Leadership, Directors & Contributors
Meet the experienced clinicians, educators, and community leaders guiding New Horizons Foundation's mission to advance mental health access and community well-being.
Executive Leadership
Dr. S. Dean Aslinia
Executive Director
Provides overall executive leadership and strategic direction for New Horizons Foundation. Licensed clinician, educator, and nonprofit executive with extensive experience in clinical mental health, higher education, program development, and community partnerships. Emphasizes ethical stewardship, systems-based solutions, and long-term sustainability.
Directors & Senior Leadership
Ms. Gina Afshar
Director of National Operations (Foundation)
Provides national operational coordination, cross-state collaboration, and program execution support for NHF initiatives.
Mr. Joe Shipman
Director of Strategic Communications, Brand Architecture & Media Partnerships (Designate)
Leads strategic vision for NHF's public voice, brand integrity, digital posture, and media relationships. Focuses on credibility, donor and grant readiness, and alignment of communications with mission and values.
Dr. LaVelle Hendricks
Director of Community Partnerships & Civic Engagement
Leads civic, faith-based, and community partnerships. Brings extensive experience in civil rights leadership, public engagement, and community advocacy.
Dr. Tannaz Moein
Director of Youth Leadership Programs
Oversees youth leadership and education initiatives, integrating emotional intelligence, mentorship, and service-oriented leadership. Experienced clinician and program developer with a strong background in supervision and community education.
Dr. Catherine Hallam
Director of Autism & Neurodevelopmental Programs (Arizona)
Leads autism and neurodevelopmental initiatives through community-based and educational programming. Specializes in neurodiversity-affirming practices, family support, and professional education.
Program Leadership, Advisors & Contributors
Mrs. Erin Perry
Senior Director of Operations & Administrative Services
Provides operational leadership, administrative oversight, and systems coordination supporting NHF programs and partnerships. Brings extensive experience in clinical operations, organizational management, and cross-functional leadership.
Ms. Melissa Borden
Director of Program Development & Grants
Leads program design, grant development, and funding strategy for NHF initiatives. Brings expertise in translating mission into fundable programs, aligning outcomes with grant requirements, and supporting long-term sustainability.
Officer Lorenzo 'Enzo' Ortiz
Advisor — Law Enforcement & First Responder Programs
Advises on law enforcement culture, first-responder mental health needs, crisis response, and cross-system collaboration. Provides critical insight into officer wellness and public-safety partnerships.
Mr. Jesse Sigel
Program Lead — Grief, Aging & Life Transitions
Leads program development and education related to grief, bereavement, aging, and life transitions, supporting individuals and families navigating later-life challenges.
Dr. Ryan Smith
Program Contributor — Clinical Education & Skills-Based Programming
Contributes to clinical education initiatives, skills-based programming, and professional training content. Brings expertise in mental health education and scalable program development.
Medical, Clinical & Financial Oversight
Dr. Babak Abbassi
Director of Medical Operations (Advisory)
Provides medical oversight and strategic guidance related to integrated care models, psychiatric collaboration, and medical–mental health alignment across NHF initiatives.
Dr. Bahar Abbassi
Advisory — Integrative Medical Wellness & Aesthetic Strategy
Advises on integrative wellness initiatives, public education, and medical-wellness collaboration aligned with NHF's outreach and community health goals.
Dave Kessel, CPA
Financial Advisor & Compliance Consultant
Provides financial oversight, accounting guidance, and compliance consultation to support responsible stewardship, transparency, and regulatory alignment for New Horizons Foundation.
Dr. Alan Francis
Advisory — Research & Instructional Design
Provides guidance on research integration, instructional design, curriculum development, and evidence-based educational programming.
Legacy & Honorary Recognition
Dr. Amir Abbasi (In Memoriam)
Founder of New Horizons Center for Healing — Foundational Influence & Legacy Honoree
Recognized for his enduring influence on generations of clinicians, educators, and leaders whose values and commitment to service inform the mission of New Horizons Foundation.
Join Our Team
We're always looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to advancing mental health access and community well-being.