2024 was a fantastic year for growth at BTECH, and we want to share some of the highlights and new initiatives with all of our associates, affiliates, and supporters.
Welcoming New CEO, Dean Lester
We are thrilled to welcome Dean Lester as the new CEO of Behavioral Tech (BTECH).
Originally from the UK, Dean’s career began as a medical student at the Royal London Hospital before transitioning to the tech sector, where he worked at Qualcomm and Microsoft, leading international teams and contributing to products like Microsoft Office and Windows. His leadership also extends to the non-profit sector, serving as vice-chair of the Renewal Food Bank in Bellevue.
His passion for social impact led him to BTECH, where he aims to expand the reach of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a transformative therapy that has already changed many lives. A strong advocate for DBT, Dean is driven by the powerful impact it has on individuals and communities including his own family. He’s committed to ensuring this therapy continues to grow and benefit even more people. Dean lives in Woodinville, Washington, with his wife and he has three adult daughters.
Since joining, Dean has been focusing on streamlining BTECH operations, fostering growth at BTECH, and expanding the impact of DBT both across the US and worldwide with our international affiliates and partners.
Annual Friends of BTECH Institute Reception
We had a fantastic turnout at our annual Friends of BTECH Institute reception at Iron Hill Brewery in Philly following ISIDBT 2024. André, Dean, Gwen, and Tony hosted a (considerable) group of more than 100 attendees. In addition to catching up with each other, conversations were held and synergistic relationships were forged, joining both familiar faces and new colleagues and friends for a memorable evening!
Welcome Tricia Satre Back to Behavioral Tech Institute!
We are pleased to announce the return of Tricia Satre to the Behavioral Tech Institute team!
With decades of experience in the field, Tricia brings invaluable expertise to organizations and agencies of all sizes, spanning the development of international training programs, leading large-scale DBT implementations, and guiding teams in integrating DBT into their practices effectively. A passionate advocate for social justice, Tricia is committed to improving the lives of individuals struggling with mental illness and continuing her impactful work in the mental health care field.
We’re thrilled to have Tricia back on our team and look forward to the continued positive impact she will make towards further growth at BTECH and the communities we serve!
If you would like to explore training for your agency or reconnect with Tricia, please feel free to reach out to her at tsatre@behavioraltech.org.
International Updates
Much of the growth at BTECH this year has focused on our international affiliates and expanding their reach.
The first DBT Intensive Training in the Republic of Korea was completed in December after a year of work with psychiatrists, psychologists, educators, and specialists in Korean Medicine from across the country. The training was hosted by the Tree Group/DBT Korea in Seoul and included trainers from Australia and the United States. An advisory group has been formed from the group of team leaders to strategize how to implement DBT across the nation.
DBT Intensive Training in Indonesia began in 2024 in collaboration with the Indonesian Psychiatric Association. In addition to our colleagues in Indonesia, the training team involves trainers and consultants from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
A 2-year course of extended study in DBT was concluded in Romania in April. It involved a collaboration between Hope Clinics/DBT Romania, Dialexis, and BTECH. In addition to our colleagues in Romania, the training team included trainers from Belgium and the United States.
New Online Self-Paced Foundational DBT Training Course
We are excited to announce that Behavioral Tech Institute has launched a new Online Self-Paced Foundational DBT Training Course! This course offers a flexible learning option for individuals looking to deepen their understanding of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The course was developed with careful alignment to the recommendations of the Training Committee of the World DBT Association. Participants also have access to our DBT experts via regularly scheduled LIVE Q & A sessions.
Whether you’re new to DBT or looking to enhance your skills, this course provides valuable knowledge at your own pace. Start your journey today!
