Our Prescribers

Currently not accepting new patients

Owner of Evolve Psychiatry, Dr. Priyadarshan Bajpayi is triple Board Certified in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. He is extensively trained in Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology. After he completed his Adult Psychiatry Residency training in Brooklyn, NY, he pursued further specialization in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the State University of New York, Brooklyn, and Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia. Dr. Bajpayi has been associated with various hospitals in NY- North Shore LIJ, NY Methodist Hospital, Long Island College Hospital, VA Northport, and South Oaks Hospital. He believes in the brain/body's ability to heal itself with proper psychiatric interventions and understands the limitations and unfortunate repercussions of only using therapy and/or medications. Dr Bajpayi works with his patients to optimize overall personal wellbeing and also uses alternative medicine approaches and has been practicing since 2001.

Age Range: 8+

Iffera Zahid, PA-C has been a psychiatric provider at Evolve Psychiatry since 2021; Iffera works at our Massapequa location. Iffera completed her Bachelor's Degree with a major in Biological Sciences and a minor in Psychology at SUNY Old Westbury Honors College, graduating with Summa Cum Laude distinction. Iffera then went on to complete her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Hofstra University-Northwell Physician Assistant Program. She provides care to all ages across the lifespan; and treats a variety of psychiatric conditions such as: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar, other mood disorders, and more. She promotes a calm and judgement free environment to best meet the individual needs of her patients. Iffera believes strongly in patient centered care and strives to work closely with her patients to improve their mental health and overall well-being/quality of life.

Age Range: 5+

Katie Madlen joined Evolve Psychiatry in 2021. She currently sees patients at the Massapequa office. A New York native, Katie is NCCPA board-certified and licensed to prescribe in New York State. She completed her undergraduate education in biological sciences from the University at Buffalo and then went on to attend graduate school for Physician Assistant studies at the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, where she graduated summa cum laude with her master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies in 2020. She has a background practicing in Women’s Health and now specializes full-time in Psychiatry with an emphasis on Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, PTSD, ADHD, and other related mood disorders.

Age Range: 14+

Alexa de la Torre has been a certified physician assistant since 2019. She received her undergraduate degree at Molloy University in Rockville Centre in 2015 followed by her Master of Science and Physician Assistant studies degree at NYIT in Old Westbury. She started her career practicing general medicine before switching specialties and working in psychiatry. She completed her psychiatry training at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn, NY in 2018. Alexa strongly believes in helping people achieve their optimal health both physically and mentally by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, as well as understanding when medication should be implemented. Alexa strives to achieve quality of life for people with mental health illnesses and is a strong advocate for mental health awareness.

Age Range: 14+

Hello, I'm Eddie Balzer. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I bring five years of invaluable experience in inpatient psychiatry as a registered nurse. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to providing compassionate care, specializing in addressing mental health needs across diverse age groups, from adolescents as young as 14 to seniors aged 90 and above. My expertise lies in offering comprehensive psychiatric assessments, developing tailored treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based interventions. I firmly believe in a patient-centered approach, fostering trust and collaboration with individuals to promote their mental well-being. Having navigated complex psychiatric cases in the inpatient setting, I've honed my skills in crisis intervention, medication management, and therapeutic interventions. My commitment to ongoing learning ensures that I stay abreast of the latest advancements in mental health care, allowing me to offer the most effective and compassionate care to my clients.

Age Range: 14+

A native New Yorker and former actor/stand-up comedian, Michael Littner received his Bachelor’s Degree in Drama from Vassar College. After 10 years of braving the stages of off-Broadway and many dimly lit night clubs, he switched gears to medicine as a second career in his fourth decade. He has practiced as a physician assistant in inpatient pediatrics at the Komansky Children’s Hospital within New York Presbyterian’s Weill-Cornell Medical Center as well as the Comprehensive Stroke Center At NYU. Michael is absolutely thrilled to be working at Evolve; a practice that has wholly embraced the precept: mental health care should be accessible health care. He is also a die-hard foodie, medical pun inventor, hip-hop hobbyist, fourth-degree degree black belt in Jin Sei Ryu karate, and avid New York Times Crossword puzzle completer. He has had several narratives published in the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Age Range: 18+

Alexis Catania is a Hofstra trained Physician Assistant. She completed both her bachelors and masters degrees in Physician Assistant studies at Hofstra University. She is currently furthering her education to obtain her Doctor of Medical Science degree at Rocky Mountain University. Through Rocky Mountain University, she also has obtained her Psychiatry Certificate in their program tailored to teaching psychotherapy and psychopharmacology to PAs. Alexis started her career as a PA in Neurosurgery/Neurocritical care, where she still works per diem. She believes that a well rounded, patient-centered approach is necessary for each individual to obtain treatment goals. Alexis works diligently with her patients to optimize all areas of their life by promoting their general wellness. She offers a judgement free, calming environment where patients are encouraged to express their needs so their treatment plan can be best tailored to them.

Age Range: 5+

Jonathan Melius is a Physician Assistant who has been practicing medicine since 2010. He began his career as a Radiation Therapist treating cancer patients after attending SUNY Upstate Medical University. He later obtained a Master's Degree in Physician Assistant Studies and Clinical Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He treats both children and adults and has a particular interest in emerging medicine/augmentation strategies. He is from upstate New York and has lived in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Philadelphia before returning to Albany, NY where he currently resides. with his son, Colton. In his spare time, he is an avid Buffalo Bills fan and enjoys exercising, being outdoors, and traveling.

Age Range: 14+

Shakaibullah Sharief, also known as Shak, is a physician assistant with competencies in mental health and family medicine. He completed his undergrad in Stony Brook University with a bachelor’s in psychology and went on to his Masters studying at Bethel University in Tennessee. He firmly believes the two pillars of proper mental health are proper medication management and regular therapy appointments. He did his clinical rotations in several places around the US, including Texas, Florida, New York, and Alaska. He was also a certified NYS EMS provider. When he isn’t treating his patients, he enjoys building computers and crafting beautiful origami set pieces.

Age Range: 14+

Roshan graduated from New York Tech with a Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences, and later graduated with with a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies. In his free time, he is with his family and friends, goes to the gym, and eats as much KBBQ as he can. Roshan is extremely passionate about helping those who are struggling with mental illnesses, as well as confronting the stigma surrounding the topic of mental health.

Age Range: 9+

Before becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, James O’Shea worked as an RN in psychiatry for 5 years at Mather Hospital. He spent 2 years working with adults and 3 years working with adolescents. He obtained both his RN and PMHNP degrees from Stony Brook School of Nursing. Prior to nursing, James worked as a special education teacher for over 10 years serving ages birth to 21.

Age Range: 14+

Batul Lukmanji is a certified Physician Assistant who has been practicing since 2020. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Stony Brook University and went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the CUNY School of Medicine. She has experience as a PA in general medicine before joining Evolve Psychiatry. She offers a judgment-free environment and strives to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health. Batul believes in a patient-centered approach and collaborating with her patients to help them achieve their treatment goals and improve their mental health and overall well-being.

Age Range: 16+

Ashley Arora is a board-certified psychiatric registered nurse and nurse practitioner who graduated with honors from Stony Brook University's PMHNP program in 2021. Since beginning her career in psychiatry in 2014, she has worked with diverse patient populations, primarily in inpatient settings. Her approach emphasizes compassionate, personalized care, where she builds genuine relationships with patients to create tailored treatment plans. Ashley advocates for mental health awareness and the rights of patients, recognizing that education and open dialogue are essential for breaking down stigma. She employs evidence-based practices to ensure high-quality care and supports her patients in their journeys toward recovery. Driven by a commitment to excellence in mental health care, Ashley aims to foster understanding and support for her patients.

Age Range: 5+

Susan has been a Nurse Practitioner since 2009. She received her Master's in Nursing Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from LIU Post. She continued her studies at Molloy College and received her Post Masters's certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. As a board certified Nurse Practitioner Susan treats a variety of psychiatric conditions with a holistic approach. Issues such as addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD and more are treated in a caring and non judgmental environment to meet the individual patient's needs.

Age Range: 14+

Yasmine Saim PA-C has been practicing as a physician assistant since 2021. She received her Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Connecticut and completed her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Mercer University. As a psychiatry PA, she has experience in addiction medicine and takes particular interest in treating OCD, PTSD and bipolar disorder. Passionate about mental health advocacy, Yasmine aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health treatment and, through compassionate, evidence-based care, has demonstrated a commitment to helping patients live their lives to the fullest.

Age Range: 5+

I’m glad you took the first step to find us at Evolve. The road to healing and self-discovery isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Mental health challenges are still often misunderstood, but you’re not alone in what you're going through. As a mental health professional, I not only empathize with you but also recognize that none of us are immune to the trials and tribulations of life. I've experienced my own hardships—loss of a loved one, challenging relationships, toxic work environments, and more. But every experience has shaped me into who I am today, and I've learned to embrace them and rise above. I want you to feel comfortable when you reach out for help, and I’m committed to doing my best to guide you through your journey.

I hold an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Adelphi University and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, with board certification from the NCCPA. My professional experience includes roles as Neuroscience ICU Supervisor at Northwell Health, where I manage staff and patient care, and as a Clinical Instructor at Stony Brook University. I have extensive experience as a Neuroscience Physician Assistant, providing critical care in various hospitals, including Winthrop University Hospital, New York Presbyterian, and Jacobi Medical Center. Additionally, I have a background as a kindergarten teacher in Uzbekistan. Each chapter of my journey has shaped my approach to mental health and healing.

Age Range: 18+

Hello! My name is Eric Khairi, a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Physician Assistant with a focus on mental health and behavioral care. Originally from Egypt, I moved to the United States at the age of 14, where I began my academic journey and developed a passion for understanding the complex interplay between the brain, behavior, and overall well-being.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Neuropsychology from SUNY College at Old Westbury, where I contributed to several research publications exploring the effects of lead poisoning on brain function and behavior. These early experiences fostered my deep interest in the intricacies of mental health and neuroscience. Following my undergraduate studies, I pursued my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at St. John's University, where I graduated in 2023. As a newly certified PA, I am committed to providing compassionate and professional care to individuals facing mental health challenges. My goal is to help patients lead fulfilling lives through thoughtful, patient-centered care while taking a holistic and pharmacological approach to their well-being.

I am particularly interested in understanding the role of body language and how it can be interpreted during different stages of life, further enriching my ability to communicate effectively with my patients. In my spare time, I enjoy playing soccer—I was a member of the NCAA soccer team at SUNY OW during my undergraduate years—and remains an active participant in the sport as a way to stay physically and mentally engaged. With a strong foundation in health science, a specialized understanding of neuropsychology, and a commitment to lifelong learning, I strive to make a positive impact in the lives of those he serves, offering care that is both empathetic and informed by the latest advancements in psychiatric medicine.

Age Range: 6+

Rowan Lindsay, PMHNP-BC is first of all happy to be here to help those who are struggling with their MH concerns. Rowan received his Masters of Science in Nursing at Molloy College (now Molloy University) and has been a psych NP for over 6yrs. I'm also a Veteran and still currently serving in the Active Reserve Component of the US Navy for the past 25+ years to date. I'm looking forward to see more of my military personnel address their MH concerns and to inform and remind them that it is okay to do so while still serving. I'd like to think of myself as compassionate, non-judgmental, and emphasize that when it comes to trying to prepare for an effective treatment to the best of my abilities, I'd like the patients who come to see me to, "keep it real", "honest" "be patient", and also just as important, to "have a of sense of humor" (just a little/touch at least).

Age Range: 5+

Ylonka Dejesus is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who graduated with high honors from the University of Rochester in May 2024. She holds an associate's and bachelor’s degree in nursing from Maria College. With extensive experience in various inpatient settings, including emergency rooms, ICUs, ophthalmology, dialysis, and psychiatric care, Ylonka takes a patient-centered, holistic approach to mental health treatment. She is committed to incorporating evidence-based practices and prioritizing patient safety. A passionate advocate for mental wellness, she supports a collaborative approach to mental health care and aims to reduce stigma. Outside work, Ylonka enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, caring for her dogs, cooking, and listening to music.

Age Range: 5+

Jessica is a board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Molloy University in 2024. She holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from Molloy University.  She has extensive experience as a registered nurse in the emergency department, pediatrics and inpatient psychiatric setting. Jessica takes both a holistic and patient-centered approach to care. She is passionate about providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health services. She employs high quality evidence-based care to provide the best care possible to her patients . She offers a judgement-free and calm environment where patients can express their needs. She has a passion for those struggling with mental health issues.  Outside of work Jessica enjoys hanging with her family, traveling, exercising and taking care of her four dogs! 

Age Range: 18+

I'm Raymond Sanchez, and I'm a physician assistant registered with the state of New York. I've been practicing mental health and addiction medicine for over 30 years. I graduated from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery.

Age Range: 14+

Andrea Bernstein, PA-C, is a board-certified PA from St. John's University's master's program. She also graduated from Northwell's critical care fellowship in 2023 and is now pursuing her doctorate in Psychiatry (she is set to graduate next semester!). Andrea began working at Evolve Psychiatry in 2024, but before that, she accrued two years of critical care experience at South Shore University Hospital. At Evolve, she provides care to patients 12 and older and strives to create an open and judgment-free appointment so patients feel comfortable with her and get treated the way they want. Andrea is passionate about psychiatry and allows reflective listening and open communication to guide her appointments to a patient-centered and evidence-based treatment plan.