Meet The Espyr Team

Rick Taweel

Chief Executive Officer

We were made for relationship.  We were made to connect. Unfortunately, our society has become more isolated and disconnected.  We fool ourselves into thinking that technology is what connects us.  Technology is the facilitator, the tool that makes it easier to get connected or to get help, but ultimately, we all need caring people in our lives to stay connected and engaged in life.  And we all need help at some point in our lives, so please reach out to someone when you need help. Together, we can create a more connected and supportive community.  

Norman Winegar

Chief Clinical Officer

Growing up in a poor community, I noticed the obvious despair experienced by many disadvantaged people. That led me to the clinical social work profession with its values of respect for the dignity and worth of all people and advocacy for social and economic justice. At Espyr, I’m a part of a force multiplier pursuing these objectives. That’s because Espyr touches so many lives in so many different and positive ways. Additionally, I’m grateful to be able to not only impact the lives of individuals and families, but also to help work organizations be more productive, safer, and healthier.

Jaye Thomas

Chief Operating Officer

I began my leadership career early, worked hard, and was fortunate to progress into roles of greater responsibility. Along the way, I worked with wonderful people, built businesses, and traveled the world. None of this would have happened if not for leaders and colleagues who helped and encouraged me to realize the potential I didn’t know I had. Their caring and investment ignited a passion in me to help others realize their potential, to serve a higher purpose, to make a difference where I could. I am grateful to be part of a wonderful team of highly competent, caring, and compassionate professionals who, each day, help people and organizations be their very best.

Manish Patel

Vice President of Finance

In the 70’s my parents migrated from Uganda to England. The government of Uganda at that time expelled over 95% of Indians and confiscated their properties and possessions. Watching my parents start over, I quickly realized the importance of family and friends - everyone helping each other no matter the situation. Moving to the USA made me appreciate the importance of a solid network. Having a strong support system is not a sign of weakness: it's a sign of strength. The work we do impacts so many people and I am grateful to be a part of such a fantastic team.

Jeff Joo

Chief Growth Officer

My career has always been in the healthcare industry. From helping identify familial predispositions to cancer leading to critical research and treatment that changed lives, to providing tools to better manage a patient’s journey and provide health services to the less fortunate, driving better patient outcomes has been the basis for most of my more than 20 year career. But never in mental health until 2019 when I joined Espyr.

Nicole Smith

Director of People Operations

Growing up with my father in the military, I was able to travel abroad and experience many different cultures. Those experiences gave me the foundation that I needed to develop a unique understanding of people. My passion for meeting and helping people drove me to find a career in Human Resources. Over the last 24 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in many industries, but mental health is by far the most rewarding.  To understand people, you must understand how their experiences and feelings make them unique. 

Amanda Yost

Vice President of Network Operations

I knew fairly early in life that I wanted to pursue a career that allowed me to help people be their healthiest. I’ve been lucky enough to do just that throughout my career, both directly through personal training and group fitness instruction and indirectly through corporate wellness, account management, program oversight, and network operations at healthcare organizations. I’m excited to work with espyr and their fantastic network of mental and behavioral health professionals to serve our clients and members so they can show up as their healthiest selves.

Lauren O'Neil

Director of Marketing

I always had a passion for health which led me to become a Fitness Trainer and Yoga Teacher in my free time. I have witnessed so many people struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues throughout my life, and I had a very personal and tragic experience with a loved one. From then on, I was frustrated and angry that getting help was challenging and ineffective in many cases. For me, fitness, health, and therapy are the answer at any given time, but for others, it might be different. That’s why I joined Espyr, to combine my passion with health and marketing. We build awareness around the ‘stigma’ in the workplace and develop individualized solutions to support people’s health and wellbeing by breaking down the barriers for successful outcomes.

Tennille Smith

Organizational Services Department Manager

I have worked with diverse populations of clients, from young adults to adolescents and adults. My areas of expertise included anger management group counseling and substance abuse issues in outpatient psychiatric services. I joined Espyr in early March 2019 and have worked in multiple roles. I started in a position completing clinical intakes, assessments, and Talk Now (immediate telephonic clinical care) in support of employees and their eligible family members that contact Espyr for assistance. I’ve met incredible people here at Espyr and enjoy working with my team. 

 

Jennifer Pinos

Member Care Manager

I stumbled upon the social work profession as a teenager when my grandfather was in hospice. Even though my family's first language is not English, witnessing how the social worker was still a strong source of support and guidance in helping my family navigate this life-changing event in our lives, drew me to the profession. The social work profession has allowed me the privilege of aiding and collaborating with people when it is needed the most and celebrating in their successes. Espyr’s mission aligns with my fundamental beliefs as a social worker while continuing to explore a variety of ways I can influence change and sustain success.

Lauren Waterworth

Health Coaching Program Manager

I’ve dedicated much of my life to swimming competitively and being an athlete.  It has made me appreciate the role a coach can play in someone’s life.  This is what inspired me to pursue a career in coaching and to develop my motto, “I want it to matter that we met”.  My passion is helping others create the lives they want through meaningful change.  I believe this is achieved through connection, education, and intention.  I’m excited to be part of the Espyr team and believe we are building a company that values people and their potential.  

Laura Bucco

Clinical Director

My need to aid those struggling began when an elementary schoolmate learned he was not being promoted to the next grade. He was confused and devastated. While our classmates were out playing, I couldn’t leave his side. He was in pain. Although I didn’t know how to comfort him, I wasn’t going to let him be in this sadness alone. This inclination to help those struggling continued to be a common theme in my choices. So, when it came time to decide on a career path, counseling was an easy choice. Helping people to work through their problems, handle stressful situations and feel better about themselves is part of my core. And while I chose this profession to help others, along the way, I’ve met the most incredible people with resilience and determination at levels I couldn’t fathom. I consider it an honor to continue to do the work I love with my team at Espyr.