Meet the AMIGA Team

Dedicated to advancing the field of Motivational Interviewing.

HOW IT STARTED

Our Story

Imagine five passionate MI trainers, each navigating their own challenges and dreams, coming together virtually to share ideas and support one another. That’s how AMIGA was born. What started as a Sunday meeting to explore solutions to the roadblocks we faced quickly turned into a shared vision: creating a space where Motivational Interviewing could truly thrive. We dreamed of a community that was strength-based, positive, and inclusive—a place where MI facilitators from diverse backgrounds could grow and innovate together. That vision became AMIGA—your alliance for Motivational Interviewing growth and advancement.

WHY WE’RE HERE

Our Mission

To strengthen and advance Motivational Interviewing by fostering a collaborative alliance dedicated to innovation, shared learning, and sustainable growth—building a foundation that ensures MI thrives for generations to come.

To be a driving force behind Motivational Interviewing’s growth and evolution by cultivating a collaborative alliance where every voice matters, innovation flourishes, and authentic community fuels shared success. Through practical resources, continuous learning, and collective wisdom, we aim to ensure MI not only thrives today but grows to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

THE FUTURE WE SEE

Our Vision

Envisioning a future where...

Practice Meets Practical Impact

Theories and ideas are transformed into tools, strategies, and resources that make MI more accessible, effective, and sustainable for practitioners in their daily work.

Communities Through Connection

Authentic relationships and shared growth define every community we build, creating supportive environments where members find belonging, purpose, and collective strength.

Every Voice Shapes the Future

A collaborative space where diverse perspectives guide innovation, ensuring that Motivational Interviewing reflects and serves the needs of practitioners, trainers, and communities worldwide.

Growth Drives Innovation

Continuous learning and bold ideas propel Motivational Interviewing forward, shaping its future while honoring the spirit and integrity that have guided it from the start.

HOW IT STARTED

Our Team

Annabys Jordan

MA, Co-Founder

Youth and Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing Training and Coaching, Learning & Development

Background

Annabys is based out of New Jersey and has over 15 years of experience in mental health, specializing in youth and family therapy. She has been an MI practitioner in English and Spanish, trainer, and coach for the last 8 years and is a proud member of MINT.

Passsion for AMIGA

Annabys is excited about AMIGA's mission to empower MI trainers and practitioners and make MI more accessible to all learners, regardless of their level, in ways that are easily applicable and effective.

Fun Fact

Annabys is a proud mom of 3, a big sports fan (reigning champ in her fantasy football league), and loves to dance to Spanish music.

Sarah Cameron

MS, CTTS, NBC-HWC
Co-Founder

Human Services, Tobacco Cessation, Health & Wellness Coaching

Background

With over 13 years of MI experience, Sarah is a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist Trainer, a Nationally-Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and a small business owner based in Wisconsin. She has trained hundreds of professionals in many settings including: hospitals, county systems, nonprofits, and jails.

Passsion for AMIGA

Sarah sees AMIGA as an opportunity to create resources she's always wished were available, resources that buck academia-style and utilize real world application..

Fun Fact

Sarah loves thrifting, enjoying the thrill of the hunt and honoring sustainability.

Alyssa Galletto

MS, LPC
Co-Founder

Crisis Services, Addictions, Advance Care Planning, Mental Health

Background

With nearly 15 years in the mental health field, Alyssa has extensive experience in crisis intervention, addiction recovery, and advance care planning. She joined MINT in 2018, further honing her MI skills.

Passsion for AMIGA

Alyssa is driven by the potential of AMIGA to provide ongoing tools for trainers and practitioners, ensuring MI proficiency and real-world results.

Fun Fact

Alyssa loves stand-up comedy and is always on the lookout for new restaurants to indulge her foodie passions.

Dave Bonaiuto

MA
Co-Founder

Criminal Justice, Child Welfare, Mental Health

Background

Dave is a clinician, trainer, coder, and MI coach based in Boulder Colorado. A member of the MINT since 2009, Dave has trained professionals in over 10 states and supported the skill development of clinicians, child welfare workers, military personnel, nurses, and criminal justice professionals throughout prisons, parole offices, probation departments, and pretrial settings.

Passsion for AMIGA

Dave has seen Motivational Interviewing change the lives of clients and practitioners alike. He believes AMIGA will bring the power of proficient MI to more folks who need it.

Fun Fact

Dave has two kiddos, loves to travel, and is a very average guitar player whose secret wish is to be in the Rolling Stones one day.

Alexander Waitt

LPC, MS MSEd
Co-Founder

Human Services/Child Welfare, Substance Use, Healthcare Systems Implementation

Background

Alexander is responsible for developing innovative MI-based interventions, including a widely-adopted text intervention used by universities across the US. A member of MINT since 2014, Alex’s work focuses on implementing evidence-based practices that are both cost-effective and impactful across various industries. He currently spends his time in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia.

Passsion for AMIGA

Alexander's innovative approach to MI applications and his vision for accessible, high-quality resources drove the formation of AMIGA. He is excited about transforming how MI is implemented in diverse professional contexts.

Fun Fact

Alex is an avid reader and believes that a good book can change perspectives and spark innovation.