Team NeuroAnimation
Clinical Team:
Dr. Omar Ahmad - Chief Executive Officer, NeuroAnimator
Dr. Omar Ahmad is a neuroscientist and computer scientist, and the world’s leading expert and designer of enriched, high-intensity and dose virtual experiences. He is the inventor of Neuro Animation and its integrated therapies for the treatment and prevention of neurological and cognitive-motor disease. Previously, Dr. Ahmad was the director of innovative engineering in the Department of Neurology, at the Johns Hopkins University school of Medicine, and director of the Kata Design Studio, which he founded at Johns Hopkins to push cognitive-motor disease beyond standard of care. Dr. Ahmad designed the execution strategy at Johns Hopkins to implement high intensity, high dose, enriched therapies across the continuum of care, from in-patient to custom-built outpatient facilities centered around his technology. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins, and has been featured in National Geographic, and the New Yorker.
Dr. S. Claiborne "Clay" Johnston - Chief Medical Advisor
Tom DeSanto is a founding writer/producer behind some of the biggest franchises in movie history (Transformers, X-Men). DeSanto's films have grossed more than $6 billion dollars worldwide. The proud owner of more than 40,000 comic books and a self-described pop culture junkie, DeSanto dreamed of bringing the characters he loved as a kid to life in Hollywood, X-Men was first on his list. om applies his vast experience in creating emotional bonds with characters at NeuroAnimation. He is responsible for ensuring our experiences and characters are meaningful and motivational to patients and players, and supervises all creative content so it is up to par with the highest production value and beauty. Tom is also an investor in Neuro Animation Inc.
Dr. Arnold David Gomez - Principal & Audio Engineer, NeuroAnimator
Clay Johnston is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Harbor Health, a vertically integrated health delivery system that launched 2022 in Austin, Texas. Harbor is working with employers and Medicare to redesign benefits and care to focus on achieving the best health possible while reducing cost. From 2014 to 2021, he was the inaugural Dean of the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. Clay specializes in stroke care and research with a focus on identifying risk factors and secondary prevention treatments after TIA and ischemic stroke. He was formerly at the University of California, San Francisco, where he served as Director of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Associate Vice Chancellor of Research, and founding director of the Center for Healthcare Value. Clay is a graduate of Amherst College, completed stroke school at Harvard University and received a PhD in epidemiology from the University of California, Berkeley.United States.
Dr. Mohan Chellappa -Director of Global Strategy
Dr. Mohan Chellappa is the director of global strategy at NeuroAnimation. Dr. Chellappa is a luminary in global-healthcare, and a founding member of Johns Hopkins Medicine International. He advises on international clinical-care deployment, partnerships and scaling NeuroAnimation’s world-class technology to benefit a global population. He serves on the Board of Directors of Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, HCL Healthcare and HCL Technologies Limited. Mohan is a trained surgeon and a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the American College of Surgeons. He has broad surgical experience, having worked in countries such as India, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Ken Johnson - Board of Directors, Senior Advisor
Arnold David Gomez is an engineer and researcher with an interest in the study of human movement and the development of motion estimation and digital experience interfaces. In particular, David is a developer of digital experiences for movement-based stroke therapy. He studied neuroanimation at the Kata Center for Neuro Restorative Technology and Design—the center that pioneered neuroanimation therapy at Johns Hopkins Univeristy. David’s technical training includes a postdoctoral fellowship on motion estimation (Electrical and Computer Engineering, Johns Hopkins University), imaging and computational biomechanics (Ph.D. in Bioengineering, University of Utah), and biomedical device development (M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology). He also has had some industrial experience (Stanley Black & Decker and LC Consulting Services) and has served as a consultant in the areas of medical device testing, control systems, game development, and electromechanical prototyping.
Mike Hamilton - Software & Audio Engineer, AV Design
Dr. Samuel Carliles - Backend & Data Analysis Engineer
Dr. Sam Carliles heads our backend and data analysis program at NeuroAnimation. He is a SIGMOD prize winner, given to recognize a significant contribution to the field of database systems through research funding, education, professional services, etc. Dr. Carliles has done seminal work in recursive random forest searches and holds a PhD in Computer Science from the Johns Hopkins University.
Jordan Wilson is a creative coordinator at Neuro Animation. Jordan works with Tom Desanto and assists in multiple areas of research for the company including cutting edge technologies and synergies in the motion picture and entertainment industries. Jordan has worked with Tom on the productions of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Bumblebee. He attended Southern New Hampshire University and received a BA in Business Marketing.
David Wollman - VP of Government Affairs & Performance Initiatives
Ken Johnson is the Director of Ambulatory Rehab Therapy Services at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD and advises NeuroAnimation on various clinic related issues. Ken brings a wealth of understanding of how important rich motivational experiences are to patients and the population. Mr. Ken Johnson appears on this site in a personal capacity and is independent of their affiliation with The Johns Hopkins Health System.
Promit Roy - Chief Technology Officer
Promit Roy is an elite computer programmer and software architect. He co-founded Neuro Animation with Omar Ahmad, and is the principal designer for the NeuroEngine, NeuroAnimation’s custom stroke gaming engine that enables therapeutic experiences to be created rapidly and at the highest level of production value in the video game and stroke industries. In addition, he directs the console hardware and tracking development teams. He is a former Microsoft MVP, and has worked at Nvidia, and at the Kata Design studio at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He holds a BS and MS in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins.
Guarav Gupta - Chief Operations Officer
Gaurav (GG) Gupta is a healthcare technology and finance expert with over two decades of experience in the industry. He is passionate about using technology to improve access to healthcare and to make the system more equitable. He spent over a decade at Goldman Sachs, where he leveraged data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to identify the right investments. He then moved to the corporate side, where he led the development and implementation of several innovative healthcare initiatives. GG founded MyPhysicianPlan, that provides accessible primary care to all, including those without health insurance. GG is a strong advocate for authenticity, trust, and equity in the healthcare industry, and led initiatives for healthcare standards. GG is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology and the Wharton School of Business. He loves outdoors, hiking, meditation and yoga.
Tom DeSanto - Chief Creative Officer
Michelle Carlson - Head Scientist
Michelle C. Carlson, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Mental Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a core faculty member in the Center on Aging and Health at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and holds joint appointments in the Department of Epidemiology and the School of Nursing. Dr. Carlson studies how social engagement and lifestyle buffer the aging brain and body using wearable technology, geospatial analysis of the built environment, neuroimaging, and interventions embedded within real and simulated worlds. Dr. Carlson’s goal is to foster environments that transcend socioeconomic barriers to safely promote physical, social and cognitively enriching activity. This work will inform intervention design and social policy to delay dementia and disability, particularly in vulnerable individuals (eg., MCI, TBI) and those at elevated risk for health disparities. Dr. Carlson has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers and various chapters in top neuropsychology, gerontology, and medical journals and books. She is currently principal investigator of three R01s from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), and the Department of Defense (DoD). Dr. Michelle Carlson appears on this site in a personal capacity and is independent of their affiliation with The Johns Hopkins University and Johns Health System.
Mike Hamilton is a software engineer with professional backgrounds in music production as well as audio/visual/lighting design. He is truly a tinkerer who enjoys having his hands in many things. Mike enjoys many things from traveling to animals to cooking, but consistently haw 3 primary interests - programming, music, and video games.
Mike brings over a decade of experience as a software engineer working with both for-profit and non-profit organizations. He's spent many years working on and off the stage as a musician as well as in live and studio production. Mike's expertise in audio, video, and lighting design is evidenced by NeuroAnimation's state of the art clinical rehab theaters.
Jarreau Wimberly - Lead Artist & Art Director
Jarreau Wimberly is a Creative Director, Illustrator, Designer, and Visual Development Artist. Jarreau has pioneered the intersection of traditional 3D artwork with the physics-based innovation of Neuro Animation. Previously, Jarreau was the Creative lead at the Kata Design Studio at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is also an accomplished illustrator in both the gaming and entertainment industries. Some of his most notable clients and projects include work for Marvel Entertainment, Disney, Hasbro, Blizzard Entertainment, and 20th Century Studios, and also contributing to world-renowned intellectual properties such as Star Wars, Game of Thrones, GI Joe, Deadpool, World of Warcraft, and Lord of the Rings.
Marcus Hansen - Engineer
Marcus has been making games since he discovered Rpg maker in 2003. Eventually he developed an interest in computer-graphics programming, enjoying understanding how complex and innovative shaders, algorithms, and techniques work. Graphics programming is, at its heart, an effort to recreate beauty through mathematics. It requires the programmer to deconstruct the subjective experience of aesthetic appeal and express it through equations and code. When he’s not programming graphics, he spends his time playing board games, fishing, and messing with breadboards and circuits.
Jasmine Pina - Marketing Director
Jasmine Pina would consider herself a “Jill” of all trades, master of none. Her creative process is rooted in a unique blend of entrepreneurship, brand identity, and design with deep intention into everything she builds. With nearly two decades in the fitness industry as a movement educator, Jasmine authored a nationally accredited education program for fitness pros that was backed by clinical research published on the physiological impact of sound on physical performance. It became a pioneering methodology which merged music, movement, and science, that was adopted and implemented by fitness studios across the US and Canada. That foundation led to her birthing the Rhythm Revolution, a one-of-a-kind hybrid fitness studio and traveling road show that married underground music culture + fitness through immersive and LIVE experience. She brings an edgy, authentic, and empathetic voice to every aspect of marketing.
Jordan Wilson - Creative Coordinator
Todd Burris is an early investor and strategic advisor at Neuro Animation. Todd brings years of experience in understanding the toll of Traumatic Brain Injury to society, and is deeply involved in planning NeuroAnimation’s strategy to scale our experiences across the globe. Todd is an accomplished attorney and avid skier and outdoorsman. He shares a deep love for animals and the wonderment and healing NeuroAnimation can bring into people’s lives.
Kristin Harrer - Strategic Brand & Marketing Advisor
Kristin directs our overall strategy building a world class brand reflecting the many revolutionary facets of Neuro Animation’s core technology in stroke, mind-body health, and video gaming. Kristin translates the historical implications of Neuro Animals to the world. Kristin has over 20 years of experience building brand strength and driving short- and long-term revenue growth through game-changing marketing initiatives and creative brand platforms at some of the world’s most beloved brands, including: Samsung “Do What You Can’t” and “Upgrade to Galaxy”, Nike Football “Risk Everything” and “Write the Future”, Nike Women “Nike Training Club”, Levi’s “Go Forth” and Chrysler “Imported from Detroit”. Kristin is most energized by driving growth for challenger brands. Kristin was recognized by Forbes as a CMO Next honoree in 2019 and has been named one of the Top 100 Women in Marketing by Brand Innovators for multiple years in a row. She was also honored by Glossy, Campaign50 and Comparably as one of the top marketers of 2022.
John Rogers - Strategic Advisor
John C. Rogers boasts a multifaceted career encompassing business, politics, and government. John recently co-founded Goodland Advisors, a strategic advisory firm offering creative solutions for complex public affairs and communication challenges. Previously, he founded RL Leaders, a consulting enterprise serving the U.S. Government that has connected the national security and Hollywood/entertainment communities for over two decades. In 2022, John sold RL Leaders to his partners and stepped down as CEO, transitioning to a board position. John also established Capstone National Partners, a bipartisan government affairs firm with offices in Washington, D.C. and Milwaukee. Capstone’s goal is to assist purpose-driven organizations in effecting positive policy changes. John's entrepreneurial drive and dedication to public service have left a lasting mark on both companies and the clients they serve. John’s leadership extends beyond his own ventures, as he serves on the Boards of several private and non-profit entities. He is on the steering committee at National Security Leaders for America and the Advisory Board for HUB Security. He also serves on the Board of Directors at Le Ciel Global, where he actively participated in Le Ciel’s HVT symposiums in 2019, 2021, and 2023 and MV Transportation, where he was the interim CEO in 2017 and currently holds the position of Vice Chair. Additionally, John has served as the past Chair of the National Brain Aneurysm Foundation and the past Vice Chair of the Parkinson’s Action Network. In 2006, he spearheaded Michael J Fox’s political efforts on stem cells, contributing to the pivotal shift in the U.S. Senate. John has occupied a diverse array of senior roles in local, state, and federal government, including serving as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, Director of the Senate Democratic Caucus for the State of Wisconsin, Ombudsman for Congressman Les Aspin, National Political Director for Les Aspin, Chairman of the Wisconsin Procurement Institute, and Commissioner for the Southeast Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. In 2019, John released his inaugural book, "The Renaissance Campaign." In it, he explores deep applied creativity, offering a framework and the tools for organizations to overcome the challenges of turning blue-sky ideas into reality. John distilled the book’s essential lessons into his keynote address, "The Power of Perspective", delivered at the prestigious 75th Anniversary of Bretton Woods, imparting crucial insights from "The Renaissance Campaign" to business leaders and influencers. John attended Illinois State University and the University of Iowa and earned the distinction of being appointed as an Adjunct Fellow by the Center for Strategic and International Studies shortly after his tenure at the Pentagon. John now lives in Wisconsin with his wife, Diane, and their two dogs. John channels his creative energies into photography, writing, and occasionally painting. When not engaged in artistic pursuits, he enjoys biking, traveling, collecting wine, and cherishing moments with his two adult children, their spouses, and kids.
David J. Wollman brings a wealth of expertise spanning Executive Leadership, Business Law, and Government Operations and Acquisition. With a distinguished military career spanning over 37 years, David rose to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army, demonstrating exceptional leadership as a combat Blackhawk helicopter pilot, special forces instructor, commander, and chief of training. Notably, he spent nearly a decade at the Pentagon overseeing multi-billion-dollar acquisition efforts in support of global military operations. In the corporate sphere, David's journey evolved from roles such as corporate trainer and production supervisor to executive leadership positions, where he championed the use of metrics, collaboration, and strategic planning to drive team success. As a seasoned attorney, David's dual roles as an executive and general legal counsel equipped him with expertise in contract management, negotiation, litigation, labor and employment law, and risk management. He is a seasoned operations executive and leader. David's dedication to excellence has been recognized with numerous accolades, including two Bronze Stars and over 30 other decorations and awards; civilian and military. Beyond his professional achievements, David is a devoted husband to Dr. Lauren F. Wollman and a proud father to Rachael and Jacob Wollman. David is poised to lend his strategic insights as an advisor at NeuroAnimation, guiding the company towards success and facilitating collaborations, including pursuits of U.S. Government grants and contracts.
Todd Burris - Board of Directors, Senior Advisor