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Professional Staff


Sierra Tucson employs many staff in various disciplines to provide excellent care for our patients. Please acquaint yourself with some of the staff shown below.

Administrative Staff
Patricia L. Ryding, Psy.D.
Executive Director
Dr. Patricia Ryding began serving as Sierra Tucson’s Executive Director in January 2009. She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience working with families, adolescents, severely and persistently mentally ill, dual disorders, chemical dependency, eating disorders, and trauma patients. Originally from Syracuse, New York, Dr. Ryding obtained a B.A. in American History from Boston University, attended Goddard College for her M.A. in Counseling Psychology, and later earned her doctorate in Psychology from the Carlos Albizu University in Miami. Dr. Ryding’s experience includes inpatient psychiatric, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient settings, and she has worked for nonprofit and for-profit facilities as a Program Director, Administrative Director, and Executive Director.
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Christi Cessna, M.S.
Marketing Director
Christi Cessna completed her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas and received her license as a Psychological Examiner. She worked as a therapist in various settings (outpatient and inpatient, college campus counseling center, and in-home counseling) before joining Sierra Tucson in 1997 as a Clinical Outreach Coordinator. Christi was named Marketing Director in 2006 and enjoys connecting with professionals throughout the country.
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Maria Francis, B.S.N., M.A., J.D./M.B.A.
Director of Compliance/Accreditation
Maria Francis joined the Sierra Tucson team in December 2008 as Director of Compliance/Accreditation. Born and raised in Panama, Central America, she is fluent in Spanish. Maria is a Licensed Insurance Producer and considers herself a lifetime student. Her many certifications include Accreditation Examiner, Paralegal, and Command Spanish Instructor. Maria enjoys swimming, working out, and reading.
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Bertha Kenny
Director of Human Resources
Ms. Kenny was appointed Corporate Director of Human Resources in December 2002 and in that capacity supervised the Human Resources functions for both Sierra Tucson and Miraval Life in Balance®. In May 2005, following the sale of Sierra Tucson to CRC Health Group, Ms. Kenny became the Director of Human Resources for Sierra Tucson. She first joined the Company in December 1990 and has held various positions during her tenure including Assistant to the President of NextHealth, Inc. (the former parent company of Sierra Tucson), and Corporate Secretary for NextHealth from 1996 to March 2002. Before joining the Company, Ms. Kenny was part of the start-up team for the Greater Tucson Economic Council. Prior to that, she was employed as an Administration Analyst for the IBM Corporation in Tucson. She attended Pima Community College and Northern Arizona University.
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Gayle Richter
Director of Operations & Intake
Since 1985, Gayle Richter has held many positions at Sierra Tucson, including Corporate Secretary, Intake Director, Director of Central Clinical Services, and Director of Risk Management. She was previously employed by Richter Broadcasting, Inc., a family-owned company, and she has owned and operated a retail business. In addition to overseeing Sierra Tucson’s operations, including remodeling, new construction, etc., she also works closely with the Intake team, engaging her passion for working with prospective patients and their families.
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Medical Staff
Robert R. Johnson, D.O.
Medical Director
Sierra Tucson welcomed Dr. Rob Johnson to the position of Medical Director on July 1, 2008. Board-certified in Psychiatry, Neurology, and Addiction Medicine, his previous roles include Senior Medical Director of College Hospital (a 140-bed facility) for ten years, Vice President for Medical Affairs of College Health IPA, Certified Executive Coach, Behavioral Health consultant for public and private mental health organizations, and private practice. Dr. Johnson received bachelor's degrees in both Biological Sciences and Psychology from the University of California, Irvine. Graduating from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, he completed his Medical Internship at Phoenix General Hospital and his Residency in Psychiatry at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center, where he was Chief Resident. He has done research on depression, immune functioning in psychiatric patients, and physical illnesses that produce psychiatric symptoms. He also has a great deal of experience treating patients with addictions and co-occurring disorders. Dr. Johnson has lectured nationally and internationally. He has been involved with the Special Olympics and Down Syndrome Association and has received numerous awards, including the Outstanding Physician Award by the Greater Newport Physician Medical Group. He enjoys tennis, mountain biking, and golf. He is married to a child psychiatrist, and they have one son and one daughter.
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Jerry Fitz, M.D.
Chief of Addiction Medicine
Dr. Fitz, Sierra Tucson’s Chief of Addiction Medicine since 1994, has also served as Interim Medical Director. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona and the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and completed his training at St. Luke's Hospital, San Francisco. Originally Board-certified in family practice in 1976, he has been recertified by written examination every 6 years, most recently in 2006. Dr. Fitz was certified by ASAM in 1987, with recertification in 1996 and 2004. He works in all areas of addiction medicine and is a Certified Medical Review Officer. Dr. Fitz has a special interest in the treatment of healthcare professionals and served for five years on Idaho's Physician Recovery Network. Since 2000, he has been a member of the Arizona Monitored Aftercare Program Diversion Committee for Impaired Physicians. Dr. Fitz oversees the treatment plan for many healthcare professionals who receive treatment at Sierra Tucson.
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Carol Power, R.N., M.S.N.
Director of Nursing
Sierra Tucson’s Nursing Department has benefited from Carol Power’s excellent direction since September 2000. After receiving her bachelor of science degree in Nursing from the University of Arizona in 1972, she obtained her master of science in Nursing from University of Alabama in Birmingham in 1980. During her free time, Carol enjoys reading, music, and gardening.
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Marla J. Perry, Ph.D., N.P.
Psychologist / Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Dr. Perry is a graduate of the University of Arizona, where she earned a Nurse Practitioner Certificate, a master’s degree in Psychiatric Nursing, and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Psychology. Dr. Perry was on the University of Arizona's psychiatric nursing faculty for five years and has worked in outpatient psychiatry for eight years. As a neuropsychologist, she provided services to individuals with traumatic brain injury. Dr. Perry is a Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. Professional activities have included serving as vice president of the Brain Injury Association, as a member of the Governor's Advisory Council on Spinal Cord and Head Injury, and as a board member of the Arizona Nurses' Association. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with persons who have a combination of addictions, trauma, and behavioral health issues.
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Andrew J. Stropko, Ph.D.
Director of Psychology
Dr. Andrew J. Stropko, Director of Psychology, has been a psychologist at Sierra Tucson during the years 1992-1998, and again from 2004 to the present. He earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees at the University of Arizona and his Ph.D. at Texas Tech University. The late Dr. Viktor E. Frankl was a reader for his dissertation that addressed Logotherapy and purpose in life. Dr. Stropko completed his internship at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. He served with the U.S. Army Medical Department and was inducted into the Order of Military Medical Merit. His work at Sierra Tucson focuses on psychological testing. He is a licensed psychologist, certified addictions counselor, a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, and has the Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology.
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Clinical Staff
Nancy Jarrell, M.A., LPC, EAP
Clinical Director
With a master’s degree in Counseling/Psychology, Nancy Jarrell is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a trained Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist. After joining Sierra Tucson in 1996 and becoming a Family Therapist, she developed, implemented, and facilitated the family component for the Program for Sexual and Trauma Recovery. Nancy has facilitated a wide variety of therapy groups in the Program Department, created content and facilitated the Extended Family Program, and also facilitated Family Programs including the Children’s Program in both English and Spanish. She developed a couple’s equine therapy component, incorporating Imago theory into the equine process. Nancy presents at national conferences and has co-facilitated Quality of Life Workshops for Sierra Tucson and equine-assisted therapy workshops for the Association of Experiential Education. Sierra Tucson’s alumni have benefited from her couple’s therapy workshops and equine-assisted therapy workshops at Alumni Reunions. Nancy has provided equine-assisted therapy to patients since 2000. She has managed the Therapeutic & Recreational Activities Program and served as Program Manager. Nancy was promoted to Assistant Clinical Director in September 2006 and to Clinical Director in April 2009. She continues to supervise staff; contribute to program development; and provide facilitation, education, and training in the area of equine-assisted therapy. Nancy has written and published articles and continues to become known as a national expert on equine-assisted therapy. Her versatility has made her an integral part of Sierra Tucson’s Clinical Program management team.
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Bill Coleman, LMSW, TEP
Psychodramatist
Bill Coleman, a Certified Psychodrama Trainer, has been a Trauma Therapist at Sierra Tucson since April 2007. He is a founding director of La Jornada Institute in Arizona and New Mexico. He is also on the faculty of the Hudson Valley Psychodrama Institute and The Acton Institute of California. Bill was a staff psychodramatist at an acute care psychiatric hospital in Westchester, NY. He has presented at many national conferences and is the creator of Men-At-Fifty Workshops. He has recently instituted a new model of diagramming defensive strategies for trauma treatment to help trauma sufferers bring into focus what happened to them and how they have coped. He has also created many psychodramatic action structures for substance abuse treatment. Bill was an adjunct professor at Russell Sage College, where he wrote and taught courses in Theater Therapy. A graduate of Fordham University Graduate School of Social Work, Bill lived in New York City for 30 years before coming to Tucson. Bill also had earlier careers in business and served as a Captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He says to his patients, “I am no stranger to trauma, and you will not be alone as we go on the recovery journey together.”
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Josie Collins, M.S., CPCC
Progressions Counselor / Life Coach
Josie began working at Sierra Tucson in November 2002 as an Evening/Weekend Counselor. One of her greatest passions is teaching spirituality groups, so she was honored to move into the position of Grief and Spirituality Counselor in 2004. Josie was part of the start-up team for the Progressions Program, where, as a counselor, group facilitator, and life coach, she continues to help people “to know who they truly are and to create the life they really want.” Originally from Wisconsin, Josie has a B.S. in Education from UW-Platteville and was a fourth grade teacher for 8 years. She graduated from UW-Madison with a M.S. in Counselor Education and has worked in the mental health and addictions field for the past 20 years. In 1999 she became interested in Life Coaching and now has her own private practice. Josie obtained training through the Coaches Training Institute, becoming officially recognized as a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach in 2007.
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Liz Dampsey, M.A., RSMT
Coordinator, Grief & Spirituality Department
Liz Dampsey joined Sierra Tucson in April 2001 and has served as Coordinator of the Grief and Spirituality Department since March 2005. Liz has also worked in the Therapeutic & Recreational Activities Program (TRAP), where she facilitated Equine-Assisted Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, and provided fitness consultations. Liz received an M.A. in Psychology from Sonoma State University in 2000, and a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Dance from University of California Santa Cruz in 1993. She graduated from Tamalpa Institute in 1997, a movement-based expressive arts therapy institute, and is a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist and Expressive Arts Therapist. Liz has been a personal trainer since 1999, was trained as an EAGALA therapist (Level I) in 2003, and was certified as an Interfaith Spiritual Director in 2008. Liz co-developed an Integrative Movement series and was also instrumental in building the Sierra Tucson labyrinth. She is interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the intersection between grief resolution, spirituality, and Somatic Therapy.
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Russ Farnsworth, M.S.
Unit Therapist
Russ Farnsworth became an Evening/Weekend Counselor at Sierra Tucson in July 2007 and currently serves as Unit Therapist. He obtained his B.A. degree in psychology from Assumption College, Worcester, Massachusetts, in May 2002, and his M.S. counseling and addictions degree from Fitchburg State College in 2006. Known as Sierra Tucson’s “Star-Man,” Russ leads Stargazing activities for patients and facilitates work in meditation and relaxation, stress and anger management, spirituality, and wellness for patients dealing with severe mood disorders and addictions. His passion is using group modalities of therapy and bringing heart and soul to the patients' healing process at Sierra Tucson.
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Victor P. Gilbert, M.S.W., LISAC
Program Manager
As Program Manager since February 2006, Victor Gilbert supervises unit therapists, assists with case conferences, and participates in the daily multidisciplinary admission staff meetings. He originally began working at Sierra Tucson in 1989 as a Unit Therapist. Victor received a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science and Sociology in 1972 from the University of South Florida and a Master of Social Work in 1988 from Arizona State University. He served in the U.S. Navy for 9 years. Victor's relaxed but competent and humorous style of leadership is appreciated by Sierra Tucson's staff.
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Stephanie Grace Sikes, M.A., M.C., MFCT
Family Therapist
Stephanie Grace Sikes has been a Family Therapist at Sierra Tucson since April 2008. She is a creative and intuitive Marriage and Family Therapist with background in treating mental, emotional, sexual, and/or co-occurring disorders. Prior to joining Sierra Tucson, Stephanie was an Individual, Couple’s, and Family Therapist at La Frontera Center and a Behavioral Health Specialist at the Arizona’s Children Association. In these organizations, she provided individual, children’s, couple’s, family, and group therapy, including chemical dependency treatment programs, such as ADMIRE+ Out-Patient treatment services. She co-founded a Women’s Sobriety & Empowerment Process Group and facilitated several other behavioral modification groups, such as 12-Step Education Group and Substance Abuse Education Group. Stephanie was the lead therapist with children of deployed service members at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. She has strong communication skills by virtue of 20 years as a communication instructor at the college level and as a private and corporate coach. Stephanie earned a Master of Counseling degree in Marriage, Family & Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix in February 2008. Prior to that, she received a Master of Arts degree in Communication/Theatre in 1990 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Musical Theatre Arts in 1988, both from Kansas State University. Her continuing professional education includes: Imago Relationship Therapy training with Harville Hendrix, Psychodrama Trainer Workshops with Dena Baumgartner, Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Politics of Changing a Sexual Relationship, Integrative Model for Difficult Couples, Healthy Marital/Couple Relationships, and many others. Her professional associations include American Counseling Association, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and Theta Alpha Phi National Theatre Honorary.
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James Jackson, LISAC
Therapist, Therapeutic & Recreational Activities Program
James Jackson started at Sierra Tucson in October 1991 as an Eating Disorder counselor. He worked in the original Trauma Resolution Unit and Chemical Dependency unit in the mid-1990s. As part of the Therapeutic and Recreational Activities Program (TRAP) staff, James currently facilitates Equine-Assisted Therapy and Adventure-based therapies such as the Climbing Wall and Challenge Course.
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Michelle Madsen, M.Ed., LISAC, CADAC
Family Therapist III
Michelle Madsen has served Sierra Tucson as a Family Therapist since June of 1990. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Physical Education/Coaching, a Master of Education degree in Counseling, and certifications of Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC). Previously, Michelle has taught junior high and high school students and coached a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, track, gymnastics, and cheerleading. At Sierra Tucson, Michelle applies her teaching background in designing educational lectures and training new family therapists, as well as family members. In April through October of 2004, Michelle added the role of Family Program Manager to her repertoire and continued her primary focus of facilitating weekly family groups. Michelle grew up in Fargo, North Dakota, and has two wonderful daughters.
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Phillip S. Mitchell, M.A., MFT, MAC
Unit Therapist, Lecturer
Phillip Mitchell earned his master’s degree in Humanistic and Transpersonal Clinical Psychology in 1980 from Johnston College, University of Redlands, in Redlands, California. He became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in California in 1981 and certified as Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) through the National Association of Forensic Counselors in 1998. He has served in the fields of mental health and recovery since 1971 in the areas of clinical services, program development, administration, and private practice. Since 1990, Phillip has filled many positions at Sierra Tucson, including Family Therapist for Eating Disorder and Chemical Dependency patients, Spiritual Counselor, Float Therapist, Primary Therapist, and Workshop Presenter (at Alumni Reunions, Quality of Life Workshops, etc.). He has written several articles on recovery and related matters for professional magazines and for Sierra Tucson publications. Currently, Phillip is Unit Therapist for Chemical Dependency/Mental Health, providing therapy, education, and support for patients and their family members. He also provides training for therapists and leads Sierra Tucson’s Green Team. His CD, The Technology of Forgiveness™, is available in our Bookstore.
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Susan O’Day, M.S., ICADC, CMHP, EAP
Unit Therapist
In 2005, Susan O’Day joined Sierra Tucson as our Equine Therapist and later agreed to join the Program for Sexual and Trauma Recovery. Since 1989 she developed her focus on the treatment of trauma in the context of addiction recovery. Before joining the Sierra Tucson team, her positions at two other facilities included recreation therapist, primary counselor, trauma workshop facilitator, and equine therapist. Susan holds a B.F.A. from Montana State University Bozeman, and a M.S. in psychology with an addiction specialization from Capella University. She is an Internationally Certified Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse Counselor, an EAGALA-trained equine therapist, and is trained in the treatment of sexual addiction through the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals. Susan is actively involved in postgraduate education in the areas of counseling and sexual addiction. Her paintings have won multiple awards in juried exhibitions. A former professional horse trainer, livery manager, and riding instructor, she worked for the Equine Science departments of Montana State University and Scottsdale Community College.
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Kathy Piaskowski, M.C., LISAC, LAC
Continuing Care / Case Manager
Kathy Piaskowski received her master’s degree in Counseling in 1996 at the University of Phoenix in Tucson. She has 20 years of experience working with the developmentally disabled and maintains a Licensed Adult Development Home. Her previous experience includes working at a nonprofit women’s and children’s facility. Kathy began her career with Sierra Tucson in 2001 as an Intake Coordinator and then transferred to a Continuing Care position. She enjoys helping many patients with their transition to the next level of care.
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Jeannette Rojas, LASAC, EAP II
Unit Therapist / Coordinator, Eating Disorders Program
Sierra Tucson welcomed Jeannette Rojas as a Unit Therapist in December 2004. After studying at ANAHUAC University in Mexico City, Jeannette became a Clinical Psychologist and received a diploma (post-graduate degree) in Substance Abuse and Alcoholism. She is trained as a Level II Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist (EAP II) through EAGALA and is also a Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC) in the State of Arizona. After working in psychiatric hospitals in Mexico City, she coordinated clinical services for an Employee Assistance Program in Mexico. Jeannette then helped develop the first treatment center in Mexico for eating disorders, trauma, and addictions, serving as Director and Vice President. At Sierra Tucson, Jeannette facilitates a process group as Unit Therapist and coordinates the Eating Disorders Program, which includes work in body imagery, DBT, the Family Program, restaurant outings with patients and dietitian, Continuing Care Planning, and maintaining communication with the referring professional. Jeannette also provides training, coordinates Eating Disorder staff team building, and speaks at conferences.
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Patrick (Pat) S. Williamson, M.S., LPC, LISAC
Unit Therapist
Since July 2006, Pat Williamson has contributed his effective therapeutic skills at Sierra Tucson as a unit therapist, with a primary focus on addictions and trauma. He was voted Therapist of the Year by former patients and their family members in 2007. Pat came to Sierra Tucson from a 15-year successful private practice, which focused almost exclusively on addictions and various forms of childhood and adult trauma. He has worked in the field for over 30 years and lived in personal recovery for over 31 years. Pat is proficient in working with individuals, couples, and families, dealing with all addictive processes. He specializes in trauma, is EMDR Level-II trained, and has experience as a consultant in inpatient treatment evaluations. Born in Los Angeles, California, Pat was raised in Montana and moved to Tucson in 2006. He earned his master’s degree in Rehabilitative Counseling in 1981 through the University of Montana-Billings. Pat has been married for 20 years and has two adult children.
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Meira Yaer, R.N., M.A., MFT, CBIS
Family Therapist
Meira joined the staff at Sierra Tucson in 2005 as the Family Therapist for the Program for Sexual & Trauma Recovery. Her focus in this work is to help facilitate self-empowerment, self-advocacy, self-accountability, and healing in the recovery process for patients and their family members. Meira is also a Nurse and Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in the field of brain injury advocacy, trauma recovery, and rehabilitation. She began her work in brain injury over 15 years ago in Eugene, Oregon. She is the author of The Process of Empowerment© - A Therapeutic Model After Brain Injury and has presented at national and international conferences. Her work focuses on the healing of body, mind, and spirit through self-awareness, animal-assisted psychotherapy, and other intuitive therapies. She is the founder of Opening The Way, Inc., a brain injury program, and facilitator of The Tucson Brain Injury Advocacy Panel, which provides panel presentations and in-services to community members and healthcare professionals in the field of traumatic and acquired brain injury. Meira enjoys drawing, depicting desert images with vibrant colors and shapes and has shown in galleries and at the Tucson Botanical Gardens in Tucson, Arizona.
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Maya Youngblood, LPCC, LMT
Somatic Therapist
Maya Youngblood became a therapist at Sierra Tucson in December of 2003. As a trauma survivor, she knows first-hand that some trauma can only be resolved by body-centered therapy. With a master’s degree in Counseling, Maya has studied various types of psychotherapy and several forms of body work, as well. In the early 1990s, Maya became aware of the work of Dr. Peter Levine, the originator of a body centered therapy called Somatic Experiencing®. After discovering her own positive response to the work, she became convinced that this type of therapy is integral to transform and heal a trauma survivor’s nervous system. Maya completed the three year Somatic Experiencing® training program and became a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner. She is also a Licensed Psychotherapist (NM & IL), a certified EMDR Level-II Practitioner, and a Licensed Massage Therapist (NM). Maya came to Tucson from Santa Fe, New Mexico, in late 2003.
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Clinical / Integrative Staff
Karin Hilsdale Rodes, Ph.D., L.Ac.
Acupuncturist
Karin Hilsdale Rodes has provided full-body acupuncture and supervised and trained staff in ear acupuncture for addictions at Sierra Tucson since August 2004, both full-time and part-time. She brings over 40 years’ experience in facilitating awareness and healing of body/mind/spirit, with original doctoral research in the mid-1980’s linking acupuncture theory to the diagnosis of depression in women. She has provided training and leadership nationwide in acupuncture dealing with addictions, mental health, and HIV/AIDS; holds national Diplomate status in pain management; and taught in a M.A. program in clinical psychology for 25 years. Apprenticeship-trained with a Korean acupuncture master beginning in 1980, Karin’s specialization in recent years has been in meridian-style acupuncture developed by blind practitioners in Japan.
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Outreach - Alumni Coordinators
Tim McLeod
Senior Alumni Coordinator
Tim McLeod joined the Sierra Tucson team as Alumni Coordinator in February 2001 and was named Senior Alumni Coordinator in August 2007. After struggling with addictions for 27 years, he came to Sierra Tucson for treatment in the fall of 1999. “I can honestly say that the ‘Promises’ of the program have continued to unfold,” he says. Tim also attended the Sierra Tucson Family Program when a family member entered treatment. His experience and empathy give him a deep passion for supporting Sierra Tucson alumni. Tim lives in Kansas and directs Sierra Tucson's alumni services. He offers encouragement to others in recovery through follow-up phone calls to the family members, facilitating workshops, assistance with local alumni support groups, the “Afterwords” Newsletter, and the Alumni eNews, “Beyond the Miracle.”
Toll-Free Telephone: 866-638-1650
E-mail: AlumniCoordinator@SierraTucson.com
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Patty Reyna
Alumni Coordinator
Patty Reyna, a former Sierra Tucson patient, feels blessed to have returned in August 2007 as an Alumni Coordinator. “To be an advocate for others on this path of recovery—to give back to Sierra Tucson, the program and the people who saved and continue to save my life daily—is an amazing fulfillment of a dream for me,” she says. As a recovering alcoholic, Patty was working a strong program with daily meetings, prayer, meditation, and journaling, plus seeking outside help for counseling and medication. Even so, her depression, which began shortly after 9/11, was deepening and led her to treatment in January 2002. “I learned a lot about my addictions—I come fully loaded with titles!” says Patty. “More importantly, I was taught tools that help me cope with all of life’s issues one day at a time without ‘using.’” Patty enjoys living in central New York and likes to read, garden, and spend time with her daughter and granddaughter. Patty serves alumni through follow-up phone calls to our former clients, assisting with alumni support groups, and communications such as the “Afterwords” Newsletter and the Alumni eNews, “Beyond the Miracle.”
Toll-Free Telephone: 888-535-8214
E-mail: PReyna@SierraTucson.com
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Outreach - Clinical Outreach Coordinators
Parastoo Barnajian, Ph.D.
Clinical Outreach Coordinator
California - Southern area, HI
Parastoo received her B.S. in Psychobiology from UCLA and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. She has practiced as a clinical psychologist in residential and community mental health centers, providing direct clinical services to clients of all ages. Dr. Barnajian’s dissertation focused on the psychosocial factors related to substance use among adolescents with Type I diabetes, and she has learned the profound and harmful effects of untreated substance use. Dr. Barnajian is dedicated and passionate about helping patients receive effective, compassionate care in their recovery process.
Toll-Free Telephone: 800-408-9410
E-mail: PBarnajian@SierraTucson.com
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Carla Chludzinski, LCSW
Clinical Outreach Coordinator
IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, WI, Canada - Manitoba, Canada - Ontario
Carla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the behavioral healthcare field for over 20 years. Her experience in addiction, psychiatric, medical, and law enforcement settings strengthens her ability to assist clients.
Toll-Free Telephone: 866-609-0799
E-mail: CChludzinski@SierraTucson.com
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Eileen J. Cohen, M.S., LMFT
Clinical Outreach Coordinator
AL, FL, GA, MS
Eileen is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at American University in Washington, D.C., and Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. Eileen brings comprehensive professional knowledge and personal experience of the impact of addiction, substance abuse, and mental health disorders on individuals and their families, as well as the process of recovery.
Toll-Free Telephone: 888-818-7990
E-mail: ECohen@SierraTucson.com
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John Crepsac, LCSW, CASAC
Clinical Outreach Coordinator
DE, NJ, NY, New York City
John is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in the state of New York. He received his bachelor of science degree in Human Services from the State University of New York (SUNY), and master of social work degree from New York University. With over 20 years in the field and experience in the government and private sectors, John brings a depth of professional knowledge of the impact of addictive disorders. John is in private practice as a consultant for the NFL and is an adjunct professor of social work at NYU.
Toll-Free Telephone: 800-409-3025
E-mail: JCrepsac@SierraTucson.com
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Rhonda Daley, M.B.A.
Clinical Outreach Coordinator
AK, California - Northern area, ID, MT, ND, OR, SD, WA, WY, Canada - Alberta, Canada - British Columbia, Canada - Saskatchewan
With over 15 years of experience working in community outreach and addiction healthcare, Rhonda joined Sierra Tucson in February 2009. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and obtained a master’s degree in Business Administration from Claremont Graduate University at the Peter Drucker School of Management. Rhonda previously worked as area site manager for an addiction healthcare services company in Los Angeles, California, where she was responsible for marketing outreach and site management in Northern California. Her background has allowed her to work with mental health clinicians including addictionologists, psychiatrists, and those specializing in depression, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Toll-Free Telephone: 877-906-4930
E-mail: RDaley@SierraTucson.com
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Carrie Hunnicutt, M.A.
Clinical Outreach Manager
CT, ME, MA, NH, OH, RI, VT, Europe (including United Kingdom), Canada - Newfoundland, Canada - Nova Scotia, Canada - Quebec, Middle East, South Africa, Bermuda
Carrie has worked for Sierra Tucson in several capacities since 1998. She has experience in direct clinical practice, intake, admissions, discharge planning, and other administrative duties.
Toll-Free Telephone: 888-452-8458
E-mail: CHunnicutt@SierraTucson.com
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Ellen Savage, LCDC
Clinical Outreach Manager
AR, LA, NM, OK, TX
Ellen is a Licensed Addictions Counselor and a Clinical Interventionist with over 25 years of experience in addictions and mental health treatment. She began working with Sierra Tucson in July 1997 as a Clinical Outreach Coordinator.
Toll-Free Telephone: 888-492-2348
E-mail: ESavage@SierraTucson.com
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Lisa Jane Vargas
Clinical Outreach Coordinator
AZ, Arizona - Southern area, CO, NV, UT
With a bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing, Lisa Jane joined Sierra Tucson in June 2002. She has previously worked in financial services and an eating disorders treatment program, and she has over 15 years of experience in the Health and Fitness industry. Lisa Jane's passion for the recovery field brings her joy in helping people as a Clinical Outreach Coordinator for Sierra Tucson.
Toll-Free Telephone: 888-935-4488
E-mail: LVargas@SierraTucson.com
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Deborah Whalen, M.S.W., LCSW
Clinical Outreach Coordinator
DC, MD, NC, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV, Asia (including Japan)
Deborah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Sierra Tucson's Clinical Outreach Coordinator in the Mid-Atlantic Region. She has a master's degree in Social Work from the Hunter College of The City University of New York. Her professional experience includes serving as a member of the clinical staff and as Clinical Outreach Coordinator at an eating disorders treatment facility in New York. Deborah has presented to the clinical staff of major universities and hospitals, to private practice professionals, and at various conferences. Deborah maintains a clinical practice in both Manhattan and Philadelphia specializing in eating disorders, addiction, trauma, LGBT issues, and work with couples and families.
Toll-Free Telephone: 888-839-6066
E-mail: DWhalen@SierraTucson.com
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Staff Members:

Administrative Staff
Medical Staff
Clinical Staff
    Integrative Staff
Outreach Staff
    Alumni Coordinators
    Clinical Outreach Coordinators
Why Sierra Tucson

In this section:


Self Evaluation

The willingness to become aware of your situation is the first step to diagnosis and treatment, which can bring healing, joy, and balance to your life! To begin select the type of evaluation:

Learn About or Register for Upcoming Events

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Professional Events | Alumni Events