affiliate networks
Our Clinical & educational networks are bmhf’s roster of vetted, independent mental health and wellness professionals — licensed therapists, dietitians, art therapists, and somatic practitioners — who join forces with BMHF to disrupt standard care models.
These experts treat symptoms and challenge systems. They partner with us to deliver:
• High-Impact Masterclasses: Free webinars and virtual events on niche topics within the performance industry, including behavioral/eating disorders, trauma-informed arts education, and the intersection of mental health, social reform, and theatre.
• Expert Content: Contributing voices for our guides, articles, and anti-stigma campaigns.
• Guest Facilitation: Leading specialized workshops and intensives that bring clinical and educational depth to our community programming.
CLINICAL AFFILIATE NETWORK
CHRISTINA CHAGARIS / RD, CDN, RYT
Christina is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for helping individuals develop a positive, sustainable relationship with food. With extensive experience treating eating disorders and disordered eating at the partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels of care, she has worked with individuals facing anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, orthorexia, OSFED, and co-occurring conditions such as OCD and neurodivergence. Her philosophy is rooted in Intuitive Eating, Health at Every Size (HAES), and a non-diet approach, providing clients with compassionate, individualized care that meets them where they are. Christina brings a unique perspective as a lifelong dancer who previously trained at Joffrey Ballet School, giving her a deep understanding of the nutritional needs and challenges dancers and athletes often face. She currently serves as the Nutrition Instructor at Joffrey Ballet School NYC, where she educates pre-professional dancers on fueling for performance and overall well-being.
ALENA GERST / LCSW, RYT
Alena is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in performing artists. During her 10 year career as a professional musical theater performer, Alena became increasingly interested in mind/body health, especially with the unique physical and emotional challenges faced by performers, starting with her growing interest in yoga. After recovering from a major illness developed during the run of a show, healing and performer wellbeing became her passion, and eventually her life's work. A dedicated yoga practitioner in the lyengar method, Alena is also a certified yoga teacher, trained in LifeForce Yoga for mood management, and the author of A Wellness Handbook for the Performing Artist: The Performer's Essential Guide to Staying Healthy in Body Mind and Spirit. She loves to see theater, listen to jazz, explore the city with her husband and children, and she's a bona fide "dog person." She is also the owner and director of Inside Psychotherapy in NYC.
ELENA BURTON / LMHC
Elena is a licensed therapist based in NYC, holding dual masters degrees in Psychological Counseling and Mental Health Counseling from Columbia University. She is part of a small group practice offering both virtual and in-person sessions, and her expertise lies in working with anxiety, relationship issues, and life transitions. Elena uses a mix of CBT and mindfulness techniques, helping you to break down behavioral and thought patterns to assess what is/isn't working and look for sustainable changes that not only help you feel better but also live in more alignment to your desired goals and values. A former dancer/choreographer and theatre kid, Elena loves to collaborate with fellow creatives and understands the unique challenges that come with working in the arts and performance-related stressors.
DR. CHARISSA KNIHTILA / PH.D., BCBA-D
Charissa is a certified health coach, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, a professor of Behavior Analysis, and lover of all things musical theatre! She is the founder of CK Consulting & Wellness, where she coaches clients in how to prioritize changes in their own health and wellness. Her coaching is meant for anyone who desires to make a change, but needs a little help. Her mission is to empower individuals who are stressed or overwhelmed to navigate the pressures associated with their job, social activities, and everyday life. She specializes in coaching theater performers, dancers, athletes, family members of students within the performing arts, especially students trying to refine their skills and thrive in high school. She works with you to remember that "you can't pour from an empty cup." As a performer, this is especially important because you put so much of yourself emotionally into your work. As a parent of a musical theatre performer, she has witnessed firsthand the pressures and rejection associated with an artistic passion and been amazed by the resilience of performers. Building confidence, managing stress, and preventing burnout are all important to maintaining personal health, both physical and mental. The goal is to provide support in balancing passion and well-being while fostering a continued connecting with what you love!
DR. DENA CABRERA / PSY.D., CEDS
Dena is a Clinical Psychologist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist with over 24 years of treating individuals, families, and groups with a range of psychological and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Cabrera was the Vice-President of Clinical Services for Rosewood Centers for Eating Disorders in which she oversaw all clinical aspects of care operations, program development, staff training, and supervision throughout the Rosewood system. She has helped run two of the most established and world-renowned eating disorder treatment centers in the country. Dr. Cabrera is an advocate for policy change for prevention, awareness, and treatment for eating disorders. Her specialized training includes neuropsychological and psychological assessment, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Polyvagal theory. She co-authored Mom in the Mirror: Body Image, Beauty and Life After Pregnancy (Rowman & Littlefield).
EDUCATIONAL AFFILIATE NETWORK
MICHAEL JUDKINS / MS, HRS
Michael is an award-winning filmmaker and the Founder and Creative Director of OCT 14 Entertainment. He’s spent over a decade building storytelling platforms that inspire, empower, and strengthen communities across film, theatre, publishing, and cultural programming. What distinguishes Michael’s work is his rare fusion of creative vision and clinical insight. Backed by more than twenty years of experience in behavioral health, he intentionally bridges storytelling with wellness. Michael firmly believes that mental health plays a vital role in the arts and entertainment industry. He utilizes his platforms to advocate for wellness, foster resilience, and create safe spaces where authentic expression thrives, ensuring his work encourages healing and deep human connection. He holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, as well as an Associate of Science in Journalism. His commitment to holistic well-being is further demonstrated by his extensive certifications, including his role as a certified Harm Reduction Specialist. He is currently in the process of becoming a Certified Trauma Professional and a National Certified Counselor.
AMY KATHLEEN LEE
Amy is an award-winning eating disorder recovery advocate, speaker, and mental health professional whose work lives at the intersection of performance culture and suicide prevention. A former ballet dancer, Amy understands firsthand the intense pressures dancers and performing artists face. After a career-ending spinal injury, she entered an 18-year battle with bulimia, PTSD, and bipolar disorder before transforming her life and choosing to speak from her scars. She is the founder of Dancing With ED, a recovery-centered initiative supporting dancers navigating eating disorders, and the creator of Speaking From The Scars, a platform dedicated to reclaiming stories shaped by trauma, mental illness, and survival. Through keynotes, advocacy, and trauma-informed, pro-recovery initiatives, Amy equips artists, educators, clinicians, and communities to recognize emotional pain early, disrupt stigma, and create spaces where healing and belonging are possible.