OUr team

Punitha Rathnam, MD
Psychiatrist / Owner

Dr. Rathnam graduated from the Christian Med Coll, Dr M G R Med Univ, Vellore, Tn, India in 1995. She works in Kinston, NC and specializes in Psychiatry and Neurology. She is a child and adolescent psychiatrist so her specialty helps her assess and treat children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Mood Disorders.

Dr. Rantham’s most recent added projects include introducing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to the mental health community and implementing weight loss and wellness programs. These innovative initiatives are designed to expand treatment options and provide additional support for individuals seeking to improve their overall health and well-being. These expanded services reflect New Dawn’s continued commitment to providing effective, progressive, and patient-centered care.

Gary Leonhardt, MD
Psychiatrist

Dr. Gary Leonhardt, MD, DLFAPA is in his forth decade of providing medical services to a challenging and diverse patient population. As the first graduate of the Psychiatric and Internal Medicine Residency Program at East Carolina University, he has also garnered added qualifications in forensic psychiatry and addiction medicine. He is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as a Distinguished Life Fellow. Over his career, he has provided medical and administrative services in military, correctional, opiate replacement treatment, long-term rehabilitation, inpatient and outpatient settings. Today, he maintains best practice medical services through a busy tele-health practice and continues to provide forensic evaluation services for the NC Board of Nursing.

Elizabeth Huston
DNP, PMHNP- PC, FNP-BC

Dr. Huston completed her bachelor of science in nursing as a second degree at East Carolina University.  She worked as an RN in community health, her preferred area of practice, in the maternal health/family-planning clinic at the Pitt County Health Department.  She then completed the family nurse practitioner program (FNP) at Duke University and again worked in community health as a primary care provider at the Martin–Terrell–Washington County Health Departments.  While there, due to the need for psychiatric/mental health care in that population of patients, she went on to complete her certification in the psych/mental health nurse practitioner program (PMHNP) at UNC–Chapel Hill.  In 2016, she was hired by PORT Health, a community mental health/substance use treatment agency and continues to see patients at PORT.  In 2020, Dr. Huston completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Duke University. She joined New Dawn in 2022, keeping a half-day schedule on Tuesdays and a full day schedule on Wednesdays.  Dr. Huston's specialties are general psychiatry and addiction medicine.

Joseph Brown
Licensed Clinical Mental Counselor Supervisor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate

I am a Board Certified Licensed Clinical Mental Counselor Sepervisor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate. I am versatile and have training and experience working with many different issues. I am non-judgemental in my approach. We will work together to develop a plan that is centered to your individual needs and build goals that are achievable, so we can monitor your progress while working towards increasing your quality of life. I am skilled in multiple theoretical disciplines and like to utilize those skills to focus on making an individualized person-centered plan based on your needs. We will work together to give you options on building the best approach for you. My objective is to help you become informed thereby supporting you to become more accountable as your quality of life increases.I am supportive by nature and have overcome life obstacles believing in the process of empathy and not passing judgment on others. It has taken me years of practice to mold these into its truest sense. Trust is not easy for many people. It starts by having someone that can give you guidance and support without judgment to overcome your own life issues. Below are a list of my areas of practice, theoretical orientations, and populations served. I look forward to working with you.

Brenda Byrd
Practice Manager / TMS Coordinator

Brenda has been with New Dawn Psychiatric Services for 12 years and has 35 years of office management experiences.

She oversees all operations, providing strategic leadership across staff management, financial operations, patient services, administrative systems, facility maintenance, and regulatory compliance. She is also strategic in ensuring that front-desk personnel, and support staff are properly equipped to serve patients efficiently; in addition to coordinating provider schedules, supporting effective workflow, managing patient waitlists, and promoting consistency across locations.

Tiffany Farmer
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor/Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist

Life is Hard! Hello, my name is Tiffany. I am dual licensed as an LCMHC and an LCAS in NC and VA. I have been working in the mental health field for 13 years, working with kids, adults & families. I enjoy helping people work through life's challenges. I personally believe we all need a non-judgmental person in our lives to vent, bounce ideas off of, and just work through the curveballs life often throws at us. I primarily use the CBT model, but also solution-focused therapy in the practice. I believe you are never too far gone, and everyone has the right to enjoy life, experience peace, and joy.  

I believe our best days are ahead of us; it's up to us to get there. I believe the focus of therapy should be on healing from past pain and moving forward toward brighter days. Life is too short! While it's easier said than done, it is achievable for all.

Amy S. Howard
MSN, MSW, PMPHNP-BC

I bring 34 years of mental health experience in psychiatric and addiction medicine. I have experience in hospice bereavement, outpatient mental health nursing, psychotherapy, and 13 years experience as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. My heart is devoted to those living with mental illness and addiction and struggles faced by the ones encountering these disorders. I work with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. I work with individuals that have substance abuse disorders and those who require opiate replacement therapy.

I believe in a holistic approach to patient care. Sometimes, that requires medication management in conjunction with the highly competent therapy provided by New Dawn. I work with patients age 18 and above.

I received both my Masters in Nursing and Social Work from ECU. I then earned my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post Masters Certificate from UNC, Chapel Hill. I am Board Certified.

Monica Fulghum
MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Monica is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in healthcare across various specialties, including mental and behavioral health, home health and hospice, emergency medicine, and several departments within the hospital setting.  Monica earned her master's in nursing at Western Governors University and is committed to improving mental health care and evidence-based treatment. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in nursing practice

Monica brings a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on both therapeutic and pharmacological interventions to treat a wide range of psychiatric conditions. She works with individuals of all ages to provide compassionate care to those struggling with mental health challenges, including addiction, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.  She is passionate about mental health advocacy within the community and believes in the power of education, empathy, and therapeutic relationships to shift public perceptions and reduce the stigma often associated with seeking mental health support. By fostering an atmosphere of respect and understanding, Monica works to create a safe space where patients can openly discuss their struggles and feel empowered to take charge of their mental well-being.  

Kimberly Hughes
MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Kimberly is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered mental health care. With more than 17 years of experience across psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings, addiction treatment, emergency medicine, and other areas of healthcare, she brings a well-rounded clinical perspective to the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions. She is committed to helping individuals improve their mental well-being through personalized, evidence-based treatment tailored to their unique needs and goals.

Her approach to care recognizes the importance of treating each patient as a whole person, taking into account their individual experiences, challenges, and personal goals. She values collaboration, patient education, medication management, therapeutic support, and ongoing assessment to promote emotional wellness and improve quality of life. Kimberly works with adults experiencing a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders.

Kimberly believes that meaningful progress begins with understanding each patient's individual needs and strengths. She strives to create a supportive, respectful environment where patients can explore their concerns, develop effective coping strategies, build resilience, and work toward greater emotional stability and a more fulfilling life.

Tamara F. Williams
Licensed Mental Health Counsellor

Experiencing pain, you are unable to explain is frustrating. Admitting therapy is needed to improve your well-being, is a step towards healing. I have the personality, passion, and support to assist clients in becoming more involved in their self-awareness. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, I enjoy working with people by helping them help themselves by talking to them through their pain. I focus on working with preteens, adolescents, couples, and families.

I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from NC Wesleyan College in 2009. My first master of science degree in general counseling studies was obtained from Capella University in 2012. My second master of science degree was completed in 2021 from Walden University for clinical mental health counseling. I have been a licensed mental health counselor for 5 years and have worked in various settings such as mental health enhancement services as a mental health counselor and in public schools as a school counselor, and an assessment center with first time offenders who were adolescent juveniles. I have also worked with adolescents in a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF), who have trauma and behavioral issues.

My approach is client-centered using cognitive behavioral therapy for clients who are depressed and dealing with anxiety. I would implement the use of dialectical behavior therapy for those who have been impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. I would be honored to work with domestic violence victims and utilize mindfulness techniques. Virtual sessions will be available for clients after hours.