Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast

Cummings Graduate Institute
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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

    Grief Has No Blueprint

    In the tenth episode of season 5, of Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast special host Rica Walker, LMHC and Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), is joined by Sam Williams, MDiv, BCC, CCTS-I, and DBH student at CGI, for a conversation about grief, mourning, and the many ways loss can affect emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Drawing from their experience in mental health counseling, hospice care, chaplaincy, trauma support, and behavioral health, they explore the difference between grief and mourning, why each person’s experience of loss is unique, and how clinicians, families, and communities can better support those who are grieving. The conversation also offers practical strategies for helping people move through loss without rushing the process, while recognizing the importance of whole-person care, connection, and taking the next step forward. About the Podcast Guests: Rica Walker, LMHC, is a retired Army Veteran, having proudly served 22 years before retiring in 2006. Following her military career, she pursued her passion for helping others by earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in mental health counseling. She gained valuable experience working with Good Shepherd Hospice, where she supported individuals and families during some of life's most difficult times. In May 2015, she opened the doors of Silver Lining Counseling of Lakeland. She continues to provide compassionate, client-centered care. She has been happily married for 30 years and is blessed with four children and three beautiful grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren bring her great joy. Sam Williams, MDiv., BCC, CCTS-I, is a board certified overnight hospital chaplain at a level 1 trauma center in Florida of 11 years. While practicing healthcare chaplaincy, Sam Williams also developed professionally in sales, from sales rep to CEO, applying psychology and behavioral health into this arena. He finds a passion in helping others stabilize after difficult events overwhelm. Sam Williams began Connecting Humans Mobile Chaplaincy (CHMC) to address the gap in care many find after losing a loved one to death and in life transition. CHMC, the first bereavement/life transitions social media site, is designed to provide structural support through community, support individuals in building a more stable and integrated internal state over time, and develop skills for resilience under high load. Sam Williams is the creator of Emotional Field Theory (EFT), an emerging framework built to understand how disruption is processed and stability is built over time. Through his work, Sam seeks to bridge the gap between felt experience and structured models of behavioral health. He is the father of a beautiful daughter, Gabriella Celeste Williams, who inspires him to be better today than he was yesterday.

  2. Aug 31

    First Responders, Peer Support, and the Future of Care

    In the ninth episode of season 5, of Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast special host Kristine Ion-Rood, MBA, MCJ, MSCP, MS, and Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), is joined by Dan Roach, MBA, MCJ, and Rev. Tammy J. Roach, co-founders of the Cornerstone Retreat Center, for a conversation about mental health care for first responders. They share how their work with first responders shaped the creation of Cornerstone Retreat Center and why peer support can be such an important part of healing. The conversation looks at post-traumatic growth, stigma, trauma education, and the need for healthcare professionals to better understand first responder culture while building stronger connections between peer support and traditional care. About the Podcast Guests: Kristine Ion-Rood, MBA, MCJ, MSCP, MS, is a trauma specialist based in Davenport, Iowa with advanced training in neuropsychology, psychopharmacology, and trauma-informed care. Over the past several years, she has worked across inpatient psychiatry, behavioral health systems, and first responder communities, integrating neuroscience, PTSD research, and evidence-based interventions into both clinical practice and program development. Her academic background includes graduate work at institutions such as the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University, Cummings Graduate Institute, Harvard, and Parker University, where she focused on neurobiology, stress, and the intersection of genetics and pharmacology in mental health treatment. In addition to her direct clinical work, she is deeply involved in research and academic writing, with a particular emphasis on PTSD in first responders, epidemiology, and advanced statistical methods. She brings a structured, integrative approach to patient care that reflects her interests in spirituality, ethics, and long-term wellness, while also maintaining a strong personal commitment to fitness, nutrition, and lifelong learning. Outside of work, she enjoys strength training, and engaging with historical biographies, and documentaries, enriching her approach to lifelong learning and patient centered healing in the dynamic field of behavioral health.  She embraces a holistic view of health and healing. Dan Roach, MBA, MCJ, worked as a law enforcement officer/executive for 31 years.  He retired from the Illinois State Police as a Captain/Investigations Commander having served there for over 26 years.  He then served as the Deputy Chief of the Schaumburg (IL) Police Department for five (5) years. He has extensive experience in criminal investigations, undercover narcotics/gang enforcement, homicide investigations, and officer-involved shooting investigations. Dan has a B.S. degree in Marketing (from Northern Illinois University), a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree from St. Ambrose University, and a Masters of Criminal Justice (MCJ) degree from St. Ambrose University.  Dan attended Session 204 of the FBI National Academy in 2001.  Additionally, he has extensive peer support training and holds several certifications in peer support including a graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the North Park Theological Seminary. Rev. Tammy J. Roach, is an ordained pastor who holds a Masters of Spiritual Formation, as well as a graduate certificate in Spiritual Direction. She is the Operations Director and Chaplain at Cornerstone Retreat Center for 1st Responders and their families, a not-for-profit she co-founded with her husband Dan.  CRC provides peer-to-peer preventative and restorative wellness services, education, and support to First Responders and their families to help them thrive beyond the call. Tammy and Dan have been married for over 26 years and together they have journeyed through the ups and downs of a LE Career. Now, they are on a mission to help 1st Responders, and their families live better and serve better.

  3. Jul 16

    When Marketing Becomes Part of Patient Care

    In the eighth episode of season 5, of Disruptors at Work: An Integrated Care Podcast special host Dr. Brandy K. Biglow, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program alumna at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), is joined by Dr. Jeremy Henderson-Teelucksingh, CGI DBH program alum and Kat Vasquez for a conversation about the role of marketing in behavioral healthcare. The conversation explores the unique challenges behavioral health professionals face when promoting their services, the importance of visibility and accessibility, and practical ways organizations can improve their messaging without losing sight of their mission. By reframing marketing as an extension of care, this episode shows how thoughtful communication can support stronger patient engagement, better access, and more meaningful health outcomes. About the Podcast Guests: Dr. Brandy K. Biglow, DBH, LMHC, CCTP, CIMHP, CGI DBH program alumna, 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 burnout expert, a licensed mental health counselor and supervisor for mental health and marriage and family therapists in Florida, a certified clinical trauma professional, a certified integrated mental health practitioner, a certified individual coach, and a certified group coach. Dr. Brandy uses an integrative health approach infused with humor, empathy, and current information from research (anecdotal and qualitative). Prior to her career in mental health, she educated and supported students as a certified K-12 Exceptional Education teacher for 10 years. Brandy is passionate about her work: supporting people on their journey to design a life of harmony, continuing to establish to status and significance of Doctors of Behavioral Health in the United States and globally, and advancing the model of integrated behavioral health. Her long-term goals are to open an integrative health clinic. Dr. Jeremy Henderson-Teelucksingh, DBH, LPC/MHSP, LCMHC, NCC, CCMHC, CGI DBH program alum, is a counselor, leadership and management coach, and corporate and community human relations consultant. As a counselor, Jeremy works with adults (individuals, couples, and families) who experience PTSD/trauma, abuse in the context of family relationships, anger, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, relationship issues, and more. Jeremy also works with the LGBTGEQIAP+ community (teens and adults) and is an “out” counselor with a history of diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging advocacy. Jeremy approaches counseling from a multicultural and social justice viewpoint and has lived and worked in many US states and countries, which Jeremy draws from to understand the client’s unique experience. Kat Vazquez, is a brand strategist and Marketing Director with a passion for turning powerful ideas into compelling stories that move people to action. As Director of Marketing at Renovation Integrative Health and Owner/Director of First Impressions Studios, she operates at the intersection of brand strategy, content marketing, and video production. She helps visionary leaders clarify their message, build their audience, and grow their impact. Kat brings a multi-platform fluency to every engagement, drawing on frameworks from StoryBrand by Donald Miller, Alex Cattoni, Rachel Pedersen, and Chris Do to craft campaigns that convert. Whether she's developing a full brand strategy, leading a multi-day production, or building a launch sequence from scratch, her work starts with one truth: you can have the best offer in the world, but if the right people don't hear it in a way that moves them, it doesn't matter. When she's not crafting strategy or behind a camera, Kat is fueled by a love of travel, culture, and the stories she learns and gets to tell through her travels.

  4. Jun 29

    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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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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