Instride Health

In this episode of Culture Uncovered, Jena Dunay sits down with Danielle Van Der Lelie, Chief People Officer at InStride Health, to explore how the company is transforming access to specialized mental health care for children, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, OCD, and related disorders.Danielle shares the powerful origin story behind InStride Health, how the organization evolved from a highly successful clinical program developed within the Harvard Medical system, and what inspired her to join one of the fastest-growing mental health companies in the country.They also discuss how InStride has scaled from just five employees to nearly 400 while maintaining a deeply mission-driven culture, why the company's mantra of "Never Worry Alone" shapes everything they do, and how they're helping employees grow alongside the business through intentional development, community-building, and AI innovation.What you'll learn:What InStride Health does and how it helps children, teens, and young adults learn to respond differently to anxiety and OCD.How the company evolved from a groundbreaking clinical program developed at McLean HospitalWhy virtual care became a catalyst for scaling access to specialized mental health treatmentHow InStride intentionally builds culture in a fully remote workforceHow the company approaches professional development and career growthWhere the company is investing and hiring over the next 12–18 monthsInStride Health Highlights:Headquarters: Boston, MassachusettsTeam Size: ~375 employeesFounded: 2021Workforce Footprint: Employees across 38 statesIndustry: Mental Health Care / Healthcare TechnologyPatient Population: Ages 7–24Specialties: Anxiety, OCD, and related disordersCare Model: Virtual, evidence-based care teams including psychiatrists, therapists, and exposure coachesCulture: Mission-driven, collaborative, supportive, growth-orientedWorkforce Style: Fully remoteUnique Perks & Programs:Four-week paid sabbatical after five years of serviceFlexible PTOComprehensive health benefits starting on day oneMinimum 12 weeks of paid parental leaveTwo paid volunteer/service days annuallyAnnual company retreat focused entirely on relationship-building and mission connectionBi-weekly all-hands meetings featuring patient success stories and employee recognitionAI Change Champion program to support practical AI learning and adoptionSponsored local meetups for employees in shared geographic regionsStrong emphasis on employee development through stretch assignments, conferences, and internal growth opportunitiesCurrent Hiring Focus:InStride Health is actively investing in:TherapistsPsychiatristsExposure coachesTerritory Managers and commercial team membersAI-forward talent interested in healthcare innovationProfessionals passionate about scaling access to mental health careWho Thrives at InStride Health?According to Danielle, the employees who succeed at InStride are those who embrace the company's four core values:Give HeartWork SmartEmbrace CommunityHave HumilityPeople who thrive tend to be highly mission-driven, collaborative, adaptable, solution-oriented, and energized by growth and change. They care deeply about making an impact while helping build a company that's redefining mental health care for families across the country.To learn more about InStride Health:Careers PageLinkedIn PageDanielle's LinkedIn