The team at IFS Institute has grown significantly in 2023. We're pleased to share a summary of the talent that has joined us and is committed to the important work we do.
Harriet O'Neal, Head of Legal - Harriet joined the IFSI team in July 2023. Harriet received her Juris Doctor from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 2014. Harriet is a true legal generalist with a background in corporate, government, labor, trademarks, and litigation
Marcia Leftwich, Curriculum Manager - Marcia joined the IFSI team in July 2023. She is a Certified IFS Practitioner with a passion for destigmatizing mental health in marginalized communities. She is a mouthpiece for inspiring others to safeguard their mental health and practice self-care daily. Marcia has over 20 years in training, teaching, curriculum design and mentoring.
Jody Pittner, Learning Program Manager - Jody joined the IFSI team in July 2023 with almost a decade of clinical practice and over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, learning design, and program development.
Desiree Goscilo, Program Assistance Coordinator - joined the IFSI team in July 2023. Desiree has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with experience working in human services. She has held several roles leading up to administration and leadership at a county government agency before gaining experience in higher education.
Caroline Gates, Learning Technology Specialist - Caroline joined the IFSI team in July 2023. She is an instructional designer and technologist with experience creating online learning programs for therapists in health care and school settings
Haley Thompson, Customer Success Coordinator - Haley joined the IFS team in August 2023. With a background in customer service, administration, and creative writing, she aims to merge this experience with her embodiment of the IFS model through Self-leadership and a commitment to social equity and justice.
Ryan McElmeel, Central Operations Manager - Ryan McElmeel (Mac - El – meal) joined IFSI in May 2023. He is based in North Carolina and comes to IFSI with extensive operations experience across several industries including behavioral health, educational technology, and sports/fitness.
Laura Dines, Director, Curriculum and Learning Programs - Laura joined the team in April 2023 and comes to IFSI with over 25 years of experience designing learning experiences for students of all ages. In this new role, she will be building a team of learning designers to expand IFSI’s educational programming including creating learning pathways for executive coaches and those interested in IFS a self-development model.
Laura Zaidi, Community Access Manager - Laura became part of the IFSI team in January 2023 and has dedicated her professional career in serving others as a Leader, Mentor, and Clinician. With a background in counseling and nearly 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry,