Our Medical Advisory Board is made up of leading mental health experts who designed the Ro Mind patient experience.
Dr. Mia Handler
Dr. Mia Handler is a board-certified psychiatrist and founding member of Bluestone Health, where she works with patients to heal and strengthen their own interpersonal relationships. She treats a variety of psychiatric disorders with personalized care using psychotherapeutic approaches and medication management tailored for each individual. She received her MD from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City where she served as Chief Resident during her fourth year of training. After Beth Israel she practiced at Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut, including serving as the Director of Psychiatry, where she was part of the leadership team working to advance patient care at a hospital level.
“By understanding that no two people are the same, it becomes clear that every individual has their own path to healing and wellness.”
Dr. Jeff Gardere
Dr. Jeff Gardere, better known as “America’s Psychologist”, is a board-certified clinical psychologist and Associate Professor and Course Director of Behavioral Medicine at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York City. Dr. Gardere is a respected academic, contributor, and author on topics related to behavioral medicine, cultural competence, community service, and health and human behavior. His published work includes numerous pieces of research and contributed content, a half-dozen books, and the documentary films “You Are Not Alone; Black Gay Men and Depression” and “Erasing Family; Parental Alienation and the Effects on Children.” Dr. Gardere received his M. Phil. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University.
“My mission is to smash the stigma of addressing mental illness and help people access the care that will change their lives for the better.”
Dr. Jorge Petit
Dr. Jorge Petit is a community psychiatrist and President and CEO of Coordinated Behavioral Care, Inc. (CBC). A leading mental health expert in the public healthcare sector with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Petit has led the development of strategies to achieve sustained and systemic improvements in access to needed care. His focus centers on expanding access to coordinated, individualized, and culturally competent care for chronic health conditions. Dr. Petit received his MD from the University of Buenos Aires and completed his residency at Mount Sinai Hospital, followed by a fellowship at Columbia Presbyterian.
“As a public-sector psychiatrist, my mission has been to create an accessible, equitable, and high-quality healthcare environment – especially for those individuals most impacted by social determinants of health.”
Dr. Sharon Parish
Dr. Sharon Parish is a Professor of Medicine in Clinical Psychiatry and Clinical Medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical College and the Director of Medical Services at the New York-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center. Her practice focuses on behavioral health, menopause, and sexual medicine for men and women. Dr. Parish has designed several educational programs and authored publications on sexual health, menopause, psychiatric care, and substance use disorders. She received her MD from Albany Medical College of Union University and completed her residency at The George Washington University Hospital, followed by a fellowship at New York University/Bellevue Hospital Center.
“To provide multidimensional mental health care we must integrate all aspects of an individual’s experience – including their biological, psychological, social, and cultural background.”
“I’ve spent my career focused on improving the way we deliver behavioral health care to patients. Everyone should have access to high-caliber services that meet their needs.”
Emily Hart is a licensed social worker and serves as the Director of Quality Improvement and Risk Management and the Privacy and Compliance Officer at Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut. Her clinical experience centers around providing services for substance use disorders and other psychosocial stressors. Emily is also an active advisory board member for the Family Re-Entry organization, focused on breaking cycles of incarceration through support services. She received her BSW from New York University and her MSW from Columbia University.
Minaa B.
“I don’t believe we should suffer alone or allow that to become our narrative in life. I do what I do to teach others that healing is possible and integrating their community within that experience is what will propel them forward.”
Minaa B. is a licensed social worker, writer, wellness coach, therapist, and mental health educator who teaches people how to cultivate self-care and self-advocacy through the lens of boundaries and community care. Minaa has over eight years of clinical experience and a passion for both mental health and social justice, through writing, speaking, workshops and coaching. She received her MSW in Clinical Social Work from New York University.
Emily Grossman
“As a person in recovery from a mental illness, I’m living my dream of advocating for people with mental illness. I’m letting the world know that people with mental illness can and do get well and live highly productive, fulfilling, and happy lives.”
Emily Grossman is a speaker, life coach, mental health Peer Specialist, and Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner, with over a decade of experience working in mental health. Currently, Emily serves as the Director of the Training Institute at Coordinated Behavioral Care, which offers cultural sensitivity trainings to community mental health providers across New York State to help advance inclusive and equitable care. Emily also operates her own small private peer specialist practice and was awarded the “Peer Specialist of the Year” by the National Council for Behavioral Health. Emily earned her Master’s in Education from Columbia University.
Alyssa Mancao
“I strongly believe in the power of human relationships and connection to facilitate growth and healing. It is my belief that regardless of what your current stressors are, or have been, you are capable of reaching your emotional potential, obtaining balance, and happiness.”
Alyssa (Lia) Mancao is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, therapist, writer, and a group practice owner based in Sherman Oaks, CA. Alyssa received her BA in Sociology from Cal Poly Pomona and her Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California. Her experience as a therapist includes advocacy and treating clients who experience depression, anxiety, and trauma. Alyssa works with clients to help them make connections from the past to the present while also teaching various coping skills to help improve their symptoms and interpersonal relationships.
Pervis Taylor
“Healing isn’t linear; it is continual.”
Pervis Taylor III is an award-winning life coach, inspirational speaker, author and mental health advocate, Pervis travels the nation delivering his uplifting messages to crowds large and small. He has helped countless individuals achieve their goals, and is excited to see where his journey of self empowerment will take him next. Pervis received his Masters in Psychology from Columbia University, and is the best selling author of Heal Forward, Pervis Principles Volumes 1&2, and Single Man, Married Man.
