Our Team

Joseph “Audie” Black, PhD, ABN

Owner & Board-Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist

Dr. Black is an Idaho native and one of the state’s few board-certified Clinical Neuropsychologists. Dr. Black graduated from the College of Idaho (formerly ‘Albertson’s College of Idaho’) before earning his masters and doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology at Michigan State University. Dr. Black completed advanced clinical training in neuropsychology through a pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Following his fellowship, Dr. Black joined the hospital’s faculty and taught medical and psychology trainees at different levels, ranging from graduate school practicum students to medical residents and fellows. Dr. Black later served as the Associate Director of Training for the psychology internship program at the hospital and played an active role in the Neuropsychology Post-doctoral Fellowship.

Ryan Ernst, PsyD, MSCP, ABN

Independent Board-Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist & Prescribing Psychologist

Idaho Neuropsychology, PLLC is proud to partner with Dr. Ryan Ernst through his firm Neuro Health, PC out of Nebraska. Dr. Ernst is a board-certified neuropsychologist and prescribing psychologist. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln followed by a master’s and doctorate degrees in psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He also earned a master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology from Alliant International University in San Diego, CA. He is one of the first pioneering providers in the country to become both a neuropsychologist and prescribing psychologist.

Melissa Kremer, PsyD

Trauma (PTSD) Psychologist

Dr. Melissa Kremer earned her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from the Adler University, formerly the Adler School of Professional Psychology, in 2012, with a concentration in trauma psychology. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Boise Veterans Affairs Medical Center. With her research, she helped develop the first civilian military psychology academic training program at Adler University. Dr. Kremer’s research, clinical interests and areas of expertise include trauma psychology, military psychology, end of life concerns and evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD. 

In addition to the trauma work she does with Idaho Neuropsychology, PLLC, she is currently the Telemental Health Program Manager at the Boise VAMC, and has been there since 2011. She enjoys teaching and supervising trainees ranging across disciplines, and is an adjunct faculty member at Northwest Nazarene University. She volunteers with several organizations in the Treasure Valley.

Brandon Stewart, Ph.D.

Cognitive Rehab Psychologist

Dr. Brandon Stewart grew up in the state of Montana, where he eventually earned his masters and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology from the University of Montana. He then completed advanced training in clinical neuropsychology, with emphasis in cognitive rehabilitation, through his predoctoral internship at the Boise VA Medical Center and postdoctoral fellowship at the Portland VA Medical Center. During his time in Portland, he developed a novel, evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation treatment. Dr. Stewart returned to Boise in 2022 to continue his neuropsychological assessment and treatment practices in Idaho. He provides cognitive and neurorehabilitation services for Idaho Neuropsychology, with a focus on conducting diagnostic assessments and treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and helping workers who suffer injuries that affect cognition to reach their return-to-work goals and optimal neurocognitive function.

 

In addition to the rehabilitation work he does with Idaho Neuropsychology, PLLC, he is an inpatient rehabilitation neuropsychologist at St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Hospital. He offers assessment, consultation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and rehabilitation services for patients recovering from brain injuries due to trauma, stroke, and other neurological conditions. He specializes in providing cognitive rehabilitation to those impacted by brain injury and/or neurological conditions.

Amy Taylor, MS

Psychometrist

Amy has a background in speech-language pathology, earning her bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University and master’s degree from Idaho State University. She worked for 20 years as an acute-care speech therapist at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center before retiring from that role in 2022. In addition to her work at INP, Amy is the Lead Psychometrist and Referrals Coordinator at St. Luke’s Health Systems, where she has worked since 2010. She finds her work both challenging and fulfilling. 

When not working, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband and navigating the new world of empty-nesting, visiting her grown sons, traveling, reading, hiking, doing yoga, and loving on her 17-year-old dog and two cats.

Laura Cavanaugh

Clinic Manager

Laura collaborates closely with the team to provide exceptional services to our clients and community partners. Laura is committed to establishing meaningful connections with individuals and fostering an environment where personal growth and transformation can occur collectively. 

Leveraging her expertise in writing, customer service, leadership, and office management, Laura spearheads initiatives aimed at driving positive change and facilitating the continuous advancement of Idaho Neuropsychology’s client experience, practices, and solutions. She plays a pivotal role in supporting our team by implementing and refining processes to guarantee that our clients receive the utmost quality of care.

Krys Warstillo

Marketing Director

Krys is a former teacher with a passion for communication and education, she helps bridge the gap between impactful healthcare services and the people who need them most.

At Idaho Neuropsychology, she leads the marketing efforts, ensuring that our compassionate and expert care reaches our community. 

In her free time, you can find her painting murals and drinking coffee somewhere in 2C.

Rachael Welker

Clinic Coordinator

Rachael has lived in Idaho since 2015. She graduated with her Bachelor Degree in Healthcare Administration in 2019 and has been working in the medical field ever since. Rachael is both personable and professional. 

As the Clinic Coordinator for Idaho Neuropsychology, PLLC, Rachael responds to patient inquiries and serves as the bridge between patient and provider. Rachael excels when supporting infrastructure, responding to needs and blending abilities into productive efforts.

Malia Paz

Community Outreach & Marketing Assosciate

Malia is our Community Outreach and Marketing Associate. She made Idaho her home in 2019 with her husband and three boys. With a heart for supporting others, Malia is passionate about building connections and helping people find the resources they need to thrive by sharing our clinic’s expertise and services with the community. When not working, you can find her exploring all that Idaho has to offer or in the kitchen baking. Malia is so grateful to be part of a team that genuinely cares about making a difference in the lives of those affected by neurological conditions.

Joseph “Audie” Black, Ph.D., ABN’

Owner & Board-Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist

Dr. Black is an Idaho native and one of state’s few board-certified Clinical Neuropsychologists. Dr. Black graduated from the College of Idaho (formerly ‘Albertson’s College of Idaho’) before earning his masters and doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology at Michigan State University. Dr. Black completed advanced clinical training in neuropsychology through a pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital, a Level 1 trauma center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Following his fellowship, Dr. Black joined the hospital’s faculty and taught medical and psychology trainees at different levels, ranging from graduate school practicum students to medical residents and fellows. Dr. Black later served as the Associate Director of Training for the psychology internship program at the hospital and played an active role in the Neuropsychology Post-doctoral Fellowship.

In 2018, Dr. Black had the good fortune to return to his home state to be closer to family and joined the St. Luke’s Health System. Within St. Luke’s, Dr. Black served as the lead Neuropsychologist for several programs and clinical populations at St. Luke’s. He conducted outpatient and inpatient evaluations for patients with diverse neurological conditions, such as Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, neurodegenerative diseases, and post-COVID cognitive sequelae.

Apart from his clinical work, Dr. Black is dedicated to professional service. He has served on the Executive Board of Directors for the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology (ABN), the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Psychological Foundation, and as a committee member of the Early Career Professionals Committee for the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. Currently, Dr. Black serves as the co-chair for the Continuing Education Committee for the Idaho Psychological Association.

Ryan Ernst, PsyD, MSCP, ABN

Independent Board-Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist & Prescribing Psychologist

Idaho Neuropsychology, PLLC is proud to partner with Dr. Ryan Ernst through his firm Neuro Health, PC out of Nebraska. Dr. Ernst is a board-certified neuropsychologist and prescribing psychologist. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln followed by a master’s and doctorate degrees in psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He also earned a master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology from Alliant International University in San Diego, CA. He is one of the first pioneering providers in the country to become both a neuropsychologist and prescribing psychologist.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Ernst has held multiple clinical roles in private practice and hospitals. He is regularly hired as an expert for legal cases and is currently a professor of psychopharmacology and Director of Training at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Ernst is involved nationally by serving on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology. He has presented on topics of neuropsychology, neurotechnology and brain injury at numerous professional conferences across the country and internationally.