Javier Gurrola
Program Manager of Military and First Responder Trauma Recovery Program
Javier brings an exceptional blend of clinical expertise, program leadership, and operational experience shaped by more than 25 years of service across behavioral health, public safety, and community support systems.
After retiring from a distinguished 24‑year career with the United States Border Patrol, where he held numerous senior leadership and intelligence roles, Javier transitioned into the behavioral health field, driven by a commitment to support vulnerable populations and contribute to client‑centered treatment environments.
Most recently, Javier served as a Clinical Therapist , providing direct therapeutic services to clients with diverse emotional and mental health needs. In this role, he conducted biopsychosocial assessments, developed individualized treatment plans, and facilitated evidence‑based interventions including cognitive behavioral and task‑focused therapies. He routinely supported clients through crises, coordinated care with multidisciplinary teams, and maintained comprehensive clinical documentation.
Javier holds a MSW and will bring both service driven and clinical expertise to this role.
His earlier role as Arizona Area Director for North Star Wellness Center showcased his strengths in program management and leadership. There, he oversaw client services statewide, coordinated wrap‑around supports for individuals , screened for human trafficking risk, and managed staffing, budgets, and treatment programming. He emphasized quality improvement, professional development, and operational efficiency, ensuring that both staff and clients received consistent, high-quality support.
Javier’s background is further distinguished by his long career with the U.S. Border Patrol, where he served in multiple command-level positions, including Executive Officer for the Tucson Sector, overseeing operations across a 90,000‑square‑mile region and managing a multimillion‑dollar budget. He has extensive experience in crisis response, interagency collaboration, intelligence operations, and strategic planning. His leadership roles included acting as Director of the Alliance to Combat Transnational Threats, Assistant Attaché on cross-border operational coordination, and Patrol Agent in Charge of Intelligence, where he led rapid growth and restructuring of intelligence units to support evolving national strategies.
Across all phases of his career, Javier has demonstrated a consistent ability to lead complex programs, build strong community and interagency partnerships, and support individuals in high‑stress and high‑need environments. His unique combination of clinical training, operational leadership, and human-centered practice makes him an invaluable asset to our team !.
