Dr. Romena Kiryakous: Transforming Behavioral Health Through Innovation and Empathy
Dr. Romena Kiryakous: A Leader in Behavioral Health Innovation
Introduction
On November 18, 2025, Dr. Romena Kiryakous was honored by The Inner Circle as a Pinnacle Professional Member and named Top Doctor of the Year in Psychology 2025 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP). As the founder and CEO of both FirstPath Inc. and Genesis Behavior Center, she has dedicated her career to revolutionizing the behavioral health landscape, particularly for children. Her journey from observing a child with autism being overlooked to becoming a prominent figure in autism care is inspiring.
Genesis Behavior Center
With over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field, Dr. Kiryakous founded the Genesis Behavior Center, which has become a leading pediatric behavioral health organization. The center focuses on providing individualized, research-based care aimed at transforming the lives of children affected by autism and similar conditions. The foundation of their approach rests on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and evidence-based methodologies, ensuring each child receives tailored treatment designed to meet their unique needs.
The success stories that emerge from Genesis illustrate the real impact of Dr. Kiryakous's work. One parent expressed gratitude, stating that before enrolling their son in Genesis, he couldn't make eye contact, but now he greets them with a smile. Such testimonials highlight the meaningful changes that these interventions can bring.
FirstPath Inc.
Dr. Kiryakous also founded FirstPath, an innovative behavioral health software company that is making waves across healthcare and educational sectors. This AI-powered platform enhances the way clinicians, educators, and families engage and monitor therapeutic progress, making it easier to track treatment plans and outcomes in real time. Features like client progress dashboards and interactive avatars assist children in learning crucial skills while allowing parents to monitor developments conveniently via a mobile app.
The practical applications of FirstPath include empowering children to acquire essential life skills, such as brushing their teeth or managing transitions. This technology-driven approach represents the future of behavioral healthcare, pushing the envelope on effectiveness and accessibility.
Broadening the Impact
Dr. Kiryakous sees transformative potential not only in pediatric care but also within corporate environments, as she explores the integration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in the workplace. Given the rising levels of stress and burnout in corporate America, she is developing initiatives to utilize TMS as a cognitive wellness tool that can enhance productivity and reduce mental fatigue in employees.
Furthermore, she aims to extend her revolutionary vision into the criminal justice system by proposing a national six-week TMS treatment program for youth in juvenile detention centers. This program aims at equipping these young individuals with improved emotional control and critical thinking skills, addressing neurological dysregulation effectively before reintegration into society, potentially reshaping their futures.
Personal journey and accomplishments
Before stepping into her role as a pioneering entrepreneur, Dr. Kiryakous earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Psychology, culminating in a PsyD from The University of Arizona Global Campus. Her extensive academic achievements laid a solid foundation for her commitment to addressing the needs of children with autism and for creating innovative care models that drive results.
Her contributions have been recognized internationally, earning her accolades, including the Empowered Woman Award and a feature in TIP (Top Industry Professionals) Magazine. This December, Dr. Kiryakous and her team will be celebrated during the IAOTP Annual Awards Gala at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.
Conclusion
Dr. Romena Kiryakous exemplifies the ideal blend of compassion and innovation in the behavioral health domain. Her journey, marked by significant contributions, serves as an inspiration for emerging professionals. Whether through her leadership at Genesis Behavior Center or her groundbreaking work with FirstPath, Dr. Kiryakous is poised to redefine standards in behavioral health, routinely emphasizing her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their challenges.
Her message to the next generation of professionals is compelling: "Lead with heart, act with science, and never forget why you started." For more insights into how FirstPath and Genesis can support your community, visit their websites.