From Rochelle Manor, Ph.D., and Michael Wolff, Psy.D., co-founders of BRAINS
“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dear BRAINS Families,
This fall, my yard is full of acorns. I hear the soft ping of them landing on the roof, quiet reminders of the season changing. Tiny as they are, acorns hold so much promise. Inside each one is the potential for something strong and lasting. A tree. A forest. A future.
When I think about the journey of BRAINS, I think about acorns.
We planted this organization nearly 20 years ago with a simple but powerful mission—to help children and families reach their fullest potential. Over time, that mission has taken root in new ways, expanding to meet growing needs, offering hope when things felt uncertain, and walking alongside thousands of families in our community.
Today, I’m writing to share an exciting next step in our journey. BRAINS will be joining Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services as of October 27, 2025.
What This Means and What Stays the Same
This merger is built on shared values and a deep mutual commitment to behavioral health care for kids, teens, and families. Like us, Pine Rest is independently accredited and mission-driven. Their support will allow us to continue offering the high-quality services you trust—including neuropsychological assessment, counseling, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA—while also helping families access broader care more easily through Pine Rest’s full continuum of services.
Our office on Evergreen Drive will stay open. Our staff will remain. And so will the name: BRAINS, A Service of Pine Rest. That name reflects both where we’ve been and where we’re going. A continuation of our legacy, now with new possibilities.
Why This Matters
As the world of healthcare becomes more complex, families deserve coordinated support that doesn’t feel overwhelming. This merger allows us to streamline care, reduce barriers, and focus on what matters most: helping your family feel seen, supported, and empowered.
We’ll also be collaborating closely with Pine Rest’s upcoming Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health, opening in spring 2026, to strengthen how services connect, from assessment to therapy to long-term care.
Growing What We Started
I know the word “merger” might sound corporate or cold. But to me, this is about something much more personal. It’s about tending the soil that we’ve nurtured all these years and continuing to make space for more children and families to flourish.
BRAINS has always been about possibility. About potential. About believing in what’s inside, even if it hasn’t fully grown yet. And that’s why I keep thinking about acorns. Because from even the smallest seed, mighty things can grow.
With gratitude and hope,
Rochelle Manor, Ph.D. & Michael Wolff, Psy.D.
Co-Founders, BRAINS