Hopebridge Ramps Up Value-Based Care with Expanded Clinical Division

New Chief Clinical Officer, Chief of Science, Head of Clinical Strategy to Lead Innovation in Autism Care

At Hopebridge, we’re committed to learning and growing at every level. From the kiddos in our centers working on new skills, to the university students in our fellowship programs, to the experienced team members participating in cutting-edge research—a focus on development is what continually advances our autism care.

As part of this growth, Hopebridge announced new executive appointments to form a clinical department that is unparalleled in the behavioral health community. Hopebridge recently promoted two team members to significant positions within our leadership team. Dr. Adam Hahs is Hopebridge’s Chief Science Officer and Jana Sarno is Chief Clinical Officer for both Hopebridge and our new partner, AIM Clinics. Kim Strunk, Hopebridge Founder and newly appointed Head of Clinical Strategy, will join Hahs and Sarno in driving the multi-state organization towards enhanced clinical outcomes and value-based healthcare. The trio aims to change the standards of clinical practice through extensive training opportunities, research initiatives and clinical innovation.

“Strunk, Hahs and Sarno each bring a unique, highly experienced skillset to our team,” said Hopebridge CEO Dennis May. “I am confident that our investments in clinical excellence and a strong clinical leadership team will not only elevate the quality of care for Hopebridge, but will create advancements for the entire industry as a whole.”

Dr. Hahs will be responsible for driving the company’s research initiatives as Chief Science Officer. This already includes Hopebridge’s participation in the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM), as well as exclusive continuing education opportunities for clinicians like PEAK training. Hahs’ has been fundamental in the development of one of the largest clinical supervision programs in the industry, the Hopebridge Fellowship Program, as well as driving initiatives for large internal and external research initiatives in the behavioral health space. 

“Our organization prides itself on training, developing and collaborating with the brightest minds in behavioral health,” said Dr. Hahs. “We’re eager to continue making advancements in research and clinical outcomes through our talented and diverse teams in all areas of early intervention and development, which means heavily investing in the adoption of evidence-based practices that will improve autism care, delivery and outcomes.”  

Leading up to his new role, Dr. Hahs showed exemplary leadership as Hopebridge’s VP of Clinical Services over the past year. Prior to joining Hopebridge, he was the Director of the MSABA Program in the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University and was the President of the Arizona Association for Behavior Analysis (AZABA). Dr. Hahs earned a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale where his research and clinical foci were language generativity, complex human behavior, and clinical behavior analysis with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and addiction.  

Sarno will oversee and direct all aspects of clinical training, service-delivery, and strategic planning for a multi-state mission-driven organization and provide services based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as Chief Clinical Officer. 

“I’m invigorated by the promise of giving our patients the best possible care during their key developmental years. We strive to develop clinical outcomes that strengthen the quality of our clinical practice, so our families can achieve results and our clinicians can grow in our mission,” said Sarno, “I am most excited to see the growth of our clinicians and the profound impact they make on each child within our clinics.” 

Proceeding this position, she worked as AIM Clinics’ CCO. She currently participates in grant-funded research and regularly presents at state, national, and international behavior analysis/school psychology conferences, too. In service to the larger community, Sarno volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Association for Behavior Analysis (ILABA). In her work with ILABA, she chairs the Legislative Affairs Committee that focuses on governmental relationships, grassroots advocacy, and increasing access to ABA through legislative change. Most recently, Sarno joined other industry experts in developing The Council of Autism Service Providers Organizational Guidelines. 

In addition to these promotions, Hopebridge recently announced plans to hire more than 4,000 employees in 2022 to meet the growing need for ABA therapy in 12 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio and Tennessee. The company also plans to add up to 40 additional locations throughout the year, an expansion that will provide more access to autism therapy services.  

Hopebridge is dedicated to continuing clinical excellence through career advancement opportunities at all levels. Under Hahs’ and Sarno’s clinical leadership, those looking to elevate their careers from within Hopebridge have access to: 

• Grand Rounds 
• Development programs to level up in their own roles 
• Company-sponsored CEUs 
• Exclusive training opportunities like PEAK training 
• Research partnerships with Baylor, Florida Institute of Technology, Arizona State University and ICHOM 
• Students aspiring to become BCBAs, OTs and SLPs can take advantage of unparalleled mentorship, supervision hours and clinical rotations at Hopebridge through the Fellowship Program and Fieldwork Experience Program. 

Does working with knowledgeable and experienced leaders like Dr. Hahs and Sarno to better the lives off children with autism inspire you to take the next step in your career? We invite you to join in our mission and urge you to peek at the open roles at Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers across the country.

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