Team

Dr. David Manno

Owner and Chief Medical Officer

With over 22 years of Emergency Medicine and ketamine provider experience, he is adept at evaluating and treating a variety of acute and chronic mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and psychosis. 

 

His desire to not only stabilize patients, but to be an impactful part of their future, is what led him to open Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic.

Specialties

I see patients of all ages throughout their lifespan and am licensed to work in a variety of treatment areas including mental health and emergency medicine.

Dr David Manno headshot

David Manno (he/him), DO

Owner and Chief Medical Officer
 Medicine is the biggest mental challenge you’ll ever have. I can always learn something new, and relearn things I thought were true. Then when you bring your brain to the bedside, you interface with humans, and synthesize a way to make the patient feel better. That’s why ketamine is so amazing. Its science is fascinating, and its potential to improve lives is incredible.
Meghan

Meghan Leahey (she/her)
DNP, FNP, PMHNP

Chief Clinical Officer

Meghan Leahey, DNP, FNP, PMHNP

Chief Clinical Officer

Specialties

I see patients of all ages throughout their lifespan and am licensed to work in a variety of treatment areas including mental health and emergency medicine.

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • Suicidality
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Life transitions
  • Teens and young adults
  • Sports psychology
  • Chronic Pain

Professional Experience

Meghan is the Chief Clinical Officer of Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic. Prior to joining Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic as a ketamine provider, Meghan has over 11 years of experience working with children and adults in the emergency room setting struggling with physical and mental health issues. She has experience working for a queer affirming private practice supporting individuals struggling with their mental health, gender identity issues, religious trauma, and intersectionality. 

Meghan attended Macalester College for her bachelor’s degree in Biology and Ecology and moved to Chicago for her masters in nursing and doctorate degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Rush University Medical Center. Following completion of her doctorate degree, she continued her education to become dual-boarded as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. By advocating for continuity of care and supporting major changes within outpatient and hospital frameworks, she aspires to provide the highest quality of psychiatric care for a range of issues across the lifespan for a variety of unique and marginalized populations. 


Philosophy

I believe physical and mental health care involves a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses the unique needs of individuals while promoting their overall well-being. By engaging in a person-centered approach and prioritizing the individual’s autonomy, dignity, and self-determination, each person’s preferences, values, and goals can be recognized and validated to guide the treatment process.

Mental health care and in particular psychedelic medicine, should consider the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and social environment. It should address not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes, taking into account biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors. It is my goal to foster a collaborative relationship with patients so that not only are you actively involved in the treatment planning, decision-making, and goal-setting process, but also that care is tailored to the unique needs and experiences of your cultural background, beliefs, and values.


Creating a safe and comfortable environment for patients to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of patients in my care is of the utmost importance to me as a ketamine provider and the clinic as a whole. Creating this supportive environment and assisting in establishing a positive mindset, can aid in processing and integrating a patient’s experience and can ultimately lead to improved outcomes and personal well-being. 

A Little Bit More About Meghan Leahey, DNP, FNP, PMHNP

Prior to jumping into medicine full-time, Meghan was a soccer player in college and spent time playing in Iceland following her collegiate career. She is also a lover of travel and adventure and spent several years exploring her love of ecology in Alaska working for the Department of Fish and Game on commercial crabbing vessels. 

Jessica Punzo, Psy.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Certified Psychedelic Assisted Therapist

Specialities

  • Trauma/PTSD
  • Complex Trauma
  • LGBTQ Community
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Perinatal Mental Health
  • Life Transitions
Dr. Jessica Punzo is a licensed clinical psychologist and owner of Rooted Journey Wellness, LLC. She is certified in psychedelic assisted therapy and has received specialized training in maternal mental health. Dr. Punzo completed her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Traumatic Stress Studies at Adler University.Her focus throughout her career has always been trauma/PTSD.
 
She has worked in a variety of settings including corrections, community mental health, and VA hospitals. She is very passionate about psychological trauma and is thus involved in various national traumatic stress organizations through membership and active leadership roles. Dr. Punzo is currently the President-Elect of Division 56 (Trauma Psychology) of the American Psychological Association.

 

Her overall approach to therapy tends to be straightforward and honest, as she values transparency and direct communication in the therapeutic relationship. She believes in working alongside her clients by providing safety and validation to help them achieve their goals and live a more valued and meaningful life.

Jessica Punzo

Jessica Punzo (she/her)
Psy.D.

Therapy Dog

Kali

Therapy Dog in Training

Kali

Therapy Dog In Training

About 

 

Meet Kali, our friendly and compassionate therapy dog in training here to help make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Kali loves to bring warmth, comfort, and smiles to everyone she meets. Whether you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or simply in need of a little companionship, Kali is here to provide a calming presence that can help lift your spirits.

 

Therapy dogs like Kali are known for their ability to offer emotional support and reduce stress, which can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing medical treatments or facing difficult times. Petting or spending time with a dog can lower blood pressure, ease feelings of anxiety, and create a sense of calm and relaxation. 

 

Whether you’re looking for a quiet moment of peace or a furry friend to brighten your day, Kali is always happy to oblige. She loves making new friends, and her visits often bring a sense of joy and normalcy to patients and their families during challenging times.

OUR ESSENTIAL TEAM MEMBERS

image2

Nurse Practitioners

Our nurse practitioners have ample experience as not only ketamine providers, but also in emergency medicine to provide a safe and trusting environment. They are a vital part of our practice team and your ketamine experience.

image1

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)

Having a great deal of experience in patient care and securing IVs, our EMTs take pride in assisting you on your journey and are an indispensable team members.

image3

Psychologists and Therapists

Ketamine and therapy go hand-in-hand and therapy often improve the outcomes of ketamine. Midwest Alternative Treatment Clinic is happy to provide Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy upon request and/or connect you with a qualified therapist team member.

OUR GIFT TO YOU

Enjoy 25% Off

SINGLE INFUSION