Chief Executive Officer

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Kia A. Player is the Executive Director of MH Resource Solutions, where she brings over 15 years of expertise in behavioral health program development, compliance, and clinical supervision. With a career rooted in both public and nonprofit sectors, Kia has designed and led innovative, community-based initiatives that center equity, trauma-informed care, and cultural responsiveness.

She is dedicated to serving women and families affected by trauma and systemic injustice, and has demonstrated a deep commitment to healing-centered engagement and community empowerment. Her leadership style blends clinical insight with operational excellence—managing multidisciplinary teams, maintaining regulatory compliance, and driving measurable outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Kia is known for her ability to build collaborative networks and is recognized for her dedication to staff development, systems-level problem solving, and culturally affirming service models. Whether she’s facilitating a case management strategy, leading a training, or shaping policy conversations, Kia’s work reflects a passion for justice, access, and sustainable impact in the lives of those most at risk.

Chief Operations Officer

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Edward Riley brings over 15 years of dedicated experience supporting diverse youth populations through therapeutic services, mentoring, and community engagement. As a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), Edward has provided individualized, in-home and community-based interventions for children and families across the Richmond area, focusing on helping clients build the skills needed to thrive in their environments.

Edward has held multiple roles in the mental health field, and has consistently emphasized culturally responsive support, strengths-based planning, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to create impactful service plans. His passion includes mentoring youth through sports and education as the founder and CEO of Hoops Basketball Academy, where he developed a holistic program that integrates athletic training with personal growth and development. Through his leadership and hands-on therapeutic work, Edward remains passionate about empowering youth, especially those from underserved communities, to reach their full potential.

Director of Clinical Operations

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Kristin Pacello is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Virginia, Washington, and Oregon, with a deep commitment to equity, access, and compassionate care. With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, she has worked extensively with diverse youth populations across clinical, educational, and community-based settings. Her practice is grounded in the belief that healing and growth happen best within the context of safe, responsive communities—an ethos that aligns perfectly with the mission of Mental Health Resource Solutions.

Her therapeutic approach is a unique blend of empathy and curiosity, inspired by the gentle wisdom of Fred Rogers and the humanistic framework of Abraham Maslow. She integrates mindfulness practices, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic theory to create a holistic and client-centered space for healing.

During her early career, she was involved in global health initiatives that focused on trauma-informed care, mental health access, and culturally responsive interventions in underserved communities around the world. This global perspective continues to inform her clinical work, deepening her commitment to inclusive and equitable mental health care for all.

Program Director

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Melissa M. Ashby is a dedicated professional with expertise in healthcare, mental health, public safety, and education. With 14 years in healthcare and mental health, seven years in law enforcement (NYPD School Safety Division, Chesterfield Sheriff’s Office), and six years as a special education instructor for the NYC Department of Education, she brings a well-rounded skill set in crisis intervention, program management, and quality assurance.

As Program Director, Melissa is committed to service, collaboration, and advocacy. Holding degrees in Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, she is also a Certified Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) for Adults and Children and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant (CSAC-A).

Melissa is passionate about empowering individuals, fostering community partnerships, and driving impactful change in the mental health field.