The Voice of Hope with Dr. Ken Huey

Tom Kozaczynski – Chief Advancement Officer, Compass Health

Mental health care doesn't happen in isolation. In this episode of The Voice of Hope Podcast, Dr. Ken Huey sits down with Tom Kozaczynski, Chief Advancement Officer at Compass Health, to explore the power of community, collaboration, and hope in behavioral health care. Tom shares his personal connection to mental health, how that experience shaped his career, and why helping vulnerable populations access care became his life's work. Together, they discuss the unique challenges low-income families face, the importance of integrated systems of care, and how organizations can better serve individuals with dignity and respect. The conversation also highlights the role of hope in healing, the progress being made to reduce stigma around mental health, and why asking for help is often the most important first step on the journey toward recovery. Whether you're a parent, clinician, caregiver, or someone navigating your own mental health journey, this episode offers practical insights and a powerful reminder that healing is possible when communities come together.

Roy Leitstein - President, LifeChef Health

What does it take to turn a childhood filled with trauma into a life dedicated to helping others heal? In this episode of The Voice of Hope Podcast, Dr. Ken Huey sits down with Roy Leitstein, President of LifeChef Health, healthcare executive, entrepreneur, investor, and longtime leader in behavioral health. Roy shares his deeply personal story of growing up in the child welfare system, surviving abuse and neglect, and finding purpose through service. From volunteering while serving in the Army to leading organizations that grew from helping hundreds to serving tens of thousands, Roy reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership, resilience, and mission. The conversation explores trauma, ACEs, resilience, leadership, the importance of building on strengths, and why helping others has remained the driving force behind Roy's career. Roy also discusses his transition into the Food as Medicine movement through LifeChef Health and how nutrition can become a powerful tool for improving health outcomes at scale. This is an inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, creating lasting impact, and choosing every day to move from surviving to thriving.

Zack Schafer – Executive Director, Mountain Valley Treatment Center

What if anxiety isn't something you have to live with forever? In this episode of The Voice of Hope Podcast, Dr. Ken Huey sits down with Zack Schafer, Executive Director of Mountain Valley Treatment Center and occupational therapist, to explore how hope, community, and meaningful participation can transform the lives of young people struggling with anxiety, OCD, and other mental health challenges. Zack shares the personal experiences that led him into the field of mental health, including the loss of a close friend to suicide and his commitment to helping others find healing and purpose. Together, Ken and Zack discuss the role of occupational therapy in mental health treatment, the power of exposure and response prevention (ERP), how meaningful daily activities support emotional wellbeing, and why connection is often the catalyst for lasting change. They also explore the growing impact of technology and AI on youth mental health, the importance of resilience, and how anxiety can sometimes become a strength rather than a limitation. Whether you're a parent, clinician, educator, or someone navigating anxiety yourself, this conversation offers practical insights and a powerful reminder that hope is possible. In this episode: • Zack's personal journey into mental health care • How occupational therapy supports healing and recovery • Why community and connection are essential for resilience • The role of ERP in treating anxiety and OCD • Helping young people find purpose beyond their symptoms • Anxiety as both a challenge and a potential strength • Concerns about technology, AI, and adolescent development • Why meaningful participation is critical to mental wellbeing If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, OCD, or fear-based challenges, this episode provides both practical guidance and hope for the future.

Perry LaRoque, Ph.D. - Founder, Mansfield Hall

In this episode of The Voice of Hope Podcast, Dr. Ken Huey sits down with Perry LaRoque, Ph.D., founder of Mansfield Hall and a leading advocate for neurodiverse learners. Perry shares why traditional education systems often fail students who learn differently, how mental health and academic struggles are deeply connected, and what parents can do to better recognize when a young adult is struggling in college. The conversation explores self-advocacy, belonging, labels, resilience, and the power of finding a community where students feel accepted for who they are. Perry also offers a powerful message for any young person who feels like they do not fit the mold: there is nothing wrong with you — you just need to find the people and places that see your strengths.

Ricky Santiago - Clinical Director, American Addiction Centers

What happens when therapy moves beyond four walls? In this episode of The Voice of Hope Podcast, Dr. Ken Huey sits down with behavioral health executive and experiential therapy expert Ricardo Santiago to explore how adventure therapy, leadership, culture, and purpose can transform mental health treatment. Ricky shares his deeply personal journey into behavioral healthcare, including how losing his mother to alcoholism shaped his mission to help families heal. He opens up about the power of experiential therapy, why true healing often happens outside the traditional therapy room, and how challenge-based experiences can help people rediscover confidence, connection, and hope. The conversation also dives into leadership in behavioral health, building healthy organizational culture, the dangers of gossip in teams, and the lessons behind Ricky’s book How Long to Sing This Song? If you care about mental health, addiction recovery, leadership, or creating cultures where people can truly heal, this episode is packed with insight and heart.