Healing Advocacy was born from a historic moment in Oregon.

When voters approved Ballot Measure 109 in 2020, they did more than create the nation's first psilocybin therapy program. They opened the door to a new approach to mental health, one built on careful regulation, public trust, and the belief that more people deserve access to promising new options for healing.

Over the next two years, Oregon worked to turn that vision into reality. Healing Advocacy grew alongside that effort.

What began as an organization focused on helping Oregon successfully implement the nation's first regulated psilocybin program soon expanded, gowing into states like Colorado and New Mexico.

Today, we help states build thoughtful programs, support providers and communities as new systems take shape, and prepare for a future where psychedelic therapies are more widely available through healthcare providers and covered by public and private insurance.

Our mission has grown, but our purpose remains the same:

Close-up of two smiling friends with dark hair, one with short hair and the other with slightly longer hair, in a forest with tall trees and green foliage in the background.

To help more people access safe, equitable pathways to healing.

Two surfers standing on surfboards in the ocean, waiting for waves under a cloudy sky.

Our year-end reports highlight the progress we've made, the partnerships we've built, and the work still ahead.

Because expanding access to healing takes all of us.

Read our 2025 Year-End Report

“It is difficult to describe all what happened but I left with a deep sense of calmness and peace that is still with me today.”

—Laurence, Oregon psilocybin therapy client

Healing Advocacy is powered by a team who share a common goal: expanding access to healing.

Our team members live and work across the country, bringing experience from public policy, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, communications and community advocacy. Together, we partner with states, providers, and communities to help build thoughtful pathways to psychedelic healing.

  • A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a black blazer and blue top, standing in front of a brick wall.

    Taylor West

    Executive Director

  • Smiling woman with shoulder-length gray hair, wearing a tan blazer over a black shirt, sitting outdoors with greenery in the background.

    Heidi Pendergast

    Oregon Director

  • A woman with dark curly hair smiling and looking at the camera. She is wearing a teal top and is indoors near a window with blurred lights in the background.

    Tasia Poinsatte

    Colorado Director

  • A smiling woman with brown hair, wearing a black sleeveless top over a tan long-sleeve shirt, standing outdoors with a blue sky and trees in the background.

    Denali Wilson

    New Mexico Director of Strategic Support

  • Close-up of a woman with short red hair, smiling, wearing a blue cardigan over a white shirt, against a plain background.

    Leslie Carlson

    National Communications Director

  • A smiling man with glasses, facial hair, and short brown hair wearing a white shirt and dark sweater against a plain light background.

    Josh Kappel

    Senior Policy Advisor

  • A woman with curly hair smiling indoors, wearing a dark blue sweater, with a picture frame and a plant in the background.

    Hannah Hetzer

    Impact Pilot Project Manager

  • A smiling person with long light brown hair wearing sunglasses on their head, a patterned button-up shirt, and a denim jacket outdoors.

    RT Ahnen

    Digital Strategist

Let's build the future of healing together.

Whether you're looking for information, interested in partnering, covering this work as a journalist, or simply have a question, we'd love to hear from you.

Our team works across the country with policymakers, providers, advocates, researchers, and community members who share a commitment to expanding safe, equitable access to psychedelic healing.

Fill out the form and we'll connect you with the right member of our team.