About the Developers of Critical Memory Integration™

Critical Memory Integration™ (CMI) was created by a collaborative team of clinicians and researchers, with nonprofit oversight from ARISE Alliance Institute.

Clinical & Research Leadership

Estefana Johnson, LCSW

Director of Clinical Training

Licensed clinical social worker specializing in complex trauma and memory reconsolidation. Estefana leads curriculum design, clinical supervision, and ongoing refinement of the CMI framework.

Dr. Brian Livesay, Ph.D.

Director of Clinical Research

Clinical psychologist and researcher with extensive publications on memory integration and somatic therapies. Brian oversees outcome evaluation, research studies, and evidence-based development.

CMI™ Training Leadership

A diverse faculty of licensed clinicians and medical professionals bring CMI to life in trainings across the U.S.

Diana Johnson, LCSW, CCTP

Tampa, FL

Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with deep experience helping clients resolve complex trauma. Diana mentors new CMI practitioners and supports curriculum development.

Laurel Weirs, LMFT

Ledyard, CT

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in attachment repair and intergenerational trauma. Laurel helps clinicians translate CMI principles into family and couple therapy contexts.

Kent Allen, LMFT

Ogden, UT

Marriage & Family Therapist focusing on trauma and relationship healing. Kent mentors clinicians on weaving CMI techniques into systemic family work.

Chung Trinh, MD, MHA

Gilbert, AZ

Physician and health-systems leader who integrates medical insight with mental-health care. Dr. Trinh advises on physiological considerations and the medical dimensions of trauma treatment.

Christine Gigena, LCSW

Gilbert, AZ

Trauma-focused therapist and clinical supervisor known for integrating somatic and attachment-based approaches. Christine trains clinicians to apply CMI safely and effectively in diverse practice settings.

Holly Christensen, MS, LCSW, CFRC

Sugar City, ID

Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Family Resilience Coach with a background in family systems and resilience training. Holly brings a strengths-based lens to CMI education and supervision.

Janey Nelson, LCSW

American Fork, UT

Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in trauma recovery and complex grief. Janey provides advanced training and case consultation for CMI trainees.

Shana Haas, LCSW

Tampa, FL

Therapist and clinical educator skilled in memory reconsolidation and nervous-system regulation. Shana supports practitioners in building confidence and fidelity in CMI sessions.

Jennifer George, CSW

Provo, UT

Clinical Social Worker with a passion for early-career clinician development. Jennifer assists in foundational training and group facilitation for CMI cohorts.

Elizabeth Wilkins, LMFT-S

Houston, TX

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and approved clinical supervisor. Elizabeth helps ensure CMI training meets professional standards and supports therapist growth.

Arise Alliance Institute

Kelly Bustin, MSW

Executive Director

Provides organizational leadership and ensures that CMI’s development aligns with ARISE Alliance’s nonprofit mission and ethical standards.

Julia Baldwin

Programs & Development Manager

Coordinates partnerships, program operations, and long-term strategic growth.