Dr. Sonji Philips (PhD)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Dr. Sonji Phillips is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Briason Associates, a workforce development, training, compliance, and behavioral support organization serving human service agencies across multiple states. With more than 25 years of experience in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), child welfare, and nonprofit sectors, she specializes in organizational development, leadership training, behavioral supports, quality improvement, executive coaching and strategic planning. Dr. Phillips holds a doctorate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and is passionate about helping organizations strengthen their workforce, improve service delivery, and achieve sustainable growth while maintaining person-centered practices.
Lisamarie E. Pesante (MA Psychology)
Development Officer
Lisamarie Pesante served in several Leadership roles throughout her time with OPWDD. Roles included Community Services Supervisor, managing over 50 staff who support individuals with developmental disabilities. In early 2019 she accepted the position of Fiscal Director for all of NYC. Lisamarie retired from that position in July 2025 and joined Dr. Phillips at Briason Associates in late 2025 as Development Officer.
As Development Officer her role focuses on expanding services to make the Briason Firm more widely known by bridging the gap between communities and providers. Increase Stakeholder participation by building relationships with those who share our mission to strengthen organizations and families from the inside out.
Leadership
Svetlana Tikhomirova
Training Coordinator
Svetlana Tikhomirova is an experienced training and development professional with over 10 years of expertise in designing, coordinating, scheduling, delivering, and evaluating corporate training programs for Fortune 500 companies. She has a strong track record of creating engaging learning experiences that improve employee performance, support organizational goals, and drive professional growth. Her background includes managing end-to-end training initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and implementing effective learning strategies tailored to diverse business environments. Known for her organizational skills, communication abilities, and learner-focused approach, Svetlana is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations achieve measurable success through high-quality training and development programs.
Shanell Gill (M.A School Counseling)
Business to Business Associate (B2B)
Shanell Gill is a Guidance Counselor Graduate currently obtaining her LMHC certification, with extensive experience in human services, quality assurance, and program leadership. Currently serving as a Business-to-Business (B2B) Associate at Briason Associates, Shanell collaborates with agency leaders and internal teams to enhance organizational readiness and service delivery across partner agencies in North Carolina, Georgia, and New York City. She is committed to continuous learning, professional growth, and making a meaningful impact in the communities she serves.
Shanell has experience mentoring individuals and groups while demonstrating strong leadership, communication, planning, and presentation skills. She is passionate about delivering excellence in service, building positive relationships across diverse populations, and supporting agency growth through compliance monitoring, accreditation activities, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
Regina Butler (B.S Behavioral Science)
Program Coordinator
Ms. Regina Butler, B.S. Behavioral Science, serves as a Program Coordinator with a strong passion for supporting children, families, and communities through education and advocacy. With experience in program coordination, parent support services, and behavioral health, she is dedicated to empowering families with the tools and resources needed for success. Regina brings a compassionate, organized, and client-centered approach to her work, focusing on building meaningful relationships and creating positive outcomes for the individuals and communities she serves.
We Are Proud To Serve
Providing exceptional service and support to the communities we serve.
We Strengthen Organizations from the Inside Out
Our clients aren’t afraid to ask hard questions or pursue real change. They show up for their communities, and we stand with them—offering guidance, structure, and proven strategies every step of the way.
From rethinking organizational culture to equipping parents and caregivers with the tools they need, we use research-backed methods to create safer homes, stronger systems, and empowered teams.
Together, we’re building a future where support is accessible, training is transformative, and growth is truly inclusive.
Our Certifications
Better Business Bureau
We pride ourselves on our qualifications and certifications, ensuring that our team is equipped with the necessary expertise to deliver exceptional service.
We Are Members Of
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We Are Providers For
Our Qualifications & Certifications
We pride ourselves on our qualifications and certifications, ensuring that our team is equipped with the necessary expertise to deliver exceptional service.
Meet Our Team
The Board of Directors at Briason Associates is made up of experienced professionals with strong clinical backgrounds. They help ensure our work meets the highest standards for quality and compliance.
Introducing our Leader...
Sonji Phillips, PhD. CEO
Dr. Sonji Phillips is an experienced Industrial and Organizational Psychologist with over 25 years in the non-profit sector.
As the CEO of Briason Associates, she leads a team focused on training, development, and clinical services. Dr. Phillips specializes in improving workplace culture, leadership, and team performance.
Known for her deep understanding of human behavior, she is a trusted consultant and speaker in both clinical and organizational spaces. Her work in strategic planning, workforce development, and executive coaching helps organizations grow stronger, more resilient, and more impactful.
Our Management Team
Ilia Karanadze
Associate - Training
Ilia Karanadze brings a wealth of expertise to his role as the Associate overseeing the Training Program at Briason Associates. With a passion for education and a commitment to excellence, Ilia has played a pivotal role in shaping our training initiatives. Drawing on his extensive background in instructional design and program management, he ensures that our training programs are not only comprehensive but also highly effective. Ilia's leadership fosters a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering our team to deliver impactful training solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. With his dedication to excellence and a keen focus on innovation, Ilia plays an instrumental role in driving the success of Briason Associates' Training Program.
Kuwonna Ingram, MSW
Associate - Training
Ilia Karanadze brings a wealth of expertise to his role as the Associate overseeing the Training Program at Briason Associates. With a passion for education and a commitment to excellence, Ilia has played a pivotal role in shaping our training initiatives. Drawing on his extensive background in instructional design and program management, he ensures that our training programs are not only comprehensive but also highly effective. Ilia's leadership fosters a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering our team to deliver impactful training solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. With his dedication to excellence and a keen focus on innovation, Ilia plays an instrumental role in driving the success of Briason Associates' Training Program.
Cristian Ramos
Educational Technology Manager
Cristian Ramos serves as the Educational Technology Manager at Briason Associates, where he adeptly manages the Brass eLearning System.
With a wealth of experience in overseeing learning management systems, Cristian ensures the seamless delivery of educational content while optimizing user experiences.
His background in education and technology, coupled with a passion for facilitating learning, demo