Empowering Health, Transforming Lives with Technology

Dr. Elizabeth Helton is a distinguished figure at The Wellness Effect, where she integrates a holistic approach with her deep expertise in psychiatry and neurology. With a robust foundation in chemistry and pre-medicine from the University of Dayton and a medical degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Helton brings a profound commitment to patient-centric healthcare.

Her postgraduate training includes a psychiatry residency at Allegheny General Hospital and advanced studies in psychoanalysis at the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute. Further enhancing her interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Helton is currently expanding her knowledge in health law at the Nashville School of Law.

Board-certified in Psychiatry, Neurology, and Obesity Medicine, Dr. Helton is licensed across multiple states and skilled in specialized treatments like Electroconvulsive Therapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Her clinical roles extend to serving as a Medical Director at Atom and Atlas, LLC, where she focuses on the psychiatric impacts of trauma, and previously as the Whole Health Medical Director at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she led initiatives to blend traditional and complementary healthcare practices.

Dr. Helton’s dedication to healthcare transformation is reflected in her involvement in various administrative roles, including Coding Liaison and National Physician Reviewer, which complement her legal training to navigate healthcare regulations effectively. Her scholarly contributions, particularly in the areas of stress, cognition, and sleep apnea in psychiatric patients, highlight her commitment to evidence-based medicine.

At The-Wellness Effect, Dr. Helton is instrumental in advancing a healthcare model that is integrative, ethical, and profoundly patient-focused, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in medical practice and health service delivery.

As a dedicated Therapeutic Foster Care Director and Whole Health Provider, Dr. Jenice Thompson brings over fifteen years of extensive experience and expertise to her roles. Her journey began with a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of children and families within the foster care system, where her efforts left a lasting impact.

Now serving as an Assistant Professor at Limestone University, she molds the next generation of social work professionals, instilling in them a passion for community service and holistic wellness. Her journey extends beyond the classroom into the heart of the community through Well InTensions, LLC, a venture born out of a desire to offer holistic mental health and wellness services tailored specifically for the BIPOC community.

As the proud owner and operator of Well InTensions (🌐 wellintensions.com), she is on a mission to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive support, fostering a culture of well-being and positive mental health. This venture is a testament to her unwavering dedication to creating a ripple effect of wellness within the community, promoting a lifestyle that encourages individuals to live whole health.

Her multifaceted background, which encompasses leadership, education, and entrepreneurship, resonates through her daily efforts to make a meaningful difference. It’s about creating a wellness effect that transcends beyond the individual, impacting the broader community health landscape.

Join her in promoting whole health and making a lasting difference. Through Well InTensions, Dr. Thompson works collectively towards fostering a more inclusive and healthier community.

Margaret Christian, MBA, is the President of Business Operations and Medical Underwriting and has over 20 years of experience in various areas of the insurance industry. Mrs. Christian joined PICA in 2004 holding various leadership roles from Policy Services, to Underwriting, Sales, Marketing, and Information Technology to name a few. Prior to joining PICA, she held the position of Licensing and Contracting Manager for CNA Life and Long‐term Care as well as roles in new business, policyholder service, and technical operational areas. She also accumulated experience in the area of operations management while managing a call center for a global telecommunications company. Mrs. Christian graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Austin Peay State University and a Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix.

Stephen Graham is an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran who served as an Army Aviation Officer in Special Operations. After eight years of Active Duty military service, he went on to complete a Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Belmont University, where he was trained in Selective Functional Movement Assessments (SFMA). Stephen is an ABPTS Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedics, as well as a certified Vestibular specialist through Emory University. He is a postgraduate Fellow in pain neuroscience through Evidence in Motion. Additionally, Dr. Graham is a Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, a HeartMath™ Certified Trainer, a Certified Yoga Therapist, and a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He has a passion for helping others explore the pillars of complete health and well-being. administration degree from Austin Peay State University and a Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix.

Dr. Christina L. Vair, a key figure at Salisbury VA Health Care System, exemplifies expertise in integrating mental health care with primary services. Holding a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado, and a specialized postdoctoral focus in Primary Care-Mental Health Integration, Dr. Vair excels as the Whole Health Director at W.G. “Bill” Hefner Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Certified in psychology and licensed across multiple states, Dr. Vair is adept in advanced therapeutic techniques including Clinical Hypnosis and Biofeedback. Her leadership ensures veterans receive comprehensive, integrative healthcare services, significantly enhancing their well-being.

Dr. Vair’s initiatives in integrating physical and mental health services align with The Wellness Effect’s mission to innovate holistic healthcare. Her dedication not only advances care quality but also mentors the next generation of healthcare professionals, solidifying her role as a pioneer in veteran health transformation.

Chad is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach with a passion for guiding individuals toward holistic well-being. Since July 2020, Chad has dedicated himself to health and wellness coaching, achieving his national board certification in October 2020. His personal journey toward a healthy lifestyle has equipped him with valuable insights into the diverse challenges individuals face, enhancing his empathetic and respectful approach to coaching.

Throughout his career, Chad has coached over 280 clients, ranging in age from 23 to 83, including professionals such as doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, college professors, yoga instructors, business owners, fellow health coaches, lawyers, stay-at-home parents, retirees, and more. This diverse experience has deepened his understanding of human well-being and the various dimensions of wellness.

Chad's coaching philosophy is rooted in compassion, empathy, and respect. He creates a supportive and inclusive environment where clients feel heard and understood, fostering a collaborative relationship that empowers individuals to take charge of their health and cultivate sustainable habits promoting holistic well-being. His approach involves exploring eight fundamental areas of self-care: Nutrition, Recharge, Spirit & Soul, Surroundings, Personal Growth, Power of the Mind, Physical Movement, and Social Connections and Relationships.

Chad is committed to helping clients achieve their health and wellness goals, offering personalized support to navigate the complexities of wellness and uncover practical solutions for living their best, healthiest lives.

 Matthew T. Carpenter is a decorated veteran, recognized leader, proven trainer, and businessman who proudly served our country for over twenty-five years as an active-duty Marine Infantryman and Infantry Weapons Officer (Marine Gunner).

During Matt’s military career, he served in various leadership positions within the First and Second Marine Divisions and the Marine Corps Training and Education Command (TECOM).

Since retiring from the Marine Corps in 2014, Matt worked as a Civilian Federal Government employee (GS-13) serving as a contract oversight and surveillance officer for Ground Training Systems. In the private sector, Matt worked as a Program and Project Manager for Force-on-Force training systems and the Infantry Immersion Trainer. In 2021, Matt and his wife Annie founded Messer & Flint Consulting, Inc. (M&F) headquartered in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania.

As President and CEO of M&F, Matt has demonstrated remarkable prowess in client acquisition and project management since 2021. His multifaceted role encompasses serving as a subject matter expert, sales representative, project manager, fractional Operations Officer, and business development/strategic planner. Under his leadership, M&F has secured a diverse portfolio of clients and as a pivotal subcontractor, tasked to provide direct assistance to the customer on active contracts within the U.S. Department of Defense Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL), and Training and Education Command (TECOM). Notably, M&F has also taken on a pivotal role as the lead sales representative for clients in international markets, orchestrating successful introductions of cutting-edge technology to both US and foreign military entities through hosting and leading delegations and presenting to high-ranking members of governments and militaries.

Furthermore, in the summer of 2022, M&F made a strategic expansion into the Safety and Security industry. This move saw the company providing invaluable services as the Security Consultant for the Camp Hill School District in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Matt volunteered his expertise as the Safety and Security Subject Matter Expert for the Camp Hill Borough Emergency Management and Safety Committees, underscoring M&F's commitment to enhancing safety measures within the local community.

Matt is the co-founder and president of the Marine Gunner Association, a non-profit 501.c.3 dedicated to the Infantry Marine and their families. Matt and Annie reside in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Zibin Guo is an applied medical anthropologist with expertise in cross-cultural medicine, complementary therapies, aging, and community health. Over the past decade, Dr. Guo has focused on developing innovative health interventions, integrating traditional healing methods to improve physical and mental well-being for vulnerable populations.

In 2005, Dr. Guo developed the wheelchair Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) program, making the traditional martial art accessible to individuals with ambulatory limitations. This program was featured in the 2008 Paralympics and has since been integrated into global health promotion initiatives.

Dr. Guo has collaborated on multiple HRSA grants and worked with diverse academic teams to create the Virtual Taiji System (VTJS), a mind-body fitness and rehabilitation program. Since 2016, Dr. Guo has secured seven consecutive grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, providing training to over 1,000 VA healthcare providers across the country.

Chief Strategic Officer

Hailie Cochran is a distinguished Change Management Specialist and health system strategist with a profound expertise in facilitating organizational transformations, particularly within healthcare settings. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to enhancing program integrity, guiding leadership through change, and improving operational efficiencies across various platforms. Hailie's proficiency in Lean Six Sigma, Prosci-certified change management, and her role as an adjunct faculty member highlight her comprehensive approach to education and mentorship in organizational policies and directives. Her work, deeply rooted in research and practical application, showcases her ability to navigate and resolve barriers, ensuring sustainable change and the highest standards of program execution.

 Brian D. McSpadden, CTRS, NBC-HWC was born and raised in the heart of Texas where he was active in playing sports growing up. In 1998 he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Recreation, emphasizing in Therapy. Brian has nearly 30 years of combined military service in both the active duty Army and in the Tennessee Army National Guard. Brian is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree from Liberty University in Human Services Counseling; Life Coaching cognate.

Brian has been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) since 2002 starting his health care career as a Recreation Therapist at a inpatient mental health hospital in Lebanon, TN In 2006, he joined the VA, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) in the Recreation Therapy section working as a Recreation Therapy assistant, in 2012 as a Recreation Therapist and becoming the supervisor of the section in 2017. In 2018 he transitioned to the Whole Health service as the supervisor of the Whole Health coaches and partners and in 2019 became the chief of the Whole Health Pathway section. 

Dr. Becky Pauly, D.C.is a seasoned healthcare executive and founder of Kaleido Consulting + Wellness, a consulting firm dedicated to empowering organizations and individuals through innovative, tailored solutions. With over a decade of leadership experience in integrative healthcare, Dr. Pauly has a proven track record of driving transformation, improving patient outcomes, and fostering business growth. Her expertise spans healthcare consulting, business strategy, and operational excellence, with a particular focus on leveraging technology and innovative practices to enhance care delivery.

Dr. Pauly’s background includes serving as the Director of Operations for Integrative Health at MHealth Fairview, where she expanded integrative care programs to serve a wide range of patients, families, and staff. She also spent 12 years as CEO of a multi-disciplinary clinic, where she led strategic partnerships and business development. Dr. Pauly's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for innovation have positioned her as a leader in healthcare transformation, particularly in developing programs that bridge the gap between traditional healthcare and emerging technologies like AI.

Through Kaleido Consulting + Wellness, Dr. Pauly provides comprehensive consulting services in healthcare operations, employee wellbeing, curriculum development, and career coaching. The firm’s mission is to highlight the unique strengths and potential of each client, guiding them toward a more vibrant and successful future.

Lindsey is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), and Project Management Professional (PMP) with over 20 years’ experience in the behavioral health and operational management field. She holds a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University in Denver, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and minors in both Psychology and Mass Communications from the University of Florida. 

Lindsey has spent her career working in various healthcare settings including Medicaid managed care, Care Management organizations, behavioral health provider services and criminal justice services to support underserved clients in need. Through her supervisory and direct service roles, she has leveraged her operational excellence to support departmental oversight, with a focus on strategic thinking and problem solving. She has expertise in operational and clinical leadership, project management, utilization management, behavioral health therapy, care/case management and peer support services. Through her work, she has managed program budgets in excess of 40 million dollars, overseeing 120 direct staff in remote environments. Lindsey is focused on improving our healthcare system through operational efficiencies and project management principles. 

I am a dedicated professional who excels at fostering an outstanding rapport and cultivating meaningful relationships with patients, colleagues, administrators, and the community. With significant education experience, I serve as a strong instructional leader, continuously expanding my knowledge through professional development and collaboration. Additionally, I am a sought-after Trauma-Informed Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Coach & Consultant, leveraging my expertise to make a positive impact. My ability to deliver impactful motivational and inspirational speeches further enhances my contributions to diverse audiences. 

 Nicole is deeply committed to promoting wellness to foster a sense of balance and fulfillment within clients’ lives. With a wealth of experience in the sleep product industry, Nicole has transitioned her focus to empowering women to craft lifestyles aligned with their wellness goals through personalized coaching. Nicole is particularly passionate about modalities such as breath work, pilates, and nutrition, offering tailored wellness plans that resonate with her clients' interests and aspirations.

Nicole's personal journey and experience with gestational diabetes, pelvic floor therapy, diaphragmatic breathing therapy, migraines, and pilates for lower back pain and pelvic floor healing, has inspired her to support women facing similar chronic health concerns. She believes in the transformative power of breath, nutrition, and movement in improving overall well-being. 

Nicole holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts and Humanities, obtained in 2012 from Harding University. Additionally, she is a certified master gardener through the Purdue University Master Gardener extension program and completed the Science of Wellbeing course at Yale University in 2023. She has completed the Health and Wellness Coaching Course through the Wellness Effect and passed the NBHWC exam. 

Nicole resides in Carmel, IN with her husband, daughter and dog, Mozzie. She enjoys pilates, mindful gardening, travel, hiking and spending time with family and friends. 

 Vice President of Creative Arts

Snjezana, Vice President of Creative Arts at The Wellness Effect, embodies a visionary blend of creativity, healthcare, and healing. With over 30 years in the healthcare field and a lifelong dedication to the arts, Snjezana has shaped her career around the transformative power of wellness and the profound impact of creativity on the human spirit.

Her journey is as unique as her perspective, rooted in a commitment to compassion, innovation, and individualized wellness. From her childhood experiences to her early days in nursing to her evolution as a creative wellness leader, Snjezana has continuously broken new ground in how we think about holistic health. She has developed techniques in visual art that serve as a medium for healing, employing color-changing inks, glow-in-the-dark elements, and multi-dimensional forms to create immersive, therapeutic experiences.

Snjezana’s approach is driven by an intuitive understanding of wellness as a personal journey. She believes in the healing potential of art and healing spaces and is passionate about making wellness an accessible and deeply personal experience for all. Her work within The Wellness Effect reflects her vision of a world where creativity, wellness, and compassion meet to create positive change—at times it is one moment of healing at a time. 

Founder & CEO, 

The Wellness Effect™

With a profound dedication to revolutionizing healthcare, Charles Noel stands at the helm of The Wellness Effect, pioneering a new era where technology meets traditional health practices to foster holistic well-being. A former Marine with a storied career that blends military precision with compassionate healthcare, Charlie brings a unique perspective to the healthcare industry.

After serving honorably in the Marine Corps, Charlie pursued his passion for helping others by obtaining a Master's in Social Work and later becoming a certified Integrative Yoga Therapist and a Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. His extensive experience includes roles as a Behavioral Health Officer in the Tennessee National Guard and a pivotal position at the Department of Veteran Affairs, where he led the Whole Health System of Care initiative.

Under his leadership, The Wellness Effect has grown into a beacon of innovation, integrating AI and machine learning to enhance personalized health strategies and care delivery. Charlie's vision extends beyond just health optimization; he is committed to educational empowerment through The Wellness Effect’s various certification programs, including health coaching and yoga teacher training, which are designed to equip professionals with the tools needed for success in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Charlie's approach is deeply influenced by his belief in a "Whole Health" philosophy, advocating for a comprehensive view of health that includes emotional, physical, and social well-being. His work is driven by a mission to transform healthcare from a "find it, fix it" model to one that is integrative and person-centered, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to achieve their highest potential for health.

Join Charlie and the team at The Wellness Effect as they lead the charge in creating a healthier, more integrated world.