Business Briefs: First Child Services, axialHealthcare, Pathways Health and Community Support

First Child Services, a provider of behavioral health and special education services, has announced several personnel moves within its operations in New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania.

Samantha Kerrigan, BCBA, has been promoted to director of clinical training and professional development. Kerrigan will be responsible for design and implementation of an organization-wide training program for the organization’s clinicians. Kerrigan will also contribute to First Child Services’ new board certified behavior analyst mentee fellowship program, which will offer a full-time, salaried position to those pursuing BCBA certification.

Shannon Vitelli, MEd, BCBA, has been appointed to the role of vice president of strategic development. Vitelli founded Exceptional Learning, a Pennsylvania-based autism services provider acquired by First Child Services in early 2021. In her new role, Vitelli will oversee marketing, business development and external communications.

Jeffrey Selman, PsyD, BCBA, has been promoted to chief operating officer. Selman joined the organization in 2020 as vice president of clinical services.

Caitlin Summers-Motta, MA, LPC, ACS, has been promoted to director of student-focused services, a role in which she will oversee First Child Services’ Transitions Program, which offers a range of in-district, center-based and at-home services for students with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.

axialHealthcare Announces New Name, $75 Milllion Investment

Wayspring, formerly known as axialHealthcare, announced a name change and that it has received a $75 million investment led by Valtruis, along with Centene Corp., CareSource, HLM Venture Partners, and other existing investors. Funds from the investment will be used to scale the organization’s full-risk medical home model for substance use disorder.

The model incorporates community-based peer support, behavioral health services, and primary care. Wayspring also partners with provider networks to refer members for treatment, facilitate care transitions, and improve adherence to medicine. Wayspring launched its SUD management solutions initiative with 3 health plans in 2020.

Valtruis is a newly formed, value-based care portfolio company of Welsh, Carson, Anderson, and Stowe. The $75 investment also includes funding from existing Wayspring investors Highmark Ventures, .406 Ventures, the Blue Venture Fund, and Oak HC/FT.

Pathways Completes Acquistion of Renew Consulting in Oregon

Pathways Health and Community Support, a behavioral and mental health services provider, announced that it has completed its acquisition of Renew Consulting, a residential behavioral health company that offers services in 7 counties in northwest Oregon.

With the addition of Renew, Pathways will now operate locations in 19 states and Washington, D.C., with a staff of more than 5,000 employees. Its behavioral health service offerings include: counseling, telehealth-based services, autism services, case management, therapeutic foster care, parent education, supportive employment, and substance use services.