Matt Brooks

Founder & President


Matt Brooks has an extensive career in public and governmental affairs in the State of Indiana, where he has represented various not-for-profit trade associations, Medicaid managed care plans, healthcare providers, government agencies, and fostered business partnerships between private industry and government.   

Matt has been a leader for more than thirty (30) years in the State of Indiana in developing comprehensive community mental health and addiction policy and legislation; leadership in local government processes; state government administration; and engagement in government services consulting practices.  

Matt utilizes his skills in relationship building and developing a common approach to overcoming complex policy challenges, achieving established goals for the clients he serves.  Matt is also an advanced yoga instructor, where he applies his in-depth knowledge and life experiences to assist others in living a more balanced and healthier lifestyle. 


Education & Experience


President & CEOIndiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers (2007-2021)

State Director — MAXIMUS, Inc. (2004-2007)

Executive Director — Association of Indiana Counties (1997-2004)

State of Indiana — Department of Transportation (1990-1997)

City of IndianapolisDepartment of Metropolitan Development (1988-1990)


Past & Present Positions


National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Board of Directors

State of Indiana Medicaid Advisory Committee, Chairperson

National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Public Policy Committee Vice Chairperson

Indiana Behavioral Health Commission, Member

Covering Kids and Families, Board of Directors

Government Affairs Society of Indiana, Member

Indiana Society of Association Executives, Member

Indy Yoga Movement, Board of Directors



Claudia Hess

Director of Project Development and Management



Fascinated by human behavior and psychology from a young age, Claudia obtained a degree in Psychology from Indiana University. Claudia has served as an intern for a major behavioral health provider, where she began to understand the complexities and opportunities within the behavioral health industry. 

Upon graduation, Claudia worked in an administrative and marketing capacity for a professional design firm. This experience afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with experts to advance her consulting skills, while helping the organization grow. 

Claudia recently joined Matt Brooks Consulting LLC as Director of Project Development and Management, where she will assist our clients in improving the lives of healthcare consumers as it relates to mental health and wellbeing.  



Allan Schneider

Director of Analytics, Data, and Research


Understanding human behavior and the mechanisms of the brain has always been of interest for Allan, inspiring his decision to study Psychology at Butler University. Currently, in his final year of undergraduate studies at Butler, he also has pursued and investigated the field of neuroscience, where he holds a minor degree. He has also been an active member of research labs for all four years, working with research mentors to gain experience in valuable research methods, procedures, and data collection skills.

Allan has authored and collaborated on several studies and presented at research conferences. He plans to continue conducting and presenting at various conferences in the coming year, supported by a research grant from Butler University Psychology Department

Since joining Matt Brooks Consulting LLC Allan has assisted the team with his background in data collection, research method skills, and passion for mental health and psychology. This work has afforded him the ability to aid in plans and proposals to improve the behavioral health field in Indiana and beyond.



Darlene Uren

Process and Operations Specialist and Manager


Darlene Uren has an established professional career in administrative and management activities. She has worked actively to improve business processes in operational management practices over the last several years.

Darlene previously served on the Board of Directors of the Business Professionals of America, having attained the position of Board Chair.

She combines her understanding of business operations toward management practices designed to improve membership organizations to their greatest potential.



Kaitlyn Gabhart

Project Director


Kaitlyn was born and raised in Indiana, residing in Daviess County until she pursued her undergraduate degree at Purdue University studying Brain and Behavioral Sciences. She was a certified technician at an inpatient psychiatric hospital and a student research assistant researching public healthcare in Indiana.

After earning her Bachelor of Science degree, she entered the clinical world to explore her passion for mental healthcare. She moved to Los Angeles, CA and became a forensics case manager, working with a statewide population diagnosed with severe mental illnesses such as substance abuse, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

She joined Matt Brooks Consulting as an assistant to diversify behavioral health professional policy and management skills to help innovate behavioral healthcare and optimize her impact in local Hoosier communities to improve healthcare for everyone.


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