Our Team
This ShaMynds™ Team is Your Team
We come together as a unified force— passionate and dedicated to empower and guide as you navigate your journey to move into an enlightened state of being.
All of us have years of experience in traditional models of care. We recognize that these models are failing so many. We also recognize that optimal states of mind, spirit and wellbeing are much more achievable and sustainable when traditional models are deeply integrated with ‘non-traditional- models.
Each one of us have come to ShaMynds™ from different walks of life, different perspectives, unique experiences and varied training and education. This collective experience and passion adds richness to your experience with us on your healing journey. Click below and get to know each one of us and our stories.
Dr Alya Ahmad, MD, FAAP
Co-Founder
My past is my story. My future is a possibility. The only thing that is real is my present. To be truly present with whatever comes before me.
I am a physician, mother, professor, educator, researcher, and learner (for life). My journey as a healer and medical doctor is focused on treating the most needful populations. I witness the effects of complexity and social disparate conditions has on illness in the US and even while practicing medicine overseas.
I realize our health care system even with its “technological” advances has great barriers to true healing. People’s health is more digitized and dehumanized than it has ever been.
Yet throughout my medical career, I continue to pursue better ways to help children and families in their most needful states. My career as Clinical faculty at Baylor College of Medicine to Univ. of California, San Francisco, ranges in implementing and teaching better ways to caring for children and their families. I founded programs for children with special needs, Down syndrome, obesity, complex care consultations services, and narrative medicine, only to emphasize “whole” person care. More importantly, it is a provider’s presence and connection that is mandated to help people in their struggle.
I am galvanized to prove, be it by academic pursuits or the art of medicine to demonstrate thriving health can be achieved, holistically. I harness the methodologies of my master’s training in Narrative Medicine from Columbia Univ. to teach caring with compassionate-based inquiry to illness and peoples’ lives.
With Narrative Medicine, the arts and creative explorations are the fountainhead to connect to people in their illness, community, and social constructs.
Even greater means to healing, naturally and holistically are possible with integrative and psychedelic medicines and therapies. I have obtained accreditation and certification in psychedelic assisted therapies, Ketamine therapy and fellowship trained in Integrative psychiatry from IPI, (Integrative Psychiatry Institute). I aspire to enrich my learning and practice from the Guru’s in the field of psychedelic medicines and integrative medicine.
My mantra is healing the self and others with empathy and with the respectful fusion of self-wisdom, ancient, and novel therapies.
Dr Tasnim Khan, MD, MSC
Co-Founder
I feel immensely privileged to be a physician. I value how patients generously open their hearts, their lives and entrust me with their health and vitality.
This is what I love and cherish most as a doctor-that portal of entry based on trust, truth and unwavering compassion. However, my 27 years of experience in healthcare in the US and abroad has taught me that the current modes of care and our ecosystem are fragmented and limit the possibilities of individual or population level change in outcomes. Mental health conditions are plaguing the world at an alarming rate of rise. This propagates widening gaps in health inequities, a parallel pandemic of mental health crisis and poor health outcomes. I have witnessed the continued breakdown of a healthcare system that once commanded world respect and now is unable to meet the capacity of our needs. In the last few years, I have had the fortune to experience alternative approaches to healing— based on being compassionate, scientifically backed although, still not well understood or respected and difficult for patients to access easily. At ShaMynds™, we want to change that. I commit my practice to ‘Holism’— seeing the parts and how they interrelate and their importance to the whole state- a practice embedded within a scientific and safe approach.
I am on a quest to continue to keep my mind open, learn and heal. I respect science, I respect my patients, I respect change and I respect innovation and the sacred sciences.
I attended medical school and residency training at the University of Texas in Houston and became a Family Physician- a specialty that appealed to me because it embodies a whole person family centered approach of care. I was fortunate to work with many passionate and selfless mentors then and throughout my career. I also migrated into the administrative realm of medicine, becoming a career health care executive with the goals of improving care at the individual and population level. From 2009 -2011 I attended Harvard University’s Masters of Science in Health Care Management program with a strong focus on policy and reducing disparities in health. I have received training in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and Ketamine Assisted Therapy from the Institute of Integrative Psychiatry.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me.
Dr David Smith, MD
Psychiatrist / Addiction Medicine
Dr Smith is a UCLA trained California native with over 40 years of experience in psychiatry and addiction psychiatry in the US and Canada. He has spearheaded the initiation of ketamine in a local clinic for treatment of resistant depression.
David is eager to assist in complimenting the unique services of ShaMynds™ as our consulting Psychiatrist.
Background
Education
Medical Degree David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Residency San Jose Medical Center
Stanford University Hospital
Faculty
University of Auckland, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science Center
University of California-Davis
Sutter Hospital
Kirsten Boyd, AFMT
Therapist
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who holds a clinical M.A. degree in Somatic Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies.
‘Somatic psychotherapy’ is an umbrella term used to describe a cluster of theories and techniques that include bodily explorations of the felt sense as a primary means for healing. But the process of locating what stories live inside of our bodies can be overwhelming at times, especially when we encounter uncomfortable, dysregulating sensations or memories. If we mis-attune and push for too much, too fast, too soon, we run the risk of re-traumatization. It is only when we feel safe enough and resourced enough that the exploration may commence.
The trauma-informed lens through which I work provides support and stabilization for your nervous system through a process of titration, gentle introspective inquiry, and co-regulation. I believe that through the body, we can understand the subtleties of how to relate, when to relate, how to boundary, how to connect, what helps and what hurts, and that the soma (body) and the psyche (soul/mind/spirit) are inextricably entwined.
My personal journey with psychedelic medicines spans over 17 years. I understand that navigating altered states requires courage, vulnerability, and surrender and that the very foundation of this exploratory work is trust. I honor your resilience and seek to empower you with tools of embodiment that offer lasting benefits in your life.
Meg Lear, LMFT
Therapist
Hi, I’m Meg Lear! I am a psychedelic art therapist, teacher and artist living in the Sierra Nevada. I have extensive mental health and crisis care experience and am licensed in the state of California. My professional work has focused on the treatment of complex PTSD, co-occurring disorders, substance abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault revictimization. My current research and writing focus on neuroplasticity and psychedelic integration.
I see all healing as a creative act, and I do this work because I wholeheartedly believe in our capacity to liberate ourselves from suffering. My approach draws from feminist, depth and Buddhist psychologies and weaves together my expertise in flow states, dream work and tantric healing modalities. For as long as I can remember I’ve been drawn to the inner realm of the psyche and relied on the arts to carry me through life’s challenges. As a trauma survivor I learned to paint my dreams, explore feelings, and process grief through color, symbol and metaphor. I feel fortunate to have found Art Therapy and I revel in the symbiotic potential between psychedelics and expressive arts to transcend consciousness and redeem the human spirit. I believe that art is uniquely positioned to help practitioners explore the ineffable components of the psychedelic experience, and that this practice empowers us by teaching us the wordless language of the inner world.
I have 16 years of experience exploring psychedelic states using diverse means and am trained in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Theory and Methodology (via Fluence), Ethics of Psychedelic Therapy and Psychedelic Harm Reduction. My personal studies have included somatic/embodiment and sound healing practices, and I have 700 hrs. as a Yoga Alliance certified meditation and yoga instructor in Kundalini, Ayurveda, and Instinctive Meditation. Education aside, nothing has prepared me more for this work than walking my own healing path. In tending to ourselves we honor the liminal and parasympathetic energies of rest, repair, and creation through the media of awareness and compassion. Mending old wounds, learning mastery practices, and embodying Self-sovereignty takes courage. Therefore, I begin with the cultivation of curiosity and encourage my clients to harness both intuition and cognition. I will help you find the answers that only you can provide. Together we’ll identify strategies for weaving the gifts of insight meaningfully into your life.
Amanda Rebel, LMFT
Therapist
I hold an M.A. in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Expressive Arts Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies, graduating in 2011.
I completed a 500+HR yoga teacher training, taught by Ana Forrest. I have facilitated individual and group work since 2001 and currently weave trauma informed yoga into therapy sessions. In 2005, while living in SE Asia, I entered a monastery to continue my studies of Theravada meditation practices and utilize mindfulness-based practices with clients. I approach therapeutic work in an integrative way—working from the ‘neck up’ using cognitive and behavioral frameworks, while also exploring the ‘neck down’– contemplating how the body affects the mind. I am committed to supporting you through your courageous trek into the terrain of healing, growth, and change. Metaphorically and literally, expeditions into unfamiliar lands often include elements of being and doing. The focused preparation, the letting go into unknowns, the being with fear and lack of control, the finding of unexpected joys and wonder, and the continuing through–even when it feels almost impossible to do so—can be your launchpad to creating lasting change. Important too is finding a guide you trust and feel comfortable with—who has tools, supplies, experience, and training. I value providing a non-judgmental space where you can feel safe enough to open into what can feel uncomfortable or scary. My own growth through personal life struggles is what helps me relate so deeply with clients. Although my journey may not look like yours, know that I’ve been there. I am informed by the wide breadth of client experiences I have encountered; including depression, anxiety, trauma, mood challenges, addiction, grief, loss and high sensitivity.
Emily Nascimento, ACC, CHPC, CWCF
Journey Guide
A core belief of mine is that humanity is at the edge of a great cosmological story of Becoming. We’ve been on an evolutionary path for nearly 14 billion years, and we carry this story of the Cosmos in our cells and marrow. Not only are we at the edge of a great story, but we also have the unique opportunity to become conscious co-authors of this story. We are Life that has evolved to be aware of itself. How cool is that?!
With this awareness, we can tap into our unique place in this unfolding story. That is what I refer to as Soul Purpose, that beautiful, sweet spot where your deepest joy and innate gifts meet the world’s greatest need.
You matter. Your life is meaningful. And I firmly believe that the most sacred contribution you can make to the world is to heal and embody your soul essence.
My work exists at the intersection of psychospiritual development and embodiment. I help you discover the essence of your soul so that you can live and lead authentically while having a positive impact on the world.
On this path to soul-embodiment, we inevitably must attend to the pain, shame and programming that keeps us small, unfulfilled, and unable to embody our soul essence. This is where healing our emotional wounding and trauma comes in.
At ShaMynds™, I leverage my experience and skill in somatics, coaching, sacred ceremony, soul-purpose craft, Jungian depth psychology, myth, metaphor, symbolism, DreamWork, earth-based ritual, embodiment, meditation, parts work, mindfulness, and cycle wisdom to help you tap into your inner healer.
You are whole, creative, and resourceful. You have everything you need to heal the parts of you that hurt so you can embody the essence of your soul and live a fulfilling life. Our work together is to help you discover that for yourself, and I am so honored to play a role in your homecoming.
Maura Rodgers, RD, CHC
Registered Dietitian and Integrative Health Coach
As a Registered Dietitian and Integrative Health Coach I’ve spent the last ten years coaching and empowering individuals to achieve healthier, more vibrant lives through a science-based, integrative, whole-body approach. I specialize in mindful and intuitive eating, digestive health, sustainable weight loss, and chronic disease prevention/management.
I started my career working for leading digital health companies such as Omada & Vida Health and most recently worked as Facebook’s onsite Nutritionist in Menlo Park, CA until I decided last year to launch my private practice full time. In my free time I enjoy cooking, traveling, or exploring the outdoors with my husband and toddler (with baby #2 on the way!).
Gregory Fleming, IT
IT Support
Gregory Fleming has been providing IT support for 20 years now. Gregory loves to help people solve problems and make technology work for humans. He is especially excited to be supporting
Dr Ahmad and team in this exciting era of new and scientifically effective therapies. When not absorbed with technology, you’ll find Gregory cycling, raising funds for charities, petting his cats, or reading comic books.
Cindee Beermann
Business Development Lead & Community Liaison
Business development and community liaison are the perfect roles for me. I am a connector, as described by Malcolm Gladwell in The Tipping Point. I put people together, which is especially rewarding when I can work with innovative women in an integrated, caring, and healing environment.
After living abroad for 27 years, ShaMynds™ is the perfect place to land. Dr Khan, Dr Ahmad and I have known each other since we all worked together 16 years ago in Dubai. They continue to amaze me with their genuine kind and heartfelt treatment of people. It’s sounds cliché but I feel blessed to work in this team of healers who help others to make positive transformations.
While I am fortunate to have worked in pharma sales and healthcare marketing for most of my career, this work is by far the most professionally and personally rewarding.
Kati O’Day
Lead Client Coordinator
I’m grateful to be part of a team of extraordinary healers that are truly passionate about what they do. My passions are simple; I love helping people and being an empathetic listener. I received my B.A. in Psychology from Sacramento State and have plans to pursue an M.A. in Counseling. I have 6 years of experience with client coordination in a healthcare setting. I understand that everyone has their own story to tell, and this is what makes us all unique. I love hearing about these stories, and value creating a safe and welcoming space for all clients. Outside of the office, I enjoy getting involved with my community, creating art, and spending time in nature.
Laura Vize
Client Coordinator
Since graduating from MTI College Sacramento’s medical assisting studies, I have developed a life-long passion in communication and patient advocacy. I am extremely grateful that I am now able to do so with the ShaMynds™ team. After work you’ll typically find me in dance classes, experimenting with different forms of art, making music, and strengthening my spirituality through mindfulness exercises. Education is a life-long experience; my plan is to continue to specialize in psychology and patient care/coordination.
With every interaction I hope to inspire and provide support, leading with an open mind and empathy. It is my belief that anyone can heal from past traumas with the right team and community to guide them. I have witnessed and experienced what psychedelics can do for the mind, body, and soul; ShaMynds™ is the perfect environment for this treatment.
Chief Comfort Officers
Coco
Queen of Sheba
Macaron and Dolce
Request Your Consultation Today
If you are a patient who is dealing with a treatment-resistant mood disorder or chronic pain condition, then you may be a good candidate for ketamine infusion therapy. Contact our experts today and request your free consultation or would like more information about how we can help you.
