The Peace of Mind Team
Kate Coppedge, PMHNP, APHN-BC
Philosophy
Kate believes healing can happen in many ways and that wellness has different meanings to each individual. She tries to limit the amount of psychiatric medications needed by addressing mental health needs in a holistic fashion. She believes that nutrition, exercise, sleep, and a healthy living environment are fundamental to mental health, and works to support each individual in creating the healthiest lifestyle.
Kate specializes in Functional Medicine, which focuses on treating mental health by identifying root causes. This often includes advice on lifestyle changes, and an effort to provide treatment while minimizing side effects that may result from traditional pharmacological treatments. Kate will, however, use conventional medicine when necessary and beneficial as part of a treatment plan.
Experience
Kate began her nursing career as a pediatric nurse, working in various hospitals across the country for 10 years. Helping children and families through their fears, grief and loss cultivated her interest in working in mental health. Kate then shifted her focus and spent a year as the Director of Nursing at an inpatient eating disorder unit in San Diego, and it was there where she discovered a true passion for mental health nursing. This experience drove Kate to pursue a degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from California State University, Long Beach. During her studies, she worked at an inpatient psychiatric unit for children and adolescents, as well as some time working at the San Diego Veterans Affairs System.
Since obtaining her Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner license, Kate has worked with clients of all ages and all mental health diagnoses. Her personal interest in healthy life style and root cause medicine led her on the path of pursuing certification as a Functional Medicine practitioner, which she completed in December 2019 at the Institute of Functional Medicine.
Code of Ethics
Kate abides by the confidentiality and ethics regulations and licensing requirements set forth by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
Dr. Renée del Río, Psy.D.
Philosophy
Dr. Renée del Río believes that true health exists when our body, mind, and spirit are connected and at peace. As such, she has studied psychological, biological, and complementary theories and interventions to help clients reach a greater state of wellness. She collaborates with your medication prescriber to support a comprehensive plan of care and may also recommend alternative whole health options for wraparound support. While providing psychotherapy she partners with clients to understand their unique story, working alongside them to maximize their strengths and address their challenges one step at a time. With her help, in a safe and judgement-free zone, clients can create actionable goals for their life. Interventions may involve specific skills for external symptom management as well as addressing the impact of beliefs, values, stress, past or present relationships, and even lifestyle practices, such as sleep and nutrition. She can also assist clients with consultation and support for their psychotropic medication.
Experience
From a young age Renée knew she wanted a career that would involve helping people make positive change. Before completing her undergraduate degree in psychology at The University of California at Davis, she became excited to take her education further in order to do so. Thus, she enrolled at The California School of Professional Psychology Bay Area Campus doctoral studies program, where she focused on culturally competent interventions. Since earning her Psy.D. (doctor of clinical psychology) in1999 she has worked in a variety of settings including university counseling, correctional and forensic institutions, inpatient hospitals, emergency services, and private practice. Each role allowed her to understand mental health and mental illness from a new angle.
Renée also worked in primary care medical settings for 10+ years treating patients with comorbid mental health and chronic physical disorders. This position stirred her desire to learn more about the biological contributions of mental well-being so she enrolled in a postdoctoral degree specifically for psychologists to become trained in psychopharmacology. Her MSCP (masters of science in clinical psychopharmacology) was completed in 2020 and PEP (psychopharmacology exam for psychologists) passed in 2021.
At Peace of Mind Functional Medicine she enjoys working with anxiety disorders (OCD, social anxiety, PTSD, general anxiety), mood dysregulation, chronic health stress, and life transitions.
Code of Ethics
Renée abides by the confidentiality and ethics regulations set forth by the American Psychological Association and governed by the Oregon Board of Psychology.
Alison Gardner, PMHNP
Alison Gardner is a compassionate and experienced psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) dedicated to fostering well-being through a personalized, whole-person approach to mental health care. A core member of the Peace of Mind Mental Wellness team, Alison is known for her empathetic and collaborative style, which supports her clients in navigating their unique mental health journeys.
Alison earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Rush University and went on to complete her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and PMHNP credentials at Frontier Nursing University. With nearly 20 years of nursing experience since her graduation in 2004, Alison has built a strong foundation of clinical expertise and client-centered care.
Approach
Her approach emphasizes the importance of active listening and collaboration. Alison believes that understanding what is most important to each client personally is essential to successful treatment. She is committed to creating an environment that is both supportive and inclusive, addressing the full spectrum of her clients' needs to ensure a holistic treatment experience. With an understanding that the mind and body are deeply connected, Alison explores a variety of treatment options, including lifestyle changes and mental health strategies, that help her clients achieve meaningful progress over time.
Alison specializes in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar spectrum disorder, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other mood disorders. Aside from her primary areas of focus, she is well-equipped to support individuals through many different challenges across the mental health landscape for clients aged 6-55.
Code of Ethics
Alison abides by the confidentiality and ethics regulations and licensing requirements set forth by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.