Our Team

Founders

Marissa Ghavami

Founder

Marissa Ghavami

Marissa founded Healing TREE with Debbie Ghavami and Bruce Hardy, Ph.D., in 2014 and currently serves as the nonprofit’s Chief Executive Officer. As a working actor as well as an advocate, she is passionate about merging the arts and advocacy, using the arts as both a healing tool and a platform for positive change.

Healing TREE was established in direct response to a vast need that Marissa and her co-founders saw during Marissa’s own healing journey. After experiencing various forms of abuse and suffering from severe trauma, Marissa was fortunate to receive trauma-focused treatment modalities and heal from Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) and Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES). Along with her cofounders, with whom her healing would not have been possible, she then set out to create an organization that addresses the gaps she saw preventing countless others from healing from various forms of abuse and trauma, the ramifications of which she learned greatly impact society as a whole. As an advocate, in addition to overseeing all of Healing TREE’s operations, Marissa is a national public speaker, published writer and creator behind arts and advocacy projects. She shares her story and frequently presents on abuse, trauma and healing at conferences, social service agencies and college campuses across the country, giving keynotes, breakout speeches, trainings (including Continuing Education Units), educational and inspirational talks.

Marissa is also an actor, singer, voice over artist and model, in addition to being an advocate. Her work in the entertainment industry spans theatre, film, television, cabaret, commercial, radio and print. She was recently cast in a leading role, Gina, in the pilot Les Fashionables, shooting this spring in New York City. She is also Guest Starring on The Rigano Songbook’s musical Web Series Broadway On Deck, hosted by All Things Broadway, to be released this spring. Additionally, she just made her Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater debut in the Songs By Us concert, worked on the developmental workshop for Jet of Blood and modeled for B1 Fashion & Art Magazine. She has also acted in David Chase’s (Emmy-winning creator of the hit HBO show The Sopranos) theatrically released feature film Not Fade Away, starring James Gandolfini, et. al. as well as on CBS’s Without A Trace. She had leading roles in the short films Prophet and Mirror and was seen on stage originating the leading role of Kate in the World Premiere of The White Oak of Johnston. She sang at the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York City on NBC’s Showtime at the Apollo and was named their “Star of Tomorrow.” It was there that she was discovered by the show’s producer, living legend Suzanne de Passe (Motown, The Jackson 5). She has also sung at New York City hot spot 54 Below and was the runner up in the LA’s Next Great Stage Star Competition. She has done voice over work for such widely known brands as McDonalds, Ford and JC Penney. Additionally, she has done commercial and print work for PepsiCo’s AMP Energy Drink, Kroger, Girl Scout Cookies, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Vartali Hair Salon in New York City.

In 2012 she completed a two-year actor training program at The William Esper Studio, the world’s foremost studio dedicated to Meisner-based actor training, and has studied singing with the renowned Seth Riggs and, currently, Liz Caplan. She is a 2015/2016 ASTEP (Artists Striving To End Poverty) Fellow and participant in the 2015 ASTEP Artist As Citizen Conference at Juilliard. She is the winner of the “Way To Go Woman Award” for Today’s Woman magazine, featured in the September 2016 issue. She is featured in Nancy Miller’s book One Hundred Fascinating Louisville Women and was given a mayoral proclamation of “Marissa Ghavami Day” in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Marissa has two Bengal mix cat rescues, Sebastian and Viola and is based in New York City.

Debbie Ghavami

Co-Founder

Debbie Ghavami

As a co-founder of Healing TREE and the mother to the Founder, whose experience with trauma and subsequent healing was the catalyst for this organization, Debbie knows firsthand the nightmare and devastation trauma can cause. Having witnessed the destruction her daughter was left to heal from, Debbie was not only determined to get her daughter the proper help she needed in order to fully heal but was also determined to make a difference. Debbie’s constant plea became, “Help me to help my daughter!”

Debbie heavily immersed herself in researching and talking with experts across the United States in order to understand how to heal from such trauma and to identify the best treatment for her daughter’s healing. Many of these contacts have contributed to the wealth of knowledge that can be found on Healing TREE’s website.

Prior to the family’s devastation, ensuing healing and her interest in advocacy, Debbie’s professional career has included being a Buyer and Manager for an upscale woman’s shoe and clothing store, a Cosmetic Manager, and a Director of Event Planning at a four star restaurant. Currently, Debbie holds a Kentucky Real Estate license, on occasion assists her restaurateur husband, Majid, during special events at his restaurant, and started working part time in cosmetics again.

Debbie is so grateful and proud of her daughter’s fortitude, in not only healing, but in starting Healing TREE. Today mother and daughter continue to work together to help all those whose plea is, “Help me to help………!”

dghavami@healingtreenonprofit.org

Bruce Hardy, Ph.D.

Co-Founder

Bruce Hardy, Ph.D.

Dr. Bruce Hardy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, approved as a Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor and certified as a Sexual Addiction Therapist and Multiple Addictions Therapist. He has been practicing since 1986. Prior to his work in the mental health field, Dr. Hardy worked as a police officer, EMS responder and pastor. He also holds a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology. Since 2000, he has been the Director and Owner of Hardy Associates, LLC where he specializes in treating people who have experienced trauma. He treats people with a history of physical, emotional, verbal, and religious abuse, people who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and dissociative disorders and people with sexual compulsive disorders and addictions. He also offers Marriage and Family Therapy. He is certified in EMDR therapy and holds a certificate from the International Institute For Trauma and Addiction as well as the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.

Board of Directors

Jeff Burnett

President

Jeff Burnett

Jeff is a Financial Advisor with Somnio Capital Solutions, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., where he works with individuals and businesses in the areas of retirement planning strategies, investments and insurance. In addition, he is also a partner in REM Real Estate, LLC. A Louisville native, Jeff may best be known for his years of providing countless hours of entertainment as a musician in the band Nervous Melvin & the Mistakes, where he won Louisville Magazine, “Best of Louisville” awards as well as helping to raise both money and recognition for numerous charities and organizations. Today, he continues that work with the popular local band This, That & the Other, often performing Emcee duties at various galas and events. Jeff holds a Masters in Arts and Teaching degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Louisville.

In addition to his role with Healing TREE, Jeff is the President of the Lyndonwoods Office Condo Association. He has previously served as Chairman of the Holy Spirit School, School Advisory Committee, Board member for Wesley House Community Services, Board member for Afterimages Dance Company, and Chairman of the Board of Crescent Hill United Methodist Church. Jeff also served eight years as a Commissioner for the city of Thornhill, KY.

When he isn’t working, Jeff spends time with his daughters Eliza and Charlotte. He cherishes his time with friends and family and most loves being a dad. Nicknamed “the mayor,” Jeff loves being involved in the community and helping others in any way he can.

Tyra Amrein

Vice President, Events

Tyra Amrein

Tyra Amrein is a respected voice in the Louisville and Oldham County communities. She is a known connector and has influenced many entrepreneurs, from CEOs to artists, with her quick-thinking, keen listening skills, and passion. She is not just an idea person, but an implementer who takes visions and makes them reality. She is known for making the impossible happen — often at the last minute — and inspires teams to deliver results both quickly and creatively.

As owner of Twisted Events, Tyra regularly works with varying budgets to create successful events of all kinds. Major clients include a US Congressional candidate for whom Tyra is currently coordinating several high-dollar fundraising events. Other recent projects include album release parties for musicians, over the top engagement parties, destination island weddings, Kentucky Derby celebrations and multiple fundraisers.

Before starting Twisted Events, Tyra spent many years as a real estate agent, expanding her business beyond the standard buy-and-sell to residential construction. She oversaw construction teams on projects from single family homes to award-winning multi-million dollar luxury cabins. Previously, she studied Communications at Tulane University and English at the University of Kentucky. In 2012, Her passion for cooking led her to pursue a Culinary Arts Degree at Sullivan University.

Tyra’s compassion is as relentless as her drive, and stems from a history of personal tragedies. She has managed to gather strength from adversity. Though she is adamant to point out that her own struggles do not define her, they certainly have developed in her a sense of caring and dedication that she brings to every endeavor. She knows that not everyone has had the resources and luck that she has and is committed to helping others rise above their own life struggles.

Tyra is married to serial entrepreneur, Jeff Amrein. They have 3 lovely children. In her downtime, Tyra loves spending time traveling with her family and collecting memories. She has a passion for culinary arts and music and can usually be found on any given weekend evening listening to a live band.

Sarah Rogers, MBA

Secretary, Strategy

Sarah Rogers

Sarah Rogers works for Humana, a Fortune 100 company, as a Strategic Consultant within the Innovation Center partnered with Humana’s At Home business. In her role, she is focused on developing programs for members with Congestive Heart Failure using the principles of User Centered Design. Since joining Humana in 2005 as part of the Consulting Practice, she has held roles of increasing responsibility in Medical Cost Management, Medicare Network Filing, National Contracting, and Healthcare Services Finance, Planning, and Administration.

Sarah graduated from Mary Baldwin College with a BA in Psychology and obtained an MBA in Entrepreneurship and New Business Development from the University of Louisville. In her free time, Sarah serves on the Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky board and as board treasurer for the Levy Building Condo Association. In 2015, Sarah was honored as one of Louisville Business First’s top Forty Under 40.

Jeff Scherer

Treasurer

Jeff Scherer

Jeff is a Certified Public Accountant with MCM CPAs & Advisors LLP, where his focus is providing business and individual tax planning and compliance services. Jeff has experience with a wide range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, construction, real estate, and mining. Jeff was previously associated with a national accounting firm.

An Arizona native, Jeff moved to the Louisville, KY area for college and fell in love with the Derby City where he began his career in accounting after graduating with Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Economics. He spends his spare time exercising, spending time with friends and family and traveling whenever possible.

Andrew Aebersold

Digital Marketing

Andrew Aebersold

Andrew brings over 25 years of professional experience in advertising and technology. Starting at the age of 10 he taught himself computer programming, and he went on to get degrees in business administration and a bachelor of arts from Indiana University. Prior to founding Mediaura 14 years ago, Andrew launched two successful digital departments for other agencies. His vast knowledge of technology and experience in advertising steers the Mediaura ship in the right direction, creatively helping clients by using technology to enhance traditional advertising techniques.

The proprietary software solution known as ADBuilder (aka Pro Builder PDF) platform was created by Andrew and subsequently licensed to Community Health Systems. This system managed all marketing materials for hundreds of hospitals, assisting in multiple mergers and acquisitions to ensure all messaging was branded correctly and delivered in the appropriate format to the proper publications. This system was licensed to other brands, including LongHorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Kentucky Community and Technical College System, and Einstein Brother’s Bagels.

Andrew innovated and patented a unique digital menu board software system that streamlined in-store messaging for over 1,000 displays in KFC restaurants nationwide, reducing operating costs and increasing revenue by showing the right message to consumers at the right time of day. This system was also licensed to other companies, such as Long John Silver’s and Back Yard Burgers.

Andrew also built an online ad approval software package to streamline ad approvals from hundreds of local agencies creating and advertising on behalf of franchisees for KFC. The corporate office wanted to reduce liability by having all appropriate parties sign off on correct materials in a digital format. This system aggregated content, assigned it to the appropriate people for approval, tracked revisions and feedback, and organized it all in an easy to use online portal. This system is still in use today for all advertising nationally and reduces the total time required to seek approval and has improved branding consistency.

Andrew developed an online coupon software platform and licensed it to KFC and Long John Silver’s to help with distributing offers to the appropriate geographically targeted areas. This portal has served millions of users annually and allows the brands to track their consumers, create additional touch points, improve lead generation, and ultimately increase revenue by driving sales with a system controlled and operated by Mediaura. This system is still in use today by Long John Silver’s.

In addition to these larger software projects, Andrew has personally developed and overseen hundreds of websites on a variety of platforms over the years. He was an original developer for the Joomla CMS and has developed custom plugins and software on the WordPress platform as well. Integrating various platforms and utilizing them in the most efficient and effective way is a hallmark of Andrew’s technical methodology. Being a developer first and an advertiser second, he has the vision to create a solid foundation that can be fine-tuned to maximize results.

Natalie Andrews

Production & Administrative Assistant

Natalie Andrews

Natalie is a teaching artist, musician, actress, and producer and in recent years has become an advocate for creativity as an effective mental health management tool. She owns and operates Songbird Studios, offering voice and piano lessons to learners of all ages. She also serves as Vice President of the Board for The Bridge Initiative, a theatre nonprofit promoting gender parity in leadership roles in the arts. While earning her B.F.A. at the University of Oklahoma she worked for the Office of Recruitment, gaining extensive experience in conducting interviews, database management and team building. She has also been a presenter at the Berklee City Music Summit hosted at Columbia College, where she spoke about her ongoing research collaboration Original Music Programming: Nurturing the Human Artist.

Natalie’s knowledge and personal practice of treatment modalities developed out of necessity when she began her own healing process in 2014 and includes yoga, Somatic Experiencing (SE), theatre and music, movement, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and mindfulness. Having been through the therapist search both for herself and others, Natalie understands how difficult and important it is for vulnerable individuals to find good care. Natalie resides in Phoenix, AZ with her husband Brian, and her two cats, Ophelia and Pierre.

Cathy Hull

Marketing

Cathy Hull

Cathy Hull is an accomplished marketing executive who utilizes her experience with consumer insights and analytics to generate ideas and create successful brand strategies and marketing plans. She has a passion for learning and “connecting the dots” to determine the next consumer trend and to set the appropriate brand strategies and tactics.

After many years in the food industry with companies such as Kraft Foods and Papa John’s, Cathy recently accepted the position of Chief Marketing Officer for Extract Wellness, LLC. The mission of Extract Wellness is to provide consumers with natural wellness alternatives derived from hemp, making this position a perfect fit for her. Though new to the world of hemp, Cathy has a strong personal interest in natural products and holistic solutions for one’s well-being.

Cathy’s background includes being named an ExecRank “Top Private Company Marketing Executive” and she was the first woman in the history of Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation to become a Region Manager. She also served on the United States Olympic Committee for the state of Kentucky, the Grace & Glory Lutheran Church Council and as a board member with the Lincoln Foundation. Cathy was able to share her love of nature and animals, serving on the Louisville Zoo Foundation Board for several years. She also holds a marketing degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

Though born and raised in the Cleveland, Ohio area and after relocating to several cities throughout her professional career, Cathy now resides in Louisville, Kentucky. Some of her favorite things include coffee shops, journaling, enjoying nature, any beach, trying a new restaurant and spending time with family, friends and her fiancé, Glenn.

Gina Kaye

Approved Care Network Coordinator

Gina Kaye

Trained in public health and prevention models, Gina holds a Masters in Health Education from the University of Texas. She is on mission to educate about addiction, trauma, and abuse and connect others to treatment and recovery resources. She knows firsthand that knowledge is power. Having a language to attach to lived experience is crucial to healing. Gina openly shares her experience with trauma and abuse. Gina is especially passionate about illuminating the realities of porn/sex addiction, betrayal trauma, narcissistic abuse, and spiritual abuse while also enhancing healthy sexuality, relationships, and authentic spirituality.

Gina lives in Austin, TX where she is a single mom and enjoying the best Austin has to offer. She is connected to and working alongside other like-minded individuals and organizations that are in the fight for recovery, health, and healing. Gina maintains memberships with NAADAC (The Association for Addiction Professionals), TAAP (Texas Association of Addiction Professionals) and SASH (Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health) and holds a CPSAS (Certified Pastoral Sex Addiction Specialist) certification.

She is working on a variety of initiatives including ones that build bridges between faith leaders and mental health professionals. Born and raised in the Church, Gina has vast knowledge and insight to American evangelical christian culture. In her former life she was a pastor’s wife for over 10 years and knows how hard it can be to adequately address issues of addiction, trauma, and abuse in faith communities. She is solution minded and advocating for change.

You can learn more about Gina on her website ginakaye.org.

MJ Kinman

Strategy & Fundraising

MJ Kinman

MJ has enjoyed a multi-faceted career in the non-profit sector, Corporate America, and as a successful textile artist. “Multi-faceted” is an apt word, given that she is now known for the giant diamond portraits she creates with fabric and paint.

For the past 25 years, MJ has guided programs and projects in the not-for- profit and private sectors. She led Louisville’s earliest self-sufficiency programs and served as one of the first Administrators of the innovative Neighborhood Place program, a collaboration of state and local agencies. MJ also guided development efforts that raised nearly $1 million for local organizations, as well as National Public Radio’s popular program, “This I Believe”.

After making the leap from the non-profit arena to the corporate world, MJ served as a technology project manager leading teams at a Louisville Fortune 100 company. Her teams implemented online systems, developed benefit programs, and participated in Merger & Acquisition efforts.

Concurrently with her 25-year tenure in the non-profit and business worlds, she developed her unique style of art quilts that look like faceted diamonds. In 2014, the call to the creative life became so deafening that she walked away from the lucrative corporate gig to pursue her artistic career on a full-time basis. Since then, her gems have been exhibited in galleries, museums, and national juried competitions. The Women’s Jewelry Association featured an exhibit of her work at their 2017 annual Awards for Excellence Gala in New York City. Her work has been featured in Quilting Arts Magazine and Quilting Arts TV, a program distributed nationally by PBS affiliates. She teaches around the country, is developing a line of fabric for quiltmakers, and has three books in the works with C&T Publishing. Since receiving the green light from curators at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, MJ has started working on a new series of gem art quilts inspired by the National Gem Collection including the Hope Diamond, the Blue Heart Diamond, the Janet Annenberg Hooker Emerald, and others.

Her gems are also part of numerous residential and corporate collections. Most notably, Maker’s Mark Distillery recently commissioned a major work for their permanent art collection. (If you visit Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY, you’ll see MJ’s work “Maker’s Flame” in the Star Hill Provisions restaurant.)

MJ returns to our Board of Directors after having served as Board President in 2016. During her tenure as President, MJ helped navigate the team through our rebranding effort, developed our organizational policies and procedures, helped us plan and host our first annual gala, and implemented our Customer Relationship Management software to track donations and improve our fundraising capacity.

MJ holds a master’s degree in Social Work Administration from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). She lives in Louisville with her husband Joe and their three pups, Lexie, Xena and Sherlock.

Terri Lenahan-Downs

Grants

Terri Lenahan-Downs

Terri began her professional path in NYC and Miami for Parfums Stern and Sanofi luxury cosmetic brands and fragrances working closely on events and promotions for and with Oscar De La Renta and the launch of Cher fragrances. Returning to her hometown of Louisville, KY Terri managed special projects, sales promotions and events for the CMO and CEO of Anthem BCBS and eventually headed up external affairs for the CEO of Delta Dental of KY. While in the corporate world Terri held onto a passion for connecting people with nature and conservation that had been inspired as a young child growing up across the street from the Louisville Zoo, Joe Creason Park and Beargrass Creek. Her love of animals led to volunteering as a member of the board of directors for the Friends of the Louisville Zoo where she co-chaired their largest annual fundraiser Zoofari and Throo the Zoo 5K as well as helping with the fundraising and opening of the award winning Islands, Gorilla Forest and Glacier Run.

An opportunity to leave the corporate world and use her knowledge and connections to develop more revenue streams for the nonprofit Louisville Zoo led her to overseeing the Zoo’s Corporate Marketing Partnerships. In her tenure at the Zoo, Terri has expanded corporate sponsorships and special events partnering with a local brewery to create the wildly popular Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too! Fundraiser, now in its sixteenth year. Over the years Terri has raised millions of dollars for the Louisville Zoo while introducing people to its mission of bettering the bond between people and our planet.

Terri graduated from Presentation Academy and the University of Louisville, Cum Laude with a BA in Communications and minor in English. She is a past president of the International Association of Business Communicators KY Chapter (IABC-KY); member of the board of directors of American Advertising Federation Louisville chapter (AAF-Louisville) since 2005; past recipient of the 40 Under 40 Louisville Award and Top 100 Marketing and Advertising Influencers by Insider Louisville. She has received an AAF-Louie/Addy award and IABC Silver Quill award for her marketing communications work on corporate annual reports.

Terri is married to former musician Kevin D. Downs. She and Kevin enjoy all kinds of music and art, spending time restoring old houses, picking for old artifacts or just being crafty. Caring deeply about older neighborhoods where they have restored houses and own property, Kevin and Terri are past board members of Irish Hill Neighborhood Association. They are currently on the board of Clifton Heights Community Council where they helped save and restore four acres of forgotten forest and established the Clifton Heights Greenway and Trail. They love communing with nature’s flora and fauna in all settings and seasons and taking their tortie/mane coon cat Maizey with them when they travel.

Staff + Volunteers

Marissa Ghavami

CEO

Marissa Ghavami

Marissa is also an actor, singer, voice over artist and model, in addition to being an advocate. Her work in the entertainment industry spans theatre, film, television, cabaret, commercial, radio and print. Recently, Marissa was cast as a Series Regular, Gina, in the Pilot Les Fashionables, which will be filming this Spring in New York City. She is also Guest Starring on The Rigano Songbook’s musical Web Series Broadway On Deck, hosted by All Things Broadway, to be released this spring. Additionally, she just made her Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater debut in the Songs By Us concert, worked on the developmental workshop for Jet of Blood and modeled for B1 Fashion & Art Magazine. She has also acted in David Chase’s (Emmy-winning creator of the hit HBO show The Sopranos) theatrically released feature film Not Fade Away, starring James Gandolfini, et. al. as well as on CBS’s Without A Trace. She had leading roles in the short films Prophet and Mirror and was seen on stage originating the leading role of Kate in the World Premiere of The White Oak of Johnston. She sang at the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York City on NBC’s Showtime at the Apollo and was named their “Star of Tomorrow.” It was there that she was discovered by the show’s producer, living legend Suzanne de Passe (Motown, The Jackson 5). She has also sung at New York City hot spot 54 Below and was the runner up in the LA’s Next Great Stage Star Competition. She has done voice over work for such widely known brands as McDonalds, Ford and JC Penney. Additionally, she has done commercial and print work for PepsiCo’s AMP Energy Drink, Kroger, Girl Scout Cookies, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Vartali Hair Salon in New York City.

Alyssa White

Executive Assistant

Alyssa White

Alyssa White is currently studying English while concentrating in Creative Writing as a senior at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. On campus, she is a Relationship Peer Educator which tasks her with the responsibility of teaching her fellow peers about sexual violence and unhealthy relationships on college campuses. Alyssa has been involved in several non-profit opportunities and is a major advocate for intersectional feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and the prevention of gender violence in all forms.

Suzanne Brier

Social Media Assistant

Suzanne Brier

Suzanne Brier is currently studying psychology and creative writing as a senior at Muhlenberg College. On campus, she serves as vice president of the Sexual Assault Awareness Group and is a volunteer crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line. She has been involved with several non-profit organizations such as Project Heal and The National Eating Disorder Association. Additionally, Suzanne has gained experience working in various clinical settings. She hopes to pursue her goal of becoming a clinical psychologist post-graduation. Suzanne is a major advocate for preventing abuse in all forms, supporting individuals who have endured interpersonal trauma, and providing both empathy and resources to those struggling with mental health issues.

Michaela White

Public Relations Assistant

Michaela White

Michaela White is currently a junior at college in Annapolis, Maryland where she majors in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. At school she is involved with planning vigils for trauma survivors where their voices can be heard during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Additionally, she wears multiple hats as the operations officer for school wide events as well as running the social media pages for various groups on campus. She also has experience with other non-profits such as the Ronald McDonald House and Girl Scouts of the USA. She believes in breaking the stigma in the media with trauma through holding open conversation about the subject and showing survivors that their voices can be heard.

Mediaura

Digital Marketing

Mediaura

Founded in 2003, Mediaura has built a solid reputation in the community through our integrity, expertise, and client satisfaction. We are a company that strives to achieve the best possible results for a fair price. Mediaura takes pride in all the work we do, and our staff is available to explain and educate along the way.

Privately-owned, the company has experienced consistent annual growth over the past 14 years. We service clients that are local, regional, national, and international; as well as companies that are both from the for-profit and non-profit sectors.

Our company began as the “Interactive Partner” for several traditional advertising firms, most notably Creative Alliance (now known as Scoppechio). Mediaura team members were at the forefront of the digital media revolution, and that has given us not only the edge when implementing new technologies, but combined with our experience with traditional advertising agencies, we can thoroughly assess and speak to our client’s needs. We are a company that knows how to be innovative and push boundaries, while also remaining accessible enough to an audience that may prefer more traditional methods. This allows our clients to maintain their core base demographic while increasing their market reach.

Twisted Events

Events

Twisted Events

Twisted Events is a Louisville, KY based custom concept event design company. Clever personalized twists are our unique signature and are incorporated into every event … from small dinner parties to CD release promotions to large scale fundraisers. Get Twisted!

Board of Advisors

David Grand, Ph.D.

Board of Advisors

David Grand, Ph.D.

David Grand, Ph.D is the founder and developer of groundbreaking brain-body based Brainspotting method. Through his Brainspotting Trainings, Inc he has trained over 8,000 therapists internationally and has developed 22 trainers worldwide. Dr. Grand is the author of the acclaimed book, Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Chance and the Co-author of This is Your Brain on Sports. Dr. Grand is in demand as a lecturer on a variety of topics. He has accomplished breakthroughs in performance and creativity with his Brainspotting Sports Work and Brainspotting Acting and Singing Coaching. Dr. Grand has been widely featured in the media including The NY Times, NBC National News, The Discovery Channel, CNN, MSNBC, Sports Illustrated and Sirius Radio.

Dr. Grand still finds time for a full-time private psychotherapy and performance practice in Manhattan, NY.

Jamie Marich, Ph.D.

Board of Advisors

Jamie Marich, Ph.D., LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, REAT, RMT

Jamie Marich’s friends and colleagues describe her as a renaissance woman. A dancer, musician, performer, writer, clinical counselor, and registered expressive arts therapist, Marich unites these elements of her experience to achieve an ultimate mission: bringing the art and joy of healing to others. Marich’s career in counseling and human services began while she worked in Bosnia-Hercegovina from 2000-2003. While in Bosnia, Marich served as an English and music teacher, in addition to working freelance for other humanitarian aid projects.

Marich, currently working in private practice after obtaining many years of experience in inpatient mental health, inpatient chemical dependency, and outpatient dual diagnosis treatment, travels the country for several professional continuing education providers, offering instruction on a variety of clinical topics. Jamie is the author of five books: EMDR Made Simple (2011), Trauma and the Twelve Steps (2012), Creative Mindfulness (2013), and Trauma Made Simple (2014), and her latest book, Dancing Mindfulness: A Creative Path to Healing and Transformation, which was released in the Fall of 2015 (SkylightPaths Publishing). Jamie was interviewed as a master clinician in the DVD, Trauma Treatment: Psychotherapy for the 21st Century (2012) alongside icons like Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Peter Levine, Dr. Robert Scaer, and Belleruth Naparstek. Jamie had the privilege of offering trauma recovery retreats at the Kripalu School for Yoga & Health in the Fall of 2012, at the Esalen Institute in the Spring of 2013 and Winter of 2014, and at Amrit Yoga Institute in Salt Springs, Florida in the Fall of 2015 and 2016. In 2015, Marich launched her own EMDRIA-Approved EMDR Therapy training curriculum and now enjoys training a new generation of EMDR clinicians alongside her collaborative faculty members (and friends) Amber Stiles-Bodnar and Dr. Stephen Dansiger. Marich and Dansiger are working collaboratively on a book EMDR Therapy & Mindfulness for Trauma Focused Care, due out with Springer Publishing later in 2016.

Jamie strives to incorporate music and other forms of creative expression into her practice. As her career developed, Marich’s love for experience-oriented methods of healing and trauma resolution intensified, prompting her to explore the conscious dance scene and various ways of applying these wonderful, “come as you are” practices into the healing process. Having completed several trainings and experiencing other conscious dance practices at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massachusetts, Marich was encouraged and inspired to develop her own, unique practice, which now exists in the form of Dancing Mindfulness. To date, Marich has taught conscious dance seminars at various conferences nationally and internationally and has trained more than 170 facilitators in the Dancing Mindfulness practice. She completed her Reiki Master teacher training in the Usui Shiki Ryoho system of Reiki under Master Valerie Spitaler. Marich is a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) through the International Association of Expressive Arts Therapists and offers a full certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy through her Institute for Creative Mindfulness. Trained in several modalities of recovery and trauma-informed yoga, Marich recently launched the Yoga Unchained method of trauma-informed yoga with Jessica Sowers.

Artist Advocates