Category Archives: Press Releases

 
Nahid Akter, a seasoned healthcare executive and visionary leader, is making significant strides in the healthcare industry with the launch of two groundbreaking initiatives: One Optify and Listen&Co. With a strong commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, Nahid Akter is poised to revolutionize the healthcare landscape.
 
As the CEO and founder of One Optify, Nahid Akter brings over two decades of healthcare administrative experience to the table. Her dynamic leadership, coupled with her financial and operational expertise, has positioned One Optify as a trailblazer in the industry. Nahid’s innovative approach and ability to lead strong teams have garnered the respect of clients and industry peers alike.
 
A native of Bangladesh, Nahid immigrated to the United States in 1992. Raised with a strong sense of character and ethics, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in health services administration from Herbert Lehman College and obtained her executive leadership certification from eCornell. Throughout her career, Nahid has worked with renowned organizations such as FREE, TSINY, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and Brunswick Hospital, leaving a lasting impact on healthcare administration.
 
Passionate about optimizing patient care, Nahid has been deeply involved with healthcare start-ups, including her notable contribution to Talkiatry. Her dedication to efficiency and quality care extends across all clinical settings, from hospitals to private practices and behavioral/mental health practices.
 
Looking toward the future, Nahid envisions healthcare organizations prioritizing the delivery of the highest levels of patient care. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and her role as a consultant and advocate drive her ambition to shape the future of healthcare delivery.
 
Outside of her professional endeavors, Nahid Akter cherishes her role as a loving wife and devoted mother. She embraces an active lifestyle, enjoying outdoor activities such as running, biking, kayaking, and hiking. Additionally, Nahid is the proud fur baby mom to her English Bulldog, Rocco.
 
In conjunction with One Optify, Nahid Akter also announces the launch of Listen&Co, an initiative aimed at providing holistic care, community involvement, and accessibility to teenagers struggling with stress and anxiety. With over 20 years of experience working with mental health care providers, insurers, and physicians, Nahid is determined to make a difference in the lives of teens in New York and beyond. Listen&Co aims to break the stigma, lift the weight, and nurture young minds for a brighter future.
 
Nahid Akter invites individuals and organizations to join her in this transformative journey. Support and contributions from the community will empower Listen&Co to create lasting change and improve the lives of teenagers across the region.
 
Women’s Networking Association Member Nahid Akter can be found on the Association Directory, where she is looking forward to networking with you.
 

 
Greater Seattle Area – Mandy McCreary, a passionate advocate for Early Childhood Education (ECE) and inclusion, has devoted her career to the development and advancement of ECE. With a strong educational background and a wealth of experience, Mandy is making a significant impact in the field.
 
Mandy’s educational journey is marked by her commitment to gaining expertise in various aspects of ECE. She holds an Associate’s degree in ECE, an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Development, an Associate’s degree in Montessori for ages 0-3 and 3-6, a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Montessori and Leadership. This extensive educational foundation has provided her with a deep understanding of child development and effective teaching methodologies.
 
As an Experienced Director, Mandy has demonstrated her exceptional skills in curriculum assessment, curriculum development, preschool management, and staff development. Her ability to create engaging and inclusive learning environments has been evident throughout her career. Currently, she serves as the Director of the Easterseals Angle Lake Child Development Center in SeaTac, Washington, where she oversees the center’s operations and ensures the provision of high-quality early education and care services.
 
Prior to her role at Easterseals, Mandy held the position of Director at Pioneer Preschool, a Head Start facility in Cripple Creek, Colorado, for five years. Her dedication to creating enriching experiences for children and supporting their overall development was instrumental in the success of the program. Additionally, Mandy served as a Lead Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator at Cedar Montessori School in Naples, Florida, where she played a crucial role in designing and implementing effective curricula aligned with Montessori principles.
 
Mandy’s commitment to professional growth and staying up-to-date with industry standards is reflected in her certifications. She is a Certified CLASS observer, recognized by Teachstone, which demonstrates her proficiency in assessing and improving classroom interactions and teacher-child relationships. She also holds the TPOT certification, showcasing her expertise in the Teacher Performance Observation Tool.
 
Mandy McCreary’s unwavering dedication to ECE and inclusion, along with her extensive experience and commitment to professional development, make her an invaluable asset to the field. Her ability to develop effective curricula, nurture strong teacher-child relationships, and provide leadership and guidance to educational teams sets her apart as a trusted leader in the early childhood education community.
 
Women’s Networking Association Member Mandy McCreary can be found on the Association Directory, where she is looking forward to networking with you.
 

 
Los Angeles, California – Dana Nagengast, a seasoned leader in the field of Human Resources (HR), brings over 25 years of experience across diverse national and global industries such as Automotive, Distribution, Sales & Marketing, Manufacturing, Water Utility, and Higher Education. Known for her expertise in advising leaders, building culture, coaching teams, and transforming organizations, Dana is a driving force behind bringing out the best in people. Currently serving as a Senior Executive Advisor at McLean & Company, she continues to make a significant impact in the HR community.
 
Dana’s impressive educational background includes a Master of Science in Leadership and Strategic Organizational Development from the University of La Verne, complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Cal State University, Fullerton. Her educational foundation provides her with a deep understanding of leadership principles and strategic approaches to organizational development.
 
As a Certified Strengths Coach with the Gallup Organization and a Neuro-Linguistic Programming Motivational Coach, Dana utilizes her diverse skill set to empower individuals and teams to reach their full potential. She is committed to making a difference in the field of HR, working in partnership with other leaders to create positive change within organizations.
 
Throughout her career, Dana has been an active contributor to the HR community. She served as an Inaugural Member of the SHRM Executive Network, an esteemed professional network that brings together top HR leaders to collaborate and advance the industry. Additionally, she has held volunteer leadership roles with CUPA-HR, demonstrating her commitment to giving back and fostering professional growth in the HR field.
 
Dana Nagengast’s passion for HR, coupled with her extensive experience, positions her as a respected leader in the industry. Through her role at McLean & Company and her dedication to networking and sharing expertise, she continues to shape the future of HR and make a lasting impact on organizations and individuals alike.
 
Women’s Networking Association Member Dana Nagengast, SHRM-SCP can be found on the Association Directory, where she is looking forward to networking with you.
 

 
Pembroke Pines, Florida – Blue Minds, LLC, a leading provider of behavioral health services, is proud to announce its selection for the Best of Pembroke Pines Award for Behavioral Health Services for the second consecutive year. This prestigious recognition exemplifies the company’s commitment to excellence in delivering top-notch services to the community. As a result of this remarkable achievement, Blue Minds now qualifies for the Pembroke Pines Business Hall of Fame.
 
Under the visionary leadership of Carolina Alay, Founder and Executive Director of Blue Minds, the company has strived to create a supportive environment that fosters the creativity, imagination, and growing independence of children. By providing ongoing support and training to family members and other service providers involved in the learning process, Blue Minds ensures a comprehensive and effective approach to behavioral health services.
 
Blue Minds aims to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum. With a clear vision in mind, the company plans to introduce social skills groups for children on the autism spectrum, promoting their inclusion and social development. Furthermore, Blue Minds seeks to raise autism awareness globally and engage in social projects that encourage community participation in the education and inclusion of neurodiverse individuals.
 
Carolina Alay’s dedication and passion have been instrumental in the success of Blue Minds. Her leadership and commitment to promoting the well-being of individuals and families have established the company as a trusted provider of behavioral health services in the Pembroke Pines community and beyond.
 
To learn more about Blue Minds and its range of services, please visit their website at https://www.bluemindsllc.com/.
 
Women’s Networking Association Member Carolina Alay can be found on the Association Directory, where she is looking forward to networking with you.
 

 
Frederick, Maryland – Sierra Lee, a highly accomplished Family Nurse Practitioner and Critical Care Registered Nurse, is thrilled to announce significant milestones in her career and professional development. With a passion for patient care and a commitment to excellence, Sierra has recently completed her Master of Science degree and earned certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her dedication to advancing in the nursing field is evident as she continues to expand her skill set and network within the healthcare community.
 
Sierra Lee’s professional journey has been marked by remarkable achievements and valuable experience. With five years of critical care nursing under her belt, she has acquired a deep understanding of providing critical and compassionate care to patients in challenging circumstances. Sierra’s expertise in critical care nursing has laid a strong foundation for her current role as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Frederick Primary Care Associates, P.A., where she has been making a significant impact for the past two years.
 
In addition to her work in family practice, Sierra Lee has embarked on a new endeavor as a Nurse Practitioner at The Skin Clique. In this role, she provides concierge aesthetics services, including neurotoxins, chemical peels, and medical-grade skincare. Sierra’s aim is to empower her patients to achieve their aesthetic goals and feel confident in their own skin. By offering these services in the comfort of their own homes, Sierra ensures a personalized and convenient experience for her clients.
 
Sierra’s educational background is equally impressive. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2016. Following that, she worked diligently in various critical care settings, honing her skills and delivering exceptional care to patients. In 2021, Sierra graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., further solidifying her expertise and paving the way for her current roles.
 
Sierra Lee’s dedication to patient care, coupled with her commitment to professional growth, sets her apart as a healthcare professional. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and genuine care for her patients make her a valuable asset to the Frederick community and beyond.
 
Women’s Networking Association Member Sierra Lee can be found on the Association Directory, where she is looking forward to networking with you.