Bridging Two Worlds: AI Design Leadership & Mental Health Counseling

I'm Alicia Lane, an experienced AI content design leader with 15+ years of expertise in creating human-centered digital experiences. Currently, I'm pursuing my MS in Mental Health Counseling at Marquette University (expected 2027) while completing my International Coaching Federation (ICF) certification.

My career path has been shaped by two powerful passions: creating technology that truly serves human needs and supporting people on their journey toward mental wellbeing. As emerging research demonstrates the potential of AI to enhance mental health care, I'm dedicated to ensuring these technologies amplify rather than replace the human connection essential to healing.

My Journey

My professional journey began in the technology sector, where I developed expertise in content design, user experience, and eventually AI systems. At Yahoo, I led content strategy for enterprise-scale GenAI search experiences, establishing frameworks that prioritized ethical implementation and user trust. At Capital One, I directed design for ML-driven systems, transforming an underperforming platform to exceed all quality standards while aligning cross-functional leadership around AI experience quality.

Throughout this work, I observed how thoughtfully designed technology could address real human needs – but also how easily it could miss the mark without deep empathy and understanding of human experience. This insight led me to pursue formal training in mental health counseling and coaching, where I'm developing skills in therapeutic approaches and evidence-based interventions.

Where Technology Meets Healing

I believe we're at a critical juncture in how technology interfaces with mental health care. AI companions, guided by ethical frameworks and human expertise, show promise in expanding access to care and supporting therapeutic outcomes. Yet without careful implementation, they risk undermining the human connection that research consistently shows is central to healing.

My unique background positions me to help organizations navigate this complex landscape. I bring technical fluency in AI systems alongside deepening knowledge of therapeutic approaches, including my upcoming training in Internal Family Systems (IFS). This dual expertise allows me to:

  • Design AI mental health tools with genuine therapeutic value

  • Ensure ethical implementation that prioritizes client wellbeing

  • Create frameworks for appropriate human oversight and intervention

  • Bridge communication between technical teams and mental health professionals

  • Measure effectiveness through both technical and therapeutic lenses

Vision & Values

I envision a future where AI serves as a thoughtful complement to human care – expanding access, reducing barriers, and supporting both clients and practitioners while preserving the irreplaceable value of human connection.

My work is guided by these core values:

  • Human-Centered Innovation: Technology should serve genuine human needs rather than technological possibility alone.

  • Ethical Implementation: Mental health applications demand exceptional care in design, testing, and ongoing assessment.

  • Evidence-Based Approaches: Both technological and therapeutic decisions should be grounded in research and measurable outcomes.

  • Access & Inclusion: Mental health resources should be designed for diverse populations with varying needs, abilities, and contexts.

  • Continuous Learning: The intersection of AI and mental health is rapidly evolving, requiring ongoing education and adaptation.

Chat with me

I'm currently focused on completing my MS in Mental Health Counseling at Marquette University while pursuing ICF coaching certification. In the coming months, I'll be undertaking training in how coaches can work with Internal Family Systems, expanding my therapeutic toolkit.

Professionally, I'm seeking opportunities to apply my unique combination of AI design leadership and mental health training to organizations developing innovative solutions in this space. Whether through leadership roles, consulting engagements, or collaborative projects, I'm committed to advancing technology that genuinely supports mental wellbeing.