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Who We Are

Human Potential Through Brain Performance

Vitanya exists to serve those who serve - from veterans and first responders to professionals and communities under pressure. We are a science-backed performance partner,
pioneering a new standard in mental wellness and cognitive resilience through personalized, non-invasive neuroscience.

Our team combines clinical expertise, cutting-edge neurotechnology, and a commitment to public-private partnerships to deliver real, measurable results -
helping people sleep better, focus deeper, lead smarter, and live fuller.  

The Challenge

Wellness & Resilience in a Fast-Moving World

As the pace of modern life is accelerating, so are the challenges. The status quo is not enough.  Traditional methods are critical, but stretched to the limit. Different and complementary approaches have never been more important - to survive, and thrive. Vitanya’s mission is to deliver accessible resilience solutions to everyone.

The Objective

Resilient Brains Build Resilient Communities

Our brains can learn to be resilient - to common stress or major trauma, through neuroplasticity: the ability of neural networks in the brain to change, grow, and reorganize . Our objective is to democratize access to brain performance solutions that don’t just support wellness, but enable growth, focus, and adaptability. Whether in a combat zone, a classroom, a squad car, or a boardroom, everyone deserves to perform at their best.

The Solution

Where Innovation and Human Potential Intersect

Vitanya uses advanced and proprietary neuro-entrainment technology coupled with bio-feedback, brain-gut health guidance, and personalized coaching to restore neuro-flexibility - the brain’s ability to adapt and perform under stress.  Put simply: Resilience. Our non-invasive solutions are guided by each individual’s own brain signals, making the process completely personalized, simple, accessible, and scalable across sectors and geographies.

VITANYA’S MISSION

A STRONGER SELF, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY

Our mission is to revolutionize personalized brain performance solutions and expand global access to them through scalable partnerships and AI-powered delivery. We are a force multiplier - empowering individuals, strengthening families, and fortifying the mental resilience of communities. Our programs don’t just support mental health, they optimize human potential.

Vitanya's impact

PROVEN OUTCOMES, MEASURABLE CHANGE

From trauma recovery to workforce performance, our programs consistently reduce stress, improve sleep, and elevate cognitive function. With outstanding outcomes across public safety, military, higher education, and corporate environments, Vitanya has proven what is possible when brain performance becomes a strategic priority.  Addressing this crisis is not just urgent; it is essential to unlocking the full potential of individuals for the collective benefit of our communities and our nation’s future.

VITANYA’S COMMON PURPOSE

Vitanya began as a collaboration between holistic health and entrepreneurial visionaries seeking to address complex wellness challenges through non-invasive, neuroscience-based solutions. 

 It has evolved to build programs that both support populations dealing with trauma, stress, and anxiety, and equip communities seeking optimized brain performance. 

 Our team empowers humans to unlock their most resilient self, utilizing technology to deliver better, simpler solutions to as many people as possible.  Service to others is at the heart of our common purpose: increasing success potential for individuals and communities through brain performance.

Executive team

Michael Southworth

President/CEO

Michael Southworth is a lifelong innovator with nearly four decades of experience in grassroots product development and entrepreneurial ventures. From his first invention - a snowboard prototype he created in high school - to pioneering the sport of duneboarding and launching the world’s first software vending machine in the early 1990s, Michael has consistently been ahead of the curve in bringing visionary ideas to life.

In 2011, driven by a deep passion for unlocking human potential, Michael co-founded Vitanya with the mission to revolutionize brain performance and resilience through neuroscience-based innovation. Under his leadership, Vitanya has developed proprietary technologies and scalable programs that are improving lives across sectors - from military and first responders to corporate and community partners.

Michael’s work continues to push boundaries and expand national access to brain optimization solutions, shaping a future where cognitive performance is foundational to personal success and collective impact.

Michael Southworth

President/CEO

Michael Southworth is a lifelong innovator with nearly four decades of experience in grassroots product development and entrepreneurial ventures. From his first invention - a snowboard prototype he created in high school - to pioneering the sport of duneboarding and launching the world’s first software vending machine in the early 1990s, Michael has consistently been ahead of the curve in bringing visionary ideas to life.

In 2011, driven by a deep passion for unlocking human potential, Michael co-founded Vitanya with the mission to revolutionize brain performance and resilience through neuroscience-based innovation. Under his leadership, Vitanya has developed proprietary technologies and scalable programs that are improving lives across sectors - from military and first responders to corporate and community partners.

Michael’s work continues to push boundaries and expand national access to brain optimization solutions, shaping a future where cognitive performance is foundational to personal success and collective impact.

Tracey Regan, DC

Chief Administrative Officer

Tracey Regan, DC

Dr. Tracey Regan leads the operational development, implementation, and oversight of Vitanya’s programs, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in execution. Since joining Vitanya in 2014, she has fostered partnerships with both non-profit and for-profit organizations that prioritize cutting-edge neuroscience in reducing trauma effects, enhancing stress resilience, and optimizing human performance.

 

Her work includes designing and integrating specialized programming for key operational sectors, including first responders, addiction recovery centers, veteran support services, child protection agencies, and corporate teams. With 20+ years of private practice expansion experience across multiple countries and states, Dr. Regan applies her expertise in neurology and functional medicine to streamline processes, enhance service delivery, and ensure measurable outcomes in neuroscience-based performance improvement.

STACEY SMITH, PhD, EMDR

Chief Clinical Officer

STACEY SMITH, PhD, EMDR

Dr. Stacey Smith is a licensed psychologist in Arizona with over 25 years of expertise in bio and neurofeedback. For the past eight years, he has served as the National Director of Clinical Services for Vitanya, following his tenure as a clinical director for multiple treatment centers.

Dr. Smith has played a pivotal role in numerous research projects, contributing to literature reviews, grant writing, survey design, participant interviews, data collection, and analysis. He has co-authored published papers on the Vitanya process. Additionally, Dr. Smith has reported outcomes for several randomized controlled trials, including as a project director. He has presented research findings at multiple professional conferences and remains dedicated to advancing neuroscience methodologies, helping Vitanya remain at the forefront of innovation in the field.

Tim DeLaney

Chief Marketing Officer

Tim DeLaney

Tim DeLaney joined Vitanya in December of 2024 after 18 years as an executive in the National Football League, leading brand content and marketing for two clubs.  A multiple Emmy Award winner, Tim brings his storytelling acumen to Vitanya to help its programs reach as many people as possible. Tim's passion for Vitanya’s transformational impact is personal, as his oldest daughter participated in the program after a long recovery from a bone marrow transplant and the surrounding trauma.  

ADVISORY BOARD

Meg Bell

Meg Bell

Meg is an experienced partner relations executive with over 20 years of expertise in developing partner strategies for B2B startups. 

Throughout her career, Meg has supported mission-driven organizations at various stages, including new ventures. She currently serves as the Director of Engagement at Daylight, a global hub for learning, practice and research that aims to create a more visible, trusted, and inclusive philanthropic advising field. Daylight is devoted to transforming advisor education through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and resources tailored to the contemporary philanthropic landscape.

Meg's expertise lies in her ability to foster relationships, forge connections, and build community. She firmly believes that “there is no power for change greater than a community discovering what they care about,” a quote by Margaret Wheatley.

Additionally, she is currently the Co-Chair of the Seattle University Board of Regents. Her volunteer efforts include working with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Generations Cancer Foundation, and City Year. 

Ellen Sohus, MC, LPC, LISAC

    

Ellen Sohus, MC, LPC, LISAC

Ellen Sohus, MC, LPC, LISAC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor.  She has been working in the Behavioral Health field since 1996.  Her experience includes working in hospitals, residential treatment centers, outpatient clinics and private practice. She served on the board of Arizona Group Psychotherapy Society as President and as National Representative. Ellen currently works in private practice specializing in mental health, trauma, addiction and pain recovery counseling services.

Captain Ray Maione

   

Captain Ray Maione

Ray is a Captain with the Phoenix Fire Department and Vice President of Member Services for United Phoenix Firefighters Local 493.  With nearly three decades of firefighting experience, Ray oversees mental health resources for the Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, Peoria, Chandler, and Surprise fire department members.  He is known and respected amongst his peers nationally as an advocate for firefighter wellness and support resources.

Melissa DeLaney

    

Melissa DeLaney

Melissa DeLaney brings more than two decades of experience in strategic communications, media relations, and public affairs, with a career spanning Washington, D.C. and Arizona. She has led messaging and media strategy for high-profile issues, international initiatives, and public leaders — serving as a trusted spokesperson and advisor in complex, high-stakes environments.

Melissa served as Communications Director for Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s winning 2014 campaign and previously worked with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, where she led campaigns to promote the region’s business climate and advance key public policy initiatives. Her expertise includes crisis communications, speechwriting, op-eds, media training, and managing press relations with local, national, and global outlets.

Having led communications for members of Congress, White House Cabinet officials, and state leaders, Melissa’s work is grounded in clarity, impact, and influence. 

Sheriff Mark Lamb

    

Sheriff Mark Lamb

Sheriff Mark Lamb, widely known as the “American Sheriff”  has built a remarkable legacy as a leader, innovator, and symbol of strength and resilience. While his path to law enforcement was unconventional, transitioning from a successful business owner to a deputy in his thirties, Mark quickly rose to the top of his field. From earning Valedictorian honors in his training class to being named Rookie of the Year, Officer of the Year, and Detective of the Year, Mark’s leadership qualities were evident from the start. Twice elected as the Sheriff of Pinal County, he has continuously exceeded expectations, rising to every challenge with unwavering determination.

Throughout his eight-year tenure as Sheriff, Mark has transformed the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office into one of the most respected and efficient agencies in the country. He leveraged the power of multimedia to connect with the public in innovative ways, setting a standard for law enforcement agencies across the nation. Mark’s approach to transparency and community engagement has earned them admiration globally, but it is the deep trust he has cultivated within his own community that stands as his greatest achievement.

Known for his empowering leadership style, distinctive western attire, and infectious smile, Mark’s no-nonsense, optimistic approach to law enforcement and his belief in doing what is right has made him a beloved figure in his county and beyond.

Sean Noble

    

Sean Noble

Sean Noble is a prominent Arizona-based political consultant known for his extensive experience in conservative politics and his influential role in shaping political strategies at the both the state and national level. Sean served as Chief of Staff to Congressman John Shadegg for more than a decade, which gave him unique insight to the legislative process and public policy.

After leaving Shadegg’s office, Noble spearheaded a national policy campaign to thwart a Washington takeover of health care, successfully preventing some of the most damaging elements of the legislation from passing into law.

Sean is the co-founder and President of DC London, a full-service political consulting and media production company. He is also a partner in both Compass Strategies Public Affairs and A2 Precision. He has managed campaigns and independent expenditure efforts at every level, from President to state legislature.

Sean founded and is President of a non-profit named American Encore and is the co-host of the podcast “Light Beer Dark Money.”

Business Operations Team

Shannon Owsley

Human Resources Director

Shannon Owsley

Spencer Southworth

Operations Manager

Spencer Southworth

Morgan Nelson

Business Intelligence Analyst

Morgan Nelson

Jason Wilburn

Field Services Coordinator

Jason Wilburn

BRAIN PERFORMANCE TEAM

Marena Bennett

Brain Performance Coach Manager

Marena Bennett

Ally Pisher

Performance Development Lead/
Brain Performance Coach

Ally Pisher

Jessica Miles

Performance Development Lead/
Brain Performance Coach

Jessica Miles

Christa Ellis

Team Lead

Christa Ellis

Saul Morales

Assistant Team Lead

Saul Morales

Daniel Munoz

Brain Performance Coach

Daniel Munoz

Jason McGowan

Brain Performance Coach

Jason McGowan

Kira

Demonstration Lead/
Brain Performance Coach

Kira

Shania Maddux

Brain Performance Coach

Shania Maddux

Tom Elledge

Brain Performance Coach

Tom Elledge

Reg Madison

Team Lead

Reg Madison

Diane Wigbers

Assistant Team Lead

Diane Wigbers

Jennifer Monge

Brain Performance Coach

Jennifer Monge

Kelly Fink

Brain Performance Coach

Kelly Fink

Lloyd Porter

Brain Performance Coach

Lloyd Porter

Rita Muller

Brain Performance Coach

Rita Muller

Victoria Vedia

Team Lead

Victoria Vedia

Anna Palechek

Brain Performance Coach

Anna Palechek

Jaime Owsley

Brain Performance Coach

Jaime Owsley

Kristen Branco

Brain Performance Coach

Kristen Branco

Shawnna Barber

Demonstration Lead/Brain Performance Coach

Shawnna Barber