NATSAP Announces Election of New Board Members
NEWS RELEASE
For Release: January 5, 2026
Contact: The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, 301-986-8770, info@natsap.org
NATSAP Announces Election of New Board Members
Bowie, MD -The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) is pleased to announce the election of new members to its Board of Directors, effective January 2026. These leaders bring decades of experience across therapeutic education, behavioral health, clinical care, organizational leadership, and public affairs. Their collective expertise will strengthen NATSAP’s mission to advance ethical standards, collaboration, and high-quality care for youth and families. NATSAP welcomes the following individuals to the Board and looks forward to their leadership and service to the association and the field. For more information about NATSAP and its leadership, visit www.natsap.org.
New Board Member Bios
Shaler Cooper Senior Director of Marketing & Admissions, Cherokee Creek Boys School
Shaler Cooper has been with Cherokee Creek Boys School since its founding in 2003 and serves on the school’s leadership team overseeing admissions, marketing, communications, fundraising, family programming, and alumni relations. Her commitment to the field is both professional and personal, as the daughter of CCBS founders and sibling of a therapeutic boarding school alumnus. Shaler currently serves as Co-Chair of NATSAP’s Public Affairs Committee and has chaired the NATSAP Annual Conference Committee for nearly a decade. She is passionate about building strong communities and expanding access and opportunity for youth and families.
Shaler Cooper has been with Cherokee Creek Boys School since its founding in 2003 and serves on the school’s leadership team overseeing admissions, marketing, communications, fundraising, family programming, and alumni relations. Her commitment to the field is both professional and personal, as the daughter of CCBS founders and sibling of a therapeutic boarding school alumnus. Shaler currently serves as Co-Chair of NATSAP’s Public Affairs Committee and has chaired the NATSAP Annual Conference Committee for nearly a decade. She is passionate about building strong communities and expanding access and opportunity for youth and families.
Brent Esplin, LMFT Executive Director, OASIS Ascent
Brent Esplin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than twenty years of experience in mental health care. As Executive Director of OASIS Ascent, he is dedicated to helping adolescents and families find refuge and healing. Brent has held leadership roles including Clinical Director, Admissions Director, and Business Development Director, and has been instrumental in launching multiple treatment programs. He is committed to improving access to care and creating structured, supportive environments where youth and families can rediscover hope.
Brent Esplin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than twenty years of experience in mental health care. As Executive Director of OASIS Ascent, he is dedicated to helping adolescents and families find refuge and healing. Brent has held leadership roles including Clinical Director, Admissions Director, and Business Development Director, and has been instrumental in launching multiple treatment programs. He is committed to improving access to care and creating structured, supportive environments where youth and families can rediscover hope.
Elizabeth Fikes Founder and Director of Outreach & Communications, Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center
Elizabeth Fikes brings a background in international branding and business development to her leadership in adolescent behavioral health. As Founder and Director of Outreach and Communications at Stonewater, she plays a central role in admissions, referral relationships, communications, and managed care strategy. Elizabeth is deeply engaged in family and alumni programming and is passionate about building healthy organizational cultures that support long-term healing and sustainable outcomes.
Elizabeth Fikes brings a background in international branding and business development to her leadership in adolescent behavioral health. As Founder and Director of Outreach and Communications at Stonewater, she plays a central role in admissions, referral relationships, communications, and managed care strategy. Elizabeth is deeply engaged in family and alumni programming and is passionate about building healthy organizational cultures that support long-term healing and sustainable outcomes.
Ken Huey, MS, PhD Dr. Ken Huey has worked in behavioral and mental health since 1994, with a longstanding focus on trauma and adoption-informed care. In 2006, he founded Calo, which later became the platform for Embark Behavioral Health. He currently serves as CEO of The Hope Group and Havenwood Academy, guiding growth across residential, young adult, and outpatient services. A PhD-level Marriage & Family Therapist, Dr. Huey has built and led mission-driven organizations and served on multiple nonprofit boards.
Anthony Hansen, CMHC, M.Ed. Co-Founder, Telos
Anthony Hansen is a co-founder and owner-operator of Telos, where he has spent over two decades supporting adolescents and young adults through relationship-based care. With experience spanning wilderness therapy, clinical practice, and program leadership, Anthony brings a comprehensive perspective to the field. He has been actively involved in legislative and advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels, promoting ethical standards and thoughtful regulation in residential treatment.
Anthony Hansen is a co-founder and owner-operator of Telos, where he has spent over two decades supporting adolescents and young adults through relationship-based care. With experience spanning wilderness therapy, clinical practice, and program leadership, Anthony brings a comprehensive perspective to the field. He has been actively involved in legislative and advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels, promoting ethical standards and thoughtful regulation in residential treatment.
Jeana Thomsen, LCSW Executive Director, New Haven
Jeana Thomsen has more than twenty years of leadership experience in behavioral health and therapeutic programming and currently serves as Executive Director at New Haven. She is known for championing evidence-based practices, developing strong organizational culture, and advancing collaborative leadership. Jeana’s work focuses on improving outcomes for youth and families while strengthening leadership and community across the field.
Jeana Thomsen has more than twenty years of leadership experience in behavioral health and therapeutic programming and currently serves as Executive Director at New Haven. She is known for championing evidence-based practices, developing strong organizational culture, and advancing collaborative leadership. Jeana’s work focuses on improving outcomes for youth and families while strengthening leadership and community across the field.
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