MEET THE TEAM
Our Story
The idea to establish The Wholeness Initiative (TWI) was conceived in 2018; after we visited South Africa to explore the roots of cultural identity within the country, as told by the people in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The ten days we spent in-country inspired us to utilize our personal and professional experiences as mental health professionals to bring a more holistic approach to healing for disadvantaged communities. Four years later, the idea began to manifest into a true vision, which led us to form TWI, a program designed to train individuals, professionals, and communities on integrating mind-body techniques to enhance their mental health and wellness.​
At The Wholeness Initiative, we believe in working with people and communities to help them find the healing path that works best for their unique lives and needs; when they are invited to choose their path, freedom fosters lasting positive changes. We are a person-focused and results-driven organization that provides broad-based services at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of those we serve and work with. You can be assured that we work hard to meet and surpass all expectations as it relates to people’s mental health and overall well-being whenever they choose to work with our services. Your overall best interests always come first, and our values and professional ethics guide everything we do. We are dedicated to inviting mental health professionals and certified counselors with specialized expertise and passion for helping others overcome their behavioral or mental health challenges.
Paul White, Ph.D., LMFT
Chief Executive Officer
He is a professional who provides a highly humanistic and well-rounded approach to teaching holistic well-being; foremost, he is person-centered and enjoys meeting people precisely where they are, highlighting their strengths to build a stronger and more confident self. His background as a military veteran and former elementary school teacher has given him a strong sense of discipline and a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing growth and development in others. For nearly a decade, Dr. White has facilitated hundreds of hours of in-person emotional regulation therapeutic groups for teens and young adults utilizing somatic techniques integrating mind and body.
Paula DeFranco, MBA, Ph.D.
Chief Operations Officer
She is the creator of the Oneness Model a knowledge system for cultivating self-awareness by identifying personal triggers and developing critical thinking skills. During the pandemic, she facilitated more than 200 online group workshops using action methods and the Oneness Model to foster community and target isolation. With a Ph.D. in existential research, she has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the understanding of human existence and its intricacies. In addition to her academic background, she is also a highly sought after mindset and accountability coach, known for her ability to help clients unlock their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Adina Hodge, LMHC, CPT
Director of Development
She has advanced training in mind-body medicine techniques and some somatic experiencing training. Her approach to mental health is humanistic, person-centered and strength-based in which the whole person is seen not just the mental health issue. With extensive training and experience in various aspects of mental health, Adina has a unique and holistic approach to helping clients reach their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.Whether working one-on-one with clients or leading workshops, Adina's passion and dedication to her work is evident in the positive outcomes she helps clients achieve. Her ability to integrate different modalities and approaches make her a valuable asset to the TWI team.
