Cortica Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cortica has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, finance, and technology.

Driven by a commitment to integrated care, Cortica assembles behavioral and physical health services to treat individuals with autism, fostering comprehensive well-being and advancing clinical research.

Leadership Roles at Cortica

  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Karina Odinaev
  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Neil Hattangadi
  • Chief Financial Officer - Briana Elvaiah
  • Chief Operating Officer - Cindy Watson
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Chris Hollander
  • Senior Research Engineer & Chief Technology Officer, Office - Nir Schwartz
  • Chief Technology Officer & Transformation &Amp Officer - Rami Nathan
  • Karina Odinaev - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Karina Odinaev, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Cortica, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction for the organization. Odinaev guides the assembly of integrated clinical models, ensuring the seamless fusion of behavioral health services with physical health specialties. This leadership involves defining Cortica's market position and driving its mission to provide whole-person care for individuals with autism. The focus remains on expanding access to comprehensive treatment pathways, encompassing developmental pediatrics, neurophysiology, genetics, gastroenterology, and nutrition. Odinaev's strategic imperatives ensure Cortica remains at the forefront of autism treatment innovation, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and patient-centered outcomes. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer's role is pivotal in shaping the company's growth trajectory and its impact on the healthcare landscape.

    Neil Hattangadi - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Neil Hattangadi, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Cortica, drives the strategic execution and operational scaling of the company's integrated care model. Hattangadi oversees the expansion of Cortica's unique clinical approach, which combines behavioral health services with physical health specialties like developmental pediatrics, neurophysiology, genetics, gastroenterology, and nutrition. This leadership ensures the delivery of comprehensive, whole-person care for individuals with autism across its service areas. The Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer focuses on optimizing patient pathways and enhancing the efficacy of treatment protocols. Neil Hattangadi's responsibilities include fostering strategic partnerships and ensuring Cortica's continued leadership in advancing the standard of care for autism spectrum disorder. The executive's vision propels the organization's mission forward, emphasizing innovation and patient outcomes.
    Neil Hattangadi

    Briana Elvaiah - Chief Financial Officer

    Briana Elvaiah, the Chief Financial Officer at Cortica, oversees all financial operations, strategic financial planning, and fiscal management for the organization. Elvaiah ensures the financial health and sustainability of Cortica's integrated care model, which combines behavioral and physical health services for individuals with autism. This includes managing budgets for specialized departments such as developmental pediatrics, neurophysiology, genetics, gastroenterology, and nutrition. The Chief Financial Officer plays a critical role in securing funding, optimizing resource allocation, and driving financial performance to support Cortica's mission. Briana Elvaiah's financial acumen is essential for the company's growth and its ability to expand access to comprehensive autism treatment. Financial oversight by Elvaiah supports strategic initiatives and operational efficiency.
    Briana Elvaiah

    Cindy Watson - Chief Operating Officer

    Cindy Watson, the Chief Operating Officer at Cortica, directs the day-to-day operational functions and ensures the efficient delivery of integrated healthcare services. Watson oversees the seamless execution of Cortica's whole-person, all-in-one clinical model, which assembles behavioral health services and physical health specialties. This includes managing the coordination of developmental pediatrics, neurophysiology, genetics, gastroenterology, and nutrition services to support individuals with autism. The Chief Operating Officer focuses on optimizing clinical workflows, enhancing patient experience, and ensuring operational excellence across all Cortica facilities. Cindy Watson's leadership is critical in scaling the organization's capacity to serve a growing patient population while maintaining the highest standards of care. Operational strategies implemented by Watson directly support the company's mission of providing comprehensive support.
    Cindy Watson

    Chris Hollander - Chief Marketing Officer

    Chris Hollander, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cortica, spearheads the strategic development and execution of all marketing and communication initiatives. Hollander is responsible for articulating Cortica's unique value proposition as a provider of integrated behavioral and physical health services for individuals with autism. This involves crafting compelling narratives around the company's whole-person clinical model, encompassing developmental pediatrics, neurophysiology, genetics, gastroenterology, and nutrition. The Chief Marketing Officer drives brand awareness, patient acquisition, and community engagement efforts across key markets. Chris Hollander's leadership ensures that Cortica's mission and its comprehensive approach to care are effectively communicated to patients, families, and healthcare partners. Marketing strategies under Hollander's direction aim to expand the reach of Cortica's specialized services.
    Chris Hollander

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

    Nir Schwartz, the Senior Research Engineer & Chief Technology Officer, Office at Cortica, leads technological innovation and research initiatives that enhance the company's integrated care model. Schwartz focuses on developing and implementing advanced technological solutions to support the delivery of behavioral and physical health services for individuals with autism. This includes leveraging research engineering expertise to improve data analytics, patient monitoring systems, and the overall efficiency of clinical operations involving developmental pediatrics, neurophysiology, genetics, gastroenterology, and nutrition. The Senior Research Engineer & Chief Technology Officer, Office drives technological advancements that align with Cortica's mission to provide comprehensive, whole-person care. Nir Schwartz's contributions are vital for advancing the company's research capabilities and technological infrastructure.

    Rami Nathan - Chief Technology Officer & Transformation &Amp Officer

    Rami Nathan, the Chief Technology Officer & Transformation &Amp Officer at Cortica, directs the company's technology strategy and drives organizational transformation initiatives. Nathan oversees the integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance Cortica's comprehensive clinical model, which unites behavioral and physical health services for individuals with autism. This involves leading efforts in digital transformation, ensuring that technology supports the seamless delivery of specialized care, including developmental pediatrics, neurophysiology, genetics, gastroenterology, and nutrition. The Chief Technology Officer & Transformation &Amp Officer is instrumental in modernizing operational systems and fostering a culture of innovation. Rami Nathan's leadership ensures Cortica remains technologically advanced and agile in its mission to provide exceptional patient care and drive positive change within the autism treatment landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cortica Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cortica?
    Cortica is led by Karina Odinaev (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Neil Hattangadi (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Briana Elvaiah (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Cortica’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cortica includes leaders such as Karina Odinaev (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Neil Hattangadi (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Briana Elvaiah (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cortica have?
    Cortica has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cortica’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cortica includes roles such as Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer.