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Our Team

To Cultivate Every Individual’s Highest Potential
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Meet The Team

Our team is comprised of professionals who take their work very seriously but don’t take themselves too seriously. We are engaged and motivated to help create a culture of care, advocacy, and excellence to have a lasting positive impact in the lives of the clients and families we serve.

our ceo

Brent Arnold

It is truly an honor to be part of such a dedicated and talented team, united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the clients and families we serve. Every day I am inspired by the passion, expertise, and compassion each of our team members brings to their work. Together, we are not just building a great culture — we are creating a community that thrives on purpose, collaboration, and the impact we make in the lives of others. 

Our executive team

Our executive team has more than 80 years of experience in healthcare operations. We understand all aspects of sustainably growing a business and focus all of our time and attention on providing our clinical teams with the support they need, to allow them to focus on their patients.

Brent Arnold

Chief Executive Officer

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Mike Foulk

Chief Operating Officer

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Justin Stump

Chief Financial Officer

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Nushine Hosseini

Vice President of Human Resources

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Stephen Wood

Vice President of
Compliance & Clinical Services

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Doug Minnick

Senior Vice President of IT

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Our clinical leadership team

Our clinical leadership team comprises professionals with diverse backgrounds: healthcare, academia, industry advocacy, nonprofit and more. Our team has a deep understanding of the unique challenges each region presents and is skilled in developing partners to grow their practices.

Amanda Bloom

Regional Vice President
FL, GA, and CT

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Leighna Fischer

Regional Vice President
IL and WI

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Katie Kenner

Regional Vice President
KY and TN

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Melissa Schissler

Regional Vice President
CO, OK, and KS

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Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education Appoints Christina Peele as Regional Vice President for Texas

Christina Peele

Regional Vice President
TX

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Kristy Stidham

Regional Vice President
of Multi-Specialty Group

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Colleen DeMello

Regional Clinical Director
CO, CT, FL, GA, OK, KS, and TX

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Claire Prat

Regional Clinical Director
IL, KY, TN, and WI

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McCoy Nelson

Director of Strategic Development

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Sharon Beak

Director of Intake &
Community Outreach

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Veronica Umaña

Director of Marketing
& Communications

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Shane Palmer

Director of Revenue
Cycle Management

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Brent Arnold

Chief Executive Officer
Brent is an accomplished leader with over 32 years of experience in various healthcare settings. He is known for being mission-driven and patient-centric, focused on providing great outcomes and care for every patient. His goal is to create a strong and lasting company culture where team members are treated like family and provided an opportunity to develop and grow with the company.
What movie title best describes my life?

The Family Man – It is not WHAT you have in your life, but WHO you have in your life that matters most!

Mike Foulk

Chief Operating Officer
Mike Foulk joined Cultivate Behavioral Health and Education in January 2022. As Chief Operating Officer, he oversees operations across all aspects of the business to ensure that Cultivate is operating in a manner that delivers industry-leading results. Prior to joining Cultivate, Mike worked as a Divisional Vice President for one of the nation’s largest ABA companies and dedicated 20 years working with DaVita, a kidney dialysis service provider. In 2015, he graduated with his MBA from the University of Florida. Mike has a passion for obtaining best-in-class clinical and operational results, delivering a superior client experience, team building, employee engagement, and leadership development. He has devoted his professional life to ensuring that exceptional care is delivered to clients from employees that are valued and happy.
What movie title best describes my life?
Pursuit of Happyness

Justin Stump

Chief Financial Officer
Justin Stump joined Cultivate Behavioral Health and Education in April of 2022. As Chief Financial Officer, he is responsible for all financial activities of the organization enabling Cultivate to continue to build on its solid foundation of providing exceptional care for the families it serves. Justin comes to Cultivate after 16 years at Stericycle, Inc. where he served various roles of increasing responsibility within Finance, Operations, and M&A. He earned his undergraduate degree from Furman University majoring in both Economics and Spanish. He is passionate about collaborating with the business leaders at Cultivate and empowering our team members to allow us to expand our services to broader a population of patients.
What movie title best describes my life?
“The Good the Bad and the Ugly” as it reminds me the handling of each of life’s moments (good, bad and ugly) drives balance and appreciation in life.

Nushine Hosseini, SPHR

Vice President of Human Resources

Nushine built a strong foundation in her professional career by gaining broad exposure in various aspects of the HR field. Some of these functions include employee relations, talent acquisition, training/development, performance management, and succession planning. She amassed this experience while working within a diverse selection of industries including customer service/call center operations, financial services, fresh produce distribution, and most recently in the field of ABA.

Nushine has a tremendous passion for learning and holds a Masters in Human Resources Management and a Doctorate degree in Business Administration. She also holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification!

On a personal level, Nushine enjoys spending time with family and friends. She grew up on the beautiful, Caribbean Island of Trinidad & Tobago until she and her family relocated to sunny South Florida. She remained there, until her move to North Texas, where she has resided over the last few years with her immediate family.

Nushine’s heart is aligned with our mission, and she is passionate about embracing positive change in the lives of the families that we support.

What movie title best describes my life?
Soul – Your spark is not just your purpose, it’s also the beginning of the FIRE that ignites your many passions. We all have so much more to offer!

Stephen Wood, MSW, BCBA, LBA

Vice President of Compliance & Clinical Services

Stephen Wood, MSW, BCBA, LBA is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst residing in Lexington, KY. Stephen is a graduate of Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky College of Social Work. Stephen initially obtained BCaBA certification in 2003, and BCBA certification in 2008. Stephen served six years on the Kentucky Applied Behavior Analyst Licensure Board and currently serves as a board member with the Child Development Center of the Bluegrass and the ABA Advocates-KY provider group. Stephen is a member of the KY-ABA Executive Committee and in 2020, Stephen became the President-Elect for the KY Association for Behavior Analysis (KYABA).

Stephen joined Cultivate’s team following the successful acquisition of his program ABC by Cultivate Behavior Health and Education in December 2019. He is currently the Vice President of Compliance and Risk Management. In his former role as Director of Special Projects, Stephen helped promote Cultivate’s employee positive culture and mission of providing the highest quality of clinical care. Stephen is routinely involved with special projects identified by Cultivate including clinical, outreach, protection and advocacy, due diligence, and conference participation.

Stephen is an avid nature and outdoor sports enthusiast. He enjoys rollerblading, biking, hiking, gardening, and dog parking with his boxer dogs.

What movie title best describes my life?
Fantasia (1940 Film)

Doug Minnick

Senior Vice President of IT
Doug Minnick joined Cultivate in August of 2022 as Senior Vice President of IT where he oversees all aspects of Information Technology. He started writing software when he was 14 and his passion for IT never ended. For most of his career, he’s been involved in companies that touch the lives of children. Most recently, Doug was Vice President of IT Operations for one of the largest ABA companies in the US. Prior to that, he spent six years at Chuck E Cheese and over a decade at Pizza Hut and Yum! Brands. He even spent a couple years as General Manager of Traxxas which is one the largest manufacturers of radio-controlled vehicles. Doug takes satisfaction in knowing that what he does every day makes a positive impact in people’s lives.
What movie title best describes my life?
Days of Thunder – When you get knocked down, you get up, dust yourself off, and move forward. Not to mention, I like to race cars.

Amanda Bloom, M.S., BCBA

Regional Vice President
Amanda Bloom is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Regional Vice President for Cultivate. She has a Master’s degree in Developmental Disabilities with an advanced specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida. Amanda has been in the field of ABA for over 15 years working in a variety of roles and settings including research, clinic, in-home, school-based, and community support. As Director of Clinical Services, she oversees Cultivate’s clinical operations and provides support to team members to assist in delivering the best quality services possible for our families. When she’s not working at Cultivate, you can probably find her at Disney World with her husband & daughter or rooting for the Florida Gators.
What movie title best describes my life?

The Greatest Showman

Leighna Fischer, M.A., BCBA

Regional Vice President

Leighna is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Regional Vice President overseeing the Great Lakes region. She graduated from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She has been working as a BCBA for over 10 years and has been in the field of Psychology for over 15 years directly supporting individuals diagnosed with autism and their families. As a parent of a daughter with Down Syndrome, Leighna understands the daily struggles of balancing professional and personal responsibilities and is passionate about advocating for families that need support navigating the ins and outs of ABA.

Fun Fact: She’s named after “All for Leyna” by Billy Joel (Glass Houses) album!

What movie title best describes my life?
A real movie title? Maybe “Animal House” haha but a fake movie title would be “I’m Still Standing” haha

Katie Kenner, BCBA, KY LBA, COBA

Regional Vice President
Katie Kenner, BCBA, is a Regional Vice President with Cultivate. She has her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism and a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. Katie has worked across the school, home, community, and clinic settings supporting those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays since 2011. Katie loves supporting her team to grow professionally, obtain the best clinical outcomes for families, and navigate the science of ABA. She enjoys her spare time rooting on UK basketball and spending quality time with her husband and two sons.
What movie title best describes my life?
The Sound of Music – use creativity to find your favorite things, no matter what life throws your way!

Melissa Schissler, MS, BCBA, LBA

Regional Vice President

Melissa Schissler is a Regional Vice President for Cultivate. She has her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with an emphasis in Autism and received her BCBA credential in 2012.  Melissa has over 10 years of experience working with children diagnosed with autism and other developmental delays. She has conducted research on establishing and expanding appropriate play skills and has presented her research at ABAI and other state ABA conferences.

What movie title best describes my life?
The Sound of Music – use creativity to find your favorite things, no matter what life throws your way!
Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education Appoints Christina Peele as Regional Vice President for Texas

Christina Peele

Regional Vice President

Christina brings over 27 years of healthcare leadership experience, with a strong foundation in both clinical and operational excellence. She spent the majority of her career with DaVita Kidney Care, beginning as a Licensed Practical Nurse providing direct patient care and advancing into facility administration, regional leadership, and Director of Clinical Services during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she helped ensure safe, high-quality care for patients while supporting care teams. 

As a patient-first clinical leader, Christina is known for achieving strong clinical outcomes, developing high-performing teams, and driving operational success. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Liberty University and an Executive MBA from Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business. 

Outside of work, Christina lives in Dallas with her husband, TJ, and their dog Hendrix. She enjoys traveling, live music, trying new foods, and cheering on the Baltimore Ravens.

Kristy Stidham, BSW

Regional Vice President of Multi-Specialty Group
Kristy Stidham is the Senior Director of Multi-Specialty Group Program Operations. She is a Social Worker who has over 10 years of experience working with children with severe emotional disorders across a variety of domains including residential treatment, school-based treatment, intensive outpatient, educational advocacy, and traditional outpatient mental health care services. Kristy has a passion for serving others through her work and community service opportunities. She is a proud Kentuckian, born and raised in rural Northern Kentucky. Kristy enjoys spending time with her family, writing, painting, and cheering for her Cincinnati sports teams.
What movie title best describes my life?
The Pursuit of Happyness

Colleen DeMello, MA, LPC, BCBA, LBA-CT

Regional Clinical Director

Colleen has been providing ABA services for over 25 years supporting individuals in the areas of early intervention, developmental disabilities, adult and child mental health, family support, and foster care. She has served as a Consultant, Administrator, and Clinician/BCBA across a variety of settings that include clinics, residential, foster care, schools, and individual homes.

Colleen joined Cultivate in January 2021. As a Regional Clinical Director, across FL and CT, she is responsible for ensuring that clinical/ABA services are delivered with the highest level of compassion and quality and that they provide meaningful outcomes for all children, adolescents, and the families/stakeholders that we serve. Colleen finds her work to be rewarding on multiple levels and strives to inspire and watch others achieve success in everything they want to do. When not at work, Colleen spends her time surfing, SUP’ing, playing pickleball, solving puzzles, or traveling the world.

What movie title best describes my life?
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. “There is only one person in the whole world like you, and people can like you, just because you’re you.” -Mr. Rogers. Be kind, compassionate, and never afraid to try something new.

Claire Prat, MCD, CCC-SLP, BCBA, KY LBA, COBA

Regional Clinical Director
Claire graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and began working in the ABA field in 2008. She earned a Master of Communication Disorders from LSU Health Sciences Center. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Speech-Language Pathologist and has worked with children, adolescents, and young adults with various diagnoses in the clinic, home, community, and school settings. She joined Cultivate Behavioral Health and Education in 2020. In her role as the Regional Clinical Director in our Great Lakes and Midway regions, she provides clinical support and training in our Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and Wisconsin clinics and home services. She has a passion in taking a collaborative approach to making meaningful and socially significant changes in our clients’ lives. When she is not at work, she likes to spend time with her husband and 3 children in nature, traveling, and trying new foods and restaurants

McCoy Nelson

Director of Strategic Development

McCoy Nelson has been outstanding while serving as Outreach Coordinator in Kentucky, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to our ABA and MSG services. In his new role as Director of Strategic Development, he will continue overseeing outreach for Kentucky while assuming broader responsibilities in shaping our organization’s future.

As Director of Strategic Development, McCoy will analyze growth opportunities, plan relocations and expansions, oversee new center openings, and coordinate outreach plans with local leadership for new centers.

McCoy graduated from Baker University, where he earned his degree in Mass Communication. After college, he traveled the country, exploring his passions. This journey led him to become a Targeted Case Manager for Bluegrass Behavioral Health Group. After Cultivate acquired Bluegrass, McCoy transitioned into the role of Outreach Coordinator. In this role, he discovered a new passion for helping families get the services they needed and building relationships within the community. His efforts significantly contributed to the growth of all service lines in Kentucky.

“I am proud to be a part of an organization that shares so many of my personal core values,” said McCoy. “I am very excited to bring everything I have learned from fantastic leaders to my new role and to see Cultivate grow and create more opportunities for children to access the care they need.”

In his spare time, McCoy enjoys spending time with his family, playing with his large cactus collection, being in nature, or just enjoying a quiet evening reading.

What movie title best describes my life?
For Love of the Game

Sharon Beak

Director of Intake & Community Outreach

Sharon earned her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Kansas and her Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has been working in the field since 2007.

Sharon’s experience spans from working 1:1 with children to managing cases, training therapists, running clinics, and connecting with parents and the community about ABA therapy. As Cultivate’s Director of Intake and Community Outreach, she helps families navigate the process of receiving high-quality care and educates the community about the benefits of ABA therapy.

Passionate about promoting understanding and the potential of ABA, Sharon also enjoys hiking, playing tennis, watching sports, and exploring new restaurants and cafés in her free time.

Veronica Umaña

Director of Marketing & Communications

Veronica Umaña serves as the Director of Marketing & Communications at Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, where she leads strategic initiatives to build brand awareness, enhance community outreach, and promote access to high-quality ABA therapy services. With a background in advertising and mass communication, and a passion for storytelling, Veronica brings a creative and thoughtful approach to marketing that is both mission-driven and results-oriented.

She specializes in brand strategy, internal and external communications, media relations, SEO, and content development — all with a deep commitment to fostering understanding, inclusion, and support for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Veronica is especially passionate about connecting parents to the high-quality care and support their children deserve, helping families feel confident, informed, and empowered throughout their journey.

Veronica holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Mass Communication (Digital Media Studies) from Texas State University, where she also minored in Psychology. Her work is inspired by a belief in the power of compassionate communication to make a meaningful impact.

Shane Palmer

Director of Revenue Cycle Management

Shane Palmer joined Cultivate Behavioral Health and Education in June 2025 as Director of Revenue Cycle Management. In this role, he leads the strategy and operations of the revenue cycle team, ensuring efficient, accurate, and compliant billing practices that support Cultivate’s mission of delivering exceptional care to individuals with autism.

With over 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, Shane brings a deep background in revenue optimization, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration. Prior to joining Cultivate, he held senior roles in revenue cycle and provider services at multi-entity healthcare systems, where he led initiatives that improved financial performance and operational efficiency.

Shane was drawn to Cultivate by its commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care and its impact on families navigating autism. He is passionate about building high-performing teams and leveraging technology to streamline processes and improve outcomes.

Outside of work, Shane stays busy with his four active children and enjoys coaching as many of their sports teams as he can.

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