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Welcome Dr. Cushenberry, Medical Director

Welcome Dr. Cushenberry, Medical Director

by | May 19, 2026 | News

COMHAR is pleased to formally welcome Leon Cushenberry, MD, who joined COMHAR on April 20, 2026, as our new Medical Director.
After an extensive search, Dr. Cushenberry was selected for his broad experience in community-based behavioral health settings, his deep commitment to community psychiatry, and his thoughtful, strategic approach to strengthening clinical and operational excellence. We were also inspired by his visionary mindset and his commitment to advancing innovative, person-centered services grounded in quality care, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.
As Medical Director, Dr. Cushenberry will represent and support the agency across our clinical programs and services. He will work collaboratively with our leadership and clinical teams to enhance and strengthen clinical service delivery throughout COMHAR. In addition, he will provide direct oversight to the agency’s psychiatrists and nurse practitioners, with Dr. Anika Vaughn Cooke and Dr. Gordon Zeis reporting directly to him.
Dr. Cushenberry was born and raised in metropolitan Los Angeles, California. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, Davis, and completed his Psychiatry Residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, South Carolina. Following residency, he completed a Public Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Cushenberry is a community-based psychiatrist with extensive experience serving individuals with serious mental health challenges. His work is grounded in an understanding of the structural determinants of mental health, health equity, and intersectionality as they relate to whole-person, recovery-oriented care. Throughout his career, he has served in several community mental health settings, including Assertive Community Treatment and targeted case management programs in Philadelphia. He has also worked as a psychiatrist in several inpatient hospitals throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding region. His professional interests include strengthening local systems of care and exploring the intersections of culture, identity, and mental health and well-being.
Outside of his professional work, Dr. Cushenberry enjoys exploring local and international travel destinations, attending performing arts events and concerts, and learning about aviation and cultural storytelling through food.
Please join me in warmly welcoming Dr. Cushenberry to COMHAR. While his role will take him across many of our programs and locations, his primary office will be based at the Latino Treatment Program, located at 2600 N. American Street. He can be reached at leon.cushenberry@comhar.org.
We are excited to have Dr. Cushenberry join COMHAR’s leadership team and look forward to the knowledge, compassion, and innovation he brings to our organization and the communities we serve.

COMHAR Celebrates Earth Day

COMHAR Celebrates Earth Day

by | May 1, 2026 | News

Earth Day 2026

This Earth Day, COMHAR staff and members partnered with North Broad Renaissance for a powerful day of service and connection across Philadelphia. Together, we planted flowers, greenery and small trees to uplift and beautify shared community spaces.  Our team also repainted benches and flowerpots, leaving behind color, care and lasting impact.

Inclusion – At COMHAR, we are committed to inclusion, visibility and opportunity.  Experiences like this allow our members to actively contribute while helping to shift the narrative around intellectual disabilities and autism.

Community – Even through the rain, our members showed resilience, joy, and the true spirit of community.

Impact – This was more than an event. We are a part of this community. We will continue to show strength, value and impact of every individual we serve.

Experience –  What made this experience especially meaningful was the intentional inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities.  Each task was modeled with care, ensuring every participant felt confident, capable, and supported.

Despite the rainy weather, our members remained determined and engaged throughout the day.  With smiles, teamwork, and perseverance, they pushed through.  After, they enjoyed moments of more connection and inclusion over food provided by Santucci’s.

Submitted by:  Taslim Patterson

 

Outpatient Division Hosts Unified Meeting

Outpatient Division Hosts Unified Meeting

by | Mar 30, 2026 | News

The Outpatient Division marked an important milestone last week as staff from Enhanced Outpatient Services, Latino Treatment Program (LTP), CIRCs, and Specialized Services came together for the first time in a single division-wide meeting. The gathering represented a meaningful step toward deeper collaboration, shared learning, and unified mission across all outpatient programs.
A Strong Start With Warm Introductions
The meeting opened with introductions, giving team members across different programs the opportunity to connect, learn about one another’s roles, and reflect on the shared commitment to high‑quality, person-centered care. For many, this was the first time meeting colleagues whose work, while separate, intersects daily in service to COMHAR’s members.
Compliance & HIPAA Presentation by Yasheeka Tanwar
Following the introductions, Yasheeka delivered an engaging and informative presentation focused on Compliance and HIPAA. Her session emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest standards of privacy and regulatory adherence across all outpatient programs. Attendees appreciated the clarity, relevance, and practicality of the information—especially as the organization continues strengthening consistency across service lines.
Celebrating Excellence Through Recognition Awards
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Recognition Awards, delivered by Felix Gaton, Nichole Scheerer, and Pablo Salinas. These awards honor staff who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, teamwork, and service. The celebration offered an uplifting moment of gratitude, spotlighting the individuals whose efforts strengthen the entire division and positively impact the lives of the people COMHAR serves.
A Meaningful Step Toward Greater Collaboration
Bringing all Outpatient Division teams together in one room fostered connection, alignment, and a renewed sense of shared purpose. This first-of-its-kind meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration, cross‑program communication, and continued professional growth—key components as the division moves forward with collective strength and unity.