40 Stories: Wendy McSparren of Admirra

Wendy McSparren never imagined that a pandemic would lead her to co-found a healthcare-based software company, yet that’s exactly what happened. With over two decades in private practice, McSparren saw firsthand how COVID-19 amplified the mental health crisis. Her solo practice was inundated with referrals, and the systems she had relied on—spreadsheets, sticky notes, and piecemeal tools—were no longer enough to keep up.

That’s where her husband and co-founder, John Mihalik, stepped in. With a background in software engineering and startup experience, he suggested building a streamlined solution. Together, they designed Admirra, a comprehensive CRM tailored specifically to the needs of mental health professionals. Admirra not only manages patient workflows but also addresses critical administrative tasks that traditional electronic health records (EHRs) often miss.

“I didn’t want to lose track of patients or risk missing a step in their care,” McSparren shares. “Admirra has transformed how I operate, and it’s helping other practices as well.”

Launched in July 2024, Admirra has quickly attracted interest from other mental health providers who face similar challenges. The company is not just another CRM; it’s a full-spectrum platform designed with the realities of mental health care in mind, including compliance with HIPAA and other privacy regulations. McSparren attributes part of their success to the support they’ve received from Pittsburgh’s tech ecosystem, particularly the Innovation Works AlphaLab accelerator program. “Pittsburgh’s community has been incredibly welcoming and resourceful,” she says. “They understand the unique challenges we face in mental health technology.”

McSparren is passionate about Admirra’s potential, not only to streamline practice management but also to bridge the technology gap in mental health. “Our field lags behind in tech adoption, and there’s a lot of untapped potential,” she notes. Admirra’s mission is to provide mental health professionals with tools that support their work without sacrificing the patient connection that’s so crucial to effective therapy.

With Admirra, McSparren is proving that innovation and compassion can go hand-in-hand, all while positioning Pittsburgh as a leader in mental health technology. For McSparren and her team, Admirra is more than software—it’s a commitment to advancing mental health care through accessible, thoughtfully designed technology.