Meet Melissa Reilly!
Melissa Reilly is a member of Manatee’s Advisory Board alongside other leaders and trailblazers in the digital mental health space. In this article, we’ll get to know one of the folks helping Manatee give the best care to our families.
About Melissa
Give us your 5 sentence bio!
I spent the last 20 years working at three payers; UnitedHealth Group, Aetna and lastly Evernorth/Cigna in a variety of innovative roles; some highlights include leading Growth and Strategy in Behavioral Health (2x), but also was an admin, a business analyst, a consultant, a Medicaid Compliance Manager, and held several product and project management roles. One of my favorites was working for Optum Ventures helping commercialize early-stage start-ups because I had the pleasure of working with so many innovative founders. I held commercialization roles at two early-stage start-ups (AI and consumer testing) between UnitedHealthGroup and Evernorth. While working in healthcare, I was able to get my law degree and MBA, became a mediator and a realtor and started investing in early-stage healthcare companies and now I’ve made two angel investments and I’m on pace to sell two houses this year! In my free time, I love to work out (especially Pilates) and spend time with my husband (another healthcare executive) and our three kids ages 19, 11 and 7.
What inspired you to go into mental health?
My first job in mental health was really because one of my mentors in healthcare introduced me to the former CEO of Optum Behavioral Health and she inspired me to take on the challenge of bringing Optum to the open market of Medicare, Medicaid and other health plans (it previously only served UnitedHealth). At the time, I was doing strategic partnerships and event management for Optum so I like to say I turned down attending the Superbowl for Behavioral Health. (I can share a picture of me at the SuperBowl). I lost my cousin to mental health and substance use issues and the loss of him motivated me to ensure that whatever I did next, it would have an element of Behavioral Health in it because despite all of the great work happening in the space, the problems remain. Cigna called me for my last role when I had traveled to attend his funeral and I felt a “calling” back to the mental health space.
Why manatee
Of all the companies to join as a clinical advisor, why manatee?
When I left Evernorth, I entered what I call my “Preferrment Era,” where I would only work with companies that I felt aligned with their mission, that were doing something for a vulnerable population and where I enjoyed working with the people. Manatee came highly recommended from people I trust in the industry and met those qualifications. As a mom, and someone who has seen over 300 company pitches in the last three years - I don’t see care models like Manatee that really focus on family mental health; and I’m excited to help in any way I can.
What are the most common challenges children and families face in accessing mental health care? How does Manatee address these challenges?
It’s sad to say that access (availability and cost) still remains a challenge and I would add in education and time from my “mom” POV. By being in-network with health plans Manatee is addressing the challenges of cost and access. I think there is still more work that can be done on “Brand” where families will ask for Manatee by name. Manatee could be similar to the “Spring” or “Lyra” in the family mental health category. I also see an opportunity for payers and start up partnerships that make it easier to clarify which solution or company will work best for families and how to book online. I don’t think enough people understand the value of whole family treatment, where support is given for the child and the family. I always say that I’m only as happy as my unhappiest child.
The future!
How do you see the future of digital mental health care evolving?
I am hopeful that AI and value-based care can accelerate at a faster rate of change in the next ten years then what I have seen in the last ten years and the two chasms of online scheduling and value-based care need to be crossed.
What innovations in this space are you excited about?
I can see a future where care is truly coordinated in an omni-channel way. Meaning with consent and thoughtful orchestration an individual can seamlessly collect and connect their health data and leverage it. This could look as easy as my watch helping me understand when I’m stressed by my seven-year-old fighting with my eleven-year-old, triggering a mindfulness exercise and asking me if I want an appointment and then facilitating the scheduling of my next family therapy appointment.
A layer deeper
What book or movie do you think every child and parent should read or watch?
The book, “How to Work a Room” by Susan Roane is my favorite for children and parents though probably geared more towards teens. I have used it with my son, who is an introvert, and I gave it to one of your colleagues at Manatee. I met Susan (the author) more than 12 years ago, when the book was used in a leadership development program at Optum. It helps people “practice” networking and I think there is amazing advice for teens/high schoolers on how to “social.” Susan just met my former team at Evernorth last year and some of our clients at a conference in San Fran.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you could give 10-year-old Melissa?
Don’t ever let anyone dull your “sparkle”. If a comment or feedback won’t matter in 5 years, don’t take more than five minutes to obsess over it. Basically, don’t make yourself different to meet others’ expectations.
What is the biggest misconception people have about you?
That I’m really busy. I mean… calendar-wise I am but I have worked really hard to design my life so that I get to enjoy a variety of experiences, interactions and adventures and achieve home and work life integration.
