Roya Health Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Appointments in Behavioral Health Sector

In a historic move, Roya Health, a leading integrated behavioral health practice situated in the greater Phoenix area, has announced the appointment of three key leaders to its clinical and operational teams. This expansion comes at a crucial time for youth mental health in Arizona, positioning the organization to better serve its community.

On August 5, 2026, Roya Health introduced Dr. Diana Medina as Chief Psychologist, Dr. Shalini Tharani as Chief Medical Officer, and Wendy Reid as Director of Operations. Each leader brings invaluable expertise and experience that align with Roya Health's mission of providing comprehensive behavioral health care to children and families.

Roya Health was founded by Dr. Shar Najafi-Piper, PhD, with the vision of creating a cohesive support system for families needing behavioral health services. The practice has established a framework that integrates therapists, clinicians, and care coordinators, all collaboratively working towards the well-being of each child and family.

Meeting a Critical Community Need

According to recent statistics, Arizona ranks 49th in national youth mental health performance—an alarming designation underscoring the significant gaps in care, long wait times, and provider shortages. While traditional behavioral health systems often operate in silos, Roya Health's model is dedicated to addressing these challenges through coordinated care. Each of the new leaders plays a pivotal role in advancing these goals.

Dr. Medina, who is bilingual and also chairs the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners, emphasizes the importance of training the next generation of mental health professionals. Her efforts at Roya Health will focus on developing a doctoral training program and expanding high-quality psychological care access. "I know the importance of proper training in mental health. By combining training with direct care, we’re not just meeting today’s needs but ensuring sustainability for our community's mental health future," Dr. Medina stated.

Dr. Tharani brings over 20 years of psychiatry experience to her role as Chief Medical Officer. Her background in complex mood disorders and comprehensive psychiatric treatments uniquely positions her to enhance the integrated care model by placing psychiatric professionals at the heart of the treatment team, thereby ensuring holistic care for every child. As she highlights, "When psychiatrists work in isolation, vital information is often lost. At Roya Health, we aim to keep psychiatric care interconnected with the entire treatment process."

In her position, Wendy Reid will oversee the operational framework that supports the clinical initiatives. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she understands the intricacies involved in running a behavioral health practice while maintaining high levels of service excellence. Her commitment to integrated care manifests in operational systems that foster collaboration among all team members. Reid explains, "Operational efficiency is paramount in effective integrated care. When every part of the system works in harmony, we achieve better outcomes for the families we serve."

The Path Forward

These appointments not only augment the leadership team but also signal Roya Health's dedication to spearheading lasting change in the behavioral health landscape of Arizona. They aim not just to fill current gaps in care but to establish a blueprint for future sustainability.

Dr. Shar Najafi-Piper highlights the significance of these hires and their collective ability to enhance Roya Health's operations and care model. "This is the team we’ve been working towards—professionals who not only possess the requisite knowledge but also share our vision for a more integrated and effective behavioral health system."

In conclusion, as Roya Health embarks on this new chapter, its commitment to delivering comprehensive, high-quality care stands more resolute than ever. Each leader will play a crucial role in transforming the mental health services available to Arizona's youth and their families, ensuring that the practice not only meets current demands but also anticipates future needs within the community.

For more information about Roya Health and its leadership team, please visit roya.health.