Our Team
Medical Doctors
Manoj Chandran, MD
Dr. Chandran received his medical degree from St. Mary’s School of Medicine and completed his psychiatric residency at the Albert Einstein Medical Center. He is board-certified in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry. Dr. Chandran founded Mandran Health to make quality mental health care accessible to those in need. He currently provides inpatient psychiatric care at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. He enjoys traveling and creating memories with family.
Ronald McGavic, MD
Dr. McGavic received his medical degree from Marshall University School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Louisville. He has extensive experience treating patients with mood disorders, personality disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and addiction issues. Dr. McGavic works alongside Dr. Chandran at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, providing inpatient psychiatric care.
Mariana Ringle, MD
Dr. Marianna Ringel earned her medical degree from Odessa National Medical University in Ukraine and completed her Psychiatry Residency at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley in Harlingen, TX. She specializes in the assessment and management of mental health patients and has extensive experience in neurodiagnostic procedures, including electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Dr. Ringel is also a member of the American Society of Electroencephalographic Technologists (ASET), combining her medical training with specialized expertise to provide comprehensive care. Her dedication to community care is also reflected in her volunteer work.
Medication Management
Jeffrey Prater, APRN
Jeff is an Advance Practice Registered Nurse who specializes in psychiatric medication management. He completed his Master’s in family psychiatric care at the University of Louisville. Jeff has a wide range of experience with patients of all ages. He has been part of the Mandran Health team since December 2022. Jeff enjoys going to concerts and spending time with his wife and daughters.
Therapy
Sarah Whiles, LPCA
Sarah graduated from Lindsey Wilson College in 2017 with her bachelor’s degree in human services and went to work as a Targeted Case Manager. Sarah continued her education and completed her master’s at Lindsey Wilson College in 2021. Sarah joined the Mandran Health team in September of 2022, currently she provides therapy services, and is the clinic manager of the Somerset clinic. Sarah enjoys taking road trips and spending her time with family and friends.
Carrie Collins Thomas, LCSW
Carrie graduated from Campbellsville University with her master’s degree in Social Work. She joined the Mandran Health team in September of 2024, as a therapist, where she works with Teens, Adults, and Elders (65+). Carrie enjoys the outdoors, hunting, and fishing.
Brittney Benningfield, LPCA
Brittney obtained her associate degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix in 2016. She went on and obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Spalding University in 2020 and jumped right into her Master’s, graduating in 2023 with her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Brittney spent a year of practicum and internship at Home of The Innocents, where she found a passion for working with adolescents. Before joining Mandran Health, Brittney was a clinical therapist at a psychiatric residential facility for children aged 5-18. Brittney also underwent EMDR training at the EMDR Institute, where she is a trained EMDR therapist. Brittney is a member of the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals. She and her canine bestie, Yurica, are a certified therapy team and volunteer at nursing homes, assisted living homes, and hospitals. Brittney enjoys working with children, teens, adults, and families. Brittney loves spending time with her husband, two sons, and animals.
Yurica, Therapy Dog
Yurica is a 7-year-old German Shepherd who loves everyone and anyone. Yurica is a certified therapy dog through Pet Partners and has her AKC Title in pet therapy. Yurica is on a mission to help individuals who experience a wide range of emotions feel confident and comfortable speaking in therapy. Yurica brings a unique perspective to the therapy world due to her empathy and urge for connection. She has mastered her skills of detecting the emotions of others. She will nuzzle you to offer support or encourage you to pet her. Yuricas has a calming and welcoming presence to her. When not working, Yurica likes to spend her time at home with her human and animal siblings playing!
Karen Luis, MFT Associate
Karen has been with Mandran Health since 2021 and graduated with a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Campbellsville University in December 2024. During her practicum at CU Well, she gained hands-on experience working with individuals, couples, and families, focusing on creating a supportive environment for mental health improvement. Karen is passionate about helping clients of all ages navigate life’s challenges through empathy, active listening, and tailored therapeutic approaches. Karen is also the billing/credentialing specialist at Mandran Health. When she is not working or studying, she enjoys spending time with her family, going on long walks with her dogs, and reading.
Targeted Case Management
Tara Daulton, TCM
Tara received her bachelor’s in Elementary Education through Western Kentucky Univ. in 2005 and her Masters in Elementary Education with a specialization in Special Education from Univ. of the Cumberlands in 2009. After teaching for 15 years, Tara decided to spend time with her blended family of 6 as a stay-at-home mom. Tara decided to return to work and continue serving the public through Targeted Case Management with Mandran Health in the fall of 2023. Tara enjoys spending time with family and being creative.
Donna Carrender, TCM
Clinical Director
Sam Wilson, BCBA
Sam is a board-certified behavior analyst who graduated from Spalding University with her master’s in applied behavior analysis in 2012. Sam has provided community-based ABA and intensive outpatient therapy. Sam has managed operations for crisis stabilization units for adults, adolescents, and children. Sam is Mandran Health’s clinical director and has been with the organization since 2021. She lives in Louisville, KY, where she loves gardening with her husband and family and cheering on the Chicago Bears.
Front Office Staff
Kennedy Seward
Kennedy attends Eastern Kentucky University and will be graduating with her bachelor’s degree in general psychology in July 2025. Kennedy joined the Mandran Health team in July 2024 and currently works as the receptionist in the Somerset clinic. Kennedy plans to continue to work with the Mandran Health team as a Targeted Case Manager upon graduation.