Who We Are
VITANYA’S MISSION
Our mission is to build the Brain Capital of high-consequence organizations — one brain at a time, at scale. Through proprietary technology, human guidance, AI-powered delivery, and strategic partnerships, Vitanya turns human intelligence performance into a measurable, compounding asset.
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
Jordan southworth
head of performance partnerships
Jordan Southworth
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
diane wigbers
assistant team lead
Diane Wigbers
Kira
Demonstration Lead/
Brain Performance Coach
Kira
MARISA GARDNER
Brain Performance Coach
Marisa Gardner
Lloyd Porter
Brain Performance Coach
Lloyd Porter
Reg Madison
brain performance coach
Reg Madison
Jennifer Monge
Brain Performance Coach
Jennifer Monge
Anna Palechek
Brain Performance Coach
Anna Palechek
Jaime Owsley
Brain Performance Coach
Jaime Owsley
Kristen Branco
team lead
Kristen Branco
brain plans for human potential
We are a science-backed performance partner, pioneering resilience solutions for mission-critical and enterprise teams.
a Resilience gap in a Fast-Moving World
As the pace of modern life is accelerating, so are the challenges. Today's workforce faces overload, overwhelm, and desicion fatigue.
Resilient Brains Build Resilient Communities
We aim to democratize access to brain performance solutions that enable resilience and adaptability. Whether in a combat zone, a classroom, a squad car, or a boardroom — everyone needs a brain plan.
where brain plans become brain capital
Vitanya's methodology, technology, and people provide a system that helps the brain improve its own ability perform under stress: Resilience. The system is personalized, remote, accessible, and scalable across enterprise workforces.