaining biopsychosocial data, administering/scoring psychological testing, and contributing to report-writing. Nina has experience as a visitation supervisor, is trained in administering treatment to juveniles with sexual behavior problems, and is trained in the Duluth Model for intimate partner violence. Nina operates under the supervision of Dr. Romano at our main clinic (Baton Rouge), in the community (Hammond and other parts of Louisiana), and occasionally at our satellite clinic in Kenner.
Shannon Smith, LPC-S
A Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), Shannon joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2015. Shannon earned her undergraduate degree in General Studies with a concentration in Science and Mathematics from Indiana University. She earned her Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Louisiana State University in 2015 and has pursued post-graduate continuing education at Southeastern Louisiana University and Loyola University. Before beginning her career in counseling, Shannon worked in the field of victim services for 15 years, serving as a professional victim advocate in five different states and speaking on a local and national level about the effects of sexual violence. She has experience providing group and individual counseling to both survivors and perpetrators of sexual violence. Shannon uses an integrative, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach to counseling to assist her clients in their personal growth and development. She practices with an anti-racist, culturally-informed, and affirming lens and is an active ally to the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. She is trained in EMDR and Brainspotting. Currently, Shannon’s counseling services consist of sex offense-specific group treatment with adult males in the community (Hammond). She does not accept individual counseling cases.
Madison Schexnayder, M.S.
Madison began employment with Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2019 as a full-time Administrative Assistant and shifted to a part-time Project Coordinator role in 2023. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with her M.S. in Forensic Psychology in 2021 and obtained her B.S. in Psychology at Louisiana State University in 2019. Her primary responsibilities include assisting our psychometrist with administrative matters related to psych testing, maintaining certain client records, and aiding our practice to meet administrative demands and expectations associated with several of our governmental contracts.
Karis Bouillon, LPC
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Karis Bouillon joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy. D. & Associates as a PLPC in 2020. Karis earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas in 2013. She earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Brown University in 2018. Karis has been working in the mental health field since 2015, starting in behavior intervention in school-based programs in Northwest Arkansas. Karis has worked with a wide range of clients, including preschoolers, teenagers, adults, and elderly. Her first job as a counselor was at a children’s advocacy center in Arkansas, where she discovered her passion for working with survivors (and their families) of child abuse. Karis has also worked extensively with sexual assault survivors of all ages. She is also fluent in Spanish and has worked with families that have experienced trauma while in their country of origin or throughout their immigration journey. Karis is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for clients ages 4-17 years old. She enjoys utilizing play techniques, art therapy, and narrative therapy with clients. Currently, Karis’ counseling services consist of individual sessions with adults at our main clinic (Baton Rouge) and via Telehealth. She is not accepting new cases.
Allison Daigle, LPC
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Allison Daigle joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2021. Alli earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2018 and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021 from Southeastern Louisiana University. Alli has experience treating adult and adolescent clients with a wide range of mental health disorders. She previously worked at an addiction recovery treatment center in Denham Springs where she developed a passion for working with those, particularly women, who struggle with substance use. Alli also previously worked for a residential treatment facility providing mental health and substance use treatment services to adolescent females. She has been trained in treating juveniles with sexual behavior problems. Alli enjoys utilizing a strength-based approach, allowing clients to explore and address their issues and trauma while remaining focused on their strengths and abilities. She started as a supervised intern with us providing sex offense-related treatment services to adult males in Baton Rouge area group homes. Now fully licensed, Alli’s work for our practice includes individual counseling with juveniles and adults at our main clinic in Baton Rouge as well as group treatment with adult males at our main clinic (Baton Rouge) and in the community (Gonzales).
Hannah Crawford, LPC
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Hannah joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2021. Hannah graduated from Louisiana State University with her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2009 and went on to earn her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee in 2011. Hannah is trained in Evidenced Based Practices in substance abuse and mental health treatment including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Suicide Prevention, Medication Assisted Treatment, Trauma Focused CBT, and several group therapy models. She approaches counseling from a person-centered perspective in creating and safe and trusting relationship with her clients. Hannah is an ally to both the LGBTQ+ and D&I communities. Hannah’s experience includes working with those with severe mental illness, substance use disorders, abuse and neglect, as well as those with relational problems, mood disorders, trauma, and grief. Currently, Hannah’s counseling services consist of sex offense-specific group treatment with adult males at our main office (Baton Rouge) and in the community (Port Allen). She does not accept individual counseling cases.
Jennifer Johnston, PLPC
A Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), Jennifer joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in January 2024. Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree in Gender and Sexuality Studies in 2009 from Tulane University, a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University in 2011, and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2023 from Walden University. Jennifer is currently working on her Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies at Regent University. Jennifer has experience working with adult clients with numerous mental health disorders as well as those involved in the criminal justice system. Jennifer has worked as a mental health program director with the State of Louisiana for the past six years providing mental health services to individuals who were found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity or Irrestorably Incompetent to stand trial as well as providing competency restoration services to clients in Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. In this role, Jennifer learned the importance of mental health care and addressing the barriers many individuals face in the forensic population. Jennifer has been trained in treating juveniles with sexual behavior problems. She utilizes a person-centered approach with her clients in addition to integrating aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in helping clients restructure their thoughts and behaviors and facilitate positive change. Jennifer’s supervised hours for our practice include individual and group counseling with juveniles and adults at our satellite office in Kenner and in the community (greater New Orleans area) as well as individual counseling via Telehealth.
Sarah Wehbe, PLPC
A Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC), Sarah joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in June 2024. Sarah graduated with her undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2020 and went on to earn her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2024. Sarah has experience working with a variety of mental health concerns and substance use disorders. In her graduate training, she provided counseling services to students at Southeastern Louisiana University and at an addiction recovery center. Sarah believes that creating a strong therapeutic relationship between a counselor and client provides the safe space that is crucial for a person to embrace their healing journey. She enjoys using psychodynamic and internal family systems approaches to explore the root of clients’ concerns and meet their unique needs. Sarah has training in the internal family systems approach and brainspotting. She also has been trained in treating juveniles with sexual behavior problems. Sarah’s supervised hours for our practice individual counseling at our main office (Baton Rouge) and via Telehealth as well as group treatment with adult males at our satellite office in Kenner.
Courtney Saulsman, PLPC
A Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC), Courtney joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in November 2024. Courtney earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans in 2021. She earned a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Louisiana State University in 2024. Courtney has been in the mental health field since 2020, starting in behavior intervention in school, clinic, and home-based settings in New Orleans for two years. Courtney traded her clinical role for a research role, working under Dr. Jennifer Curry at Louisiana State University and studying the far-reaching impacts of underserved schools on high-achieving first-year college students in engineering. During her practicum, internship and first role as a PLPC, Courtney worked in an outpatient setting serving clients across the lifespan. She shows a special interest in working with clients with intellectual disorders, who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ population, and/or who have experienced trauma. She also has been trained in treating juveniles with sexual behavior problems. Courtney enjoys utilizing a strengths-based and eclectic approach to tailor treatment specifically to the uniqueness of her clients. Her supervised hours for our practice include individual counseling with children, adolescents, and adults at our main clinic (Baton Rouge) and via Telehealth as well as group treatment with adult males in the community (Port Allen and New Orleans).
Kirsten, Practice Manager
Kirsten has served as the Practice Manager at Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates since its inception in 2005 and manages day-to-day operations.
Cherie', Claims Specialist
Cherie' graduated from Northwestern State University of Louisiana with a B.S. in Hospitality Management and Tourism in 2010. She graduated from Our Lady of the Lake College in nursing in 2017 and is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Cherie' began employment with Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2010 as an administrative assistant. Cherie's current responsibilities include mental / behavioral health insurance claims filing as well as communication with health insurance carriers to resolve claim payment issues.
Avery, Administrative Assistant
Avery graduated with her B.S. in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2023. She began her employment with Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in July 2023. Her responsibilities include checking out clients, managing logistical matters for our adult sex offender group treatment programming, coordinating services for several of our governmental contracts, scheduling appointments at our Kenner clinic, handling appointment reminders, assisting with maintenance of client records, and performing other clerical duties. Avery is interested in police and military psychology and will soon further her education via graduate school.
Bailey, Administrative Assistant
Bailey graduated with her B.A. in Political Science from Louisiana State University in 2021. She began her employment with Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in November 2023. Her responsibilities include checking in clients, coordinating community-based and Telehealth evaluations, verifying insurance benefits, assigning and scheduling new referrals, accepting payments, answering incoming calls, assisting with maintenance of client records, and performing other clerical duties. Bailey’s future plans include entering the legal field as a stenographer.