Maria Companioni, DNP, APRN-BC

Chief Executive Officer & Founder | Next Phase Research 

Dr. Maria Companioni is a driving force in psychiatric and neuromodulation research, with over 100 CNS and vaccine trials executed under her leadership. With a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and dual board certification, she brings deep clinical expertise and operational command to every phase of trial execution.

As CEO of Next Phase Research and Clinical Director of Neuromodulation at My TMS, she has led innovation in patient recruitment, mapping, and protocol adherence across schizophrenia, MDD, bipolar disorder, autism, suicidality, and neurodegenerative conditions. Her work is known for translating patient care precision into high quality, sponsor ready data.
 
Together with Dr. Peter Ventre and Dr. Howard Schwartz, Dr. Companioni is shaping a forward focused clinical research team grounded in speed, scientific rigor, and reliability. Her contributions have been featured at ASCP, ISCTM, and CNS Summit, reflecting her commitment to advancing measurement-based care and collaborative research.

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Dr. Peter Ventre

Chief Psychiatric Officer & Founder | Next Phase Research 

Dr. Peter Ventre stands at the forefront of psychiatric clinical research in Florida. As a board-certified psychiatrist and seasoned Principal Investigator, Dr. Ventre has led hundreds of Phase I–IV trials in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, MDD, ADHD, Alzheimer’s, and treatment-resistant depression. His two decades of experience in CNS research have shaped some of the most impactful studies in the field.

As CEO of My Psychiatrist, one of South Florida’s most influential psychiatric practices Dr. Ventre has built a powerful bridge between real world clinical care and cutting-edge research. Today, he serves as Cofounder and Chief Psychiatric Officer of Next Phase Research, working in close collaboration with Dr. Howard Schwartz, and Dr. Maria Companioni to establish a sponsor ready ecosystem focused on scientific integrity, executional excellence, and speed.
 
With a proven track record contributing to multiple FDA approvals, Dr. Ventre continues to be a trusted partner for sponsors and CROs seeking rapid startup, reliable patient populations, and high-quality data. His leadership brings together innovation, integration, and compassion delivering research that advances both science and care.

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Dr. Howard I. Schwartz

Chief Medical Officer & Founder | Next Phase Research

Dr. Howard I. Schwartz is a pioneer in CNS clinical research with more than 1,000 Phase I–IV trials led across psychiatry, neurology, and vaccines. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, he has translated decades of clinical precision into a leadership role advancing Florida’s psychiatric research landscape.

As a founding partner at Next Phase Research, Dr. Schwartz is part of a unified team alongside Dr. Peter Ventre, and Dr. Maria Companioni, driving operational excellence and scientific advancement in high impact, multi-site trials. His work spans early phase innovation, rare populations, and pivotal studies, making him a valued partner for CROs and sponsors aiming to accelerate development without sacrificing quality.
 
With a deep history in advisory, DSMB participation, and medical monitoring, Dr. Schwartz is passionate to work with pharmaceutical, Biotech and CRO sponsors on projects that require significant medical oversight and early proof of concept trials. Dr. Schwartz brings strategic clarity and regulatory foresight to every trial. For sponsors looking to re-enter Florida’s trial market with a seasoned, high-performing site network. Dr. Schwartz and the Next Phase team offer proven experience and trusted execution.

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Our Areas Of Expertise

Transforming Healthcare Through Innovative Research

Why Choose Us

Our unique approach combines technology, expertise, and compassion to enhance patient care and medical research.

Innovative Technology

We utilize cutting-edge technology to streamline the clinical research process and ensure efficient, high-quality outcomes for our studies.

Patient-Centric Approach

Our dedicated team prioritizes patient well-being and experience, providing support every step of the way during clinical trials.

A man in a plaid shirt sits by the water looking distressed, symbolizing stress.

01

Mental Health (CNS)

Highly experienced in conducting Phase I-III trials involving the Central Nervous System (CNS) across all age ranges. Our expertise spans from psychiatry and neurology to pain and substance abuse/addiction.

02

Substance Abuse & Addiction

For individuals who are suffering from addiction, it can be very difficult to overcome the condition. Our substance use disorder studies hope to find better methods of overcoming addiction.

A dramatic scene depicting drugs and syringes on a dark surface, highlighting substance abuse risks.
Close-up of a healthcare professional holding a syringe, symbolizing medical care and vaccination.

03

Vaccines

Our expert team of industry-leading Physician/Principal Investigators (PIs) closely collaborates with pharmaceutical companies from pre-study protocol design through successful trial execution.

04

Gastroenterology / Hepatology

Gastroenterology is the study of the normal function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine.

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A young woman with long hair smiles confidently for an outdoor portrait session.

05

Women’s Health

Our expertise lies in evaluating the safety and efficacy of investigational new drugs, products, and procedures for the treatment of gynecological disorders affecting the health and quality of life of women throughout various stages of life.

06

Sleep Studies

Experience in sleep studies involves a comprehensive understanding of diagnostic procedures used to assess sleep patterns and disorders. It includes expertise in conducting and interpreting polysomnography, identifying conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy, and collaborating with healthcare providers to develop targeted treatment plans. This experience is crucial for delivering personalized care and improving patients’ sleep health and overall well-being.

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07

Psychedelic Work

Psychedelic research explores the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds in the treatment of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Ready to Collaborate?

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Join our mission to advance clinical research and improve healthcare outcomes through innovative partnerships and trials.

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