Team of Advisors
Delphi’s advisors represent diverse expertise across the healthcare ecosystem, bringing together leaders from clinical practice, government agencies, insurance organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory bodies. These seasoned professionals provide strategic guidance as we navigate the complex landscape of integrating psychedelic medicine into mainstream healthcare, offering insights from their respective sectors to ensure our approach is comprehensive and well-informed.
Our advisors share our commitment to advancing psychedelic medicine through evidence-based practices and ethical implementation. They help us anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and build bridges between emerging therapies and established healthcare systems. This collaborative approach ensures that our work reflects real-world perspectives from across the industry, strengthening our ability to create sustainable frameworks that benefit patients, providers, and the broader healthcare community.
Healthcare Economics & Analytics
This group provides the rigorous data, economic modeling, and analytical insights crucial for demonstrating the value of psychedelic therapies and informing sound policy and reimbursement decisions. Their work underpins the financial and systemic rationale for broad, equitable access.
Elliot Marseille, PhD | Health Economics
Dr. Elliot Marseille is a leading health economist with over 35 years of experience, focusing on the cost-effectiveness of public health interventions, including HIV/AIDS and, more recently, psychedelic-assisted therapies.
Dr. Elliot Marseille, equipped with over 35 years of experience in public health management and research, has made significant contributions to the field of health economics. His work has extensively covered the economic aspects of global health diseases and conditions, notably HIV/AIDS and, more recently, psychedelics. Dr. Marseille’s work in HIV/AIDS has been influential in the public health sector, as he has delved deeply into the cost-effectiveness of various interventions and treatments, providing valuable insights for public health policies.
Currently, Dr. Marseille’s professional journey has led him to the burgeoning field of psychedelic-assisted therapies, where he stands as a leading expert on the economics of these emerging treatments. His insights are particularly focused on the cost-effectiveness and economic viability of psychedelic therapies. He is the Co-Course Director for “Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Medicine and Public Health” at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and the Principal of Health Strategies International, a firm specializing in health economics and policy. Dr. Marseille is also the Director of the Global Initiative for Psychedelic Science Economics (GIPSE), instrumental in shaping the economic research agenda for psychedelic therapies and demonstrating their broader economic implications.
Sylver Quevedo, MD | Health Economics
Dr. Sylver Quevedo is a physician with over four decades of experience in internal medicine, nephrology, and integrative medicine, and a key investigator in MDMA-assisted therapy research.
Sylvestre (Sylver) Quevedo, MD, has been a practicing physician for over forty years, with specializations in internal medicine, nephrology, and integrative medicine. He is deeply involved in the clinical application and research of psychedelic-assisted therapies. Dr. Quevedo is one of the principal investigators for the Phase 3 MDMA-assisted therapy study at the San Francisco Insight and Integration Center and serves as a co-therapist at the Phase 3 UCSF site.
A respected academic, he holds professorships at both UCSF and Stanford. Dr. Quevedo is also a co-founder of the Polaris Insight Center, a leading clinic offering ketamine-assisted therapy, demonstrating his commitment to innovative mental health treatments. Furthermore, he co-founded MSIDE Solutions, a healthcare analytics company, with Desislava Prodanova, bridging clinical practice with data-driven insights to advance the understanding and application of novel therapies.
Desislava Prodanova, M.A. | Healthcare Analytics
Desislava Prodanova is the co-founder of Mside Solutions, specializing in Data and Analytics, including AI, DataOps, and MLOps. She has deep experience with VBC modeling.
Desislava Prodanova is a senior technology and product management leader with over two decades of experience in Data and Analytics, including AI, DataOps, and MLOps.
She is the Founder and President of Mside Solutions, a role she has held for over eight years, where she leads innovative data analytics initiatives. Mside Solutions has been the data analytics partner for Delphi for the past two years.
Desislava also serves as the Chief Data Officer at CrossBridge Health, contributing her extensive expertise to drive data strategy and implementation. Her previous roles include Vice President of Product Development at HealthQX and VP of Program and Product Management at Healthy Humans, where she specialized in start-ups and product timelines.
Pharma & Commercialization
Our Pharma & Commercialization advisors bring deep experience in drug development, regulatory affairs, and market access, guiding our strategies for navigating the journey from research to patient availability. Their insights are vital for understanding the practicalities of bringing these innovative treatments forward responsibly.
Amy Emerson | Pharma; Research; Regulatory
Amy Emerson is a seasoned leader in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, recently serving as CEO of Lykos Therapeutics, where she spearheaded the development and potential commercialization of MDMA-assisted therapy.
Amy Emerson has over 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical development, clinical research, and regulatory affairs. She most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of Lykos Therapeutics, a company focused on developing and commercializing MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and other mental health conditions. Under her leadership, Lykos advanced its MDMA-assisted therapy program through late-stage clinical trials and prepared for potential FDA approval and market launch.
Prior to her CEO role, Amy held various leadership positions within MAPS PBC, overseeing clinical operations and regulatory strategy, playing a pivotal role in managing the Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials for MDMA-assisted therapy. Her career has been dedicated to bringing innovative treatments to patients with unmet medical needs, with a strong focus on navigating complex regulatory landscapes and building organizations capable of delivering transformative therapies. Her expertise is critical in understanding the multifaceted process of drug development from research through to commercialization in the psychedelic space.
Jim Smeeding, D.Pharm | Pharma; Reimbursement; Regulatory
Dr. Jim Smeeding is a highly experienced pharmacy professional and pharmacoeconomics expert with a 50-year career spanning hospital pharmacy, clinical services design, managed care, and pharmaceutical consulting. He is a founder of the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) and ISPOR.
Jim Smeeding, RPh, MBA, D.Pharm, is a distinguished figure in pharmacy and pharmacoeconomics, formerly serving as the executive director of the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) and a founder of the Center for Pharmacoeconomic Studies at the University of Texas College of Pharmacy. With a career spanning five decades, his practice orientation has covered hospital pharmacy, clinical services design, home infusion therapy, managed care, and disease management. He has authored over 85 peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. Smeeding has collaborated with all major pharmaceutical companies as founder and president of the JestaRx Group and is a founder and president of Indication Biosciences, an early-stage drug discovery company. He is actively involved in Cannabis-Based Medicines (CBM) research, co-founding CannaPharma Rx, serving on the BOD of Allied Health, and leading the development of four patents regarding Cannabinoids and Psilocybin for PTSD and other mental health disorders at Allied. He was also the Executive VP and founder of Engaged Media. Jim is an original founder and past president of the International Society of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). As President of the National Payer Roundtable, he maintains contact with key figures in national and regional health insurers, and his consultancy, Edjudicate LLC, serves a wide spectrum of healthcare companies.
Fabrice Beretta, PhD | Pharmaceutical Product Dev.; Precision Medicine
Dr. Fabrice Beretta is a pharmaceutical product development strategist with over fifteen years of experience in developing and commercializing precision medicine products for cancer and rare diseases.
Fabrice Beretta, PhD, is a seasoned pharmaceutical product development strategist and an expert in operational excellence. He has dedicated over fifteen years to developing and commercializing precision medicine products for cancer and rare diseases at prominent companies such as Genentech, BioMarin, and Ultragenyx. His experience includes leading programs to accelerate bench-to-bedside innovations at UCSF and developing FDA-approved botanical drugs sourced sustainably from the Amazon rainforest at Jaguar Health. Fabrice also contributed to the redesign of palliative care as a Board member of the Zen Hospice Project in San Francisco.
With a diverse background in chemical engineering, business administration, public health, and data science, Fabrice excels at leading cross-functional teams. He has a strong track record, including building supply capabilities for new product lines, leading pharmaceutical asset development teams for over 15 years, taking two rare disease drugs to clinical trials at BioMarin, and leading medical teams to launch two rare disease drugs at Ultragenyx. He has also operated corporate internal innovation incubators at Genentech and UCSF to enable precision medicine, including AI/ML and companion diagnostic capabilities. As an Advisor to Delphi, he is committed to advancing precision psychiatry.
Joshua Lilienstein, MD | Pharma; Regulatory
Dr. Lilienstein is driven by a desire to improve patient access and health outcomes through the development of the psychedelic medicine ecosystem.
With a background in neurobiology, radiology, device development, and pharmaceutical development, he brings expertise in medical and industry standards and processes. Joshua has experience leading strategy and execution of integrated evidence planning, external engagement planning, and internal and external training, and has a track record of building teams, designing clinical development plans, and collaborating internally and externally to support products in different stages of the life cycle and across numerous therapeutic areas and treatment modalities. Joshua has been working behind the scenes to support the development of the psychedelic ecosystem since 2016.
He holds a BA in Neuroscience from UC Berkeley, an MD from the USC Keck School of Medicine, and a Certificate in Psychedelic Therapies and Research from CIIS. He holds an MD from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.
With a proven record in operations leadership and team development, Erica brings extensive expertise in strategic problem-solving, project management, and process improvement.
Throughout her career, she has driven impactful initiatives, consistently exceeding revenue goals and optimizing efficiency. Her experience includes spearheading comprehensive onboarding processes, implementing robust CRM and data integration systems, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve business objectives.
She successfully built and managed operations teams during periods of rapid growth and change, integrating new acquisitions seamlessly and enhancing technology to drive operational excellence while providing actionable insights for decision-making. Additionally, she has a strong track record in developing scalable processes, improving workflow automation, and enhancing team performance through strategic leadership and mentorship.
Erica holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, underpinning her analytical approach and commitment to driving business success through operational excellence. She is passionate about creating collaborative environments that empower teams to achieve and exceed their goals while delivering exceptional client satisfaction.
She thrives in dynamic environments where innovation and continuous improvement are paramount, and she is committed to driving sustainable growth and operational excellence in everything she does.
When Erica is not focusing on Delphi, she is watching her two boys play baseball or spend time in the mountains golfing, hiking, and skiing with her family.
Policy & Public Health
Advisors in Policy & Public Health offer critical insights into the legislative, regulatory, and public health frameworks, helping us build the supportive societal and systemic conditions for the safe and ethical integration of psychedelic therapies. Their expertise ensures our efforts align with broader public well-being and responsible governance.
Tony Coulson, MSc | DEA Law Enforcement; Federal Policy
Anthony (Tony) J. Coulson is a nationally recognized expert in drug trafficking, immigration, and domestic violence issues, bringing 28 years of public service experience from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Anthony J. Coulson, President and Owner of NTH Consulting, Inc., focuses on providing technical assistance on substance abuse, U.S. border, and gun policy. After retiring from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 2010 following 28 years of service, he expanded his work to include regulatory and security guidance for non-profit medical drug development organizations. At his retirement, he was the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Tucson District Office, responsible for directing federal drug enforcement strategy in Southern Arizona.
During his tenure at DEA Headquarters (1998-2002), Mr. Coulson served as an Executive Assistant to DEA’s Assistant Administrator for Operational Support, overseeing a budget of over $500 million and managing forensic sciences, investigative technology, IT, security, and administration. He has received numerous commendations and awards, including the DEA Administrator’s Award for Exceptional Service twice. Mr. Coulson graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and has served on various boards and committees, including the Governor’s Arizona Substance Abuse Partnership and the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
Melissa Lavasani, MSc | Federal Policy & Legislation
Melissa Lavasani is a prominent advocate for psychedelic policy reform, known for leading the successful Initiative 81 campaign in Washington, D.C., which decriminalized entheogenic plants and fungi.
Melissa Lavasani is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition (PMC), an organization dedicated to advancing psychedelic medicine through policy reform, education, and advocacy. She rose to prominence as the proposer and campaign chair for Washington D.C.’s Initiative 81, the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act of 2020. Inspired by her own transformative experience using plant medicines to overcome severe postpartum depression, Melissa successfully led the Decriminalize Nature DC campaign, achieving the largest ballot initiative victory in the history of the nation’s capital.
Prior to her full-time advocacy work, Melissa Lavasani had a career in D.C. government, including roles within the Department of Energy and Environment. Her firsthand experience with the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, coupled with her understanding of legislative processes, positions her as a powerful voice for policy change at local and federal levels. Through PMC, she works to build broad coalitions, engage policymakers, and ensure that the development of psychedelic therapies is guided by principles of equity, safety, and accessibility.
Richard Dart, PhD | Data Collection & Safety; Policy
Dr. Richard Dart is a distinguished physician specializing in emergency medicine and toxicology, and since 1992, has been the Director of the Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety (RMPDS).
Dr. Richard (Rick) Dart is a physician specializing in emergency medicine and toxicology. Since 1992, he has served as the Director of Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety (RMPDS), where he provides executive oversight for all operations including the Poison Center, Drug Safety, NurseLine, and Research & Consulting. Dr. Dart is also the Executive Director of the Researched Abuse, Diversion, and Addiction-Related Surveillance (RADARS®) System, a premier network for monitoring prescription opioid and stimulant abuse, whose data assists pharmaceutical companies in fulfilling regulatory obligations such as Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS).
Dr. Dart has extensive experience in drug safety surveillance efforts, particularly in characterizing and monitoring the safety of various drug products. He has published more than 250 papers and chapters, served as editor for “The 5-Minute Toxicology Consult” and the 3rd edition of “Medical Toxicology.” He has received numerous accolades, including a special citation from the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2002), the American College of Medical Toxicology Matthew J. Ellenhorn Award (2004), and the AACT Career Achievement Award (2017). He also serves as a Deputy Editor for the Annals of Emergency Medicine and is a past-president of the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
With a proven record in operations leadership and team development, Erica brings extensive expertise in strategic problem-solving, project management, and process improvement.
Throughout her career, she has driven impactful initiatives, consistently exceeding revenue goals and optimizing efficiency. Her experience includes spearheading comprehensive onboarding processes, implementing robust CRM and data integration systems, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve business objectives.
She successfully built and managed operations teams during periods of rapid growth and change, integrating new acquisitions seamlessly and enhancing technology to drive operational excellence while providing actionable insights for decision-making. Additionally, she has a strong track record in developing scalable processes, improving workflow automation, and enhancing team performance through strategic leadership and mentorship.
Erica holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, underpinning her analytical approach and commitment to driving business success through operational excellence. She is passionate about creating collaborative environments that empower teams to achieve and exceed their goals while delivering exceptional client satisfaction.
She thrives in dynamic environments where innovation and continuous improvement are paramount, and she is committed to driving sustainable growth and operational excellence in everything she does.
When Erica is not focusing on Delphi, she is watching her two boys play baseball or spend time in the mountains golfing, hiking, and skiing with her family.
Care Delivery & Communications
Our final group of advisors provides essential expertise on practical implementation models and effective stakeholder engagement, ensuring our approaches to psychedelic therapy integration are accessible, understandable, and sustainable. They help translate complex concepts into clear, actionable pathways for both providers and the public.
Kwasi Adusei, DNP | Care Delivery; Training
Kwasi Adusei is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a multifaceted career in the field of psychedelic medicine.
Kwasi currently serves as a Research Affiliate at the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Harvard Law School. In this role, he contributes to the Project on Psychedelics Law and Regulation (POPLAR), examining the ethical, legal, and social implications of psychedelics research, commerce, and therapeutics. This position uniquely qualifies him to discuss the complex interplay between policy, access, and ethics in psychedelic therapy.
Kwasi’s work with the Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI) and the Psychedelic Medicine Association (PMA) has positioned him at the forefront of efforts to ensure that the benefits of psychedelic therapies are accessible to all communities, including BIPOC and other minority groups. His involvement in these organisations reflects a deep commitment to addressing the unique challenges these communities face in accessing and benefiting from psychedelic treatments. As a board member of Reconsider.org and with his past experience in grassroots harm reduction efforts, Kwasi brings valuable insights into practical strategies for risk mitigation and public health approaches to ensure the safe use of psychedelics.
With his diverse background spanning clinical practice, research, policy development, and innovative business models, Kwasi is uniquely qualified to guide audiences through the complex landscape of ethics, access, and harm reduction in psychedelic therapy.
Shawn Lesser | Mental Health Advocacy; Finance
Shawn Lesser is a dedicated mental health advocate and the founder of THE REAL Mental Health Foundation, leveraging over 30 years of experience in finance, including pioneering work in impact investing.
Shawn Lesser is the founder of THE REAL Mental Health Foundation, an initiative dedicated to addressing mental health challenges globally by fostering conversation, community, and innovation. With over 30 years of experience in finance, Shawn was a pioneer in impact investing, co-founding the first impact investing investment bank. During his career, he worked on over 50 direct deals and served as a placement agent for more impact funds than anyone else in the world, connecting institutional investors, family offices, and philanthropists to projects generating both financial returns and measurable social impact.
Despite professional success, Shawn faced his own mental health struggles, including a breakdown that forced him to confront the importance of prioritizing well-being. This personal journey became the driving force behind THE REAL Mental Health Foundation. Shawn’s approach centers on creating meaningful connections through grassroots initiatives like REAL Walks and Hats, as well as large-scale events such as THE REAL Summit, which brings together finance, mental health, and community leaders. Through events, community-driven projects, and thought leadership, Shawn has sparked conversations across the U.S. and Europe, uniting leaders to tackle mental health challenges and create lasting impact, proving that vulnerability and authenticity are powerful tools for change.
With a proven record in operations leadership and team development, Erica brings extensive expertise in strategic problem-solving, project management, and process improvement.
Throughout her career, she has driven impactful initiatives, consistently exceeding revenue goals and optimizing efficiency. Her experience includes spearheading comprehensive onboarding processes, implementing robust CRM and data integration systems, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve business objectives.
She successfully built and managed operations teams during periods of rapid growth and change, integrating new acquisitions seamlessly and enhancing technology to drive operational excellence while providing actionable insights for decision-making. Additionally, she has a strong track record in developing scalable processes, improving workflow automation, and enhancing team performance through strategic leadership and mentorship.
Erica holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, underpinning her analytical approach and commitment to driving business success through operational excellence. She is passionate about creating collaborative environments that empower teams to achieve and exceed their goals while delivering exceptional client satisfaction.
She thrives in dynamic environments where innovation and continuous improvement are paramount, and she is committed to driving sustainable growth and operational excellence in everything she does.
When Erica is not focusing on Delphi, she is watching her two boys play baseball or spend time in the mountains golfing, hiking, and skiing with her family.
