Dr. Kathryn St. James, President and CEO

Kate joined BHP as President and CEO in 2016. For the past 20 years she has held leadership positions in the behavioral health field focused on mental health and addiction services. In addition, she has worked as a lobbyist advocating for mental health and addiction providers, clients, and healthy mental health systems.

Kate graduated from The Ohio State University with her Bachelor’s in psychology. Following graduation and before starting graduate school, she spent two years in Washington, D.C. as a research assistant for a non-profit advocacy organization. Kate returned to Ohio to attend Xavier University, where she received a doctorate in clinical psychology and a master’s certificate in non-profit management through Xavier’s MBA program. She completed her doctoral and post-doctoral training at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.

Julie Wagar, Chief Clinical Officer

Julie Wagar joined BHP in November 2017. She has over 30 years experience working in mental health, criminal justice, and substance abuse treatment settings. She is a Licensed Social Worker and an independently Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Much of Julie’s work for the last ten years has been with organizations developing programs and providing services to individuals experiencing homelessness, trauma, substance use, and mental health concerns.

Julie is an adjunct faculty member at Columbus State Community College, teaching courses and serving as a faculty liaison for students in the Social and Human Services Department. Julie currently serves on the SARNCO (Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio) Board and provides specialized training for their volunteers. Julie has a strong interest in the application and use of contemplative practices in recovery and wellness work. Her interest in this area took her to India where she researched the effects of meditation and alternative treatments to women experiencing trauma. Julie enjoys a collaborative approach in working with co workers, community partners, and clients.

Mike Johansen, Chief Financial Officer

Mike joined BHP as Chief Financial Officer in May of 2018 bringing with him over 15 years of progressive not for profit behavioral healthcare financial experience, as well as 10 plus years of for profit work in the public sector. Originally from Northwest Indiana, Mike attended, and graduated from, Indiana State University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Accounting.

BHP represents the third Behavioral Healthcare agency he has had the opportunity to work with, in varying capacities. While in Behavioral Healthcare Mike has had to opportunity to work with State Representatives as well as present in front of State Department Directors.

Mike is dad to four children and four dogs! When he’s not working, or attending kid events, he enjoys watching, and attending, sporting events (Go Buccaneers and Blue Jackets!!), concerts, movies, and spending time with family, and friends.

Kelly O’Brien, Human Resources Director

Kelly is an experienced Director of Human Resources with a demonstrated history of working in the healthcare industry. She has a varied background which includes Corporate Business Development, Executive Assistant for several not-for-profit organizations, Facilities, Project Management and Human Resources.  She has worked solely in the not-for-profit world the past 20 years, focusing on Human Resources during the past 9 years.

Recently she assumed management over the Facility/Maintenance department with BHP.   She will provide oversight and direct services related to facility maintenance (inside & out) for multiple buildings and ensuring non-profit status with vendors to obtain a quality product/service at the best value.

Kelly is the mother/mother-in-law to three adult children and loves spending time with her friends and family.  Her hobbies include interior decorating and travel.