FOUNDER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dr. L. Read Sulik is our founder , CEO, and Chief Medical Officer. He is a Triple Board Program trained child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist and pediatrician. For over 20 years, Sulik has passionately and tirelessly pursued the vision, design, and development of innovations to improve mental health and wellbeing and integrate behavioral health into primary and specialty healthcare. At Portages Health, he continues the adventure, forging new paths needed to bring better access to better mental health and wellbeing care to individuals, organizations and communities.

Throughout his entire career, he has held numerous senior leadership positions in healthcare and in state government. He has raised over $30 million through grants, philanthropy, and investments and received numerous professional awards. He is a passionate and compassionate clinician, teacher, and mentor and is a popular speaker, having given 100s of Keynotes, lectures, and workshops locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Jill Krause, our Chief Operations Officer, has extensive experience in behavioral healthcare leadership. In addition to overseeing the mental illness division of a community mental health service provider and two psychiatric hospitals, she has managed and directed numerous residential and outpatient facilities serving adolescents and adults with mental illness, substance use and co-occurring disorders, and developmental disabilities. Jill has dedicated more than 30 years to providing quality, whole-person care to those in need. She is strongly committed to the Portages Health aspiration to rise above care as usual and is devoted to integrating that objective into all aspects of her role.

CHIEF CLINICAL SCIENTIST

Dr. Bloomquist is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience as a service provider, supervisor, and researcher in mental health. He is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota Medical School where he consults regarding best practices for mental health services. His work over the past 30 years has emphasized developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative mental health programs utilizing an implementation science approach. An experienced researcher, Dr. Bloomquist has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and written several books about mental health, effective intervention methods, and evidence-based practice.

As the Chief Clinical Scientist for Portages Health, Dr. Bloomquist guides the development of research-validated content, precision measurement, and implementation methods within Portages digital technologies. He trains and oversee the Portages Health workforce to ensure Portages programming and technology are applied with high fidelity. He leads evaluation and dissemination of Portages within real-world practice settings.

CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Billie Kipp is a child psychologist and a member of the Blackfeet Tribe whose career has been dedicated to reducing disparities in mental health among Indigenous communities. Her clinical, teaching, and research activities have centered on advocacy and support for vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on Native children’s mental health and wellness.

As a Research Associate at the University of New Mexico (UNM) Center of Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addiction, Dr. Kipp conducted and analyzed qualitative interviews, gaining critical experience in research practices responsive to marginalized and minority communities. In her role as Associate Scientist at the UNM Health Sciences Center, she contributed to the development of collaborative laboratory and field research projects designed for public health practitioners.

Dr. Kipp has served as a child and clinical psychologist with Laguna Behavioral Health Services in Laguna, NM, and with Sandia Behavioral Health in Bernalillo, NM. Her research has examined the cognitive and psychological effects of language and culture on Native American children’s mental health and investigated testing bias affecting Indian children.

In addition to her clinical and research work, Dr. Kipp has held leadership positions as President of two tribal colleges, where she prioritized community engagement to incorporate local perspectives into education and research initiatives. She has also assisted New Mexico’s Head Start programs through her work as a native children's mental health specialist with the Academy for Educational Development’s American Indian Technical Assistance Network in Washington, D.C.

Nationally, Dr. Kipp serves as Co-Chair of the American Psychological Association Division 18 Committee on Diversity and as a Board Member of the Johns Hopkins Indigenous Health Center.

Dr. Kipp was selected by the American Psychological Association as FIRSTS WOMEN OF COLOR CHANGE MAKERS NATIONAL TOUR and one of the top NATIVE AMERICAN LEADERS IN HIGHER EDUCATION. Dr. Kipp's research and clinical experience, has positioned her well as an expert in Native American youth development and leadership.

BUSINESS MANAGER, DATA ANALYTICS & VISUALIZATIONS DIRECTOR

Desmond Walker (Dez) is our Business and Data Analytics Manager with years of experience in business finance, auditing and healthcare quality process improvement. Desmond supports all aspects of Praestan business operations resulting in business and clinical best practices and expertise in predictive modeling, machine learning, PowerBI, Tableau, data analytics, financial strategy, and forecasting.

Desmond is known as a high-integrity, approachable, and self-motivated team player with affiliative and team-oriented leadership styles. He is known also as “Coach Walker”, and has been coaching boys and girls youth travel, AAU and high school in both football and basketball for over 20 years.

DIRECTOR OF SALES

Emily has been the face of many different organizations in her career: starting in the specialty coffee trade, then continuing into resort ownership, and eventually landing in healthcare where she has been for the last decade. Her passion for patients is evident, and she places great importance on representing products and services that make a positive impact on the lives of others: hospice, at-home nursing services, and most recently in medical device, where she enjoyed being an active part of patient experience and witnessing life-changing outcomes.

Emily's journey has led her to Portages Health, where she looks forward to continuing to make an impact and bringing life-enhancing services to deserving communities.

Emily lives in Hudson, Wisconsin with her husband, daughters, and their pets. When she is not working, she enjoys hiking, backpacking and drinking coffee.

LEAD OUTFITTER AND OFFICE MANAGER

Emily "Paddle" Olson is the Portages executive assistant and lead outfitter with a passion for creating memorable experiences. With a decade of expertise in customer service and employee management, Emily excels in fostering genuine connections and delivering top-notch service with a smile.

Known for her upbeat demeanor and dedication to her work, Emily values the importance of humor in everyday life. She believes in finding joy in the little moments and shares her infectious laughter wherever she goes.

When she's not busy at work, Emily retreats into the world of literature, indulging her inner introvert with a good book. She also cherishes quality time with her husband and two boys, engaging in lively rounds of Mario Kart and playful banter. A puzzle enthusiast, Emily guards her collection fiercely, ensuring no piece goes missing. She's also an avid snacker and enjoys the thrill of uncovering treasures while thrift shopping.

With her quick wit and genuine warmth, Emily proudly holds the title of the funniest person in her family, bringing joy and laughter to those around her both in and out of the office.