Meet Our Team

Our experienced team is diverse, talented, and ready to help!

Ovadis J Cheatham

Hello! I’m Ovadis J. Cheathams. Husband, father of 6, and friend of many.  I possess a Bachelors of Science degree in Pastoral Ministry from Taylor University and Masters of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. I have been a Behavioral Consultant since 2010, but I have over 30 years working with our population. My outlook is that everyone is capable of reaching

Abby

Abby is here! In 2000, I received my Bachelor of Social Work with an Interpersonal Relationship minor from Ball State (Go Cards!). After two years as a case manager, I went to graduate school at IUPUI in Indianapolis. With a Master’s in Social Work, I’ve worked in a variety of settings since 2005. I worked as a rape and sexual assault program director, Anthem and Indiana Medicaid social worker, and behavior consultant.
married with two children (age 7 and 14). My husband sings and plays in our church band. Because my child participates in AAU basketball all year and football in the fall, I spend my weekends at the gym or on the football field. I’d want to travel and show my children the world! I teach all of my customers, whether they are 8 or 88, that we must work hard in order to play hard! I am continually congratulating myself on goal progress or fulfillment!

Pam Sanders

Hi! I’m  Pam Samuels. In 1997, I received a BA in English and an MS in Psychology from the University of Texas in Arlington. For over 20 years, I’ve taught behavioral and educational programs to schoolchildren and adults. I like assisting individuals in living their best lives. As a behavioral consultant, I get to know my clients and their guardians, their goals and expectations, and then design customized programs to help them accomplish them. Podcasts of all kinds inspire and thrill me. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, real crime, social justice, and philosophy. My personal and professional frameworks are deeply grounded on literature and human motivation and behavior as a former literature teacher of 11th graders, my favorite age group to teach. Life is the most beautiful method for people to connect. My life and work have been influenced by Rollo May, Viktor Frankel, Soren Kierkegaard, and Toni Morrison.
Fun facts about me: Coffee is life. I thrive in routine. Laughter is my go-to coping mechanism. And I’m an amazing singer and dancer in my own mind.

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Janae Planck

Hi! Janae Planck. I entered grad school three days after graduating from Defiance College in Ohio with a Bachelor in Social Work in May 2007. I received my MSW from IUPUI in May 2008. Later, I got my social work license. I interned in various places with many individuals. I worked with domestic violence and sex offenders in college, then in the state hospital and long-term housing for severely mentally ill persons in grad school. After graduating, I worked as a hospital social worker, but now I work in a nursing home for persons in treatment or needing long-term care. I like family time with my three kids! Fill my cup. When I’m not singing loudly in the automobile, I sing in the church’s contemporary worship band. I may be a little OCD, but I also like to relax and have fun. Kids love movie evenings! I’m new to this industry, but I’ve enjoyed my clients so far.   I hope to be able to make a difference in each client’s life for the better, no matter how that may look for them as an individual.

Hope Hart

Hope has been a BC with New Wave Wellness since December 2021 after graduating from Indiana Institute of Technology with her Master of Science in Psychology degree. Hope completed her undergraduate studies at Western Michigan University where she majored in Anthropology and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree. Hope is enthusiastic with a genuine appreciation for her work and the endeavors of the individuals she serves. She has over 20 years of professional experience working with a variety of diverse individuals with disabilities. This experience includes specifically working with those receiving the CIH and FSW waivers in Indiana since 2013; and in the following roles as Program Instructor, QIDP, Program Manager, and Case Manager. Hope loves the outdoors, fitness, the arts, and animals. She is active in her community and also a mother, with experience parenting a neurodivergent child. Hope is empathetic and dependable with a true passion for life.

Dina Robinson

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services, concentration in criminal justice and psychology from Purdue University and Masters degree in Psychology Phoenix University. Over twenty years walking alongside the lives of people with developmental disabilities. 

My hope is to enhance the lives and develop skills for all to live in their communities. I enjoy most being in the kitchen cooking for friends and family. 

Evita Roby

Evita obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO and her Master’s in Social Work from Indiana University Northwest in Gary, IN. Evita has extensive experience working with individuals with disabilities, mental health, and addictions. Evita’s passion is helping and advocating for others. Evita enjoys traveling, shopping, cooking, festivals, and spending time with family and friends.

Madison Magdziarz

Madison Magdziarz is a music therapist who graduated from Purdue University Fort Wayne in 2021. She has experience working with intellectual disabilities and mental health in all age groups. Her favorite part of music therapy is building a good rapport with her clients as she cares deeply about those she works with. She is also very passionate about helping others reach their personal goals through music. In her free time, she loves to sing and make crafts with friends! 

Peyton Lessentine

“Peyton is an open-minded, motivated, and optimistic individual who grew up in “The Region”.  He graduated with his bachelor’s in Recreation & Sport Management from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, where he also minored in Psychology as well as Recreation Management & Youth Leadership.  He then completed his internship experience with New Leaf Recreation out of Northwest Indiana in 2021.  His interests include Chicago’s professional sport teams (especially the White Sox), cooking, experiencing new places and things, watching movies, traveling, random facts, and listening to classic rock.  He obtained his CTRS credential in 2021 and truly enjoys his career path as a recreation therapist.  Since then, he has been a professional companion for all board game, indoor or outdoor sport, exercise, artistic, and creative experiences of his clients.  Peyton is determined to make a positive impact on the lives of his clients as a recreation therapist with New Wave Wellness in Northwest Indiana.”  

Susan Nolan

My name is Suanne Nolan and I have a BA in Communications from Purdue University, a MS in Education: Exceptional Needs from the University of Saint Francis, and a MS in Education: Educational Leadership from Purdue University-Fort Wayne.  I have worked in special education or as a behavior consultant with those who have various disabilities since 2003.  Currently, I am a full-time special education resource teacher at an elementary school and a part-time behavior consultant with New Wave Wellness.  I strive to be a strong advocate for students, clients, and families.  I find building positive relationships is the key to my success.  I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana with my husband, daughter, and our two cats and dog.  When I’m not working, I enjoy watching live music, reading biographies and nonfiction material, and walking my dog. 

Jennifer Wiegmann

Has her master’s degree in forensic psychology and is currently pursuing another master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling psychology.  Jennifer has over 18 years of experience working with individuals with special needs and critical mental health situations. Jennifer currently provides therapy for clients at Ball State University and enjoys working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.  Jennifer’s therapeutic orientation focuses mostly on cognitive-behavior therapy, solution-based therapy, and positive, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques.  Jennifer enjoys spending time outside with clients and making behavior changes while having fun.  Jennifer believes that a team approach to behavior changes is key to making lasting successful, positive change.  Jennifer loves to kayak, garden, and go biking.  She also spends time making and selling her art, playing the piano, and enjoying time with her family.  Jennifer looks forward to working with her clients and learning new therapeutic techniques to help them. 

Sarah Brown

Sarah is a recreational therapist with New Wave Wellness. She graduated from the University of Toledo in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. Soon after completing her internship, Sarah passed her certification exam and obtained her CTRS credentials. Working as a recreational therapist for the first time at an inpatient psychiatric and substance abuse facility, Sarah found she enjoyed working in mental health but was also looking to expand her
skills as a therapist. In 2022, Sarah made the move to Indiana to join the New Wave Wellness team! Sarah is passionate about her field and loves how she is helping others learn how to enjoy life while developing new skills. Practicing recreation therapy in her own life, Sarah enjoys spending time with her sweet golden retriever, Delilah, being in nature, doing arts and crafts, and
spending time with her family in her free time.

Hattie Hunter

 I currently work as an Independent Contractor providing service under
the supervision of New Wave Wellness as a Behavior Clinician for the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities. In this role I provide assessments that allow me to meet the individual where they are in life
and identify their overall needs and wants. I work with the individuals on overall behavior management of behaviors that have been identified in addition to supporting ones mental, physical, and emotional stability. I currently have a master’s degree in Community Psychology from Martin University located here in Indianapolis, In. I finished my clinical hours in 2019 to obtain my License to be a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). This allows me the opportunity to assist Individuals from all walks of life with
working towards improving their quality of life daily.

Jessica Ortiz

 As a bilingual therapist and advocate, I have spent the better part of the last decade working with marginalized and/or under-served populations to help them receive the care, support and resources that they need and deserve in order to thriveThe populations I serve include clients struggling with substance abuse, trauma, mental health issues, and behavioral issues. It is important to me that clients feel that they are treated with dignity, respect and unconditional positive regard. They are in the driver’s seat and I am just the GPS helping them towards the goals that they seek to achieve. Prior to working in the behavioral health/mental health field, I worked as a sales/project manager executive for various corporations for 25 years. Wanting to make a difference and be of service to others, I changed careers and never looked back…It has been the best decision of my life!