The International OCD Foundation's staff is a group of dedicated and hardworking individuals all working to provide life-changing programs and create a community of support, with the goal of ensuring that no one affected by OCD and related disorders suffers alone.
Rebecca Deusser
Executive Director
Becky Deusser brings an unwavering commitment to mental health awareness and advocacy, coupled with strong expertise in driving impactful change in mission-driven organizations, to the IOCDF. She has a robust background in strategic leadership, change management, organizational design, communications, advocacy, and public and governmental affairs in clinical and non-clinical settings.
Prior to joining the IOCDF, Becky was the vice president for strategy & growth: communications and external affairs at Tufts Medicine, an integrated health system based in Massachusetts. Her diverse experience also includes senior leadership positions for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, such as chief of staff at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and various roles for former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, including policy director and deputy press secretary. Notably, Becky was a member and former chair of the Massachusetts Statewide Mental Health Advisory Council.
Becky holds a master's degree in science and medical journalism and an MBA, both from Boston University and an undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College. She lives in the Boston area with her spirited, young daughter. Read more >
Matthew Antonelli
Director of Operations
Matt joined the IOCDF in July 2019. Coming from a business management background across various industries he has found his passion in the non-profit sector, specifically by working with a foundation that supports a mental health community. Matt oversees finance, HR, and administrative systems for the IOCDF. In his free time, he likes to give back to vulnerable youth populations.
Stephanie Cogen, MPH, MSW
Program Director
As the Program Director, Stephanie develops new programs for the entire IOCDF community, maintains the quality of the IOCDF’s current programming, and oversees all educational content on our various websites and print materials. Stephanie has worked for the IOCDF since 2013 and is passionate about public mental health. She has a Masters of Public Health (MPH) and a Masters of Social Work (MSW), and is a member of the American Public Health Association’s Mental Health and Public Health Social Work sections. ¡Ella habla español!
Tiia Groden, MA
Director of Systems Operations
Tiia Groden is the IOCDF's CRM lead and works inter-departmentally to ensure the IOCDF is working efficiently and effectively to create a community of support among those affected by OCD and related disorders. She is a strategic consultant to each department to help implement systems and technology, optimize workflow, and follow leading practices to improve performance. Tiia supports the IOCDF staff individually through onboarding and ongoing support and takes the lead in coordinating events to drive organizational culture to instill a sense of belonging and connectivity among staff. She joined the Foundation in 2014 after completing her Master's degree in Psychology at Boston University and before that Human Development at Boston College for her undergrad. She is a native Rhode Islander currently living in Somerville, MA.
Liz Lindley
Director of External Relations and Partnerships
Liz is the primary liaison between the IOCDF and the OCD community, including our various partners, affiliates, special interest groups and advocate volunteers. She joined the IOCDF in June 2022. Working closely with all departments, she increases community support, volunteer opportunities and awareness. Her extensive partner management and business development background includes experience in pharma, media advertising and marketing industries. As a parent of someone with OCD, she brings her personal passion of helping others, especially children, to the role. Liz currently resides in Cincinnati, OH.
Sanjaya Saxena, MD
Director of Clinical and Research Affairs
Dr. Saxena joined the IOCDF in December 2023. He serves as the liaison to the IOCDF Scientific & Clinical Advisory Board (SCB), represents the IOCDF to the broader clinical and research community, oversees the IOCDF Research Grant Program, and assists the staff with conference planning and communications. Dr. Saxena previously served as Director of the UCLA OCD Research Program and Director of the UC San Diego OCD Program. He has been elected into Best Doctors in America and US News & World Report’s America’s Top Doctors. His research focused on the neurobiology and treatment of OCD and Hoarding Disorder. He and his colleagues developed the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Hoarding Disorder.
Kristen Lynch
Director of Development
Kristen originally joined the IOCDF in 2018. She oversees philanthropy and fundraising program activities, including donor relations, fundraising campaigns, grants, and sponsorships, with the goal of expanding the IOCDF’s impact. Kristen is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Women in Development-Greater Boston. With nearly ten years of experience in fundraising for mental health nonprofits, she brings a deep passion for mental health advocacy and a strong commitment to the IOCDF’s mission. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she currently resides in Boston.
Rachel Crofut
Director of Communications & Digital Strategy
Rachel is a communications professional who joined the IOCDF in April 2024 to raise awareness of OCD and related disorders and to increase access to the Foundation's resources and supportive community. She has worked for over 10 years in nonprofit communications and has a background in journalism and publishing. She has a dual bachelors degree in English and Professional Writing from the State University of New York at Cortland. Rachel lives in the Greater Boston area with her husband, Chase; son, Kieran; and her rescue dog, Faith.
Margaret Harrison
Senior Events Manager
Margaret grew up in Southern California. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Music from The University of the Pacific. Margaret joined the IOCDF in November 2022 as our Events Manager. In this role, she will be managing various conferences and events. Prior to joining the IOCDF, for years, Margaret worked planning various educational events and programs for non-profit organizations. She loves serving people and planning meaningful events. She is a transplant to the Boston area and enjoys hiking and spending time with her two dogs Sparrow and Daisy.
Bethsy Plaisir, MPH
Education & Community Support Manager
Bethsy provides information, support, and resources to the OCD and related disorders community via phone, email, and in person at IOCDF events. She also assists in developing new IOCDF programs and the maintenance of existing programs under the guidance of the Program Director. Bethsy started working at the IOCDF in September 2019 and previously worked with Success For Kids and Families as a Family Resource Coordinator doing assessments and providing referrals for Healthy Families and Healthy Start.
Amanda Ota
Communications Manager
Amanda Ota joined the IOCDF in November of 2022 as Communications Manager. A seasoned Communications professional, Amanda has worked over a decade in media relations, social media and corporate communications. A former journalist, Amanda is driven by a passion for phenomenal storytelling and looks forward to helping the IOCDF share its narrative. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys cooking, baking, writing and all things New England Patriots.
Kate Scolatti, MS, LMFT
Training Manager
Kate is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specialized in treating adolescents and adults with OCD and anxiety prior to joining the IOCDF in 2023. As Training Manager, she oversees the Training Institute's in-person and virtual offerings, working to help develop and expand specialized OCD training for mental health professionals, students, and trainees. Kate attended a BTTI in 2021 and is passionate about expanding access to high-quality education to better serve the OCD community.
Mary Kate Lang-Moison
Walk Manager
Mary Kate (MK) joined the IOCDF in January 2024. As Walk manager, MK oversees the planning and execution of the One Million Steps for OCD Walk event series. She has over a decade of experience in nonprofits. Outside of work MK loves reading, playing with her nieces and nephews, and visiting every museum she can.
Breanna Galante
Development Manager, Sponsorships & Corporate Relations
Breanna joined the IOCDF team in May 2024. As the Development Manager, Sponsorships & Corporate Relations, Breanna is responsible for overseeing and growing a robust sponsorship program across all IOCDF events. She has a deep commitment to public health and comes to the IOCDF with almost a decade of experience in nonprofit work. Breanna is an avid singer, reader, and Survivor enthusiast.
Alexsis N. Davis
Digital Marketing Manager
Alexsis N. Davis joined the IOCDF team in November 2024 as Digital Marketing Manager. With over seven years of experience in marketing and communications, Alexsis has developed expertise in analytics, SEO, content creation, and digital strategy. A graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park (B.A. in Journalism), and Georgetown University (M.P.S. in Design Management and Communication), Alexsis has successfully led impactful marketing initiatives that enhanced digital presence and engagement. Passionate about mental health advocacy, Alexsis also enjoys exploring art history and unwinding with reality TV.
Ming Li
Senior Operations Specialist
Ming joined the IOCDF in February 2021. Raised in Boston, he is an alumnus of Northeastern University and brings four years of direct care experience in mental health. As the Senior Operations Specialist, Ming oversees all data processing, memberships, event registration, etc. and works to ensure IOCDF databases are accurate.
Boris Litvin, MA
Research Communications Specialist
Boris joined the IOCDF staff in 2022. Raised in Brooklyn, NY, he received an MA in Clinical Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, and has worked in numerous psychology research laboratories over the past five years. Boris is responsible for assistance with the IOCDF Research Grant Program and other research-related activities, as well as writing and editing research-related content for the OCD Newsletter. He enjoys portrait painting, reading, music, and being out in nature.
Emilio Arango, MA
Communications Specialist
Emilio joined the IOCDF staff in October 2024. Raised in South Florida, he received a MA in Global Affairs from Florida International University, working in the non-profit sector as a communications professional over the last five years. Emilio is responsible for managing and producing livestream programming at the IOCDF, in addition to coordinating the publishing of the OCD Newsletter. He has a passion for history, music, and his local Miami Heat.
Julie Oliver
Partnership Engagement Coordinator
Julie works to build and strengthen connections with partners, affiliates, and other key collaborators to further the IOCDF’s mission. She joined the IOCDF in 2021, bringing years of event planning experience in hospitality, the book industry, higher education, and non-profits. With an MFA in Writing, Julie uses her diverse skill set to support the IOCDF’s outreach and partnership efforts. When not at work, she enjoys reading, writing, and traveling — especially to tropical destinations. Julie is based in Providence, RI, and is the proud owner of two rescue dogs, Lula and Junebug.
Mardelis Campos, MSW
Training Programs Coordinator
Mardelis joined the IOCDF in January 2025. She received a Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Management and Policy from Rutgers University. As the Training Programs Coordinator, she provides logistical support to the Training Institute’s in-person and virtual sessions. Mardelis is a passionate mental health advocate and is motivated to bring awareness to the importance of OCD education. She enjoys reading, traveling and rescuing cats.
Maddison (Maddy) Ackerman
Events Coordinator
Maddy joined the IOCDF in January 2025. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Event Design and Management, Maddy is dedicated to providing engaging and accessible events to all attendees. In this role, she will be supporting the planning and execution of the IOCDF Conference Series events. Prior to joining the IOCDF, Maddy worked as a community event coordinator in the non-profit sector supporting on all aspects of an event from creation to delivery, in addition to implementing inclusive and accessible event guidance for her previous organizations. In her free time Maddy enjoys dancing, traveling, and exploring new cafes.
Omar Orellana
Finance Administration Associate
Omar Orellana, a dedicated Finance Administrative Associate at the IOCDF, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization. He previously served at the Intergenerational Literacy Program in Chelsea, MA where the desire to help and ensure a positive impact to those around him started. Omar's passions include music and is an avid vinyl record collector.