Meet the Team

Christy Hatcher by Minnesota Ketamine & Wellness Institute in Minneapolis

Christy Hatcher

MSN, APRN, CRNA- CEO/Provider

Christy, a Certified-Registered Nurse Anesthetist, has been practicing since December 2002. With 20 years of experience at a level-one trauma hospital in the twin cities, she is the owner and CEO of the Minnesota Ketamine & Wellness Institute. In 2022, Christy decided to step away from her position in the operating room to fully dedicate her time to managing the ketamine clinic.

The issue of mental health disorders and suicide has reached epidemic proportions in our society, leaving lasting impacts on communities. Christy, as a suicide loss survivor and the mother of a ketamine patient, brings a personal perspective to her role as a provider of ketamine therapy. Her passion lies in assisting patients seeking alternative treatments, motivated by her own experiences with the profound effects of these conditions, especially following the loss of her husband to treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation in 2019.

Dr. Sujit Varma

MBBS, MD, FAPA, Medical Director/Collaborative Provider 

With over 26 years of experience in psychiatry, Dr. Sujit Varma has earned the reputation of being one of Minnesota’s foremost psychiatrists in the mental health field. His approach to treatment involves thorough research and utilization of the latest, most effective resources to assist patients grappling with mental health disorders.

Dr. Varma takes joy in witnessing the transformation of patients into healthier individuals, fostering this process without judgment. In his role as the acting Medical Director and collaborative provider at The Minnesota Ketamine & Wellness Institute, he collaborates with clinic practitioners for case reviews, medication management, and provides valuable insights on individual patient care to our multidisciplinary team.

Dr. Varma by Minnesota Ketamine & Wellness Institute in Minneapolis
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Lindsey Hatcher

MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Provider

Lindsey attained her Registered Nurse degree in 2006 and initiated her career in the Trauma-Neuro Intensive Care Unit of a level-one trauma center. In 2023, she earned her master’s degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

In her role as a PMHNP, Lindsey offers a spectrum of mental health services, including assessments, screening, diagnosis, formulation of treatment plans, medication management, and education for patients and their families.

Being a part of a team that provides both mainstream and alternative mental health treatments allows Lindsey to deliver diverse services and treatment modalities that can significantly improve the lives of individuals and those in their circle. Lindsey’s personal and family experiences with mental health have instilled in her a deep sense of compassion, empathy, and understanding of the daily struggles faced by those who suffer.

Denay Kelly

ARNP, FNP, Provider

Dear Client,

Welcome! I am so glad you have made a choice to receive care at The Minnesota Ketamine and Wellness Institute. My name is Denay Kelly, and I am a Family Nurse Practitioner currently working on my Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certification. I am excited about working with this group of amazing people that truly care about your mental health and well-being.

In my spare time I enjoy anything that has to do with the sun or water. I also love to bicycle, chill on the couch with a good movie, and spend time with good friends. I am so excited to be part of your journey! My future goal when I graduate with my PMHNP certificate in 2023 is to continue to support this clinic in expanding its services. I am also interested in certification for prescribing medical cannabis.

Look forward to meeting you!

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Rebecca by Minnesota Ketamine & Wellness Institute in Minneapolis

Rebecca Berry

MSW, LICSW - Therapist/Provider

Rebecca earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work with a focus on mental health in 2016 from the University of Minnesota. She obtained certification in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy from the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. Rebecca is bilingual, being fluent in both English and Spanish.

“We all move through the world with a story about who we are, both to ourselves and in relation to others. I don’t see one style of therapy as beneficial for everyone, but instead choose to use narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, hard questions, and deep curiosity, to journey with my clients. I heavily leverage my life experience when providing services and I lean into an integrative approach, rooted in existential and transpersonal theories. I have been described as soft-spoken and calm, and unafraid of hard questions. I feel passionate about utilizing Ketamine as a tool for overcoming barriers, shifting perspective, and offering relief to give space for healing. I am committed to diversifying the psychedelic space and am a Latinx provider who offers sessions in both English and Spanish.”

“In today’s America, we tend to think of healing as something binary: either we’re broken or we’re healed from that brokenness. But that’s not how healing operates, and it’s almost never how human growth works. More often, healing and growth take place on a continuum, with innumerable points between utter brokenness and total health.” – Resmaa Menakem

Melissa Bollinger-Kinney

MSED, LPCC - Therapist/Provider

Melissa holds a Master’s of Science degree in Education – Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, WI and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN. She completed certification in clinical counseling from St. Mary’s University and St. Thomas University. Melissa has been practicing as a therapist for 23 years working mostly with teenagers in group and individual therapy as well as adults, families and couples. Melissa has launched school-linked mental health programs in Columbia Heights and Centennial school districts.

Melissa’s approach encompasses a blend of CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. She tailors her approach to each individual and meets the client where they are at. She has experience working with issues related to depression, self-mutilation, anxiety & panic, self-esteem and identity issues, stress & anger-management, parenting & relationship issues as well as grief and loss. She is also working towards certification in trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy. Melissa is a board approved clinical supervisor. She provides clinical supervision to individuals working toward licensure and interns completing their clinical practicum and internship.

Melissa believes that the patterns of our mind that keep us trapped in emotional suffering are fundamentally the same patterns of mind that stand between us and the growth toward our potential for a more deeply satisfying way of being. Melissa enjoys scuba diving, snowboarding, and volleyball. She is currently learning how to kiteboard.

Her favorite quote: “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think… we become.” ~Buddha

Melissa Bollinger Kinney by Minnesota Ketamine & Wellness Institute in Minneapolis
Brooke Anderson by Minnesota Ketamine & Wellness Institute in Minneapolis

Brooke Anderson

BSN, RN
Psychedelic Therapist Certification 

Brooke is a Bachelor’s prepared Registered Nurse.  She received a Psychedelic Therapist certification from the California Institute of Integral Studies.  This certification focused on therapeutic modalities incorporating MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ketamine.  Brooke is passionate about bringing awareness surrounding alternative therapies and medicines into our culture to aid in healing and creating awareness of the importance of integration within the mind, heart, and soul.

“In 2017, while working in a hospital setting, I experienced a system that was broken and my passion for finding alternative paths of care was awakened.  As I entered my journey of healing, I developed a holistic-centered approach as well as a desire to help others on their journey to find alternative, holistic care.

“Having dealt with mental health challenges within my family and surrounding friends, finding a way to support those in the area of mental health is held close to my heart.  Becoming part of the team at the Minnesota Ketamine & Wellness Institute aligns with my goals to be able to witness and hold space for this deeply healing modality. “

“The wound is the place where the light enters you” – Rumi

Ashlee Villaume

RN

Ashlee is a Registered Nurse who dedicated 15 years to working in the Operating Room. In 2022, she resigned from her hospital position to solely devote her time to the Minnesota Ketamine & Wellness Institute.

She has an empathetic, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach to each of her patients and a deep appreciation for alternative treatments and therapies. Ashlee is cognizant and adaptive and works to support a holistic mind, body, and soul approach and respects the uniqueness of each patient.

“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” – Dalai Lama.

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Carolyn Beedy

Clinical Assistant

Carolyn has worked in many healthcare settings throughout her life. She has experience in geriatric care, pediatric oncology, and a level-one trauma center. She has traveled the country setting up cadaver seminars for future advancements in female surgeries.

Currently, Carolyn holds a hospital position as a surgical technologist and is a clinical assistant at the Minnesota Ketamine & Wellness Institute. In 2024, she will complete her degree in nursing and transition into the role of a Registered Nurse.

Carolyn’s focal point in patient care is to provide a holistic, nonjudgemental environment that is comfortable and promotes healing. She is an advocate for fellow domestic abuse survivors and wants to be instrumental in helping change the stigma around mental health. Carolyn is a strong believer that the most impactful personal growth comes from the worst struggles and darkest moments.

“Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it can change the world for one person” – Anonymous.

Emily Johnston

Executive Clinic Administrator

Having had personal experience with mental health, Emily has a great interest in working within the mental health community helping those who struggle to find alternative methods of treatment. “My favorite part about working at the Minnesota Ketamine & Wellness Institute is seeing the progress that patients make in their mental health journey. I am proud to be a part of such a knowledgeable and caring team!” Emily earned her business certificate in 2019 and her Associate’s Degree in accounting in 2021 from North Hennepin Community College.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, time on the lake, gardening, and spending time with her playful cat.

Her favorite quote: “Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you, doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone” – Lisa Olivera
Emily by Minnesota Ketamine & Wellness Institute in Minneapolis

Schedule a Free Consultation

Learn how our mental health services are helping people just like you regain control of their life. We invite you to schedule a free consultation to see if ketamine therapy, medication management, psychotherapy, and other treatments are right for you. Contact Minnesota Ketamine Institute today to learn more.

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