Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 10 Issue 1
January 2025
Elizabeth Nekoloff, a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), graduated from Ursuline College in 1992 with a degree in Psychology, marking the beginning of her meaningful career in social services. Her professional journey began as a childcare worker in a group home before transitioning to a 28-year tenure with the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services. In 2022, she embraced a new opportunity as a Counselor with MetroHealth’s School Health program, providing integrated care to students in two local school districts. Since 2016, she has also been active in private practice.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue 12
December 2024
Jason P. Sargent began his career in 1986 as a chef apprentice before joining the Australian Army. He then served in the Australian Federal Police (AFP) as a Counter Terrorism First Response (CTFR) Officer. During his tenure with the AFP, he participated in significant operations, including the Tampa Incident and Operation RAMSI in the Solomon Islands. After leaving the police force, Jason transitioned to roles with the Department of Defence and another Commonwealth Government Department. In 2014, he was diagnosed with PTSD stemming from his deployment to the Solomon Islands. Determined to channel his experiences into helping others, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Policing, a Graduate Degree in Psychology, a Master of Social Work, and several specialist mental health certifications.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue 11
November 2024
Kenneth L. Roberts serves as the Chief Clinical Officer at NUWAY, a nonprofit program in Minneapolis, MN, with over 15 years of experience as a clinician, clinical supervisor, and administrator in co-occurring care for substance use and mental health disorders. In addition to pursuing his Doctor of Behavioral Health degree at CGI, he is certified in Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for PTSD treatment. He holds a master’s degree in Professional Studies (Co-Occurring Disorders) from the University of Minnesota, where he teaches as an adjunct faculty member, as well as at Metropolitan State University.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue 10
October 2024
As we mark a decade of dedication, innovation, and growth, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is proud to celebrate its 10-year anniversary in advancing the field of integrated behavioral healthcare through high-quality distance education and training.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue 9
September 2024
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI), a nonprofit institution specializing in integrated behavioral health education, is proud to announce the graduation of seven new Doctors of Behavioral Health.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue 8
August 2024
Destiny Redmond is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia, telemental health provider for the state of Florida, and Doctor of Behavioral student at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. Specializing in trauma-informed counseling and EMDR treatment, Destiny brings a profound understanding and compassionate approach to their practice. With five years of professional experience in a variety of settings, including inpatient, outpatient, residential community service, correctional facilities, and private practice, she offers a rich and informed perspective on mental health care.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue 7
July 2024
Trina K. Ita is a passionate public servant and seasoned thought leader in the field of behavioral health, currently serving as the Deputy Executive Commissioner of Behavioral Health Services for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). With a career spanning over three decades, she has held numerous leadership roles across both private and public sectors, including private practice and child welfare. Trina holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tuskegee University and a Master’s degree in Counselor Education from Kean University.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue 6
June 2024
Michelle Stroebel is a healthcare game changer, co-founding Inspire Disruption, a training and consultation venture, with their husband to advocate and propel change within the behavioral healthcare industry. With a passion for transforming traditional healthcare delivery, Michelle challenges the ineffective and fragmented approaches, creating new, sustainable care models that enhance both efficacy and integration. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over twenty years of experience, Michelle effectively combines compassion with cutting-edge, evidence-based solutions to promote person-centered and trauma-informed care, making a significant impact in patient outcomes.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue 5
May 2024
Meet Olivia Mikel, a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) candidate at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. With roots in Oklahoma, Olivia brings over a decade of experience in the healthcare sector and three years within the mental health field. Her career journey encompasses roles such as Case Manager for the ADvantage program in Oklahoma and Certified Behavioral Health Case Manager II. Olivia started her academic career at Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, OK, where she pursued both her undergraduate and graduate degrees.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue 4
April 2024
Meet Emily Rodriguez, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) candidate at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies and a dedicated pediatric speech-language pathologist (SLP). Specializing in children aged 2 to 5, Emily serves as a beacon of support for families navigating the complexities of childhood diagnoses. With the majority of her clients being 2-year-old toddlers, Emily is often the first point of contact for parents grappling with a recent diagnosis for their child. Her expertise in providing comprehensive assessments and tailored recommendations, ensures each child receives the individualized care they need. Not content with merely addressing communication challenges, Emily is on a mission to broaden her scope and expertise as a Doctor of Behavioral Health. Her aspiration to pursue the DBH degree stems from a deep-seated desire to effectively guide parents through the emotional journey accompanying a diagnosis and subsequent steps forward.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue 3
March 2024
Get to know Cory H. Cannady, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) candidate at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and the Assistant Clinical Director at Elevate Behavior Services in Chattanooga, TN. Originally from a small town in west Tennessee, he made the move to Chattanooga in 2009 to pursue his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After earning his bachelor degree in Secondary English Education, Cory dedicated five years to teaching middle school. While teaching, he concurrently pursued and obtained a master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from the University of Cincinnati in 2017, achieving Board Certification and licensure in 2019.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue 2
February 2024
Meet Brandy K. Biglow, Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) candidate at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies and the powerhouse behind Renovation Integrative Health, LLC. She’s not your typical CEO—she’s a licensed mental health counselor, a certified trauma expert, and soon-to-be Doctor of Behavioral Health. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, she has transitioned from a teacher of students with exceptionalities to a seasoned counselor, where she improve patient care outcomes by enhancing social-emotional education, providing family resources, and more.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 9 Issue 1
January 2024
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is committed to supporting students in their pursuit of integrated behavioral health degrees through scholarship initiatives. CGI scholarship programs serve as a platform for students to be recognized, celebrated, and supported on their path to becoming a Doctor of Behavioral Health.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 8 Issue 12
December 2023
It’s with profound sadness that Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies announces the passing of our co-founder and Board of Directors member, Dorothy “Dot” Cummings. Dot passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on Friday, December 1, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 8 Issue 11
November 2023
CGI’s Integrated Care Conference, held October 9-11, 2023, in Chandler, AZ, was a remarkable two-day event that brought together over one hundred passionate minds from diverse backgrounds and fields. As CGI’s CEO, witnessing this intellectual congregation’s unfolding was truly inspiring.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 8 Issue 10
October 2023
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) was founded on October 20, 2014, in the state of Arizona. CGI welcomed its first incoming cohort of DBH students in June 2015. October 20, 2023, marks nine exciting years of growth and achievement for CGI.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 8 Issue 9
September 2023
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is immensely proud to host the 2023 Integrated Care Conference, Opportunity in Crisis – Using Adverse Pandemic Experiences to Drive Healthcare Improvement, featuring 48 presenters and 36 sessions covering healthcare improvements, opportunities, and solutions formed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference speaker line-up represents diverse specialties, such as behavioral analysis, behavioral health, counseling, social work, maternal health, mental health, naturopathic medicine, neonatal nurse practitioners, pediatrics, perinatal care, and more.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 8 Issue 8
August 2023
In the latest episode of Disruptors at Work: and Integrated Care Podcast hosts Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, Jr., DBH, Director of the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program, and Dr. Larry Ford, DBH, Member of the CGI Board of Directors, lead an insightful discussion with a panel of Doctors of Behavioral Health discuss how telehealth is helping to improve access to healthcare services for people living in rural areas. Tune in to learn how healthcare providers can best leverage telehealth to improve access to and quality of care in rural communities.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 8 Issue 7
July 2023
July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a month dedicated to growing public awareness of mental health topics among communities of Black, Indigenous and people of color. Bebe Moore Campbell was an American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate who worked tirelessly to shed light on the mental health needs of the Black community and other underrepresented communities.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 8 Issue 6
June 2023
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is thrilled to announce the graduation of five new Doctors of Behavioral Health. Dr. Amanda Barnard, DBH, LCSW, MSW, Dr. Leslie Allison Earl, DBH, LBHP, LPC-S, Dr. Teranda Knight, DBH, CTMP, LSSGB, MS, Dr. Billie Ratliff, DBH, LCSW, MSW, and Dr. Diane Scott, DBH, LCSW, MSW completed the requirements for the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program. On April 27, 2023, the new graduates were celebrated at the DBH Commencement Ceremony in Tempe, AZ. CGI is honored to have worked with them during their studies and applaud them for their perseverance and tenacity as they completed their doctoral degrees.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 8 Issue 5
May 2023
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is pleased to share that Amanda Harrison, CGI’s Chief Operating Officer, has been elected to the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) Board of Directors. The election was held on April 24, 2023, in conjunction with DEAC’s 97th Annual Business Meeting. Mrs. Harrison will serve a 3-year term through March 31, 2026. The official announcement was made via a press release on DEAC’s website.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 8 Issue 4
April 2023
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) proudly announces its participation in the third-annual Mental Health Action Day held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, during Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Action Day was founded on shifting mental health culture from awareness to action and is powered by a growing coalition of more than 1800 nonprofits, brands, government agencies and influential leaders from more than 32 countries. Mental Health Action Day partners are empowering our communities to take 1 Hour for their mental health on Mental Health Action Day.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 8 Issue 3
March 2023
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is thrilled to announce the graduation of two new Doctors of Behavioral Health. Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick, DBH, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, CCM, CCTP, CRP and Dr. Ebony Watson, DBH, LCSW, MSW, completed the requirements for the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program. On January 12, 2023, the new graduates were celebrated at the DBH Commencement Ceremony in Tempe, AZ. We are honored to have worked with them during their studies and applaud them for their perseverance and tenacity as they completed their doctoral degrees.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 8 Issue 2
February 2023
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is excited to announce that Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, Jr., DBH, has been promoted to the Director of the DBH Program role effective January 3, 2023. Dr. Baldwin previously served as CGI’s Assistant Director of Academic programs and faculty member.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 8 Issue 1
January 2023
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is thrilled to welcome two new partners into the CGI community. Join us in welcoming Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc and Give an Hour® and take a few minutes to learn about their missions and services.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 7 Issue 12
December 2022
Dr. Charla Burns, MD Appointed to the Advisory Council of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is excited to announce that Dr. Charla Burns, MD, has been appointed to the Advisory Council for the university. The Advisory Council is a collection of full-time practitioners in the healthcare field who advise and support educational programming and offerings at CGI. Members of the Advisory Council represent broad points of view relative to integrated healthcare, including clinical, operational, and financial integration and healthcare entrepreneurship expertise.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 7 Issue 11
November 2022
Introduction by Dr. Cara English, DBH, CEO & Director of Academic Programs at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies In the Summer 2022 term, the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) offered a new Women’s Health elective which focused on the integrated health care needs of adolescent and adult women, transfeminine, transmasculine, and nonbinary folks seeking care in traditional or non-traditional women’s health clinical settings.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 7 Issue 10
October 2022
October 20, 2022 marks 8 exciting years of growth and achievement for Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) was founded on October 20, 2014 in the state of Arizona and welcomed their first incoming cohort of Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) students in June 2015. As one of the only universities in the world focused exclusively on education in the growing field of integrated behavioral healthcare, CGI takes pride in celebrating the innovative vision of our founders on the anniversary of our incorporation, known as Founders Day.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 7 Issue 9
September 2022
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) in partnership with Just Solutions proudly offers the education certificate, Unmasking White Supremacy in Mental Health. The Unmasking White Supremacy in Mental Health Certificate is a training for mental and medical healthcare providers and administrators providing recommendations for individuals to do anti-racism work within their department, organization, and institution. The certificate is available online, on-demand, and offers two (2) hours of CE credit, provided by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program or the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 7 Issue 8
August 2022
In the latest episode of Disruptors at Work: and Integrated Care Podcast, host Dr. U. Grant Baldwin, Jr., DBH, Assistant Director of Academic Programs at CGI, is joined by six Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) students, all of whom are accomplished clinicians in the fields of integrated healthcare and healthcare innovation.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 7 Issue 7
July 2022
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies alumni have come together and forged an exciting new chapter, the CGI Alumni Association. The formation of the CGI Alumni Association was sparked by several alumni of the DBH program who had a desire to assist in promoting a strong relationship between alumni and the university.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 7 Issue 6
June 2022
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies alumni have come together and forged an exciting new chapter, the CGI Alumni Association. The formation of the CGI Alumni Association was sparked by several alumni of the DBH program who had a desire to assist in promoting a strong relationship between alumni and the university.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 7 Issue 5
May 2022
Today, May 19th, is #MentalHealthAction Day. Convened by MTV Entertainment Group, Mental Health Action Day was created with an open-source model that has effectively united and galvanized brands, organizational leaders, and cultural leaders to seamlessly integrate the message and spirit into their existing branding and voice.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 7 Issue 4
April 2022
Healthcare organizations need leaders with the skills and expertise to lead people, create a culture of wellness, manage change, and find new opportunities. The healthcare environment is evolving rapidly. Leadership development is how healthcare organizations get the workforce they need to address the challenges ahead.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 7 Issue 3
March 2022
We have all had those days where it seems like all we see and hear about in the news is negative. We all know that we need to move past only focusing on the bad news that we see. With so many different points of view, it can be challenging to know what are good sources and which are bad ones. For those who fall either far left or far right, they have the particular news outlets they prefer to follow due to their belief system and political affiliation.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 7 Issue 2
February 2022
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is now approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an accredited provider to offer CE credits for live and on-demand continuing education webinars, courses, and programs. The Association of Social Work Boards provides support and services to the social work regulatory community to advance safe, competent, and ethical practices to strengthen public protection.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 7 Issue 1
January 2022
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 a best-selling book, SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence: The Comprehensive Guide, currently in its fourth edition.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 6 Issue 12
December 2021
In the newest episode of the Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care podcast, Dr. Cara English, DBH and Gabe Orthous dive into the recently announced Master of Healthcare Leadership (MHL) degree program offered. In this episode they discuss the industry needs for next generation healthcare leaders, why the MHL program was created, how the MHL program differs from other Master’s level healthcare degrees, and how the COVID-19 pandemic shaped the program’s curriculum.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 6 Issue 11
November 2021
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is thrilled to announce the graduation of five new Doctors of Behavioral Health. Dr. Liza R. Clancy, Dr. Andreena M. Jackson, Dr. Heather Jelonek, Dr. Katarzyna Motylewicz, and Dr. William Penney successfully completed the requirements for the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program. We are honored to have worked with them during their studies and applaud them for their perseverance and tenacity as they completed their doctoral degrees amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 6 Issue 10
October 2021
October 20, 2021 marks 7 exciting years of growth, innovation, and achievement for Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. We thank you, our CGI community, for embodying our mission and contributing to our growth and success. Show your love for CGI. We invite you to join us in the virtual festivities.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 6 Issue 9
September 2021
During this past summer, I had the privilege of teaching an elective course at CGI, Advanced Topics in Suicide. This course began as an independent study, and quickly grew to an independent study for three students. Before I knew it, students had flocked to the class, with a total of 19.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 6 Issue 8
August 2021
Maya Angelou said, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them”. Maya Angelou lived a childhood full of traumatic events including discrimination, being raped by her mother’s boyfriend at the age of seven and then being scarred so badly after her uncles killed her perpetrator that she didn’t speak for 5 years. Trauma can have that debilitating impact on a person. It can cause someone to shut completely down and the only way it starts to get better is when that person decides to start healing the wounds that have been inflicted.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 6 Issue 7
July 2021
July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a month dedicated to growing public awareness of mental health topics among communities of Black, Indigenous and people of color. Bebe Moore Campbell was an American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate who worked tirelessly to shed light on the mental health needs of the Black community and other underrepresented communities.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 6 Issue 6
June 2021
Happy Pride month! At CGI, we celebrate Pride month by highlighting health challenges faced by the LGBTQ population, and focusing on evidence-based solutions and innovations to work towards equity. In the most recent episode of CGI’s podcast, Disruptors at Work: an Integrated Care Podcast, 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.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 6 Issue 5
May 2021
In partnership with over 1000 brands, nonprofits, cultural leaders and government agencies, Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies is proud to be a partner in the first-ever Mental Health Action Day today, Thursday, May 20th during Mental Health Awareness Month.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 6 Issue 4
April 2021
During the 2021 Spring I semester, I had the privilege of teaching Neuropathophysiology to a group of very bright, talented, and motivated CGI students (Doctor of Behavioral Health candidates). The students each created a “clinical pathway” for their final course projects. Each of the clinical pathways addresses a neurological condition along with another co-morbidity. I was very pleased with the wide range of neurological conditions and co-morbidities that the students selected.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 6 Issue 3
March 2021
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies is excited to announce that Dr. Larry Ford, DBH, LBHP, BC has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the university. Dr. Ford previously served as a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program faculty member. Cummings Graduate Institute honored Dr. Ford with the prestigious Biodyne Life Change Award in October 2016 due to his leadership and outstanding business model of integrated behavioral health services in Oklahoma.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 6 Issue 2
February 2021
Rapidly emerging and evolving themes are impacting patients and practitioners dealing with end of life care. The pandemic has amplified health and mental health disparities across the most vulnerable populations. This dynamic has yielded a clear mandate to address systematic racism, the social determinants of health and mental health. Courtesy of the pandemic, health and behavioral health professionals are facing extreme levels of death and loss, with a new dimension of collective occupational trauma to reconcile. Data across the literature is significant:
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 6 Issue 1
January 2021
In August 2019 after surveying 5 and a half thousand adults, the CDC estimated that anxiety symptoms have tripled and depression symptoms have quadrupled. Similar results were found in a May 2019 survey of pregnant and postpartum mothers; anxiety went from 29% pre-pandemic to 72% and 74% of mothers rated their mental stress as worse than prior to pandemic. Statistics like these often only add to our depression and burn out because they aren’t very helpful.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 5 Issue 12
December 2020
When a person is asked to describe what they envision the holiday season to look like, words such as joy, cheer, merry, jolly, and celebration often come to mind. Unfortunately, the holiday season can also usher in increased stress and depression. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (2014) found that 64% of people who have already been diagnosed with a mental illness report that the holidays contribute to worsening depression. This is an alarming statistic, and also does not account for those who may not have a diagnosis or those with the “holiday blues.”
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 5 Issue 11
November 2020
I knew I wanted to be a mother long before I was old enough to become one. My childhood fantasy consisted of marriage and then a baby carriage that would follow. At 36 years old, I would find out I was pregnant and considered “high risk”. This label perplexed me for various reasons but primarily because I had no pre-existing health conditions. When I approached my obstetrician for further explanation, he shared that due to my age and race, I was considered “high risk”.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 5 Issue 10
October 2020
CGI is dedicated to strengthening the clinical and diagnostic skills of our Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) students by expanding their perspective of care overall. In our course DBH 9902: Biodyne Model II: Assessment and Behavioral Interventions for Chronic and Comorbid Conditions, students are engaged in exploring the relationship between diseases and then treating these diseases from the perspectives of the provider and patient.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 5 Issue 9
September 2020
Students in our DBH course, Intervention Design Models: Application of Behavioral Learning Theories Course, examine major theories and models of cognition, motivation, and health behavior and their application to the practice of health behavior change. Special attention is given to the use of theory in planning effective intervention programs in primary care and other medical settings and the use of health behavior theory in addressing health issues in diverse populations.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 5 Issue 8
August 2020
Given the current national and global situation, many of us are feeing triggered. It’s a very difficult time to be well regulated as a human being. As a DBH, I want to offer some food for thought and some practical skills to help us cope with difficult times.
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Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 5 Issue 7
July 2020
I am very fortunate to get to teach the “medical literacy” courses at CGI, since I love the biological sciences. However, some of our students find these courses intimidating at first, since most of our students in the DBH program do not have strong science backgrounds. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 5 Issue 6
June 2020
It’s with profound sadness that Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies announces the passing of our Founder and Board of Directors member, Dr. Nicholas A. Cummings, Ph.D., Sc.D. Dr. Cummings passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on Monday, June 8, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 5 Issue 5
May 2020
To help our community navigate the rapidly evolving world we live in, Cummings Graduate Institute has created a suite of resources to aid in adapting to the new norms of pandemic life. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 5 Issue 4
April 2020
Work in healthcare is naturally stressful. We interact with people in distress all day long, but nothing as intense as what we have seen these past months with COVID-19. The healthcare system is overwhelmed and we have been advised to stay home to help flatten the curve. However, healthcare workers are essential workers and cannot stop. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 5 Issue 3
March 2020
Ellen Fink-Samnick, a first-year DBH student at CGI, is an award-winning industry thought leader who empowers healthcare’s transdisciplinary workforce. Known as ‘The Ethical Compass of Professional Case Management’, she is a sought out professional speaker, author, and educator for her innovative content and vibrant presence. Read More
Special Edition Newsletter: Celebrating Our Newest DBH & Honorary Degree Recipients
February 2020
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is thrilled to announce the graduation of their newest Doctor of Behavioral Health, Dr. Liliane de Aguiar-Rocha, DBH, BCBA. Dr. Rocha completed the requirements for the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program and was conferred to graduate in December 2019. On January 25, 2020, CGI celebrated the culmination of Dr. Rocha’s doctoral journey and the beginning of her work as a Doctor of Behavioral Health at the 2020 DBH Commencement Ceremony held in Reno, NV. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 5 Issue 2
February 2020
As we prepare to welcome our newest cohort of students in April, we invited a DBH student and newly conferred Alumni to reflect on their time at CGI. Below you will find their perspectives, each in their own words, on how on how the DBH program and their time at CGI has changed their professional identity. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 5 Issue 1
January 2020
There are many scriptures in the Judeo-Christian bible that reference the physical and spiritual body of the church as a place of safety, refuge and healing for the sick, wounded, hurt and lost. The church is supposed to act as a hospital: a place of help, hope and healing for all manner of diseases. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors affect people of every race, ethnicity, age, culture, and faith. (Hedegaard, Curtin & Warner, 2018). This is not a subject we can hide from any longer. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue 12
December 2019
In the Fall 2019 academic term, we offered the course DBH 9015, Business Practices for the Biodyne Entrepreneur, a requirement within the Entrepreneurship pillar of the Doctor of Behavioral Health program curriculum. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue 11
November 2019
This November, we’re choosing to focus our newsletter on gratitude, as it is perfect time to pause and reflect on all that we’re grateful for this year.
2019 has been a momentous year for Cummings Graduate Institute. We’ve attained multiple strategic initiatives, most notably achieving institutional accreditation and authorization to enroll nationwide in the U.S. Interest in the Doctor of Behavioral Health degree program is at an all time high, with record breaking admissions application numbers and admissions to the program. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue 10
October 2019
As a faculty member in the Doctor of Behavioral Health program and a 12-year veteran of the United States Army whose career in the military has been one of taking care of troops as a training sergeant to chaplains, it is my pleasure to teach the DBH 9020: Military Families and Veterans course at Cummings Graduate Institute of Behavioral Health Studies which focuses on the characteristics of military life. My career in taking care of troops never ended; I just changed uniforms Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue 9
September 2019
Am I really any good at this? Is my success down to luck rather than abilities? Will I be exposed as a fraud? Am I just pretending to fit in? Questions like this plague many of us. A bit of self-doubt is not uncommon, and insecurity can be viewed as a part of normal professional development. Some argue that to improve, we all need to self-reflect on our practice. However, on the extreme end of the self-doubt spectrum sits the Impostor Syndrome or the Impostor Phenomenon, which can result in psychological distress and personal dissatisfaction. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue 8
August 2019
Pain is a subjective experience to which only the individual who suffers it has access. While it is understood that pain is the result of neuronal stimulation, when one thinks about the assessment of pain, (s)he does not think about conducting a neurological examination. Instead, pain is generally assessed by its expression, i.e. complaints of discomfort, grimacing facial expression and verbal report that something hurts. For patients who have difficulty communicating, assessing pain becomes a complicated task. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue 7
July 2019
The decision to pursue a graduate degree or certificate program in behavioral health is no small undertaking. It is a time intensive process requiring research, a variety of application materials, interviews, application fees, and deadline juggling that can result in disappointment, doubt, stress, and anxiety. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue 6
June 2019
Believe it or not, recent research (Howarth; IFIC Canada, 2019) has put forth an equation for optimizing integrated care systems. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue 5
May 2019
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness month, we are diving into the CGI archives and highlighting a selection of our informative educational articles on mental health topics including suicide prevention, maternal mental health, mental health in the workplace, anxiety, and chronic pain. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue 4
April 2019
The International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC)’s International Conference on Integrated Care (ICIC) is the premiere annual event for global integrated care stakeholders, gathering researchers and practitioners in integrated care from all corners of the globe. The fierceness with which each individual pours passion into each day of work is evident in the faces and conversations one has over coffee, in hallways in between sessions, and certainly in each and every presentation one attends at these conferences. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue 3
March 2019
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is excited to participate in Arizona Gives Day, April 2, 2019. During our first year of participation in Arizona Gives Day in 2018, we were proud to have raised enough funds to support one student scholarship. In 2019, we have set an ambitious goal of raising funds for five student scholarships in the Doctor of Behavioral Health degree program. One hundred percent of all funds contributed will go directly to student scholarships. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue 2
February 2019
Since 2017 the trend toward acquisitions of behavioral health organizations by private equity (PE) firms in behavioral health has continued to grow, with 77% of transactions of behavioral health facilities being purchased by PE in 2017 and strategic buyers accounting for about 23% of the M&A activity (Meindl and Smart, 2018). While the 2018 overall deal value was below that of 2017, the volume of M&A deals in the healthcare sector broke records. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 4 Issue 1
January 2019
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) refers to the purchase, consolidation, or restructuring of companies. Acquisition occurs when one company assumes more than 50% ownership of another company, this is the most common type of deal. When two companies are joined together to create a new company this is referred to as a merger, this happens less often (Snow, 2018). Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue 12
December 2018
You might be noticing the term “social determinants of health” more frequently in the healthcare literature. What’s behind this and why is it important? As healthcare continues to evolve, efforts are underway to provide value based, whole person care in an environment that is increasingly shifting towards bundled payments. This means we have to be efficient in allocating limited financial resources. Healthcare leaders are now looking at what constitutes health and all that determines it in a larger context. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue 11
November 2018
The approaching holiday season accompanied by joy and anticipation can also be stressful. For people with underlying depression and anxiety, it is common to have increased symptoms which can lead to amplification of their chronic pain. It is important for behavioral health specialists to be mindful of the interrelationships between pain and psychopathology and be ready to assist the patient’s physician with providing the right combination of treatment for optimum whole person care. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue 10
October 2018
The decision to pursue a doctoral degree is an important one, and Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) wants to help you make an informed decision. CGI offers a suite of resources and services to aid in determining if the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree at CGI is the right fit for your career, goals, and lifestyle. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue 9
September 2018
The International Foundation of Integrated Care (IFIC) in partnership with OSAKIDETZA – Basque Health Service, Bioef, Ministry for Health of the Basque Government the City Council of Donostia-San Sebastian and the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa presents the 19th International conference on Integrated Care “Evaluating and implement models of integrated people-centred services” to take place in San Sebastian, the Basque Region in Spain 1-3 April 2018. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue 8
August 2018
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies will host a live webinar on the topic of treating substance abuse in primary care presented by Natalie Randolph, LMSW, DBH, an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Social Work Department at Northern Arizona University. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue 7
July 2018
“We are going to be intentionally provocative,” said Jodeme Goldhar of Ontario, Canada’s The Change Foundation. As a DBH, you know you’re at the right conference when this is the opening plenary statement! The International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC) hosts a blockbuster conference annually in the UK and Europe, providing integrated care leaders from across the globe an opportunity to share highlights of their work and to learn from the successes and failures of others. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue 6
June 2018
In the wake of the recent loss of two influential people in the modern day US cultural zeitgeist, Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, Dr. Janet Cumming’s second installment on the topic of suicide prevention is more timely than ever. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue 5
May 2018
The focus of this brief article is to review how mental health and substance abuse problems impact employees in the workplace and to present several evidence-based recommendations for improving access for these troubling problems. A review of research articles related to this topic indicates that employee-related mental health and substance abuse problems result in a reduction in worker productivity, create safety concerns for the employee and their co-workers, cause increased absenteeism and an increase in employee turnover. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue 4
April 2018
Editor’s Note: CGI recognizes that the month of April has been designated as Autism Awareness month. To bring light to the needs of this population CGI has invited two CGI Doctor of Behavioral Health students who are subject matter experts on Autism to deepen our understanding of how Autism impacts the lives of all ages. CGI thanks doctoral candidates Kasia Motylewicz and Liliane Rocha for sharing their expertise with our community and for their work to serve this population. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue 3
March 2018
When I was under intense stress and pressure during my doctoral program, I experienced heart palpitations. As a behavioral health provider, I knew that my history of anxiety and the stress I was enduring were likely resulting in this new physical symptom, but just in case, I made an appointment to see my PCP of ten years, who had worked with me for anxiety. When I saw her, I said, “I think this may just be anxiety. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue 2
February 2018
With the United States leading the world in healthcare research and spending twice as much on healthcare than any other developed nation, Americans should be the healthiest people in the world; yet, we are not. Health is the multidimensional relationship between social environment, mental health, physical well-being, functional needs, quality of life, and the ability to adapt, self-manage, and recover; it is the holistic state of well-being and maternal mortality rates are a good gauge in determining of the overall health of a population (Huber, 2011) (Wilson & Cleary 1995) (WHO, 1948). Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 3 Issue 1
January 2018
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) is thrilled to announce the graduation of five new Doctors of Behavioral Health. Steven Byrd, Janine Fonfara, Margaret Kristin “Kristie” Guadiano-Elliott, Carolyn Latham-Shiflett, and Jackson Williams completed the requirements for the Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) program in November 2017 and were conferred to graduate in December 2017. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 11
December 2017
To Australia and Back! In November 2017, I traveled to Brisbane, Australia to attend APIC: the first International Foundation of Integrated Care (IFIC) conference in the southern hemisphere, resulting from a partnership between the International Foundation of Integrated Care (IFIC), Children’s Health Queensland (CHQ), and Queensland Health’s Clinical Excellence Division. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 10
November 2017
Why Do Anti-Anxiety Medications Sometimes Increase Anxiety? A recent New York Times article (Denizet-Lewis, 2017, October 11) raises the question of why anxiety disorders are increasing among American teenagers. The author of the article tells the story of “Jake,” an anxious teenager who was prescribed Prozac and then a series of other medications that did not help. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 9
October 2017
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) announces a two-year knowledge partnership with the International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC). Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, a private nonprofit institution, offers graduate and professional education in integrated behavioral health care through a virtual online campus. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 8
September 2017
The leadership at Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies (CGI) was proud to celebrate their two-year anniversary as one of the country’s most innovative, 100% online degree programs in integrated behavioral health. Founded in June 2015, it is one of a handful of universities worldwide that grant the distinguished Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree, and is the only university in the world that exclusively focuses on the growing field of integrated healthcare. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 7
August 2017
According to a recent article by Buckley (2017) that appeared this month on the Medscape website, two factors that increase suicidality in teens with type 1 diabetes have recently been identified. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 6
July 2017
Anyone who reads the popular medical literature these days has been inundated with articles about the evils of inflammation. Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 5
June 2017
I graduated with my MSW in 1985 and I have worked consistently since then, meaning I’m clearly over 40 (sigh)… Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 4
May 2017
Whether you have a background in medicine, behavioral health, or allied health… Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 3
March-April 2017
In the United States healthcare system, it is estimated that up to 85% of primary care… Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 2
February 2017
Although we are just beginning to say hello to February, this year has been off to a sad… Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 2 Issue 1
January 2017
We are grateful for your continued support. 2016 moved at lightning speed at CGI… Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 1 Issue 6
December 2016
As the year comes to a close, we reflect on all that we’ve experienced over the past… Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 1 Issue 5
September 2016
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading… Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 1 Issue 4
August 2016
CGI’s website underwent a massive facelift over the past month!… Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 1 Issue 3
July 2016
Every day brings us closer to achieving our vision at the Cummings Institute!… Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 1 Issue 2
May 2016
CGI is proud to announce that the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education… Read More
Biodyne Mindset Newsletter Vol. 1 Issue 1
February 2016
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Wendy Boring-Bray to the Cummings Faculty Team… Read More
