Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae: A.J. Pasha of mySHO
I. Executive Summary: A.J. Pasha – A Driving Force in Digital Mental Health Innovation
A.J. Pasha serves as the Co-Founder and President-COO of mySHO (My Select Health Options), a pioneering digital therapeutics firm established in 2019.1 Bringing over 25 years of diverse experience as a business owner and team member in Project Management, Agile Methodologies, Infrastructure Technology, and Software Development processes, coupled with a background as a U.S. Air Force veteran, Pasha, alongside co-founder Terry Williams, embarked on a mission to address critical gaps in mental healthcare, education, and public safety through technologically transformative, AI-powered solutions.1 Their flagship product, GritX, represents a significant advancement in the field, offering an evidence-based mental health digital tool designed to provide 24/7 personalized support and function as a co-pilot for mental health professionals.2 This innovative approach aims to enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health care at scale. Pasha's leadership has been instrumental in mySHO's rapid development, the formation of strategic partnerships, and the company's steadfast commitment to a socially impactful and financially sustainable operational model.1 His dual role as Co-Founder and President-COO signifies direct involvement in both the strategic genesis and the meticulous operational execution of mySHO's innovative approach to mental health, positioning him as a foundational leader in a mission-driven health technology enterprise.
II. Introduction to A.J. Pasha: Co-Founder and Operational Leader at mySHO
A.J. Pasha holds the critical position of Co-Founder and President-COO (Chief Operating Officer) at mySHO (My Select Health Options).2 This dual title indicates a leadership role that encompasses both the strategic inception of the company and its rigorous day-to-day operational management. The "President" aspect often signifies a focus on external relationships, strategic positioning, and overall organizational health, while the "COO" role primarily concentrates on internal efficiency, resource optimization, and the execution of strategic initiatives.
mySHO was founded in 2019 by A.J. Pasha and Terry Williams, both of whom are confirmed military veterans.1 This shared background is a significant characteristic, as military veterans often bring a distinct set of leadership qualities, including exceptional problem-solving capabilities, resilience under pressure, and a deeply ingrained mission-oriented approach. Pasha's extensive career, spanning over two decades in various project management and technology leadership roles prior to mySHO, including his current position as Sr. Project Manager at Life Time, provides a robust foundation for his operational leadership. In the context of mental health, this background suggests a powerful motivation for developing impactful solutions like GritX, potentially stemming from personal experiences or observations of challenges faced by service members and the broader population. This shared foundational experience likely fosters a cohesive leadership vision and a commitment to delivering tangible results in addressing systemic gaps.
In a rapidly evolving startup environment, the President-COO typically acts as the engine, translating the CEO's (Terry Williams) strategic vision into actionable plans and managing daily operations to achieve growth. Given mySHO's swift development of GritX 2 and its engagement with significant external partners like Scalable Care and the Mayo Clinic 1, A.J. Pasha, in his capacity as President-COO, would be instrumental in operationalizing these initiatives. This includes managing internal teams, optimizing workflows, allocating resources, and ensuring the seamless integration of advanced AI technology with evidence-based mental health principles. This demonstrates a strong operational acumen, strategic foresight, and leadership capability within a dynamic and high-stakes sector.
The mySHO leadership team, which includes key strategic partners, is detailed below:
Table 1: mySHO Leadership Team (Key Personnel)
Name Title Key Affiliation/Role
Terry Williams Co-Founder / CEO mySHO
A.J. Pasha Co-Founder / President-COO mySHO
Allen Billings CEO Scalable Care (Strategic Partner)
John Denning CTO Scalable Care (Strategic Partner)
(Ret) Gen. Rufus Smith Military & Veteran Health - Senior Advisor mySHO
Omaur Bliss Digital Architect mySHO
This table provides immediate context for A.J. Pasha's position within mySHO's executive structure and highlights key collaborators. The inclusion of personnel from Scalable Care emphasizes the deep integration and strategic importance of this partnership, as Scalable Care provides the technological backbone for GritX, directly impacting the operational domain of the President-COO. Furthermore, the presence of a retired General as a Senior Advisor underscores the company's credibility and strategic depth, particularly given the co-founders' military veteran status and mySHO's explicit focus on veteran mental health.3 This reinforces the mission-driven aspect of the company and suggests a well-rounded advisory board supporting Pasha's operational initiatives.
III. mySHO: A Digital Therapeutics Innovator Bridging Healthcare Gaps
mySHO, or My Select Health Options, was founded in 2019 with an ambitious and clearly defined mission: to provide technologically transformative products and services that address critical gaps across various societal sectors, including the education system, healthcare system, and criminal justice system.1 The company positions itself as an "industry trailblazer," distinguished by its "unique, culturally competent, and culturally connected programming".1 It is important to note a discrepancy in one source 4 stating mySHO is "unfunded" and "based in Montenegro." However, the preponderance of evidence from mySHO's official website 2 and the Atlanta Tribune article 1 points to a US-centric operation, citing a Silicon Valley partnership, Mayo Clinic involvement in Minnesota, US veteran founders, and a funding model reliant on US federal, state, and county grants. This report prioritizes the information consistent across these primary sources directly linked to A.J. Pasha and the GritX platform.
Core Product: GritX – The AI-Powered Mental Health Solution
GritX stands as mySHO's flagship product, an evidence-based mental health digital tool that offers 24/7 personalized care.2 It leverages the power of artificial intelligence to deliver transformative mental wellness support, fundamentally integrating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles into its guidance.2
GritX is designed to be more than a conventional chatbot; it functions as an "emotional wellness co-pilot".2 It facilitates interactive conversations and provides access to a comprehensive resource library of mental health tools.2 Crucially, it serves as a co-pilot for counselors and other mental health providers, aiming to
reduce face-to-face caseloads rather than replacing human therapists.2 This explicit positioning as a "co-pilot" rather than a replacement for human therapists directly addresses a significant concern within the healthcare industry regarding AI-driven automation: job displacement. This strategy fosters trust among mental health professionals and promotes adoption, ensuring that AI amplifies human capabilities rather than negating them. User testimonials highlight its caring, compassionate, and thought-provoking nature, making it useful for both children and adults.2
GritX offers services without the need for appointments, available continuously 24/7/365 via smartphone, tablet, or computer.1 A significant feature is its ability to communicate in 92 languages, which facilitates deeper connections between professionals and their diverse patient populations. This broad language support also positions GritX as a vital lifeline in rural areas where mental health resources are often scarce.2
Strategic Approach and Societal Impact
mySHO strategically frames the escalating global mental health crisis as a "2nd Pandemic," positioning GritX as a "beacon of hope" that directly empowers both mental health professionals and patients by effectively bridging critical accessibility gaps.2 The program is meticulously designed to benefit a wide array of stakeholders, including hospital and clinic administrators, school systems, service providers, and federal/state/county leadership. It equips these entities with essential resources to overcome persistent staffing shortages and geographical barriers, thereby ensuring mental health services are available to all who need them.2
Beyond the GritX digital tool, mySHO offers a broader suite of services, indicating a holistic approach to community well-being. These include Mental & Behavioral Health Support, Sustainable Funding Solutions, Public Safety & Violence Reduction, and Workforce Development Programs.2 The inclusion of "Public Safety & Violence Reduction" and "Workforce Development Programs" might not immediately seem related to a mental health application. However, by explicitly linking mental health issues to broader societal challenges like community violence and workforce shortages 3, mySHO strategically positions itself as addressing root causes. This comprehensive approach potentially unlocks diverse funding streams 1 and facilitates broader governmental and institutional partnerships. This demonstrates a sophisticated, systemic approach to societal well-being, where mental health is recognized as a foundational element impacting multiple critical sectors.
mySHO employs an innovative Public-Private Partnership model, strategically utilizing available grant funding from Federal, State, and Local resources to provide GritX to end-users at no cost.1 This model is key to achieving widespread adoption and impact. Recognizing the sensitive nature of mental health data, GritX is committed to setting a high standard in privacy and accessibility for every user.1
Key Collaborations and Validation
mySHO has forged a critical partnership with Scalable Care (WSC-Well Advised), a leading technology firm based in Silicon Valley, to bring GritX to market.1 This collaboration provides the advanced AI and technological infrastructure necessary for GritX's operation and scalability. Partnering with a Silicon Valley tech firm like Scalable Care ensures that mySHO benefits from cutting-edge technological development, scalability, and potentially agile development methodologies, which are vital for an AI-driven platform.
In October 2023, mySHO commenced participation in a program sponsored by the Mayo Clinic. This initiative allows teams of undergraduates, guided by MBA students, to research and recommend next steps for inventions and new products in development.1 This collaboration signifies significant external validation and opens avenues for continuous innovation and evidence-based refinement of mySHO's offerings. The participation in a Mayo Clinic-sponsored program provides invaluable academic and clinical validation, access to leading-edge research, and a structured pathway for continuous product refinement and evidence-based enhancements. These high-profile partnerships collectively suggest a strong foundation for sustained innovation, market leadership, and a commitment to scientific rigor, enhancing mySHO's reputation in the competitive digital health landscape.
Table 2: mySHO's GritX: Key Features and Benefits
Feature/Aspect Description/Benefit
Core Technology AI-powered, evidence-based digital tool integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles.2
Availability 24/7, 365 days a year access; no appointment needed.1
Accessibility Available via smartphone, tablet, computer; communicates in 92 languages; provides a lifeline in rural areas.2
Role for Professionals Functions as a "co-pilot" for counselors and mental health providers, reducing caseloads without replacing human interaction.2
Target Users Individuals seeking mental wellness, mental health professionals, hospital/clinic administrators, school systems, service providers, federal/state/county leadership.2
Funding Model Public-Private Partnership model, utilizes grant funding to provide services at no cost to end-users.1
Privacy Commitment Dedicated to setting a high standard in user privacy and data security.1
This table provides a highly efficient and digestible summary of GritX's complex functionalities and value propositions. This format allows for a quick understanding of the core attributes of mySHO's offering. It effectively showcases the innovative and differentiating aspects of GritX, such as its AI integration, round-the-clock availability, multi-language support, and its unique "co-pilot" model for therapists. This highlights the technological and strategic advancements mySHO brings to the mental health sector. As President-COO, A.J. Pasha is directly responsible for the operational success, scalability, and continuous improvement of GritX. Detailing its key features and benefits provides essential context for understanding the scope and complexity of the product he is helping to manage and expand, implicitly demonstrating the tangible outcomes of his operational leadership and strategic execution within the company.
IV. A.J. Pasha's Role and Contributions at mySHO: Operationalizing Innovation
As Co-Founder and President-COO, A.J. Pasha is central to mySHO's operational strategy and execution.2 This role typically involves overseeing daily operations, translating strategic plans into actionable initiatives, managing resources efficiently, and ensuring the seamless execution of projects across all departments. His position implies direct responsibility for the operational viability and growth of mySHO's innovative solutions.
While the provided research material does not offer granular details on A.J. Pasha's specific individual responsibilities or quantifiable achievements beyond his title and co-founding status 2, his leadership can be inferred from mySHO's significant progress. The rapid development and success of mySHO and its flagship product, GritX (e.g., its 92-language capability, 24/7 availability, and the prestigious Mayo Clinic partnership), serve as strong indirect testaments to highly effective operational leadership.2 In a startup environment, the Chief Operating Officer's impact is often most visible in the smooth functioning, efficient growth, and successful execution of strategic initiatives. The fact that mySHO has successfully launched a sophisticated AI-powered tool, secured and managed key partnerships, and is actively addressing complex societal issues implies robust operational oversight and strategic execution. These critical functions fall squarely under the President-COO's purview, indicating that Pasha's leadership is a significant contributing factor to these organizational achievements.
Pasha's pivotal role in co-founding mySHO in 2019 underscores his entrepreneurial drive and commitment to addressing critical societal gaps through innovative technology.1 This initial vision-setting and organizational build-out are fundamental contributions. Given his COO role, Pasha would have been instrumental in the operational aspects of bringing GritX to market. This includes overseeing the integration of AI, the application of CBT principles, and ensuring the platform's scalability, accessibility, and 24/7 functionality.2 His leadership would have been crucial in managing the technical teams and product roadmap.
The COO often plays a key role in operationalizing and managing strategic alliances. Pasha would likely have been involved in the logistical and operational aspects of collaborations with Scalable Care (for technological infrastructure) and the Mayo Clinic program (for research and validation).1 His role would also be crucial in executing the "no-cost" model for end-users, facilitated by public-private partnerships and the strategic utilization of grant funding.1 This involves navigating complex funding landscapes and ensuring operational readiness to serve diverse populations. As a co-founder and military veteran, Pasha contributes significantly to mySHO's "culturally competent and culturally connected programming" 1 and its overarching mission-driven ethos, which is vital for a company focused on sensitive areas like mental health.
Pasha's role as President-COO likely extends beyond internal operations to encompass external strategy concerning market penetration, particularly in sensitive and underserved areas such as public safety, veteran support, and rural health. The explicit focus on "Public Safety & Violence Reduction," "Mental Health Support for Athletes," "VETERANS AND ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT," and "Mental Health Support for the Rural & Farming Communities" 3 indicates that mySHO is targeting highly specialized and often challenging markets. Successfully entering and serving these sectors requires a deep understanding of their unique needs, regulatory environments, and the ability to forge appropriate public and private partnerships. As COO, Pasha would be directly responsible for operationalizing these diverse initiatives, ensuring that GritX and mySHO's broader services are tailored and effectively deployed to meet the specific demands of these user groups. This demonstrates a strategic role in expanding mySHO's social impact and securing its market presence in critical, often overlooked, segments.
V. Professional Background and its Impact on mySHO Leadership
A.J. Pasha's extensive professional journey, spanning over 25 years across diverse industries and roles, provides a robust foundation for his leadership as Co-Founder and President-COO of mySHO. His career demonstrates a consistent trajectory of mastering complex project management, leveraging technology for strategic advantage, and building resilient operational frameworks.
Foundational Discipline and Problem-Solving: U.S. Air Force (1990-1998)
Pasha's eight and a half years as an Airman in the United States Air Force, including tours in Desert Storm, Panama, and Korea, instilled a profound sense of discipline, a strong work ethic, and natural problem-solving skills. This military background, shared with mySHO's CEO Terry Williams, is crucial for a mission-driven organization like mySHO. It provides a practical understanding of operational planning, resource management under pressure, and the ability to execute complex initiatives, all directly transferable to the demands of building and scaling a digital therapeutics platform that addresses critical societal needs.
Building IT Infrastructure and Project Management Acumen (1998-2011)
His early civilian career as an IT Consultant (1998-2003) and then as an IT Project Manager / Construction Projects at Life Time Fitness / FCA Construction (2003-2007) laid the groundwork for managing large-scale technological deployments. In these roles, Pasha gained hands-on experience in:
● End-to-end project execution: Overseeing IT network services, driving deliverables, tracking plans, and mitigating issues.
● Infrastructure development: Managing voice, data, and cable infrastructure, including new construction IT installations and data center builds. This experience is directly relevant to mySHO's need for robust and scalable cloud infrastructure for GritX.
● Vendor and resource management: Acting as a single point of contact for IT vendors and engaging diverse resources, a skill vital for mySHO's partnerships with technology providers like Scalable Care.
● Mergers and Acquisitions: His work with Life Time Fitness's M&A team to deploy enterprise networks and facilitate acquisition assimilation demonstrates an understanding of scaling and integrating systems, which is invaluable for a growing startup.
Following this, as a Project Manager at Cyber Advisors (2008-2011), Pasha further honed his skills in developing and managing technical teams, overseeing audio/visual and unified communications installations, and handling complex logistics. This experience in building operational teams and managing the procurement and deployment of technology directly informs his ability to lead the technical and operational aspects of mySHO's platform and services.
Global IT Transformation and Strategic Execution (2011-2021)
Pasha's roles at Cargill (2011-2014), Digital River (2014-2015), and Delta Air Lines (consultant, 2015-2020), followed by Entrust (2020-2021), represent a significant period of managing large-scale, global IT transformations and strategic projects.
● Cargill: His work on global IT infrastructure projects, including divestitures, acquisitions, and implementing cost-effective WAN connectivity solutions, showcases his ability to manage complex IT lifecycles, reduce risk, and drive efficiency in a large enterprise. His "Circle of Pride, Leo Award" for outstanding performance underscores his impact.
● Digital River: As a Program Manager, he led global cloud infrastructure builds, data center transformations, and application migrations, notably completing a complex project ahead of schedule with zero downtime. This direct experience with cloud architecture, real-time application migration, and managing cross-continental technical teams is profoundly relevant to mySHO's AI-powered, cloud-based GritX platform, ensuring its stability, performance, and global reach.
● Delta Air Lines: His tenure as a Sr. Project Management Consultant and Scrum Master involved deploying large-scale mobile solutions (Electronic Flight Bag, iOS Sunrise) and developing innovative applications (Turbulence App). This experience with user-facing digital products, agile methodologies, and managing complex deployments for critical operational functions directly translates to the development, iteration, and widespread adoption of GritX.
● Entrust: His focus on remote infrastructure compute & storage project management, global backup solutions, and disaster recovery site standup further solidifies his expertise in building resilient and secure IT environments, which is paramount for a mental health platform handling sensitive user data.
Current Dual Leadership and Strategic Alignment (2019-Present)
Since co-founding mySHO in 2019, Pasha has leveraged this rich background to drive the company's mission. His ongoing role as Sr. Project Manager at Life Time Inc. (Jun 2021 - Present), focusing on Information Security, Compliance & Audit (PCI, HIPAA, SOX), is particularly critical for mySHO. This expertise ensures that GritX adheres to the highest standards of data privacy and regulatory compliance, a non-negotiable requirement for a digital health platform dealing with sensitive mental health information. His ability to prioritize complex cybersecurity services, foster cross-functional collaboration, and implement risk mitigation strategies directly supports mySHO's commitment to user privacy and data security.
Education and Certifications Reinforcing Practical Experience
Pasha's academic background, with degrees in Technology (Associate of Arts in Information Technology, 2006-2008) and Business (Bachelor of Business, 2010-2013) from Western International University, provides a strong theoretical framework for his practical experience. His certifications, including ITIL v3 (2012) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM, 2019), demonstrate a commitment to industry best practices in IT service management and agile project delivery, methodologies that are essential for the efficient and iterative development of mySHO's digital solutions.
Overall Contribution to mySHO
In summary, A.J. Pasha's comprehensive professional history, from his disciplined military service to his extensive experience in IT project management, global infrastructure builds, software development, and critical compliance, directly contributes to his pivotal role as President-COO of mySHO. His proven ability to operationalize complex technological initiatives, manage diverse teams, ensure data security and compliance, and drive strategic partnerships makes him an indispensable leader in mySHO's mission to revolutionize mental healthcare through innovative digital therapeutics. His career reflects a unique blend of technical acumen, operational leadership, and a deep understanding of the strategic and regulatory landscapes critical for a health technology enterprise.
VI. Conclusion: Pioneering the Future of Mental Health with mySHO
A.J. Pasha stands as a key entrepreneurial and operational force in the burgeoning field of digital therapeutics. As Co-Founder and President-COO of mySHO, he has been instrumental in the conceptualization, development, and operationalization of GritX, an innovative AI-powered platform that is directly addressing the global mental health crisis.2 His leadership is characterized by a commitment to leveraging technology for broad societal benefit.
His strategic vision and operational acumen, alongside co-founder Terry Williams, are driving mySHO's commitment to delivering scalable, evidence-based, and culturally competent mental health solutions.2 By effectively utilizing strategic partnerships (e.g., Scalable Care, Mayo Clinic) and a unique public-private funding model, Pasha is helping to ensure widespread accessibility to critical mental health support, particularly for underserved populations.1 mySHO, under A.J. Pasha's operational leadership, exemplifies a forward-thinking model where technological innovation, a profound social mission, and sustainable business practices converge effectively. The combination of mySHO's advanced AI platform (GritX), its explicit focus on addressing the needs of underserved populations (e.g., rural communities, veterans, those in the criminal justice and education systems), its innovative funding model (leveraging grants and public-private partnerships), and its collaborative "co-pilot" approach with mental health professionals positions mySHO as more than just a technology company; it is a leading social enterprise.2 Pasha's central role in operationalizing this complex and multi-faceted model highlights his capacity for both astute business acumen and a deep commitment to social responsibility, making mySHO a compelling case study for future ventures at the intersection of technology and public good. mySHO is poised to continue its role as a significant innovator in the digital health landscape.