About
Praxis

Our team

• 

  Taylor Barragan

  Founder & Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

  

  Meet Taylor

  

  Taylor Barragan

  MSN, PMHNP-BC, LMFT

  Founder & Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

  As the founder and lead provider at Praxis, I bring a unique blend of expertise in psychotherapy and psychiatry, allowing me to offer comprehensive, thoughtful mental health care. My background as both a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist gives me a deep understanding of how past experiences shape present-day symptoms, which informs my approach to prescribing in a holistic yet intentional way.

  I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from San Jose State University, a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University with a focus in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. This diverse training has allowed me to develop a nuanced and integrative approach to care, combining depth psychotherapy, evidence-based medication management, and neuroscience-driven interventions.

  I specialize in ADHD, anxiety, depression, and perinatal mental health, integrating depth psychotherapy and evidence-based treatments beyond medication to support long-term healing. My philosophy of care is collaborative and patient-centered—while I provide clinical expertise and guidance, I always prioritize my patients’ preferences and goals. Sessions with me are active, engaging, and deeply tailored to each individual.

  At Praxis, I’ve created a space where patients receive more than just appointments—they have an ongoing support system. Our team includes nurses who provide additional guidance between visits, ensuring that patients feel heard and supported throughout their care. With my passion for research and neuroscience, I’m constantly exploring new approaches, from complementary treatments for ADHD to innovative ways to integrate psychotherapy into medication management.

  Patients often share that they appreciate my ability to explain things clearly, make complex topics accessible, and truly see them as whole people—not just a diagnosis. I love my work, and it shows in my dedication to providing personalized care, research-backed recommendations, and a warm, empowering experience.

  At Praxis, my goal is to help you feel supported, informed, and confident in your mental health journey. When I’m not working with patients, you’ll often find me immersed in a book—historical fiction is a favorite—or experimenting with creative projects like junk journaling and scrapbooking. I love the process of piecing things together, whether it’s crafting a beautiful spread or helping patients make sense of their own stories. I also have an endless curiosity for trying new crafts, discovering hidden-gem restaurants, and finding inspiration in the details of everyday life—which, in many ways, mirrors how I approach my work with patients.

  
• 

  Alejandro Barragan

  Co-Founder, Director of Operations & Patient Experience

  

  Meet Alejandro

  

  Alejandro Barragan

  Registered Nurse

  Co-Founder, Director of Operations & Patient Experience

  With a background in nursing, patient advocacy, and healthcare operations, I serve as both the Director of Operations and a patient support nurse at Praxis. My role is to ensure that our practice runs smoothly, clinicians have the resources they need to provide exceptional care, and most importantly, that patients feel supported every step of the way.

  I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Lifestyle Health Coaching from San Jose State University and a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Ashland University. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Nurse Executive Leadership, with an expected graduation in August 2025.

  Before founding Praxis, I worked at some of the nation’s top medical institutions, including the Cleveland Clinic and Stanford, gaining extensive experience in ICU, pediatric cardiac ICU, and outpatient settings. Having been part of high-performing medical teams in high-pressure environments, I know what it takes to build efficient, patient-centered care systems. I also come from a family of entrepreneurs, so I understand the importance of fostering a positive team culture—something I bring to both our clinical team and our patient interactions.

  At Praxis, I take pride in connecting with patients and ensuring they have the guidance they need between appointments. My approach is compassionate, educational, and accessible, ensuring that every patient feels heard, informed, and confident in their care. Whether answering questions about medications, helping patients navigate treatment logistics, or working behind the scenes to optimize workflows, my goal is to make sure every patient’s experience at Praxis is as seamless and supportive as possible.

  I believe that when patients feel informed and valued, they’re more empowered in their mental health journey. At Praxis, I’m here to help make that happen.

  Outside of the office, I’m usually tinkering with my 1997 Toyota 4Runner—a 20+ year family hand-me-down that’s been through generations—getting it ready for the next adventure out on the off-road trails. There’s something satisfying about fine-tuning and problem-solving, knowing that each adjustment brings it one step closer to the ultimate goal—taking it out to camp under the stars and pushing it to its limits. I also love mountain biking, cooking for family, and finding any excuse to be outdoors. Whether it’s navigating a tough trail or perfecting a recipe I thrive on hands-on challenges that require adaptability and resourcefulness. That same mindset carries over into my role at Praxis, where I ensure that both the clinic and its patients receive the same level of care, attention, and problem-solving that I bring to every adventure.

  
• 

  Megan Pagel

  Therapist & Registered Nurse - Board Certified Case Manager

  

  Megan Pagel

  MSW, LCSW, BSN, RN

  Therapist & Registered Nurse - Board Certified Case Manager

  Megan’s passion for mental health and patient care began early, leading her to pursue both social work and nursing, allowing her to provide a holistic, integrated approach to mental wellness. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before gaining extensive experience in assessment, crisis intervention, and therapy in hospital and community mental health settings in Chicago.

  Her dedication to supporting patients led her to further her expertise by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lewis University, expanding her ability to understand the intersection of mental and physical health.

  With a background in hospital-based crisis intervention, employee assistance programs, and managing fellow clinicians, Megan has a deep understanding of how stress, trauma, and workplace challenges impact mental health. She has worked in settings ranging from community mental health to corporate wellness, providing therapy, crisis support, and clinical leadership. Megan has also volunteered on sexual assault crisis hotlines and supported individuals navigating workplace violence and acute crises.

  At Praxis, Megan creates a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for patients seeking change—even if they’re unsure where to begin. She utilizes a strengths-based approach and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients shift unhelpful thought patterns, process difficult experiences, and develop tools for long-term well-being. Patients appreciate her ability to offer new perspectives, provide grounded support, and guide them toward meaningful transformation.

  Outside of work, Megan enjoys traveling—her ever-growing list of destinations is always impressive and in progress—whether solo or with friends and family. She’s an avid CrossFitter, a self-proclaimed cinnamon roll connoisseur, and a big fan of dogs, often volunteering at animal shelters. You can also find her getting lost in a good book, or wandering through a craft or bookstore in search of her next great read. And when she’s not on the move, she’s usually baking cookies to share with friends and family or planning her next adventure.

  
• 

  Lady Barragan

  Paw-sitive Vibes Coordinator 🐾 // Chief Barketing Officer (CBO)

  

  Lady Barragan

  Paw-sitive Vibes Coordinator 🐾 // Chief Barketing Officer (CBO)

  Meet Lady, Praxis’s official Paw-sitive Vibes Coordinator and Chief Barketing Officer! As a 4-year-old Doberman, Lady takes her role very seriously—whether it’s supervising Taylor’s work from her bean bag throne, ensuring proper office snack acquisition, or occasionally offering her opinion with a well-timed yawn or bark.

  Lady is a dedicated practitioner of deep relaxation techniques (aka napping) and specializes in providing quiet emotional support while Taylor works. She’s known for her Velcro dog presence, impeccable listening skills, and an unwavering commitment to office morale.

  Patients may see or hear Lady during sessions, as she’s often curled up nearby, offering silent (but very effective) therapeutic support. While she doesn’t take appointments, she does accept compliments and the occasional ear scratch as part of her compensation package.

  At Praxis, we believe in a holistic approach to mental health—and Lady is here to remind us all to pause, take a breath, and enjoy the moment. 🐾✨