Our Team

Maryland Wellness’ passionate team is made up of clinicians, counselors, advocates, specialists and other professionals who bring their varied set of lived and learned experiences to support our clients and their families, as well as our partners, each and every day. One of our core values is collaboration among our team and with our clients’ families, referring partners and their other physicians in order to create the best possible outcomes for our clients. Please meet just a few of our amazing team members.

Leadership

Jon D’Souza (he/him)

CEO

Jon D’Souza joined Maryland Wellness in 2024 as Chief Executive Officer, leading the organization through rapid growth in locations, clinical programs, and clients served. With a deep commitment to expanding access to care, he works to ensure that Maryland Wellness delivers high-quality mental health services to those who need them most. Before joining Maryland Wellness, Jon spent decades in healthcare executive and clinical leadership roles, most recently as Chief Medical Officer of Ascension Saint Agnes in Baltimore. Throughout his career, he has driven top-tier results in quality, patient safety, operational effectiveness, and employee satisfaction—earning national recognition for his leadership. However, for Jon, the most meaningful work has always been in serving the vulnerable and underserved, a mission that guides his leadership every day. As a board-certified physician with over 15 years in clinical practice, Jon has developed a deep respect for the dignity of each individual. He believes that mental health care should be both accessible and compassionate, recognizing that healing happens one person at a time.

Ken Thakkar

Ken Thakkar, MHA (he/him)

COO

Since joining Maryland Wellness in 2017—then known as BACHS Healthcare—Ken has been a driving force behind the organization’s growth. Having served as CEO and now COO, he brings a strong background in operations, healthcare, and technology to expand mental health services across Maryland. His career has spanned small businesses to global corporations, including managing international programs focused on economic, healthcare, and social reform in developing nations for Deloitte and BearingPoint. But for Ken, giving back to Baltimore—the city he calls home—was a calling. Ken is passionate about increasing access to mental health care, especially for those who might not otherwise receive it. He believes that mental health is a journey with ups and downs, but staying consistent and open with providers can make all the difference. His commitment to breaking down stigmas extends beyond his role, serving on the board of NAMI Metro Baltimore and earning recognition as a Baltimore Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree in 2022. Outside of work, Ken is an avid traveler who has explored more than 30 countries and is always eager to experience new cultures and cuisines. He also stays active playing basketball, skiing, and coaching his daughter’s soccer team.

Pathik Rami

Pathik Rami (he/him)

Executive Strategic Advisor

Pathik was one of the key founders of Baltimore Area Community Health Services, helping as it transitioned to Maryland Wellness. He currently serves as Executive Strategic Advisor with an extensive background in operations and financial management.

Danny Paick

Daniel Paick (he/him)

Sr. Director of Finance

Daniel Paick joined Maryland Wellness in 2024, bringing more than 15 years of diverse healthcare experience to his role at the intersection of finance and technology. He collaborates closely with agency leaders to streamline processes and implement innovative systems that enhance access to care. Daniel’s background spans prestigious medical institutions in the Texas Medical Center, emerging tech start-ups, and compassionate mental health organizations. Driven by a passion for making a meaningful difference, Daniel shifted his focus to the mental health space to help empower individuals and teams to deliver high-quality, accessible care. His work reflects a simple but powerful mission: to help people help people.

Amanda Lowe, CPRP, CFRP (she/her)

PRP Director

PLACEHOLDER

Amy Ginnavan, LCSW-C, LCADC (she/her)

Regional Director of Clinical Services and Expansion

PLACEHOLDER

Dawn Brown, MS (she/her)

Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

Dawn Brown, MS, brings a thoughtful and systems-oriented approach to her work at Maryland Wellness. With experience spanning treatment services, public health, and consulting, she is passionate about creating care systems that are both meaningful and accessible. Dawn’s work focuses on building strong partnerships and guiding teams to foster lasting, positive change for individuals and communities alike. She values quality, collaboration, and impact—principles that drew her to Maryland Wellness. Dawn is dedicated to ensuring that every person has access to compassionate, effective mental health support that meets them where they are. Her approach reflects a belief in the power of connection and the importance of making care truly matter. Outside of work, Dawn enjoys hearing people’s stories—whether through heartfelt conversations or the pages of a great book—finding inspiration in every journey she encounters.

Jenny Ho (she/her)

Director of Revenue Cycle and Billing

Jenny Ho brings over a decade of expertise overseeing large organizational revenue management to Maryland Wellness as the Director of Revenue Cycle and Billing. She joined the team in 2023 with a focus on revenue cycle management, performance improvement, process implementation, and strategic planning. She has a deep passion for leveraging data analytics to drive positive change in the healthcare industry. Jenny is dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring billing accuracy, fostering financial stability so our providers can prioritize patient care.

Nicole Gibson, SPHR, SHRM-SCP (she/her)

Director of Human Resources

PLACEHOLDER

Sadie Smith (she/her)

Director of Operations

Sadie brings nearly 20 years of experience in social work and systems leadership to her role as Director of Operations at Maryland Wellness. Since 2005, she has worked across public and private sectors to strengthen programs and improve behavioral health systems throughout Maryland and beyond, with a focus on program development and community organizing.

Raised in a rural community deeply impacted by the opioid epidemic, Sadie witnessed firsthand the effects of substance use and mental health challenges. With parents who served as providers in different ways, she developed a strong sense of service early on and felt called to pursue social work as her own path to supporting others.

She is driven by the belief that thoughtful, well-coordinated care can create lasting stability and growth for individuals, families, and communities. Sadie was drawn to Maryland Wellness for its mission-driven, innovative approach and commitment to expanding access to care.

Outside of work, she finds grounding in farming — a lifelong connection that continues to support her own well-being.

Sydney Bryson, LCPC (she/her)

Program Director, Therapy/Medication Management (OMHC)

Sydney Allen joined Maryland Wellness in 2021 and brings more than 15 years of clinical and leadership experience to her role as OMHC Program Director. Licensed since 2005, she has supported adolescents, adults, older adults, and couples through a range of emotional and relational challenges. In her leadership role, Sydney focuses on ensuring that care across the organization remains ethical, collaborative, and person-centered. Grounded in the belief that everyone has the capacity for growth and healing when given the right support, Sydney leads with empathy, integrity, and a strong commitment to professional development. She’s known for her ability to bring teams together, foster connections across departments, and strengthen access to quality mental health care—especially in underserved communities. Outside of work, Sydney enjoys traveling the world, spending time with her family, listening to music, dancing, tackling DIY projects, and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles during football season.

Aarti Shetty, LCPC (she/her)

Senior OMHC Clinical Supervisor

Aarti joined Maryland Wellness in 2022 and brings more than a decade of experience and a calm, compassionate presence to her work with young adults and adults. She supports individuals facing depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, grief, and life transitions, helping them build resilience and rediscover balance. Fluent in four languages—English, Hindi, Marathi, and Tulu—Aarti provides therapy that is both culturally responsive and deeply personalized to each client’s needs. She believes that healing begins with understanding and that every person deserves a space where they feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Known for her empathy, authenticity, and collaborative spirit, Aarti draws from CBT, DBT, MI, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care to create a flexible and client-centered therapeutic experience. Outside of work, Aarti loves exploring new cuisines, practicing yoga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and traveling to discover new perspectives and cultures.

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Have Questions? Let’s Get Started

We understand that reaching out for mental health support or information may feel like a big step. Our online contact form is here to make this process as simple and straightforward as possible. Whether you have questions about our services, need help with scheduling, or would like more information, please complete the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

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“Coming out of prison, my rehabilitation counselor helped me find a job and referred me to an OUTSTANDING Therapist that helped me understand my emotions. I would definitely recommend Maryland Wellness to anyone!!!”
– A.J., Waldorf
“My PRP worker has been very helpful and has taught me how to better myself and take care of my children. She also helped me do the things I needed to do to regain custody of my son.”
– T.M., Waldorf
“Maryland Wellness is very professional and knowledgeable. They were there when I needed help for my father. They set him up with a therapist and medication management immediately. Now he is stabilized and doing better.”
– Anonymous, Waldorf
“Maryland Wellness is great!!! The staff really helped me and my daughter get settled into our new home and school. I’m a single mother and I struggled with transportation and housing. With the help of my counselor, I was able to get to my destinations and became stress free about my housing!”
– T.D., Waldorf

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