Cortica Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cortica has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, research, and technology development.

Committed to transforming autism care, Cortica delivers a comprehensive, whole-person clinical model that integrates behavioral health with specialized medical services to improve patient outcomes across diverse communities.

Leadership Roles at Cortica

  • Chief Executive Officer - Neil Hattangadi
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Karina Odinaev
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cindy Watson
  • Senior Research Engineer & Chief Technology Officer, Office - Nir Schwartz
  • Chief Technology Officer & Transformation Officer - Benjamin Nathan
  • Neil Hattangadi - Chief Executive Officer

    Neil Hattangadi, the Chief Executive Officer at Cortica, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Hattangadi oversees the expansion of the whole-person clinical model, ensuring that behavioral health services align seamlessly with physical health specialties like developmental pediatrics and neurophysiology. By fostering partnerships with healthcare providers, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission to scale high-quality care across North American markets. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure capital for infrastructure growth and service innovation. Neil Hattangadi maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every clinical site delivers consistent, evidence-based outcomes for patients with autism. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Hattangadi secures the financial stability necessary to support the company's mission of providing all-in-one care solutions to families in need.
    Neil Hattangadi

    Karina Odinaev - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Karina Odinaev, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Cortica, architects the foundational clinical philosophy and research-driven methodologies that define the company. Odinaev focuses on the integration of genetics, gastroenterology, and nutrition into the standard autism care pathway, ensuring a holistic approach to patient health. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Odinaev leads the development of proprietary diagnostic tools and therapeutic protocols that distinguish the organization within the healthcare industry. This role involves deep engagement with clinical research teams to translate scientific breakthroughs into actionable patient care plans. Karina Odinaev drives the cultural mission of the company, emphasizing empathy and innovation in every clinical interaction. By championing the synthesis of complex medical data, Odinaev ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of neurodevelopmental medicine, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients through advanced, multidisciplinary treatment strategies.

    Cindy Watson - Chief Operating Officer

    Cindy Watson, the Chief Operating Officer at Cortica, manages the day-to-day execution of clinical services and administrative workflows across all regional centers. Watson oversees the scaling of behavioral health operations, ensuring that staffing, facility management, and patient intake processes function with maximum efficiency. As the Chief Operating Officer, Watson coordinates between clinical departments and corporate support teams to maintain high standards of care delivery. This leadership role involves optimizing supply chains for medical equipment and streamlining the integration of new specialties into existing clinics. Cindy Watson drives the implementation of operational policies that support rapid growth while maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations. By monitoring key performance indicators, Watson ensures that the organization meets its service delivery targets, providing a stable and effective environment for both practitioners and patients throughout the entire network of care facilities.
    Cindy Watson

    Nir Schwartz - Senior Research Engineer & Chief Technology Officer, Office

    Nir Schwartz, the Senior Research Engineer & Chief Technology Officer, Office at Cortica, directs the development of advanced technological infrastructure and data analytics platforms. Schwartz oversees the engineering teams responsible for building the digital tools that support neurophysiology research and patient monitoring. As the Senior Research Engineer & Chief Technology Officer, Office, Schwartz ensures that the company utilizes cutting-edge software to track patient progress and optimize treatment outcomes. This role involves close collaboration with clinical staff to identify technical gaps and implement scalable solutions that enhance the efficiency of the all-in-one care model. Nir Schwartz drives the innovation agenda, focusing on the application of machine learning and data science to improve diagnostic accuracy. By maintaining a robust and secure technical environment, Schwartz supports the organization's ability to deliver high-quality, data-informed care to a growing patient population across diverse geographic regions.

    Benjamin Nathan - Chief Technology Officer & Transformation Officer

    Benjamin Nathan, the Chief Technology Officer & Transformation Officer at Cortica, leads the digital transformation initiatives and the modernization of internal business systems. Nathan oversees the implementation of enterprise-wide software solutions that unify behavioral health and physical health data. As the Chief Technology Officer & Transformation Officer, Nathan focuses on automating administrative tasks to allow clinical teams to dedicate more time to patient care. This leadership role involves managing the transition to cloud-based infrastructure and ensuring that all digital platforms remain interoperable with external healthcare networks. Benjamin Nathan drives the strategic adoption of new technologies that improve patient engagement and operational transparency. By aligning technical capabilities with the company's long-term growth objectives, Nathan ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the healthcare market, ultimately supporting the delivery of comprehensive, integrated care services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cortica Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cortica?
    Cortica is led by Neil Hattangadi (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Karina Odinaev (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Cindy Watson (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Cortica’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cortica includes leaders such as Neil Hattangadi (Chief Executive Officer), Karina Odinaev (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Cindy Watson (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cortica have?
    Cortica has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cortica’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cortica includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Research Engineer & Chief Technology Officer, Office, Chief Technology Officer & Transformation Officer.