Skip to main content

Our Story

The BCAT® Research Center was founded in 2006 by Dr. William Mansbach.  The initial purpose was to create a unique multifactorial cognitive test that was psychometrically vigorous, that could be proficiently used by clinicians from diverse clinical backgrounds, could be reliably used in any clinical or residential setting, and could predict both cognitive status and ADL/IADL functioning.  Recognizing that the available cognitive screening tools were relatively weak on predicting applied memory, executive functions, and instrumental ADL skills, and that broader neuropsychological batteries were time intensive and often not accessible, Dr. Mansbach’s goal was to create a cognitive test that would redress these issues.  After five years of research, the first BCAT® test was completed and scientifically validated in 2012.  It continues to be a superior one-of-a-kind cognitive test, used across the U.S. healthcare system and internationally.  It is the foundation tool for the suite of BCAT® Tests and Interventions actively used in healthcare, senior living, and home care today.

The BCAT® Approach

The BCAT® Approach is a unique applied concept for assessing and working with people who have memory and other cognitive impairments. It is designed for any clinical and residential setting in which cognitive functioning and cognitive impairment is a central issue. The BCAT® Approach integrates three systems: The BCAT® Test System, the BCAT® Interventions (the BCAT® Digital Working Memory Exercises, the BCAT® Working Memory Exercise Books, the MemPics® Book Series, MemPics® Grab'N Go, and the 3D Behavior Management Program), and the ENRICH® Brain Health Program.  All programs are person-centered and used by healthcare professionals, facilities, patients, caregivers, and other stakeholders.

All BCAT® Tests, Interventions, and brain health programs have been validated by science, both at our Research Center and by other researchers.  The BCAT® Research Center is a multidisciplinary group of researchers and clinicians dedicated to the study and treatment of memory disorders.

MEET THE TEAM

William Mansbach, PHD Founder & CEO

Dr. William Mansbach is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mansbach Health Tools, LLC which supports the BCAT® Research Center.  He is also the Chief Executive Officer and President of CounterPoint Health Services, a multi-disciplinary behavioral healthcare company specializing in geriatrics and dementia care.  For many years, he was the Chief Operating Officer of the largest geriatric behavioral healthcare company in the U.S. specializing in long-term care.  Dr. Mansbach has an international reputation as a researcher, clinician, and consultant in the aging field.  He was a pioneer in the development of memory clinics and is the creator of the BCAT® and ENRICH® Systems, which integrate cognitive tests, interventions, and dementia prevention programs. He is the co-author of the award-winning book, Brain Health as You Age: A Practical Guide to Maintenance and Prevention.  Dr. Mansbach’s most recent peer-reviewed articles can be found on the BCAT® Research Center page.

Lynn Young, MA CCC-SLP Vice President of Operations

Lynn Young  serves as the Vice President of Operations for Mansbach Health Tools, LLC.  She is  responsible for the program development,  project management, and implementation strategies that support successful integration of The BCAT® Approach into the practice of clinicians and organizations serving older adults where they are aging in place across the acute and post-acute continuum of care.

With over 30 years of clinical experience as a speech language pathologist, Lynn has spent over a decade serving in a corporate clinical role, supporting front line clinicians and organizational leadership with a focus on leveraging evidence based clinical tools and resources to maximizing outcomes.  She currently serves as a member of the Professional Development Committee for the ASHA Special Interest Group 15 (Gerontology) and has presented on both clinical and operational topics at the local, state, and national levels.

Abby Williams, M.A., CCC-SLP Director of Strategic Integration and Quality and Regulatory Affairs

Abby Williams is the Director of Strategic Integration and Regulatory and Quality Affairs for Mansbach Health Tools, LLC.  She supports our BCAT® organizational partners with the successful integration of The BCAT® Approach and assists in developing new customer relationships.  She is also responsible for ensuring the quality and compliance of Mansbach Health Tools, LLC including the management of current quality objectives.  

Abby has almost 20 years of clinical experience as a speech-language pathologist, with an expertise and passion for working with persons living with dementia.  She has worked in a variety of settings across the healthcare continuum, including skilled nursing, LTACH, home health, and outpatient settings. Abby has served in numerous clinical leadership roles over the years, and has expertise in regulatory compliance, developing education, and clinical programs and using data analytics to drive clinical outcomes.  Abby has presented on various topics at the local, state, and national level. 

Colleen Mansbach, PHD Director of Applied Research

Dr. Colleen Mansbach is the Director of Applied Research at the BCAT® Research Center.  Her doctoral degree and work is in biopsychology with an emphasis in neuroscience.  She is the co-creator of the ENRICH® program which is designed to mitigate the risk of dementia and promote positive brain health. 

Dr. Mansbach is a co-author of BCAT® Working Memory Exercise Book – Home Edition, as well as the MemPics® meaningful engagement book series.

Melissa Tanner, PHD Clinical Research Investigator

Dr. Tanner is very active as a researcher and educator for BCAT®.  She has published research on cognitive assessment and cognitive interventions.  She is also the Director of Education and Analytics for CounterPoint Health Services.

After earning degrees of distinction in psychology from Harvard University and American University, Dr. Tanner joined CounterPoint. As an original member of the company, Dr. Tanner has helped solidify the company’s commitment to evidence-based care, through development and validation of regularly used assessment tools and dissemination of materials to staff and facility partners outlining advancements in the field of geriatrics.

Jennifer Milsovic, OTR/L BCAT® Coordinator

Jennifer Milsovic OTR/L serves as the BCAT® Coordinator with responsibilities including customer acquisition and support, development of tools and resources, providing marketing support and completion of various administrative tasks that support the team and organization.  As an Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience in a variety of practice settings, Jenn has developed OT-specific and multidisciplinary programs and provided clinical education.  Her specialty areas include neurological rehabilitation, MCI/dementia management, and driving rehabilitation.  She ahs presented at the local and national level, provided consultative services to senior living organizations, and completed product development tasks for senior care organizations. 

Kristen Clark, C-SWCM Consultant

Kristen Clark is an Executive Consultant. She has been an integral team member collaborating in business development, customer relationships, and research protocols. She has over 25 years of experience in a variety of healthcare administrative and operational roles.  Kristen has a particular expertise in regulatory issues and new market integration.

For many years, she served in a senior operational role for one of the largest behavioral health care companies in the United States. Kristen is a co-author of BCAT® Working Memory Exercise Book – Professional Edition.

Bobbi Duffy, CRNP-PMH BC Consultant

Bobbi is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Clinical Officer for CounterPoint Health Services. Bobbi has been both board-certified as a Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Psychotherapist since 2007. She has over 25 years of experience in delivering, overseeing, and development of geriatric specialty programs.

Bobbi is seen as an expert in both Geriatric Psychiatry and Challenging Behaviors of Dementia and has presented on these topics in over 50 cities. Bobbi has held many influential positions in the geriatric healthcare including Regional Manager, Clinical Director, Director of Sales and CEO.

Francis Schindler, PHD Consultant

Dr. Schindler is on the BCAT® Research Center faculty and actively participates in BCAT® research. He is also the Vice-President of Behavioral Health Services for CounterPoint Health Services, responsible for all clinical services delivered by CounterPoint’s psychologists & clinical social workers.  He received his doctoral degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. 

In over 45 years of practice, Dr. Schindler has extensive experience in community mental health, inpatient psychiatric care, neurocognitive assessment, & developmental psychology.  He has focused on the integration of psychological services with the treatment of various chronic medical illnesses, with particular emphasis on the dementias.

Jessica Morris Social Media & Communications Specialist

Jessica Morris serves as the Social Media & Communications Specialist for both Mansbach Health Tools, LLC and for our sister company CounterPoint Health Services. Jessica manages content creation for all social media channels and supports the organization’s communication, marketing and recruiting efforts.