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We couldn’t find support when we needed it most — so we started Appa
Our Story and Our Team
Building a Better Way
"When our oldest son, Tyrrell, was a senior in high school and dealing with the stress that comes with college applications, he struggled with severe anxiety and depression.
We attempted to find an available therapist and called down several lists of referrals, but there were months long waits. We also sought help through his school, but they didn't have the resources to support him. Even with good insurance coverage, it was a gut wrenching experience because we couldn't get him the help that he needed.
The whole process was a nightmare and we really struggled to understand why we couldn't find people who could help when the need was so high. It seemed clear that there had to be a better way.
We founded Appa to make sure that all teens have support that is affordable, safe and proven to help."
Robert Miller, Co-Founder and CEO at Appa
Real Material, Real Connection
“My passion — and my research — focuses on community mental health, and that means focusing on families. As a mother of two boys, I know that our kids are at the center of our lives. I’ve been practicing therapy for over a decade and was a founding team member at Two Chairs Therapy, a mental health start-up that has served over 10,000 clients in the Bay Area. I know how effective therapy can be for adults.
Although therapy is critical in certain circumstances, mentoring offers something else. Teens are looking for meaningful connection and role models who can show them that they’re not alone. Often times, teens are just looking for support that feels a little more casual and authentic.
Research shows that mentorship can provide effective support that matches teens’ needs. When mentors are properly trained and supported they can dramatically improve teen well-being, grades, and even leadership skills. In some ways, this shouldn’t be surprising—mentorship has been an integral part of growing up for thousands of years.
I founded Appa because I know teens need more than just an app or a one-size-fits-all therapist. They need real connection from a mentor who has been right where they are.”
Dr. Katrina Roundfield, Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer at Appa
Help Now and Skills For the Future
“It surprises people to hear that our founding team is cross-generational — Gen X, Millennial, and me, Gen Z — but that’s part of what makes our approach special. We’ve been there: as teens, as parents, as mentors, as clinicians and as founders. We are there. And we get it from all angles.
As a psychology grad who has worked directly with teens for 5 years, I know how discerning they can be. They have a real drive to learn, grow and a desire for real connection with someone who gets it. Yes, they might not always take guidance from their parents — but that doesn’t mean they don’t want guidance.
As the lead for our mentor program, I’ve been humbled by the resilience of the teens that come through. Nine out of ten report reduced symptoms of anxiety or depression and 95% say they have a very strong connection with their mentor. Appa is here to help your teen feel better now, but also to help them build lasting skills for the future.”
Sean Woodruff, Co-Founder and VP of Experience and Operations
“My mentor understood everything I was going through. He was so funny and I had so much fun during our calls”
—Amy S. (Appa Teen)
Meet the Team
The Appa Team has a combined 25 years of research experience in mentoring and digital mental health from esteemed institutions such as Yale, Stanford, and University of California.
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Robert Miller
Co-Founder and CEO
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Dr. Katrina Roundfield
Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer
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Sean Woodruff
Co-Founder and VP of Customer Experience and Operations
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Jen Benson, LMFT
Director of Care Operations
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Dr. Allie Giovanelli
Clinical Research Associate
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Jacqui Legard
Program Manager & Mentor
Appa is backed by world-class advisors and programs.
