Joe Buckley

CEO

Joe Buckley, a seasoned and accomplished executive, oversees the leadership and operations of The Ness NFP family of healthcare at Northlake Behavioral Health System. Under his expert guidance, a culture of collaboration and mutual support thrives throughout the organization.
Boasting an impressive 27-year track record, Joe has honed his expertise in business development to drive Northlake’s expansion and strategic positioning. His keen insight and strategic acumen have propelled the organization to new heights, ensuring its prominence in the healthcare industry.

Before joining Northlake, Joe acquired extensive experience in healthcare management, serving as an executive director and CEO of behavioral, surgical, and acute hospitals. In these esteemed positions, he spearheaded the development of innovative programs that extended the hospitals’ impact within the community and elevated the standard of patient care. Through successfully implementing growth strategies, Joe positioned the facility as a leading behavioral hospital in the region, resulting in exponential growth.

With a sharp focus on building strong relationships, Joe demonstrates unwavering support for his team, staff, patients, and their families. His upbeat attitude, steadfast dedication, and approachability make him an inspiring force that motivates others to perform at their best. His track record of impressive achievements serves as a testament to his exceptional leadership skills.

Wayne Thompson

CFO

Meet Wayne Thompson, a highly accomplished executive who has played a significant role in the ongoing success and expansion of the Northlake Behavioral Health System for over four years. As the Chief Executive and Financial Officer, Wayne has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise, driving the organization forward in a highly competitive industry. Wayne has leveraged his extensive knowledge and skills to guide Northlake Behavioral Health System to new heights. Wayne earned his MBA at Wake Forest University and holds a CPA.

Wayne’s expertise in financial management and strategic planning has been crucial to the financial stability and profitability of Northlake Behavioral Health System. With his strong financial analysis, forecasting, and budgeting skills, he has navigated even the most complex financial structures, allowing the organization to enhance its healthcare services and provide patients with the best possible care.

Before his tenure at Northlake Behavioral Health System, Wayne held distinguished executive positions at various healthcare organizations, including a hospital system with multiple campuses.

Wayne Thompson’s impact in the healthcare industry extends far beyond his role as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Northlake Behavioral Health System. Recognizing the need for comprehensive healthcare reform in the United States, Wayne has dedicated his expertise to researching and proposing solutions to this pressing issue. In his published work titled “Healthcare Reform in the US: A Proposed Solution,” Wayne delves into the complexities of the healthcare system and presents innovative ideas for sustainable reform. His research is a testament to his unwavering dedication and commitment to finding practical and effective solutions to improve healthcare in the United States.

Diana Polyakov

COO

Diana Polyakov, CHBME, serves as the esteemed Chief Operating Officer at Northlake Behavioral Health, where she plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing the hospital’s strategic goals and objectives. With a sharp focus on collaboration, Diana ensures that these goals and objectives are closely aligned with the organization’s mission and vision, fostering a sense of purpose and direction throughout the hospital.

Diana’s impressive journey in healthcare began as a medical biller and continued as she served as the president of a medical billing and practice management firm for over 20 years. Her extensive experience in the industry has equipped her with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in medical billing and revenue cycle management.
Diana Polyakov joined Northlake Behavioral Health System in 2016, initially starting as a manager in the business office. Recognized for her exceptional performance, she quickly rose through the ranks to become the Business Office Director and later COO.

In her current role, Diana skillfully manages the hospital’s financial performance. Leveraging her budget development and financial monitoring expertise, she diligently tracks key indicators to ensure optimal financial health. Additionally, Diana implements effective cost-control measures and proactively seeks out opportunities for revenue growth, bolstering Northlake Behavioral Health’s financial stability and long-term sustainability.

Sean Richardson

Director of Integrative Therapy

Sean Richardson is the Director of Integrative Therapies. In his current role, Sean oversees the Integrative Therapies Department, utilizing the transformative power of music therapy and other modalities to enhance the well-being and healing of patients.

Sean earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Sociology from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. Sean completed the Music Therapy Equivalency Program at Georgia College in Milledgeville, Georgia, followed by an MT-BC (Music Therapist- Board Certified) certification.

Before joining Northlake, Sean worked as the Creative Arts Coordinator in Georgia, providing support and enrichment to adults with developmental disabilities. Sean’s career at Northlake began in 2015, initially serving as a dedicated Music Therapist. Sean was promoted to Director of Integrative Therapies in 2019, demonstrating exceptional proficiency and expertise.

Through effective leadership and a deep understanding of the therapeutic potential of the arts, Sean continues to drive the development and implementation of innovative programs that positively impact the lives of those in his care.

Michael Zeringue

Director of Nursing

Michael Zeringue is the Director of Nursing (DON) at Northlake Healthcare Center. In this position, Michael is pivotal in leading the nursing department, ensuring the highest standards of care, and supporting the nursing staff in delivering exceptional patient outcomes.

Michael’s journey in healthcare began after graduating from Our Lady of the Lake College in 2005, where he earned his nursing degree. After graduation, Michael gained invaluable experience working in various healthcare settings. He started his career in Long-Term Acute Care (LTAC), where he honed his skills in managing complex patient cases and providing specialized care. He then transitioned to a position in Med/Surg, further expanding his general medical and surgical nursing expertise.

In 2019, Michael joined the Northlake Behavioral Health System team as a charge nurse. His exceptional clinical skills, leadership qualities, and dedication to patient care quickly propelled him into the Assistant Director of Nursing role in January 2023. His promotion to Director of Nursing in August 2024 reflects his continued commitment to excellence and patient advocacy. With over a decade of experience in nursing leadership roles, his expertise lies in developing and implementing effective nursing strategies, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and fostering a positive and efficient work environment. Michael is known for his compassionate and empathetic approach toward patient care. He strongly emphasizes building trust and rapport with patients and their families, ensuring their needs and concerns are met.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the nursing field, Michael was honored with the prestigious 2022 Northshore District Nursing Association Nursing Excellence Award. This accolade is a testament to Michael’s outstanding dedication to patient care, leadership skills, and commitment to professional excellence. The Nursing Excellence Award highlights his significant impact on the nursing profession and his ongoing efforts to provide exceptional patient care.

Dena Theriot

Clinical Director

Dena Theriot is a graduate of the Tulane University School of Social Work and has worked in mental health since 1987. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW)-Board Approved Clinical Supervisor, she has extensive experience treating adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations, primarily in inpatient settings. She also specializes in crisis intervention and guiding emerging therapists in best practices.

As Clinical Director, Dena upholds industry standards and inspires her team to deliver exceptional patient care. Her dedication to compassion, collaboration, and clinical excellence helps ensure positive outcomes for individuals and families on their journey toward healing at Northlake Behavioral Health System.

Jose Rodriguez

Medical Director

Dr. Jose Rodriguez serves as Medical Director at Northlake Behavioral Health System, bringing more than 20 years of experience in psychiatric care and leadership. A respected clinician and administrator, Dr. Rodriguez has worked across a wide range of care environments—including inpatient, outpatient, and community-based programs—with a strong focus on adolescent, adult, and geriatric mental health. 

Dr. Rodriguez earned his medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in 2003 and completed his psychiatry residency and fellowship at LSU School of Medicine–New Orleans, where he gained advanced training in psychopharmacology and systems-of-care development. He is affiliated with Tulane Medical Center and maintains strong clinical ties across southeast Louisiana. 

He is known for his expertise in treating complex mood, psychotic, personality, and substance-use disorders, and for his ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in delivering evidence-based, compassionate care. His leadership roles throughout the region have strengthened care pathways and broadened access to mental health services. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Rodriguez has championed trauma-informed, patient-centered approaches. He has led initiatives to reduce restraint use, integrate services for co-occurring disorders, and mentor early-career providers. His role as Medical Director reinforces Northlake’s focus on advancing innovative, high-quality care in behavioral health.