Our Mission:
Our mission is to bridge the gap in access to alternative therapies, often excluded from traditional health insurance, by offering holistic, drug-free, and non-invasive solutions for those seeking enhanced well-being. At the heart of our efforts is Neurofeedback—an FDA-approved, evidence-based brain training method proven to help regulate learning, behavior, and stress-related symptoms. Through dedicated communication, education, mentorship, and advocacy, we strive to raise awareness about its profound benefits. Our vision is to make this transformative therapy accessible and affordable by providing financial support, empowering children, veterans, first responders, and adults facing high-stress environments to take control of their mental health and recovery journey.
Our Organization:
Our organization is built on a foundation of service, with a dedicated board of volunteers who provide guidance to those who have not found success with conventional mental health interventions. We emphasize a holistic approach, addressing the individual as a whole to cultivate positive habits, enhance brain function, and reduce behaviors that hinder personal growth.
We actively engage with diverse communities through workshops, speaking engagements, and educational initiatives designed to increase exposure to neurofeedback and complementary wellness practices. We believe that knowledge is a powerful tool, and by making science-based, effective information accessible, we help individuals of all ages better understand their symptoms, develop supportive mindsets, and build resilience. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that each person’s unique needs are acknowledged and met, fostering a stronger, healthier, and more empowered community.
The Benefit of Balance, Inc. is a non profit corporation organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code - Tax ID #: 87-4712697
Meet Our Board of Directors
Michelle Baker
Lauren DeFrancesco
Amanda Cassidy
Michelle has spent nearly 30 years helping individuals heal by integrating Eastern and Western practices to address physical, emotional, energetic, and neurological conditions. Beginning her career in therapeutic exercise with a focus on neuromuscular disorders, she soon recognized the interconnected impact of stress on the body, brain, a
Michelle has spent nearly 30 years helping individuals heal by integrating Eastern and Western practices to address physical, emotional, energetic, and neurological conditions. Beginning her career in therapeutic exercise with a focus on neuromuscular disorders, she soon recognized the interconnected impact of stress on the body, brain, and emotional well-being. Having integrated Neurofeedback into her practice over 6 years ago, it was clear that this innovative learning tool would become an avenue to help individuals regulate their brain and reduce symptoms of the most common mental health challenges seen in all ages. The Benefit of Balance, Inc., was founded on the premise that individuals should have access to complimentary interventions outside of regular health care coverage, and that the out of pocket expense should not limit the freedom that these options can offer.
Amanda Cassidy
Lauren DeFrancesco
Amanda Cassidy
Amanda is a dedicated therapist and experienced Care Manager with a proven track record of serving individuals across all age groups in the non-profit sector. Her expertise spans Nonprofit Management, Social Services, Event Planning, Crisis Intervention, and Case Management. As a strong advocate and healthcare services professional, she h
Amanda is a dedicated therapist and experienced Care Manager with a proven track record of serving individuals across all age groups in the non-profit sector. Her expertise spans Nonprofit Management, Social Services, Event Planning, Crisis Intervention, and Case Management. As a strong advocate and healthcare services professional, she holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University.
Amanda's extensive experience has highlighted the critical need for accessible and innovative approaches to mental health care, inspiring her to join the board of The Benefits of Balance, Inc. In this role, she aims to address the growing demand for solutions beyond traditional or insurance-based treatments, helping individuals find meaningful relief from life’s stressors.
Lauren DeFrancesco
Lauren DeFrancesco
Lauren DeFrancesco
Lauren DeFrancesco is a proud Autism Mom and local Commercial Realtor. Through her personal journey, she has seen the powerful benefits of neurofeedback in improving her children’s focus and emotional well-being, which drives her commitment as a board member for The Benefit of Balance. Lauren works to expand access to this transforma
Lauren DeFrancesco is a proud Autism Mom and local Commercial Realtor. Through her personal journey, she has seen the powerful benefits of neurofeedback in improving her children’s focus and emotional well-being, which drives her commitment as a board member for The Benefit of Balance. Lauren works to expand access to this transformative therapy, leveraging her professional skills and personal passion and success to make a positive impact on families facing similar challenges.
Melissa Ryan
R. Kathleen Berman
Lauren DeFrancesco
Melissa Ryan is a passionate wellness advocate and dedicated board member of The Benefit of Balance. Her journey with Neurofeedback began when her daughter was going through a difficult time, and traditional options with their doctor didn’t provide the relief they needed. Within just two weeks of starting Neurofeedback, Melissa saw a rem
Melissa Ryan is a passionate wellness advocate and dedicated board member of The Benefit of Balance. Her journey with Neurofeedback began when her daughter was going through a difficult time, and traditional options with their doctor didn’t provide the relief they needed. Within just two weeks of starting Neurofeedback, Melissa saw a remarkable transformation—her fun and spunky 7-year-old was back. This life-changing experience inspired Melissa to not only join the board but also to launch Better Wellness Boutique, a platform dedicated to clean living, family wellness, and holistic health education.
Through her work, Melissa empowers families to explore alternative therapies, make healthier choices, and embrace a more balanced lifestyle. She is deeply committed to sharing the tools and knowledge that made such a profound impact on her own family, helping others discover the benefits of holistic wellness.
R. Kathleen Berman
R. Kathleen Berman
R. Kathleen Berman
Kathy lives in Amesbury and though she does not have “clinical experience”, she believes in the mission of Benefit of Balance. She has listened to testimonials of everyday people who have been, or whose family member has been, helped by Neurofeedback and the functional approaches offered by Michelle. In her everyday life, she encounters
Kathy lives in Amesbury and though she does not have “clinical experience”, she believes in the mission of Benefit of Balance. She has listened to testimonials of everyday people who have been, or whose family member has been, helped by Neurofeedback and the functional approaches offered by Michelle. In her everyday life, she encounters many people who could benefit by these programs, but simply cannot afford this service.
Currently semi-retired, she is a licensed CPA, and has worked at a small public accounting firm in North Andover for the past 35 years. She is pleased to serve on the Board of Directors, where she can offer her experience in Public Accounting to the financial sector of this Organization.
Partnership with the Amesbury Police Department
Helping law enforcement members regulate their nervous system to reduce symptoms associated with stress.