From Internal Resource to Leading Digital Health Tool.

CORE has evolved from an internal resource to a robust digital health tool supporting providers across the country. Our diverse team of healthcare professionals ensures that CORE’s clinical tools address real-world needs and applications.

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CORE began when a group of behavioral health provider agencies, called the Saguaro Group, looked for a better way to provide community-based, rehabilitative mental health services. These services aim to equip individuals with life skills that enhance autonomy, stability, and wellness, helping people thrive in their communities. However, even experienced professionals can struggle with service delivery, often defaulting to “doing for” instead of “doing with.” This approach can negatively impact clinical outcomes and pose financial risks for agencies due to post-payment audits.

To address these challenges, Saguaro Group leaders developed the first version of CORE, a paper-based resource that provided a framework and common language for all staff, from direct service professionals to clinical supervisors. In its first year, CORE significantly reduced non-compliance in critical service areas. This early version also helped successfully appeal an overpayment notice by demonstrating that services met medical necessity criteria.

CORE has since evolved into a comprehensive digital health tool used nationwide. The CORE Clinical Development Team, made up of professionals from diverse healthcare backgrounds, ensures the tools are practical and applicable to real-world needs. Our resources are authored by Paraprofessionals, Peer Supports, Licensed Clinical Social Workers and other licensed professionals, Quality and Risk Management professionals, licensed health educators, community health workers, and experts on the implementation of recovery programs.

Contributing Authors, Experts
& Clinical Consultants:

Jonathan K. Adams, MA, LPCA, NCC

Michael Burroughs, LCSW

Windy King Elder, MSW, LCSW

Robin Gault-Winton, MSW

Sherry K. Harrison, RN, MA

Cathy E. Joseph, MA

Heather Langan, MA, LPC

Martha T. Locklear, CSW, QP

Latonia H. Oakley, BA, QP

Carletta Perry, BA, QP

Bobbie Tabor, MA, HHC, IC

Anna Wheeler, MFA

Kevin Wright, CPRP

Jennifer Bowman, BA

Natalie Clark, MA

Kara Froberg, MHA

Kathleen Gibbons, LCSW

Glenn Harsch, LPC, LCAS, CCS

Donna Kernodle, MPH, RD, LDN, CDE

Jade J. Larkin, MSW, LCSW

Megan Logan, MSW, LCSW

Ed Munt, MA, LPA

Alan L. Ogus, Ph.D

Jason Rohacs, LMFT

Raphael Smith, BS, QP

Ashley N. Warren, MS, QP

Josh Wieties, LCSW

Rebecca L. Doles, BA

Annamarie Gallagher, LPC

David W. Girod, BS, CPSS, CCISMC

Gail Horner, BS, QP

Wesley Knepper, MA, LCMHC

Kathleen M. Lindner, MA, LPC

Courtnei Mayfield, BA

Kim Nance, BS

Ann Paquette, RN

Gabby Scott, BA, QP

Sarah Springer, MA, LPC

Thomas L. Wilson, MS

Travis Yeagley, MBA, MSACN

Meet the Team

Kylie Roy, MA
CEO

Vito Cota-Robles, PMP
coo

Ownership & Advisors

CORE is guided by an advisory team with extensive and diverse careers in the health and human services sector.

John Stephens, JD, is the Chairman of the ownership group - with over 25 years of experience in leadership roles at agencies providing direct services to individuals with behavioral health diagnoses, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse needs.

For more than 20 years, Andy Anderson was the CEO of a provider agency where he lead its expansion across rural southeastern North Carolina, vastly increasing the accessibility of crucial services to individuals in underserved communities.

Paul Caldwell led one of Saguaro Group’s umbrella companies, Triumph LLC, while it was one of North Carolina’s largest providers of mental health services, employing more than 450 individuals across 17 counties.

Hal Jones was a licensed CPA in Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. He held CFO and CEO positions at multiple behavioral health agencies and was a Founding Member and Treasurer of the North Carolina Developmental Disabilities Association.