Clinical Advisory Council

  • 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! 

  • Wesley Vena

    CFO and Production Manager with a BA in Music Business from the Hartt School of Music. He is a gifted songwriter, vocalist, drummer, and guitarist, who began as a precocious child instrumentalist before securing a record deal at fifteen years old. Wesley combines financial expertise with a deep understanding of the arts to help guide the mission of BMHF. His many skills include orchestrating behind-the-scenes logistics, managing budgets, and capturing brand content. He has an undying love for animals, science fiction, history, and the art of music.

  • Libby Parker / MS, RD, CDN, CEDS-C

    Clinical Director for BMHF. Libby has worked extensively with performers as a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist/Registered Dietitian. With childhood training in dance and musical theatre, she has dedicated her work to the health (mental, physical, and nutritional) of theatre folk. Libby's work background spans private practice, teaching, business development, non-profit, corporate, published writing, therapeutic consulting, and health tech. She serves as Advisor for the M.S. in Performance Nutrition with the University of South Carolina. 

  • Dr. Jeffrey Herr / Ed.D.