Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast

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.

  1. 6d ago

    Care That Was Never Built for Autism

    In the seventh episode of season 5, of Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast, special host Nicole Heuer, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), is joined by Dr. Ronke Komolafe, DBH, MBA, Founder and CEO of Advancing Integrated Health, and Dr. Hokehe Eko, pediatrician and CEO of Glow Pediatrics, for a discussion on autism-informed care and integrated healthcare delivery. The conversation explores how overlooking autism in treatment planning leads to misdiagnosis and fragmented care, then turns to practical system-level changes healthcare organizations can implement to improve outcomes for autistic patients. About the Podcast Guests: Nicole Heuer, MS, BCBA, LBA Nicole Heuer, MS, BCBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in New York and a doctoral student in Behavioral Health. Her clinical work focuses on supporting autistic children and adolescents in school-based settings, with an emphasis on behavior regulation, skill-building, and systems-level collaboration. She specializes in translating behavior analytic principles into practical, humane, and sustainable supports for teachers and families, with a strong focus on proactive intervention, environmental design, and consistency across settings. As a neurodivergent clinician diagnosed with autism in adulthood, Nicole brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Her academic and clinical interests include autism diagnosis disparities, integrated care models, and adapting mental health interventions to better meet autistic needs across the lifespan. She is particularly passionate about bridging the gap between behavioral, educational, and mental health systems to improve outcomes for individuals who are often underserved by traditional service models. Dr. Ronke Komolafe, DBH, MBA Dr. Ronke Komolafe is a strategic healthcare leader, business executive, and nationally recognized advocate for integrated mental, physical, and social health. She is the Founder and CEO of Advancing Integrated Health and the Integrated Physical and Behavioral Health Alliance, leading national work in value-based care, population health, and digital transformation. Her career spans more than 15 years of innovation across healthcare operations, behavioral health systems, technology, and public policy, advising government agencies on improving outcomes, reducing costs, and elevating the experience of both patients and providers. As an associate professor, Dr. Komolafe is known for her clarity, rigor, and ability to translate complex healthcare concepts into practical, real-world skill. She teaches leadership, population health, and integrated care at  the Cummings Graduate Institute, where she has built a track record of strengthening student performance and equipping learners with actionable frameworks they can implement immediately. Her teaching style blends evidence-based practice with industry insight, giving students a competitive edge in navigating modern healthcare environments. She holds a Doctorate in Behavioral Health and an MBA, bringing a unique blend of clinical insight and business strategy. Dr. Hokehe Eko, MD, MPH, FAAP Dr. Hokehe Eko, Mom, Board Certified Pediatrician, TedX Speaker , Author and CEO of Glow Pediatrics partners with parents of children with ADHD/Autism to address the root causes of their children's behaviors so they GLOW with health from the inside out using Integrative Pediatric Medicine.  She is also CEO of Kits of Hope, a 501 (3) organization, sharing love, hope, and dignity with children in foster care. She has been featured on PBS, Autism Research Institute, NPR, AfroTech, Business Insider, Thrive Global and Authority Magazine.  She has given Keynotes on Healthy and Uplifted webinars, Kids Brain and Parenting Summits, spoken on multiple podcasts such as Doctors changing medicine, Doctors unbound, the On-air Advocate, Motherhood, Melanin, and Medicine.

    39 min

  2. Jun 1

    Behind the Badge and Beyond the Fire

    In the sixth episode of season 5, of Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast, special host Dr. Cara English, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Academic Officer (CAO) of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), sits down with CGI Doctor of Behavioral Health alum Dr. Jackson Williams to discuss The Call, a new documentary exploring the realities of trauma, resilience, and mental health among first responders. Drawing on his experience as a firefighter, Air Force special agent, and behavioral health clinician, Dr. Williams shares insights into the unique challenges first responders face and why creating a culture of mental health support is essential for those who dedicate their lives to helping others. About the Podcast Guests: Dr. Cara English, DBH is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Academic Officer of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) and Founder of Terra’s Tribe, a maternal mental health advocacy organization in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. English spearheaded a perinatal behavioral health integration project at Willow Birth Center from 2016 to 2020 that received international acclaim through the publication of outcomes in the International Journal of Integrated Care. Dr. English served as Vice-President of the Postpartum Support International – Arizona Chapter Founding Board of Directors and co-chaired the Education and Legislative Advocacy Committees. She currently serves on the Maternal Mortality Review Program and the Maternal Health Taskforce for the State of Arizona. She served as one of three Arizonan 2020 Mom Nonprofit Policy Fellows in 2021. For her work to establish Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, Cara was awarded the Psyche Award from the Nicholas & Dorothy Cummings Foundation in 2018 and is more recently the recipient of the 2022 Sierra Tucson Compassion Recognition for her work to improve perinatal mental health integration in Arizona. Dr. Jackson Williams, DBH, LPCC is an independently licensed mental health clinician (LPCC) in the state of New Mexico and holds a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree from the Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Health Studies. Dr. Williams served in the United States Air Force as a Firefighter/EMT and as a Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He began his counseling career in private practice in an Albuquerque inner-city community clinic, then for several years was a Behavioral Health Therapist with the NM Children Youth and Families Department in the Juvenile Justice Services secure facilities. Dr. Williams spent two years as an Opioid Syndromic Surveillance Epidemiologist with the NM Department of Health coordinating New Mexico opioid overdose data reporting and analysis with the CDC. He currently co-teaches a Suicide Prevention course for rural New Mexico fire departments as part of grant provided by a major healthcare provider.  He has specialized training in trauma-informed care and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), as well as being a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional.

    48 min

  3. Apr 26

    Ketamine-Assisted Therapy in Mental Health Treatment

    In the fifth episode of season 5, of Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast, host Dr. Gayle Cordes, MBA, MC, DBH, faculty at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), is joined by Dr. Jane Caplan, MD, for a conversation on the evolving role of ketamine-assisted therapy in behavioral health care. The discussion explores how ketamine-assisted therapy is being integrated into treatment for individuals experiencing complex mental health conditions, the importance of careful clinical oversight, and the opportunities and challenges providers face as these approaches become more widely discussed in healthcare settings. About the Podcast Guests: Dr. Gayle Cordes, MBA, MC, DBH For nearly twenty years, I was a state-licensed psychotherapist and owner of an independent practice in Arizona, with specialty training and advanced certifications in trauma treatment therapies, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Along with my work in private practice, I served on staff at the 2012 launch of the University of Arizona Integrative Health Center in Phoenix, associated with Dr. Andrew Weil and the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, where I conducted an unpublished, retrospective study on the treatment effects of EMDR therapy on co-occurring anxiety and chronic medical conditions. Since 2018, I served on an EMDRIA Board task force charged with drafting guidelines for the delivery of EMDR therapy virtually as well as training therapists in EMDR therapy through distance learning. In 2022, that initiative developed into the inaugural EMDRIA Training Council, upon which I served as a member of the steering committee. Prior to my career in psychotherapy, as an MBA, I spent 25 years in the corporate sector; in the later years of that chapter, I served within the executive ranks of a Fortune 500 company. Since 2016, I have served on the graduate faculty of Cummings Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, where I developed a trauma specialty curriculum for the Doctor of Behavioral Health degree program. https://gaylecordes.com/  Dr. Jane Caplan, MD Dr. Caplan's clinical and research philosophy is grounded in psychoneuroimmunology — the understanding that the mind, nervous system, and immune system operate as a unified whole. This lens informs her approach to psychedelic-assisted therapy, where she sees these medicines not merely as symptom treatments but as catalysts for deep systemic healing. She is the developer of a psychedelic clinician training program that merges Eastern contemplative practices with Western clinical frameworks, honoring both ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience. Her work sits at the frontier of what psychiatry can become when it takes into consideration the full complexity of human consciousness and healing. www.awarepsych.com www.eastwestglobalhealing.org

    54 min

  4. Mar 30

    Navigating Substance Use Treatment Through Integrated Care

    In the fourth episode of season 5, of Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast, special host Cindy Bullard, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is joined by Karla Sweet-Rausin and Tomekia Starling for a conversation on substance use treatment and the evolving role of integrated care. Drawing from their professional journeys in behavioral health and recovery services, the discussion explores the importance of collaboration between counseling and prescribing providers, building trust with patients, and improving interventions for individuals navigating substance use challenges. The episode also highlights innovations such as telehealth and medication-assisted treatment, while examining the barriers and opportunities shaping the future of substance use care. About the Podcast Guests: Cindy Bullard, LPC, LCDC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Cindy received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP accredited program) from the University of North Texas at Dallas. Cindy has experience working with a diverse population, including individuals, groups, adolescents, couples, and families. She has experience working with crisis, trauma, sexual abuse, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, anger management, grief, suicidal ideation, LGBTQIA+ topics, physical violence, and co-occurring disorders.  Cindy works to create a therapeutic environment that is comfortable and allows individuals to safely explore their vulnerabilities. She believes each individual is different and deserves unique care based on their needs. Cindy also believes every individual should be met with non-judgment and provided a space that allows every part of them to be seen and celebrated. Tomekia Starling, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PHMNP-BC, is a thoughtful and dedicated nurse practitioner with 15 years of experience spanning mental health, addiction medicine, primary care, and correctional health. Dual-certified in psychiatric and family practice, she specializes in comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, psychopharmacologic management, MAT, and crisis intervention for diverse and underserved populations. Tomekia is known for her integrity, compassion, and steady clinical presence, consistently delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care. Committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, she continues to expand her expertise as she advances within the mental health field. Karla Sweet Rausin, MS, LPC-S, NCC, LCDC, started at Homeward Bound in June 2014 as a part-time counselor specializing in Co-Occurring Psychiatric/Substance Use Disorders (COPSD).   As the organization grew in diversifying services into mental health case management and psychiatric crisis services, Ms. Sweet has grown professionally attaining credentialing as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and moving into the position of Clinical Director of Mental Health Services in 2016.  Ms. Sweet began her career as an English teacher with a degree in English Education from Oral Roberts University. She switched gears into counseling and received her Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas-Dallas.  Ms. Sweet is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a National Certified Counselor and currently holds an LPC-S certification. Ms. Sweet has also worked at the UNT-Dallas Counseling Clinic, Phoenix House, and Hickory Trail Hospital before making her way to Homeward Bound. In addition to clinical supervisory work, Ms. Sweet still continues to showcase her kindness and consideration for others through her counseling work as a member of the Dallas Counseling and Treatment Center. Her knowledge as both an administrator and active counselor gives her a well-rounded and empathetic approach to her role overseeing staff training and continuing education work.

    23 min

  5. Mar 3

    Designing Care With People Instead of For Them

    In the third episode of season 5, of Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast, special host Dr. Cara English, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Academic Officer (CAO) of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), sits down with Christa Haanstra, Founder and Managing Director of 4C Strategy, for a conversation on meaningful engagement and co-design in healthcare. Drawing from real-world experience, the conversation explores what leads organizations toward meaningful engagement, what co-design looks like in practice, and why it remains underused despite strong evidence. The episode discusses common barriers, practical ways to move past them, and how education and training can help build healthcare systems that genuinely center patients, families, and communities. About the Podcast Guests: Dr. Cara English, DBH, is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Academic Officer of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) and Founder of Terra’s Tribe, a maternal mental health advocacy organization in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. English spearheaded a perinatal behavioral health integration project at Willow Birth Center from 2016 to 2020 that received international acclaim through the publication of outcomes in the International Journal of Integrated Care. Dr. English served as Vice-President of the Postpartum Support International – Arizona Chapter Founding Board of Directors and co-chaired the Education and Legislative Advocacy Committees. She currently serves on the Maternal Mortality Review Program and the Maternal Health Taskforce for the State of Arizona. She served as one of three Arizonan 2020 Mom Nonprofit Policy Fellows in 2021. For her work to establish Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, Cara was awarded the Psyche Award from the Nicholas & Dorothy Cummings Foundation in 2018 and is more recently the recipient of the 2022 Sierra Tucson Compassion Recognition for her work to improve perinatal mental health integration in Arizona. Christa Haanstra, with over 25 years of experience as a senior healthcare leader, Christa Haanstra is the Founder and Managing Director of 4C Strategy group, a company dedicated to advancing meaningful change in healthcare by partnering with organizations to ensure lived experience of patients, residents, clients and caregivers are central to decision making. She thrives when bringing together groups of people with a shared purpose to achieve a common goal. Christa holds a degree from the University of Ottawa, a from Seneca College and is an Executive Scholar in Non-Profit Management from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. Christa has won numerous awards and recognition for her strategic communication, branding, social media and patient and caregiver engagement work.

    36 min

  6. Feb 1

    Supporting Women’s Health During High-Stress Life Transitions

    In the second episode of season 5, special host Dr. Allison Earl, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program alumna at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), reminds us that women’s mental and physical health cannot be separated, especially during high-stress periods. Featuring insights from Olivia Mikel, DBH program student, and Dr. Brandy Biglow, DBH program alumna, the discussion explores how integrated care models can better support women facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, perinatal mood disorders, and postpartum stress. With more than one in five women in the United States experiencing a mental health condition each year, this episode examines practical strategies, real-world barriers, and innovative approaches for delivering coordinated, whole-person care. About the Podcast Guests: Dr. Leslie Allison Earl, DBH, LBHP, LPC-S, 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 completed her Doctor of Behavioral Health degree with Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Health Studies. Dr. Earl hails from the great state of Texas. She chose teaching as a career and soon after, realized her love for healthcare. She felt that working in a clinical setting would be an immeasurable improvement over serving in the classroom. She 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. Earl is known for her work in the women’s health field in the greater Oklahoma City area. Dr. Earl has presented in Norman, OK at the NACT meetings and other venues talking about women’s health and integrated care. She also served as one of CGI’s brand ambassadors for the Spring 1 semester, 2022. Dr. Earl presented at the 2023 CGI Integrated Care Conference on her culminating project, Women’s Health Solutions, LLC, and on Trauma and Autism. Dr. Earl was chosen as a Designated Woman of Distinction in 2020 and has multiple published works. Olivia Mikel, is an LPC Candidate at Hands to Guide You. She graduated from Mid-America Christian University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and later earned a Master of Science with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mid-America Christian University. She is currently a Doctor of Behavioral Health candidate at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. Olivia believes that life comes with many challenges, and she is committed to being on the front lines to help patients get where they want to be. She began her career in healthcare as a certified nurse assistant in 2012 and brings over 10 years of experience in the healthcare field. In 2021, she transitioned into mental health and has since worked toward advancing integrated care in the state of Oklahoma. Olivia strongly believes that physical care and mental health care must be viewed as one, healthcare, so patients can receive the gold standard of care. Dr. Brandy Biglow, DBH, LMHC, CCTP, QS, is the CEO and co-founder of Renovation Integrative Health, LLC. She has served as a mental health professional for 12 years, where she has supported others in her role as a counselor, clinical supervisor, and licensed clinical program manager. She is a licensed mental health counselor and supervisor for mental health and marriage and family therapists in Florida. She is a certified clinical trauma professional, certified individual coach, certified group coach, and burnout expert. Prior to her career in mental health, she educated and supported students as a certified K-12 Exceptional Education teacher for 10 years.

    23 min

  7. Jan 5

    Breathing New Life into School-Based Wellness

    In the first episode of season 5, special host Lois Goudeau, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), is joined by Tamara Pryor, an innovative nurse whose work is bringing holistic, evidence-informed practices into school settings. The conversation explores how intentional breathwork and lifestyle approaches can support regulation of the endocannabinoid system, helping students manage stress, improve focus, and build emotional resilience. It also discusses the potential for these practices to reduce reliance on substances like cannabis and support individuals living with PTSD by promoting balance across mood, sleep, and stress responses. About the Podcast Guests: Lois Goudeau, M.Ed, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois, Indiana, and Mississippi with 25 years of combined experience in education and mental health. She spent 15 years as an educator in special education and early childhood settings and has worked as a mental health counselor for the past 10 years. For eight years, she has also led her private practice, NuVisions Transformative Wellness, LLC, where she supports individuals and families through compassionate, holistic, and experience-informed care. Lois holds three master’s degrees in Family Studies, Special Education, and Counseling and is currently a Doctor of Behavioral Health candidate, reflecting her deep commitment to integrating mental health with whole-person care. Her work is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves clarity, purpose, and peace. In addition to clinical practice, she facilitates workshops for entrepreneurs and faith-based communities, speaks publicly to reduce mental health stigma, and advocates through media appearances such as WYCA-Talk Radio. Beyond counseling, Lois extends her impact through writing as the author of the Threads of Hope book collection, which centers on healing, resilience, and emotional connection. Her award-winning children’s book Finding Henry’s Smile compassionately introduces grief and loss, Take a Deep Breath, Relax, Cuz You Got This! supports blended families, and Holding Space for Yourself offers a 60-day journey of self-reflection and growth. Through therapy, education, and storytelling, Lois is dedicated to empowering individuals and families as they navigate life’s transitions, loss, and new beginnings. Tamara Pryor, RN, MSN-Ed, PEL-CSN, CYT 200, is a holistic school nurse and breathwork facilitator with over 26 years of nursing experience, including 19+ years in high school health services. She helps students strengthen focus, emotional balance, and resilience through breathwork, lifestyle medicine, and social-emotional learning. Tamara integrates evidence-based strategies that support nervous system regulation and overall well-being in school environments. She teaches students practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and attention challenges using breathwork, mindfulness, movement and other lifestyle practices. Her programs also help students understand the endocannabinoid system and how lifestyle habits—such as nutrition, sleep, and physical activity—support focus, learning, and emotional stability. Tamara is currently completing a certification as a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Facilitator and holds an Master’s in Nursing Education from Lewis University. Tamara’s work bridges traditional health education and whole-person wellness, creating supportive learning environments where students are empowered and can thrive both academically, physically and emotionally.

    25 min

  8. 12/01/2025

    Rethinking Care for Rural, Urban, and Underserved Populations

    In the twelfth episode of season 4, special host Ngozika Egbuonu, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) and Director of Programs at the Technology Association of Grantmakers, sits down with Dr. Nnanyelugo Gerald Odezulu, Senior Biocompatibility Specialist at ConMed, for a conversation on advancing global health equity through integrated care. They explore how DBHs can drive change in rural, urban, and lower-income communities by expanding health literacy, strengthening cross-disciplinary collaboration, and transforming care delivery systems. This episode offers practical insights and inspiration for healthcare professionals committed to shaping a more accessible, effective, and equitable future in healthcare. About the Podcast Guests: Ngozika “Gozi” Egbuonu, MA, MS, is the Director of Programs at the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG), a nonprofit organization with a mission to cultivate the strategic, equitable, and innovative use of technology in philanthropy. Before TAG, Gozi was an Impact Officer at Network for Good’s (now Bonterra) capacity-building program called Jumpstart. Gozi helped generate more than $500,000 in grant funding to help nonprofits become more sustainable. In addition, Gozi also helped create meaningful content and events to educate philanthropic communities about the power of trust-based partnerships between grantmakers and nonprofits. Committed to using technology to improve lives and advance social change, Gozi is researching the use of medical technology, like AI, to improve healthcare delivery while pursing her doctorate in behavioral health from Cummings Graduate Institute. Dr. Nnanyelugo Odezulu, Ph.D, is a seasoned regulatory toxicologist and medical device biocompatibility specialist with a robust background in toxicological risk assessment. He currently contributes his expertise to CONMED Corporation, a global medical technology company. Dr. Odezulu earned his Ph.D. from the University of Florida, where he cultivated a deep passion for public health and honed his skills in evaluating the safety and compatibility of medical devices. ​ Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Odezulu actively engages with the scientific community through discussions on medical device recalls and advancements in biocompatibility testing. His commitment to public health is evident in his proactive approach to addressing environmental concerns and ensuring the safety of medical products.

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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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