Contributors

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Host

Timothy Zercher, CEO of A-Train Marketing

Timothy A. Zercher is the CEO of A-Train Marketing and the host of Tim Talks: Behavioral Health. With a strategic mind and deep industry insight, Tim partners with behavioral health leaders across the country to drive ethical, sustainable growth.


Through his work with 100+ ABA, IDD, and addiction treatment providers, he brings practical, field-tested wisdom to every conversation — blending marketing strategy with mission-driven leadership.


On Tim Talks, Tim pulls back the curtain on what’s actually working in behavioral health — one candid, 10-minute conversation at a time.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyazercher/

Guests

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Adam Ventura

Adam Ventura is the Chairman & Co-Founder of Bueno Ventures and founder of Intraverbal AI, a company bringing HIPAA-compliant, research-aligned artificial intelligence tools to the ABA field. A lifelong entrepreneur — starting with a rock-decorating business at age seven — Adam has launched multiple ventures, taught thousands of students at Florida International University, and built technology designed to enhance, not replace, the human side of care. Passionate about merging innovation with impact, Adam is shaping the future of augmented intelligence in behavioral health.

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Allyson Wharam

Allyson Wharam, M.Ed., BCBA is the founder of Sidekick Learning, where she helps ABA organizations streamline training and supervision with instructional design rooted in real-world application. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst and former RBT, Allyson has built systems used by over 700 professionals across the U.S. She’s passionate about closing the gap between theory and practice - and empowering clinicians to thrive, not just survive.

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Amanda Timonere

Amanda Timonere, LMHC, NCC, CCMHC, MCAP, QS is a clinical executive, entrepreneur, and founder of Zenful Collective™ and Zenful Counseling. With nearly a decade of leadership experience across multi-site behavioral health organizations, Amanda is known for blending clinical expertise with human-centered leadership. She is passionate about creating inclusive, trauma-informed systems where staff thrive and clients feel truly seen. Through Zenful Collective™, she provides consulting, coaching, and digital tools that empower leaders to grow with purpose, integrity, and resilience.

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Amber Nelms

Amber Nelms is the Founder & CEO of Triangle ABA, a clinician- and parent-led organization serving families across the Raleigh–Durham Triangle in North Carolina. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Amber blends professional expertise with personal insight as a mother of a child with autism—creating a compassionate, community-first model of care.

Under her leadership, Triangle ABA has grown from one person to over 50 professionals, united by a mission to deliver ethical, people-backed ABA services. Amber is also an advocate for integrating neuroscience, leadership development, and personal growth into the practice of behavior analysis.

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Amber Vaughan

Amber Vaughan is a behavioral health sales and marketing leader with over 14 years of experience across addiction, mental health, and healthcare strategy. Currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Cornerstone Healing Center, she’s known for her unapologetic approach to ethical growth, servant leadership, and challenging the status quo in behavioral health. A disruptor, advocate, and mother of three, Amber uses her personal story of resilience to drive real change in the industry.

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Anna Bullard

Anna Williams-Bullard is a nationally recognized autism advocate and VP of Payor Operations at Holding Hands Pediatric Therapy & Adult Services. Known for spearheading “Ava’s Law” in Georgia - named after her daughter - Anna has spent over 15 years driving policy change, payor reform, and expanding access to care for autistic individuals. She recently opened a rural ABA clinic to meet urgent community needs, further cementing her legacy as a tireless force for families, equity, and meaningful services.

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Carly & Jon Weinberg

Jon Weinberg is Co-Founder and Managing Director at Beyond ABA Therapy and Project Infinity School, two integrated programs focused on delivering collaborative, therapeutic care for neurodiverse children. With a background in business strategy and operations, Jon leads with a deep commitment to values-based growth, placing quality and client experience at the core of everything they build.

Carly Weinberg, Co-Founder and Executive Director, brings a strong educational background in therapeutic integration, having previously worked in Manhattan schools that blend academics with speech, OT, and ABA support. She now leads the academic and clinical model for Project Infinity School, ensuring every student receives personalized care and support in an environment designed to help them thrive.

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Cassandra Bailey

Cassandra Bailey, BCBA, Founder & CEO of Grace ABA

Cassandra Bailey is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, business owner, mentor, and advocate with more than 15 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has led clinical teams of over 100 clinicians, overseen compliance and quality assurance, and fostered a culture of collaboration and ethical care.

Her passion for ABA is deeply personal—sparked by her niece’s Rett syndrome diagnosis and the challenges her family faced in accessing services. This experience inspired Cassandra to launch Grace ABA, a practice dedicated to serving families and children often turned away by larger, “cookie-cutter” agencies. Based in Georgia, Grace ABA is committed to transparency, individualized care, and supporting complex cases with compassion and expertise.

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Chelsea Freeman-Yates

Chelsea Freeman-Yates, LISW is the Executive Director of the Lorain County Children and Families First Council in Ohio. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience, Chelsea has worked across medical, educational, and community settings. She specializes in trauma-informed care, program development, and collaborative leadership. Her passion lies in bridging systems, fostering equity, and amplifying community voices to create lasting impact for children and families.

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Chelsea McAdams

Chelsea McAdams, BCBA, COO of Connections Behavior Planning & Intervention

Chelsea McAdams is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the Chief Operations Officer at Connections Behavior Planning & Intervention. With more than a decade of experience, she has led the development of innovative ABA service lines in both schools and home settings, focusing on capacity building, collaboration, and equity in access to services.

Passionate about progressive applications of ABA, Chelsea has worked to expand the field beyond autism by addressing emotional and behavioral disorders, partnering with schools, and collaborating across disciplines. At CBPI, she oversees both clinical and operational strategy, ensuring growth never comes at the cost of quality or compassion.

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Christina Gravina

Christina Gravina, M.Ed, BCBA, LABA is the Founder and CEO of Bridging Independent Living Together (BILT), a nonprofit organization reimagining services for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Christina is a passionate advocate for inclusive policy, autonomy-centered care, and respectful sexuality education. With expertise in family navigation and individualized program design, she leads with compassion and an unshakable belief that dignity should be the standard - not the exception.

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Cortney Harden

Cortney Harden, LCSW, CMNCS is a licensed clinician, behavioral health strategist, and founder of Live Aligned Integrative Therapy. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in integrative psychotherapy, clinical nutrition, and lifestyle medicine, helping clients heal through a whole-person approach.

Cortney has led large-scale behavioral health initiatives, consulted with healthcare systems, and supported countless individuals in their personal healing journeys. Her work bridges evidence-based clinical practice with holistic, collaborative care models that address both mind and body. She is also the author of The Healing Journal, a guided tool for sustainable emotional recovery.

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Daniel Blank

Daniel Blank is the Founder and CEO of ABA Revolution, where he’s leading a movement to challenge outdated practices and put people - both staff and clients first. A pioneer in center-based ABA and a former educator, Daniel brings decades of operational expertise and a values-driven mindset to everything he builds. From offering living wages to staff to integrating robotics and real-world learning spaces, Daniel’s approach is reshaping what ethical, high-quality autism care can look like. At the heart of ABA Revolution is his belief: quality care starts with how you treat your people.

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Danielle Taylor

Dr. Danielle M. Taylor is the Chief Operating Officer at Spectrum360 and a Licensed Psychologist. She also leads Sacred Journeys Therapy, LLC, where she specializes in trauma, neurodiversity, and recovery from antagonistic/narcissistic relationships. With prior leadership roles in clinical services and school psychology, Dr. Taylor blends direct practice with systems-level strategy—championing trauma-informed, whole-person care, staff wellness, and data-driven operations. Trained at SUNY Albany, she lives and works in New Jersey.

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David Meichenbaum

Dr. David Meichenbaum is a nationally recognized expert in autism intervention, behavioral consultation, and school-based support for individuals with developmental disabilities. As Clinical Director of The Summit Center in Buffalo, NY, he works directly with families, educators, and clinicians to promote meaningful, skill-based progress for children with autism. Dr. Meichenbaum is known for his practical, collaborative approach and is a sought-after trainer and speaker for schools across the country.

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Dr. Christine J. Markow

Dr. Christine J. Markow, MS, PhD is a clinical health psychologist and CEO of the Center for Integrative Behavioral Medicine in Newtown, Pennsylvania. With specialized expertise in chronic pain, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, and complex family dynamics, Dr. Markow integrates both Eastern and Western approaches to healing.

She is a certified cognitive behavioral therapist, a recognized Top Doc in Pennsylvania, and an advocate for personalized, integrative care across the lifespan. Beyond her clinical work, she mentors and fundraises for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, supporting individuals and families impacted by spinal cord injuries.

Learn more at www.drchristinemarkow.com

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Dr. Jessica Osos

Dr. Jessica Osos, PhD, BCBA-D is a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Behavior Analyst Supervisor at Intermountain Health in Utah. With a background spanning clinical services, research, and consulting, she specializes in early intervention, toilet training, organizational systems, and staff mentorship. Jess oversees Intermountain’s inaugural Early Intervention ABA clinic, coordinates practicum training for graduate students, and provides independent consulting to organizations and families nationwide. Passionate about family-centered care and ethical growth, she continues to advance best practices in ABA through both leadership and education.

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Frankie C. Wilson Jr.

Frankie C. Wilson Jr. is a behavioral strategist and psychologist-in-training whose work blends CBT, ABA, and organizational psychology with the art of communication. A former award-winning radio host, he helps individuals and teams reshape behavior, reclaim their narrative, and build brands people trust. Based in Dallas, Frankie writes and speaks on “behavior is the brand,” community-driven storytelling, and practical behavior change.

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Henry Xie

Henry Xie is the Founder and CEO of Simple Fractal, a leading automation partner for ABA and human services providers. With a background in engineering and a passion for solving real-world problems, Henry has helped organizations streamline operations using custom bots, RPA, and emerging AI tools. Under his leadership, Simple Fractal has become the trusted automation ally to dozens of providers nationwide, earning accolades like the KLAS Emerging IT Leader award and a 4.9-star rating on G2. Henry’s mission is clear: to elevate human work by letting technology handle the grunt work—so people can focus on what really matters.

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Holli Beth Clauser

Holli Beth Clauser is the founder of the ABA C.A.R.E.S. Summit and a passionate advocate for culture-driven hiring and neurodiverse leadership. With nearly two decades in the field, Holli brings expertise across recruitment, marketing, and operations. An openly autistic leader, she builds systems that prioritize people-first practices, and is known for calling out the hard truths in ABA staffing with empathy and action. Through her work, she’s elevating standards - and outcomes - across the industry.

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Jeannie Aguilar

Dr. Jeannie Aguilar, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, is a seasoned clinical and operational leader with over two decades of experience in healthcare and applied behavior analysis. Currently serving as Regional Clinical Director at Centria Autism, she has guided teams through startups, acquisitions, and large-scale growth with a focus on clinician stability and leadership development. Known for her compassionate, integrity-driven leadership, Jeannie is passionate about building systems that ensure sustainable growth while never losing sight of client impact.

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Jeff Thompson

Jeff Thompson is a serial entrepreneur, autism advocate, and founder of multiple ABA and TMS clinics across the U.S. After selling over 350 franchises globally, Jeff shifted his focus to autism care, driven by a deeply personal journey through mental health challenges and a late-life autism diagnosis. Today, he brings business acumen and heart to an industry in desperate need of innovation - leading with clarity, empathy, and a relentless commitment to impact.

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Jeron Trotman

Jeron Trotman is a leading voice in the evolution of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). He is the Founder of Black Men in Behavior Analysis, ABAVerzus, and the Behavior Technician Association. As Executive Producer and Host of Beyond the Science Podcast and Co-Founder of The ABA Collab, Jeron champions equity, visibility, and innovation across the field. With a vision rooted in community, cultural competence, and professional elevation, Jeron is transforming the way we think about leadership, inclusion, and the future of ABA.

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Jim Szyperski

Jim Szyperski is the CEO of Acuity Behavioral, a company using advanced technology and AI to transform inpatient psychiatry and emergency behavioral health services. With a long background in technology and a personal connection to mental health, Jim brings both empathy and innovation to the field. His work focuses on developing tools like Nora, an AI-powered nurse assistant that helps clinicians save time and make better decisions. Jim’s mission is clear: to use technology not to replace care, but to make it more human.

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Joseph O’Keefe

Joseph O’Keefe, BCBA is the CEO and Founder of Compass ABA Therapy, a mission-driven provider serving New York and New Jersey. With over 20 years of experience in the autism and ABA field, Joe combines clinical expertise with operational acumen to run one of the region’s most trusted practices. Known for his commitment to doing things “the right way,” Joe is passionate about building systems that prioritize outcomes over volume - and about leading with both integrity and heart.

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Joshua Nelson

Joshua Nelson is the CXO and co-creator of ABA Impact, a fast-growing platform helping ABA clinician-entrepreneurs build ethical, scalable, and sustainable therapy practices. With a background in compliance-led growth and a passion for empowering clinician-owned businesses, Josh leads strategy, product development, and community engagement for ABA Impact’s 10,000+ member ecosystem. His mission is to help clinicians escape burnout, build operational clarity, and thrive without compromising their values or quality of care.

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Kelly Baird

Kelly Baird is a BCBA, LBA, and dynamic leader dedicated to advancing community, visibility, and equity in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. As the Founder of BWIBAAD, COO of the Behavior Technician Association, and Co-Founder of The ABA Collab, Kelly has built a career around empowering others and amplifying underrepresented voices. With deep experience in clinical practice, branding strategy, and organizational leadership, she brings a unique ability to merge mission with impact. She’s also a proud mother, tireless advocate, and believer in the power of intentional connection to drive change.

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Ken Huey

Dr. Ken Huey is the founder of The Hope Group and a nationally recognized leader in trauma-informed care. With over 25 years of experience in behavioral health, he has built and scaled high-impact programs like Havenwood Academy, serving youth with complex trauma. He is also the host of The Voice of Hope Podcast, where he shares honest, vulnerable stories from the frontlines of treatment. Ken’s work bridges clinical excellence with heart-centered leadership.

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Kristen Byra

Dr. Kristen Byra, BCBA-D, is the founder of Upskill ABA and a nationally recognized leader in clinical decision support systems for behavior analysts. With over 18 years of experience in ABA, Kristen holds licenses in Arizona, Texas, and Massachusetts and has provided both center-based and home-based services for individuals with autism and related disorders. Beyond her clinical work, she has developed tools for major insurance companies, contributed as an expert witness, and serves on Arizona’s Committee for Behavior Analysts. Kristen is passionate about mentorship, elevating BCBA quality, and ensuring sustainable, effective care across the field.

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Logan Pratt

Logan Pratt is the CEO of Bloomwell Autism Therapy, a fast-growing ABA organization dedicated to expanding high-quality autism services in underserved states like Minnesota and Nebraska. With a background in public policy and operations, Logan combines strategic leadership with advocacy to break down regulatory barriers and bring life-changing therapy to families who need it most. Prior to Bloomwell, he held leadership roles at AIM Clinics and holds a Master’s in Public Policy Analysis from the University of Chicago.

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Makenzie Sandler

Makenzie Sandler is the Chief Strategy Officer at Bright Achievements, a leading provider of home-based, family-focused ABA therapy. With a background in clinical psychology and over 10 years of experience in the ABA field, Makenzie is dedicated to improving the accessibility and quality of behavioral health services. Passionate about supporting families, she strives to create holistic, value-based models of care that ensure every client, regardless of age or background, receives the services they need. Outside of her professional work, Makenzie also leads the Jack Sandler Leadership Foundation, a nonprofit that supports underserved young lacrosse players.

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Matthew Harrington

Matthew Harrington, BCBA, LBA, is a former clinic director turned founder of ABA Digital Marketing Agency, where he helps ABA practices grow through ethical, referral-driven strategies—without relying on paid ads. With over a decade of experience in the field, Matt blends behavioral science with marketing tactics that prioritize outcomes, not gimmicks. He’s also the founder of The Behaviorist Bookclub, a training platform for BCBAs committed to lifelong learning.

Website: abadigitalmarketing.com
LinkedIn: Matthew Harrington

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Mikki Schoone

Mikki Schoone, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, IBA is the founder of Schoone Behavior Consultation and a seasoned human services professional with more than 30 years of experience in developmental disabilities, autism, and child welfare. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Mikki specializes in applying behavioral principles to support survivors of domestic violence through her groundbreaking Domestic Violence Functional Assessment, which identifies coercive control and risk factors often overlooked by courts and providers. She also serves as a clinical supervisor at Attain ABA, teaches at Central Community College, and continues to advocate for trauma-informed, survivor-centered practices.

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Mordy Friedberg

Mordy Friedberg is the Director of Operations at Best Buds ABA, bringing years of healthcare leadership experience to the autism services space. With a background in long-term care operations, Mordy transitioned to ABA to build more hopeful outcomes for kids and families. Based in Nevada, he’s passionate about scaling practices without sacrificing culture, supporting his team, and addressing the staffing challenges impacting ABA providers nationwide.

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Naveen Chugh and Deepak Kumar

Naveen Chugh and Deepak Kumar are the co-founders of a behavioral health-focused technology firm that has spent over 13 years building HIPAA-compliant, scalable, and user-centered solutions. With a background in engineering and a passion for operational clarity, they help treatment centers streamline processes, improve care delivery, and adopt automation without sacrificing compliance or clinician trust. Their firm specializes in working behind the scenes - customizing tools, guiding digital transformation, and ensuring real adoption in a space often resistant to change.

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Patrick Faga

Patrick Faga | Founder, FirstWork
Patrick Faga is the founder of FirstWork, the fastest-growing digital lesson delivery platform for ABA and special education teams. With roots at the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton’s Venture Lab, FirstWork was created to replace outdated, labor-intensive materials with scalable, learner-friendly technology. Patrick's mission is to empower learners and professionals by digitizing skill-building tools, making high-quality lessons accessible anywhere - from the clinic to the classroom to the home.

Learn more at www.firstworkapp.com

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Quatiba Davis

Quatiba Davis, M.Ed., BCBA, LABA, LBA, IBA
Quatiba Davis is the Chief Clinical Officer at ICBD Holdings, where she oversees clinical operations and quality of care across more than 20 clinics nationwide. With over 17 years of experience in applied behavior analysis, Quatiba is recognized for her leadership in advancing clinical excellence, mentoring the next generation of clinicians, and integrating technology to improve outcomes. She holds multiple credentials, including Board Certified Behavior Analyst and International Behavior Analyst, and is passionate about pairing data-driven results with compassion, cultural responsiveness, and operational strength.

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Rodrigo Nardi

Rodrigo Nardi is the founder of True Psychiatry Network, a mental health organization committed to revolutionizing psychiatric care. With a background in psychology and medicine, Rodrigo challenges traditional psychiatric approaches by viewing emotions as signals rather than symptoms. He advocates for a philosophy of movement and transformation in mental health, focusing on helping individuals embrace their emotional lives and live with purpose. Rodrigo is passionate about changing the conversation around mental health and psychiatric treatment.

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Sean Yocum

Sean Yocum, MA, BCBA, LBA is a seasoned behavior analyst and passionate trainer known for his commitment to caregiver empowerment and clinical integrity. A sibling to an autistic brother, Sean brings personal insight and over 15 years of professional experience into his work. When he’s not shaping clinical outcomes, he’s shaping swings as a youth baseball coach—applying behavior analytic principles both on and off the field. He also co-hosts the Rad N’ Bad Podcast, challenging the ABA field to embrace authenticity, accountability, and radical change.

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Shannon Carr

Shannon Carr is the Owner & Managing Director of Living Soul of New York Applied Behavior Analysis, PLLC. With over 15 years of experience in the behavior field, Shannon is a licensed behavior analyst and nationally certified school psychologist. She has worked across various settings, including schools, homes, and communities, with a particular focus on autism. As a passionate advocate for the field, Shannon is committed to delivering high-quality ABA services, collaborating with local agencies, and mentoring others in the field. She is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals through evidence-based support.

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Summer Gainey

Dr. Summer Gainey, BCBA-D is a nationally recognized leader in outcomes-driven autism care and policy advocacy. As Director of Outcomes at Above and Beyond Therapy and an appointed autism advisor to the Governor of Texas, she bridges the gap between clinical integrity and system-level change. With over 20 years of experience in autism services—and a deeply personal connection to the work—Dr. Gainey is passionate about delivering meaningful progress for families. She is known for pairing rigorous data standards with personalized, human-centered care, and has helped shape best practices across multiple states and organizations.

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Tom Telford

Tom Telford is the CEO and co-founder of LÉVO, a primary mental healthcare company delivering the “bio” in the biopsychosocial model through assessment, diagnosis, medication management, and non-med strategies. After 25+ years building companies in institutional finance (exited in 2018), Tom and his LMFT spouse entered behavioral health to close the gap between therapy and bio assessment. He’s passionate about systems thinking, steward leadership, and elevating women leaders, and co-hosts the podcasts Lift & Make Lighter and BrainStoke.

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Trevor Colhoun

Trevor Colhoun is the CEO and co-founder of Trusted Provider Network (TPN.health), a digital platform designed to connect licensed clinicians, payers, associations, and treatment providers in behavioral health. Since launching in 2019, Trevor has grown TPN into one of the largest and fastest-growing behavioral health networks in the country, now connecting over 75,000 providers.

With a background in finance, private equity, and technology, Trevor brings deep expertise in building digital marketplaces and scaling mission-driven companies. His leadership is rooted in a personal passion for improving behavioral health access, outcomes, and organizational effectiveness. Based in New Orleans, Trevor is also active in philanthropic work, serving on boards that support youth development and disaster recovery.

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Victoria Browne

Victoria Browne is a Senior Sourcer and Behavioral Health Physician Recruiter at Family Care Center, where she specializes in finding and placing psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and physician assistants across multiple states. With 15 years of recruiting experience spanning healthcare, big tech, and corporate roles, she’s known for her creative sourcing strategies, leadership-by-example approach, and ability to see potential beyond the resume.

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