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
Carrie Collins Thomas, LCSW
Carrie Collins Thomas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker committed to trauma-informed care, serving individuals, couples, and families with compassion and integrity. With over five years of clinical experience, Carrie specializes in treating PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, chronic and complex grief, and substance use disorders. She has worked extensively with veterans, active-duty military, and first responders, offering strengths-based, client-centered care rooted in evidence-based practices.
Carrie holds a Master of Social Work from Campbellsville University and a Bachelor of Science in Addictions Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University, graduating Cum Laude from both programs. Her clinical training spans a broad spectrum of modalities, including individual, family, and couples therapy, as well as play therapy and Sandtray therapy.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Carrie is a lifelong learner who values the continual pursuit of higher education and clinical growth. Outside the therapy room, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, especially fishing, and cherishes moments with her family. She is an avid reader and finds inspiration in literature and the natural world, grounding her therapeutic work in a holistic understanding of wellness and connection.
Heather Keith, LCSW
Heather Keith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience in the clinical mental health field. She provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy to children, teens, adults, couples, and families, with extensive experience in addiction counseling, family therapy, and relationship counseling. Heather specializes in treating anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, childhood, and adult attachment issues, mood disorders, trauma disorders, and personality disorders. She works from an attachment-based perspective, helping clients better understand how past experiences and relationships influence current emotions, behaviors, and patterns. Her therapeutic approach is individualized and integrative, utilizing evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Thera[y (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, expressive arts therapy, and music therapy techniques. Heather is also a certified clinical trauma professional (CCTP Level 2) with advanced training in complex trauma treatment. Originally from Somerset, KY, Heather is dedicated to creating a supportive, nonjudgemental environment where clients feel empowered to heal, grow, and build healthier relationships.
Brittney Benningfield, LPCC
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 is a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate who enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families to create a supportive environment for their mental health improvement. She earned her master’s degree from Campbellsville University in December 2024. 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, she enjoys spending time with her family, going on long walks with her dogs, and reading.
Shayla Shirk
Shayla is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern who is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and valued. She is currently completing her graduate training in Marriage and Family Therapy at Campbellsville University. Shayla adopts a collaborative approach to therapy and works from a systemic lens, recognizing the impact that relationships, family dynamics, and life experiences have on personal growth. She enjoys helping clients navigate life transitions, strengthen coping skills, and build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Targeted Case Management
Elaine Frye, TCM
Elaine is a lifelong resident of Nancy, Kentucky, and a proud mother of three and grandmother of two. She retired from Nancy Elementary School in July 2025 after 25 years of dedicated service. Elaine earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Counseling from Lindsey Wilson University, graduating in December 2025. She currently works at Mandran Health in Somerset, Kentucky, where she serves as a Targeted Case Manager and is committed to supporting individuals and families in her community.
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 Webb
Kennedy is the Clinic Operations Manager at our Somerset Location. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with her bachelor’s degree in general psychology on July of 2025. Kennedy has been with the Mandran Health Team since July of 2024 where she started as the front office generalist prior to her current role as manager.