Exclusive Information Session: Florida’s New Pediatric Clinically Integrated Network
Join Alera Health for an exclusive information session on the development of a new pediatric clinically integrated network in Florida. This session will outline Alera Health’s approach to supporting coordinated, high-quality pediatric care and the role clinically integrated networks play in advancing access, outcomes, and long-term sustainability.
Florida’s pediatric health care landscape is entering a period of transition. Beginning November 3, 2025, Molina Healthcare, Inc. will assume management of the state’s Children’s Medical Services (CMS) Program, impacting approximately 120,000 children and youth with special health care needs.
The discussion is designed for organizations seeking clarity, alignment, and early insight into emerging opportunities within Florida’s evolving pediatric care landscape.
*This event is open to health plan and provider executives only.
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Deb Aldridge
Deb Aldridge, a seasoned healthcare professional with over 28 years of experience, specializes in Practice Transformation, Clinical Informatics, and Quality Improvement. Currently serving as Chief Networking Officer at Alera Health, she leads a multidisciplinary team in identifying improvement opportunities across healthcare settings and driving meaningful improvement. Deb’s role involves mentoring staff and providing direct practice coaching to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Her extensive expertise stems from previous work at Community Care of North Carolina and the Beacon Community Program nationally, where she spearheaded cross-functional quality improvement projects and implemented cutting-edge health IT solutions. Throughout her career, Deb has demonstrated a commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation and collaboration. Her leadership and expertise make her a trusted resource in the field, driving transformative change and optimizing patient care outcomes through the integration of technology and process improvement initiatives.
Rick D. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
Rick Gutierrez, Ph.D. brings over 20 years of clinical and operational experience to the OPEN MINDS team. His unique blend of experience has allowed him to drive impactful outcomes in the developmental disability and behavioral health fields.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Dr. Gutierrez served as Vice President, Clinical Strategy & Operations at Easterseals Southern California. In this role he oversaw the outpatient Applied Behavior Analysis provider network and Enhanced Care Management in partnership with Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Gutierrez also oversaw START Crisis services, behavioral services for all residential services, negotiation and management of contracts with network providers and payers, and intake and customer service functions including revenue cycle management, benefits and eligibility, and authorization teams. In addition, he developed and monitored the implementation of a strategic plan in collaboration with the Chief Clinical Officer.
Prior to this, Dr. Gutierrez served as Regional Vice President and Director of Subcontracting also at Easterseals Southern California.
Previously, Dr. Gutierrez served as Clinical Administrator at Applied Behavioral Consultants, Inc. where he oversaw all clinical aspects of community-based behavioral health treatment for consumers in Southern California. He also monitored compliance across multiple areas of the organization, negotiated contracts with most major health plans, and led new program development. Before this role, Dr. Gutierrez served as Regional Director and Program Manager at Applied Behavioral Consultants, Inc.
Dr. Gutierrez is a certified Emotional Intelligence (EQ) trainer, licensed psychologist in California, and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). He has overseen a variety of service settings, including adult day programs, residential programs, and intensive therapy programs like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and has worked with individuals across the lifespan who have developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. He has experience managing projects aimed at enhancing service delivery, ensuring that strategic initiatives align with budgeted funding and contribute to sustainable growth. He has worked across diverse funding models, including those from the Department of Developmental Services, insurance companies, and school districts, while ensuring programs meet accreditation standards. Additionally, he has shared his expertise globally, giving numerous talks on program development, leadership, and employee retention. These combined clinical and operational skills make him a versatile leader capable of improving both care delivery and organizational performance.
He has also served as Program Director, Behavior Consultant, and Case Manager at various organizations. Dr. Gutierrez is an active member of multiple professional organizations.
Dr. Gutierrez earned his Doctorate of Philosophy from Capella University, his Masters of Science from California State University, and his Bachelors of Art from University of California.
Lunch On Your Own
Enjoy Rusty’s Bistro or Mainstay Tavern conveniently located inside the Sheraton Sand Key Resort.
Building A Data-Driven Organization: The 2026 OPEN MINDS Seminar On Making Metrics-Based Management Work
Sponsored By: 
The dynamics of accelerated change in the market have created new performance challenges for health and human services organizations. This seminar will focus on the latest performance landscape and critical domains for measuring and managing business and clinical effectiveness. Health and human services organizations have unique and evolving competition in the market—from new digital-first applications demonstrating speedy access, engagement, and satisfaction with consumers to industry disrupters such as retail health clinics providing convenient access to care right where individuals shop. Showing value through data is a must have in this competitive environment, and the ability to demonstrate value through data means that organizations must also use data to drive performance improvement—clinically and administratively. In addition, leaders within organizations are challenged to make rapid course corrections, and having immediate access to the correct data has become critical to organizational success. Key objectives for this seminar will include the following:
- Look at the critical strategic performance domains and metrics for managing business and clinical health effectiveness
- Scorecard and framework for becoming a data-driven organization and for evaluating business health operations
- Decision-making model for prioritization and selection of measures
Michael Allen
Michael Allen brings over 30 years of experience in the non-profit behavioral healthcare industry to the OPEN MINDS team. He currently serves as an Executive Vice President in our consulting practice, where he provides executive oversight and leadership to provider and payer client engagements for OPEN MINDS.
Mr. Allen was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of SummitStone Health Partners, the largest non-profit behavioral health service provider in Larimer County, CO. In this role Mr. Allen was responsible for the planning deployment, communication and accomplishment of SummitStone Health Partners’ overarching corporate strategy. He managed a budget of $80Million and was responsible for more than 750 full time employees and over 12,000 clients annually.
Prior to SummitStone Health Partners, Mr. Allen served as the Vice President of Managed Care & Operations at AspenPointe (now Diversus Health). At AspenPointe he developed and managed a system of accountability for monitoring and evaluating provider performance in seven Colorado counties. He was also responsible for the quality management oversight of all business lines, as well as managing a substance abuse treatment contract with the Colorado Division of Behavioral Health and a child welfare services agreement with El Paso County Department of Human Services.
Previously, Mr. Allen was the Director of Clinical Care for Connect Care, (rebranded as AspenPointe in 2010). In this position Mr. Allen provided supervision to the clinical staff, as well as developing clinical guidelines and services. He was also the project director for the 4th Judicial District Family Reunification Grant and he oversaw care coordination and voucher management functions for Colorado Access to Recovery Grant.
Before Connect Care, Mr. Allen was the Director of Child Welfare Services for Signal Behavioral Health Network, a non-profit that has been managing and expanding substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services in northeast Colorado for over 25 years. Mr. Allen managed a network of Substance Use Disorder treatment providers, programs and services across 35 Colorado counties.
Mr. Allen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Design/Psychology from Brigham Young University, a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University, and a Masters in Business Administration from Colorado State University. He is a Licensed Social Worker and a Certified Addictions Specialist in Colorado.
Measuring & Managing Financial Strength: The 2026 OPEN MINDS Seminar On A Framework For Improving Financial Resilience
Sponsored By: 
As behavioral health organizations navigate rising demand, shifting reimbursement models, and ongoing workforce pressures, financial resilience has never been more critical. This three-hour executive seminar provides leaders with a proven framework to measure, monitor, and manage the financial health of their organizations—ensuring stability today and strategic growth tomorrow.
Participants will explore how to identify the right financial indicators, strengthen balance sheets, and leverage data-driven insights to guide strategic decision-making. By the end of the seminar, attendees will be equipped with actionable tools and strategies to enhance financial resilience and lead their organizations with confidence in a rapidly evolving behavioral health landscape. Through expert facilitation, interactive exercises, and case examples, executives will learn practical approaches to:
- Assess organizational financial strength using a standardized framework
- Build strategies for managing risk in uncertain market conditions
- Apply best practices for improving liquidity, revenue diversification, and cost efficiency
Ray Wolfe, J.D.
Raymond “Ray” Wolfe, J.D. brings over 40 years of experience in the health and human services sector to the OPEN MINDS team. Mr. Wolfe currently serves as a Senior Associate, a position in which he utilizes his expertise to successfully lead varying projects for OPEN MINDS. His areas of expertise include financial analysis and management, mergers and acquisitions, performance improvement, and strategic planning.
Before joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Wolfe served in a 22 year tenure with Pittsburgh Mercy Health System in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Most recently, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) where he was responsible for oversight of all system operations, strategic planning, and performance management. Under his direction Pittsburgh Mercy achieved over $850K in value-based reimbursement contract quality bonus awards, integrated three organizations through merger/acquisition, and adopted a new performance management program for managers.
Before acting as Pittsburgh Mercy’s COO, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and was responsible for the development of internal costing methodologies, contract rate negotiations, and financial forecasting activities. In addition, he coordinated an integrated care program with local partner hospitals to develop a series of diversion and respite programs, as well as, specialized primary care, integrated care management and high utilizer teams, while maintaining 15 straight years profitability.
Mr. Wolfe was promoted to CFO after serving as the Director of Fiscal and Information Security/Compliance for the health system. In this role, he was responsible for managing the transition of service contracts from fee-for-service (FFS), leading all compliance activities, and implementing a next generation electronic health record (EHR) system.
Prior to his time at Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, Mr. Wolfe served as Chief Fiscal Officer with the Summit Center for Human Development in Clarksburg, West Virginia, where he was responsible for reporting and budgeting functions and preparing Summit Center’s programs for FFS billing.
Previously, Mr. Wolfe served in billing and collections for two Pennsylvania-based hospitals. First, as an Accounts Receivables Manager for Brownsville General Hospital in Brownsville, PA, where he managed the accounting and billing system transition systems. Later as a Patient Account Manager for St. Francis Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA, where he improved collections to hit 95% rate through the implementation of new billing software and department reorganization.
Prior to working in the health and human services market, Mr. Wolfe spent five years practicing as a Lawyer with at Law Offices of Arch A. Moore in Moundsville, WV. In this role he provided general legal practice, created and established bylaws for multiple corporation, and handled West Virginia licensing of first vision insurance plan.
Mr. Wolfe earned his Juris Doctor from the West Virginia University School of Law in Morgantown, WV and his Bachelor’s degree with a focus in Political Science and Sociology from West Liberty University, in Wheeling, WV, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Grand Opening Of The Exhibit Hall
Join us for an unveiling of all of our great exhibitors while enjoying a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres!
Name That Tune-O!
Sponsored By: 
Join us for music bingo! Each player will receive bingo cards filled with song titles or artists, then listen to short clips of songs that are played. When you recognize a song, mark it off – just like traditional bingo. You won’t want to miss this chance to unwind with colleagues and friends and possibly win some prizes too!
Morning Beach Walk
Begin your day by joining us for a refreshing half-hour walk along the Clearwater Beach ocean! Bottled water to take on your walk will be provided by OPEN MINDS. Meet at the beach entrance by the towel stand at the swimming pool.
Murray Beachtel
Murray Beachtel brings over ten years of program evaluation and data analysis experience to the OPEN MINDS team. His areas of expertise include quality assurance management, data analytics, human service program evaluation, and psychological studies.
Before joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Beachtel served as a Data Analyst of Quality for the Summit Container Corporation, a start-up design and manufacturing company that specializes in protective packaging for circuit boards. As the key operator for the organization’s production system, Mr. Beachtel oversaw the operations of special projects that utilized lean strategies and financial analyses that helped increase overall production. In addition, he created and maintained the data flow between all departments of additional location sites and lead company compliance efforts with respect to data security and transfer. Throughout his tenure with Summit, Mr. Beachtel improved process completion time over 10% in 3 months, reduced downtime of temporary labor, and developed several quality improvement programs.
Previously, Mr. Beachtel served as the Program Evaluation Consultant with the Dauphin County Department of Human Services, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In this role, he was responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of over 80 different county programs, developing information databases, and implementing data quality improvement strategies. He also modified and implemented a funding algorithm that is now responsible for the distribution of over $22 million in funding to county nonprofits.
In addition to his professional experience, Mr. Beachtel has been involved in a number of research projects throughout his academic and professional careers. His most notable research project, titled Resilience and Locus of Control on Mentorship, evaluated the impact of mentorship intervention on two children/youth programs. As a result, he developed a data collection and reporting systems to track interventions and the effects on quality over time.
Mr. Beachtel earned his master’s degree in Psychological Science from the University of Shippensburg, in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Messiah College, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Executive Breakfast & Registration
If you haven’t registered yet, check in with us at the registration desk and then enjoy breakfast in the exhibit hall!
Uniting For Impact: How Centerstone & Brightli’s Strategic Growth & Vision Are Shaping The Future Of Behavioral Health
Two of the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral health organizations—Centerstone and Brightli—have come together in a groundbreaking merger designed to expand access, strengthen sustainability, and drive innovation in care. In this keynote session, leaders from both organizations will share their vision, lessons learned, and the strategic priorities guiding this transformational alignment. Join this forward-looking conversation to learn how strategic growth through partnership can accelerate impact and reimagine what’s possible for behavioral health organizations nationwide.
Attendees will gain an inside look at how the merger is positioning the combined organization to:
- Enhance service delivery across communities and populations with complex needs
- Leverage scale and shared resources to invest in workforce development and technology
- Navigate market uncertainty while advancing mission-driven care
- Shape the broader behavioral health landscape through collaboration and innovation
David C. Guth, Jr.
David Guth is Centerstone’s Chief Executive Officer, a nonprofit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Guth has more than 40 years of health care leadership and has served as Centerstone’s Chief Executive Officer since 1991. Under his leadership, the organization has grown from $6M in revenues and 300 staff serving 2,000 individuals to revenues of $1.1 billion and over 10,000 staff serving more than 250,000 people each year.
Guth has served on the Board of Directors for many notable organizations, including Triad Learning, the Executive Committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and the Board of Visitors for the University of Tennessee’s College of Social Work. He is highly regarded in the industry and has received many recognitions, including the National Council Visionary Leadership award, Nashville Business Journal’s Health Care Power Leaders Award, and the Douglas Henry Award for Service to Children and Families at Risk from the University of Tennessee’s College of Social Work. Guth also works as an industry consultant, primarily in the area of affiliations, mergers, and acquisitions. The National Council for Behavioral Health published Guth’s book on mergers, “Strategic Unions: A Marriage Guide to Healthy Not-for-Profit Mergers.”
Guth graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and from the University of Tennessee with his master’s degree in social work administration and planning.
CJ Davis
C.J. Davis is a recognized leader in building strategic affiliations to expand access to behavioral health services and strengthen community impact. As CEO of Brightli, Inc., the parent company of Burrell Behavioral Health, Preferred Family Healthcare, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Comprehensive Mental Health Services, and other affiliates, he oversees a growing network of organizations employing more than 5,000 people across over 200 locations in five states. Over the past decade, C.J. has led or been instrumental in more than 10 major mergers and affiliations, helping create one of the nation’s largest nonprofit behavioral health systems. His approach centers on aligning missions, cultures, and visions to create partnerships that enhance service delivery, extend the reach of critical programs, advance the science of practice, and meet the diverse needs of local communities.
Since the formation of Brightli in early 2022, born from the groundbreaking partnership between Burrell and Preferred Family Healthcare, C.J. has accelerated the pace of affiliation activity, always with the goal of building a stronger, more unified system of care. Under his leadership, Brightli organizations now generate nearly $600 million in annual revenues, with each merger and affiliation reinforcing a shared commitment to accessible, high-quality behavioral health care. With more than 30 years of experience as both an executive leader and clinical psychologist, C.J. has led efforts to expand services across the full continuum of care, from outpatient therapy to inpatient treatment, primary care integration, and community-based programming. His executive leadership journey has spanned Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Indiana, always with a focus on growing missions through collaboration and innovation.
Through every affiliation and partnership, C.J. Davis remains committed to one unifying vision: building stronger systems to create healthier communities.
Thought Leader Discussion
Join our keynote panel for an interactive discussion where you can take time to ask your own questions and continue the conversation.
David C. Guth, Jr.
David Guth is Centerstone’s Chief Executive Officer, a nonprofit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Guth has more than 40 years of health care leadership and has served as Centerstone’s Chief Executive Officer since 1991. Under his leadership, the organization has grown from $6M in revenues and 300 staff serving 2,000 individuals to revenues of $1.1 billion and over 10,000 staff serving more than 250,000 people each year.
Guth has served on the Board of Directors for many notable organizations, including Triad Learning, the Executive Committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and the Board of Visitors for the University of Tennessee’s College of Social Work. He is highly regarded in the industry and has received many recognitions, including the National Council Visionary Leadership award, Nashville Business Journal’s Health Care Power Leaders Award, and the Douglas Henry Award for Service to Children and Families at Risk from the University of Tennessee’s College of Social Work. Guth also works as an industry consultant, primarily in the area of affiliations, mergers, and acquisitions. The National Council for Behavioral Health published Guth’s book on mergers, “Strategic Unions: A Marriage Guide to Healthy Not-for-Profit Mergers.”
Guth graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and from the University of Tennessee with his master’s degree in social work administration and planning.
CJ Davis
C.J. Davis is a recognized leader in building strategic affiliations to expand access to behavioral health services and strengthen community impact. As CEO of Brightli, Inc., the parent company of Burrell Behavioral Health, Preferred Family Healthcare, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Comprehensive Mental Health Services, and other affiliates, he oversees a growing network of organizations employing more than 5,000 people across over 200 locations in five states. Over the past decade, C.J. has led or been instrumental in more than 10 major mergers and affiliations, helping create one of the nation’s largest nonprofit behavioral health systems. His approach centers on aligning missions, cultures, and visions to create partnerships that enhance service delivery, extend the reach of critical programs, advance the science of practice, and meet the diverse needs of local communities.
Since the formation of Brightli in early 2022, born from the groundbreaking partnership between Burrell and Preferred Family Healthcare, C.J. has accelerated the pace of affiliation activity, always with the goal of building a stronger, more unified system of care. Under his leadership, Brightli organizations now generate nearly $600 million in annual revenues, with each merger and affiliation reinforcing a shared commitment to accessible, high-quality behavioral health care. With more than 30 years of experience as both an executive leader and clinical psychologist, C.J. has led efforts to expand services across the full continuum of care, from outpatient therapy to inpatient treatment, primary care integration, and community-based programming. His executive leadership journey has spanned Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Indiana, always with a focus on growing missions through collaboration and innovation.
Through every affiliation and partnership, C.J. Davis remains committed to one unifying vision: building stronger systems to create healthier communities.
Beyond The Blueprint: Real-World Case Studies In Implementing Whole Person Care
This session will spotlight leaders from behavioral health, primary care, housing, and justice-involved services who have successfully operationalized integrated care. Presenters will walk through implementation lessons learned—navigating barriers like EHR interoperability, workforce challenges, and care coordination bottlenecks—offering actionable guidance and KPI insights for peers.
Wayne Young, MBA, LPC, FACHE
As the Chief Executive Officer of one of the largest behavioral health organizations in the nation, Wayne Young is passionate about the planning and delivery of large-scale behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disabilities services to a population who rely upon safety net systems of care. Wayne previously served as the chair of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Behavioral Health Advisory Council and currently services on Texas HHSC’s Joint Forensic Committee on Access and Forensic Services. He was recently appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas to the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health and also service as a board member of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers. Wayne was honored to have received the Charley H. Shannon Advocate for Justice Award from NAMI Texas in 2019 as well as to have been named to Modern Healthcare’s list of Top 25 Innovators in 2019 and again 2021.  In 2023, Wayne was recognized as one of Houston’s Most Admired CEO’s. While honored by individual recognitions, Wayne is most proud to have been a part of The Harris Center as it received the Excellence Award for Innovation from the National Council on Behavioral Health and was named as a Best Place to Work by The Houston Business Journal who also honored them with a Diversity in Business Award in 2023 and 2024.
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority for Harris County, Texas. 
Measuring Organizational Culture As A Driver Of Performance & Profit
In today’s competitive health care landscape, culture-based management can be the key differentiator that improves employee engagement, reduces turnover, enhances care quality, and boosts your bottom line.
This session will explore how executives can intentionally shape and lead culture to drive measurable results. You’ll learn how to align values with operations, create accountability without burnout, and embed culture into every layer of your organization—from frontline staff to leadership.
This session will examine the business case for culture, how to assess your current organizational climate, and the specific steps leaders can take to build a culture that fuels both mission and margin.
In this session, attendees will:
- Understand the link between culture, performance, and financial outcomes
- Learn how to assess and shift organizational culture in actionable ways
- Gain tools to embed culture into hiring, onboarding, and performance management processes
Regina Marshall
Regina Marshall joined Advocates in 2015 with the goal of shaping policy and making systemic change in order to help Advocates provide the best possible services to the people it supports.
Regina brings to her position at Advocates a broad range of experience as a legal advocate and administrator at both the executive and operational levels of state government. During her tenure at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, she oversaw disability agencies that include the Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Prior to joining Advocates, Regina served as Center Director of the Massachusetts Mental Health Center, which serves over 1,200 clients, where she was responsible for all clinical and administrative operations. In 2020, Regina joined the board of trustees at Bethany Hill Place.
A resident of Framingham, Regina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and African American studies from Simmons College and a law degree from Northeastern University. She is the proud mom of three — twin daughters and a son. In the rare free time she gets between working and parenting, Regina loves to cook and bake.
Joe Robitaille, MBA, BCBA, LABA
Joe Robitaille is a leader in the non-profit sector with a distinguished career dedicated to improving the lives of children with developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs. As Senior Vice President of Children’s Services at Advocates, Joe oversees a diverse portfolio of programs and leads large, multidisciplinary teams, combining clinical expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with strategic leadership to drive organizational growth and service excellence.
Before joining Advocates, Joe directed a range of children’s programs focused on early intervention, home and center-based treatment, and specialized school services. He has a proven track record of managing complex budgets, implementing quality improvement initiatives, and aligning operational strategies with mission-driven goals. Joe holds a license in Applied Behavior Analysis, is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, and earned his MBA, equipping him with a unique blend of clinical and business acumen.
With years of experience guiding organizational performance and supporting workforce development, Joe brings practical insights into leadership practices that improve outcomes for both employees and the individuals they serve. Outside of work, Joe enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, running, and tackling home renovation projects.
Mark Ishaug
Mark Ishaug has dedicated his career to advocating for the rights of stigmatized and vulnerable people. As the CEO of Thresholds, Mark has overseen expansive growth and a culture shift that embraces change, innovation, transparency, and, yes – love. Thresholds has been recognized for 12 consecutive years as a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and, for 9 years, as one of Chicago’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. In addition, Mark serves on the boards of Dominican University, the Civic Federation of Chicago, the Alphawood Foundation, and the Chicago Urban League, as well as on the Membership Committee of the Economic Club of Chicago and the Leadership Fellows Association Board of Leadership Greater Chicago. Before Thresholds, Mark worked as a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS as CEO of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Mark holds a master’s degree in political science from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in government and international studies from the University of Notre Dame.
Sterling Haukom-Anderson, LPC
Sterling Haukom Anderson, LPC has worked in the mental health field for over 13 years and is currently the Director of Workforce Development at Thresholds. She has provided clinical and case management support to individuals living with severe mental illness and has developed and delivered trainings, eLearning, and consultations for both internal and external audiences on a range of topics. Sterling earned her Master’s in Counseling from DePaul University in 2012.  Â
Shaping The Next Generation Of Care Models: AI’s Role In Behavioral Health, I/DD & ASD Support
Sponsored By: 
AI isn’t just a future idea anymore—it’s already changing how organizations deliver care, manage documentation, and support people in real-world settings.
This session explores how AI is transforming behavioral health, I/DD, and autism services today while opening new possibilities for the future. We’ll examine the operational, clinical, and financial pressures organizations are navigating—staffing shortages, accountability requirements, shifting Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) expectations. You’ll see how AI is helping leaders respond with greater efficiency and accuracy while identifying opportunities to preserve existing revenue and unlock new funding streams.
The discussion highlights real-world applications that reduce administrative burden, ensure documentation accuracy and reliability, and support evidence-based practices. Attendees will also see AI in action, with practical examples of how these tools can support daily workflows, monitor progress, and guide decision-making in real-world care settings.
The session focuses on how AI-powered tools can empower providers, reinforce high-quality care, and create new pathways for sustainability so that technology enhances, rather than replaces, the human impact at the center of this work.
Learning Objectives
- Understand techniques and tools you can use to protect and grow revenue in this challenging time
- See how AI-driven intelligence is transforming behavioral health through practical, real-world applications.
- Explore how AI can enhance evidence-based, least-restrictive, natural-environment services across I/DD and autism care.
- Identify trends, risks, and strategic pathways to translate AI innovation into sustainable operational and financial impact.
Terence Blackwell
Terry Blackwell is a seasoned leader with operational expertise in managing budgets, program requirements, risk mitigation, funding, and people. Terry brings more than three decades of diverse leadership experience serving the needs of people with disabilities. A recognized thought leader among his peers, Terry is a regular presenter at the national level for Applied Behavior Analysis International.
Notably, Terry helped lead the development of the country’s only I/DD- and autism-focused ACO. During the establishment of this entity, he worked with NCQA to impact national policy to accommodate the special needs of the I/DD and ASD (Autistic Spectrum) populations.
Previously, Terry was the Chief Executive Officer for Chimes International, a large multi-service nonprofit operating in the mid-Atlantic and in partnership with Chimes Israel in Tel Aviv. He worked closely with the board of directors of the parent company and the six affiliate companies in developing a coherent voice and outward-facing presence to external stakeholders. Terry also created new and exciting program ventures within the company, consistent with the evidence-based best practices in the fields of integrated supported work I/DD, autism, and behavioral health.
Terry was also the Chief Operating Officer for Services for the Underserved (SUS), a nonprofit organization that provides services to people with autism, intellectual disabilities, behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse issues as well as veterans’ services in a variety of coordinated and integrated care models. In this role, Terry provided operational leadership and oversight for this 187-million-dollar social services agency with 2,000 employees. He also co-created and co-chaired a 2.8-billion-dollar membership group of I/DD provider organizations oriented to aligning best practices in the field for managed care impact in Pennsylvania.
Before SUS, Terry was the Vice President of Operations for Fedcap, Inc., a 75-year-old NYC-based nonprofit serving over 1,000 clients with special needs throughout the New York metropolitan area, where he identified and developed associated license and programs for persons who have lifetime disabilities that may qualify for supports through federal and state initiatives.
Terry also served as the Chief Executive Officer of Developmental Delay Rehabilitation Services, Inc., where he provided direction and oversight for fiscal, programmatic, and development function of a New York State Education Department and New York State Department of Health approved home and community-based early intervention and early childhood program. The program was referenced by key national autism experts as a “best practices publicly funded services for autism” program in the Northeast.
In addition to earning his Master of Science degree in Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania, including attendance at the Wharton School, Terry is a Licensed School Principal, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and Certified Addictions Specialist. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Saint Peter’s University.
Ravi Ganesan
Ravi Ganesan is the founder and CEO of Core Solutions, where he leads the revolution in behavioral health through artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies. With over 25 years of dedication, Ravi has addressed the unique challenges of the health and human services industry by developing innovative EHR technology, significantly improving treatment outcomes. His deep expertise in healthcare and technology, combined with a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, has established Core Solutions as a leading software provider nationwide.
Under his leadership, Core Solutions has pioneered AI-driven solutions for clinical documentation, treatment planning, and care delivery optimization in behavioral health settings. As CEO, Ravi has successfully established partnerships with large providers, government agencies, and leading management consulting firms to improve treatment for behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability services.
Ravi is a recognized thought leader and frequent speaker on AI implementation, data-driven decision-making, and digital transformation in healthcare. Ravi received his M.B.A. from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
Stratify, Engage, Intervene: Models & Workflows For Integrating Teams In Whole Person Care
Featuring models that use risk stratification to deploy multi-disciplinary teams with precision, this session explores how organizations are prioritizing high-need populations using real-time data and structured workflows. Panelists will share tools and algorithms that inform staffing, outreach, and treatment planning across quadrants of behavioral and physical health complexity.
Amanda Zwirecki, MSEd
Amanda Zwirecki, MSEd is the Director of Evaluation at Endeavor Health Services, where she oversees Evaluation, Quality Improvement, and the Population Health Departments across all programming, including SAMHSA grant-funded initiatives. With more than 10 years of experience in behavioral health, training, and workforce development, Amanda is dedicated to strengthening service quality through data-informed decision-making, education, and continuous improvement. She works closely with clinical and non-clinical staff to translate learning into practice and improve systems of care, with a focus on enhancing client outcomes and overall community health. Amanda is a graduate of the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York Leadership Fellows program and an active member of the American Evaluation Association (AEA).
Chloe Hurley, MPH
Chloe Hurley, MPH is the Coordinator of Population Health at Endeavor Health Services in Buffalo, NY. She has worked within Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) and primary care practices for over 7 years. Chloe is a certified practice facilitator in the primary care setting and has designed, implemented, and evaluated whole person approaches to care. She currently supports the project management of a SAMHSA CCBHC Improvement and Advancement Grant as well as a Critical Time Intervention (CTI) Team in New York State. Chloe holds a Master of Public Health with a concentration in health policy and a micro-credential in health care operations from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
An Update On Innovative New Payer Programs
Join our payer panel to hear the latest in innovative programs that top health plan industries are implementing today. This series will feature different payers from across the nation at each 2026 event.
Carole A. Matyas, MSW
Carole Matyas is the Vice President Operations for Sunshine Health Plan. She oversees the SMI Specialty Plan in Florida and has responsibility for overall operation of the program. Carole is accountable to assure the development of a fully integrated medical/behavioral program that is centered in whole person attention and care. She assists with representing the company externally to assure our members, providers and stakeholders have the information and support they need.
Carole has more than 30 years of behavioral health-related experience, with 20 of those years of experience in health plan operations. She joined WellCare in 2011 as VP Behavioral Health Operations at WellCare Corporate office. Previously she worked for Magellan Health Services, first as a general manager for call center operations, and then as Chief of Clinic Operations, where she led practice management and operations of 23 mental health clinics and a psychiatric urgent care center in Arizona. Her additional experience includes serving as Vice President of Public Sector Operations for Schaller Anderson, a Medicaid managed care organization and helped to develop their integrated model; and as Vice President for Value Options, a managed behavioral health care company whose contracts included carve out managed care for state and government agencies, where Carole was executive lead on a large carve out program in Texas. Carole spent her early career as a licensed social worker providing direct clinical services in a group practice, community mental health and a residential treatment center.
Carole has been recognized by Mental Health America and NAMI Texas for her dedication to mental health advocacy. Carole earned both her undergraduate and Master of Social Work degrees from Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Sandra Stein, M.D.
Sandra Stein, M.D. has been the Chief Medical Director of Banner University Health Plans since December of 2020. Previously, she was the Medical Director of Care Integration of Banner Health Network from Oct. 2017 to Dec. 2020. From Oct. 2015-Sept. In 2017, Sandra served as the chief medical officer for Intermountain Centers in Arizona. From March- September 2015 Sandra served as the Behavioral Medical Director for the Arizona Comprehensive Medical Dental Program (CMDP)/State of Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). From July 1997 to March 2015 Dr. Stein served as a Medical Director for the Community Partnership of Southern Arizona (CPSA), the Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA). Dr. Stein is a double board certified in general and child and adolescent psychiatry. Sandra Stein, M.D. graduated from Albany Medical College in Albany, NY in 1992 and did an internship, general psychiatry residency, and child psychiatry fellowship in 1997 at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson, Arizona.
Communication Is Key: Creating A Plan For The Integration Of Teams Post Merger
Mergers and acquisitions in the behavioral health care sector offer opportunities for growth, efficiency, and expanded services—but only if the human element is managed with care. One of the most critical (and often overlooked) components of a successful merger is the thoughtful integration of teams through strategic communication.
This session will provide behavioral health care executives with a roadmap for navigating the complex interpersonal and operational dynamics that arise post-merger. Attendees will explore best practices for developing a communication and integration plan that fosters trust, aligns cultures, minimizes disruption, and retains top talent. Through real-world examples, interactive discussion, and actionable tools, this session will help leaders build a cohesive organizational culture that supports both staff well-being and patient care continuity.
Learning Objectives Include:
- Understand the common challenges and emotional dynamics of post-merger team integration.
- Learn how to develop a clear and consistent internal communication strategy that supports transparency and engagement.
- Explore methods for assessing and aligning organizational cultures during integration.
Karen Carloni, NCC, LCPC, CRC
Karen Carloni is the Director of Boundless Advantage, the strategic resources division of “Boundless Strategic Resources, Inc”. Boundless Advantage focuses on the development of strategic partnerships. Her role is to develop culturally successful, smooth integrations. Karen’s former roles include CEO of Southern Maryland Community Network, COO of Cornerstone Montgomery and VP of Market Intelligence at Open Minds. She has also served in clinical and social services roles during her career. At Boundless Advantage she combines her over 30 years of diverse experience in health and human services with a strong focus on developing sustainable organizations.Â
Elsa Warren
Elsa Warren is the Director of Communications at I Am Boundless, where she leads strategies that strengthen brand identity, engage employees, and drive referral growth. She brings a strong background in internal communications and recruitment marketing, with a particular focus on content strategy as a tool for organizational success. Elsa began her career as a marketing copywriter and earned her MBA in Marketing and Leadership & Organizational Behavior from Fisher College of Business in 2018. In her current role, she is passionate about creating clear, meaningful communications that advance the Boundless mission and connect with diverse audiences.
James Button
James Button serves as President & CEO of Citizen Advocates, St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers, Harison Place and the Fieldstone Foundation. A mission-driven leader, James has guided Citizen Advocates through a period of strategic growth marked by thoughtful affiliations, service expansion, and innovation across behavioral health, addiction recovery and Intellectual/Developmental Disability services.
Appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul to the Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council and previously by Governor Andrew Cuomo to the New York State Rural Health Council, James has helped shape statewide policy to improve access and equity for New Yorkers in need of care.
Under his leadership, Citizen Advocates has advanced next-generation models of integrated care—such as behavioral health campuses that bring multiple disciplines together under one roof, and Harison Place, an innovative supportive housing community designed to promote stability, independence and recovery.
Recognized as a gifted public speaker and storyteller, James is known for communicating complex ideas in a way that inspires action and unity. He holds master’s degrees in Education and Clinical Social Work from the State University of New York and a Healthcare Administrator’s Certificate from the University of Vermont.
He lives in upstate New York with his wife Camelia, their sons Ben and Jake, and their German shepherd, Paris.
Teaching AI To Behave: Organizational Intelligence In Behavioral Health
Sponsored By: 
How Legal Guardrails, Clinical Judgment, and IT Governance Shape Safe AI Adoption
Behavioral health organizations are rapidly adopting AI to address documentation burden, compliance risk, and workforce strain — but most AI tools are designed to be generic, context-agnostic, and detached from organizational reality.
In this session, we introduce the concept of Organizational AI: an approach where AI is intentionally designed to behave in alignment with an organization’s legal obligations, clinical governance, state and county requirements, accreditation standards, and risk tolerance.
Led by a behavioral health technology CEO, the CIO of a large community behavioral health organization, and a nationally recognized behavioral health attorney, this session explores how AI is being implemented in practice — not theory.
Through a real-world case study, speakers will examine how:
- Legal guardrails (HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, consent, and data segmentation) shape AI system design
- Clinical judgment is preserved through clinician-in-the-loop oversight, ensuring AI supports — never replaces — care decisions
- IT and compliance leaders operationalize AI governance across state, county, payer, and accreditation requirements
Rather than focusing on tools or models, this session provides a decision framework for leaders evaluating AI as an organizational capability — one that must reflect mission, regulation, and clinical values.
Attendees will leave with:
- A new way to distinguish organizational AI from generic AI
- Practical insight into how legal and regulatory constraints inform AI design
- A governance blueprint for safe, scalable AI adoption in behavioral health
Norman Racine
Norman Racine is an accomplished technology executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning healthcare, non-profit, telecommunications, manufacturing, and distribution industries. Most recently, he has served as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Sycamores, where he oversees IT strategy, infrastructure evolution, security, and business process innovation in support of the organization’s mission.
In previous leadership roles, he has directed enterprise system modernization, strengthened cybersecurity and compliance in highly regulated environments, led cloud migrations, and managed large-scale IT operations with multimillion-dollar budgets and teams of over 100 professionals. His other work has included enterprise architecture design, acquisition integrations, and international technology initiatives across Europe, South America, and North America. With a focus on aligning technology to organizational goals, he has consistently delivered secure, scalable solutions that balance innovation with cost efficiency.
Chief Executive Officer Member Networking Lunch
If you’re the Chief Executive Officer or Executive Director of an OPEN MINDS member organization, join us for this private networking luncheon. This is an opportunity to share leadership experiences and solutions with your peers from across the nation. Our hosts for the luncheon are Monica E. Oss, Chief Executive Officer and Michael Allen, Executive Vice President at OPEN MINDS. (To register, contact Erin Deppen, Education Events Manager, at 717-334-1329 or edeppen@openminds.com.) *RSVP Required.
Monica E. Oss
Monica E. Oss, M.S. is the founder of OPEN MINDS and serves as its chief executive officer, executive editor of its publications and websites, and executive lead of its consulting engagements. For the past three decades, Ms. Oss has led the OPEN MINDS team and its research on health and human service market trends and its national consulting practice. She is well known for her numerous books and articles focused on the strategic and marketing implications of the evolving health and human service field – and its focus on the verticals of the field serving consumers with chronic conditions and complex support needs.
Ms. Oss has extensive experience in developing and implementing growth strategies for a wide array of organizations in the field. She has expertise in industry trend analysis, reimbursement, rate setting, and creating actionable plans for market success. In her role, she has led numerous engagements with state Medicaid plans, county governments, private insurers, and health plans, service provider organizations, technology vendors, neurotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations, and investment banking firms – with a focus on the implications of financing changes on delivery system design.
Prior to founding OPEN MINDS, Ms. Oss served as an executive with a nationally managed behavioral health organization, responsible for market development, actuarial analysis, and capitation-based rate setting. She also held a position as vice president of the U.S. risk management and underwriting division of an international insurance company.
Ms. Oss has been the keynote speaker at the conferences of dozens of national associations and has been published in a wide range of professional journals and trade publications. She has provided Congressional and state legislative testimony on issues as diverse as the financial impact of parity and payer medication access policies.
Ms. Oss has led a range of industry research and consultation initiatives, serving as principal investigator on research projects that include the examination of national managed care enrollment and service patterns, development of provider rate structures for government entities, creation of return-on-investment models for technology investments; design of performance-based compensation models within public and private health plans; and analysis of the economic impact of changes in benefit design, adoption of evidence-based practices, and new technologies.
Michael Allen
Michael Allen brings over 30 years of experience in the non-profit behavioral healthcare industry to the OPEN MINDS team. He currently serves as an Executive Vice President in our consulting practice, where he provides executive oversight and leadership to provider and payer client engagements for OPEN MINDS.
Mr. Allen was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of SummitStone Health Partners, the largest non-profit behavioral health service provider in Larimer County, CO. In this role Mr. Allen was responsible for the planning deployment, communication and accomplishment of SummitStone Health Partners’ overarching corporate strategy. He managed a budget of $80Million and was responsible for more than 750 full time employees and over 12,000 clients annually.
Prior to SummitStone Health Partners, Mr. Allen served as the Vice President of Managed Care & Operations at AspenPointe (now Diversus Health). At AspenPointe he developed and managed a system of accountability for monitoring and evaluating provider performance in seven Colorado counties. He was also responsible for the quality management oversight of all business lines, as well as managing a substance abuse treatment contract with the Colorado Division of Behavioral Health and a child welfare services agreement with El Paso County Department of Human Services.
Previously, Mr. Allen was the Director of Clinical Care for Connect Care, (rebranded as AspenPointe in 2010). In this position Mr. Allen provided supervision to the clinical staff, as well as developing clinical guidelines and services. He was also the project director for the 4th Judicial District Family Reunification Grant and he oversaw care coordination and voucher management functions for Colorado Access to Recovery Grant.
Before Connect Care, Mr. Allen was the Director of Child Welfare Services for Signal Behavioral Health Network, a non-profit that has been managing and expanding substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services in northeast Colorado for over 25 years. Mr. Allen managed a network of Substance Use Disorder treatment providers, programs and services across 35 Colorado counties.
Mr. Allen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Design/Psychology from Brigham Young University, a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University, and a Masters in Business Administration from Colorado State University. He is a Licensed Social Worker and a Certified Addictions Specialist in Colorado.
What To Expect From Your CIN & What Can A ONEcare Network Do For Your Agency & Community?
A Clinically Integrated Network is a self-governed group of provider agencies working together to deliver efficient & coordinated care to its attributed members & clients. Provider members hold themselves accountable for performance and quality improvement. CIN’s negotiate incentive-based contracts with payors tied to specific quality targets and participate in a shared governance structure, encouraging providers to lead and drive their own destiny. You will hear in this session what a provider agency should expect when joining any Clinically Integrated Network, and how a ONEcare CIN meets and exceeds those expectations.
Deb Aldridge
Deb Aldridge, a seasoned healthcare professional with over 28 years of experience, specializes in Practice Transformation, Clinical Informatics, and Quality Improvement. Currently serving as Chief Networking Officer at Alera Health, she leads a multidisciplinary team in identifying improvement opportunities across healthcare settings and driving meaningful improvement. Deb’s role involves mentoring staff and providing direct practice coaching to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Her extensive expertise stems from previous work at Community Care of North Carolina and the Beacon Community Program nationally, where she spearheaded cross-functional quality improvement projects and implemented cutting-edge health IT solutions. Throughout her career, Deb has demonstrated a commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation and collaboration. Her leadership and expertise make her a trusted resource in the field, driving transformative change and optimizing patient care outcomes through the integration of technology and process improvement initiatives.
Lunch On Your Own
Enjoy Rusty’s Bistro or Mainstay Tavern conveniently located inside the Sheraton Sand Key Resort!
Driving Impact Through Integrated Measurement-Based Care
Sponsored By: 
Measurement-Based Care (MBC) is a foundational element of evidence-based behavioral health care and is increasingly required by national accrediting bodies. Yet despite strong evidence demonstrating that MBC improves clinical outcomes, strengthens patient engagement, and supports better clinical decision-making, adoption remains limited. A major barrier is not a lack of buy-in, but the burden created by disconnected workflows, duplicative data entry and lack of automation, adding time and friction to already stretched clinical teams.
In this collaborative session, Qualifacts, Greenspace Health and Community Health Resources (CHR) will explore MBC, its benefits and the advantages of implementing it through an integrated, EHR-enabled approach. CHR will share their MBC journey; why they adopted it, the outcomes they aim to achieve and how embedding MBC directly into their EHR has been key to driving adoption and maximizing impact.
Key Takeaways Include:
- Learning how MBC enhances clinical outcomes, strengthens patient engagement and supports informed decision-making in behavioral health.
- Discovering the benefits of integrating MBC into an EHR-enabled workflow and strategies for overcoming common adoption challenges.
- Hearing CHR’s journey, including why they adopted MBC, the outcomes they aim to achieve and how embedding it into their EHR will drive measurable impacts.
Jennifer Nadeau, LCSW
Jennifer Nadeau serves as Senior Vice President of Child & Family Services at Community Health Resources (CHR), where she oversees a comprehensive continuum of programs including crisis services, outpatient and school-based clinics, residential programs, intensive home-based therapy, foster care, and family support services.
Since joining CHR in 2009, Jennifer has advanced through multiple leadership roles, previously directing child and family outpatient clinics, evidence-based community programs such as Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), along with school-based therapy programs. She began her career as a therapist in 2006 and is widely recognized for her expertise in evidence-based, trauma-focused outpatient services for children, adolescents, and families. Jennifer is also a statewide trainer in Connecticut for the Modular Approach to Therapy for Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma or Conduct Problems (MATCH-ADTC) model.
Throughout her tenure at CHR, Jennifer has spearheaded the development and successful launch of innovative programs that address emerging needs in the community, foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, and expand access to high-quality behavioral health care. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping services that are both responsive and sustainable, ensuring that children and families receive the support they need to thrive.
Jennifer is passionate about leveraging real-time data to evaluate program outcomes and drive continuous improvement. She is also recognized for her leadership in innovation and system change, actively participating in regional, statewide, and national trainings and collaboratives focused on child and family services.
She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Franklin Pierce University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) with a focus in serving Children & Families from Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work.
Adrian Rizos
Adrian leads the Channel Partnerships team at Greenspace Health, where he works with Behavioral Health EHR providers to support their customers’ adoption of integrated Measurement-Based Care. Prior to joining Greenspace, Adrian spent 7 years in healthcare software at PointClickCare, where he helped North America’s largest skilled nursing facility operators make strategic technology investments to enhance their clinical, financial, and operational workflows. He’s passionate about technology’s ability to improve mental healthcare for those who need it most.
Kevin McKnight
Kevin McKnight brings more than two decades of experience building trusted, transformative partnerships across the healthcare landscape. In his role at Qualifacts, he supports behavioral health agencies across the southern United States by helping leaders navigate complex technology decisions, modernize care delivery, and strengthen operational outcomes through relationship‑driven collaboration. Known for his consultative approach and ability to translate real‑world provider needs into clear, sustainable solutions, Kevin excels at uniting stakeholders, aligning executive vision, and shaping strategies that improve access, elevate client experience, and advance community impact. His career—including leadership roles at Concord Technologies, Concert Genetics, and national healthcare organizations—reflects a deep commitment to helping providers thrive through strong partnerships and shared purpose.
New Models For Improving Adherence & Outcomes For Consumers With Schizophrenia: A By-Invitation Only Leadership Round Table
Sponsored By: 
This invitation-only payer luncheon, sponsored by Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicine and hosted by Stuart Buttlaire, Ph.D., VP of Clinical Excellence at OPEN MINDS and formerly Regional Director of Behavioral Health and Addiction Medicine for Kaiser Permanente, will bring together key opinion leaders creating new policies and practices to manage the care of people with schizophrenia.Â
The discussion will offer a candid, collaborative forum to explore persistent challenges in schizophrenia care and share emerging strategies across improving adherence, outcomes, care coordination, and clinical services. With a focus on engagement and long-term outcomes, participants will reflect on what’s working, identify remaining gaps, and surface new opportunities for aligned solutions.
For any questions, please contact edeppen@openminds.com.
Stuart Buttlaire, Ph.D.
Stuart Buttlaire brings over 35 years of executive, clinical, and policy experience to OPEN MINDS. Dr. Buttlaire has experience in both the public and private sectors of healthcare providing leadership and direction in healthcare delivery. His career has focused on advancing integrated behavioral health and addiction medicine through strategic innovation, system redesign, quality improvement, and sustainable policy reform.
Previously, Dr. Buttlaire was the Regional Director of Behavioral Health and Addiction Medicine for Kaiser Permanente. In this role, Dr. oversaw a $200 million portfolio serving 4.6 million members across 23 emergency departments and 33 medical centers. He led development and operations across inpatient, ambulatory, emergency, call center, and contracted community services, supporting more than 2,500 mental health and substance use disorder providers. His leadership resulted in significant system transformation grounded in person-centered, measurement-based, and integrated care models. Dr. Buttlaire was also the lead Mental Health Representative for State Program Initiatives, including Medicaid (Medi-Cal) and Medicare. He pioneered the design and implementation of two psychiatric inpatient units, including a nationally recognized medical/psychiatric unit for individuals with complex co-morbidities. Additional innovations include integrated urgent services for youth and adults, intensive outpatient programs, multi-family group treatments for severe psychiatric conditions, and a mobile app for eating disorders that earned Kaiser’s Innovation Award.
Dr. Buttlaire is a widely respected advisor on behavioral health policy, legislation, and regulatory strategy. He has worked closely with state and federal agencies on issues of parity enforcement, financing reform, Medicaid redesign, and systems integration. He currently serves as Board President of the Institute for Behavioral Health Improvement, is a Board Member of NAMI California, and sits on the California Hospital Association Behavioral Health Advisory Board. He previously chaired the Behavioral Health Section of the American Hospital Association and was appointed to the AHA Regional Policy Board for the Western U.S.
As a frequent speaker and author, Dr. Buttlaire has published articles and research papers on behavioral health integration, suicide prevention, financing, and policy reform. His work continues to shape strategic direction for public and private behavioral health systems across the country.
Dr. Buttlaire holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, an MBA with a concentration in Health Care Management and Finance from UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Humboldt State, and a B.A. in Psychology and Political Science from the University of Colorado.
Apple-A-Day Giveaway
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away—and today, it just might keep the post-lunch slump away! Visit the exhibit hall from 1:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday to enter our raffle and have a chance to win an Apple product. The lucky winner will be revealed during the raffle prize drawing on Thursday, February 12, at 1:45 p.m.—don’t miss your chance to take a bite out of something big.
The Intelligence Layer: What Smart Infrastructure Looks Like In Practice
Sponsored By: 
In an era of evolving policy and tightening budgets, human services organizations need more than static reports. They need agile, actionable insights. Join Radicle Health to walk through a real-world customer example of how reporting, AI, and data tools empower agencies to adapt quickly, optimize resources, and stay mission-focused during periods of change. This session blends strategy with story, highlighting how one organization uses flexible, granular data access to drive smarter decisions and sustainable growth. Attendees will leave with best practices, and a clear sense of how the right tools can make data actionable and accurate.
Eric Severance
His role has evolved to encompass oversight of Quality Improvement initiatives, where he integrates Quality Assurance, Auditing, Training, and Program Evaluation through a data-driven approach. Since joining The Bridge in 2005, Eric has worked extensively with Radicle’s AWARDS platform, beginning as an end user before taking on management of the internal helpdesk in 2019. He now oversees special projects and new initiatives aimed at transforming the agency’s Electronic Health Record system into a vital tool for serving vulnerable populations across New York City.
Kevin O’Connor
Kevin O’Connor is the Chief Revenue Officer at Radicle Health, where he leads go-to-market strategy across sales, marketing, and revenue operations. With over 20 years in healthcare and enterprise SaaS, Kevin has built and scaled high-performing teams through rapid growth and private-equity-backed expansion. He brings a disciplined, customer-centered approach to revenue strategy—turning complex challenges into scalable partnerships and measurable outcomes. Known for his collaborative leadership and data-driven decisions, Kevin is passionate about creating lasting value for customers and the communities they serve.
Alex Attinson
Alex Attinson is a Group Product Manager at Radicle Health with more than 16 years of experience building technology solutions for human services organizations. Alex works across data, AI, billing, and interoperability, focusing on how smart infrastructure can turn complex information into actionable insight. Alex began his healthcare journey as a volunteer EMT, an experience that continues to ground their work in working with human service agencies. Throughout his career, Alex has partnered closely with provider organizations to help them make better use of their data, strengthen performance management, and connect more effectively with the broader healthcare ecosystem. Alex holds a BA from Emory University.
The M&A Readiness Test: Do You Need An Affiliation To Survive?
When does going it alone stop making sense? Join this discussion to evaluate your organization’s M&A readiness, understand the signs it may be time for affiliation, and how to assess risks vs. rewards.
Paul M. Duck
Paul M. Duck brings more than 40 years of experience in leadership and management focusing on managed care, health information technology organizations, strategy, business development, and market expansion, and customer experience optimization to the OPEN MINDS team.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Duck served as the Vice President, Strategy & Development at Beacon Health Options. In this role, Mr. Duck led the organization’s strategy and business development efforts, which led to a 30% increase in net revenue and initiated more than $1 billion in revenue generation. Mr. Duck was active in national behavioral health initiatives as an executive of Beacon Health Options, including participating as a speaker at national and state association meetings.
Before joining Beacon Health Options, Mr. Duck was the Vice President of Business Development at Netsmart Technologies. During his tenure, Mr. Duck was responsible for business planning including the oversight of strategic activities including acquisitions, development, and execution of strategic initiatives, and positioning, and sales of large strategic customers. He also led the rollout of the company’s benchmarking and data analytics product suite.
Prior to Netsmart, Mr. Duck served as the Chief Executive Officer for Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, a large group practice with five clinic locations and two ambulatory surgical centers. As the organization’s chief executive officer, Mr. Duck was responsible for significant positive changes in leadership and corporate culture, financial and operational performance, compliance, and governance. Mr. Duck improved net collections by over $1 million per month and grew the practice through negotiating better contract rates with payers. He also implemented an organizational rebranding initiative and launched a new marketing campaign.
Prior to Coastal Orthopedics and Pain Management, Mr. Duck served as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Florida Radiology Imaging, one of the largest outpatient diagnostic imaging service companies serving the greater Orlando market. During his tenure, Mr. Duck led the construction of three new, full modality, diagnostic imaging locations. Mr. Duck revolutionized the company’s culture by creating a highly attractive and functional work environment.
Mr. Duck earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Case Western Reserve University. He earned his Associate of Arts in Electronic Engineering Technology from the Electronic Technology Institute. Mr. Duck received an award by Inc magazine for leading Florida Radiology Imaging as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Mr. Duck recently served as a contributing author to the book The New Health Age: The Future of Health Care in America.
Sustainable Health Plan Relationships: Financing & Contracting Strategies For Whole Person Care
As grant funding sunsets, organizations must sustain integration through new payer strategies. This session will explore Medicaid managed care contracting, value-based payment pilots, and blended funding approaches. Panelists will discuss how to position services for inclusion in medical loss ratios and population health frameworks.
Gilbert Lichstein
Gilbert Lichstein is the Chief Operating Officer at the Illinois Health Practice Alliance (IHPA), a behavioral-health focused independent practice association serving members through value-based agreements throughout the state of Illinois. This organization has demonstrated success in generating pay for performance, quality, and shared savings results for the past 7 years, and Gilbert has played a key role in developing and maintain the clinical model, data systems, and agreements that help make the model a success.
Prior to his role at IHPA, Gilbert oversaw a range of residential and outpatient mental health and addiction treatment programs and is licensed as a Counselor in the state of Illinois. Gilbert’s clinical interests include program implementation of evidence-based practices, and Gilbert is a MINT-trained Motivational Interviewing trainer. Gilbert holds Master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Clinical Psychology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Physics.
Gilbert is based in Chicago, and enjoys cycling and playing music in his spare time.
Enrico Cullen
Enrico Cullen is CEO of Omnes Health IPA, a network of 36 providers across 34 New York counties from the Canadian border to Pennsylvania, serving 80,000 patients with a combined network revenue of $800M. The network includes Article 16, 28, 31, and 32 providers, an FQHC Look-Alike, and seven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). Omnes Health IPA has purpose-built a centralized technological infrastructure for point-of-care and multivariable population analysis. Enrico has negotiated value-based arrangements for social care and behavioral health and holds advanced training from Harvard Business School and Columbia Business School, positioning him to address rural health challenges through localized, evidence-based solutions.
Growth Opportunities Beyond Private Equity: Which Is Best For Your Organization?
 In today’s dynamic market, leaders must think beyond traditional investment models to build sustainable, mission-aligned growth. This session will explore a range of strategic growth opportunities beyond private equity, including joint ventures, strategic partnerships, mergers, affiliation models, managed services organizations (MSOs), and debt financing. Case study presenters will compare the pros, cons, and long-term implications of different approaches—helping you understand not just what’s possible, but what’s right for your organization’s mission, scale, and future.
Whether you’re aiming to expand access, enhance clinical capabilities, or build long-term enterprise value, this session will arm you with the insights and frameworks you need to evaluate your options and take your next step with confidence.
Key Takeaways Include:
- Learn how to align financial strategy with clinical mission and organizational culture
- Gain practical tools to assess readiness for growth and partner selection
- Hear real-world experiences and lessons learned from executives who’ve taken different paths
Shannon Litton
Shannon Litton is the CEO of 3LS Professional Services, where she drives growth for change makers through exceptional, integrated solutions and experiences. A change maker herself, Shannon’s founded multiple companies in her 25-plus-year career, including the award-winning 5by5, a change agency, which has earned five spots on the Inc. 5000 list and Best Place to Work awards while helping more than 500 organizations amplify their impact.
A passionate advocate for employee ownership, Shannon serves as president of the Tennessee Center for Employee Ownership, championing ESOP expansion across the state and country. Throughout her career, Shannon has paired purpose with performance to deliver sustainable, measurable, positive impact for organizations and the communities they serve.
Eric Strickland
Jane Wintz
Jane Wintz, CEO of Omni Family of Services, has spent her entire career in the child welfare industry working to improve outcomes for youth and families.
Prior to joining the Omni Family in 2017 as Omni Visions’ President & CEO, she served in numerous roles at Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) including Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer. (Omni Visions is now known as Omni Family of Services.)
A leader with over 25 years of non-profit experience, Jane has worked in 15 States where she has implemented Treatment Foster Care, Family Preservation, Residential and Congregate Care, and Education service delivery models.
Prior to her time with SAFY, Jane worked with Pressley Ridge for over 12 years in Cincinnati, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She currently serves as a Board member for Family Focused Treatment Association (FFTA).
She holds a Bachelor of Science in social work from St. Louis University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati.
Closing The Loop: Measuring What Matters In Whole Person Care
Delivering whole person care requires more than good intentions—it demands a system that captures, tracks, and responds to what matters most for the individuals we serve. This panel will explore how organizations are building performance feedback systems that align integrated care delivery with measurable outcomes. Panelists will share how they’re using real-time data to connect physical health, behavioral health, and social supports across teams and systems. The discussion will focus on how to “close the loop” between frontline service delivery and enterprise-level performance—ensuring that care plans are implemented, progress is tracked, and improvement strategies are data-informed. Topics will include integrated dashboards, cross-functional KPIs, client-reported outcomes, and feedback structures that support whole person, value-driven care.
Michael Dennis, Ph.D.
Dr. Michael Dennis received his PhD in Psychology from Northwestern University under a NIH fellowship to train more methodologists in how to implement and improve the quality of community-based behavioral health research. His dissertation was on implementing randomized field experiments in criminal and civil justice research to improve their impact on practice. He currently serves as Director of the Lighthouse Institute (LI), a division of Chestnut Health Systems conducting community-based research, program evaluation, and training on evidence-based practices. LI currently has offices in Bloomington-Normal and Chicago, Illinois and Eugene, Oregon; offsite staff in over two dozen states; over 110 LI staff operating four major centers related to training on assessment, evidence-based treatment, family coaching, program evaluation; and a Native-led national Native Center of Excellence. LI works with community-based agencies in all 50 of the United States, four U.S. territories, and over four dozen tribal serving agencies, as well as all Canadian provinces and over a dozen other countries. Part of LI’s community focus includes the use of service cascades, simplified time series, and economic analysis from the agency and funder perspectives to aid in program planning and management. In addition to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, LI is working to become a home for supporting the career development and work of researchers with personal lived experience in addiction, recovery, and the legal system.
As a senior research scientist, Dr. Dennis is currently the Principal Investigator (PI) of the Smartphone Addiction Recovery Coach for Young Adults (SARC-YA) experiment (DA011323) and a Multiple PI (with Dr. Christine Grella) of Improving Retention across the OUD Service Cascade upon Reentry from Jail using Recovery Management Checkups (UG1DA050065). The latter is part of NIDA’s HEAL Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN) cooperative. He also serves as the Co-Investigator on Dr. Dennis Watson’s Recovery Management Checkups for Primary Care (RMCPC) experiment (R01AA024440); Dr. Chris Grella’s Recovery Initiation and Management after Overdose (RIMO) Experiment (R33DA045774); and Dr. Kate Elkington’s Original and Scaling up eConnect in Juvenile Probation Settings, a hybrid implementation effectiveness trial of a digital suicide risk/behavior identification and linkage-to-treatment system (MH113599, MH130845).
In the past, he has been the Coordinating Center PI on the Juvenile Justice Translational Research for Adolescents in the Legal System (JJ-TRIALS; U01DA036221) cooperative agreement and the Cannabis Youth Treatment experiment, as well as Dr. Chris Scott’s Recovery Management Checkups for Woman Offenders Experiment (5R01DA21174). JJ-TRIALS is one of the largest and most recent studies of transitional research with adolescents and included national surveys of juvenile justice community supervision to examine their behavioral health services related to suicide, mental health, substance use, and HIV risk reduction. The study also included a multisite experiment to examine LI’s ability to improve the behavioral health service cascades from the justice system to behavioral health (e.g., screening, identification, need, referral, treatment initiation, engagement, and continuing care). HEAL supplements were also used to conduct surveys of a census of the state prison systems and county jails hardest hit by the opioid epidemic. The Cannabis Youth Treatment (CYT) experiment was one of the first to evaluate five manualized approaches compared on a large sample of youth and families studied (600), with high rates of participation, treatment fidelity, follow-up, publication, and impact in terms of citations and replication. To date, the Dennis et al. (2004) CYT main findings have been cited over 1,000 times. Dr. Dennis has also participated in the conduct of a half dozen other treatment experiments, development of research-based treatment guidelines, and has chaired both major adolescent treatment associations (JMATE and SASATE). The significance of this work led to his receiving the Joint Meeting on Adolescent Treatment Effectiveness (JMATE) Research to Evidence-Based Practice award for bridging the gap between adolescent treatment research and practice.
Dr. Dennis and his colleagues developed Recovery Management Checkups (RMC) and demonstrated efficacy in four clinical trials and a quasi-experiment to date. He received a MERIT award (R37DA011323) from NIDA after LI’s first clinical trial and the 2012 Dan Anderson Award for Addiction and Recovery Research for his 2012 paper reporting on the main findings from our second trial. He and his colleagues have also worked with economists to demonstrate that the cost of RMC and increased treatment is offset by reductions in expensive health care utilization (e.g., emergency department visits, hospital stays, psychiatric hospitalization, incarceration), and have replicated this work with the State of Illinois to use RMC to recruit over 1,000 additional clients into methadone treatment. As part of NIDA’s HEAL JCOIN cooperative, LI is currently conducting a fifth experiment with RMC for people with opioid use disorders (OUD) coming from Cook County Jail, a study that is expanding into five other county jails. He has worked with individuals with OUD since 1988 on medications for opioid use disorders (MOUD) treatment initiation, retention, readmission, and recovery support and has experience working within the community, in a variety of MOUD and other types of treatment, as part of continuum of care studies, and as part of studying and managing long-term recovery over periods of 6 months to 19 years.
To integrate measurement, clinical research, and practice, Dr. Dennis has also led the development of the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN) family of measures since 1993. As of June 30, 2023, the GAIN Coordinating Center (www.gaincc.org) has worked with over 21,154 staff from 5,602 agencies (in all 50 states in the U.S., all 10 provinces of Canada, and 14 other countries), teaching them how to utilize the GAIN measures to support clinical decision making related to diagnosis, treatment planning, placement, outcome monitoring, economic evaluation and program/policy planning. The GAIN has also been used in over 900 publications. This includes using formal measurement models to create shorter and more efficient versions of the GAIN to get much of the core information in less time. The significance of this work led to Dr. Dennis receiving the International Council on Alcoholism and Addiction (ICAA) lifetime achievement award for his work with the GAIN. He has been PI, Co-PI, or lead methodologist on a dozen clinical trials, chaired one of NIDA’s data safety monitoring boards, chaired NIAAA’s health services research review group, and served on multiple editorial boards.
Jim Wallis, MAPC
Jim Wallis, B.S., M.A. is the Director of Business Development at Chestnut Health Systems, www.chestnut.org since October of 2016.
With 35 years in behavioral health in the Mid-West, Jim began his career in Missouri in 1989 as a Deputy Juvenile Officer. He was further employed with the Missouri Division of Youth Services. From 2004 – 2016, Jim worked at a large not-for-profit behavioral health organization in the Midwest US in several clinical and development administrative executive roles. A primary focus during this tenure was patient access to rural healthcare.
Jim has served on numerous State level and National Board of Directors, and Advisory Boards including the National Frontier and Rural ATTC Advisory Board.
Education includes: B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri – St. Louis (1992), and M.A. in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University (2002.)
As an alumni and adjunct faculty member at the University of Missouri St. Louis, Jim teaches a master’s level “Family Policy and Advocacy” class at the School of Social Work.
Jim currently focuses on growing and fostering Chestnut Health Systems business development services lines as they relate to the agency’s Behavioral Health footprint in the Mid-West, as well as our robust research institute, Lighthouse, which currently serves the entire United States, Canada, and 16 Countries internationally.
Stacey Coleman, MPH
Stacey Coleman, MPH, serves as the Director of Quality Management for Coastal Family Health Center (CFHC), where she leads organizational efforts to embed a sustainable culture of safety, quality, and accountability across a seven-county service area. With more than 13 years of progressive leadership experience, she has designed, implemented, and managed comprehensive Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs that support high-reliability care and regulatory excellence.
Ms. Coleman provides strategic oversight of HRSA-mandated quality and value-based care programs, as well as health information technology training and optimization. Her work has ensured continued compliance with NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home standards, Joint Commission Accreditation for Ambulatory and Behavioral Health Services, and HRSA Quality Improvement and Assurance requirements. Under her leadership, all CFHC standalone clinics achieved initial Level 3 NCQA PCMH recognition and have successfully maintained recognition through the transformation annual reporting model.
A recognized leader in the health center quality community, Ms. Coleman has participated in multiple national learning collaboratives and currently serves on the NACHC QA/QI Advisory Board and the NACHC NextGen Steering Committee. She is an active member of the Community Health Center Association of Mississippi and co-chairs the HRSA Uniform Data System Training and Technical Assistance (UTC) Steering Committee.
Ms. Coleman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a Master of Public Health with an emphasis in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. She resides in Gulfport, Mississippi, with her daughter, and has been a classically trained pianist for over 30 years.
Meagan Lanier, LCSW, CAADC, CHPSE, CPHRM
Meagan Lanier serves as the Director of Corporate Compliance at Coastal Family Health Center, where she brings more than 13 years of dedicated service and institutional knowledge to the organization. She began her career at Coastal as a master’s-level social worker and has since advanced into leadership through a strong commitment to professional growth, regulatory excellence, and community-focused care.
While employed at Coastal Family Health Center, Meagan earned her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential and her Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) certification. Her clinical foundation provides a unique and practical perspective in her current role, allowing her to balance compliance requirements with patient-centered operations.
As Director of Corporate Compliance, Meagan oversees a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including grant writing, organizational risk management, and service as the HIPAA Privacy Officer. She also provides leadership and oversight for the contracts, medical records, social services, and credentialing departments, ensuring regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and high-quality service delivery across the organization.
Meagan is known for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable processes that support both staff and organizational growth. Her work plays a critical role in maintaining compliance, securing funding, and advancing Coastal Family Health Center’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality care to the communities it serves.
More Is Not Always Better: Avoiding Data Overload
In the push to become more data-driven, organizations often end up drowning in data—tracking dozens (or even hundreds) of metrics without clear direction or purpose. The result? Confused teams, missed priorities, and underutilized insights.
This session tackles the growing challenge of dashboard overload and offers practical strategies to streamline data reporting and refocus on what truly matters. Learn how to design dashboards that drive action, align with strategic goals, and support clinical and operational decision-making—without overwhelming your staff.
Attendees will:
- Discover how to distinguish between “nice-to-know” and “need-to-know” when it comes to data
- Learn how to prioritize and simplify key metrics that align with your strategic objectives
- Hear strategies for tailoring dashboards for your team, your executives, your board, and your public facing information
Jodie Esper
Jodie joined Mainstay as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2017. As CFO, Jodie is tasked with implementing the infrastructure and systems needed to support Mainstay’s mission, operations (including facilities, fleet, and information technology), financial objectives, and strategic initiatives. In 2023, Jodie became the CEO of enTRUST Services LLC, a subsidiary of Mainstay that provides comprehensive financial services that enrich the lives of people with disabilities.
Jodie has more than 25 years of accounting experience, with 17 years in a leadership capacity with nonprofit human services organizations. Jodie is passionate about the work as the mom of a son with an intellectual disability. She is an advocate and strong supporter in the disability community.
Jodie received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) in accounting and a Master of Science degree in accounting from Robert Morris University in Moon Township, PA.
Brandie D. Williams, M.Ed, Ed.S
Brandie has over 21 years of experience serving individuals with Behavioral Health needs and Developmental Disabilities. For the past 16 years, Brandie has worked at the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, a non-profit organization dedicated to education, recovery, treatment, and wellness of individuals affected by mental health and substance use disorders and developmental disabilities. In her role as Deputy Executive Director, she brings subject-matter and operational knowledge of integrated care, data analytics, and behavioral health care to support the use of analytics to improve clinical performance, patient health, and organizational efficiencies. In addition to day-to-day operations, Brandie oversees reporting and analytics to inform a data-drive quality improvement process. Throughout her professional career, Brandie has fostered a deep passion for the opportunities created by advanced science and technology in the health and human services quality improvement space. She believes building and growing a high-quality workforce is the foundation for meeting our community’s needs.Â
The Future Of An AI Workforce
Sponsored By: 
As AI begins to handle patient intake calls, clinical documentation, billing operations, and administrative workflows – what does the future entail for our workforce in behavioral health? How do you manage the transition to an AI-augmented team? What does collaboration between clinical staff and AI workers look like in practice?
Join us for a candid discussion on the emerging AI workforce in behavioral health. AI workforce expert, Dominik Middelmann (CEO of mdhub) and behavioral health leaders will share case studies from clinics currently using AI workers for intake coordination, clinical notes, and billing – including stories of both success and tribulation. Together, we’ll explore practical questions: Which AI workers to pursue first, how to introduce AI workers to your staff, and what does this mean for hiring, training, and team culture in the years ahead?
We all are navigating one of the biggest workforce shifts our industry has seen. Whether you’re already piloting AI solutions or just beginning to explore, bring your questions, concerns, and experiences to share.
Bree Rondina
Bree Rondina is a strategic and multifaceted leader with more than 25 years of executive experience spanning operations, human resources, marketing, customer service, and leadership development. She has a proven track record of leading high-growth organizations through transformation and scale, always with a focus on operational excellence and a strong, people-centered culture. At Elite DNA Behavioral Health, Bree’s expertise touches multiple areas of the organization, including Patient Success, New Patient Experience, Business Development, and Marketing.
As Chief Performance Officer, Bree’s primary focus is optimizing the performance of Elite DNA by creating sustainable processes that enable growth while ensuring employees are empowered, valued, and recognized. She champions strategies that balance efficiency with meaningful engagement, leading high-functioning teams to deliver quality care and positive patient experiences. Her leadership approach combines disciplined execution with a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
Prior to joining Elite DNA, Bree spent over two decades in senior leadership roles across multiple industries, including serving as COO and CEO in the B2B marketing sector. She led cross-functional teams encompassing sales, marketing, human resources, client services, information technology, product development, and finance, consistently delivering measurable results while fostering cultures of collaboration, accountability, and growth.
Bree is deeply committed to developing emerging leaders across the organization, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and perspective to succeed in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. She leads with passion, grace, and wisdom, ensuring the next generation of leaders can carry forward Elite DNA’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality behavioral health care to the communities it serves.
Sherry Tucker
Resourceful and strategic financial leader with a proven track record of driving organizational growth and efficiency across diverse industries, spanning from non-profit health services to construction management. Adept at navigating complex financial landscapes, implementing creative solutions, and fostering transparent, ethical relationships to achieve impactful results.
Madeline Avilés-Hernández, Psy.D.
Madeline joined Advocates in 2024 with more than fifteen years of progressive management and operations experience, featuring a strong background in strategic planning, fiscal management, and quality management. She has successfully led various organizations, including in her recent role as Principal/CEO at Persona Solutions, LLC, and previously as CEO of The Price Center. Madeline is well-versed in building successful teams, driving programmatic innovation, and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Madeline holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Ponce Health Sciences University in Puerto Rico.
Outside of work, Madeline enjoys gardening and going camping with her husband and two dogs.
Dominik Middlemann
Back To The Future: How Today’s Health Care Is The Realization Of A 1990s Vision
In the 1990s, a wave of innovative ideas sought to bring health care to communities facing the greatest access barriers, from rural areas to schools and to individuals experiencing homelessness. While that vision was ambitious, the tools and infrastructure needed to fully realize it were often out of reach. Today, advances in technology, care delivery models, and a deeper understanding of community-based health have begun to close these long-standing gaps. This panel brings together leaders in mobile health, crisis intervention, and rural health care delivery to explore how today’s innovations are reshaping access to care. Panelists will discuss how mobile and crisis intervention clinics, telehealth, and hybrid care models are addressing workforce shortages, geographic challenges, and social determinants of health, pointing toward a more accessible and responsive future for health care delivery.
George Barakat
George Barakat is the Co-founder of Jack Nathan Health®. Named after his son Jack Nathan Barakat. George served as CEO of Jack Nathan Health® for the past 15 years. He is also Past President and CEO of Laila’s Inc. (art publishing and manufacturing), and a proud partner of Walmart® for more than 28 years.
A longtime believer in empowering customers, patients and associates. George created strategic partnerships taking Jack Nathan Health from a lean start-up, to a national leader in healthcare, servicing over 2 million patients across Canada and expansion into Mexico. With a clear “Patient First” vision. He has helped redefined the face of healthcare by improving access to quality healthcare for all communities utilizing retail and digital environments.
George excels at working with business leaders in different organizations to facilitate change and acceptance of new approaches.
Today, he possesses a comprehensive knowledge and understanding for retail healthcare and manufacturing, with a clear vision on how to implement related business strategies. He has travelled extensively nationally and internationally building and sustaining important global relationships and partnerships. George maximizes business growth by creating effective operational strategies, while delivering an unparalleled customer experience.
Mary Kathryn Fallon
Buddy Garfinkle
Joseph Haber, MA, MSW, LSW
Angela Patterson, DNP, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, FAANP
Kathleen Reinemeyer, DNP, FNP-C
Tine Hansen-Turton, MGA, J.D., FCPP, FAAN
Tine Hansen-Turton, MGA, JD, FCPP, FAAN, serves as President and CEO of Woods System of Care and Woods Resources. Woods System of Care is a population health management organization that, through its network of providers and partners in PA and NJ and 8,000 staff, provides life-cycle care to meet the lifelong needs of children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A), acquired brain injuries, and /or mental health challenges who may also have complex medical and genetic conditions.
She is a seasoned and successful Healthcare and Human Services Executive with 30 years of experience in C-suite executive leadership, serving in CEO, CSO, and COO roles throughout her career in Nonprofit, Private and Government Organizations. She has founded and led several nationally recognized health, human services, and related trade associations and has secured multi-billion dollars in new business. She is a founder, publisher/facilitator of a social impact/innovation journal and incubator lab.
Tine Hansen-Turton has tremendous content expertise in primary and behavioral health care, Health and Human Services Administration, Disabilities and Behavioral Health, Public and Population Health and Education. She has developed many innovative healthcare programs and business models (i.e. integrated primary and behavioral healthcare specialty clinics, convenient care and retail clinics, nurse-led care centers, specialized population health organizations, and life-cycle care management organizations) throughout her career, including starting dozens of non-profits and private businesses and organizations, such as the popular retail clinic industry association. Hansen-Turton served as CEO of the National Nurse-led Care Consortium, a non-profit organization supporting the growth and development of over 500 nurse-managed and school health clinics, serving more than 5 million vulnerable people across the country in urban and rural locations. For the past two decades, she has also been instrumental in positioning Nurse Practitioners as primary health care providers globally. Hansen-Turton still serves as the founding Executive Director for the Convenient Care Association (CCA), the national trade association of over 3000 private-sector retail clinic industry, serving 50 million people with basic health care services nationwide.
Hansen-Turton also teaches public and social innovations, leading nonprofits, health policy, and the social innovations lab at the University of Pennsylvania Fels Institute of Government and School of Nursing. She is co-founder and publisher of a social impact/innovation journal and has co-published ten books.
Hansen-Turton received her Juris Doctor from Temple University Beasley School of Law, a Master of Government/Public Administration from University of Pennsylvania Fels Institute of Government and a BA from Slippery Rock University. She also studied at the University of Copenhagen Law School.
Executive Networking Reception
End your day by unwinding with your peers, colleagues, thought leaders, and vendors. Join us in the exhibit hall and enjoy a cocktail and hors d’oeurvres!
Executive Breakfast
Start your day off right with breakfast, served in the exhibit hall. Take this time to speak with our great exhibitors and talk to peers about what you’ve heard this week!
No Wrong Door: Applying Managed Care Principles To Safety Net Services In Colorado & Beyond
Colorado’s new Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and its Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organizations (BHASOs) are redefining what it means to create a “no wrong door” system of care. Established by HB22-1278, the BHA was charged with uniting Colorado’s fragmented behavioral health landscape, spanning safety-net services and uninsured populations under a single, coordinated framework.
In this keynote, Daniel Darting, CEO of Signal Behavioral Health Network, will explore how BHASOs complement Medicaid plans while strengthening the safety net for those who fall outside it.Â
Learn how the BHASO model can act as a translator and bridge-builder between clinical, financial, and policy worlds by integrating and optimizing state funding streams, standardizing provider expectations and care, and ensuring that every Coloradan can find help regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. By streamlining contracting, reducing administrative burden, and improving data transparency, this model gives provider organizations more stability and flexibility to focus on care. Attendees will learn how governance, funding, and data strategies are driving results in Colorado—and what lessons other states can apply to redesign their own behavioral health systems for greater equity, efficiency, and impact.
Daniel Darting
Daniel Darting is the Chief Executive Officer of Signal Behavioral Health Networking Colorado, where he has served since 2008 and led as CEO since 2015. Under his leadership, Signal has expanded its impact across Colorado, improving individual and community behavioral health services.
Daniel is widely recognized for blending technical expertise, policy insight, and collaborative leadership. Prior to stepping into executive leadership, he held key roles in information technology and systems development, supporting secure healthcare data operations and large‑scale system planning. This technical foundation continues to inform his strategic approach to modernizing the behavioral health landscape.
In partnership with state, county, and community leaders, Daniel advances initiatives that improve service delivery, enhance quality, and drive meaningful policy change. His leadership extends beyond Signal: he has serves as President of the Colorado Providers Association and participates in other associations and boards.
Daniel played a key role on a Colorado task force commissioned by Governor Jared Polis to rearchitect the entire statewide behavioral health system—helping produce a comprehensive blueprint that will guide the system’s evolution for years to come.
Before entering behavioral health administration, Daniel worked across multiple sectors, including healthcare, employee benefits administration, higher education, and media—bringing a breadth of experience that continues to shape his approach as CEO.
Thought Leader Discussion
Join our keynote presenter for an interactive discussion where you can take time to ask your own questions and continue the conversation.
Daniel Darting
Daniel Darting is the Chief Executive Officer of Signal Behavioral Health Networking Colorado, where he has served since 2008 and led as CEO since 2015. Under his leadership, Signal has expanded its impact across Colorado, improving individual and community behavioral health services.
Daniel is widely recognized for blending technical expertise, policy insight, and collaborative leadership. Prior to stepping into executive leadership, he held key roles in information technology and systems development, supporting secure healthcare data operations and large‑scale system planning. This technical foundation continues to inform his strategic approach to modernizing the behavioral health landscape.
In partnership with state, county, and community leaders, Daniel advances initiatives that improve service delivery, enhance quality, and drive meaningful policy change. His leadership extends beyond Signal: he has serves as President of the Colorado Providers Association and participates in other associations and boards.
Daniel played a key role on a Colorado task force commissioned by Governor Jared Polis to rearchitect the entire statewide behavioral health system—helping produce a comprehensive blueprint that will guide the system’s evolution for years to come.
Before entering behavioral health administration, Daniel worked across multiple sectors, including healthcare, employee benefits administration, higher education, and media—bringing a breadth of experience that continues to shape his approach as CEO.
Designing Programs That Perform: Turning Metrics Into Momentum
In an era of value-based care, reimbursement pressures, and rising demand, behavioral health leaders can no longer rely on anecdotal success to demonstrate impact. Forward-thinking organizations are leveraging data not only to track outcomes—but to drive innovation, improve care, and secure payer and partner alignment.
Hear from Avita Community Partners, located in northeast Georgia and serving over 1,800 clients each year, on their 45-bed behavioral health crisis center that evaluates and stabilizes individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis/emergency. Within four months, Avita’s Behavioral Health Crisis Center achieved a 200% increase in services per client and reduced wait times to under 30 minutes. By combining data-driven strategies, cross-functional teamwork, and strong partnerships with law enforcement and community stakeholders, Avita has built a sustainable model that demonstrates how straightforward technology can be leveraged for high-impact change in behavioral health systems.
Key Takeaways Include:
- Learn how to select meaningful metrics aligned with clinical and business goals
- Understand how data can fuel program development, payer negotiations, and quality improvement
- Gain strategies for building a data-literate culture across your organization
Cathy Ganter, LPC, CPCS, MBA
Cathy brings over 30 years of experience in the mental health, substance use, and intellectual developmental disabilities field. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University in 1992, a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling at the University of Texas at Tyler in 1994, and a Master of Business Administration from Brenau University in 2005.  She obtained licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia in 1998. In 1997, Cathy began working at Avita Community Partners and is currently employed as the Chief Executive Officer.  Avita is known for its innovation, being the first in Georgia to provide specialty mental health services to those utilizing American Sign Language as their primary means of communication, and embedded clinicians in jails, courts, a senior center, and an assisted living facility. Most notable is the development of a 45-bed, state-of-the-art Behavioral Health Crisis Center with a specialty unit for individuals with co-occurring I/DD.
Anne Campbell
Anne Campbell is a business and technology professional serving as Director of Information Systems at Avita Community Partners. She has a 25+ year career of progressive experience leading high-performing teams and aligning electronic health record technology with core business objectives. With a deep expertise in system administration, Anne oversees the implementation and maintenance of organization-wide electronic information systems that enhance data management, reporting, and analytic capabilities. Anne is passionate in driving improvements to enhance operational and systems efficiency, ensuring quality excellence in deliverables and in supporting business agility. She is a known contributor in her field and valued for her cross-functional engagement across teams. Career highlights include requested consultation within the field and awards for excellence, including the “Thought Leadership Award.”  Anne has established strong professional relationships with technology partners, state and federal entities, to effectively support information system requirements and business initiatives. She attended Gainesville College with a major in Business Administration.
Don Reimer, LCSW, MBA
Don Reimer brings over forty years of dedicated experience to the behavioral healthcare field in both the management and provision of clinical services across various levels of care. He currently serves as Director of the Behavioral Health Crisis Center at Avita Community Partners in Gainesville, GA. Don’s career has included several leadership roles, such as serving as Director of a Crisis Stabilization Unit at SalusCare in Florida, supervising multiple inpatient care units. He also directed Crisis and Recovery Services at Charlotte Behavioral Health Care Services, overseeing the 24/7 units, including inpatient psychiatric, detox, residential rehab, and a mobile crisis team. Earlier in his career, he directed the Emergency and Stabilization Services at W.G. Nord Community Mental Health Center, where he established a comprehensive crisis stabilization program and later a partial hospitalization program. Don has been a team leader for the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. He is an experienced psychotherapist, focusing on trauma-centered psychotherapy, and is certified in EMDR. Don holds an MBA from Cleveland State University and an MSW from Columbia University School of Social Work. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Florida and Georgia and is fluent in Spanish
From Errors To Accuracy: AI For Less Rework & Cleaner RevenueÂ
As we all know too well, small errors at the beginning of the revenue cycle can create heaps of wasted time and rework downstream. This session focuses on how behavioral health organizations can strengthen benefits coordination and eligibility verification through smarter technology-driven workflows. The ultimate goal? Preventing denials before they start. And the best part is—denials prevention isn’t just hypothetical. Automation is opening the door to less chasing and more critical thinking in the revenue cycle, in addition to improved clean claim rates, higher first-pass pay rates and reduced rework. It’s all made possible by near real-time insights that start at the beginning of the revenue cycle. Join us to learn more about the next era of revenue cycle management, and how behavioral health organizations can use it to their advantage.Â
Sheetal Sood
Sheetal Sood is a visionary technology executive and the Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer for Cohen Veterans Network (CVN). With a distinguished career dedicated to the digital transformation of the healthcare industry, Sheetal oversees the strategic implementation and optimization of CVN’s entire enterprise architecture ranging from clinical information systems and advanced data analytics built on a secure platform.
A recognized expert in the fields of AI/ML, cybersecurity, and information governance, Sheetal bridges the gap between complex technical infrastructure and patient-centric care. Her leadership is defined by a unique ability to leverage emerging technologies to drive organizational efficiency and clinical excellence, marking her as a premier authority in digital health security and strategy.
Sheetal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering and maintains an elite tier of professional certifications, including CISSP, CHC, and CIPP/US
Cecilia Haag
Cecilia Haag serves as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Thompson Child & Family Focus, a multi-state nonprofit organization providing foster care, prevention, and behavioral health services to children and families. In this role, she leads organizational growth, innovation, and market expansion, with responsibility for launching new programs, entering new markets, and strengthening the systems that support sustainable scale.
Cecilia’s work is focused on building practical, high-quality service models that deliver strong outcomes for families while remaining operationally disciplined and financially sound. She partners closely with executive leadership, public agencies, and community stakeholders to translate policy priorities and funding opportunities into services that work on the ground. Her current areas of focus include prevention and family stabilization, workforce-centered growth strategies, and creating organizational infrastructure that allows programs to grow without sacrificing quality or accountability.
Driving Value-Base Care Through Comprehensive Care Coordination: A Success Story In New York State
Sponsored By: 
Value-based care arrangements come in many forms yet share many similar challenges. Health Homes in New York State have faced mounting pressures to meet regulatory requirements, control unnecessary utilization of care, and achieve high quality outcomes. Join Alison Bottone, CEO and Phil Balta, Director of Operations at the Health Home of Upper New York (HHUNY) and Amanda Adams from Netsmart to hear how technology helps streamline operations for care management agencies and optimize care coordination workflows while driving quality, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance.
Attendees will gain insights into:
- Managed Service Models:Â How managed services provide scalable technology solutions for Health Homes and CMAs, including data management, documentation, reporting and quality improvement.
- Technology-Enabled Coordination:Â Leveraging platforms and analytics to improve member tracking, risk stratification and performance monitoring.
- Operational Excellence:Â Best practices for reducing administrative burden, ensuring timely documentation and meeting state and federal standards.
- Impact on Outcomes:Â Real-world examples of improved member engagement, reduced gaps in care and enhanced collaboration across providers.
Alison Bottone, MPA
Alison Bottone is an accomplished healthcare executive with over 30+ years of experience in leadership roles across various nonprofit organizations. As the Chief Executive Officer of HHUNY Inc. (Health Homes of Upstate NY), she plays a pivotal role in overseeing a management service organization that supports more than 90 agencies in delivering quality care management services throughout Upstate New York. Her expertise encompasses strategic thinking, program development, and organizational leadership. By exhibiting a strong commitment to organizational culture, her vision and leadership focus is on developing high-performing teams, sustaining robust talent and fostering innovation in the healthcare landscape.
Previously, Alison served as the Executive Director of Developmental Disabilities Services at Hillside Family of Agencies, dedicated to community-based support for youth with developmental disabilities. Over 25 years at Hillside, she held various key positions, including Chief Operations Officer, Central Region Service Leader, and Service Development Manager where she championed transformative initiatives that improved service delivery and operational efficiency.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Alison enjoys spending quality time with her wife Joanne, two rescue dogs, and is actively exploring new and creative ways to enrich her life as she embraces her 60s.Â
Phillip Balta
Phil Balta’s 10+ years of experience in Adult and Children’s Health Homes, and his passion for Health Home Care Management has given him the ability to understand the unique and complex needs of individuals and has equipped him with the knowledge to address these needs effectively. He is currently the Operations Director for HHUNY MSO, a Management Service Organization, working with five lead Health Homes. As a member of HHUNY’s senior leadership team, he provides operational leadership, oversight, and technical support, and develops and maintains positive, productive relationships with key HHUNY stakeholders.
Phil is driven to support Care Management Agencies by providing them knowledge and resources to deliver quality services to their members. Phil is on the NYS Health Home Coalition Board of Directors. Phil works in collaboration with external Health Homes, Managed Care Organization NY State DOH, NYS State OMH, and Care Management providers in supporting Health Home Care Management Agencies and their members.
In his off time, Phil enjoys spending time cooking, gardening and enjoying time with his family and friends.
Amanda Adams
Amanda Adams, Senior Director and General Manager of Population Health at Netsmart, is a seasoned healthcare executive with an established history of success in population health strategy and value-based care transformation. A strategic thinker and policy advocate, Amanda has led cross-functional teams, shaped long-term population health strategies and consistently delivered strong, measurable results in quality of care, particularly in behavioral health HEDIS metrics. She is passionate about harnessing the power of technology and analytical insights to position organizations for success in the evolving regulatory landscape of interoperability and value-based care. Prior to joining Netsmart in 2025, Amanda had extensive experience leading high-impact initiatives that earned New York’s largest Medicaid plan top quality rankings across multiple programs, including a consistent 4+ star Medicare Advantage rating for several consecutive years.
You Are Not Alone: Management Issues Facing Rural & Frontier Communities
Behavioral health providers in rural and frontier communities face a unique set of challenges—workforce shortages, limited funding, geographic isolation, and infrastructure gaps—all while striving to meet rising demand and deliver high-quality care. But despite these hurdles, rural leaders are finding innovative, community-driven ways to build sustainable, impactful systems of care.
This session will explore the management and operational realities of running behavioral health services in rural and frontier settings. Through candid insights and real-world examples, we’ll highlight how organizations are navigating recruitment, access, reimbursement, partnerships, and technology implementation in under-resourced environments.
Whether you lead a rural agency or serve rural populations through a broader network, you’ll walk away with practical strategies, shared lessons, and a renewed sense of connection with peers facing similar challenges—and creating real change.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the systemic and day-to-day management issues facing rural and frontier behavioral health providers
- Explore workforce, funding, and access strategies tailored to rural challenges
- Learn how to leverage partnerships, telehealth, and community assets effectively
Josh Burke, LICSW
Josh Burke serves as the Director of Emergency Services at Northeast Kingdom Human Services (NKHS), where he leads a comprehensive continuum of crisis programs, including Mobile Crisis, Vermont’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Center, and The Front Porch mental health urgent care and stabilization program. Drawing on more than 15 years of behavioral health experience, Josh has developed a reputation for advancing innovative, community-based crisis responses that reduce reliance on emergency departments.
His approach integrates clinical expertise, data-driven program development, and collaborative partnerships with law enforcement, hospitals, and state agencies. Josh also maintains a private practice as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and is committed to building sustainable, evidence-based crisis services that strengthen both individuals and communities.
Craig Poe, MSML, SPHR
Craig Poe is the Chief Executive Officer of High Plains Mental Health Center, serving rural and frontier communities across Northwest Kansas. He leads a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic responsible for outpatient services, 24 hour mobile crisis response, and a Crisis Stabilization Unit, with a strong focus on access, workforce sustainability, and operational resilience in under resourced settings.
Since joining High Plains Mental Health Center in 2024, Craig has overseen significant system expansion, including launching one of the first Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation programs within a Community Mental Health Center nationally and advancing development of a regional Crisis Intervention Center to strengthen crisis response and reduce pressure on emergency rooms and law enforcement.
Craig brings extensive experience in rural behavioral health operations, workforce strategy, reimbursement challenges, and cross sector partnerships. Prior to his current role, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Pawnee Mental Health Services, overseeing operations across ten rural counties. His background also includes leadership roles in human resources, business management, and operations outside healthcare, giving him a practical, systems focused perspective on organizational leadership.
A sixth generation Kansan, Craig holds a master’s degree in management and leadership and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. His work is grounded in real world experience and a deep commitment to building sustainable behavioral health systems that meet rural communities where they are.
Retention, Burnout & Morale: Measuring Workforce ROI With AI
Workforce value is about more than speed. This session will explore how providers can track morale and burnout metrics to impact recruiting cost, vacancy days, overtime and avoidable turnover. Examples include how to pair pulse surveys with workload indicators, how to attribute changes to specific tools and how leaders can translate staff experience gains into a growth story for stakeholders and payers. We will explore the pragmatic realities facing behavioral health systems today and will examine use cases of currently evolving roles as well as emerging roles capable of filling the gaps.Â
Liz Worth, LSCSW
Liz Worth, LSCSW is the Deputy Director at Johnson County Mental Health Center. The Mental Health Center is a Department of Johnson County (KS) Government and employs more than 500 staff who provide behavioral health services to nearly 17,000 residents annually.
She holds a BS in Sociology from Baker University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of KS. She is a clinically licensed Mental Health Professional and has worked in Community Mental Health in Kansas for 23 years.
She is a passionate leader with a deep commitment to empowering individuals to take control of their well-being and lead fulfilling lives. With her background in mental health treatment and advocacy, she has dedicated her career to promoting a whole health approach – addressing the interconnectedness of mental, physical, emotional and social health. Drawing from wellness philosophies in both personal experience and professional expertise, she strives to inspire others to cultivate resilience, practice self-compassion and build strong support networks.
As an advocate for accessible mental health resources, she has worked with diverse communities to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, while fostering environments that prioritize healing, growth and self – care. Liz’s leadership style focuses on collaboration, creating spaces where others feel heard, valued and empowered to take proactive steps toward mental wellness.
When not working, Liz enjoys reading, being outdoors, running and spending time with her husband and dog.
G. N. Janes
G. N. Janes has been the Chief Executive Officer of Valley Community Services since 2015 and is the CEO and is the founder of Ardent Services Group, a bespoke organization dedicated to empowering and elevating human service organizations through innovative support and strategic collaboration. Prior to his current posting, he held various positions as a Regional Operations Director, Compliance Officer, and Direct Support Professional. Starting at American University in Washington DC, G. N. earned his bachelor’s degree from Regent’s College while on active duty in the United States Navy, graduating cum laude from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California from the Farsi program.
Since taking his position, G. N. has focused on technology, innovation, and employee outreach; expanding the Valley Community Services footprint by 120 percent, digitizing large swaths of the program and retaining over 90 percent of the agency’s front-line supervisors. He also serves on the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) Global Council, the Government Relations Advisory Council, and Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (PAR) Board of Directors where he is currently the Vice Chair.
In his spare time, G. N. enjoys the company of his two daughters: Sadie, an attorney in Aurora, Colorado and Mia, a senior at Ohio University.
From Portals To Participation: Provider Insights On Digital Engagement, Adoption & Performance
Sponsored By: 
Despite widespread investment in patient portals and digital engagement tools, many behavioral health organizations continue to see low adoption and limited impact on access and ongoing participation in care. Based on findings from a national provider survey produced by OPEN MINDS and Cantata Health Solutions, this session examines where digital engagement is falling short across the care continuum and what provider organizations report is needed to improve access, onboarding, engagement between visits, and sustained connection beyond formal treatment.
Led by Dr. Jorge R. Petit, Chief Clinical Advisor at Cantata Health Solutions, this session will share key insights and data analysis on digital access challenges, engagement performance, and emerging approaches to strengthen digital participation. Attendees will gain a practical perspective on how to reframe engagement initiatives as strategic, clinically integrated performance drivers rather than standalone technology efforts.
Jorge Petit, M.D.
Jorge R. Petit, MDÂ is a board-certified Adult, Community and Public psychiatrist and healthcare executive leader with over 30 years of focused attention on innovation and healthcare transformation for those most in need and vulnerable.
Dr. Petit is the founder and CEO of Quality Healthcare Solutions (QHS) providing consultation, strategic planning, advisory and technical assistance services to health care systems, community-based providers, emerging technology start-ups, and regulators with a special focus on behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and health and human services. Dr. Petit’s work includes strategic planning, C-suite and board development/governance best practices, medical leadership education, training and mentorship, workforce development (DEIBA and Cultural Humility), holistic and comprehensive integration initiatives, data and quality assessments and planning and other healthcare transformation efforts, such as Crisis Services and Certified Community-Based Health Centers (CCBHC) throughout the U.S. He is bilingual and bicultural and a thought leader, speaker, author and blogger BH: Matters.
He serves as Strategic and Development Advisor for Zero Overdose as well as Chief Clinical Advisor to Cantata Health Solutions and Clinical Advisor to Emotivo Health, Metta Health and Verity Health. Dr. Petit is an active member of SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) National Advisory Council and sits on the board of Cantata Health Solutions, Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC) and Mental Health News Education (MHNE). He is a member of the Committee on Psychiatric Administration & Leadership in the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry (GAP), United Hospital Fund (UHF) Health Policy Forum, as well as a member of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s Medical Director Institute (MDI).
Dr. Petit has held executive leadership roles in community-based health and human services organizations, managed care, city and state government and hospital systems. He was the Settlement Compliance Coordinator for 8 years at a leading NYC H+H system leading a successful turnaround project.
Dr. Petit is extensively published and the author of Handbook of Emergency Psychiatry and The Seven Beliefs: A Step-by-Step Guide to Help Latinas Recognize and Overcome Depression and the recipient of the 2023 Honoreefrom Marquis Who’s Who, Crain’s New York Business 2022 Notable LGBTQ Leader, City & State New York 2022 Nonprofit Power 100, and City & State New York 2022 Responsible 100.
Lunch On Your Own
Enjoy Rusty’s Bistro or Mainstay Tavern conveniently located inside the Sheraton Sand Key Resort!
Chief Operating Officer Member Networking Lunch
Join us for this private luncheon for OPEN MINDS member organization executive leaders – created for Chief Operating Officers. This networking session aims to provide opportunities for executive leaders nationwide to share solutions to the challenges of serving consumers with complex needs. The hosts for the luncheon are Ray Wolfe and Rick Guiterrez, Senior Associates at OPEN MINDS. (To register, contact Erin Deppen, Event Coordinator, at 717-334-1329 or edeppen@openminds.com.)
Ray Wolfe, J.D.
Raymond “Ray” Wolfe, J.D. brings over 40 years of experience in the health and human services sector to the OPEN MINDS team. Mr. Wolfe currently serves as a Senior Associate, a position in which he utilizes his expertise to successfully lead varying projects for OPEN MINDS. His areas of expertise include financial analysis and management, mergers and acquisitions, performance improvement, and strategic planning.
Before joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Wolfe served in a 22 year tenure with Pittsburgh Mercy Health System in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Most recently, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) where he was responsible for oversight of all system operations, strategic planning, and performance management. Under his direction Pittsburgh Mercy achieved over $850K in value-based reimbursement contract quality bonus awards, integrated three organizations through merger/acquisition, and adopted a new performance management program for managers.
Before acting as Pittsburgh Mercy’s COO, Mr. Wolfe served as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and was responsible for the development of internal costing methodologies, contract rate negotiations, and financial forecasting activities. In addition, he coordinated an integrated care program with local partner hospitals to develop a series of diversion and respite programs, as well as, specialized primary care, integrated care management and high utilizer teams, while maintaining 15 straight years profitability.
Mr. Wolfe was promoted to CFO after serving as the Director of Fiscal and Information Security/Compliance for the health system. In this role, he was responsible for managing the transition of service contracts from fee-for-service (FFS), leading all compliance activities, and implementing a next generation electronic health record (EHR) system.
Prior to his time at Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, Mr. Wolfe served as Chief Fiscal Officer with the Summit Center for Human Development in Clarksburg, West Virginia, where he was responsible for reporting and budgeting functions and preparing Summit Center’s programs for FFS billing.
Previously, Mr. Wolfe served in billing and collections for two Pennsylvania-based hospitals. First, as an Accounts Receivables Manager for Brownsville General Hospital in Brownsville, PA, where he managed the accounting and billing system transition systems. Later as a Patient Account Manager for St. Francis Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA, where he improved collections to hit 95% rate through the implementation of new billing software and department reorganization.
Prior to working in the health and human services market, Mr. Wolfe spent five years practicing as a Lawyer with at Law Offices of Arch A. Moore in Moundsville, WV. In this role he provided general legal practice, created and established bylaws for multiple corporation, and handled West Virginia licensing of first vision insurance plan.
Mr. Wolfe earned his Juris Doctor from the West Virginia University School of Law in Morgantown, WV and his Bachelor’s degree with a focus in Political Science and Sociology from West Liberty University, in Wheeling, WV, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Rick D. Gutierrez, Ph.D.
Rick Gutierrez, Ph.D. brings over 20 years of clinical and operational experience to the OPEN MINDS team. His unique blend of experience has allowed him to drive impactful outcomes in the developmental disability and behavioral health fields.
Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Dr. Gutierrez served as Vice President, Clinical Strategy & Operations at Easterseals Southern California. In this role he oversaw the outpatient Applied Behavior Analysis provider network and Enhanced Care Management in partnership with Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Gutierrez also oversaw START Crisis services, behavioral services for all residential services, negotiation and management of contracts with network providers and payers, and intake and customer service functions including revenue cycle management, benefits and eligibility, and authorization teams. In addition, he developed and monitored the implementation of a strategic plan in collaboration with the Chief Clinical Officer.
Prior to this, Dr. Gutierrez served as Regional Vice President and Director of Subcontracting also at Easterseals Southern California.
Previously, Dr. Gutierrez served as Clinical Administrator at Applied Behavioral Consultants, Inc. where he oversaw all clinical aspects of community-based behavioral health treatment for consumers in Southern California. He also monitored compliance across multiple areas of the organization, negotiated contracts with most major health plans, and led new program development. Before this role, Dr. Gutierrez served as Regional Director and Program Manager at Applied Behavioral Consultants, Inc.
Dr. Gutierrez is a certified Emotional Intelligence (EQ) trainer, licensed psychologist in California, and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). He has overseen a variety of service settings, including adult day programs, residential programs, and intensive therapy programs like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and has worked with individuals across the lifespan who have developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. He has experience managing projects aimed at enhancing service delivery, ensuring that strategic initiatives align with budgeted funding and contribute to sustainable growth. He has worked across diverse funding models, including those from the Department of Developmental Services, insurance companies, and school districts, while ensuring programs meet accreditation standards. Additionally, he has shared his expertise globally, giving numerous talks on program development, leadership, and employee retention. These combined clinical and operational skills make him a versatile leader capable of improving both care delivery and organizational performance.
He has also served as Program Director, Behavior Consultant, and Case Manager at various organizations. Dr. Gutierrez is an active member of multiple professional organizations.
Dr. Gutierrez earned his Doctorate of Philosophy from Capella University, his Masters of Science from California State University, and his Bachelors of Art from University of California.
Raffle Prize Drawing
Don’t miss the much-anticipated raffle drawing at 1:45 pm and come see if you’ve won any of the great prizes provided by our generous sponsors! (Must be present to win!)
The Great Divide: Bridging The Gap Between Clinical & Financial Executives
In many behavioral health organizations, clinical and financial leaders share the same mission—but speak very different languages. Misalignment between clinical and financial priorities can stall innovation, hinder operational performance, and create internal friction that ultimately impacts patient care.
This session explores practical strategies for bridging the communication and collaboration gap between clinical and financial executives. Learn how forward-thinking organizations are creating integrated leadership models that align care quality with financial sustainability—ensuring that both patient outcomes and business health move forward together.
Key Takeaways Include:
- Explore frameworks for aligning financial strategy with clinical priorities
- Learn how to create a culture of collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect
- Gain actionable insights to drive data-informed decisions that support both care and cost
Charles Gagnon
Since taking the helm at VOAMASS in 2019, Charles has used his extensive experience to champion whole-person, integrated care as the organization’s service model and mission.
Charles is known throughout Massachusetts as a leader in community development and an advocate of innovative services. He uses his expertise in the areas of behavioral health, affordable housing, and workforce development to establish programs and policy aimed at ending housing, health, and income disparities.
Charles serves on the boards of the Association for Behavioral Healthcare and Massachusetts Workforce Association, as well as the national Volunteers of America organization and its Church governing board.
Prior to joining VOAMASS, Charles spent 25 years at the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC), serving as Chief Operating Officer from 2008-2019. During his tenure at SMOC, Charles was instrumental in leading the SMOC Housing Corporation, developing and managing more than 2,000 housing units across the Commonwealth. He holds a master’s degree from the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree from Saint John’s University in Minnesota.
Mindy Miller, LMHC, LADC1
Mindy joined the VOAMASS team in 2011 and has served as its Chief Operating Officer since 2022. As COO, Mindy oversees program planning, development, and implementation across multiple service areas, including residential and outpatient treatment, veteran services, and re-entry for justice-involved individuals.
Mindy began her career at VOAMASS as a mental health clinician, later serving as Director of Outpatient Services and Vice President of Integrated Services. Mindy has led the development of the VOAMASS integrated care model; implemented standardized quality metrics and continuous quality improvement processes to support migration toward measurement-based care; and designed and implemented consistent protocols for engagement, intake, assessment, and triage.
Mindy holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, a master’s degree in forensic psychology from Roger Williams University, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Mental Health Counseling from Bridgewater State University. Mindy is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor (LADC1). She is a past awardee of the national Volunteers of America (VOA) Leadership in Excellence award and a VOA Commissioned minister.
Reclaiming Time For Care: AI Documentation That Expands Capacity
Of all the resources in health care, clinician time is perhaps the scarcest. This session examines how automated documentation and note generation tools encourage note completion and transform time saved into increased appointments week after week. We will explore documentation use cases, how to measure accuracy and ease burden, and how to forecast the conversion of minutes saved into staff workload. Attendees will also discover how to align clinical, compliance and revenue stakeholders to maximize efficiency.Â
Jessica Fenchel, MA
Jessica Fenchel is the Executive Vice President and COO at Access Services, where she supports the delivery of diverse community-based programming for children, adults, and families in Eastern Pennsylvania. Access Services is a nonprofit organization building community through the delivery of services in Behavioral Health, Children and Families Services, Intellectual Disability and Autism Programming, and Housing and Homeless Services.
Jess has been key in the startup of innovative initiatives across multiple service spaces including crisis, forensics, schools, and homelessness. Jess believes that help should be helpful and that the people we serve deserve our best. She has led in partnership building to realize integration between behavioral health and physical health, driving solutions for vulnerable populations. Jess’ work to develop new models of partnership between law enforcement and crisis systems has led to overall reductions in arrest for those experiencing mental health crisis.
Jess received her undergraduate degree from Messiah University, her master’s degree from Lasalle University in Clinical Counseling Psychology, training in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas, a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Lasalle University, and a certificate from the Global Trauma Recovery Institute. Jess is an avid sports fan, especially the Buffalo Bills, and loves being active outside with her husband, three kids, and dog.
Ronald J. Colavito
Ronald J. Colavito is an accomplished executive leader with over 20 years of experience in operational leadership, financial management, and strategic business development. Currently serving as President and CEO of the Access: Network, which includes Access: Supports for Living Inc.; The Guidance Center of Westchester, Inc.; New York Families for Autistic Children, Inc.; and Meaningful NY Initiatives for People with Disabilities, Inc., he oversees corporate operations with an annual budget exceeding $160 million and a workforce of more than 2,200. Collectively, the organizations deliver innovative behavioral health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, housing, employment, and children and families services to over 20,000 adults and children across New York’s Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island.
Under his leadership, Ron has driven significant growth, more than doubling organizational budgets since 2010 through strategic business development. He excels in implementing data-driven decision-making, fostering partnerships, and successfully integrating financial and operational systems to enhance efficiency and scalability.
Ron holds an MBA in Healthcare Management from Quinnipiac University, a BS in Accounting from SUNY Geneseo, and completed the Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management program at Harvard Business School. His extensive board involvement includes current roles with Coordinated Behavioral Health Services IPA, NYIN, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp., New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, InUnity Alliance, New York Disability Advocates, CareDesign NY, Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Hudson Valley Service Providers, as well as the Hudson Valley Care Coalition, designated as the lead Social Care Network for the Hudson Valley region through the New York State 1115 Waiver.
Brandie D. Williams, M.Ed, Ed.S
Brandie has over 21 years of experience serving individuals with Behavioral Health needs and Developmental Disabilities. For the past 16 years, Brandie has worked at the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, a non-profit organization dedicated to education, recovery, treatment, and wellness of individuals affected by mental health and substance use disorders and developmental disabilities. In her role as Deputy Executive Director, she brings subject-matter and operational knowledge of integrated care, data analytics, and behavioral health care to support the use of analytics to improve clinical performance, patient health, and organizational efficiencies. In addition to day-to-day operations, Brandie oversees reporting and analytics to inform a data-drive quality improvement process. Throughout her professional career, Brandie has fostered a deep passion for the opportunities created by advanced science and technology in the health and human services quality improvement space. She believes building and growing a high-quality workforce is the foundation for meeting our community’s needs.Â
Building Stability In Behavioral Health Through Care Delivery With RevDoc
Sponsored By: 
Across behavioral health, leaders are carrying an increasingly impossible balance: growing demand, a limited workforce, rising compliance requirements, and mounting financial pressure—all while striving to protect the clinicians who make care possible. Many organizations are working harder than ever, yet feeling less stable and less flexible.
This session is an invitation to step back and ask a different question: What if sustainability starts with how care is delivered, not how claims are managed? We’ll explore how modern care-delivery platforms can reduce friction, support providers, and unlock new paths to growth—without sacrificing access, ethics, or mission.
John Sheehan, MBA, FACHE
John M. Sheehan, MBA, FACHE, is the Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer at RevDoc, where he leads national growth strategy, partnerships, and market expansion focused on integrated, value-based care models. A mission-driven healthcare executive with more than 20 years of experience, John has led organizations through periods of significant uncertainty and transformation, aligning clinical operations, revenue cycle performance, and payer strategy to stabilize finances while expanding access to care. His work has consistently focused on reducing avoidable emergency department utilization and inpatient admissions through integrated behavioral health, telehealth, and care-continuum redesign. A former CEO, president, and board member, John has built and scaled behavioral health, hospital, and digital health organizations, launched systemwide service lines, restored regulatory compliance, and driven sustainable growth across complex, multi-entity systems. He is also an Open Minds Circle Board Member and brings to RevDoc—and the Open Minds community—a pragmatic, operator’s perspective on leading change, strengthening revenue integrity, and delivering measurable clinical and financial impact in highly regulated healthcare environments.
Andres Santayana, M.D.
Dr. Santayana is a board-certified Family Medicine physician with diverse experience in academic, hospital, and outpatient settings. He has held various leadership roles throughout his career, and helped launch a private, physician-owned medical group. Skilled in broad-spectrum Family Medicine, he focuses on preventive care, chronic disease management, and procedures. His guiding principle is empowering patients to take control of their health.
The Executive Imperative: Turning Data Into A Performance Advantage
Behavioral health leaders face a defining opportunity: to turn data into a strategic asset that drives sustainable growth and lasting impact. Join Monica E. Oss, Chief Executive Officer of OPEN MINDS, as she explores how executive teams can move beyond data collection to true data fluency – embedding analytics into decision-making, performance improvement, and organizational culture.
Monica E. Oss
Monica E. Oss, M.S. is the founder of OPEN MINDS and serves as its chief executive officer, executive editor of its publications and websites, and executive lead of its consulting engagements. For the past three decades, Ms. Oss has led the OPEN MINDS team and its research on health and human service market trends and its national consulting practice. She is well known for her numerous books and articles focused on the strategic and marketing implications of the evolving health and human service field – and its focus on the verticals of the field serving consumers with chronic conditions and complex support needs.
Ms. Oss has extensive experience in developing and implementing growth strategies for a wide array of organizations in the field. She has expertise in industry trend analysis, reimbursement, rate setting, and creating actionable plans for market success. In her role, she has led numerous engagements with state Medicaid plans, county governments, private insurers, and health plans, service provider organizations, technology vendors, neurotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations, and investment banking firms – with a focus on the implications of financing changes on delivery system design.
Prior to founding OPEN MINDS, Ms. Oss served as an executive with a nationally managed behavioral health organization, responsible for market development, actuarial analysis, and capitation-based rate setting. She also held a position as vice president of the U.S. risk management and underwriting division of an international insurance company.
Ms. Oss has been the keynote speaker at the conferences of dozens of national associations and has been published in a wide range of professional journals and trade publications. She has provided Congressional and state legislative testimony on issues as diverse as the financial impact of parity and payer medication access policies.
Ms. Oss has led a range of industry research and consultation initiatives, serving as principal investigator on research projects that include the examination of national managed care enrollment and service patterns, development of provider rate structures for government entities, creation of return-on-investment models for technology investments; design of performance-based compensation models within public and private health plans; and analysis of the economic impact of changes in benefit design, adoption of evidence-based practices, and new technologies.