Skip to main content

Polymath Solutions

About Us

Who We Are:

Polymath Solutions, established in 2016, is dedicated to building resilient communities, fostering collaboration, and expanding trust. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Polymath thrives on a multidisciplinary and ecosystem-focused approach to solving complex challenges.

With expertise spanning public safety, global health, and violence prevention, Polymath Solutions has delivered impactful results to clients across multiple sectors, including government, private entities, and nonprofits.

Our Mission

At Polymath Solutions, we aim to build and strengthen community resilience through evidence-based strategies, innovative programs, and trusted partnerships.

Our Core Values:

Collaboration

Fostering partnerships across sectors.

Innovation

Developing adaptable, future-focused solutions.

Integrity

Delivering excellence with transparency.

Our Team:

Braden Schrag

Founder & CEO

Braden Schrag is the Founder and CEO of Polymath Solutions, a strategic advisory, training, and technical-assistance firm serving law-enforcement, government, behavioral-health, social-service, and community partners in the United States and internationally. He leads the firm’s work to strengthen organizational capacity, workforce readiness, trusted partnerships, and coordinated responses to complex challenges.

Braden’s multidisciplinary background connects operational leadership with an understanding of individual needs, workforce challenges, and the systems that shape community safety and well-being. His career began in pediatric behavioral health, child protection, and investigative social work—a foundation that continues to inform his approach to prevention, practitioner safety, and trauma-informed practice.

Before leading Polymath Solutions full time, Braden completed a 22-year career with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, retiring as a Police Lieutenant in 2026. His leadership encompassed patrol operations, critical-incident management, supervisory and personnel development, officer wellness, intergovernmental affairs, and community policing. He co-founded the Office of Community Engagement and Southern Nevada Fusion Liaison Officer Program, connecting government, nonprofits, businesses, and communities to strengthen trust, information sharing, and violence prevention.

Today, Braden leads advisory, training, and technical-assistance engagements spanning public safety, health, and human services. His work includes trauma-informed security, practitioner safety, and cross-sector violence prevention and capacity-building initiatives. His collaborations have included the U.S. Department of State, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Strong Cities Network. He is also an approved law-enforcement subject matter expert for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center.

Braden holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Xavier University and chairs the Nevada Commission on Behavioral Health through a gubernatorial appointment. His leadership emphasizes practical solutions informed by operational experience, behavioral insights, and collaboration across disciplines.

Deeply committed to community well‑being, Braden has volunteered with numerous boards, commissions, and non-profit organizations supporting the empowerment and resilience of youth and adults. He currently chairs the Nevada Commission on Behavioral Health.

Stephanie Woodard, PsyD

Strategic Partner

President & Owner- Sierra Health Strategies

Stephanie is the President and owner of Sierra Health Strategies, a healthcare consulting firm serving as a strategic partner of Polymath Solutions. Dr. Woodard is a licensed psychologist and systems-level strategist with a focus on population health solutions to improve health outcomes. Prior to forming Sierra Health Strategies, Dr. Woodard served as the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services state mental health authority (SMHA) and single state authority for substance use disorder treatment, prevention, and recovery (SSA) where she provided visionary leadership for state agency teams, state policymakers, community providers, governmental agencies, community partners, payors, criminal justice, and hospital systems. Dr. Woodard has also contributed signifi cantly to research as a co-investigator and consultant on multiple projects. She currently serves as a faculty collaborator with the Nevada COBRE for Transdisciplinary, Community-Engaged Substance Use Research at the University of Nevada.

Rick Shaw headshot.

RICK SHAW

Strategic Partner

FOUNDER & CEO – AWAREITY

Rick Shaw has spent more than 25 years researching why prevention efforts fail, studying the recurring blind spots and breakdowns behind “we failed to connect the dots” after preventable incidents. That research led him to found Awareity, where he serves as CEO, and the utilization of First Preventers, and to establish First Preventers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on pre-incident prevention education. He is the author of The First Preventers Playbook.

His work has been recognized with the Risk Innovator Award from Risk & Insurance Magazine, the Responsibility Leader Award from Liberty Mutual, the Business Innovation Award from Business Insurance, the Campus Safety BEST Award from Campus Safety Magazine, the MVP Award from Security Sales & Integration Magazine, and most recently the Excellence in Prevention Award from Homeland Security Today/GTSC.

Sasha Larkin

Senior Advisor

Sasha presently serves as the Director of Intelligence and C4 Operations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be uniquely hosted across three countries and 16 cities. With over 25 years of law enforcement experience, Sasha retired as an Assistant Sheriff with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, where she led the Homeland Security and Investigative Services divisions. She has been a prominent voice in national discussions on crime and terrorism, including as a board member on the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Recognized for her commitment to community engagement, Sasha played a key role in establishing the Office of Community Engagement and the Fusion Liaison Officer Program, which amplifies voices from diverse cultural and religious communities. As a respected speaker, she has addressed global audiences on topics such as leadership, refugee integration, and crime prevention. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Anti-Defamation League’s “Shield Award” for her work in terrorism prevention and community-building initiatives. Sasha remains dedicated to fostering trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Archana BaE

Strategic Partner

Founder & CEO- Porta Strategies

Archana serves as the CEO of Porta Strategies, based in Fairfax, Virginia, and brings nearly 25 years of expertise spanning both public and private sectors. Her career has been centered on tackling areas such as money laundering investigations, counterterrorism finance, counternarcotics, and other illicit threats. She has held pivotal roles within U.S. government agencies, including the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Counterterrorism Center. Additionally, she has been a senior leader in the Financial Crimes Compliance division of a major global bank and consulted with numerous regional and global financial institutions as well as jurisdictions. Ms. Bae is deeply experienced in managing complex cases of illicit finance and has designed and conducted training programs—both in-person and virtual—for financial institutions and government entities. These programs focus on addressing AML/CFT, sanctions, and broader financial crime challenges. She also advises emerging technology companies, helping them navigate AML/CFT and financial crime risks effectively.

Anne Walton

Strategic Advisor

Anne has over 15 years of experience in anti-money laundering, intelligence and risk analysis, investigative research, and enhanced due diligence. Ms. Walton has substantial experience in building strong compliance programs for both fintech start-ups and large financial institutions, independent monitorships, and resolution of issues related to regulatory actions. She has helped financial institutions strengthen internal control frameworks to effectively manage AML, ABAC, and sanctions risks as well as design and deliver robust risk assessments. Her analytical and investigative experience supported multi-year independent monitorships, transaction monitoring lookbacks and other matters involving complex money flows including international wire transfers, cryptocurrency, and investment products. Ms. Walton has produced intelligence reports and dynamic threat assessments for the U.S. government and provided analytical support to law enforcement conducting criminal money laundering investigations. Anne is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and holds an Economics of Blockchain and Digital Assets Certificate from The Wharton School.

Gerard Ramalho

Strategic Partner

Founder & CEO- ramalho communications

Gerard Ramalho is a multi-award-winning television journalist, certified John Maxwell Team coach, and the CEO of Ramalho Communications. With over two decades of experience in broadcast media, Gerard helps leaders elevate their communication skills through the power of storytelling, brand messaging, and audience engagement.
As a seasoned communicator and consultant, he specializes in CEO coaching, targeted publicity, video production, and strategic messaging. His work is focused on helping professionals create meaningful connections, articulate their value, and communicate with clarity and confidence. A recipient of seven regional Emmy Awards and a member of the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Gerard brings deep industry knowledge and a passion for impactful communication to every client interaction.

Past Performance: Trusted by Leaders Globally

Polymath Solutions has had the privilege to work with a diverse array of esteemed clients. These collaborations highlight our proven expertise and trusted reputation.

Our Clients Include:

Clients & Partners

Building & strengthening community resilience

Book a call