Danielle Whitebread, EdD, LBS, CATP

I attribute my success to perseverance, authenticity, and a deep sense of purpose. The work ethic instilled in me by my parents, along with the challenges and rewards of raising five sons, have shaped my leadership and resilience. My journey has been guided by the belief that professional excellence and compassion must go hand in hand. With 16 years of experience in the behavioral health field, I currently serve as a Behavioral Health Strategic and Quality Consultant, focusing on quality metrics, program evaluation, and the development of initiatives that address member needs. My expertise includes leading substance use task forces, providing clinical consulting, and implementing collaborative problem-solving techniques to improve behavioral health outcomes.

I initially began my career in pre-med studies but shifted to psychology after discovering my passion for mental and emotional wellness. Over the years, I’ve held roles ranging from school-based trauma therapist to behavioral health program leader, ultimately earning my Doctorate in Educational Leadership. My personal experiences, particularly my son’s health journey, have strengthened my empathy and fueled my commitment to creating accessible, stigma-free mental health care.

Among my most notable achievements are earning my doctorate, becoming my state’s only certified collaborative problem-solving practitioner, and leading initiatives that significantly improved patient engagement and quality outcomes. I am also in the process of developing a mental and behavioral health podcast to raise awareness, share expert insights, and help dismantle stigma surrounding mental health. Looking ahead, my goal is to pursue a Doctorate in Behavioral Health Leadership in Public Health and continue advancing my mission to transform how communities view and support mental wellness.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my mentors—and from my children, who have each taught me resilience in their own way. I was told, “Your strength isn’t just in your knowledge; it’s in your compassion.” That wisdom has stayed with me throughout my career, reminding me that true leadership comes from balancing expertise with empathy. It’s guided me to lead with heart, stay grounded in purpose, and maintain professional excellence even in the most challenging moments.

I encourage young women entering the behavioral health field to practice patience, self-care, and healthy boundary-setting. This work is deeply rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding, and it’s important to recognize that compassion fatigue is real. Helping others begins with taking care of yourself first. My advice is simple: Don’t let burnout silence your passion—find your balance, and remember why you started. When you stay grounded in your purpose, your impact becomes both meaningful and sustainable.

One of the biggest challenges in the behavioral health field today is the persistent stigma surrounding mental health, along with funding disparities and workforce shortages that limit access to care. However, I also see tremendous opportunities emerging. The growth of telehealth and the integration of technology are transforming how we deliver services, making it possible to reach more people in meaningful ways. I believe the future of behavioral health lies in leveraging data-driven strategies to create more human-centered, equitable, and accessible care—where innovation and empathy work hand in hand to improve outcomes for all.

Integrity, empathy, and advocacy are the core values that guide both my professional and personal life. I believe in breaking mental health stigma through honesty, education, and a commitment to continuous learning. These values shape how I lead, connect with others, and approach every challenge—with compassion and purpose. On a personal level, I value balance and family above all. Spending time with my sons grounds me and reminds me why I do this work. I strive to grow professionally in ways that align with my mission to serve others and create lasting, positive change in the field of mental health.