Built on the legacy of Dr. Nicholas A. Cummings — psychologist, author, and one of the defining voices in modern behavioral health — the Foundation was established to carry his commitment to research, advocacy, and innovation forward. We bring together professionals with expertise across clinical practice, research, and public policy to advance work that is rigorous, evidence-based, and directly responsive to the communities that need it most. Every initiative we pursue is selected with intention, ensuring the depth and integrity that this work — and this legacy — demands.
Every initiative we support is shaped by rigorous inquiry, informed by data, and designed with the communities it serves in mind.
We ground every project in evidence. Our work begins with a rigorous review of existing literature and data before any initiative is designed or recommended.
We do not work in isolation. Our approach integrates perspectives from researchers, clinicians, community organizations, and policymakers at every stage.
We track what we do and report what we find — transparently. Accountability is not a final step, it is built into the process from the beginning.
Where We DirectOur Work
Our research and resources are concentrated across four areas — each selected for its depth of need and potential for measurable impact.
The Impact of Our Work
Our supported programs and research initiatives produce outcomes that are tracked, measured, and reported with transparency.
4
focus areas of research and support
64%
Decrease in severe anxiety among first responders.
88%
Decrease in severe stress among first responders.
51%
First responders reported less hazardous alcohol use.
Our Leadership
Dr. Davena Longshore, CIHC, MIS, MS, MSCP, PhDExecutive Director
Serves as Executive Director, bringing a PhD in Clinical Psychology and specialized expertise in military and public safety psychology. Dr. Longshore leads the Foundation's strategic direction, advancing research-driven initiatives that address the behavioral health needs of first responders, vulnerable populations, and underserved communities.
David Baker, PhDChief of Staff
Serves as Chief of Staff, bringing decades of experience as a psychologist, researcher, professor, and senior administrator. A Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the Association for Psychological Science, Dr. Baker provides the operational and scholarly leadership that supports the Foundation's research integrity and institutional direction.
Patricia Petrova, MSStatistical Data Analyst
Serves as Statistical Data Analyst, applying quantitative methods and behavioral health data to surface meaningful patterns that inform the Foundation's research priorities and program evaluation. Her work ensures that findings are analytically sound, clearly communicated, and actionable for both internal teams and external stakeholders.
Jordan M. P. Garrett, LMHC-QS, NCCSocial Scientist
Serves as a Social Scientist with the Cummings Foundation for Behavioral Health, identifying critical gaps in the literature and integrating diverse research perspectives to strengthen the conceptual and empirical foundations of behavioral health work.
Keith Glidewell, MBAFinancial Controller
Serves as Financial Controller, overseeing the fiscal systems and reporting structures that ensure the Foundation operates with transparency and long-term sustainability. His work integrates automated and unified financial processes that support accountability across all programs and initiatives.
Megan Amaturo, MPHGrant and Program Specialist
Serves as Grant and Program Specialist, bridging public health and public safety to develop sustainable strategies that strengthen the well-being of first responders and the communities they operate within. Her work supports the identification, development, and management of funding opportunities that advance the Foundation's core research priorities.
Marcus Cormier, MSVolunteer Copy Editor and Peer Reviewer
Serves as Volunteer Copy Editor and Peer Reviewer, bringing expertise in applied linguistics, research communication, and higher education to ensure the Foundation's publications and public-facing content meet the highest standards of clarity and academic integrity.