MEADOWS MENTAL HEALTH POLICY INSTITUTE - Key Persons


Aaron Smith

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Implementation and Veteran Integration
Aaron Smith, MBA, is the Vice President of Implementation and Veteran Integration at the Meadows Institute. In this role, he leverages his expertise in cross functional collaboration to work with local, state, and national organizations to support health system changes in the veteran, justice-involved, and data spaces. At the Institute, Aaron provides technical assistance to organizations and communities, and contributes his expertise and insights into actionable strategies for communities working with the Institute to improve their mental health systems. He helps communities plan and implement federal and state mental health grant programs, with a focus on policy development for meeting the mental health needs of Texas veterans and their families, Aaron served as a Hospital Corpsman Second Class (Fleet Marine Force) in the United States Navy from 2004-2009 and deployed with both the Army and Marine Corps. He received his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in healthcare administration from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi and completed his undergraduate degree at Southwestern University (Georgetown). Aaron Smith, MBA, is the Vice President of Implementation and Veteran Integration at the Meadows Institute. In this role, he leverages his expertise in cross functional collaboration to work with local, state, and national organizations to support health system changes in the veteran, justice-involved, and data spaces. At the Institute, Aaron provides technical assistance to organizations and communities, and contributes his expertise and insights into actionable strategies for communities working with the Institute to improve their mental health systems. He helps communities plan and implement federal and state mental health grant programs, with a focus on policy development for meeting the mental health needs of Texas veterans and their families, Aaron served as a Hospital Corpsman Second Class (Fleet Marine Force) in the United States Navy from 2004-2009 and deployed with both the Army and Marine Corps. He received his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in healthcare administration from Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi and completed his undergraduate degree at Southwestern University (Georgetown).

Adrienne Kennedy

Job Titles:
  • Immediate past President of the Board of Directors, National Alliance on Mental Illness
Adrienne Kennedy, MA, immediate past president of the board of directors of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Arlington, VA., is a retired educator and researcher with decades in curriculum design, collaborative learning and teacher development. Adrienne now devotes herself to mental health education and advocacy, after years of lived experience with mental health issues spanning five generations. Adrienne is a national trainer of NAMI programs for providers, as well as those designed for families or professionals working with children and teens. In addition to her NAMI leadership, Adrienne was appointed to her second term (2021-2023) as a commissioner with the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, a permanent commission established in 2018 by the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Adrienne's advocacy efforts now include her ongoing search of forefront breakthroughs in the neurosciences, promising practices in public health and crisis interventions, and interdisciplinary, interagency partnerships that both inform and impel calls to action across major sectors. She tirelessly champions cutting-edge research, systems change, interprofessional collaboration, integrated healthcare, cultural humility and effective redress of disparities across all areas, especially in the justice system. Adrienne's academic and early professional life centered in California, where she began her career as teacher, administrator, adjunct lecturer (University of California at Santa Cruz), California state credential supervisor, and consultant to schools and universities in California and Utah. She considers herself extremely blessed to have worked side-by-side with forefront leaders in education, social emotional learning, cognitive sciences and the neurosciences, including her years of research toward her doctorate in curriculum design and teacher development at the University of Texas at Austin, College of Education. Adrienne continues to press tirelessly for community commitment to the needs of children: from safeguarding developmental milestones to quality school-based services and supports capable of mitigating adverse childhood events and the social determinants of health. During her time as a researcher in computer-assisted learning at Stanford Research Institute (now SRI International), Adrienne met and married her husband, Hal Puthoff. They welcomed their first four children in California then relocated to Texas in 1985 where they welcomed their fifth child. As only children themselves, Adrienne and Hal treasure their experiences of their large family that now includes 11 grandchildren - each of whom inspires them in their professions as well as in the causes that they passionately pursue. Adrienne Kennedy, MA, immediate past president of the board of directors of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Arlington, VA., is a retired educator and researcher with decades in curriculum design, collaborative learning and teacher development. Adrienne now devotes herself to mental health education and advocacy, after years of lived experience with mental health issues spanning five generations. Adrienne is a national trainer of NAMI programs for providers, as well as those designed for families or professionals working with children and teens. In addition to her NAMI leadership, Adrienne was appointed to her second term (2021-2023) as a commissioner with the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, a permanent commission established in 2018 by the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Adrienne's advocacy efforts now include her ongoing search of forefront breakthroughs in the neurosciences, promising practices in public health and crisis interventions, and interdisciplinary, interagency partnerships that both inform and impel calls to action across major sectors. She tirelessly champions cutting-edge research, systems change, interprofessional collaboration, integrated healthcare, cultural humility and effective redress of disparities across all areas, especially in the justice system. Adrienne's academic and early professional life centered in California, where she began her career as teacher, administrator, adjunct lecturer (University of California at Santa Cruz), California state credential supervisor, and consultant to schools and universities in California and Utah. She considers herself extremely blessed to have worked side-by-side with forefront leaders in education, social emotional learning, cognitive sciences and the neurosciences, including her years of research toward her doctorate in curriculum design and teacher development at the University of Texas at Austin, College of Education. Adrienne continues to press tirelessly for community commitment to the needs of children: from safeguarding developmental milestones to quality school-based services and supports capable of mitigating adverse childhood events and the social determinants of health. During her time as a researcher in computer-assisted learning at Stanford Research Institute (now SRI International), Adrienne met and married her husband, Hal Puthoff. They welcomed their first four children in California then relocated to Texas in 1985 where they welcomed their fifth child. As only children themselves, Adrienne and Hal treasure their experiences of their large family that now includes 11 grandchildren - each of whom inspires them in their professions as well as in the causes that they passionately pursue.

Airika Crawford

Job Titles:
  • Project Director, Bexar Continuum of Car
  • Project Director, Bexar Continuum of Care
Airika Crawford, MSW, joined the Meadows Institute with over 14 years of experience working within child welfare and higher education institutions. She has comprehensive knowledge and expertise in macro social work practice, program development, qualitative and quantitative research methods, nonprofit management, child welfare case management, project management, outreach, recruitment, and retention of underserved populations. Before the Meadows Institute, Airika served as the Senior Director of the Bexar County Fostering Educational Success Program, where she played a key role in developing impactful educational programs for students with foster care experience. Her contributions were instrumental in transforming several community leaders' visions into a robust program with a significant collective impact on the educational outcomes of these students. Her work also caught the attention of Jenna Parro and Kate Volti who are leading work on the intersection of mental health, education, and foster care, and Airika's work further inspired their efforts in North Texas. Airika holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wayne State University, an MSW from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Airika is a proud mother of three kids. They are her greatest motivators, fueling her passion for providing transformative systems and equitable access to higher education for minoritized populations. Airika Crawford, MSW, joined the Meadows Institute with over 14 years of experience working within child welfare and higher education institutions. She has comprehensive knowledge and expertise in macro social work practice, program development, qualitative and quantitative research methods, nonprofit management, child welfare case management, project management, outreach, recruitment, and retention of underserved populations. Before the Meadows Institute, Airika served as the Senior Director of the Bexar County Fostering Educational Success Program, where she played a key role in developing impactful educational programs for students with foster care experience. Her contributions were instrumental in transforming several community leaders' visions into a robust program with a significant collective impact on the educational outcomes of these students. Her work also caught the attention of Jenna Parro and Kate Volti who are leading work on the intersection of mental health, education, and foster care, and Airika's work further inspired their efforts in North Texas. Airika holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wayne State University, an MSW from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Airika is a proud mother of three kids. They are her greatest motivators, fueling her passion for providing transformative systems and equitable access to higher education for minoritized populations.

Alessandra Pequeno

Job Titles:
  • Grants and Contracts Associate
Alessandra comes to the Meadows Institute with over four years of experience in public health, grants, and contract management. Prior to joining the Institute, Alessandra completed a fellowship at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), working under the Office of Compliance and Accountability. During her fellowship, she provided technical assistance for grant and contract administration, developed operational policies, and conducted research to inform strategic decisions. Alessandra also worked closely with grant stakeholders and gained experience in ensuring compliance. Before her time at Texas DSHS, Alessandra interned at the Laredo Public Health Department, focusing on data analysis, policy development, and program evaluation. At the Meadows Institute, Alessandra supports the Vice President of Operations in overseeing and monitoring Institute grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, and contributing to the preparation and submission of high-quality grant and contract applications. She assists the Vice President of Accounting and Controller in the preparation and organization of documentation for federal audits, supports the development and implementation of internal controls, and monitors federal grant expenditures for proper allocation of funds. Alessandra has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Texas A&M International University and a certification in Data Analytics and Literacy. She is passionate about the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute's mission to provide effective, efficient mental health care to all Texans and is eager to contribute to the mission. Alessandra currently resides in Laredo, Texas, with her cat. Alessandra comes to the Meadows Institute with over four years of experience in public health, grants, and contract management. Prior to joining the Institute, Alessandra completed a fellowship at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), working under the Office of Compliance and Accountability. During her fellowship, she provided technical assistance for grant and contract administration, developed operational policies, and conducted research to inform strategic decisions. Alessandra also worked closely with grant stakeholders and gained experience in ensuring compliance. Before her time at Texas DSHS, Alessandra interned at the Laredo Public Health Department, focusing on data analysis, policy development, and program evaluation. At the Meadows Institute, Alessandra supports the Vice President of Operations in overseeing and monitoring Institute grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, and contributing to the preparation and submission of high-quality grant and contract applications. She assists the Vice President of Accounting and Controller in the preparation and organization of documentation for federal audits, supports the development and implementation of internal controls, and monitors federal grant expenditures for proper allocation of funds. Alessandra has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Texas A&M International University and a certification in Data Analytics and Literacy. She is passionate about the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute's mission to provide effective, efficient mental health care to all Texans and is eager to contribute to the mission. Alessandra currently resides in Laredo, Texas, with her cat.

Alexis Santiago

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director of Program Operations, Trauma & Grief Center
Alexis Santiago has over 20 years of experience in health and human services, focusing on healthcare quality, compliance, and risk management for the past 14 years. Alexis has a solid foundation in healthcare clinic operations management with an emphasis on program development, building strong relationships with community partners, meeting accreditation standards, understanding state rules and regulations, continuous quality and process improvement, and championing for change. Alexis started her career as a social worker providing direct care services for non-profit organizations serving children and families. Her clinical experiences have enabled her to successfully transition from a direct service practitioner to the administrative setting. She has held an array of leadership positions including director of quality and compliance for an outpatient children's behavioral health clinic; director of risk and quality for a 300-bed acute inpatient behavioral health hospital for children; and national director of quality management to a senior director of compliance for large multi-state non-profit organizations that provides residential services for unaccompanied migrant children. Alexis serves as an adjunct faculty member in the social work department for Pima Community College and has been a consultant for healthcare organizations on quality and compliance initiatives. In her role at the TAG Center, Alexis oversees the coordination and effectiveness of all TAG Center initiatives, operations, and processes. She also manages the development, implementation, and monitoring of grant deliverables and continuous quality improvement initiatives within the TAG Center. Alexis received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Central Florida and is a Licensed Master Social Worker with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. She is also a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality and a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional. Alexis lives in Tucson, AZ with her partner and her two sons. Alexis Santiago has over 20 years of experience in health and human services, focusing on healthcare quality, compliance, and risk management for the past 14 years. Alexis has a solid foundation in healthcare clinic operations management with an emphasis on program development, building strong relationships with community partners, meeting accreditation standards, understanding state rules and regulations, continuous quality and process improvement, and championing for change. Alexis started her career as a social worker providing direct care services for non-profit organizations serving children and families. Her clinical experiences have enabled her to successfully transition from a direct service practitioner to the administrative setting. She has held an array of leadership positions including director of quality and compliance for an outpatient children's behavioral health clinic; director of risk and quality for a 300-bed acute inpatient behavioral health hospital for children; and national director of quality management to a senior director of compliance for large multi-state non-profit organizations that provides residential services for unaccompanied migrant children. Alexis serves as an adjunct faculty member in the social work department for Pima Community College and has been a consultant for healthcare organizations on quality and compliance initiatives. In her role at the TAG Center, Alexis oversees the coordination and effectiveness of all TAG Center initiatives, operations, and processes. She also manages the development, implementation, and monitoring of grant deliverables and continuous quality improvement initiatives within the TAG Center. Alexis received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Central Florida and is a Licensed Master Social Worker with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. She is also a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality and a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional. Alexis lives in Tucson, AZ with her partner and her two sons.

Altha J. Stewart

Job Titles:
  • Senior Associate
  • Senior Associate Dean for Community Health Engagement, the College of Medicine, University of Tennessee
Altha J. Stewart, MD, is Senior Associate Dean for Community Health Engagement and Director, Center for Health in Justice-Involved Youth at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She served as APA President (2018/2019), the first African American elected in the 175-year history of the organization. She served as Executive Director for Memphis' federally funded System of Care program for children with serious emotional disorders. Dr. Stewart was Director of Systems of Care for the Shelby County Office of the Public Defender. She worked for decades as CEO in public mental health systems in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York. Altha J. Stewart, MD, is Senior Associate Dean for Community Health Engagement and Director, Center for Health in Justice-Involved Youth at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She served as APA President (2018/2019), the first African American elected in the 175-year history of the organization. She served as Executive Director for Memphis' federally funded System of Care program for children with serious emotional disorders. Dr. Stewart was Director of Systems of Care for the Shelby County Office of the Public Defender. She worked for decades as CEO in public mental health systems in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Alyssa Hiarker

Job Titles:
  • Data Analyst, the Hackett Center for Mental Health
Alyssa Hiarker, MPH, has four years of experience in data management and analysis. She is extremely passionate about identifying the most effective ways to utilize data to promote policy and program development. For the past two years, Alyssa has worked to manage data for Tulane University's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine's Career Services office. In this role, she spearheaded an equity project that utilized graduate outcome data to identify disparities and she subsequently developed and evaluated the organization's programming to best support student needs. She has worked in data-centric roles for a variety of other organizations, including the Texas Department of State Health Services' Center for Health Statistics, the League of Conservation Voters, and the Tulane Allergen Reduction and Child Health Study. In her role at The Hackett Center for Mental Health, Alyssa works with the research team in collecting, managing, and analyzing data that support program monitoring, evaluation, and research efforts, including coordinating and preparing data-related deliverables such as presentations, grant proposals, reports, and research requests. Additionally, to best support the needs of community assessment and evaluation projects conducted by The Center, she works closely with the Senior Director for Research, Evaluation and Performance to help manage qualitative and quantitative data and create data dashboards to monitor programs. Alyssa received her Masters of Public Health from Tulane University. Prior to that, she attended The University of Texas at Austin where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies, a Bachelor of Journalism in Journalism and graduated as a Dean's Distinguished Graduate. Alyssa was born and raised in Houston and is excited to have an opportunity to help serve her community. Alyssa Hiarker, MPH, has four years of experience in data management and analysis. She is extremely passionate about identifying the most effective ways to utilize data to promote policy and program development. For the past two years, Alyssa has worked to manage data for Tulane University's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine's Career Services office. In this role, she spearheaded an equity project that utilized graduate outcome data to identify disparities and she subsequently developed and evaluated the organization's programming to best support student needs. She has worked in data-centric roles for a variety of other organizations, including the Texas Department of State Health Services' Center for Health Statistics, the League of Conservation Voters, and the Tulane Allergen Reduction and Child Health Study. In her role at The Hackett Center for Mental Health, Alyssa works with the research team in collecting, managing, and analyzing data that support program monitoring, evaluation, and research efforts, including coordinating and preparing data-related deliverables such as presentations, grant proposals, reports, and research requests. Additionally, to best support the needs of community assessment and evaluation projects conducted by The Center, she works closely with the Senior Director for Research, Evaluation and Performance to help manage qualitative and quantitative data and create data dashboards to monitor programs. Alyssa received her Masters of Public Health from Tulane University. Prior to that, she attended The University of Texas at Austin where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies, a Bachelor of Journalism in Journalism and graduated as a Dean's Distinguished Graduate. Alyssa was born and raised in Houston and is excited to have an opportunity to help serve her community.

Amanda Mathias - COO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Operating Officer
  • Executive Director
  • Senior Advisor
Dr. Mathias holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience in both community social services and community mental health. Her service throughout Texas has centered on the indigent, homeless, and underserved populations. In her clinical and programmatic development opportunities, Dr. Mathias has applied her focus to individuals living with serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, and complex medical conditions through evidence-based and innovative care. Her concentration in program development has been in integrated, trauma-informed, person-centered treatment models while developing and implementing a supervision/leadership model supporting the clinicians of these highly intensive assertive treatment projects. In her current position with Meadows Institute, Dr. Mathias applies her clinical expertise to transforming the local systems through integration of evidence-based best practices in Texas and the US. She has led and contributed to MMHPI's local systems work by providing assessment and clinical implementation strategy aimed at improving the community mental health systems. She works closely with national leaders seeking to improve quality and access to care through innovative and sustainable practices. Dr. Mathias holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience in both community social services and community mental health. Her service throughout Texas has centered on the indigent, homeless, and underserved populations. In her clinical and programmatic development opportunities, Dr. Mathias has applied her focus to individuals living with serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, and complex medical conditions through evidence-based and innovative care. Her concentration in program development has been in integrated, trauma-informed, person-centered treatment models while developing and implementing a supervision/leadership model supporting the clinicians of these highly intensive assertive treatment projects. In her current position with Meadows Institute, Dr. Mathias applies her clinical expertise to transforming the local systems through integration of evidence-based best practices in Texas and the US. She has led and contributed to MMHPI's local systems work by providing assessment and clinical implementation strategy aimed at improving the community mental health systems. She works closely with national leaders seeking to improve quality and access to care through innovative and sustainable practices.

Amy Felker

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director, Center for Child and Family Wellness
Amy has worked in social services and behavioral health policy and program operations for 15 years, with a focus on programs providing mental health support for children and families. She began her career providing direct services in school and hospital settings, primarily providing short term and crisis intervention services. It was during this time that she witnessed firsthand the importance of individuals having access to the appropriate mental health services when and where they need them. Amy comes to the Meadows Institute from the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system where she led several key behavioral health programs and initiatives including the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver, development and implementation of the of the behavioral health assessment tool for children and youth entering conservatorship, and implementation of evidence based, high fidelity Wraparound. She served as Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Mental Health Coordination leading projects to enhance collaboration across child welfare, education, juvenile justice, and other child and family serving systems. In her most recent role, she provided broad operational and implementation support for Medicaid and CHIP program operations. In her daily work at the Meadows Institute, Amy contributes to a variety of projects at the intersection between clinical practice, system design, and policy. Amy has a bachelor's degree in government and a Master of Science in Social Work, both from The University of Texas at Austin. Amy has worked in social services and behavioral health policy and program operations for 15 years, with a focus on programs providing mental health support for children and families. She began her career providing direct services in school and hospital settings, primarily providing short term and crisis intervention services. It was during this time that she witnessed firsthand the importance of individuals having access to the appropriate mental health services when and where they need them. Amy comes to the Meadows Institute from the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system where she led several key behavioral health programs and initiatives including the Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver, development and implementation of the of the behavioral health assessment tool for children and youth entering conservatorship, and implementation of evidence based, high fidelity Wraparound. She served as Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Mental Health Coordination leading projects to enhance collaboration across child welfare, education, juvenile justice, and other child and family serving systems. In her most recent role, she provided broad operational and implementation support for Medicaid and CHIP program operations. In her daily work at the Meadows Institute, Amy contributes to a variety of projects at the intersection between clinical practice, system design, and policy. Amy has a bachelor's degree in government and a Master of Science in Social Work, both from The University of Texas at Austin.

Andrew D. Carlo

Job Titles:
  • Chief Scientific Officer
Andrew D. Carlo, MD, MPH is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with extensive experience in physical and behavioral health integration in primary care from both clinical and implementation perspectives. Andrew also has extensive research experience in health services and health policy, with a particular focus on behavioral health integration and the Collaborative Care model. His work has been published extensively in numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed journals, including JAMA, JAMA Psychiatry, Psychiatric Services, Health Affairs, World Psychiatry, Medical Care, and the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Andrew is primarily driven by his goals of achieving behavioral health equity and increasing access to high-quality, evidence-based mental health care for all people. Andrew is also a part-time Health System Clinician at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, where he sees patients, works with trainees, and assists with research. He graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC and completed his residency training in adult psychiatry at Harvard Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital in Boston. Andrew then received his Master of Public Health Degree as part of his post-doctoral training in primary care psychiatry research at the University of Washington in Seattle, working closely with the Advancing Integrated Mental Health Solutions (AIMS) Center. At the Institute, Andrew plays a leadership role in our multi-pronged approach to adoption of collaborative care and measurement-based care. Specifically, Andrew supports the Health System Integration team by supervising behavioral health integration subject matter experts and, in concert with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshni Koli, provides oversight of Institute Clinical Senior Fellows. Andrew D. Carlo, MD, MPH is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with extensive experience in physical and behavioral health integration in primary care from both clinical and implementation perspectives. Andrew also has extensive research experience in health services and health policy, with a particular focus on behavioral health integration and the Collaborative Care model. His work has been published extensively in numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed journals, including JAMA, JAMA Psychiatry, Psychiatric Services, Health Affairs, World Psychiatry, Medical Care, and the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Andrew is primarily driven by his goals of achieving behavioral health equity and increasing access to high-quality, evidence-based mental health care for all people. Andrew is also a part-time Health System Clinician at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, where he sees patients, works with trainees, and assists with research. He graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC and completed his residency training in adult psychiatry at Harvard Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital in Boston. Andrew then received his Master of Public Health Degree as part of his post-doctoral training in primary care psychiatry research at the University of Washington in Seattle, working closely with the Advancing Integrated Mental Health Solutions (AIMS) Center. At the Institute, Andrew plays a leadership role in our multi-pronged approach to adoption of collaborative care and measurement-based care. Specifically, Andrew supports the Health System Integration team by supervising behavioral health integration subject matter experts and, in concert with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Roshni Koli, provides oversight of Institute Clinical Senior Fellows.

Andrew Hall

Job Titles:
  • Managing Partner of Gilliland Group
Andrew Hall is a sixth-generation Texan and holds a strong sense of pride for his Texas roots. Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, and currently living in his hometown, he has a deep passion for his community. Andrew holds a BBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from SMU's Cox School of Business. His education has provided him with a solid foundation in financial management and strategic planning, which he has applied throughout his business career. Currently, Andrew Hall is the managing partner of Gilliland Group, an integrated commercial real estate company, actively engaged in development, construction management, brokerage and investment. He is also involved in oil and gas as well as private lending. In addition to his professional achievements, Andrew is deeply committed to community involvement and charitable causes. He serves as a board member of the Amarillo Area Foundation and Texas 2036. He is on the leadership team of the R.A.N.G.E. and is the current board chairman of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). He is also the founder and chair of the HOODOO Art Foundation and an active member of their Gilliland Family Foundation. When he's not working or volunteering, Andrew can be found enjoying the great outdoors with his wife Lauren, and their two young children Winn and Wells. Andrew Hall is a sixth-generation Texan and holds a strong sense of pride for his Texas roots. Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, and currently living in his hometown, he has a deep passion for his community. Andrew holds a BBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from SMU's Cox School of Business. His education has provided him with a solid foundation in financial management and strategic planning, which he has applied throughout his business career. Currently, Andrew Hall is the managing partner of Gilliland Group, an integrated commercial real estate company, actively engaged in development, construction management, brokerage and investment. He is also involved in oil and gas as well as private lending. In addition to his professional achievements, Andrew is deeply committed to community involvement and charitable causes. He serves as a board member of the Amarillo Area Foundation and Texas 2036. He is on the leadership team of the R.A.N.G.E. and is the current board chairman of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). He is also the founder and chair of the HOODOO Art Foundation and an active member of their Gilliland Family Foundation. When he's not working or volunteering, Andrew can be found enjoying the great outdoors with his wife Lauren, and their two young children Winn and Wells.

Andy Keller - CEO, President

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • President
  • President and CEO, Linda Perryman Evans Presidential Chair
Andy Keller, PhD, is President, Chief Executive Officer, and Linda Perryman Evans Presidential Chair of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, a Texas-based nonprofit that provides nonpartisan policy and program research, development, and advice to local, state, and national leaders towards a single goal: improving mental health care delivery in Texas and across the country. Andy is a clinical and community psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in behavioral health policy, financing, and best practices. His work has centered on helping federal, state, and local health systems implement evidence-based and innovative care, as well as helping federal, state, and governments develop the regulatory and financial frameworks to support them. Prior to moving full time into policy work, Andy was a managing partner for 15 years at a national behavioral health management consulting firm where he focused on health financing and system improvement. Before that, he worked in Colorado with a leading Medicaid HMO and the local community mental health system, where he directed and led a range of community-based and care management programs.

Angeles Araujo

Job Titles:
  • Bilingual Clinical Implementation Specialist, the Trauma and Grief Center
Angeles Araujo, MS, LPC-A joined the Meadows Institute with extensive experience treating adolescents in both Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). Angeles primarily serves as a clinician at the Lucine Center, providing assessment and treatment to youth exposed to trauma and loss, particularly those from Spanish-speaking families. In her role at the TAG Center, Angeles helps to facilitate trauma- and grief-focused trainings and consultation with community- and school-based clinicians, with a particular focus on supporting immigrant youth and their unique needs. Angeles received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Houston Clearlake and is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Counsel. Angeles Araujo, MS, LPC-A joined the Meadows Institute with extensive experience treating adolescents in both Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). Angeles primarily serves as a clinician at the Lucine Center, providing assessment and treatment to youth exposed to trauma and loss, particularly those from Spanish-speaking families. In her role at the TAG Center, Angeles helps to facilitate trauma- and grief-focused trainings and consultation with community- and school-based clinicians, with a particular focus on supporting immigrant youth and their unique needs. Angeles received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Houston Clearlake and is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Counsel.

Arely Leal

Job Titles:
  • Project Implementation Specialist, the Hackett Center for Mental Health
Arely serves as an Project Implementation Specialist within the Trauma and Grief Center at The Hackett Center for Mental Health, based in Houston. She works under Julie Kaplow, Executive Director, The Trauma and Grief Center at The Hackett Center. Prior to joining the Institute, Arely worked at the Trauma and Grief Clinic at Texas Children's Hospital as a Business Operations Coordinator providing administrative support for the entire team. Before that, Arely worked as the Secretary for the Psychology Clinic supporting the Training Directors managing their daily agendas, meetings, and undertaking any other duties assigned. Arely also worked at The Methodist Hospital for five years as the Clinical Assistant for liver and kidney transplant patients. Her primary focus was to provide post-operative care for her patients, including vital signs and complications such as infection or organ rejection, the ordering of medications, and delivery of excellent patient care. Arely is bilingual and is continuing her education at Houston Community College with a focus on Business Administration in Management. Her goal is to obtain a master's degree in Business Management. Arely serves as an Project Implementation Specialist within the Trauma and Grief Center at The Hackett Center for Mental Health, based in Houston. She works under Julie Kaplow, Executive Director, The Trauma and Grief Center at The Hackett Center. Prior to joining the Institute, Arely worked at the Trauma and Grief Clinic at Texas Children's Hospital as a Business Operations Coordinator providing administrative support for the entire team. Before that, Arely worked as the Secretary for the Psychology Clinic supporting the Training Directors managing their daily agendas, meetings, and undertaking any other duties assigned. Arely also worked at The Methodist Hospital for five years as the Clinical Assistant for liver and kidney transplant patients. Her primary focus was to provide post-operative care for her patients, including vital signs and complications such as infection or organ rejection, the ordering of medications, and delivery of excellent patient care. Arely is bilingual and is continuing her education at Houston Community College with a focus on Business Administration in Management. Her goal is to obtain a master's degree in Business Management.

B.J. Wagner

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President for Health and Public Safety
B.J. Wagner, MS, joined the Meadows Institute in the fall of 2015. In her current role, B.J. works to expand the Institute's efforts in health and public safety, managing multifaceted law enforcement and first responder projects focused on mental health emergency response, first responder health and wellness, and more. B.J. possesses a unique blend of first-hand law enforcement experience and deep knowledge of police policy and operating procedures, program evaluation, and technical advising. She has developed curriculum for disciplines across the criminal justice system on mental health awareness, symptom recognition, and verbal de-escalation techniques. Her work has lead to the creation of national and international award winning programs.

Ben Oosterhoff

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director of Data Analytics, Trauma & Grief Center
Ben is a developmental psychologist and applied statistician who specializes in understanding how normative (e.g., belongingness) and non-normative experiences (e.g., maltreatment, trauma, and loss) intersect with childhood adjustment, civic engagement, and positive wellbeing. He provides theoretical, methodological, and analytic research support for projects focused on childhood trauma and grief and uses cutting-edge statistical techniques to examine how these experiences influence adjustment over time. Ben has published widely on the topics of positive youth development, childhood trauma, and grief, with over 70 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. He has conducted research funded by the National Institute of Health, the National Science Foundation, SAMSHA, the New York Life Foundation, UNICEF, the Spencer Foundation, and the John Templeton Foundation. In his role at the TAG Center, Ben is responsible for overseeing data capture systems and technology, data analysis, and program evaluation across the TAG Center's various projects, including large scale data collection on a national level. He also works closely with Lauren Alvis, Director of Research, on grant-writing and publishing TAG Center findings. Ben received his BA in Psychology from Michigan State University and his PhD in Developmental Psychology from West Virginia University. He completed his postdoctoral training in childhood trauma and grief at The University of Texas Health Science Center under Dr. Kaplow and served as an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Montana State University. Ben is a developmental psychologist and applied statistician who specializes in understanding how normative (e.g., belongingness) and non-normative experiences (e.g., maltreatment, trauma, and loss) intersect with childhood adjustment, civic engagement, and positive wellbeing. He provides theoretical, methodological, and analytic research support for projects focused on childhood trauma and grief and uses cutting-edge statistical techniques to examine how these experiences influence adjustment over time. Ben has published widely on the topics of positive youth development, childhood trauma, and grief, with over 70 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. He has conducted research funded by the National Institute of Health, the National Science Foundation, SAMSHA, the New York Life Foundation, UNICEF, the Spencer Foundation, and the John Templeton Foundation. In his role at the TAG Center, Ben is responsible for overseeing data capture systems and technology, data analysis, and program evaluation across the TAG Center's various projects, including large scale data collection on a national level. He also works closely with Lauren Alvis, Director of Research, on grant-writing and publishing TAG Center findings. Ben received his BA in Psychology from Michigan State University and his PhD in Developmental Psychology from West Virginia University. He completed his postdoctoral training in childhood trauma and grief at The University of Texas Health Science Center under Dr. Kaplow and served as an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Montana State University.

Berta Rodriguez

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director of Health System Integration
Berta comes to the Institute with over 25 years of experience in strategic marketing and communications, public policy, qualitative research, and community engagement. Her focus has been engagement and outreach in Latino markets at the city, state, national, and international levels through effective and relevant messaging using cross-cultural consumer research and data analysis. Most recently, she served as the City of San Antonio's External Affairs Manager and Census Administrator. Her responsibilities included establishing a baseline approach for equitable community engagement, developing systems and standard operating procedures to lower the barriers for public participation and measure engagement levels within marginalized communities across the city. Prior to her work at the City, Berta served as the inaugural Director of Research, Planning, and Policy at Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. She was instrumental in developing and implementing the organization's research and policy efforts to improve the physical, mental, and behavioral healthcare access and delivery in the organization's 74 -county South Texas service area. She served as a Presidential Management Fellow at the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. As a political appointee she was the Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary and General Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing and a legislative aide in the Senate Veterans Affairs / Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee. Berta earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing at University of Texas at San Antonio and Master of Science in Urban Studies at Trinity University. Berta comes to the Institute with over 25 years of experience in strategic marketing and communications, public policy, qualitative research, and community engagement. Her focus has been engagement and outreach in Latino markets at the city, state, national, and international levels through effective and relevant messaging using cross-cultural consumer research and data analysis. Most recently, she served as the City of San Antonio's External Affairs Manager and Census Administrator. Her responsibilities included establishing a baseline approach for equitable community engagement, developing systems and standard operating procedures to lower the barriers for public participation and measure engagement levels within marginalized communities across the city. Prior to her work at the City, Berta served as the inaugural Director of Research, Planning, and Policy at Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. She was instrumental in developing and implementing the organization's research and policy efforts to improve the physical, mental, and behavioral healthcare access and delivery in the organization's 74 -county South Texas service area. She served as a Presidential Management Fellow at the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. As a political appointee she was the Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary and General Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing and a legislative aide in the Senate Veterans Affairs / Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee. Berta earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing at University of Texas at San Antonio and Master of Science in Urban Studies at Trinity University.

Beverly Estrada

Job Titles:
  • Human Resources Coordinator
Beverly joined the Meadows Institute with seven years of experience in Human Resources. She began her career working as a Human Resources Associate for Solutions Shared Services, Inc., an employee management company within the oil and gas industry. In this role, Beverly worked closely with the Human Resources Director, where she led the onboarding process, assisted in payroll and timekeeping administration, and trained employees on company policies and procedures. In her current role, Beverly supports the work of the Senior Director of Human Resources and general human resources needs for the Meadows Institute, The Hackett Center for Mental Health, and regional centers across Texas. She answers human resources and benefits questions, coordinates hiring needs across teams, and assists with the annual benefits enrollment process. Beverly also works with the Vice President of Operations with general administrative duties. Beverly has a BA in Psychology and a MA in Administration, with a concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, from the University of the Incarnate Word. She currently resides in New Braunfels, Texas with her husband and their two sons. Beverly joined the Meadows Institute with seven years of experience in Human Resources. She began her career working as a Human Resources Associate for Solutions Shared Services, Inc., an employee management company within the oil and gas industry. In this role, Beverly worked closely with the Human Resources Director, where she led the onboarding process, assisted in payroll and timekeeping administration, and trained employees on company policies and procedures. In her current role, Beverly supports the work of the Senior Director of Human Resources and general human resources needs for the Meadows Institute, The Hackett Center for Mental Health, and regional centers across Texas. She answers human resources and benefits questions, coordinates hiring needs across teams, and assists with the annual benefits enrollment process. Beverly also works with the Vice President of Operations with general administrative duties. Beverly has a BA in Psychology and a MA in Administration, with a concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, from the University of the Incarnate Word. She currently resides in New Braunfels, Texas with her husband and their two sons.

Bill Solomon

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Finance
Bill has extensive experience in managing the financial operations of nonprofit institutions. In his previous role, he served for twenty years as Chief Financial Officer of The Dallas Foundation, where he directed the financial reporting, investing, compliance, and information technology activities of the organization. Bill enjoys contributing his financial talents and experience to help improve mental health services for all Texans. He is an Eagle Scout and loves spending time with his wife and four kids, especially in the great outdoors. Bill has extensive experience in managing the financial operations of nonprofit institutions. In his previous role, he served for twenty years as Chief Financial Officer of The Dallas Foundation, where he directed the financial reporting, investing, compliance, and information technology activities of the organization. Bill enjoys contributing his financial talents and experience to help improve mental health services for all Texans. He is an Eagle Scout and loves spending time with his wife and four kids, especially in the great outdoors.

Brian Sweany

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President for Communications
Brian has nearly thirty years of experience in journalism, communications, and governmental relations. He previously served as a principal at Genuine Article, a Dallas-based public affairs firm where he focused on strategic communications, public policy, issues management, and thought leadership for one of the country's most prominent non-profits. He has also served as the communications director for state agencies, developed the communication strategies for public policy initiatives at the Texas Legislature, and helped increase the visibility of numerous Texas-based companies. A proud alum of TEXAS MONTHLY, he started his journalism career there as an intern, in 1996, and ultimately served as Editor-in-Chief until he resigned, in 2016. He led the magazine's political coverage for multiple legislative sessions, and in his final year, he was named to the Folio 100 as an "Up and Coming Trailblazer" for leading "one of the highest quality regional magazines in the US, where editorial excellence is the norm." That same year, TEXAS MONTHLY won the award for General Excellence, the highest honor given by the City and Regional Magazine Association. He is an active advisory board member of the Texas Book Festival, the Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas, and the Green Amendment for the Generations. He lives in Austin with his wife, Noelle, who is a professor at Texas A&M; their two children Madeline and Colin; and a golden-doodle named Blue. In his free time you can find him on the tennis court trying not to double-fault. Brian has nearly thirty years of experience in journalism, communications, and governmental relations. He previously served as a principal at Genuine Article, a Dallas-based public affairs firm where he focused on strategic communications, public policy, issues management, and thought leadership for one of the country's most prominent non-profits. He has also served as the communications director for state agencies, developed the communication strategies for public policy initiatives at the Texas Legislature, and helped increase the visibility of numerous Texas-based companies. A proud alum of TEXAS MONTHLY, he started his journalism career there as an intern, in 1996, and ultimately served as Editor-in-Chief until he resigned, in 2016. He led the magazine's political coverage for multiple legislative sessions, and in his final year, he was named to the Folio 100 as an "Up and Coming Trailblazer" for leading "one of the highest quality regional magazines in the US, where editorial excellence is the norm." That same year, TEXAS MONTHLY won the award for General Excellence, the highest honor given by the City and Regional Magazine Association. He is an active advisory board member of the Texas Book Festival, the Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas, and the Green Amendment for the Generations. He lives in Austin with his wife, Noelle, who is a professor at Texas A&M; their two children Madeline and Colin; and a golden-doodle named Blue. In his free time you can find him on the tennis court trying not to double-fault.

Caitlyn Barrow

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director for Special Projects
Caitlyn joined the Meadows Institute with over 15 years of experience in management. Previously, she was at Texas Children's Hospital splitting her time between project management and practice administration where she worked with senior leadership to develop a system to help pediatric patients with chronic conditions seamlessly transition into the adult healthcare system. Most recently, Caitlyn spent the last six years working with her husband at BAM Builders in Waco, TX. The knowledge gained from creating a business from the ground up is invaluable; however, she is ready to get back to her first love - healthcare. In her role at the Meadows Institute, Caitlyn partners with the Chief of Staff for the Chief Program Officer to support the Chief Program Officer's work throughout the organization. She coordinates with team members across the Institute to support various aspects of project lifecycles and process management efforts. Caitlyn is a Texas Aggie that went on to get a Masters in Healthcare Administration and has also completed the Lonestar LEND Fellowship and Quality Improvement training at Texas Children's Hospital. She lives in Lorena, TX with her husband and three children, not to mention the four goats and four dogs. They split their time between baseball games, gymnastic meets, and Texas Aggie football games. Caitlyn joined the Meadows Institute with over 15 years of experience in management. Previously, she was at Texas Children's Hospital splitting her time between project management and practice administration where she worked with senior leadership to develop a system to help pediatric patients with chronic conditions seamlessly transition into the adult healthcare system. Most recently, Caitlyn spent the last six years working with her husband at BAM Builders in Waco, TX. The knowledge gained from creating a business from the ground up is invaluable; however, she is ready to get back to her first love - healthcare. In her role at the Meadows Institute, Caitlyn partners with the Chief of Staff for the Chief Program Officer to support the Chief Program Officer's work throughout the organization. She coordinates with team members across the Institute to support various aspects of project lifecycles and process management efforts. Caitlyn is a Texas Aggie that went on to get a Masters in Healthcare Administration and has also completed the Lonestar LEND Fellowship and Quality Improvement training at Texas Children's Hospital. She lives in Lorena, TX with her husband and three children, not to mention the four goats and four dogs. They split their time between baseball games, gymnastic meets, and Texas Aggie football games.

Cassandra Newkirk

Job Titles:
  • Chief Psychiatric Officer, Wellpath
Dr. Newkirk has 40+ years' experience in Forensic Psychiatry and Correctional mental health services administration. Having previously served as Chief Medical Officer for the Wellpath Recovery Solutions Division, Dr. Newkirk has served as the Chief Psychiatric Officer for Wellpath for the last 8 years which involves the oversight of Psychiatric services in carceral settings as well as State Psychiatric Hospitals and specialized treatment programs for patients in various public settings. Immediately prior to joining Recovery Solutions in 2005, she was the Director of Mental Health Services at Rikers Island in New York City. She has also served as Deputy Commissioner and Mental Health Director for the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Mental Health Director for the Philadelphia Prison System earlier in her career. Dr. Newkirk practiced general and forensic psychiatry in Atlanta for 14 years and had faculty appointments at Emory University and Morehouse Schools of Medicine. Dr. Newkirk has held a variety of leadership positions in professional organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, Black Psychiatrists of America, and American Correctional Health Services Association. She has served as President of both the Florida Psychiatry Society and Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association. She currently serves as the Secretary of the American College of Correctional Physicians and is an Assembly representative to the American Psychiatric Association from the state of Florida. She received her bachelor's degree from Duke University, her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a master's degree in business administration with emphasis in healthcare management from Regis University. Dr. Newkirk was Chief Resident in Psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine and is board certified in general adult and Forensic Psychiatry. She is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Newkirk has 40+ years' experience in Forensic Psychiatry and Correctional mental health services administration. Having previously served as Chief Medical Officer for the Wellpath Recovery Solutions Division, Dr. Newkirk has served as the Chief Psychiatric Officer for Wellpath for the last 8 years which involves the oversight of Psychiatric services in carceral settings as well as State Psychiatric Hospitals and specialized treatment programs for patients in various public settings. Immediately prior to joining Recovery Solutions in 2005, she was the Director of Mental Health Services at Rikers Island in New York City. She has also served as Deputy Commissioner and Mental Health Director for the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Mental Health Director for the Philadelphia Prison System earlier in her career. Dr. Newkirk practiced general and forensic psychiatry in Atlanta for 14 years and had faculty appointments at Emory University and Morehouse Schools of Medicine. Dr. Newkirk has held a variety of leadership positions in professional organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association, Black Psychiatrists of America, and American Correctional Health Services Association. She has served as President of both the Florida Psychiatry Society and Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association. She currently serves as the Secretary of the American College of Correctional Physicians and is an Assembly representative to the American Psychiatric Association from the state of Florida. She received her bachelor's degree from Duke University, her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a master's degree in business administration with emphasis in healthcare management from Regis University. Dr. Newkirk was Chief Resident in Psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine and is board certified in general adult and Forensic Psychiatry. She is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Cassie Pustejovsky

Job Titles:
  • Project Coordinator - Special Projects, Center for Child and Family Wellness
Cassie brings over four years of nonprofit experience to the Meadows Institute. Prior to joining the Institute, Cassie worked at a small non-profit, where she served as receptionist, Database Administrator, and Advancement Assistant. She worked with grants and grant management for three years during her time there as well. In her role at the Meadows Institute, Cassie supports the Child and Family Wellness team with coordination of grants and contracts for its various projects. Cassie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M University and graduated with a Meat Science Certificate. She has also received a Certificate of Grant Writing and has her Raiser's Edge Professional certification. Cassie lives on a family farm in Hallettsville, TX with her cat and three dogs, and loves to read and bake. Cassie brings over four years of nonprofit experience to the Meadows Institute. Prior to joining the Institute, Cassie worked at a small non-profit, where she served as receptionist, Database Administrator, and Advancement Assistant. She worked with grants and grant management for three years during her time there as well. In her role at the Meadows Institute, Cassie supports the Child and Family Wellness team with coordination of grants and contracts for its various projects. Cassie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M University and graduated with a Meat Science Certificate. She has also received a Certificate of Grant Writing and has her Raiser's Edge Professional certification. Cassie lives on a family farm in Hallettsville, TX with her cat and three dogs, and loves to read and bake.

Catie Hilbelink

Job Titles:
  • Chief of Staff for the Chief Program Officer
Catie Hilbelink, MPP, provides strategic programmatic and organizational support to the Meadows Institute's Center for Health System Transformation, supporting the planning for and accomplishment of key team projects. Most recently, she has been playing a lead role in the implementation of the Child Psychiatry Access Network (CPAN) and Texas Health Child Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) with seven of the state's medical schools, including Dell Medical School in Austin and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Catie joined the Meadows Institute from Health Management Associates, a national healthcare consulting firm, where she most recently managed opportunity assessment for the business development team. While there, she also provided research for a variety of projects and frequently assisted project managers in the full scope of project development, management, and resolution including: developing and editing written proposal responses to client requests for proposals, working with clients and colleagues to manage tasks within the required scope of work, presenting completed deliverables to clients, and responding to project follow-up. Additionally, she has been actively engaged in the Texas 1115 Healthcare Transformation Waiver work since the start of Texas' waiver in 2011. Catie earned her master's degree in public policy from Michigan State University and her bachelor's degree from Calvin University. Catie Hilbelink, MPP, provides strategic programmatic and organizational support to the Meadows Institute's Center for Health System Transformation, supporting the planning for and accomplishment of key team projects. Most recently, she has been playing a lead role in the implementation of the Child Psychiatry Access Network (CPAN) and Texas Health Child Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) with seven of the state's medical schools, including Dell Medical School in Austin and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Catie joined the Meadows Institute from Health Management Associates, a national healthcare consulting firm, where she most recently managed opportunity assessment for the business development team. While there, she also provided research for a variety of projects and frequently assisted project managers in the full scope of project development, management, and resolution including: developing and editing written proposal responses to client requests for proposals, working with clients and colleagues to manage tasks within the required scope of work, presenting completed deliverables to clients, and responding to project follow-up. Additionally, she has been actively engaged in the Texas 1115 Healthcare Transformation Waiver work since the start of Texas' waiver in 2011. Catie earned her master's degree in public policy from Michigan State University and her bachelor's degree from Calvin University.

Charlie Cavazos

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director of Integrated Public Safety Policy
Charlie joined the Meadows Institute with over 33 years of experience in law enforcement. His career includes working within the Community Services Division, managing diverse outreach programs, crime prevention initiatives, and athletic programs for youth with special care needs. Additionally, he acted as the Hispanic Community Outreach Coordinator. Before joining the Institute, Charlie was the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Program Manager at the Texas ABLE Center of Excellence. In his new role, Charlie provides project management of the Texas ABLE Center of Excellence at its new home at the Meadows Institute. As a member of the Health and Public Safety team he supports interdisciplinary projects across teams. Charlie holds a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Police Science from Sam Houston State University. He resides in Fort Worth with his wife and two daughters. Charlie joined the Meadows Institute with over 33 years of experience in law enforcement. His career includes working within the Community Services Division, managing diverse outreach programs, crime prevention initiatives, and athletic programs for youth with special care needs. Additionally, he acted as the Hispanic Community Outreach Coordinator. Before joining the Institute, Charlie was the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Program Manager at the Texas ABLE Center of Excellence. In his new role, Charlie provides project management of the Texas ABLE Center of Excellence at its new home at the Meadows Institute. As a member of the Health and Public Safety team he supports interdisciplinary projects across teams. Charlie holds a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Police Science from Sam Houston State University. He resides in Fort Worth with his wife and two daughters.

Chase Untermeyer

Job Titles:
  • Professor of Practice at the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston
Chase Untermeyer has held positions at all four levels of government - local, state, national, and international - over a period of more than 40 years, with work in journalism, academia, and business as well. He was born in New Jersey but came to Houston at the age of two. He is a 1968 graduate of Harvard College with honors in government. During the Vietnam War, he served as an officer in the US Navy aboard a Pacific Fleet destroyer and as aide to the commander of US naval forces in the Philippines. Returning to Houston, Mr. Untermeyer was a political reporter for the Houston Chronicle and executive assistant to the county judge (chief executive) of Harris County, Texas. In 1976, he was elected as a Republican to the first of two terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from a district on the west side of Houston. Mr. Untermeyer resigned his seat to go to Washington in 1981 as executive assistant to then-Vice President Bush. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan appointed him Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. During the first Bush Administration, he was assistant to the President for presidential personnel and director of the Voice of America. From 2004 to 2007, he served as United States ambassador to the State of Qatar, on appointment of President George W. Bush. He is currently professor of practice at the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston. He is the author of three volumes of diary-based memoirs of the Reagan-Bush era, When Things Went Right, Inside Reagan's Navy, and Zenith: In the White House with George HW Bush. He has also published How Important People Act: Behaving Yourself in Public. He is married to the former Diana Cumming Kendrick of Sheridan, Wyoming, whom he met in the White House. Their daughter Ellyson, a 2016 graduate of Stanford University, works with Facebook. Chase Untermeyer has held positions at all four levels of government - local, state, national, and international - over a period of more than 40 years, with work in journalism, academia, and business as well. He was born in New Jersey but came to Houston at the age of two. He is a 1968 graduate of Harvard College with honors in government. During the Vietnam War, he served as an officer in the US Navy aboard a Pacific Fleet destroyer and as aide to the commander of US naval forces in the Philippines. Returning to Houston, Mr. Untermeyer was a political reporter for the Houston Chronicle and executive assistant to the county judge (chief executive) of Harris County, Texas. In 1976, he was elected as a Republican to the first of two terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from a district on the west side of Houston. Mr. Untermeyer resigned his seat to go to Washington in 1981 as executive assistant to then-Vice President Bush. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan appointed him Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. During the first Bush Administration, he was assistant to the President for presidential personnel and director of the Voice of America. From 2004 to 2007, he served as United States ambassador to the State of Qatar, on appointment of President George W. Bush. He is currently professor of practice at the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston. He is the author of three volumes of diary-based memoirs of the Reagan-Bush era, When Things Went Right, Inside Reagan's Navy, and Zenith: In the White House with George HW Bush. He has also published How Important People Act: Behaving Yourself in Public. He is married to the former Diana Cumming Kendrick of Sheridan, Wyoming, whom he met in the White House. Their daughter Ellyson, a 2016 graduate of Stanford University, works with Facebook.

Cheyanne Rolf

Job Titles:
  • Chief of Staff
  • Executive
As Executive Chief of Staff, Cheyanne works directly with the President and Chief Executive Officer as well as the Executive Team to fulfill their commitments to the Meadows Institute's staff, partners, funders, and Board of Directors, and support the planning and implementation of key projects and convenings, and act as the primary liaison to the Institute's Board of Directors. Cheyanne has over 15 years of experience leading teams and serving as a strategic thought partner across the education, behavioral research and program evaluation, customer and employee experience, and technology sectors. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government and Women and Gender Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently resides in Dallas with her fiancée and two pups. As Executive Chief of Staff, Cheyanne works directly with the President and Chief Executive Officer as well as the Executive Team to fulfill their commitments to the Meadows Institute's staff, partners, funders, and Board of Directors, and support the planning and implementation of key projects and convenings, and act as the primary liaison to the Institute's Board of Directors. Cheyanne has over 15 years of experience leading teams and serving as a strategic thought partner across the education, behavioral research and program evaluation, customer and employee experience, and technology sectors. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government and Women and Gender Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently resides in Dallas with her fiancée and two pups.

Chris Thiele

Job Titles:
  • Senior Graphic Designer
Chris has more than a decade of experience as a graphic designer and art director working for both in-house creative groups and advertising agencies. Her prior achievements include designing the 2015 Growing Healthy Kids fundraising campaign for Whole Kids Foundation, which raised $3 million to help more than 500,000 children by funding school gardens and healthy food education. Chris also worked for six years at T3 Advertising Agency as Senior Art Director for the Dell Small and Medium Business Segment producing and art directing direct mail and monthly catalogs each with a circulation of over 3 million. She received her bachelor's degree from Texas State University in Fine Art. Chris has more than a decade of experience as a graphic designer and art director working for both in-house creative groups and advertising agencies. Her prior achievements include designing the 2015 Growing Healthy Kids fundraising campaign for Whole Kids Foundation, which raised $3 million to help more than 500,000 children by funding school gardens and healthy food education. Chris also worked for six years at T3 Advertising Agency as Senior Art Director for the Dell Small and Medium Business Segment producing and art directing direct mail and monthly catalogs each with a circulation of over 3 million. She received her bachelor's degree from Texas State University in Fine Art.

Christopher Araujo

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director of Health and Public Safety
After 18 years in the United States Army, Christopher Araujo's lived experience drives his passion to aid veterans and their families. At the Meadows Institute, his work centers on meeting the mental health needs of both veterans and law enforcement individuals. Christopher joined the Meadows Institute in 2019 as the Project Coordinator of Veterans Initiatives and was quickly promoted to Project Manager. He plays a critical role in the Meadows Institute's efforts to implement improvements in first responder systems that improve crisis response for people with mental illness. Christopher also provides grant administration support to North Texas Metrocare's Texas Veterans + Family Alliance (TV+FA) grant program, which was created to expand the availability and enhance delivery of mental health services and treatments for veterans and their families. Additionally, he has facilitated a series of virtual veteran peer support and veteran mental health services conversations with veteran service organizations throughout Texas. While in the United States Army, Christopher was an Indirect Fire Infantryman and served through numerous overseas deployments in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2013, after being medically discharged, Christopher worked for the Military Veteran Peer Network as the Austin / Travis County coordinator, managing a team of volunteers responsible for connecting veterans to resources. He also assisted the State Veteran Mental Health Office on a variety of projects that were integral in improving the mental health of Texas veterans. During his time there, Christopher was frequently an expert witness for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-affected veterans in criminal trials for the State of Texas. Beginning in 2017, Christopher was Easterseals Central Texas' Director of Community and Veteran Services, where he helped develop and implement a multi-agency collaboration to improve access to a variety of resources for veterans and their family members. After 18 years in the United States Army, Christopher Araujo's lived experience drives his passion to aid veterans and their families. At the Meadows Institute, his work centers on meeting the mental health needs of both veterans and law enforcement individuals. Christopher joined the Meadows Institute in 2019 as the Project Coordinator of Veterans Initiatives and was quickly promoted to Project Manager. He plays a critical role in the Meadows Institute's efforts to implement improvements in first responder systems that improve crisis response for people with mental illness. Christopher also provides grant administration support to North Texas Metrocare's Texas Veterans + Family Alliance (TV+FA) grant program, which was created to expand the availability and enhance delivery of mental health services and treatments for veterans and their families. Additionally, he has facilitated a series of virtual veteran peer support and veteran mental health services conversations with veteran service organizations throughout Texas. While in the United States Army, Christopher was an Indirect Fire Infantryman and served through numerous overseas deployments in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2013, after being medically discharged, Christopher worked for the Military Veteran Peer Network as the Austin / Travis County coordinator, managing a team of volunteers responsible for connecting veterans to resources. He also assisted the State Veteran Mental Health Office on a variety of projects that were integral in improving the mental health of Texas veterans. During his time there, Christopher was frequently an expert witness for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-affected veterans in criminal trials for the State of Texas. Beginning in 2017, Christopher was Easterseals Central Texas' Director of Community and Veteran Services, where he helped develop and implement a multi-agency collaboration to improve access to a variety of resources for veterans and their family members.

Christy Cory

Job Titles:
  • Executive Assistant, the Hackett Center for Mental Health
Christy Cory has over twenty years of administrative experience in both the nonprofit and private sectors. Prior to joining the Meadows Institute, Christy was Executive Assistant to the Founder of CenterOak Partners, a private equity firm located in Dallas, TX. In previous roles, Christy worked with a leading research institute at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the Hewlett Foundation in Menlo Park, CA, and the O'Donnell Foundation in Dallas, TX. In her role at The Hackett Center, Christy provides direct support to both Dr. Quianta Moore, Executive Director, and Marcy Melvin, Deputy Director, and assists the team with various special projects. Christy has a B.S. from Texas A&M University. She lives in Dallas with her partner and son, who is a freshman at Texas A&M University. Christy Cory has over twenty years of administrative experience in both the nonprofit and private sectors. Prior to joining the Meadows Institute, Christy was Executive Assistant to the Founder of CenterOak Partners, a private equity firm located in Dallas, TX. In previous roles, Christy worked with a leading research institute at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the Hewlett Foundation in Menlo Park, CA, and the O'Donnell Foundation in Dallas, TX. In her role at The Hackett Center, Christy provides direct support to both Dr. Quianta Moore, Executive Director, and Marcy Melvin, Deputy Director, and assists the team with various special projects. Christy has a B.S. from Texas A&M University. She lives in Dallas with her partner and son, who is a freshman at Texas A&M University.

Clare McNutt

Job Titles:
  • Physician Assistant
  • Assistant Clinical Professor of Physician Assistant
  • Senior Vice President for Health System Integration, Center for Health System Transformation
Clare, a Physician Assistant, began her healthcare journey in 2009 in Emergency Medicine. It was in the emergency department she discovered her passion for working with individuals struggling with physical as well as mental illness. She transitioned from the emergency department to inpatient behavioral health in 2012, where she took on daily patient care as well as training and managing the Inpatient Behavioral Health Advanced Practice Provider team. Clare made the pivot to population health in 2017 with Mindoula Health outside of Washington, DC. There she designed, built, and scaled a Collaborative Care program from a single outpatient provider to a 16-state program serving over 10,000 patients. Subsequently, in her role as Vice President of Partnerships and Collaborative Care, she assisted with payer and provider contracting, account management, and played a key role in building and growing the Readmissions Prevention Program. Clare transitioned to Cityblock Health in May 2021, originally as the Director of Behavioral Health Clinical Operations and most recently as Director of the Care Innovation and Program Design team. In this role she led an interdisciplinary panel focused on building and implementing a best-in-class Collaborative Care pilot, in addition to a High Risk Behavioral Health program. She led the team through design sprints to develop turn-key solutions relative to ideal program design, staffing model, measurement plan, and product build. Her passions include designing, operationalizing, and successfully implementing integrated behavioral healthcare solutions. In her role at the Institute, Clare supports various behavioral health integration initiatives across the Health Systems Integration unit's project array. Specifically, her expertise and experience is leveraged to provide high level technical assistance for the ARPA pediatric CoCM program, the Lonestar Depression Challenge, and additional related proposals for the Policy Implementation Team. Outside of work, Clare serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Physician Assistant Studies at George Washington University and lives in the DC Metro area with her husband and two young daughters. She enjoys running, podcasts, and volunteering with a local charity called "Food for All." Clare, a Physician Assistant, began her healthcare journey in 2009 in Emergency Medicine. It was in the emergency department she discovered her passion for working with individuals struggling with physical as well as mental illness. She transitioned from the emergency department to inpatient behavioral health in 2012, where she took on daily patient care as well as training and managing the Inpatient Behavioral Health Advanced Practice Provider team. Clare made the pivot to population health in 2017 with Mindoula Health outside of Washington, DC. There she designed, built, and scaled a Collaborative Care program from a single outpatient provider to a 16-state program serving over 10,000 patients. Subsequently, in her role as Vice President of Partnerships and Collaborative Care, she assisted with payer and provider contracting, account management, and played a key role in building and growing the Readmissions Prevention Program. Clare transitioned to Cityblock Health in May 2021, originally as the Director of Behavioral Health Clinical Operations and most recently as Director of the Care Innovation and Program Design team. In this role she led an interdisciplinary panel focused on building and implementing a best-in-class Collaborative Care pilot, in addition to a High Risk Behavioral Health program. She led the team through design sprints to develop turn-key solutions relative to ideal program design, staffing model, measurement plan, and product build. Her passions include designing, operationalizing, and successfully implementing integrated behavioral healthcare solutions. In her role at the Institute, Clare supports various behavioral health integration initiatives across the Health Systems Integration unit's project array. Specifically, her expertise and experience is leveraged to provide high level technical assistance for the ARPA pediatric CoCM program, the Lonestar Depression Challenge, and additional related proposals for the Policy Implementation Team. Outside of work, Clare serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Physician Assistant Studies at George Washington University and lives in the DC Metro area with her husband and two young daughters. She enjoys running, podcasts, and volunteering with a local charity called "Food for All."

Claudia Macias

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director, Brain Builders Program, the Hackett Center for Mental Health
Claudia has 25 years of experience in educational leadership and instruction. During her tenure with KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program), she founded and led two elementary schools, developed teachers, and led workshops for educators and parents. She received a proclamation from the City of Houston's Mayor's office when she founded and led KIPP's second elementary school. As an education consultant, she has worked with Rice University's School Literacy and Culture program, The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston (Children's Learning Institute), and Children's Literacy Initiative-Philadelphia. She has mentored, trained, and supported teachers and parents of young children with the implementation of early literacy and language strategies throughout the state of Texas and California. Claudia is also known as La Super Comadre Claudia on Radio Crystal USA, an online radio show and podcast, where she connects her bilingual listening audience to guests who have a passion, gift, story, or resource to uplift and inspire. She is the creator of "Lady Veggie and The Veggie Pals", a live children's performance series focused on developing healthy habits and is also the author of the children's book, I Love You Even When You Cry. Claudia is an active volunteer in her community and is passionate about mentoring and inspiring children and youth. In her role at the Meadows Institute, Claudia leads instruction and innovation for the Brain Builders program at The Hackett Center for Mental Health. Brain Builders is an evidence-informed two-generation parenting curriculum that builds parents' knowledge and skill to optimize their child's development prenatally and in the first three years of life. This upstream intervention is designed to decrease parental stress, increase responsive interaction, bonding, and attachment between parent and child, and to ultimately impact children's lifelong mental and physical outcomes. A native Houstonian, Claudia holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston and an M.S. in Education from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. Claudia has 25 years of experience in educational leadership and instruction. During her tenure with KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program), she founded and led two elementary schools, developed teachers, and led workshops for educators and parents. She received a proclamation from the City of Houston's Mayor's office when she founded and led KIPP's second elementary school. As an education consultant, she has worked with Rice University's School Literacy and Culture program, The University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston (Children's Learning Institute), and Children's Literacy Initiative-Philadelphia. She has mentored, trained, and supported teachers and parents of young children with the implementation of early literacy and language strategies throughout the state of Texas and California. Claudia is also known as La Super Comadre Claudia on Radio Crystal USA, an online radio show and podcast, where she connects her bilingual listening audience to guests who have a passion, gift, story, or resource to uplift and inspire. She is the creator of "Lady Veggie and The Veggie Pals", a live children's performance series focused on developing healthy habits and is also the author of the children's book, I Love You Even When You Cry. Claudia is an active volunteer in her community and is passionate about mentoring and inspiring children and youth. In her role at the Meadows Institute, Claudia leads instruction and innovation for the Brain Builders program at The Hackett Center for Mental Health. Brain Builders is an evidence-informed two-generation parenting curriculum that builds parents' knowledge and skill to optimize their child's development prenatally and in the first three years of life. This upstream intervention is designed to decrease parental stress, increase responsive interaction, bonding, and attachment between parent and child, and to ultimately impact children's lifelong mental and physical outcomes. A native Houstonian, Claudia holds a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston and an M.S. in Education from the University of Houston at Clear Lake.

Cooper Carpenter

Job Titles:
  • Data Scientist
Cooper Carpenter works as the "jack of all trades" on the data team, focusing on data visualizations, mapping, and data analysis. Previous to MMHPI, Cooper worked in the field of engineering, designing, and manufacturing metals and semiconductors. His areas of interest in relation to population health included social determinants of health, social and economic inequality, and criminal justice. Cooper graduated from the University of Michigan in 2019 with a Bachelor of Engineering in material science. Cooper Carpenter works as the "jack of all trades" on the data team, focusing on data visualizations, mapping, and data analysis. Previous to MMHPI, Cooper worked in the field of engineering, designing, and manufacturing metals and semiconductors. His areas of interest in relation to population health included social determinants of health, social and economic inequality, and criminal justice. Cooper graduated from the University of Michigan in 2019 with a Bachelor of Engineering in material science.

David Auzenne

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Health Equity

David Brown

Job Titles:
  • Chief Operating Officer, Loncar Lyon Jenkins Attorneys at Law

Doreen Dromgoole

Job Titles:
  • Accountant

Dr. Quianta Moore

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director

Edna Henderson

Job Titles:
  • Director of Youth and Family Mental Health

Elam Swann

Job Titles:
  • Partner, Swann 's Furniture and Design

Elizabeth Cook

Job Titles:
  • Social Media and Philanthropic Outreach Manager

Emily Church

Job Titles:
  • Chief Impact Officer

Emily Pendleton

Job Titles:
  • Senior Project Manager for Innovation

Enrique Mata

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director, Paso Del Norte Center

Florence Tse

Job Titles:
  • Project Coordinator, the Hackett Center for Mental Health

Fred Smith

Job Titles:
  • Founder, the Gathering

Gary Bramlett

Job Titles:
  • Director of Community Engagement

Geoffrey Melada

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Strategic Communications

Gladys Sanchez

Job Titles:
  • Director of Cross System Integration

Gregory Gomez

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Implementation Specialist

Henry Gallardo

Job Titles:
  • Founding Partner / Director of Investment Management - Strategic Wealth Advisors

Henry Harbin

Job Titles:
  • Health Care Consultant, Former CEO of Magellan Health Services

Hillary Mai Dang

Job Titles:
  • Project Coordinator for Center for Health System Transformation

Idalmi Deleon

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager

Jake Hawkes

Job Titles:
  • Web Developer

Jayla Wilhelm

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager, Meadows Institute - Panhandle

Jeff Wilson

Job Titles:
  • President, Trident Health & Chief Executive Officer, Trident Medical Center

Jen Esterline

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President for Child and Family Strategy

Jenna Parro

Job Titles:
  • Director of Cross System Strategy and Practice

Jennifer Erasime

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Complex Care

Jennifer Gonzalez

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President of Population Health

Jeremy Edwards

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director of Philanthropy

Jessamine Von Arx

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager for Health Systems Integration

Jessica Leech

Job Titles:
  • Chief of Staff for the Chief Impact Officer

John M. Zerwas

Job Titles:
  • Treasurer of the Board
Board Treasurer; Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, The University of Texas System

John Opperman

Job Titles:
  • Associate Vice Provost for Outreach and Engagement, Texas Tech University

John Petrila

Job Titles:
  • Senior Policy Advisor

John Snook

Job Titles:
  • Chief
  • Policy Officer

Josue Lachica

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director, Paso Del Norte Center

Julie Grassian

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Social Work Fellow, Trauma and Grief Center / Read Bio

Julie Kaplow

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President for Trauma and Grief Programs and Policy and Executive Director, Trauma and Grief Center at the Hackett Center for Mental Health

Kacie Kelly

Job Titles:
  • Chief Innovation Officer

Karl Rathjen

Job Titles:
  • Foundation President, Assistant Chief of Staff
Foundation President, Assistant Chief of Staff, and Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, Scottish Rite for Children; Professor, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery

Karl Santos

Job Titles:
  • Senior Project Manager for the Center for Health System Transformation

Karla Bautista

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager, the Hackett Center for Mental Health

Kate Ryan

Job Titles:
  • Project Coordinator, Center for Health System Transformation

Kate Volti

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President for Children 's Specialty Healthcare

Katie Martinez Whittle

Job Titles:
  • Chief of Staff and Assistant Director, the Hackett Center for Mental Health

Katie Mitten

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director of Cross System Integration, Children 's Specialty Healthcare

Katie Steele

Job Titles:
  • Director of Research and Learning, Center for Health System Transformation

Katy Walterscheidt

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager

Kelly Grajeda

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director of Philanthropy

Kendal Perry

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Operations

Kim Macakiage

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Finance, Policy, and Implementation

Kim Phelan

Job Titles:
  • Attorney and Child Advocate President of Mental Health America of Southeast Texas Executive Director of Inspire, Encourage, Achieve

Kimberley Givens

Job Titles:
  • Philanthropy Administrator

Kimberly Zabaneh

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director of Human Resources

Kristi Bernstein

Job Titles:
  • Campaign Director

Laura Cornell

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Implementation Specialist, the Trauma and Grief Center

Laura Merola

Job Titles:
  • Director for Child and Family Policy

Laura Slocum

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director of Crisis Systems Transformation and Chief of Staff for Justice and Health

Lauren Alvis

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director of Research, Trauma and Grief Center at the Hackett Center for Mental Health

Lauren Rubenstein

Job Titles:
  • Chief of Staff, Trauma and Grief Center at the Hackett Center for Mental Health

Layla Fry

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director for Youth Justice and Family Policy

Leah Joiner

Job Titles:
  • Senior Project Manager for Center for Health System Transformation

Leilani Lamb

Job Titles:
  • Director of Higher Education and Workforce Strategy

Linda Rosenberg

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director of External Relations, Columbia University Department of Psychiatry

Lindsey Engelman

Job Titles:
  • Director of Innovation

Lisa Rosenbloom

Job Titles:
  • Community Organizer, San Antonio

Loren Eaton Rives

Job Titles:
  • Chief of Staff for Innovation

Lori Cook

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Innovation

Lori Warren

Job Titles:
  • Chief of Staff, Center for Child and Family Wellness

Lucy Blevins

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager for Center for Health System Transformation

Marcellina Melvin

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President of Clinical Policy and Deputy Director, the Hackett Center for Mental Health

Marisa Nowitz

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Education and Training, Trauma and Grief Center at the Hackett Center for Mental Health

Marisela Lazo

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Implementation Specialist

Marivel Davila

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director for Research, Evaluation and Performance, the Hackett Center for Mental Health

Matt Adams

Job Titles:
  • Senior Grants and Contracts Manager

Meghan Lyons - COO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Operations

Melissa Rowan

Job Titles:
  • Chief
  • Program Officer

Melissa True

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Education and Strategy

Michelle Harper

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President of State Partnerships and Executive Director of the Center for Child and Family Wellness

Miriam Pearsall

Job Titles:
  • Chief of Staff for Policy and Population Health

Monica Thyssen

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President of Finance, Policy, and Implementation

Nadine Craddick

Job Titles:
  • Vice President and Secretary of Craddick, Inc

Nancy Woodman - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Board
Board Chair; Executive Director of Midland Memorial Foundation

Nelson Jarrin

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President of State Policy

Nicholas Almanza

Job Titles:
  • Proposal Manager

Nicole Portrude

Job Titles:
  • Director of Health System Implementation, Center for Health System Transformation

Patrick Tennant

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Data Science and Analytics

Peggy Kemp

Job Titles:
  • Operations and Strategic Initiative Specialist, Center for Health System Transformation

Priscilla Aguilar

Job Titles:
  • Senior Project Manager for Child and Family Policy

Priscilla Mendez

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director of Cross - Cultural Programs, Trauma and Grief Center at the Hackett Center for Mental Health

Rachael McLaughlin

Job Titles:
  • Director of Health System Transformation

Rebecca Marcolina

Job Titles:
  • Director of Population Health Analytics

Rebecca Murow Klein

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President of National Policy, Partnerships, and Strategy

Rebecca Tharp

Job Titles:
  • Communications Specialist

Regen Horchow

Job Titles:
  • President, the Hersh Foundation

Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt

Job Titles:
  • Secretary of the Board
Board Secretary; District Judge, 449th State District Court (Hidalgo County)

Roger Guzman

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Director of Professional Development, Health and Public Safety

Rohanna Sykes

Job Titles:
  • Director of School and Community Partnerships

Ron Stretcher

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director of Systems Management

Roshni Koli

Job Titles:
  • Chief Medical Officer

Ruth Ahearn

Job Titles:
  • Director of Specialty Healthcare

Sandra Boada

Job Titles:
  • Director of Healthcare Economics

Sean Hanna

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Systems Innovation and Veteran Integration

Sonya Escobedo

Job Titles:
  • Accounting Supervisor

Stacey Brittain

Job Titles:
  • Director of Special Programs, Trauma and Grief Center

Sulamita Camargo

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director of Finance, Health Systems Integration

Summer Prentiss

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager, Center for Child and Family Wellness

Suzanne Mead Feldmann

Job Titles:
  • Community Advocate and Volunteer / Read Bio

Sydney Gilmer

Job Titles:
  • Data Analyst

Tamara Johns

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Implementation Specialist, Trauma and Grief Center at the Hackett Center for Mental Health

Tegan Henke

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President for Education and Workforce Development

Tempa Sherrill

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director for Strategy and Innovation

Timothy Bray

Job Titles:
  • Vice President for Justice and Health Policy

Trey Keatts

Job Titles:
  • Accounting Assistant

Val LaMantia

Job Titles:
  • Partner, L & F Distributors LLC and Favorite Brand

Victoria Walsh

Job Titles:
  • Senior Director of Strategic Philanthropy

Yesenia Martinez

Job Titles:
  • Grants and Contracts Manager

Yolanda Lewis

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President for Justice and Health and Executive Director, Center for Justice and Health