Mykal Leslie, PhD, LPCC-S, CRC, the Executive Director for HDI, has been the PI for 19 federal and state contracts. An accomplished researcher, he has authored or co-authored over 30 refereed journal articles on mental health, vocational evaluation, neurological disabilities, workplace accommodations, substance use disorders, and workplace discrimination. Dr. Leslie trained rehabilitation counselors to work in the state-federal VR system for six years at Kent State University, where he served as an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator. A former state VR counselor in West Virginia, he has also provided therapy services for adolescents and adults with mental health and substance use conditions. He serves on the board for Disability Rights Ohio, advocating for disability inclusion and policy reform in education, employment, access to healthcare, and community participation.