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    About Us

    Empower's mission is to transform the lives of youth, adults, their families, and communities through the implementation of evidence-based practices, tools, and software. Our organizations all strive to achieve the same goal: producing consistently positive outcomes. With years of research on effectiveness, our approaches are scientifically proven to enhance the lives of those involved in the justice, child welfare, and mental health systems.

    Empower Team

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    Josh Glade

    Co-Founder and CEO

    Josh is committed to the quality implementation of our juvenile treatment programs. Josh has experience sourcing funding and executing strategic growth plans. He received his bachelor’s in business administration from Emory University and an MBA from Georgetown University.

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    Keller Strother

    Co-Founder & Senior Advisor

    Keller, also a Co-Founder of Empower companies MST Services and Evidence-Based Associates, has been a driving force in scaling the dissemination of Multisystemic Therapy. He holds a bachelor of arts, bachelor of science and master’s degrees from Stanford University and an MBA from Duke University.

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    Mihai Fonoage

    Chief Technology Officer

    Mihai brings over 20 years of experience—primarily in healthcare technology—building high-performing teams and using AI and data to drive meaningful outcomes. He has led the launch of AI-powered platforms, founded innovation centers, and partnered with leadership teams to turn technology into real impact for patients and providers. Originally from Romania, Mihai now lives in South Florida with his wife, two children, and a French bulldog who likely makes the final call on most household decisions. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, movies, and spending time outdoors—and while his rock-climbing days may be behind him, his instinct for tackling tough challenges remains.

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    Danielle Politi

    Chief Growth Officer

    Danielle, a psychologist by trade, leads the sales, business development, and marketing functions for the organization. She is passionate about the customer experience ensuring value is created throughout the entire customer journey. Danielle earned her BA in Psychology from Coastal Carolina University, Ed.S. in School Psychology from The Citadel Graduate College, and her Psy.D. in Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She enjoys traveling, skiing, hiking, experiencing new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.

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    Brenda Szumski

    Chief Operations Officer & Executive Director

    Brenda has spent her career working with children and families, the last 23 years with the MST model. She is passionate about improving the quality and accessibility of services available to families in communities. She received her MSW from the University of Denver and her MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her husband, two sons and two dogs.

    Kortney Dale

    Kortney Dale

    Executive Director of EBPs

    With over two decades of experience in mission-driven organizations, Kortney has led and supported programs through strong partnerships with public agencies and community stakeholders.  Working at the systems and leadership level, her work focuses on strengthening the people, practices and structures that support direct service delivery. A Syracuse University graduate, Kortney is known for fostering cultures where values guide how the work is done, supporting accountability, trust and meaningful impact.

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    Dan Edwards

    Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives

    Dan is a clinical psychologist and implementation scientist who has enjoyed a 25+ year career training, consulting, and researching evidence-based practice implementation. He’s been part of leadership teams at both MST Services and EBA, and he looks forward to advancing conversations on behalf of Empower with innovative agency leaders who serve at-risk children, youth, and families. He holds a masters degree from Harvard University and a doctorate from the University of Florida.

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    Aimee Farabee

    Director of Product Management

    Aimee is a Product and AI Enablement leader with more than 15 years of experience driving innovation across healthcare, pharmaceutical, and life sciences organizations. She specializes in turning complex, ambiguous problems into practical, scalable solutions, with deep expertise in regulated environments. Most recently at Charles River Laboratories, Aimee led early enterprise AI adoption and the strategic rollout of generative AI, establishing governance frameworks, evaluating and prioritizing enterprise use cases, and scaling AI literacy to thousands of employees. She is passionate about ethical, actionable AI that enhances human effectiveness and delivers meaningful impact.

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    Allen Godfrey

    Executive Director of Management & Consulting Services

    A retired Field Services Director for the State of Minnesota, Allen brings four decades of leadership in community corrections, probation, parole, and justice reform. His career includes senior roles across Minnesota counties and statewide oversight responsibilities, with a focus on evidence‑based practices, specialty courts, and juvenile justice reform. Allen has served in national and state leadership positions and is a recipient of the ICAOS Executive Chair Award and Minnesota’s Jack Young Award for outstanding contributions to community corrections.

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    Mikayla Berry

    Senior Marketing Manager

    Mikayla leads a range of strategic marketing initiatives across Empower's network of organizations. With a BBA in Marketing from The University of Houston-Downtown and a minor in Art and Design, she not only possesses an understanding of marketing principles but also a deep appreciation for creativity. Mikayla is dedicated to finding the best approach to link Empower's products and services with organizations committed to transforming the lives of those they serve. Outside of work, she enjoys art and comedy shows, live music, fitness, and spending time with friends, family, and her three pets.

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    Courtney Chapman

    Operations Manager

    Courtney oversees the organizational processes at Empower, implementing policies and strategies to improve productivity and efficiency levels across the various entities. She received her BS in Business Administration from the College of Charleston. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and vacations that involve a beach.

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    Andrew Conley

    Sales & Revenue Operations Manager

    Andrew helps lead growth through process, data, and technology. His career includes 10+ years building and scaling GTM infrastructure within mission-driven organizations in healthcare and education. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Richmond, a Master of Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from UNC–Chapel Hill.

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    Nancy Hill

    HR Manager

    Nancy is responsible for planning, coordinating, and evaluating the various services, policies, and programs for Empower's HR department. She received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Appalachian State University and has a wide range of experience in Human Resources, Office Administration, and Information Technology. She enjoys running, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with family and friends.

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    Randy Hurst

    IT Manager

    Randy oversees the technical operations and data security throughout the organization. He attended Southern Union Community College and Western Governors University for a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He and his family live in Lagrange, Ga where they enjoy spending time outdoors and on the water.

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    Becca Ford

    Solutions Consultant

    Becca has worked in public education for over 15 years as a teacher, administrator, and school counselor. She is a great communicator and empowers others by listening, understanding, and creating solution-focused plans. Becca earned a BS in Education from Midwestern State University. She acquired her M.Ed. in School Counseling from Lamar University where she also completed the principal certification program. Becca is married and has three children. She enjoys traveling, reading, entertaining, playing games and spending time with family and friends.

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    Malaysia Guzman

    Solutions Consultant

    Malaysia holds a Bachelor's in Psychology from UC Davis and a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. With experience as a Program Coordinator, Rehabilitation Specialist, Diversion Counselor, and school-based therapist, she understands client needs deeply. She enjoys traveling, hiking with her dog Mya, and embracing beach serenity. Committed to promoting the program's transformative benefits, she uses communication skills and understanding of family dynamics to empower families and foster growth.

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    Ruby Howard

    Operations

    Ruby is the Accounting Manager for MST Services, an Empower organization. She received her BA in Accounting from Dillard University (New Orleans) and her Master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Ruby loves spending time with her 3 grandkids, and she enjoys reading and shopping.

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    Brina Joiner

    Operations Coordinator

    Brina Joiner is the Operations Coordinator for Empower Community Care. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville with a focus on Intercultural Communication. Since then, she has gained experience in various roles from program management to administrative support all in the service of children and families. Brina loves to hike and enjoy performing arts in her spare time.

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    D'Ree Kelley

    Operations

    D’Ree has her bachelor’s degree in Accounting and was the Staff Accountant for MST Services from 2017 through 2019. She then transferred to Orbis when she moved from Atlanta to the beach with her new husband, Keith. She enjoys listening to all music, Zumba, hanging at the beach and boating on the weekends.

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    Levi Lewis

    Operations

    Levi is the Senior Accountant for Empower. He completed his undergraduate at the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Accounting and obtained his MBA with specialization in Finance from Louisiana State University. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking and loves getting to spend time with his dogs.

    Amanda Peck

    Marketing Specialist

    Amanda Peck is a Marketing Specialist with an emphasis on digital marketing functions. With a broad skill set in marketing, coupled with her background in nonprofit and social impact organizations, she is committed to helping underserved communities thrive. She earned her B.A. in International Studies and Spanish Language. Amanda enjoys volunteering, gardening, camping, hiking, and traveling.

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    Candis Segars

    Solutions Consultant

    After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Texas, Candis began her graduate work, earning an M.Ed. in Counseling from The University of North Texas. Her passionate approach to servant work has defined her career which includes mental health case management, counseling, teaching, and sales. Driven by a heart for serving vulnerable populations, she is dedicated to promoting mental health interventions that transform lives. In her free time, Candis enjoys cooking, traveling, music, and spending time with family and friends.

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    Tasheanna Williams

    Marketing Specialist

    Tasheanna is the Marketing Specialist for Empower Community Care. With a journalism degree and a creative writing minor from California State University-Sacramento, she has a love of grammar, poetry, and books! When Tasheanna is not buried in a book, she loves spending time with her dog, hiking, and cooking.

    Organizational Leaders

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    Olga E. Hervis
    Model Co-Developer
    BSFT
    Fia
    Ann-Sofie (Fia) Larsson
    Associate Director
    BSFT Institute
    Debra
    Debra Miller
    Associate Director
    BSFT FTTIM
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    Rick Parsons
    Deputy Director
    Carey Group
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    Otis Buckson
    Deputy Director of Program Management
    Evidence-based Associates

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    Kellie Armey
    Clinical Director (FFT, FFT-G)
    FFT LLC

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    Holly DeMaranville
    Communications &
    Events Director
    FFT LLC
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    Helen M. Midouhas
    Implementation Director
    FFT LLC

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    Annie Niermann
    Clinical Director (FFT-CW, FF-CM)
    FFT LLC

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    Michael Robbins
    Senior Advisor
    FFT LLC
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    Carolyn Webster-Stratton
    Founder & Program Developer
    Incredible Years
    Emily Haranin
    Emily Haranin
    Clinical Director
    Incredible Years
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    Bernie Centeio
    Adaptation Director
    MST Services

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    Michelle Dean
    Team Support Services
    Director
    MST Services
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    Lori Moore
    Network Partner Support
    Division Director
    MST Services
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    Laura Shortt
    Clinical Resources
    Director
    MST Services
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    David Robinson
    CEO &
    Director of Assessment
    Orbis Partners
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    Alexander Stringer
    Chief Operations Officer
    Orbis Partners

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