Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D., MSCP
A Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Dr. Romano founded Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2005. Dr. Romano holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Counseling, a Master’s degree in Pre-Clinical Psychology and Psychometrics, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He completed his doctoral internship at Mississippi State Hospital and his postdoctoral residency with the LSU Health Sciences Center Juvenile Corrections Program. Additionally, he earned a postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology from Alliant International University. Since 1989, Dr. Romano has worked extensively in the field of psychology across diverse settings, serving in roles ranging from direct care to executive administration. He has provided clinical and administrative supervision and training to numerous professionals practicing both within and beyond Louisiana. His longstanding consultancy with the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office has supported program development and professional training initiatives. Dr. Romano was honored with the Louisiana Psychological Association’s Early Career Award in 2008. He has served as Secretary and Public Policy Officer for the Louisiana Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, and as Chair of Membership for the Louisiana Psychological Association. His expertise has been featured in local and national publications, television and radio programs, and he has contributed to two Netflix documentaries. Licensed in both Louisiana and Mississippi, Dr. Romano’s primary focus is conducting evaluations for a wide range of private and legal referrals. Dr. Romano renders psychological services at our main office (Baton Rouge), via Telehealth, and at various offsite locations in southeast Louisiana.
Amanda H. Chapoton, LPC-S
A Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), Amanda Chapoton joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2010. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1997, followed by a Master of Education in Counseling from the same institution in 2001. She became a Registered Play Therapist in 2005. Her multifaceted career includes serving as an adjunct professor at Southeastern Louisiana University, where she taught courses in career planning, child development, and marriage and family studies. Amanda brings extensive clinical experience, particularly in working with high-risk youth and individuals with mental health disorders within the Louisiana Judicial System. Since 2007, she has provided specialized treatment to juveniles adjudicated for sexual offenses. At Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates, her practice has primarily focused on the treatment of both victims and perpetrators of sexual offenses, while also encompassing counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults facing a broad spectrum of mental health challenges. She is a trained forensic interviewer and has collaborated with law enforcement and child protective services across more than seven parishes in child sexual abuse investigations. Her expertise has been recognized in Louisiana courts, where she has been qualified to testify as an expert in the field of counseling. Currently, Amanda provides in-person and Telehealth counseling services to a small number of clients at our main clinic (Baton Rouge) as well as sex offense-specific group treatment to adults at offsite locations in Baton Rouge and via Telehealth.
Julie Ritchie, LPC, NCC
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), Julie Ritchie joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2013. Julie earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Family Studies from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2009. She completed her Master of Education in Counseling at the same institution in 2012 and has been actively engaged in the counseling field since that time. In addition to holding licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Julie became a Registered Play Therapist in 2020. Her clinical experience spans individual and group therapy, trauma-focused counseling, substance abuse treatment, juvenile and adult sex offender treatment, parenting education, and the treatment of depression and anxiety. She integrates play therapy techniques into her work with children and adolescents. In June 2013, Julie contributed a published chapter titled Reactive Attachment Disorder: Play Therapy Interventions for School Settings. Julie previously served as a counselor at an inpatient facility in the Baton Rouge area, where she provided therapeutic support to individuals, families, and groups dealing with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. In her work for our practice, Julie provides sex offense-specific group treatment to adults at an offsite location in 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 Gross joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2014. Ernest earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Xavier University and a Master of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Board Approved Clinical Supervisor status (LCSW-BACS) and holds certification as a School Social Worker Specialist. With more than 30 years of experience in the field, Ernest has served in a variety of settings, including the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, New Orleans Public Schools, Jetson Correctional Center for Youth, and private practice. His clinical expertise includes working with juveniles exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors, addressing issues related to domestic violence, and providing comprehensive mental health services through individual, family, and group counseling. In his work for our practice, Ernest provides group treatment to juveniles at an offsite location in Baton Rouge. He does not accept individual counseling cases.
Shannon Smith, LPC-S
A Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), Shannon Smith joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2015. Shannon holds a Bachelor of General Studies with a concentration in Science and Mathematics from Indiana University and earned her Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Louisiana State University in 2015. She has continued her professional development through post-graduate coursework at Southeastern Louisiana University and Loyola University. Before transitioning into counseling, Shannon dedicated 15 years to the field of victim services, serving as a professional victim advocate across five states. She has presented at both local and national levels on the impact of sexual violence and has provided individual and group counseling to survivors as well as individuals who have committed sexual offenses. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, trauma-informed, and client-centered, with a strong emphasis on personal growth and healing. Shannon practices through an anti-racist, culturally-informed, and affirming lens, and is a committed ally to the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting. In her work for our practice, Shannon provides sex offense-specific group treatment to adults at an offsite location in Hammond. She does not accept individual counseling cases.
Madison Schexnayder, M.S.
Madison joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2019. She holds a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe (2021) and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University (2019). Throughout her tenure with the practice, Madison has contributed in multiple capacities, including administrative assistant, project coordinator, and clinical assistant. Her current responsibilities involve coordinating services and managing administrative tasks related to governmental contracts, acting as a liaison with external agencies and facilities involved in psycholegal and forensic services, facilitating operations at the Kenner office, scheduling appointments, maintaining client records, and providing support to Dr. Romano as needed.
Karis Bouillon, LPC
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Karis Bouillon joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2020. Karis earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Arkansas in 2013 and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Brown University in 2018. She has been active in the mental health field since 2015, beginning her career in behavioral intervention within school-based programs in Northwest Arkansas. Karis has experience working with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Her initial counseling role was at a children’s advocacy center in Arkansas, where she developed a strong commitment to supporting survivors of child abuse and their families. She has since worked extensively with individuals of all ages who have experienced sexual assault. Fluent in Spanish, Karis has provided trauma-informed care to families affected by experiences in their country of origin or during their immigration journey. Karis is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for children and adolescents ages 4–17. She incorporates a variety of therapeutic modalities in her practice, including play therapy, art therapy, and narrative therapy, to support clients in their healing process. In her work for our practice, Karis provides counseling services to a small number of adult clients at our main office (Baton Rouge). She is not accepting any new cases.
Allison Daigle, LPC
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Allison “Alli” Daigle joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2021. Alli earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2018 and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021, both from Southeastern Louisiana University. She possesses experience treating adult and adolescent clients across a broad spectrum of mental health disorders. Her clinical background includes work at an addiction recovery center in Denham Springs, where she developed a strong passion for supporting individuals—particularly women—struggling with substance use. She also provided mental health and substance use treatment services to adolescent females at a residential facility. Alli has received specialized training in the treatment of juveniles with sexual behavior problems. She utilizes a strength-based, trauma-informed approach that empowers clients to explore their challenges while building on their inherent resilience and capabilities. Alli began her work with Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates as a supervised intern, providing sex offense-specific treatment to adult males in Baton Rouge area group homes. She now continues her work with the practice as a fully licensed clinician, providing in-person and Telehealth counseling services to juveniles and adults at our main office (Baton Rouge) as well as sex offense-specific group treatment to adults in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, and via Telehealth.
Hannah Crawford, LPC
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Hannah Crawford joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in 2021. Hannah earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2009 and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee in 2011. She is trained in a range of evidence-based practices for both substance use and mental health treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Suicide Prevention, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and various group therapy modalities. Hannah approaches counseling from a person-centered perspective, fostering a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship with her clients. She is a committed ally to the LGBTQ+ and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) communities. Her clinical experience includes working with individuals facing severe mental illness, substance use disorders, trauma, abuse and neglect, mood disorders, grief, and relational challenges. Additionally, she has received specialized training in the treatment of juveniles with sexual behavior problems. In her work for our practice, Hannah’s counseling services consist of sex offense-specific group treatment with adults in Baton Rouge and Port Allen. She is not accepting new individual counseling cases.
Jennifer Johnston, PLPC
A Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), Jennifer Johnston joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in January 2024. Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Sexuality Studies from Tulane University in 2009, a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University in 2011, and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in 2023. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies at Regent University. Jennifer has extensive experience working with adult clients across a range of mental health disorders, including individuals involved in the criminal justice system. She previously served as a Mental Health Program Director for the State of Louisiana, where she provided services to individuals adjudicated Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity or deemed Irrestorably Incompetent to stand trial. She also facilitated competency restoration services for clients housed at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. Through this work, Jennifer developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and systemic barriers faced by individuals within the forensic population. She has received specialized training in the treatment of juveniles with sexual behavior problems and employs a person-centered approach in her clinical practice. Jennifer integrates principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients restructure maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, promoting meaningful and lasting change. Jennifer’s supervised hours for our practice include individual and group counseling with juveniles and adults at our satellite office (Kenner) and in the community (greater New Orleans area) as well as individual counseling via Telehealth.
Sarah Wehbe, PLPC, NCC
A Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), Sarah Wehbe joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in June 2024. Sarah earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2020 and completed her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southeastern Louisiana University in 2024. She has experience working with a broad range of mental health concerns and substance use disorders. During her graduate training, Sarah provided counseling services to university students at Southeastern Louisiana University and worked in an addiction recovery center, gaining valuable clinical experience in both academic and rehabilitative settings. She is committed to fostering a strong therapeutic alliance, believing that a safe and trusting relationship is essential for clients to fully engage in their healing journey. Sarah incorporates psychodynamic and Internal Family Systems (IFS) approaches to explore the underlying causes of clients’ concerns and tailor treatment to their individual needs. She has received formal training in IFS and Brainspotting, and has also been trained in the treatment of juveniles with sexual behavior problems. Sarah’s supervised hours for our practice individual counseling at our main clinic (Baton Rouge) and via Telehealth as well as sex offense-specific group treatment with adult males in Kenner.
Courtney Saulsman, PLPC
A Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC), Courtney Saulsman joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in November 2024. Courtney earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans in 2021 and a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Louisiana State University in 2024. She has been active in the mental health field since 2020, beginning her career in behavioral intervention across school, clinic, and home-based settings in New Orleans. In addition to her clinical work, Courtney contributed to academic research under Dr. Jennifer Curry at Louisiana State University, examining the systemic impact of underserved educational environments on high-achieving first-year engineering students. During her practicum, internship, and initial role as a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC), she provided outpatient services to clients across the lifespan. Courtney has a particular interest in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disorders, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who have experienced trauma. She has received specialized training in the treatment of juveniles with sexual behavior problems and employs a strengths-based, eclectic approach to tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs. Courtney’s supervised hours for our practice include individual counseling with children, adolescents, and adults at our main office (Baton Rouge) and via Telehealth as well as sex offense-specific 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 founding in 2005. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and has been a licensed Occupational Therapist since 1998. Kirsten supports the growth and stability of our practice by overseeing daily operations, managing human resources, directing financial activities, coordinating contracts with external agencies and entities, and handling other administrative matters.
Cherie', Claims Specialist
Cherie’ earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and Tourism from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 2010 and then joined Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates as an administrative assistant. She later completed her nursing education at Our Lady of the Lake College in 2017 and is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). In her current role, Cherie is responsible for managing mental and behavioral health insurance claims and serves as the primary liaison with insurance carriers to address and resolve claim payment issues.
Katherine, Administrative Assistant
Katherine graduated with her B.S. in Psychology from Louisiana State University in May 2025 and began her employment with Brandon P. Romano, Psy.D. & Associates in July 2025. Katherine is responsible for a range of administrative and client-facing duties, including front desk reception—such as client check-ins, appointment scheduling, payment processing, and managing incoming calls. She also oversees the intake of most new referrals, maintains accurate and confidential client records, verifies insurance benefits when applicable, and performs various other clerical tasks essential to daily operations. Looking ahead, Katherine plans to pursue graduate studies in psychology to further her professional development.