THE SCOTTSDALE PROVIDENCE TEAM

Dan’s vision for Scottsdale Providence is a result of over 17 years of experience in behavioral health and substance abuse treatment as well as 26 years of personal recovery. He believes strongly in facilitating a client’s innate resilience and the therapeutic power of hope, purpose and community. His clinical philosophy blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) and 12-Step Facilitation with a Trauma-Informed approach. He has additional certifications in Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) and Domestic Violence Intervention. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies and Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. His previous experience includes serving as Clinical Director of TASC and Clinical Lead at Community Bridges Inc. He has a breadth of experience working with adults, adolescents and families in residential and outpatient settings.

Alex has a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Psychology and Sociology from Arizona State University. He has over 10 years of direct service experience as a site supervisor, program coordinator and behavioral health technician at Marc Community Resources. He has additional expertise working with the adult SMI population in community-based settings. As a person with over 10 years of personal recovery, his passion is to provide the tools and skills necessary for all clients to live a meaningful life in recovery.

Dr. Locnikar is the Medical Director for Scottsdale Providence with over 10 years experience in addiction medicine. He is a board-certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. He has additional training in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology. Dr. Locnikar was a successful double board-certified reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon in the State of Arizona throughout the 1990s and into early 2000’s. During that time, he developed a substance addiction that ultimately consumed his personal and professional life. After successfully completing extensive drug and alcohol treatment, he returned to the practice of medicine. He has since dedicated his personal and professional life to the treatment of others suffering from similar addictions. This special blend of personal experience and extensive medical/surgical knowledge has allowed him to provide his patients with the very best in medical addiction treatment in a compassionate and empathetic environment; which is immediately evident upon first encounter with him.

He has served as Medical Director of several substance abuse treatment centers and hospitals in Arizona including: Inpatient, Outpatient, Detoxification, Partial Hospitalization, and Intensive Outpatient Hospitalization. He has a vast amount of experience in all transition phases of the treatment process. Dr. Locnikar is renowned for providing cutting-edge detoxification from all substances of abuse or dependence. He has a deep understanding of the detoxification process (both professionally and personally) and finds the least painful and safest manner to detox his patients in a compassionate environment. He also provides advanced techniques and support for relapse prevention. In addition, Dr. Locnikar is one of the pioneers of medication-assisted abstinence therapy using the naltrexone implant.

Sabrina is a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner and Arizona native, born and raised in Tempe. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and brings over a decade of psychiatric nursing experience to her role, including seven years at Community Bridges, where she primarily served on the crisis observation unit, working with some of the most acute psychiatric populations. Her passion for behavioral health care is both professional and personal. Although she has not faced addiction herself, Sabrina’s commitment to helping those affected by substance use disorders was shaped by the experience of supporting a loved one through addiction. Since 2018, she has been an active member of Al-Anon and is a strong advocate for 12-step recovery programs. Sabrina is known for her thoughtful, patient-centered approach and for empowering individuals to understand and engage with their treatment—particularly how psychiatric medications and holistic remedies can support long-term healing. She is thrilled to be part of the Providence team, where she continues her mission to provide empathetic psychiatric care to the clients at our Residential and Outpatient centers. Outside of work, Sabrina enjoys spending quality time with her family, three cats, and her beloved dog, Crunch.

Tyler is a Licensed Professional Counselor and board-certified clinical supervisor with a deep-rooted commitment to the behavioral health field. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University in 2015, followed by a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Counseling in 2019.

Since 2015, Tyler has worked across all levels of direct care in behavioral health systems. He began his career as a case manager at a community mental health center and later led an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) affiliated with a drug court program. His experience spans diverse clinical environments, offering him a well-rounded and compassionate perspective in both therapeutic and supervisory roles. Tyler’s passion for helping others is grounded in his own journey of addiction and long-term recovery, which began in 2008. This lived experience infuses his clinical work with authenticity, empathy, and hope.

His therapeutic approach is integrative and person-centered, incorporating evidence-based modalities such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Crisis Intervention. As a clinical supervisor, Tyler brings his extensive clinical experience into a collaborative and supportive leadership style. He is known for his dedication to individualized care and his commitment to empowering both clients and clinicians. Through his work, Tyler has helped countless individuals navigate their path toward healing and personal growth.

Jillian is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received a Master of Science in Counseling degree from the University of Phoenix. She is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – A. Jillian has advanced training in speciality trauma modalities and assessments including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Structural Dissociation Theory, Multidimensional Inventory of Dissociation and Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) specifically designed to identify and treat unresolved traumatic experiences and relationships. Her previous experience includes individual and group facilitation in outpatient programs for substance abuse, anger management, CBT, DBT and domestic violence. She takes a compassionate approach with the understanding that each client’s process of addiction and recovery is unique.

Denise is a Licensed Associate Counselor. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Northern Arizona University and a Master of Science in Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Denise is also bilingual and speaks Spanish fluently. She utilizes a variety of clinical interventions to establish rapport and build a client’s internal motivation for change. Denise is passionate about integrating mindfulness and spirituality into the therapeutic experience.

Michael is a Licensed Associate Counselor. He received his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. He has a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Business and Communications. Michael has over six years of experience working in direct services within the behavioral health field, starting congruent to own recovery journey in 2017. He has a passion for assisting people in need, utilizing trauma-informed and person-centered care. Michael enjoys the face-to-face communication of helping others through his own practical and professional experiences.

Jackie is a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Francisco State University and a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University. She is also a Registered Clinical Supervisor with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Jackie specializes in treating co-occurring trauma and mental health disorders through the use of an eclectic skill set, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, creative expression, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. In her free time, Jackie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family hiking, rock climbing, and camping.

Lionel is a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LIAC) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTSI). He is fully trained in EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Lionel received his BA in English Literature from ASU and Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Lionel is also a Registered Clinical Supervisor with AZBBHE. Lionel brings his 8 years of personal experience in recovery into the understanding and compassion needed to help our most vulnerable fellow citizens of the planet. Lionel carries a deep passion to help people not only broken from addiction but those suffering from trauma. Spirituality, connection and salutogenics are key to his approach to therapy. Lionel’s biggest joy is his children, granddaughters, songwriting and playing music locally with his daughter Grace.

Andrew is an Arizona-born, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who received his Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees from Arizona State University. Andrew has over 15 years’ experience working in behavioral healthcare systems in Arizona. Andrew’s previous experience includes peer support, case management, individual and group psychotherapy, program management and development, healthcare compliance, quality assurance, licensing and accreditation. Andrew takes a client-centered, trauma-focused, strengths-based approach to therapy, integrating Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Crisis Intervention, and over 16 years of personal experience in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. Outside of his Social Work practice, Andrew enjoys being a father, a BBQ pitmaster, and a musician.

Anissa is a Licensed Associate Counselor who received a Master of Science in Counseling degree from the University of Phoenix. With years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s most challenging moments, Anissa specializes in providing compassionate, trauma-informed care that is patient-centered. Drawing from a deep understanding of trauma and crisis work, her mission is to empower clients to build resilience, find balance, and achieve personal growth.

Liz is a Licensed Associate Counselor holding a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University with two years of experience in the recovery field. As a former teacher, she brings a passion for guiding and teaching to her role facilitating evening IOP, fostering peer support and personal empowerment. Her approach is trauma-centered, informed by training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and rooted in a relational lens to help clients build stronger connections with themselves and others. Through navigating her own journey in recovery, she believes that transforming self-talk can transform lives. She is dedicated to empowering individuals to rewrite their stories through compassionate care.

Sarah Anderson is a licensed and practicing occupational therapist with ten years of experience. She currently owns and operates her private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, and teaches in the Occupational Therapy department at Midwestern University. Sarah earned her post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy from A.T. Still University in the fall of 2019. She received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Midwestern University in 2014 and her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Minnesota in 2012.

As an OT, Sarah specializes in mental health, with a particular focus on trauma, anxiety, ADHD and addiction recovery, working with individuals from adolescence through adulthood. She is passionate about developing programs in emotional intelligence, stress management, and self-regulation/emotional regulation. Her therapeutic approach is informed by advanced training in trauma-informed care, polyvagal theory, attachment theory, and the biopsychosocial model.

In addition to her role at Midwestern University, Sarah owns and operates Elevated Wellbeing OT in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her private practice is dedicated to empowering individuals through personalized, holistic care aimed at addressing anxiety, trauma, and addiction recovery. She has advanced training in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, mindfulness-based treatment strategies, anxiety and trauma-related disorders, mood disorders, DBT, and trauma-informed care. Her certifications include Clinical Trauma Professional, Emotional Intelligence Practitioner (EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360), and advanced techniques in sensory processing disorders.

Raini is a graduate of Midwestern University’s Occupational Therapy program. During her fieldwork rotation at an inpatient psychiatric hospital, she focused on supporting children, teens and adults through the use of sensory-based strategies for emotional regulation, building coping skills, fostering intrinsic motivation, and engaging in IADL’s, social participation and leisure activities to support problem-solving and executive functioning skills.

Raini is deeply committed to a neuro-affirming approach, occupation-based techniques and the behavioral activation model to support individuals in recovery and mental health crises to promote overall well being and improve quality of life. She values meeting each client where they are, embracing their individuality, and helping them create meaningful routines and environments that work with their unique ways of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world.

Freddy is the intake therapist at Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center. As the intake therapist, he welcomes each new client into treatment by providing a welcoming and inclusive space. Freddy has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and brings over 20 years of behavioral health experience to the team. He is highly skilled in assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention and care coordination. Freddy is also bilingual and speaks Spanish fluently. He enjoys being a part of a dynamic and loving collective of professionals who bring experience and passion for helping others. Freddy also believes in recovery, the restorative power of healing the individual and returning them to the community.

Samantha Jerome is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) with over fifteen years of experience in a multitude of settings including clinical, public health, and private practice. Samantha is passionate about guiding individuals and communities toward improved health through nutritional counseling, movement, and attainable dietary adjustments. Specialties include diabetes management (preDM, T1DM, and T2DM), disordered eating recovery, hormone health, gut health and specialized needs of those recovering from alcohol and substance abuse. Samantha’s counseling and education style supports a strong emphasis on fostering a deeper mind-body connection.

Samantha has experience working with adult and adolescent mental health and addiction recovery treatment centers and has worked in a multi-level eating disorder recovery treatment center. She prides herself on providing compassionate and evidence-based care to help individuals and communities to rebuild their relationship with food and achieve long-lasting health and well-being.

Ciara is the medical manager at Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center. Ciara’s responsibilities include overseeing all medical aspects of each client’s care including medication management, prescription refills, lab testings, daily vitals, scheduling and coordinating all psychiatric and medical appointments. She enjoys being a part of each client’s unique experience here at Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center and feels fortunate to be able to witness each client grow in their own recovery.

Lauren was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Lauren is currently in her 4th year at Grand Canyon University studying to receive her bachelors in Psychology. Lauren had completed 3 years of college and then had some of her own personal struggles with drugs and alcohol. In 2021 Lauren came to Scottsdale Providence for treatment and has been sober since. Lauren has a passion to want to help people and wanted to do that in the place that helped save her life. Lauren is an advocate for every client that comes through the doors. Lauren began by working as a housing technician and moved her way up to her current position as the case manager for the PHP program.

Tyler was born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona. He graduated from Highland High school in 2012 and attended Chandler-Gilbert Community College and received an Associate’s Degree in Business. Tyler then enrolled at Arizona State University where I studied Psychology. He completed three years and began having my own struggles with drugs and alcohol. In 2020, he went to a treatment center in Scottsdale, Arizona and began his personal recovery journey. That experience is the force behind his passion for service and working in behavioral health. Tyler has worked in recovery for two years, beginning as a housing technician and moving up to my current position as the case manager for the residential treatment program.

Logan was raised in Arizona, however, he has spent the last 10 years living on both the west and east coast of the U.S. During this time, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in both Philosophy and Political Science. After Logan graduated from ASU in 2021, he began to suffer from depression and substance abuse. He sought treatment with Scottsdale Providence in July of 2023 and was hired as a house technician before the end of that year. Logan has found passion and purpose in being able to help others who struggle with both mental health and substance abuse. He hopes to continue to grow with Scottsdale Providence while he seeks a master’s degree.

Mark serves as the Facilities Manager at Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center, where he oversees logistics and daily operations across the outpatient facility and supportive housing locations. He also leads the team of Behavioral Health Technicians, ensuring clients receive consistent, compassionate support throughout their recovery journeys. Mark’s approach is shaped by his own lived experience—having spent more than a decade incarcerated and struggling with addiction before finding lasting recovery. He uses that insight to create safe, structured environments where clients feel genuinely cared for. Mark is committed to accountability, consistency, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance.

Kassie was born and raised in Southern California and spent time living in Tennessee before moving to Arizona. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at ASU in 2020, introducing her to the behavioral health field. Kassie is currently in her second year of graduate studies at Grand Canyon University, pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. After years of struggling with substance use and mental health challenges, Kassie made the decision to seek help. In August of 2023, she entered treatment at Scottsdale Providence, starting her own personal recovery journey. As the office administrator, she enjoys welcoming new clients and guiding them through the intake process, using her own recovery journey to offer a deep understanding of the courage it takes to take that first step.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Arizona State University. Since 2017, she has worked in the behavioral health field. As an experienced and dedicated leader, Michelle brings a comprehensive understanding of patient-centered care and evidence-based practices to her interactions with professional referral partners and clients. She adheres to a philosophy of compassion, integrity and service when working with individuals facing challenges related to substance use, trauma, or mental health concerns. Prior to joining the Scottsdale Providence team, Michelle served in various business development roles at nationally recognized treatment programs. As a person in long term recovery, she is most passionate about seeing clients reconnect with their authentic selves during their recovery journey.

A proud Arizona Wildcat, Shannon graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and she has an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Her behavioral health roots date back 20 years, and she has extensive experience in marketing events, business development, and communications across various industries and internationally recognized treatment programs. Shannon’s passion for serving others is reflected in her involvement with the Junior League of Phoenix, Harvest Compassion Center, and Special Olympics. She carries that passion into her professional work, and is honored to be part of the team at Scottsdale Providence, playing a part in helping those in her community as they begin and continue along their healing journeys.

Logan was born and raised in Scottsdale Arizona where he attended Chaparral High School and played baseball for the Firebirds. After graduating high school in 2007 he attended Arizona State University, during this time his own struggles with drugs and alcohol came to the forefront. Many years of ups and downs would follow eventually leading to family intervention and treatment in Southern California in 2011. This background of lived experience, over 12 years working in the field of drug and alcohol treatment and a dedication to help others find their way out of a seemingly hopeless situation. Logan works both in admissions and outreach here at Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center, he uses this background to understand each intimate and unique detail for every client he helps start the journey to recovery.

Elisa has been in the Behavioral Health field since 2013. She started as a tech, moved her way up to Case Management and Life Coaching. Through the years she realized her true purpose is helping others see recovery is possible. With her experience she decided to move into Admissions. She is peer support certified and is pursuing a degree in Counseling and Applied Psychological Sciences at ASU.

Jessica has over a decade of experience in the behavioral health field. She begun working in behavioral health in 2012. She has experience in working with both adolescents as well as adults battling mental health and substance use. She has spent her time working in Arizona at nationally recognized treatment centers. She has a drive to advocate for those seeking mental health and substance abuse treatment. She has first hand experience with family members struggling with substance abuse as well as mental health. She has a passion for providing knowledge and resources to all individuals seeking treatment.

Todd began working in the behavioral health field in 2015 facilitating groups catering to substance abuse recovery (12-Step/ disease model) and family of origin dynamics (CoDA). Todd’s personal recovery journey began in 2012. He credits his Higher Power along with the power of the 12-Steps for his abundant blessings and full life today. He is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, is married, and lives in Phoenix with his wife and three four-legged children; Regal Beagle, CJ Beagle, and Lucy Fox Terrier. Todd earned his Bachelors in Journalism/Mass Communication from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School, and his Masters in Public Relations from the University of Phoenix. Todd’s role as the Utilization Director affords him the ability to advocate for the clients/residents of SPRC so their insurance benefits can be maximized. Todd builds solid rapport with insurance company clinicians so they see the human side of behavioral health care management; not just a case number with a name and birthdate attached to it. The result? Lengthy treatment episodes stay at each of the facility’s levels of care (AMB Detox/ RTC/ PHP/ IOP/ OP) so the treatment team can comprehensively address each client/resident for their unique needs. Todd has been with SPRC since April of 2019.

Nicole is the billing director at Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center. Nicole has worked in behavioral health for eight years and has experience working in operations and direct client care. Nicole has been in the billing department for four years and is responsible for all patient billing and insurance processing for Scottsdale Providence. Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge in obtaining the highest level of reimbursement for struggling families and works closely with our utilization review department on all covered services.

Shawn has worked in the behavioral health field for over 20 years and brings a wealth of personal experience, having sobered up himself in 1988 at the age of 17. As one of Scottsdale Providence’s co-founders, he is deeply committed to each client’s success and has extensive experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He offers ongoing support and serves as a bridge connecting clients to the larger recovery community – helping clients build relationships that will support them long after they leave treatment. He is a staunch believer that anyone suffering from addiction can recover and takes pride in watching people recreate their lives.

Taliah has years of experience as a compassionate client advocacy specialist helping people find lasting recovery. Her favorite part of working in behavioral health is when a client experiences their first major breakthroughs and are filled with hope for their life again. She works as a personal guide to help clients and their families face the hurdles and struggles of the recovery process. She has unique expertise in navigating the behavioral health system and continues to build trust and relations with our alumni that endure long past their time in treatment.