Meet the team

Audra DiPadova, MA, FMHC

Cofounder & Director of Community

My journey into this work began when my son Max was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011, which led me to combine my culinary training with integrative medicine to help him thrive during treatment. This experience inspired me to co-found MaxLove Project, a nonprofit that has served thousands of childhood cancer families across the U.S. with evidence-based culinary medicine, integrative care, and emotional health resources.

My background spans from classical culinary training in four-star restaurants to earning a master's degree in philosophy and education from Columbia University, but it was navigating my family's health crisis that showed me the profound connection between community and healing. As a CEO of a national non-profit, a certified functional medicine health coach and a L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth honoree, I've dedicated my career to creating spaces where people can access the support they need to transform their lives. At Yes Collective, I bring this same commitment to building authentic community and helping people find connection, healing, and growth together.

Justin Wilford, PhD

Cofounder, Director of Programs & Content

I’m passionate about helping people find more connection, healing, and growth in their lives. As a professional Level 2 IFS practitioner, I guide leaders in business and the healing professions through personalized Internal Family Systems-based practices that help them access their highest wisdom and truest selves. My approach, called the OPEN Method (Observe, Process, Express, Nurture), blends evidence-based practices including IFS, mindfulness, breathwork, and authentic relating to drive deep self-discovery and lasting emotional wellness.

My passion for this work was ignited when my four-year-old son was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011, leading me and my wife to cofound Maxlove Project, a nonprofit that has helped over 20,000 families affected by childhood cancer. A recovering academic with PhDs in geography (UCLA) and public health (UC Irvine), I bring both scholarly rigor and lived experience to my practice. When I'm not coaching or designing wellness programs, you can find me facilitating ecstatic dance events in Savannah, Georgia, spending time with my family, or exploring how personal transformation creates ripple effects in our communities.

Yes Collective Contributors

  • Brit Creelman, PhD

    THERAPIST & COMMUNITY GUIDE

  • Alexa Silvaggio

    THERAPIST & COMMUNITY GUIDE

  • Alicia Wuth, PsyD

    THERAPIST & COMMUNITY GUIDE