Skip to main content
DBH Alumni SpotlightNewsPress

DBH Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Pooja Panesar, DBH, BCBA/QBA/IBA, MEd

By October 15, 2025No Comments7 min read

Empowerment Through Integration: How Dr. Pooja Panesar is Elevating Autism Services in East Africa

Dr. Pooja Panesar has spent more than two decades advancing autism services across East Africa, pioneering awareness, inclusion, and access to evidence-based interventions in regions where such resources are limited or nonexistent. As the founder of interdisciplinary centers in Kenya and Tanzania, she partners with schools, families, and professionals to deliver individualized services, caregiver training, and capacity-building initiatives. Dr. Panesar is also accredited by the QABA Board to provide certification coursework for those entering the field, expanding the pipeline of qualified practitioners. Motivated by the unmet needs she witnessed in her communities, Dr. Panesar pursued the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree to close the gap between healthcare and therapeutic services for autistic individuals and their families. Today, she integrates holistic care models and collaborative practice to strengthen systems, empower caregivers, and expand behavioral health access throughout the region. In this interview, Dr. Panesar shares how the DBH program equipped her to bridge systemic gaps, the impact of integrated care on families and providers, and her vision for advancing behavioral health across East Africa.

How has earning your DBH shaped your approach to behavioral health?

There is a chasm in service provision of therapies and health/medical intervention in the field of autism in East Africa… and perhaps in most places in the world. As research shows, there are multiple comorbidities that come along with autism, and providing holistic care makes the difference in each individual reaching their potential.

My DBH program gave me the tools I needed to bridge the gap between health, education and therapies for families affected by autism, creating inclusive and collaborative programs that support their holistic growth.

What are your primary interests in behavioral health, and how do they support your career goals?

Having been in the field of autism for over 20 years, that has grown to become my passion. I work with individuals of all ages and enjoy learning from them as much as I support them. Behaviour health affects every facet of our lives, and the learning never ends either. I continue educating myself based on each client I come across, and include all these lessons into my intervention programs for each family.

Can you share a key moment in your DBH journey that shaped your view of integrated care?

Aside from autism, I learned about multiple health concerns related to various chronic and comorbid conditions. My father had passed away after living with diabetes for decades just as I began the program. I was enlightened on the aspect of integrated healthcare and the significance of involving various professionals in a collaborative setting to ensure the best outcome for each patient.

I take this lesson to my work where I actively look to collaborate with other health and education professionals that each client may need during their journey.

What impact do you hope to make with your DBH in your field and community?

One big aspect is dissemination of information. Knowledge is power, and the unknown is always scary. I am one of the lucky few to have gained this information in behavioral health and integrated healthcare in my region, and hope to share as much information with families I work with others to ensure everyone I encounter in my life feels empowered to seek services needed. Everyone has a right to that.

What motivates you to keep pushing forward in integrated behavioral healthcare?

Each family I work with is an inspiration in advancing my knowledge and the work I do. No two families I work with are the same, and each brings their unique perspective and needs to light. As new questions are asked, I often go back to the drawing board to ensure I can provide information relevant and meaningful to support growth and positive outcomes. This includes research, collaborating with colleagues, and reaching out to professionals that contribute to my growth and the family’s support system. There is rarely monotony in my work which keeps me on my toes and highly motivated.

What advice would you give to someone considering the DBH program?

Definitely worth the pains of a PhD program compared to others! My favorite part of this program was being able to customize it to learn exactly what I needed to and fill the gaps I felt would make me a better professional. The professors and administration were all extremely supportive through the journey making it enjoyable and doable. It takes a lot of courage to sign up for a PhD program and make that commitment – why not do it where you can achieve what you set out to learn while becoming part of a supportive community.

Dr. Pooja Panesar’s work exemplifies how passion, expertise, and purpose can drive meaningful change across communities. By integrating the knowledge and leadership skills gained through the DBH program, she has expanded not only her own scope of practice but the possibilities for autism care across East Africa. Dr. Panesar’s impact now extends beyond clinical intervention into healthcare collaboration, workforce development, public education, and policy influence, shaping outcomes for families, practitioners, and entire systems. As Dr. Panesar continues to bridge gaps between medical, educational, and therapeutic services, her DBH training remains a powerful catalyst for sustainable, culturally responsive behavioral health innovation across the region.

Connect with Dr. Pooja Panesar

Check Out Dr. Pooja Panesar on the Disruptors at Work Podcast

In this episode of Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care Podcast host Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, Jr., DBH, Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is joined by five international Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) students, Amanda Bueno, BCBA, QBA, Shadiase Jack, LCSW-C, Pooja Panesar, BSc, MEd, BCBA, QBA, Valeria Parejo, BCBA, QBA, Dr. Sylvester Olubolu Orimaye, PhD, MPH, all of whom are accomplished healthcare providers. In this episode, 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.

Read more

Dr. Pooja Panesar Contributes to Upcoming Book: Integrated Behavioral Health: Applying the Biodyne Mindset in Healthcare

Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is proud to announce the upcoming release of the groundbreaking new book, Integrated Behavioral Health: Applying the Biodyne Mindset in Healthcare, set for publication in January 2026. This new book builds on the foundation laid by Dr. Nicholas A. Cummings and Dr. Janet Cummings, renowned psychologists and co-founders of both the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree program and CGI, who previously introduced the influential Biodyne Model in their seminal work Refocused Psychotherapy as the First Line Intervention in Behavioral Health.

Read more

Testimonials

“As a member of the AAPI community, I’m very familiar with the barriers to mental health services and the need to break through the glass wall of cultural stigma that prevents many from receiving potentially life–saving treatment. I was the only Asian American person in my master’s cohort, the only Asian American person in many of my clinical work settings, the only Asian American person to walk into many of the professional settings that I pushed myself to show up to. In my current practice, I’m constantly reminded by my patients of how difficult it is to find an Asian American mental health provider, though this reminder constantly informs me that more needs to be done for my community. Day after day, I read stories of Asian American people who die by suicide as a consequence of our culture’s avoidance of mental health topics. As a DBH, my biggest goal is to use my expertise in whole–person care to amplify the conversation around mental health and help my community understand that mental healthcare is not a privilege that we are not entitled to, it is a crucial part of our healthcare that will manifest differently in us than what many Western psychology or psychiatry textbooks will describe, and that our unique experience of mental health issues are valid, important, and is time to be part of the larger conversation.”

Willam Chum, LMHCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - September 16, 2022

“The Doctor in Behavioral Health (DBH) program has changed my understanding of the subject and career path. Before this academic journey, my knowledge of behavioral health was primarily theoretical, including essential ideas and methods. However, the DBH curriculum combined intense academic research with practical application, helping me understand behavioral health from multiple angles. Recognizing mental health as part of total health changed my perspective. The biopsychosocial model, which showed how biological, psychological, and social variables affect mental health, was stressed in the DBH curriculum. This comprehensive approach made me realize how complex human behavior is and how important it is to address mental health issues. Effective interventions must target the individual’s surroundings, relationships, and life experiences, not just symptoms. The curriculum also gave me enhanced evidence-based practice training to execute successful solutions. Studies methods and data analysis classes improved my critical thinking and allowed me to evaluate and apply behavioral health studies. This gave me the confidence to contribute to the field’s knowledge base through practice and research.”

Dr. Rhea Hill, DBH, LPCDBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 17, 2025

“This program will change how you present to the world, not just as a professional but as an individual. Understand this is work but the work is worth it and the journey is undeniably transformative. If you are seeking a doctorate for the title, this is not the program for you. If you are seeking a doctorate to interrupt and disrupt the course of healthcare, then this is the program for you. You won’t find a more supportive program with professors who are dedicated to your success and your education. This program is not about the regurgitation of information. It is about the appropriate applied application of knowledge and information to push forward and become an advocate for equitable and quality care for all.”

Brandy K. Biglow LMHC, CCTP, QSDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 5, 2024

“The Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program has definitely transformed my understanding of behavioral health. Understanding the links between physical and mental health has taught how to make better treatment decisions. The DBH program has also given me insights that otherwise would not be possible and allows me to view individuals through a lens that I was previously ignorant of. This program has helped me grow into a more confident individual, provider, and parent.”

Cory H. Cannady, BCBA, LBADBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 13, 2024

“The DBH program has reinforced my vision of viewing behavioral health (BH) as an integrated component of the healthcare system rather than a siloed service. As a practitioner in the focused BH realm of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, I observe on a regular basis how identifying and serving SUD patients is often missed, ignored and stigmatized in primary healthcare, despite the fact that early intervention at these check-points often has the potential to intervene earlier and lessen the negative SUD outcomes frequently seen by the time a patient reaches specialty SUD services. Reinforcement received in my DBH program has motivated me to promote integration as a leader in my workplace and is a primary factor in considering the long-term trajectory of my individual career path.”

Kenneth L. Roberts, MPS, LPCC, LADCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - November 5, 2024

“Graduating from the DBH program has influenced and enhanced my approach to addressing behavioral health challenges and making a difference in the field by preparing me to become a serious business owner. Through the DBH program, I understand now that becoming a business owner not only assists me in reaping the financial benefits of working for myself, but the program also offers me a sense of freedom to make a difference in an individual’s life.”

Dr. Rebecca K. Wright, DBH, LBA, BCBA, QBADBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - December 18, 2024

“I have always wanted to pursue a higher degree but never found a program that met my needs. When I investigated the DBH program, I can honestly say I was excited. It was a program that would expand my knowledge in behavioral health but also how it relates to physical health. The philosophy of treating the whole person was exactly what I was looking for.”

Elizabeth Nekoloff, M.Ed., LPCC-S, NCCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - January 16, 2025

“Prior to obtaining my DBH, I practiced behavioral health within the boundaries of behavior analysis. The DBH degree has given me the ability to broaden my scope of competence allowing me to provide a higher quality of care to my clients through a person-centered approach, while still staying within my scope of practice. I was in the beginning stages of opening my business when I enrolled in the DBH program which set my trajectory towards being a stronger leader. The program equipped me with essential healthcare leadership and entrepreneurial skills, allowing me to ensure high-quality services for my clients and foster a supportive work environment for our staff. It has also given me the confidence to expand my business and pursue other healthcare ventures, reaching a broader range of patients in need.”

Dr. Pauline Tolentino Pablo, DBH, BCBA, IBADBH Alumna, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - January 21, 2025

“Although I have worked with many patients who have mental health diagnoses, or behaviors which make managing their medical diagnoses and day to day life difficult, the DBH program at CGI is broadening that knowledge and providing a deeper understanding of behavioral health and how best to help these individuals manage their health and improve their quality of life. This will allow me to provide and advocate for more meaningful and seamless integrated care, providing new tools for my intervention toolbox, and the confidence and skills to collaborate within and lead whole person focused interdisciplinary teams. I also anticipate building upon my knowledge as a nurse case manager and long time caregiver, as well as my personal passions and professional vision, learning about processes and operations, to be in position to start up and lead my own company one day, offering the services and care I know every person should have access to.”

Hollie Wilson, MSN, RN, CCMDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - February 11, 2025

“The DBH program will open opportunities for me to contribute to healthcare system innovation, particularly through trauma-informed care and integrated behavioral health settings. I will be better positioned to advocate for and implement holistic care models that improve health outcomes for underserved populations. Ultimately, this program will help me transition into higher-level roles, such as a director or consultant in behavioral health, where I can influence broader system changes and contribute to the future of healthcare delivery.”

DeKyn Rashad Peters, MPH-CHES,BSW/BA,APCDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies - March 4, 2025

Accreditation & Affiliates

Partners