Myrtho Gardiner is a Senior Policy Associate at the CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance, where he partners with government agencies and community organizations to strengthen behavioral health systems through policy development, implementation, organizational capacity building, evaluation, and technical assistance. He leads practice improvement efforts and collaborates with multidisciplinary partners to strengthen the clinical workforce, enhance service delivery, and advance evidence-informed, trauma-informed approaches that improve systems of care.

Prior to joining ISLG, Myrtho held leadership roles in behavioral health and nonprofit organizations, overseeing trauma-informed programs, clinical services, workforce development, and cross-sector partnerships. His experience spans community-based organizations, healthcare, correctional settings, and higher education, where he has worked to advance equitable, person-centered systems that improve outcomes for individuals and communities impacted by trauma.

Myrtho is a psychotherapist and educator.  He is a doctoral candidate in Social Welfare at the CUNY Graduate Center. He holds a Master of Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work, and earned his bachelor's degree from Loyola University Maryland.

Outside of work, Myrtho enjoys traveling, live entertainment such as concerts and sporting events, long-distance road running events, obstacle course racing, and spending quality time with family and friends.