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Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast

Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast

By Cummings Graduate Institute

Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast features discussions among healthcare subject matter experts, integrated care providers, and patients brought to you by Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI). CGI is focused on moving the needle of healthcare integration forward through advanced research, education, and training. Our vision is to improve the way the world experiences healthcare by raising awareness of what integration is, and best practices for disrupting antiquated models of care delivery.
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Ask a DBH with Amanda Harrison

Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care PodcastMay 09, 2022

00:00
52:23
The Role of Speech Pathology in Integrated Healthcare

The Role of Speech Pathology in Integrated Healthcare

In the fourth episode of season 3, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, explores the integration of speech pathology services in healthcare, showcasing its role in holistic patient care and improved health outcomes. Discover how speech pathology addresses communication challenges that impact mental well-being and promotes inclusive mental healthcare for diverse populations.

Special Guest:

Emily Rodriguez, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP) specializing in working with young children aged between 2 and 5. She usually works with parents who have just received a diagnosis for their child, and is often the first therapist on their child's team. She assesses their communication skills at their school or daycare and provides appropriate recommendations based on their individual communication level. If necessary, she refers them to other specialists, such as occupational therapists, neurologists or audiologists, to ensure they receive the best possible care. As a licensed SLP in the state of Florida, she is qualified to address concerns related to communication and social-pragmatic issues. As a dedicated speech-language pathologist, her main focus is to assist parents in navigating the complex process of getting a diagnosis for their child. Having served the Miami area for many years, she has had the honor of working with countless families and children in need. With the completion of her Doctor of Behavioral Health degree, she is thrilled to announce that she will be expanding services to the Florida Keys, an area where access to therapy services is limited, especially in the lower Keys. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an influx of families moving to Florida, and as a native of the Florida Keys, she is overjoyed to see the community flourish with more schools and housing units being built. Her ultimate goal is to create a safe, supportive, and comfortable environment where children and their parents can receive services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counseling.

Mar 26, 202430:33
Racial Trauma and Healthcare

Racial Trauma and Healthcare

In the third episode of season 3, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, explores the intersection of racial trauma and healthcare, examining its impact on providers and patients while discussing strategies to address burnout and systemic disparities. Discover effective methods for measuring racial trauma and the role of integrative healthcare approaches in fostering inclusivity, alongside the importance of ongoing cultural competence training and advocacy efforts for creating a more equitable future in healthcare.

Special Guest:

Ashley McGirt, MSW, LICSW, is the Founder and CEO of the Therapy Fund Foundation. She is a psychotherapist, Tedx international speaker, and author who has been featured in Forbes, MSNBC, HuffPost, & more. Ashley currently serves as the NAACP state area conference health chair. Ashley has received a Masters of Social Work from the University of Washington. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Ashley currently owns and operates her own private practice. In her private practice she focuses primarily on racial trauma, depression, and anxiety. Ashley actively works toward de-stigmatizing mental illness, and reducing high rates of recidivism in American prisons, in an attempt to create a more socially just society for all. Ashley offers presentations, workshops, group facilitation, and consultation specializing in racial trauma, mental health, crisis response, social justice and racial equity. Ashley strives to help others find happiness and healing within themselves through unpacking their baggage, resting, reflecting, and restoring themselves to be who they were intended to be on this earth.

Feb 27, 202427:54
The Implications of Occupational Burnout on Integrated Care

The Implications of Occupational Burnout on Integrated Care

In the second episode of season 3, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, explores the critical topic of occupational burnout. Gain insights into how this phenomenon impacts integrated care, learn to identify and prevent burnout, and discover strategies for organizations to better support employees facing burnout challenges.

Special Guest:

Brandy Biglow, LMHC, CCTP, QS. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, is the CEO and founder of Renovation Integrative Health, LLC. She has a broad range of licenses and certifications including but not limited to being a licensed mental health counselor, a certified clinical trauma professional, and a Doctor of Behavioral Health candidate at the outstanding Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Health. She has over 20 years working with children, individuals, and families. She started out as a teacher of students with exceptionalities and moved into the field of counseling seeking to provide support outside the educational realm via social-emotional education, family resources, and more. Today, she continues her work in this arena and has expanded it to include integrative health and certifications as a professional life and group coach. She is also passionate about preventing burnout one person at a time. Using a large dose of humor and current information from research (anecdotal and qualitative), she changes the lives of those she works with in every encounter.

Feb 01, 202419:23
Integrated Healthcare for Infants and Families

Integrated Healthcare for Infants and Families

In the first episode of season 3, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, explores Neonatal Nursing with a focus on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, and the critical need for integrated healthcare for infants and families.

Panelists include:

Tara Sundem, NNP, is a board-certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in neonatal intensive care. She was a frontline worker in the growing opiate epidemic, caring for the most innocent of its victims: Newborns suffering through opiate withdrawal-Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Her passion to transform the healthcare experience for them and their families led her to found Hushabye Nursery, an Arizona non-profit dedicated to caring for opiate-exposed newborns in their first few weeks of life. The 12-bed inpatient nursery opened its doors and its arms to these babies and their mothers in November 2020. Under Tara's leadership as Executive Director, Hushabye Nursery has grown from an idea to ""save the babies"" in 2016, to a unique model of care for this underserved population that focuses on the family unit, both prenatal and postnatal. Recognized as an industry leader on NAS, Tara has presented several community events on the topic. She received the 2021 Phoenix Business Journal Health Care Hero Award for Nursing and 12 News Miracle Makers Award in 2021. She hold a Master of Science from Arizona State University and is a member of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses, the Academy of Neonatal Nurses, and the Neonatal Nurse Practitioners of AZ. Tara lives in Gilbert with her husband, two sons and their dog.

Dec 19, 202338:25
Alternative Healing Practices and Integrative Healthcare

Alternative Healing Practices and Integrative Healthcare

In the eighteen episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, explores Cellular Resonance® Quantum Healing (CRQH), its personalized approach to patient needs, and its potential to transform the landscape of integrative healthcare.

Panelists include:

Dr. Doug Lehrer, DC, CQM, is a renowned master transformational healer, visionary, and educator. With a doctorate in chiropractic and board certification in quantum medicine™ from the American Naturopathic Medical Association, he has dedicated his life to advancing the frontiers of holistic wellness. His groundbreaking creation, Cellular Resonance® Quantum Healing (CRQH), has revolutionized the field of integrative medicine. Based on extensive research in neuroscience, epigenetics, quantum physics, and energy healing dynamics, CRQH is an evidence-based system that combines diverse modalities such as chiropractic, Chinese medicine, meridian therapy, and polarity therapy. Dr. Doug's pioneering approach embraces the wisdom of ancient traditions while integrating cutting-edge scientific principles.

Dr. Doug Lehrer's expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including neurolinguistics, neuroimmunology, neuroendocrinology, and spiritual psychology. This multidimensional knowledge allows him to unlock the body's innate healing capabilities, even in cases previously considered irreversible. Dr. Doug is committed to sharing his transformative techniques with fellow practitioners and medical professionals. Through these organizations, he provides comprehensive training programs for chiropractors, PTs, osteopathic physicians, naturopaths, and integrative/holistic medical doctors, fostering a community of healers dedicated to advancing the frontiers of wellness.

Throughout his career, Dr. Doug Lehrer has received numerous certifications and awards for his groundbreaking research and contributions to humanity. He has also collaborated with esteemed neurology department heads at university medical schools, shedding light on the body's remarkable capacity to heal. Over the past 38 years, he has conducted over 500,000 healing sessions, working with individuals from all walks of life, including consciousness leaders, entrepreneurs, Hollywood celebrities, and even royalty. His mission is to empower individuals to achieve greater health, love, inner peace, prosperity, and higher spiritual connection.

With his down-to-earth nature, sense of humor, and genuine compassion, Dr. Doug Lehrer creates a safe and transformative space for his clients and students. His expertise, coupled with his unwavering commitment to the well-being of others, has made him a trusted guide and mentor. Dr. Doug Lehrer's life's work stands as a testament to his exceptional expertise, unwavering dedication, and profound understanding of the body-mind-soul connection."

Dec 18, 202354:04
Perinatal Mental Health Challenges

Perinatal Mental Health Challenges

In the seventeenth episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, explores the benefits of integrated approaches for expecting and new mothers, addresses the risk factors contributing to perinatal mental health challenges, and dives into strategies for reducing stigma and promoting mental wellness.

Panelists include:

Tandie Myles, LCSW, IMH-E®, RPT/S, PMH-C, is a license clinical social worker, the owner and therapist of Anchored in Hope Therapy Services, LLC. Tandie specializes in relationship-based therapy services with caregivers and children. She also provides mental health services to pregnant and postpartum women as well as general mental health therapy services to women, children, and families. Tandie provides mental health consultation to community organizations and programs and provides trainings on infant mental health, pregnant and postpartum issues, child development, and other related topics to parents, professionals and community organizations. Tandie started her career in clinical social work in 2005 and earned her Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree from Arizona State University 2005. She completed the two-year Infant/Family Clinical Practice program with the Harris Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training Institute in 2009 and received her endorsement by the Infant Toddler Mental Health Coalition of Arizona as an Infant Mental Health Specialists (Level 3 Clinical). Tandie has also completed training and experience in providing play therapy to earn certification as a Registered Play Therapist with the Association of Play Therapy. Recently, she has been able to become certified in Perinatal Mental Health by Postpartum Support International. Tandie is also a licensed minister and has over 30 hours of credit towards her Master of Divinity in Family Ministry with Phoenix Seminary.

Ms. Myles has worked as an Integrated Behavioral Health Consultant and Supervisor in Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers in many departments and truly enjoyed working in the women’s and pediatric clinic. Her unique lens in perinatal and infant mental health allowed her to provide her expertise in helping caregivers understand their needs as well as the needs of their children. Her approach is rooted in child development, attachment theory, informed by neuroscience and trauma informed research, to provide developmental and relationship-based therapy. In her work, Tandie Myles hopes to address challenges while promoting resilience and wholeness in parents and children to reach their full potential.

Dec 11, 202322:46
Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

In the sixteenth episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, explores the pervasive issues of burnout and compassion fatigue, focusing on how to recognize early signs and symptoms, identify root causes, and review effective interventions to address these challenges. Panelists include: Sharise Nance, LCSW, CCTP, is an highly educated and deeply experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Trauma Specialist, Workshop Facilitator, Global Speaker, Award Winning and Serial Author and Entrepreneur. She is the co-owner and founder of HandinHand Counseling Services, LLC. Sharise and her partner started the private practice due to the mental health disparities for Black people, as well as their own experiences with pay disparities as mental health therapists and social workers. With over 20 years of experience assisting individuals, couples and families to see beyond energy depletion, hopelessness, panic, guilt and feeling overwhelmed, Sharise assists them in making a shift to a place of peace, joy, clarity, and satisfaction.

Having dealt with her own compassion fatigue and burnout, Sharise also dedicates her efforts to running Vitamin C Healing, LLC, an organization that helps companies prevent Leadership Burnout and Compassion Fatigue using a trauma sensitive and systems approach to create a supportive work culture that prioritizes work life balance and integration. Known as the Compassion Fatigue Lady and Compassion Stress Coach, Sharise has become one of the pioneers of Compassion Fatigue in Western Pennsylvania. She has considerable experience speaking at keynotes, workshops, and seminars for helping professionals, mental health leaders and entrepreneurs across the globe. She strives to equip individuals with tools to tolerate the high demands of work and life, imposter syndrome, as well as managing and preventing compassion fatigue and burnout in order to live happy, fulfilled lives and careers.

Dec 04, 202327:17
Pregnant and Postpartum Opioid Epidemic in Arizona

Pregnant and Postpartum Opioid Epidemic in Arizona

In the fifteenth episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, explores the current state of opioid use disorder and its impact on pregnant and postpartum women in Arizona, and discusses collaborative strategies to enhance services and support for those in treatment and recovery. Panelists include: Kate Dobler, MEd, BS, CPM, IMH-E, is the Project Director for Arizona’s State Pilot Grant Program for the Treatment of Pregnant and Postpartum Women (PPW-PLT) diagnosed with substance use disorder and their babies and families. Kate built her career driving positive bottom-line results for State of Arizona agencies by overseeing system development and improving the state’s early childhood development, health, and maternal mental health systems that support healthy babies and families. Kate holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University (2019), a Certificate in Public Management (ASU, 2015), and a Bachelor of Science in Family Resources with an emphasis in Child Development (UofA, 1995). She is an endorsed infant-toddler mental health professional with the Infant Toddler Mental Health Coalition of Arizona. Kate works to build systems that meet people where they are, with what they need, when they need it, and how they want to engage. At the core of Kate’s work is the belief that babies live in families, families live in communities, and that it takes all of us to support healthy, happy, and safe families.

Nov 27, 202323:24
Ask a DBH: Behavior Analysis and Integrated Care

Ask a DBH: Behavior Analysis and Integrated Care

In the fourteenth episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, explores the pivotal role of Board Certified Behavior Analysts in addressing key challenges within the healthcare sector, while discussing effective strategies that can transform patient outcomes and experiences.

Panelists include:

Dr. Liliane de Aguiar-Rocha, DBH, BCBA, QBA, MCPC. CGI DBH Alumna, is a New York State licensed behavior analyst. She has extensive experience with ABA, quality improvement and crisis intervention/management training. She completed her graduate training in behavior analysis at the Graduate Center (CUNY), and her doctoral degree in behavioral health, with a focus on integrated care at the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health. She has broad interests in Behavior Analysis, particularly in how behavior analytic strategies can be used in large scale to improve systems in healthcare. She is interested in improving the care for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) starting at the pediatrician’s office. She has worked with behavior analysis, in a variety of settings, including a Psychiatric Hospital leading a team of behavior analysts who designed behavior interventions to decrease the use of restrictive interventions during acute psychiatric admission. At the hospital, she also had the opportunity to work in several performance management and quality improvement projects where she had the opportunity to exercise her OBM (Organizational Behavior Management) skills. She is a certified ACT Matrix facilitator and uses the Pro-social Matrix in crisis-management trainings. She is a consultant who provides consultation to local schools and hospitals, as well as international consultation in Brazil, her native country. She is interested in ways to bring behavioral analytic treatment to areas with difficult access to BCBAs. To that end, she has developed a telehealth practice, where she supervises behavior analysts serving children with ASD in Brazil.

Dr. Kasia Motylewicz, DBH, BCBA, QBA. CGI DBH Alumna, has worked as a lead teacher, a supervisor, a clinical director, a lead ABA trainer, and a consultant at schools, early intervention agencies, and in the private sector. She is also a former competitive athlete, karate practitioner, and a karate instructor with over 25-year teaching experience. Dr. Motylewicz’s passion for sports combined with her clinical work resulted in identification of a new gap: motor impairments affecting social-communication skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Her culminating project combined these two areas, and resulted in a development of the Motor Assessment of Autism (MIA), the training modules for clinicians, and the functional training program for individuals with ASD.

Dr. Patrycja Motylewicz, MBA, MS Spec Ed, MS ABA, BCBA, LBA, DBH. CGI DBH Alumna, is a Doctor of Behavioral Health, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, and a Licensed Behavior Analyst in several states across the United States. She holds an MBA, an MS in Education and Special Education, and an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis, with a specialization in Autism. Patrycja is a clinical director at The Perfect Child, which provides Applied Behavior Analysis services for children and young adults with developmental disabilities and behavioral issues. In her free time, she focuses on strength training. She is also a former competitive martial artist.

Nov 20, 202335:38
The Aging Population

The Aging Population

In the thirteenth episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, explores the critical link between social and structural drivers of health and their profound impact on the aging population. Tune in to learn about innovative interventions that effectively pave the way for improved well-being among older adults.
Panelists include:
Meredith Chillemi, MSG, MHA, has a background working in various social service and health care settings, including Life Plan Communities, a managed care plan and programs funded by the Older Americans Act, including home delivered meals, shared housing and case management. Prior to joining LeadingAge California, Meredith served as Director of Supportive and Health Services at LifeSTEPS, overseeing the organization’s affordable housing Aging in Place initiatives, long term services and supports collaborations and the award-winning Older Adult RN Coaching Program. Meredith holds Masters’ Degrees in Gerontology and Health Administration from the University of Southern California and was an undergraduate at UCLA. She is also a graduate of the UCLA Health Care Executive Program and the LeadingAge California Emerge Leadership Program. As the LeadingAge California Director of Regulatory Affairs, Meredith manages relationships with state agencies and departments and she also engages with the State on the implementation of numerous initiatives, including CalAIM.
Nov 14, 202318:11
Macro Approaches to Suicide Prevention

Macro Approaches to Suicide Prevention

In the twelfth episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, explores macro approaches to suicide prevention, exploring innovative strategies and community-based initiatives that aim to address this global concern on a larger scale.
Panelists include:
Brandon J. Johnson, M.H.S., MCHES, is a tireless advocate for positive mental health and suicide prevention services for youth and adults across the country and within the local community of Baltimore, MD. He is a subject matter expert in suicide prevention, with a particular focus on suicide prevention planning and suicide prevention strategies for Black youth. Currently, he serves as a Public Health Advisor at the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the Suicide Prevention Branch at the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS). In this role, Brandon serves as a Government Project Officer (GPO) for various suicide prevention grant programs that target youth, adults, and health care systems. He is the Program Lead of the Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention grant program, which funds states, tribes, and territories to create suicide prevention programs for youth and young adults ages 10-24. In 2020, he served as SAMHSA’s representative on the HHS Report to Congress on African American Youth Suicide. Brandon earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Morgan State University in 2008 and a Master of Health Science Degree from Johns Hopkins University in 2012. In 2020, Brandon earned the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credential from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Brandon is the creator of “The Black Mental Wellness Lounge,” a YouTube channel dedicated to discussing Black mental health and healing. The Black Mental Wellness Lounge is YouTube page committed to the promotion of Black mental health tips, education, and resources for the community. The YouTube page has been featured in USA Today, Complex Magazine, and Johns Hopkins Magazine. In 2021, Brandon received the Outstanding Recent Graduate Award from Johns Hopkins Alumni Association and the President’s Award from the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA). Previously, Brandon served as the Director of Suicide and Violence Prevention for the State of Maryland where he worked in communities throughout the state to help develop strategies to end violence in various forms, such as community violence and human trafficking.
Nov 06, 202319:10
Ask a DBH: Community-Based Approaches to Integrated Care

Ask a DBH: Community-Based Approaches to Integrated Care

In the eleventh episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, explores how community-based behavioral health organizations use integrated care models, how integrating behavioral health care impacts primary health services, and examines how integrated care efforts have enhanced access to care and improved the lives of patients.

Panelists include:

Kenny Martín-Ocasio, MS, CCWLS, was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1963, and was raised in Puerto Rico. He came to Chicago at age 18 to resume his higher education and received his Bachelor in Arts, Special Education degree from Northeastern Illinois University in 1987, and a Master of Science in Health Services Administration in 1999. He has worked in the area of human services (substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence), and child welfare for over 32 years, and has dedicated his career to working towards the professional, social, economic, and educational advancement of minorities, especially Latinos and the LGBTQ community. He has served as president of the DuPage Hispanic Task Force, co-chair of the Latino Consortium, member of the Illinois Latino Agenda, the Latino Youth Action Coalition, and in the Cook County President’s Latino Advisory. For the last ten years, as a board member of the Association of Latinos(as) Motivating Action, he fights for the equal rights of the Latino LGBT community. Kenny now serves as Senior Vice President of Community Integration at Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness.

Oct 31, 202327:26
Special Episode: The Maternal Health Crisis of Black Women

Special Episode: The Maternal Health Crisis of Black Women

In this special episode of season 2, Dr. Cara English, DBH, Chief Executive Officer of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, explores the maternal health crisis affecting Black women. This discussion focuses on the startling disparities, systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure safer pregnancies and births for Black mothers.

Panelists include:

Erica Glaze, MPH, MCHES, CCCE, Founder of Live Wellthy, LLC is a health educator with over 10 years of experience in public health. Skilled in training and workshop facilitation, assessment and evaluation, and curriculum development.

Rochelle Trotman-Norman, MPS, ATR, PMH-C, Founder of Baby Bee Maternal Wellness, LLC, is a passionate art therapist and doula dedicated to guiding parents towards authentic, mindful, and intentional living. Her focus is on helping mothers, fathers, and non-binary parents create joyful and peaceful family lifestyles while healing from generational trauma and self-limiting beliefs. With a background in psychology and art therapy, she uses strength-based, trauma-informed, and mindfulness-driven approaches to support families in overcoming challenges and crafting new narratives for healing and wholeness.

Oct 24, 202329:29
Ask a DBH: The Impact of Behavioral Health Training in Nursing

Ask a DBH: The Impact of Behavioral Health Training in Nursing

In the ninth episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, and co-host Dr. Larry Ford, DBH, explore the importance of behavioral health training for psychiatric nurses, the significance of integrated behavioral health in primary care and how psychiatric nurse practitioners obtaining a Doctorate of Behavioral Health can strengthen those efforts.

Panelists include:

Jennifer Wims-Madden, MSN, PMHNP-BC. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, is an Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who obtained her Board Certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in 2013 after completing her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Wayne State University. She began her mental health nursing career in 2007 after obtaining her Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing from Oakland Community College (OCC). She then went on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree at University of Michigan- Flint in 2009 before completing her MSN in 2012.

Jennifer has experience treating patients with various psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and across practice settings, from inpatient hospitals to outpatient clinics, including community mental health facilities and integrated health programs in primary care practices. She enjoys her role as an educator, serving as mental health nursing faculty at OCC for several years, providing hundreds of students with rewarding mental health clinical experiences, and she continues to precept PMHNP and MD students regularly. Jennifer strives to provide a holistic, individualized, personalized, and comprehensive experience for every patient she cares for.


Selena Schmidt, MSN, MJ, PMHNP-BC, HNB-BC. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, is the VP of Behavioral Health Service Line for Ascension Michigan and has been appointed to the Governance Board for the Behavioral Health service line at Ascension’s national level. Selena’s responsibilities include overseeing the mental health and substance use disorder services for the state of Michigan, consisting of acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, Telehealth, school-based clinics, substance abuse hospital and residential. In addition, she has over 17 years of working with the mentally ill and physically challenged at all levels of care.

Selena volunteers and advocates for the mentally ill and physically challenged at the local, state and national level. Currently she is a board member for Macomb Community Mental Health, One Voice Suicide Prevention, Southwest Counseling and Disability Rights of Michigan formally Michigan Protection and Advocacy. She recently was appointed to the Michigan Hospital Association (MHA) as Chair of MHA Behavioral Health Council. She is assigned to the Michigan Integration of Care Council, Michigan Medical Clearance Council, 988 Crisis Line, and the Governors Suicide Prevention Council. She has become very involve in Suicide Prevention partnering with Kevin’s Song, Know Resolve and One Voice. She is the recipient of a $5 million dollar Tri-State Zero Suicide grant, $35 million-dollar Behavioral Health Capacity Expansion grant and a $7 million dollar grant for Subsidized Housing for the chronically homeless in Detroit from the State of Michigan.

Selena is a board certified Holistic Nurse and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She currently holds a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Oakland University, Master of Nursing degree from Wayne State University, Master of Law in Health Care Law and Policy from Loyola University and is currently work towards a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) from Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies.

Oct 03, 202328:49
Ask a DBH: Integrated Approaches to Suicide Prevention

Ask a DBH: Integrated Approaches to Suicide Prevention

In the eighth episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, discusses the complex factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and discusses the common misconceptions about suicide and how to correct them.

Panelists include:

Dr. Bobby L. Armstrong, PhD, ThD, a native of Greensboro, NC, a graduate of Colgate Rochester, and the Founder of Empowerment Counseling Ministries a faith-based counseling practice integrated with fundamental psychology.

Sep 27, 202323:02
Ask a DBH: Addressing Challenges in the LGBTGEQIAP+ Community

Ask a DBH: Addressing Challenges in the LGBTGEQIAP+ Community

In the seventh episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, and co-host Dr. Larry Ford, DBH, discuss the impact that having LGBTQ+ friendly providers can have on the healthcare of members of the LGBTGEQIAP+ community, how listeners can support the healthcare needs of this community, and how to address inequities and discriminatory practices.

Panelists include:

Brandy K. Biglow, LMHC, NCC, CCTP, QS. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, is the CEO and founder of Renovation Integrative Health, LLC. She has a broad range of licenses and certifications including but not limited to being a licensed mental health counselor, a certified clinical trauma professional, and a Doctor of Behavioral Health candidate at the outstanding Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Health. She has over 20 years working with children, individuals, and families. She started out as a teacher of students with exceptionalities and moved into the field of counseling seeking to provide support outside the educational realm via social-emotional education, family resources, and more. Today, she continues her work in this arena and has expanded it to include integrative health and certifications as a professional life and group coach. She is also passionate about preventing burnout one person at a time. Using a large dose of humor and current information from research (anecdotal and qualitative), she changes the lives of those she works with in every encounter.

Cory Cannady, MEd, BCBA, LBA. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, taught middle school for 5 years before transitioning paths to enter the mental health field as a behavior analyst after receiving his master's degree in applied behavior analysis from the University of Cincinnati. He has served as a behavior analyst for the past 4 years, serving children with developmental disabilities with a specialization in autism as the Assistant Clinical Director for Elevate Behavior Services. In this role, he oversees a small caseload of patients and serves as the operations and clinical specialist.

Jeremy Henderson-Teelucksingh, MHR, M.A., LPC/MHSP, NCC/CCMHC. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, is a counselor, leadership and management coach, and corporate and community human relations consultant. Jeremy brings passion, innovation, and creativity to his clients to enable them to live fulfilling lives. As a counselor, Jeremy works with adults, couples, and families, focusing on anxiety and anger, trauma, personality disorders, relationships, and issues related to adoption and foster care. Jeremy works with the LGBTGEQIAP+ community and is an “out” counselor with a history of diversity, equality, equity, inclusion, and belonging advocacy.

Sep 19, 202325:43
Ask a DBH: Doctors of Behavioral Health in Healthcare

Ask a DBH: Doctors of Behavioral Health in Healthcare

In the sixth episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, and co-host Dr. Larry Ford, DBH, lead an insightful discussion focused on the American Association of Doctors of Behavioral Health, exploring what this organization is, how it is currently being shaped, and the role of Doctors of Behavioral Health in the future.

Panelist:

Dr. Amber Gray, DBH, MA, CCFDVC, PhD-c, has worked nearly three decades in violence prevention and intervention as a nationally credentialed victim and patient advocate. During this time, she achieved many certifications and awards for her service to victims of violence. She recently received the 2023 Equity Award from the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. After a long career, she changed her scope of focus to behavioral health, business, healthcare education, administrative management, violence prevention and intervention. In addition to serving as the inaugural CEO of the AADBH, Dr. Gray works as a healthcare educator for victim services providers. In this capacity, she provides training to providers for trauma-informed methodologies and treatment practices. Her goal is to help to reduce patient retraumatization in medical or clinical settings. She is currently slated to receive a 2nd Doctorate in Forensic Psychology, Public Policy, and Law.

Sep 13, 202326:41
Ask a DBH: Integration of Behavioral Health Providers in Public Health

Ask a DBH: Integration of Behavioral Health Providers in Public Health

In the fifth episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, and panelists, explore the challenges of public health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, discuss the role of integrated care and behavioral health providers and how Doctors of Behavioral Health support public health efforts. Tune in to learn how integrated healthcare providers can best support public health efforts.

Panelists include:

Charla N. Burns, M.D., has more than two decades of excellence dedicated to the improvement of public health and the betterment of society, Dr. Burns has earned distinction as an epidemiologist and the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) team lead for the Texas Department of State Health Services. Since 2022, she has focused her efforts on planning, developing, and implementing field research studies with COVID-19 within the emerging and acute infectious disease unit at the State Department. Prior to her current role, Dr. Burns was employed at the CDC Foundation as an epidemiologist to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

To prepare for her medical career, Dr. Burns earned a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry/pre-medicine in 2000 from Louisiana State University and A&M College. In 2006, she attained a Doctor of Medicine from the UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine, followed by internal medicine residency training at Tulane University Medical Center and its affiliated clinics and hospitals. Well-qualified in her field, she has extensive experience in public speaking on health-related topics at medical conferences and community events.

Dr. Burns' professional accomplishments include the LSU Greek Excellence Award, West Monroe High School Distinguished Alumni Award, Ouachita Parish School Board Certificate of Excellence, Young Conqueror under Forty Female of the Year, and recognition as "One Million Women in STEM." She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an organization where she has proudly served for the past 25 years. Dedicated to civil advocacy, Dr. Burns serves as the treasurer of the board of directors for SHE VOTES, a nonpartisan non-profit organization that supports young women in becoming registered voters. She also lends her expertise as an advisory council member to the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies.

Sep 06, 202311:47
Ask a DBH: Rural Telehealth Integration

Ask a DBH: Rural Telehealth Integration

In the fourth episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, and co-host Dr. Larry Ford, DBH, lead an insightful discussion with a panel of experts discuss how telehealth is helping to improve access to healthcare services for people living in rural areas.

Panelists include:

Dr. Leslie Earl, DBH, LPC. DBH Aluma at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, certified trauma specialist, clinical specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorder, and licensing supervisor for LPC candidates serving Oklahoma City, OK and surrounding areas. Dr. Earl initially pursued a career in education, where she discovered a desire to make an impact on patients in a clinical healthcare setting. She earned her master’s degree focused on Human Relations in Counseling from the University of Oklahoma and soon began working with Dr. Larry Ford, DBH, at Hands To Guide You, where she fully realized her passion for becoming a changemaker in healthcare. Dr. Earl is known for her work in the women’s health field in the greater Oklahoma City area. Dr. Earl believes integrated care is the key to identifying the root cause of illness, therefore gaining insight on how to best treat the whole person.

Dr. Amanda Barnard, DBH, LCSW, MSW. DBH Aluma at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, received her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Wyoming in 2014. She worked at the Wyoming Department of Family Services, providing families with ongoing case management and reunification services. She completed her Master of Social Work from the University of Wyoming in 2018 and began working with patients experiencing serious mental illness in Dickinson, ND. Dr. Barnard started to take note of deficits in healthcare delivery and decided to increase her knowledge to improve healthcare in rural areas, which inspired her to pursue the Doctor of Behavioral Health degree. While enrolled in the DBH program, she earned full independent licensure as a Clinical Social Worker in North Dakota and established her business, Kahanalo Consulting, LLC, in 2020. Her venture provides clinical and consultation services to citizens of rural North Dakota.

Aug 14, 202326:44
Ask a DBH: Improving LGBTGEQIAP+ Healthcare Delivery

Ask a DBH: Improving LGBTGEQIAP+ Healthcare Delivery

In the third episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, and co-host Dr. Larry Ford, DBH, lead an insightful discussion with a panel of experts on improving healthcare delivery to the LGBTGEQIAP+ community. The panelists explore strategies that healthcare providers can implement to ensure that equitable and effective care to this diverse population is provided, how to advocate for the community, and examine some of the most helpful resources. Tune in to learn how healthcare providers can work together to create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all.

Panelist include:

Brandy K. Biglow, LMHC, NCC, CCTP, QS. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, is the CEO and founder of Renovation Integrative Health, LLC. She has a broad range of licenses and certifications including but not limited to being a licensed mental health counselor, a certified clinical trauma professional, and a Doctor of Behavioral Health candidate at the outstanding Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Health. She has over 20 years working with children, individuals, and families. She started out as a teacher of students with exceptionalities and moved into the field of counseling seeking to provide support outside the educational realm via social-emotional education, family resources, and more. Today, she continues her work in this arena and has expanded it to include integrative health and certifications as a professional life and group coach. She is also passionate about preventing burnout one person at a time. Using a large dose of humor and current information from research (anecdotal and qualitative), she changes the lives of those she works with in every encounter.

Cory Cannady, MEd, BCBA, LBA. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, taught middle school for 5 years before transitioning paths to enter the mental health field as a behavior analyst after receiving his master's degree in applied behavior analysis from the University of Cincinnati. He has served as a behavior analyst for the past 4 years, serving children with developmental disabilities with a specialization in autism as the Assistant Clinical Director for Elevate Behavior Services. In this role, he oversees a small caseload of patients and serves as the operations and clinical specialist.

Shelly Espejo, LPC. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, is currently a mental health clinician at Rutgers University for the last 4 years. Previously worked as a clinical manager at Cayuga Centers, where she assessed for safety for the reunification of migrant children detained and separated from their families on the border of Mexico. She is currently a student at Cummings Graduate Institute as a DBH student in hopes of gaining knowledge and continue being a pillar of change in my Latinx community. 

Jeremy Henderson-Teelucksingh, MHR, M.A., LPC/MHSP, NCC/CCMHC. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, is a counselor, leadership and management coach, and corporate and community human relations consultant. Jeremy brings passion, innovation, and creativity to his clients to enable them to live fulfilling lives. As a counselor, Jeremy works with adults, couples, and families, focusing on anxiety and anger, trauma, personality disorders, relationships, and issues related to adoption and foster care. Jeremy works with the LGBTGEQIAP+ community and is an “out” counselor with a history of diversity, equality, equity, inclusion, and belonging advocacy.


Jul 17, 202344:18
Ask a DBH: Healthcare Technology and Integrated Care

Ask a DBH: Healthcare Technology and Integrated Care

In the second episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, and co-host Dr. Larry Ford, DBH, lead an insightful discussion with a panel of experts on the important topic of health information exchanges and digital records. The panelists shared their thoughts on the potential benefits and drawbacks of these advances in healthcare technology, including how they might impact the delivery of integrated care.

Panelists include:

Dr. Leslie Earl, DBH, LPC. DBH Aluma at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma City, OK, serving OKC and surrounding areas. Dr. Earl is also a licensing supervisor for LPC Candidates. She earned her master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma, focusing on Human Relations in Counseling and recently completed her Doctor of Behavioral Health degree with Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Health Studies.

Shadiase Jack, LCSW-C. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, staff therapist at an outpatient mental health agency in Maryland where she provides mental health therapy to children and adults.

Jeremy Henderson-Teelucksingh, MHR, M.A., LPC/MHSP, NCC/CCMHC. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, is a counselor, leadership and management coach, and corporate and community human relations consultant. Jeremy brings passion, innovation, and creativity to his clients to enable them to live fulfilling lives. As a counselor, Jeremy works with adults, couples, and families, focusing on anxiety and anger, trauma, personality disorders, relationships, and issues related to adoption and foster care. Jeremy works with the LGBTGEQIAP+ community and is an “out” counselor with a history of diversity, equality, equity, inclusion, and belonging advocacy.

Jun 21, 202345:34
Ask a DBH: Implementing Integrated Healthcare

Ask a DBH: Implementing Integrated Healthcare

In the first episode of season 2, Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, DBH, and co-host Dr. Larry Ford, DBH, talk with a panel of five international CGI Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) students. The panelists share their experience in the DBH program, including how they have incorporated strategies learned through CGI’s academic curriculum at their jobs and the ways they are working toward transforming integrated healthcare delivery and patient care.

Panelists include:

Pooja Panesar, BSc, MEd, BCBA, QBA. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, Founder and Director of Kaizora Therapies, Kaizora Foundation, Meraki Kindergarten (Kenya), and Kaizora Child Development Centre (Tanzania).

Shadiase Jack, LCSW-C. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, staff therapist at an outpatient mental health agency in Maryland where she provides mental health therapy to children and adults.

Dr. Sylvester Olubolu Orimaye, PhD, MPH. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, research data scientist, and public health practitioner focusing on behavioral health outcomes, rural health, and health disparities among women, adolescents, and aged populations.

Valeria Parejo, BCBA, QBA. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, international behavior analyst who specializes in providing services to individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities and developmental delays.

Amanda Bueno, BCBA, QBA. DBH Student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, Chief Executive Officer - CEDIN, Neurodevelopmental Intervention and Diagnosis Center in Brazil.

May 11, 202301:06:45
Ask a DBH Episode 6 with Dr. Baldwin: Roe Vs. Wade Decision - Where do we go from here?

Ask a DBH Episode 6 with Dr. Baldwin: Roe Vs. Wade Decision - Where do we go from here?

Dr. U. Grant Baldwin talks with a panel of CGI DBH students about the fallout from the overturn of Roe vs. Wade, and what DBHs must do to support persons making healthcare decisions. 

Panelists include: 

Jeny Rodrigue, LAC, DBH-c, SAP, SAE, a Licensed Addiction Counselor, Doctor of Behavioral Health Candidate, Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional, and Certified Substance Abuse Expert practicing in Louisiana. 

Shadiase Jack LCSW-C, DBH-c a staff therapist at an outpatient mental health agency in Maryland where she provides mental health therapy to children and adults. 

Jerrika Henderson, MA, DBH-c a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling who currently works on a specialized team as a community therapist catering to underserved youth and their families where she provides in-home intensive intervention treatment as a way to decrease inpatient and residential admissions.

Rhea Hill, LPC, DBH-c, who provides counseling for adult individuals with depression and anxiety in the State of Texas. Her areas of concentration include women's issues, codependency, self-esteem, domestic violence, stress- management, and relationship issues. She is licensed in Texas and has practiced counseling for eight years.

CDR Sean Bennett, LCSW, DBH-c a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Board Certified Diplomate. He has worked extensively in the areas of Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence, Suicide Prevention, and the treatment of trauma. 

Pauline Pablo, BCBA, DBH-c a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and International Behavior Analyst who specializes in providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities and/or developmental delays. 

Links and Resources Recommended by our Panelists: 

Planned Parenthood Action Steps https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/roe-v-wade-is-overturned-heres-how-you-can-take-action

National Women's Law Center- www.nwlc.org

Grossman D, Perritt J, Grady D. The impending crisis of access to safe abortion care in the US [published online ahead of print, 2022 Jun 23]. JAMA Intern Med. 2022;10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.2893. [This article includes a list of organizations that help patients find abortion care in a wide variety of ways.]

For anyone who is interested in learning more about assisting birthing mothers and their families from conception to early parenthood, visit https://thelohm.org/doula-initiative/ or https://commonsensechildbirth.org/

The Guttmacher Institute: provides up-to-date information about abortion laws and statistics in the United States and all over the world.

National Advocates for Pregnant Women: provides support and information for the public and pregnant women, whether they intend to abort or not; information about criminal cases against pregnant women; and advocacy.

Physicians for Reproductive Health: a group of clinicians who use evidence, training, and organized action to champion health care rights

American Civil Liberties Union: provides information about legal challenges to abortion restrictions.

Aug 08, 202201:08:53
Ask a DBH Episode 5: DBH on the Frontline: Serving Communities of Color

Ask a DBH Episode 5: DBH on the Frontline: Serving Communities of Color

This episode series highlights the work of clinicians of color in the field of integrated healthcare and healthcare innovation.

Shadiase Jack LCSW-C, is a staff therapist at an outpatient mental health agency where she provides mental health therapy to children and adults. She willingly accepts challenges and pursues everything possible to bring speedy and workable outcomes. She embraces difficulty with the fist of courage, determination and strong will as failure is not an option.

Jerrika Henderson joined the DBH program at CGI after obtaining a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Memphis. She currently works on a specialized team as a community therapist catering to underserved youth and their families where she provides in-home intensive intervention treatment as a way to decrease inpatient and residential admissions. Ms. Henderson is devoted to being a change agent, proactively providing support to all through the facilitation and organization of groups, therapy, training, and events all centered around subjects that promote well-rounded health. Ms. Henderson believes that through our commitment to lifelong learning and collaboration with people from all walks of life we are able to share ourselves with the world. She aspires to continue creating and normalizing mental and behavioral health by providing safe spaces for underserved communities. One thing Ms. Henderson wants everyone to always remember is that you may be bruised but you are never broken.

Rhea Hill, LPC, DBH-C, provides counseling for adult individuals with depression and anxiety. Her areas of concentration include women's issues, codependency, self-esteem, domestic violence, stress- management, and relationship issues. She is licensed in Texas and has practiced counseling for eight years.

CDR Sean Bennett is a Behavioral Health Clinical Consultant with IHSC BHU and works out of the San Diego Field Office. Prior to joining the team, CDR Bennett served as the Behavioral Health Team Lead at Otay Mesa Detention Center (San Diego). His previous assignment was with Indian Health Service (IHS) Headquarters in Rockville, MD where he worked as a Public Health Advisor in the Division of Behavioral Health. At IHS, Sean served as the Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative (DVPI) Program Official; Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative (MSPI) Nashville Area Project Officer; and IHS National Lead for Zero Suicide. 

Jennifer Wims-Madden, MSN, PMHNP-BC is an Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has served in the mental health field since 2007. She has experience treating patients with various psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and across practice settings and also enjoys her teaching roles. She currently works full time at a Community Mental Health facility as a medical director and provides direct patient care and also provides outpatient services at her own private practice. Jennifer strives to provide a holistic, individualized, personalized, and comprehensive experience for every patient she cares for.

Napoleon Harrington MA, LPC, DBH(c) is a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing clinical mental health at Ambassador Counseling & Resource Group in the Metropolitan Detroit area.  He also serves as the vice-chair of the State of Michigan Board of Counseling, appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.  Napoleon is currently completing his doctoral work at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies.  He is the husband to Faith Harrington and father to twin 2 year olds - Isabella and Imani.

Jul 05, 202201:19:27
Integrating Women's Health Settings with Dr. Belinda Hodder, CNM, DNP

Integrating Women's Health Settings with Dr. Belinda Hodder, CNM, DNP

In this episode, host Dr. Cara English talks with Certified Nurse Midwife and Doctor of Nurse Practitioner Belinda Hodder, co-owner of Willow Birth Center in Arizona. Listeners will learn about the evidence for improved maternal health and birth outcomes in free-standing birth centers, opportunities and challenges for integrating behavioral health in women’s health settings, and how to address the rising maternal mortality rate in the US through well-integrated maternal and child care teams.

Belinda Hodder Belinda Hodder DNP, CNM is the clinical director and co-founder of Willow Midwife Centers for Birth and Wellness AZ. Belinda has practiced as a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) in the East Valley since 2010; she is well known for her passion for evidence-based women-centered care. Belinda is also a powerful advocate for a woman’s right to personalized ethical, consensual care.  Belinda has been a registered nurse for 34 years, of which she has been a CNM for 23 years. Belinda has attended in excess of 3,000 births both in and out-of-hospital. She is certified in both the UK and USA.  Belinda served for 10 years in the British Army’s Nursing Corps where she was decorated with the Gulf Medal for active service in Desert Storm. The birth of her first son brought her military career to an end and saw the start of her career in midwifery.  Belinda has assisted thousands of women and their families in making health care decisions. She believes that through encouragement and empowerment, women can make the best possible choices for their personal journeys.

Links and resources:

  1. Willow Birth Center: https://willowbirthcenteraz.com/
  2. Apter, G., Kulkarni, J., & Osborne, L. M. (n.d.). Editorial: Neurobiology of Peripartum Mental Illness . (J. L. Pawluski, Ed.). Frontiers in Global Women's Health. Retrieved June 3, 2022, from https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fgwh.2022.888088
  3. Health and Health Care for Women of Reproductive Age | Commonwealth Fund
  4. Integrating mental health care into the OB practice | American Medical Association
  5. “At Least Your Baby Is Healthy” Obstetric Violence or Disrespect and Abuse in Childbirth Occurrence Worldwide: A Literature Review
  6. MMHA Suicide remains leading cause of direct maternal death in first postnatal year
  7. A Humane Approach to Caring for New Mothers in Psychiatric Crisis
  8. The Maternal Mental Health Crisis Undermines Moms’ and Babies’ Health
Jun 27, 202229:47
Ask a DBH Special Episode: Suicide Prevention and State Policy

Ask a DBH Special Episode: Suicide Prevention and State Policy

On June 13th, 2022, Oklahoma City police have a large presence at Integris Southwest Medical Center after a suicide at the hospital's campus Monday.  “Integris officials said they cannot disclose any details because of privacy laws other than there was a death at the campus. Hospital officials are cooperating with the Oklahoma City Police Department.” This was news from KOCO 5, a local TV station in Oklahoma City which was published on their website Monday, June 13.  Just 3 sentences, 51 words.  Today is Thursday, June 16 and not another word about it.  In today’s episode, three Doctors of Behavioral Health will discuss suicidality in the US and what states and healthcare systems can and should be doing to address this crisis proactively.

Guest Bios:

Jackie Carro, Owner, Marketing Ideals Company, a boutique agency specializing in strategic marketing, public relations, event, video & web production. We opened our doors in 1994. We enjoy working with small to medium size companies, non-profit organizations and municipalities. We’re based in the heart of Tempe, Arizona and serve a variety of clients representing diverse industries nationwide.

Dr. Larry Ford, Founder & CEO at Hands to Guide You, a behavioral and mental healthcare practice located in Oklahoma City, OK.  Dr. Ford is a DBH (Doctor of Behavioral Health) and with a staff of a dozen, has been practicing for well over a decade.  He serves as a vital member of his community, also teaching at MidAmerica Christian University and is founder of Let’s Play Sports, a program dedicated to providing school tuition and scholarships for young athletes living in under-served communities.  Dr. Ford also serves on the Board of Directors for Cummings Graduate Institute.

Dr. Cara English, CEO of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. Dr. English has been a counselor for over 16 years, with specialties in women’s health, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, infant and child development, and family wellness. She earned a master’s degree in counseling in 2002 from Northern Arizona University and worked as a community and school counselor and behavioral health consultant in a wide variety of settings during her graduate work at NAU and following graduation. She earned a DBH degree from Arizona State University in 2013.

Dr. Janet Cummings, Chair for Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies and daughter of the institute’s founders Drs. Nicholas and Dorothy Cummings. Dr. Cummings serves as Chair for Cummings Graduate Institute and is an internationally recognized psychologist and author whose specialties include Pathophysiology, Psychopharmacology, Neuropathophysiology, Biodyne Model and Suicidal Ideation.

Founded in 2015, the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies is one of a handful of universities worldwide that grant the distinguished Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree and is the only university that exclusively focuses on the growing field of integrated healthcare. CGI credits its origins to the work of Dr. Nicholas Cummings, an American psychologist, author, and former president of the American Psychology Association (1979). Learn more about degree programs and continuing education at cgi.edu

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.

Learn more

800-273-8255

Jun 17, 202245:52
Healthcare Leadership Series Episode 3: HIT like a Woman! with Julie Mann

Healthcare Leadership Series Episode 3: HIT like a Woman! with Julie Mann

Leadership diversity starts with inclusion and enablement of powerful women in healthcare.  Julie Mann has dedicated her entire career to elevating women in Healthcare Information Technology.  In this episode, she joins the Disruptors at Work podcast to share her journey in healthcare leadership and, more importantly, her passion for inclusion and health equity using Health IT as an enabler for improved outcomes.

In this podcast, Gabe Orthous (Director of MHL) has an intimate conversation with Julie, who is a veteran health IT enabler with a passion for bringing innovating solutions to the healthcare marketplace with a focus on collaboration and partnership.

Guest Bio: 

Julie Mann is passionate about solving the challenges in healthcare through technology, innovation, and collaboration. ​​Julie has spent 20 years focused on healthcare information technology, working to deliver innovative solutions that help make the health system work better for all. She has held services and sales roles at organizations from startups to Fortune 500 firms, and from providers to technology companies, equipping her with a unique perspective into clients’ challenges, and enabling her to formulate solutions to meet their needs.

Julie leads commercial operations for Carium, a leader in virtual care technology. Carium’s mission is to lead the digital transformation of healthcare towards a model that revolves around patients and their lives. The cloud-based, multi-tenant platform, combined with modern web and mobile applications are purpose-built for providers and patients, enabling the delivery of virtual care across a wide spectrum of use cases.  Julie resides in New York with her family where she enjoys coaching two competitive soccer teams, serving on her local YMCA’s board, paddle boarding, and occasionally making martinis.

Ways to connect with Julie: 

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

https://www.nuance.com/index.html

ttps://twitter.com/Julie__PHM

Jun 15, 202235:49
Ask a DBH Ep 3: Impact of Mass Shootings on Mental Health Community
Jun 07, 202257:25
Health Impacts of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation

Health Impacts of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation

In this episode, our host, Dr. English, talks with CGI co-founder, Dr. Janet Cummings, about the health impacts, including mental and behavioral health impacts, of recent legislation such as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 2021 was the worst year in recent history for state legislation attacking LGBTQ equality. A total of 268 anti-equality bills were filed, 27 of which were signed into law, including 13 that specifically targeted the rights of transgender youth. Even though 2022 is still relatively young, it’s already shaping up to be similar to 2021 in terms of discriminatory state legislation. Merely introducing anti-transgender bills and peddling anti-transgender rhetoric has already had a damaging impact.  A new Trevor Project survey shows that a startling 85% of transgender or gender non-binary youth say their mental health has been negatively affected by these legislative attacks. In today’s episode, Dr. Cummings and I will address what we know about the health impacts of anti-LGBTQ legislation, and CGI’s education and training focused on advocacy for the healthcare needs of the LGBTQ community.

Guest Bio:

  • Dr. Janet Cummings, Psy. D., is the daughter of Drs. Nicholas and Dorothy Cummings, an internationally-recognized psychologist and a clinical social worker. Dr. Cummings’ educational training includes a bachelor’s degree focus in Pre-med, minoring in Genetics/Molecular Biology and Linguistics, a Master’s Degree in Linguistics, and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the School of Professional Psychology at Wright State University.
  • Janet is the author of over two dozen journal articles and book chapters, and she has co-authored or co-edited ten books with her father. She served as adjunct professor at both the University of Nevada, Reno and The Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, MO. She was Co-founding Associate Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health Program at Arizona State University, and served as a Professor and Co-founding Sponsor until 2014 when she co-founded Cummings Graduate Institute. She leads the medical literacy pillar for the program, and teaches Pathophysiology, Neuropathophysiology, and Psychopharmacology for CGI’s DBH Program, where she receives outstanding student ratings and is considered a favorite Professor.

Links and Resources: 

Legislation tracker by state: https://freedomforallamericans.org/legislative-tracker/anti-lgbtq-bills/

Proposed anti-LGBTQ legislation is associated with a small but statistically significant increase in texts to Crisis Text Line from LGBTQ youth. https://www.childtrends.org/publications/anti-lgbtq-policy-proposals-can-harm-youth-mental-health

American Medical Association. (2022). Advocating for the LGBTQ Community Issue Brief https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2019-12/conversion-therapy-issue-brief.pdf

AMA Talking Points: https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2019-12/conversion-therapy-talking-points.pdf

May 16, 202247:21
Ask a DBH with Amanda Harrison

Ask a DBH with Amanda Harrison

Cummings Graduate Institute’s CEO and Disruptors at Work Podcast Host, Dr. Cara English, talks with CGI’s COO, Amanda Harrison, about some of the frequently asked questions related to integrated care, healthcare delivery challenges in the US, and things folks aren't always comfortable asking their doctor. 

Ask a DBH will be a recurring series in which Cara and Amanda take questions from the CGI community or our listeners and talk together about the frequently asked questions about being a Doctor of Behavioral Health, the field of integrated care, the intersection of physical and emotional health, and much more. To submit a question for consideration, email us at askadbh@cgi.edu 

Guest bio: Amanda Harrison is the Chief Operating Officer at Cummings Graduate Institute. Amanda has been a key leader in helping CGI gain accreditation, and ensures that we have the talent, technology, and tools each day to be the disrupting force in educating and training healthcare professionals.

May 09, 202252:23
Healthcare Leadership Series: Episode 2 with Don McDaniels

Healthcare Leadership Series: Episode 2 with Don McDaniels

In this episode, we'll be talking about the Educational Determinants of Healthcare Leadership with Don McDaniels of Canton & Company. Don McDaniel is a proud serial entrepreneur, in healthcare for more than 25 years, experiencing its arrested development from many seats. Because of this deep “pathology” we have this wonderful opportunity to re-imagine it. Don is the CEO of Canton & Company, an integrated growth, innovation, and ventures firm focused solely on whipsawing healthcare. He is on a mission to partner with innovators – incumbents and new entrants – to disrupt the status quo, displacing the “old health economy.” Don is also a speaker and strategic facilitator, endeavoring to educate and learn. He has been teaching health economics, strategy and entrepreneurship for almost 20 years at The Johns Hopkins University.

Don’s extensive experience in management consulting and healthcare strategic planning gives us a wealth of insight into what it takes to be a healthcare leader in today’s landscape. Key points in this discussion include:

  1. How consumerism is changing how healthcare services are delivered
  2. Key skills leadership  our current healthcare leaders should have to survive in the future of healthcare
  3. New and disruptive models of healthcare leading to different kinds of challenges and solutions
  4. Key modalities of care for future healthcare leaders to manage

Visit Don on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdmcdaniel/

Canton & Company: http://www.cantoncompany.com

May 07, 202258:41
Healthcare Leadership Series: Episode 1 with Sepi Browning
May 07, 202244:41
Maternal Mental Health through a Trauma Informed Lens

Maternal Mental Health through a Trauma Informed Lens

The National Partnership for Women and Families recently published a bulletin on the Maternal Mental Health Crisis in the United States which stated, “Our maternity care system often fails to provide equitable, respectful, culturally centered, safe, effective, and affordable care. It spectacularly fails communities struggling with the burden of structural racism and other forms of inequity, including: Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC); rural communities; and people with low incomes. The multiple crises of the COVID pandemic, economic downturn, and national reckoning on racism have underscored the need to address the social influencers of health.” In this podcast, Cummings Graduate Institute Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) student Allison Earl and I will discuss ways to improve maternal and infant health by tackling some of these factors through the lenses of trauma informed care and integrated primary and maternity care.

Guest bio: Allison Earl joined the Hands 2 Guide You team in 2018. To learn more about Hands 2 Guide You, visit the site here https://www.h2gy.com/ 

Ms. Earl is a candidate at Cummings Graduate Institute in the Doctor of Behavioral Health program. She is currently a Behavioral Health Consultant providing patient care across the lifespan. She graduated from Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City with her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science and Ethics. She continued her education and received a Master’s degree with a focus in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma.  Ms. Earl believes in helping patients strive to be the best version of themselves by setting and meeting appropriate treatment goals. She is passionate about helping others using evidence-based strategies and patient-centered care. She has experience working with patients with a variety of needs from a variety of backgrounds.  To learn more about Allison, visit her bio here: https://www.h2gy.com/about-us/allison-earl/ 

Links and resources:

https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/health/moms-and-babies/the-maternal-mental-health-crisis-undermines-moms-and-babies-health.html

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-YCyZu4ql796jnQUAyZpDQ/videos - Allison talking about maternal mental health series - bonding and postpartum depression

May 02, 202201:12:42
Workplace Toxicity & PTSD

Workplace Toxicity & PTSD

In today’s episode, we’ll be talking about toxic healthcare environments, and connecting these to the mass resignation in healthcare today which has brought national attention to the staffing crises our hospitals and community practices are now facing. What often happens in healthcare is that the providers shoulder all of the blame, and the public believes that doctors and nurses should be perfect. The same toxic beliefs underlie the mass resignation in K-12 education today. The sacrificial lambs of our society: healthcare workers, educators, and mothers, have taken note of society’s unwillingness to do what we can to support them so they can keep supporting us. The mass resignation isn’t a surprise to any educator, healthcare worker, or mother I’ve spoken to since 2020. Sadly, though, healthcare executives, leaders, and managers are often poorly trained in identifying toxic workplace behaviors and cultural practices and in adequately holding toxic employees accountable. Today we’ll talk about how toxic behavior at any company yields bad results, but having it on the hospital floor can have serious consequences.

Guest bios:

Pauline Tolentino Pablo, MA, BCBA, IBA, DBH-C is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and International Behavior Analyst who specializes in providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities and/or developmental delays. Pauline co-founded Symphony Behavioral Health Inc., a clinician owned ABA practice alongside her husband who is a nurse consultant. You may find them at www.symphonybh.com.

Pauline is also the co-founder of Asian & Pacific Islander Association for Behavior Analysis www.apiaba.org. This group aims to disseminate the science of ABA within the Asian and Pacific Islander population, as well as promote diversity within the field to better serve diverse clients. 

Ellen Fink-Samnick, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CCM, CCPT, CRP, DBH-C serves as a national expert on SDoH, currently serve as the chair of the annual RISE Summit on Social Determinants of Health.  Ellen’s experience with occupational trauma dates to her first job as a social worker in East New York in the mid-1980s at the cusp of AIDS and HIV.  Ellen’s company, EFS Supervision Strategies, LLC, offers organizational training, mentoring, and consultation services to empower the interprofessional workforce.  Ellen is a prolific writer, a sought-after speaker for national conferences, and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the National Award of Service Excellence (2016) from the Case Management Society of America (CMSA).  LinkedIn: Ellen’s Ethical Lens; Twitter:@epflcswccm; Blog: Ellen’s Ethical Lens

Links and Resources:

Apr 28, 202201:04:34
The Future of Healthcare Leadership

The Future of Healthcare Leadership

Dr. Cara English, DBH and Gabe Orthous discuss the Master of Healthcare Leadership (MHL) degree program offered at Cummings Graduate Institute. In this episode they explore why the MHL program was created, how the MHL program differs from other Master’s level healthcare degrees, how the COVID-19 pandemic shaped the program's curriculum, and career opportunities for MHL graduates. To learn more about the MHL program, visit: https://cgi.edu/mhl/

Gabe Orthous is a healthcare information technology executive offering 20+ years of progressive experience as a value-based care strategic thinker and executor with a history of scaling and driving return on investment of complex HIT solutions. He is accomplished in helping large healthcare systems and insurer organizations develop analytics strategies that are highly effective in raising quality levels, improving patient outcomes and reducing costs and has co-authored the best-selling book SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence: The Comprehensive Guide currently in its fourth edition. 

Apr 25, 202248:37
Substance Abuse Treatment Through an Integrated, Trauma-Informed Lens

Substance Abuse Treatment Through an Integrated, Trauma-Informed Lens

Recent leaps in trauma research have transformed the fields of addiction treatment and mental health. Awareness of the neurobiological impacts of trauma and violence has shifted our understanding of how to work effectively with individuals in addiction recovery, and innovative trauma-informed practices are now being implemented in communities globally. Unfortunately, these updated, evidence informed models are not making their way into medical settings as quickly, leaving trauma survivors at risk of being retraumatized due to the lack of training in trauma-informed care for most healthcare professionals. Today’s episode focuses on best practices in addiction care from a trauma informed lens.

Dr. Valerie Kading is the CEO of Sierra Tucson, where she provides the strategic vision to ensure that the facility’s patients and their families receive the most innovative, compassionate, and leading medical and psychiatric treatment for trauma, addiction, and other mental health conditions from a world-class staff of clinicians and behavioral health professionals.

Dr. Kading joined Sierra Tucson in 2015, where she rose to become chief medical operations officer, then interim chief medical officer, chief operations officer, and ultimately Group Chief Executive Officer for the entire 258-bed Sierra Tucson Group – Sierra Tucson in Arizona, along with Sierra Southlake in Southlake, Texas and Sierra Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Kading brings to Sierra Tucson a special interest in women’s mental health including perinatal mood disorders, maternal well-being, and postpartum depression. In addition, she has deep expertise in addressing the trauma of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) that can lead to substance use and other issues in adulthood. Dr. Kading has written articles for multiple professional journals. She has led a variety of webinars and CE events on topics ranging from adverse childhood experiences to compassion fatigue and provider resilience for organizations including: Recovery Plus Conference, London, United Kingdom; Southern Arizona Advanced Practice/Nurse Practitioner’s Primary Care Conferences; Tucson Postpartum Coalition; C4 Conferences; Philippine Nurses Association; and the University of Arizona.

Dr. Kading graduated with honors from New Mexico State University at Las Cruces, New Mexico, with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Her doctoral studies focused on optimizing health care systems, translational methods, and evidence-based practice, health care organization innovation, epigenetics, utilization of informatics in healthcare, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her dissertation focused on increasing health care provider knowledge on perinatal depression, and she created a web-based educational program for health care providers aimed at facilitating evidence-based treatment to perinatal women.

Dr. Kading graduated with honors from the University of Arizona with a master’s degree in nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Dr. Kading also received her Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Arizona. In 2006, she founded and served as president of the Southern Arizona Advanced Practice Nurse – Nurse Practitioner Society.

She has received recognition with honors and awards throughout her career, including most recently “Leaders to Watch in 2021” by AZ Business, “The 10 Most Admired Women Leaders in Business, 2020” by CIO Views and the “Advocate State Award for Excellence” from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Links and Resources to be shared with the episode:

https://www.sierratucson.com/about/staff/valerie-m-kading/

https://www.sierratucson.com/

https://www.sierratucson.com/programs/maternal-mental-health/

Mar 30, 202256:09
Pediatric Whole Person Care: How Integrating Speech and Occupational Therapy is Monumental in Child Development

Pediatric Whole Person Care: How Integrating Speech and Occupational Therapy is Monumental in Child Development

Armida Carr is the founder and owner of New Horizon Therapy located in Phoenix,

Arizona. Armida holds a MS from Arizona State University, is licensed by the State of Arizona,

and is certified as a Speech Language Pathologist by the American Speech-Hearing and

Language Association (ASHA). As a bilingual speech-language pathologist, Armida has

extensive experience with both the pediatric and geriatric population in providing monolingual

and dual-language therapy. She holds certifications in Orofacial Myology Disorders, SOS

Approach to Feeding, Myofascial Release and Hanen Parent Training “It Takes Two to Talk” in

addition to providing individualized services to address speech and language disorders. Armida

has been practicing speech and language therapy for 13 years and is driven to ensure that each

of her patients receive the best quality treatment and care.


New Horizons Therapy: https://www.newhorizontherapyaz.com/

Mar 04, 202201:03:32
Mental Health Policy & Advocacy with Dr. Jennie Bever, PhD, IBCLC and Elizabeth Wood of 4th Trimester Arizona

Mental Health Policy & Advocacy with Dr. Jennie Bever, PhD, IBCLC and Elizabeth Wood of 4th Trimester Arizona

Episode Title: Mental Health Policy & Advocacy with Dr. Jennie Bever, PhD, IBCLC and

Elizabeth Wood of 4th Trimester Arizona.

Jennie Bever is a mother, a healer and a visionary. She is an International

Board Certified Lactation Consultant, an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the

Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University,

and the Executive Director of 4th Trimester Arizona.

Elizabeth Wood has a B.S. of Physics from the United States Naval Academy

and a Masters in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

While this education did prepare her for a 15-year long career in the nuclear

energy industry, none of it prepared her for the radical transition into

motherhood. Driven by her own motherhood challenges, she founded

Matrescence: 4th Trimester Planning & Support, a unique preventative

approach to help expecting parents become more informed, prepared and

supported in their 4th Trimester transition. She is also a certified Maternal

Mental Health Peer Support Specialist, and serves on the Arizona Maternal

Mortality Review Committee as well as Arizona's Maternal Mental Health

2020 Mom Nonprofit Fellows:

The aim of 2020 Mom's NonProfit State Policy Fellows program is to assist

backbone organizations in developing a foundation for regulatory and

statutory policy change to close gaps in maternal mental health in their

states. Policy fellows are introduced to the State Legislative Process, thinking

of the State Budget as a Policy, Creating Individual Calls to Action &

Organization Sign on Letters, Social Media Advocacy, Communicating

Effectively with Policymakers and Staff, Administrative Advocacy & Working

with State Agency Leaders, Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System,

and Addressing Racial Disparities through Policy. At the end of the program

Fellows will have developed an action plan presented to their peers and

leadership, and will continue to receive support through the group listserv.

To read more about the 2020 Mom Nonprofit Fellows Program, visit

https://www.2020mom.org/state-policy-fellows

Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance: https://www.mmhla.org/

Mar 01, 202201:03:01
Health Equity for Transgender Individuals

Health Equity for Transgender Individuals

Transgender patients currently encounter multiple barriers to accessing adequate health care. While we are making strides to improve transgender patients' health care experiences, we still have a long way to go to achieve the goal of delivering ample support in navigating the existing obstacles.  A recently published article from the JAMA network confirms the challenges that trans youth have in accessing culturally competent healthcare. The article also confirms what we knew: that transgender and nonbinary youths have a higher incidence of a range of health conditions and may paradoxically face limited access to health care.

As the push for integrated care continues, healthcare providers need to be identifying strategies to fill gaps in care for vulnerable patient populations. In today’s discussion, we’ll talk about the role of professional case managers and other integrated care providers in connecting transgender patients to services that better meet their physical and behavioral health needs. When these kinds of gaps are addressed, we can improve health care utilization while decreasing disparities.

Introducing our guests:

  1. Michal Garrett is a Principal at Mercer, where he Leads consulting engagements with large plan sponsors regarding their health benefit plans and Works with clients in developing and implementing new care delivery models such as accountable care organizations. His education includes a Masters degree from the University of Idaho in clinical psychology and a Bachelors degree in psychology from Gonzaga University. He is a Certified Case Manager, Certified Vocational Evaluator, Board Certified Patient Advocate, and a Nationally Certified Psychologist.  Michael has authored and/or edited six case/care management books and is the author of numerous journal articles in the field. Michael is frequently invited to speak at national conferences related to his areas of SME.
  2. Jennifer Kelley, MS, LPC is a student in the DBH program at CGI, is currently working in an integrated setting, and is the Author of a recently published article called “Transgender Discrimination and Its Influence on Patient Health”, which appears in the Nov/Dec 2021 issue of Professional Case management. We’ll link to this article and more resources in the notes for the podcast.
Jan 31, 202250:29
Psychedelics Research with Allison Earl

Psychedelics Research with Allison Earl

This episode focuses on a hot topic in modern behavioral health and integrated care: emerging research related to the use of psychedelics. This topic is controversial in the medical field because most physicians and clinicians have been trained to counsel our patients to stay away from psychedelics due to poor potential mental health outcomes, as well as because these drugs have been illegal in the US for most of our careers. Emerging research indicates there may be benefits for some patients or some conditions; however, the medical community at large has been skeptical about the effectiveness of these treatment options. Additionally, in recent years past, clinicians and physicians who appeared neutral or “soft” on drugs (even in the 2000’s) have been accused of ethics violations, and licenses have been challenged. The political climate has certainly caused some clinicians to develop a hard set bias against rather than an open mind towards emerging research and practical applications in this area. The problem with avoiding or remaining neutral on this topic is that if your patients aren’t yet asking about psychedelics, they most likely will be in the very near future, and it is our duty to be prepared to provide evidence based recommendations.

Jan 28, 202248:49
Native American Partnership Grant with Dr. Leolani Ah Quin

Native American Partnership Grant with Dr. Leolani Ah Quin

Leolani Ah Quin currently serves as the Wellness Center Director for the San Carlos Apache Tribe in Arizona where she is building on a current movement in the community to build capacity across all disciplines to establish a disease prevention and crisis response model. Dr. Ah Quin is an active lead in these efforts and is supported by the medical, psychiatric care providers, and local schools; thus increasing accessibility of much needed services.

She is a 2017 Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar and a recipient of the 2018 Cummings Graduate Institute Biodyne Award for the individual that most embodies the Biodyne model of integrated behavioral healthcare. In 2019 while working as the director of Elbowoods Memorial Health Center’s behavioral health department, Dr. Ah Quin was appointed to the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners, and participated in North Dakota State BRSS TACS training to create policy change and implement recovery supports across the state. As a trained provider in integrated behavioral health she has been a primary influence in redefining the provision of healthcare delivery services in Indian Country and in developing integrated health care through comprehensive behavioral health services, and integrated behavioral health in both primary care and as an adjunct to psychiatric services.

Dr. U. Grant Baldwin is the Assistant Director of Academic Programs at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, where he serves as a faculty member, subject matter expert, a student advisor and mentor, a member of the academic leadership team, and a leader in student and alumni services. Dr. Baldwin is also the Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Health and Behavioral Medicine in The Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina region, and most recently joined the faculty at Morehouse School of Medicine as an Adjunct Professor.

Jan 26, 202246:56
Cortical Anxiety Intervention with Dr. Liza R. Clancy, DBH, MSW

Cortical Anxiety Intervention with Dr. Liza R. Clancy, DBH, MSW

This episode of Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care Podcast explores the Culminating Project (CP) research of Dr. Liza R. Clancy, DBH, MSW, a recent graduate of the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program at Cummings Graduate Institute (CGI). The Culminating Project, the capstone experience of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at CGI, is an applied integrated care project demonstrating innovation in the field and ability to respond creatively and competently to the needs of rapidly-evolving patient population and healthcare environments. Dr. Clancy’s culminating project explored the neurobiological underpinnings of anxiety, evidenced-based treatments for cortical anxiety, and the differentiation between cortical and amygdala-based anxiety. Her project points to the need for an intervention, grounded in the Biodyne model, to address cortical anxiety. The REMA protocol, developed by Dr. Clancy, is an intervention to interrupt the rumination process, common to those suffering from cortical anxiety.

Dr. Clancy’s journey to the DBH program was fueled by her frustration with the fragmentation of the healthcare system. Having graduated from NYU with her MSW, Dr. Clancy worked in medical and behavioral health for a large health care system in New Jersey for many years. With its doctorate in integrated care and mission to change the way healthcare is delivered, CGI offered the opportunity to disrupt the norms and advance the delivery of behavioral health. Now in private practice, Dr. Clancy is utilizing this new perspective to provide integrated care to those struggling with anxiety secondary to chronic and comorbid conditions and life transitions.

Nov 16, 202101:02:08
Integrated Pediatric Care & Astronaut Training with Lyndsey Steele & Amber Eck of Milestone Pediatrics

Integrated Pediatric Care & Astronaut Training with Lyndsey Steele & Amber Eck of Milestone Pediatrics

Oct 19, 202149:53
The Connection Between Long-Term Medical Costs and Unaddressed Childhood Trauma with Dr. Heather Jelonek, DBH

The Connection Between Long-Term Medical Costs and Unaddressed Childhood Trauma with Dr. Heather Jelonek, DBH

This episode of Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care Podcast explores the Culminating Project (CP) research of Dr. Heather Jelonek, DBH, a recent graduate of the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program at Cummings Graduate Institute (CGI). The Culminating Project, the capstone experience of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program at CGI, is an applied integrated care project demonstrating innovation in the field and ability to respond creatively and competently to the needs of rapidly-evolving patient population and healthcare environments. In this episode, Dr. English and Dr. Jelonek dive into the topic of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the connection between the long-term medical costs associated and unaddressed childhood trauma.

Dr. Jelonek completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at the University of Illinois – Chicago before beginning her healthcare career at First Health Group Corp., where her passion for integrating healthcare began. As she rose within the ranks of the health insurance industry, she earned her Master Degree in Clinical Psychology at Benedictine University in Lisle Illinois. Heather holds professional licenses in the States of Illinois and Arizona as a Counselor specializing in childhood and adolescent behavioral health. Throughout her career, Dr. Jelonek struggled with closing the mental health gap with the healthcare industry and viewed this obstacle as the primary threat to the spiraling costs of healthcare. During her studies at Cummings Graduate Institute, she was introduced to the ground breaking CDC/Kaiser Adverse Childhood Experiences study and the connection between the long-term medical costs associated and unaddressed childhood trauma, which sparked the research for her Culminating Project. Dr. Jelonek currently serves as the Director of Medicaid Program Innovations at Health Current, the health information exchange (HIE) that helps partners transform care by bringing together communities and information across Arizona.

Sep 15, 202145:27
Advocacy and Leadership in Mental Health Professional Organizations with Napoleon Harrington, MA, LPC
Aug 20, 202159:56
Marketing for Integrated Care with Dr. Larry Ford, DBH, LBHP, BC & Jackie Carro

Marketing for Integrated Care with Dr. Larry Ford, DBH, LBHP, BC & Jackie Carro

Dr. Cara English, DBH speaks with Dr. Larry Ford, DBH, LBHP, BC and Jackie Carro on the process of marketing integrated care practices and services. This episode speaks to lessons learned from marketing integrated care during the COVID-19 pandemic, improving virtual accessibility for patients, and social media strategies for marketing healthcare services.  

Dr. Larry Ford received his Masters in Counseling with an emphasis in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, and he received his Doctorate in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University. Inspired by the volumes of studies Dr. Ford completed on how infinitely the psyche affects the body, Dr. Ford founded Hands to Guide You, an integrated behavioral health clinical practice based in Oklahoma City, OK, in November 2011.  Dr. Ford centers his practice on the certainty that there is no physical health without mental health, and correspondingly Dr. Ford has advanced Hands to Guide You as a preeminent leader in Integrated Care and Population Health. 

Hands to Guide You, with Dr. Ford at the helm, enjoys distinction for engendering unparalleled patient rehabilitation and recovery rates, and expansive patient health literacy.It is for Dr. Ford’s principal leadership over the compassionate interdisciplinary treatment team at Hands to Guide You, that epitomizes skilled behavioral health services in Oklahoma. To learn more about Hands to Guide You, visit: https://www.h2gy.com/. 

Jackie Carro is the owner of Marketing Ideals Company, a boutique agency specializing in strategic marketing, public relations and event planning based in Tempe, AZ. Marketing Ideals Company enjoys working with small to medium size companies, medical practices, non-profit organizations and municipalities. To learn more about their services, visit: https://marketingideals.com/

Jul 20, 202151:23
LGBTQ+ Health Disparities with Michael Garrett

LGBTQ+ Health Disparities with Michael Garrett

Dr. Cara English, DBH speaks with Michael Garrett, Principal at Mercer, on the progress and ongoing challenges in pursuing health equity for the LGBTQ+ population in 2021. Topics featured in this episode include health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ population, how to provide culturally and clinically competent care for LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing environmental and social factors that can affect their mental and physical well-being, and evidence-based solutions and innovations to work towards equity.

Michael Garrett is a Principal at Mercer, where he leads consulting engagements with large plan sponsors regarding their health benefit plans and works with clients in developing and implementing new care delivery models such as accountable care organizations. His education includes a Masters degree from the University of Idaho in clinical psychology and a Bachelors degree in psychology from Gonzaga University. He is a Certified Case Manager, Certified Vocational Evaluator, Board Certified Patient Advocate, and a Nationally Certified Psychologist. Michael has served in operational management, business development, product development, consulting, and strategic planning roles. His work experience includes leading successful pursuits of long-term, multimillion dollar contracts as well as leading more than 100 professionals delivering a wide range of care management services from multiple locations, and he has worked with Medicare, Medicaid, long-term disability, state employee benefit plans, self-funded health plans, workers’ compensation, and other programs.

Resources referenced in this episode:

IOM Crossing the Quality Chasm Report: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25057539/

Working with Transgender Individuals in Case Management Practice: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29176340/

Identifying Health Disparities, Striving for Health Equity: https://cmsa.org/identifying-health-disparities-striving-for-health-equity/

Genderbread person: https://www.genderbread.org/resource/genderbread-person-v4-0

Mercer’s Broad DEI Point of View (POV) - The Time is Now: Addressing Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the Workplace: https://www.mercer.us/our-thinking/career/addressing-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-workplace.html

Mercer’s Inclusive Benefits Point of View (POV)-  Are your Health and Well-Being Approaches Inclusive? https://www.mercer.com/our-thinking/health/mmb-turning-health-risk-into-value-inclusive-benefits.html? 

Mercer’s DEI and Benefits Blog - On the DEI Journey, Health Equity Must be a Goal: https://www.mercer.us/our-thinking/healthcare/on-the-dei-journey-health-equity-must-be-a-goal.html? 

Mercer Blog on Creating a Culture of Equality - The Future of Work Requires a Culture of Equality: https://www.mercer.com/our-thinking/career/mercerchats-rewind-the-future-of-work-requires-a-culture-of-equality.html? 


Jun 21, 202147:41
Chronic Cannabis Among Teens with Dr. Jodie NewDelman, PsyD

Chronic Cannabis Among Teens with Dr. Jodie NewDelman, PsyD

Dr. Cara English, DBH speaks with Dr. Jodie NewDelman, PsyD on the emerging epidemic of chronic cannabis among teens. They discuss substance abuse exposure with teens, environment and family functional dynamic factors in teens' lives which may contribute to cannabis use, and changing legislation regarding medical and recreational use of marijuana, including measures to protect citizens from criminal penalties for using marijuana for medical and recreational purposes.

Dr. Jodie NewDelman has been a licensed psychologist for over 20 years in the arenas of clinical care,  program evaluation, and test construction. Her formative entrepreneurial and research experience drives a tendency to pair best practice, competitive analysis, and systematic accountability processes. She is a co-owner of a pending patent application in big data process called MeDataBank that has been acquired by PSYCHeANALYTICS. This is in support of the company’s mission to transform the access and delivery of healthcare in the digital age. Dr. NewDelman has held both academic teaching and clinical supervisory roles that emphasize a passion for whole-person, precision medicine. She earned a BA in Public Communications and Psychology from American University, Washington, D.C., a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, and a post-doctoral post at UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute. Additionally, she presently serves as a member of the Advisory Board at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. To learn about  PSYCHeANALYTICS, visit https://www.psycheanalytics.com/.

Jun 09, 202101:14:27
Depression and Chronic Pain with Dr. Zachary Fisk, MD, MBA and Dr. Christina Julian, MD

Depression and Chronic Pain with Dr. Zachary Fisk, MD, MBA and Dr. Christina Julian, MD

Dr. Cara English, DBH speaks with Dr. Zachary Fisk, MD, MBA and Dr. Christina Julian, MD of Acute Pain Therapies & Ketamine Clinic on the impact the pandemic has had on people with pre-existing depression, the increase of patients coming to their offices seeking new treatments for clinical depression, and how they are combatting the correlation between depression and chronic pain without the use of opioids.

Acute Pain Therapies & Ketamine Clinic has two locations in Bellevue, WA. Their mission is to prevent opiate addiction that could otherwise occur in the absence of alternative means of controlling pain outside of the hospital. They aim to improve movement through non-opiate pain relief and tissue restoration in their patients. Their scope of services includes depression, acute surgical pain, chronic joint pain, chronic pain management, traumatic pain, and nerve pain and crps/rsd treatment. To learn more about Acute Pain Therapies & Ketamine Clinic, visit https://acutepaintherapies.com/.

May 24, 202158:14
Collective Occupational Trauma with Ellen Fink-Samnick MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CCM, CRP

Collective Occupational Trauma with Ellen Fink-Samnick MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CCM, CRP

Dr. Cara English, DBH speaks with Ellen Fink-Samnick MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CCM, CRP on tackling collective occupational trauma in healthcare environments as well as non-healthcare environments. Collective occupational trauma refers to what happens when we are forced to push through stressful and traumatic daily work experiences, including exposure to, hearing, or seeing others in pain, fear, and terror. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic and national civil unrest due to gross inequities people of color are facing on a day-to-day basis have introduced even higher levels of stress for healthcare providers and what happens during a trauma tsunami, when patient and provider boundaries are muddy.

Ellen Fink-Samnick is an award-winning industry thought leader who empowers healthcare's transdisciplinary workforce. Known and highly respected as 'The Ethical Compass of Professional Case Management', she is a sought out professional speaker and author, with hundreds of offerings and publications to her credit. Ellen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board-certified Case Manager, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Rehabilitation Provider. Her academic affiliations include roles as subject matter expert for Western Governors University, and adjunct faculty for the University of Buffalo’s School of Social Work, and George Mason University’s Department of Social Work. She is also a Doctor in Behavioral Health candidate at Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Health Studies. Connect with Ellen on twitter: https://twitter.com/epflcswccm. Learn more about Ellen and her research: http://www.efssupervisionstrategies.com/.

Apr 29, 202101:10:27