About Thriveworks

AJ Centore PhD, Founder and CEO

AJ (Anthony) Centore Ph.D. is Founder and CEO at Thriveworks, a counseling practice focused on premium client care with 150+ locations across the USA. He is a multistate Licensed Professional Counselor, Advisory Committee Member for the American Counseling Association Foundation, former Private Practice Consultant for the American Counseling Association and Columnist for Counseling Today magazine where he published over 95 monthly columns. AJ is Author of several books and Co-author of “Leaving Depression Behind: An Interactive, Choose Your Path Book.” AJ has been quoted in media outlets including The Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, and CBS Sunday Morning.

Charity Minerva, Vice President of Payor Relations & Associate General Counsel

Dagen Weaver, Chief Human Resource Officer

As the Chief Human Resource Officer at Thriveworks, Dagen is responsible for all areas of HR with a focus on the implementation of processes and policies that keep the business running smoothly. From entry level position workflows, to top-level strategic business operations, Dagen understands in great detail the workload and process for each support position, supervisors, and also executive team members. These insights position Dagen as the go-to for identifying, creating and implementing new initiatives. Dagen is also responsible for nurturing Thriveworks’ corporate culture which balances the need for excellence with a fun, casual environment. Dagen holds a B.S. in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from Bridgewater College.

Heidi Faust LCSW, Chief Compliance Officer

Heidi is responsible for clinical compliance with a focus on the implementation and auditing of policies and procedures in order to ensure that Thriveworks is a curve breaker in our success in complying with relevant ethical, regulatory, safety, and billing guidelines. Heidi joined Thriveworks in 2012 and has served as a Clinician, Clinic Manager, Regional Clinic Director, Executive Clinic Director, and Franchise Owner of locations in Media, PA, and Wilmington, DE. Due to her extensive experience in the field and with Thriveworks, Heidi both understands the processes for each clinical team member and also the importance of coordination between departments in order to achieve company success. Heidi holds a B.A. in Psychology from George Mason University, a Master of Social Work from Hunter College in New York City, and she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania.

Joy Decker Guadagnini, Chief Financial Officer

Marc Brooks, Chief Legal Officer & VP of Business Development

In his role as Chief Legal Officer, Marc oversees and manages all aspects of Thriveworks’ legal affairs, including litigation, corporate matters, regulatory compliance and risk management. Marc’s secondary role is Vice President of Business Development. In this position, Marc is responsible for locating future Thriveworks clinics, securing real estate and getting the doors open to see new clients! Prior to joining Thriveworks, Marc served as Senior Director and Associate General Counsel at IQVIA, a leading global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions, and contract research services to the life sciences industry. In this role, he supported regulatory, contracting, mergers & acquisitions, and acted as lead attorney in some of IQVIA’s most strategic customer transactions. Marc holds a B.B.A. from Campbell University and a J.D. with a Health Law certificate from The University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

Michael Reffner, Chief Franchise Officer

In his role as Chief Franchise Officer, Michael is responsible for supporting the network of franchise owners across the country. This includes providing the initial training, leading continuous education efforts as well as being a trusted source for advice and information among the franchisees. Michael is also a franchise owner with locations in South Carolina. A graduate of Liberty University, Michael earned additional degrees from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (MAR, Religion) and Lynchburg College (M.Ed. Coursework, Counseling) before returning to Liberty to earn Ed.S., Educational Leadership.

Ryan Culkin LPC, Chief Counseling Officer

Shaheen E Lakhan MD, Medical Director

Dr. Shaheen E Lakhan is a physician, scientist, and educator, board-certified in neurology and pain medicine with clinical training from the Cleveland Clinic and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Formerly, Dr. Lakhan was on the medical staff of leading medical centers (City of Hope; Cambridge Health Alliance), founding neurology department chair and assistant dean of an emerging medical school (California University of Science and Medicine), chair of an active institutional review board (Arrowhead Regional Medical Center), and chief of pain management at a multi-hospital academic healthcare system (Virginia Tech Carilion).

In addition to exemplary clinical service, Dr. Lakhan has an extensive research, educational, and philanthropic portfolio. He has over 100 peer-reviewed journal publications, books, and book chapters; was appointed by California Gov. Brown and Virginia Gov. Northam to prestigious boards; and bestowed the Harvard Medical School Dean’s Community Service Award for his founding of the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation. He was also awarded the President’s Call to Service Award for Lifetime Achievement by George W. Bush and The U.S. Congressional Award Gold Medal. In 2017, he was recognized by his peers and inducted as Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, the Academy’s highest designation.