About

Mental health needs across our communities continue to rise, yet access to care remains constrained by stigma, workforce shortages, affordability, and systemic inequities. This inaugural session examines how technology can help close these gaps—while centering trust, equity, and real-world impact.

This conversation will explore:

• Real-world challenges and emerging solutions

• Practical, evidence-informed strategies

• Cross-sector collaboration to advance mental health equity

Anthony Abadir, Board-Certified Psychiatrist

Dr. Anthony Abadir is a board-certified psychiatrist who practices an evidence-based, collaborative approach to mental health care. He specializes in treating mood disorders, anxiety, and substance use disorders, integrating psychodynamic principles with medication management when appropriate. Dr. Abadir focuses on tailoring treatment plans to align with each patient’s goals, values, and lifestyle, helping individuals feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout their care journey.

Shannon Mejia, PhD
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Associate Professor
Director, Health Technology Education Program,
Director, Adult Development, Adaptation, and Technology Laboratory

Shannon T. Mejía is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology, an affiliate at the Center for Social and Behavioral Sciences, and holds a courtesy appointment in Human Development and Family Studies. She is also the Director of the Health Technology Education Program and the Adult Development, Adaptation, and Technology Laboratory. Dr. Mejía’s research situates individuals within their unique contexts to examine the psychological, interpersonal, and social factors that shape how older adults understand and act to support their health, and the implications for the adoption, use, and effectiveness of health technologies. Dr. Mejía began her career in industry, where she worked at the forefront of deploying monitoring technologies to support resident well-being in long term care. She then earned a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences at Oregon State University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. Dr. Mejía is a fellow at the Gerontological Society of America. Her research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health and industry. 

Maureen Conway, LCPC
Maureen is a licensed clinical professional counselor who helps patients navigate stress, major life changes, and other personal challenges. She holds an MA in Counseling Psychology and an MS in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Drawing from CBT and mindfulness-based approaches tailored to each individual, Maureen provides a warm, collaborative, and empowering space for her clients to explore identity, establish new routines, enhance communication skills, and align with personal values. She also integrates her ABA training to assess the function of behaviors that may be barriers to success and helps clients develop more effective coping strategies. 

Tariq Mubarak, MD
Chief Medical Officer, Cimpar

Dr. Tariq Mubarak serves as Chief Medical Officer at Cimpar, where he leads clinical strategy and innovation initiatives. As emcee, Dr. Mubarak will guide the conversation and facilitate audience engagement.

• 9:30–9:45 AM | Arrival, Coffee & Networking

• 9:45–10:15 AM | Welcome & Keynote Address

• 10:15–10:45 AM | Panel Discussion: Mental Health & Technology

• 10:45–10:55 AM | Audience Q&A

• 10:55–11:00 AM | Closing Remarks

The HERIF & MATTER Healthcare Tech Breakfast Speakers Series creates space for candid, practical dialogue around the most pressing challenges facing healthcare today. Each convening is designed to be inclusive, action-oriented, and rooted in real-world impact—connecting ideas to implementation and conversation to collaboration.