Meet the Team

Erin Wiercinski, CEO

Erin Wiercinski is the CEO of BHA, a leading provider of behavioral health services dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families through evidence-based treatment and compassionate care. With over 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field, Erin has been instrumental in transforming the organization’s strategic vision and operational framework, leading to significant growth and enhanced service delivery. She believes in a client-centered approach, prioritizing dignity, respect, and empowerment. Under her leadership, BHA is committed to fostering an environment where individuals can achieve their fullest potential through supportive and evidence-based behavioral health services. Erin is responsible for BHA and its component divisions, providing strategic, financial, and compliance oversight, managing day-to-day operations, and creating and sustaining critical stakeholder relationships. She is dedicated to advancing the behavioral health field and ensuring that BHA continues to set the standard for excellence in care.

She believes that every day, the work she and her team do creates meaningful change in the lives of our individuals. Outside work, Erin most enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

“To see a client say or do something they haven’t before, to see employees grow from maybe being scared at first to being leaders in the field – it all is so incredibly rewarding.”

Lori Taylor, Financial Controller

Lori oversees all aspects of BHA’s financial management, including accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, budget and forecast preparation, financial risk management, and internal control policies and procedures. Lori rejoined BHA in 2022 after a prior stint in 2019-2020, bringing more than 21 years of experience in financial leadership roles. Outside of work, Lori enjoys spending time with her children, her two grandchildren, and friends.

“Finance operates in the background, but I am motivated by the services we provide our clients. I have seen so many clients’ lives improved by the work our clinicians and direct care staff are doing. I didn’t foresee this field for myself, but it has been so rewarding.”

Shawnda Hawkins, Vice President of Residential Services

Shawnda has overall responsibility for BHA’s Community Living Division, which provides supervised community-based living for individuals with developmental disabilities and gives them the opportunity for full, independent and high quality life as possible. Shawnda joined BHA in 2008 and has 20 years of experience in working with developmentally disabled individuals with varying abilities. She is motivated by knowing that our individuals have the opportunity to have the best life in the least restrictive setting possible. Outside of work, Shawnda enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.

“Individuals with disabilities are just like every one of us. We all want to be loved, accepted, supported and be held accountable. We all want to have a meaningful life and be part of something bigger.”

Justin Green, Director of Educational Services

Justin has overall responsibility for our Academy – BHA’s school which provides a tailored learning environment for students with developmental disabilities, ages 5 to 22. The BHA Academy partners with 36 regional and multiple out-of-state schools in sourcing and serving its student population. Justin joined BHA in 2021 and brings to his role 25 years of experience in education, with 15 of those being in leadership. Outside of work, Justin most often finds himself chauffeuring his kids to their activities, unwinding “only at bedtime.”

“The biggest myth is that individuals with developmental disabilities ‘can’t learn.’ They surely can and do. It takes time and patience, in the right environment. We look at what each student needs to be successful, and that is what we provide.”

Karen Scott, Director of Human Resources

Karen leads all Human Resources functions, including recruitment, training and development, and employee engagement. Karen joined BHA in 2022 and brings to her role more than 21 years of human resources experience in healthcare and behavioral health settings. She focuses her work on bringing to life a culture that embodies BHA’s mission of empowering the full potential of individuals with developmental disabilities. Karen believes everyone at BHA is here because they believe in and exemplify our mission. Outside of her work, Karen is an avid seamstress and a fan of music.

“Employment is changing rapidly, and organizations will have to create the right context for attracting and retaining talent. It is energizing at BHA to build strategies that will give purpose and ownership to individuals working in behavioral health care.”

Mia Gonzalez, JD, Director of Business Development

As the driving force behind business development at BHA, Mia serves as the primary liaison between the organization and individuals and families seeking its services. She fosters strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations that align with BHA’s mission, while also developing long-term plans to ensure the organization’s capacity to make a meaningful impact on its clients and the community. With 15 years of experience in social services and legal organizations, Mia brings a deep understanding and expertise to her role. As the first point of contact for families, she offers comfort and reassurance, sharing stories of success achieved by other parents who have benefited from BHA’s services. In her free time, Mia enjoys hiking and spending time with her furry friends at the dog park.

“Many of our clients are learning new skills and positive replacement behaviors. They can see you, hear you and understand you. Everyone should be compassionate and patient.”

Monica Lugo, MS, BCBA, LBA, Executive Director of Client Services 

“I tell parents: ‘This is the first step into a better quality of life for your child. I understand the unknown is scary, but it will be a collaborative process and you will be involved and updated every step of the way.’”

Nic Bieber, M.Jur., CFE, Director of Safety, Risk and Compliance

Nic has overall responsibility for all aspects of Safety, Risk, and Compliance at Behavioral Health Allies, where he is committed to fostering a safe and compliant work environment, supporting continuous improvement, and excellence in care. Nic joined BHA in 2024 and has over 22 years of experience in risk analysis, government and corporate compliance, and fraud investigations, and brings a data driven, results-oriented approach to his role. Outside of work, Nic enjoyes spending time with his family and woodworking. 

“Safety, risk, and compliance protocols aren’t just boxes to check or obstacles to overcome. They’re the backbone of a thriving workplace and the guardrails that keep progress moving forward safely.”

With data-driven, evidence-based care, our credentialed and certified staff utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining data-driven methods and ABA therapies with practical life skills training. Our staff also includes:

• Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)
• Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA)
• Provisionally Licensed Behavior Analysts (P-LBA)
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Special Education Teachers
• Direct Support Professionals (DSP)
• Paraprofessionals
• Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT)