THE SCOTTSDALE PROVIDENCE TEAM

At Scottsdale Providence, we have assembled a world-class team of seasoned, compassionate, and trained professionals. We bring a combined 120 years of experience in the treatment industry and have helped countless people on the road to lasting recovery. We are more than clinicians, case managers, and counselors. Each member of our team shares an abiding commitment to every client that comes through our door. At Scottsdale Providence, our work is motivated by a genuine desire to connect people with real solutions – so they can live the lives they’ve always wanted.

Daniel Nichols, LCSW

Clinical Director, Co-Founder

Dan’s vision for Scottsdale Providence is a result of over 15 years of experience in behavioral health and substance abuse treatment as well as 24 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.

Shawn Mikiska

Clinical Operations Director, Co-Founder

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 Tsunis

Chief Administrative Officer, Co-Founder

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.

Alex Porter

Chief Operations Officer

Alex has a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Psychology and Sociology from Arizona State University. He has over 8 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. Steven J. Locnikar

Medical Director

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.

Faith Carroll, RN, NP

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Faith is a Licensed Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who received her Masters In Nursing at Regis College in Weston, MA. She has a Bachelor in Nursing from Framingham State University in Framingham, MA. Faith realized her passion for Nursing on her first day working at an assisted living facility in her early twenties. After earning her diplomas, she worked as a head nurse at an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Additionally, her professional experience includes working in a subacute setting with patients with substance use disorders as well as in outpatient settings providing psychiatric evaluations, medication management services, and psychotherapy to clients with a wide range of mental health concerns.

As a member of the Neuroscience Education Institute, Faith stays current with evidence-based medication options, as well as the latest in emerging research regarding the art and science of psychiatry. Her specialty areas include substance abuse, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar spectrum disorders, ADHD, and childhood trauma resulting in PTSD. Faith feels extremely blessed and grateful for the opportunity to work in the recovery field and finds it an extremely rewarding and enriching experience. She credits her Higher Power and 12-Step programs for her ability to discover and pursue her passion for Psychiatric Nursing.

Caitlin Belvin, MOTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Caitlin is a Licensed Occupational Therapist who received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. She has a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from Florida State University. Caitlin has worked with adult behavioral health clients for over 6 years in a variety of inpatient and residential recovery settings. She has specialized training in providing sensory based trauma-informed care interventions to assist clients in their ability to self-regulate and manage their emotions.

Caitlin uses an empathetic approach to support clients in improving their health and quality of life through participation and engagement in meaningful occupations (education, play, leisure, work, social participation, activities of daily living [ADLs], instrumental ADLs, sleep and rest) within a variety of environments, such as school, home, work, and the community. She is committed to providing individualized care that promotes sustainable recovery, resiliency, and independent functioning to help her clients live full and productive lives.

Karen Geyer, LMSW

Primary Therapist

Karen is a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) who received her Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Newman University in Colorado Springs in 2012. Karen is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Her clinical scope extends to trauma therapy for PTSD, substance abuse, codependency, anger management, grief therapy and military counseling. Her previous experience includes working as an individual and group therapist at Desert East Counseling, Dynamic Living Counseling and The Meadows Wickenburg.

Karen has 8 years of experience as a collaborative service-driven therapist. She is able to assist her clients to process through unresolved issues, uncover underlying narratives from their own experiences and adapt with positive new skills to a new way of living.

Chelsey Valeri, LMSW

EMDR and Somatic Experiencing® Therapist

Chelsey is a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) who received her Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Case Western Reserve University in 2016. Chelsey is a certified EMDRIA therapist trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. She is also trained in advanced modalities of trauma therapy including Somatic Experiencing® and NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM).

Chelsey has been a compassionate healer for over 8 years utilizing a highly effective multi-modal approach to therapy. She is able to assist her clients in discovering the origin of presenting challenges and work towards changing self-destructive patterns while moving into emotional healing.

Brittany Coppelli, LPC

EMDR and Trauma Therapist

Brittany Coppelli is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Arizona. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. Brittany has worked in the behavioral health field for 7 years. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist through the Arizona Trauma Institute and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as well intermediate level somatic experiencing (SE). Her clinical practice draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Play and Art Therapy.

Adaiah Gooden, LASAC

Primary Therapist

Adaiah is a Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor with over 17 years of experience in behavioral and social services. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Georgia State University and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Argosy University in 2002. Adaiah has worked in various inpatient and outpatient settings focusing on substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. She also has expertise in working with adults with severe mental illness (SMI) and survivors of all forms of trauma including child abuse, domestic and sexual violence. Adaiah utilizes a blended approach with techniques of Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Stages of Change and Mindfulness to assist her clients in their recovery process.

Emily Hansen, LAMFT

Primary Therapist

Emily is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Arizona and a Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy from University of San Diego. Her clinical experience is working with children, adolescents, adults and families in inpatient and outpatient settings. She has additional training in CBT, DBT and treatment for eating disorders. She is committed to providing individualized and patient-centered care. Emily operates from a position of empathy and curiosity to create a safe space for a client’s change and growth.

Jillian Turner, LAC

Primary Therapist

Jillian is a Licensed Associate Counselor who received a Master of Science in Counseling degree from the University of Phoenix. Jillian is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Her previous experience includes individual and group facilitation in outpatient programs for substance abuse, anger management, CBT and domestic violence. She takes a compassionate approach with the understanding that each client’s process of addiction and recovery is unique.

Denise Aguilera, LAC

Primary Therapist

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.

Dr. Carl Schwartz

Therapist, Neurofeedback

Since 1977, Dr. Carl Schwartz has been helping people live happier and more fulfilling lives. During that time he has created a method that merges spiritual, psychological and neurolinguistic models. Dr. Schwartz has a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bachelor of Science in Political Science from California State Los Angeles. He has a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Southern California and a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from Northern Arizona University. He also has a Doctor in Philosophy in Human Sexuality from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality. He has advanced training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Hypnotherapy, and Biofeedback. He is also trained in Mindfulness Practices, Solution Focused Approaches, and the Eastern practices of Time, Space and Knowledge.

Ciara Shoptaw

Medical Manager

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.

Michelle Sheydayi

Director of Referral Relations

Michelle has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University and has worked in the behavioral health field since 2017. She practices a philosophy of compassion and open-mindedness when working with individuals suffering with addiction and mental illness. She is passionate about serving as a client advocate and working with families in crisis to navigate treatment options. Her previous roles include Director of Outreach and Admissions at Camelback Recovery and Community Liaison at Calvary Healing Center. She is an asset to the Scottsdale Providence team through her experience of being a woman in long-term recovery from co-occurring disorders.

Freddy Saenz, BA

Intake Therapist

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 18 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.

Kyle McLean

Case Manager

Kyle received a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from W.P. Carey School of Business with a Minor in Psychology from Arizona State University. After starting his personal recovery journey in 2017, he decided to pursue working within the healthcare field. He entered the field in 2018 where he began his journey as a behavioral health technician and direct client care staff.

Finding a love of working with clients individually, he began to explore other roles such as client advocate, nutrition specialist, and finally settling into his current role as a case manager for Scottsdale Providence. As a case manager, Kyle works with clients to identify and develop individual goals and assists them throughout the entire phase of their treatment including discharge planning and aftercare. Kyle assists clients with needs such as connection to community resources, housing, financial, medical, legal and employment issues as well as serving as a liaison for family members, attorneys and probation officers.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

If you are serious about getting sober and staying sober then look no further! This is not corporate and they are not after your money! Each and every person at Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center truly cares about you and wants the best for you. Not only do you get the best one on one care possible you will also learn how to stay sober. They are by your side from beginning to end. They saved my life!

Megan C.
Scottsdale Providence was awesome. It's like family there, they work with you and with your family with such personal care. They also work with your insurance no matter what, they have such a beautiful house in North Scottsdale and an awesome Treatment Center with a staff that is well-educated in the matters of alcohol and drugs so if you want to get sober and stay sober this is the place to be.

Randy P.
I came to SPRC after leaving a very overpopulated treatment facility in California. They picked me up from the airport and immediately took me into their facility. I was positive I didn't fit in there, I fought them through thick and thin, but they never gave up on me and made me feel apart of their family. I would absolutely recommend SPRC to anyone that is looking to get sober and a new beginning at life.

BillyJo S.
Not only do they give you the tools to stay sober but they also provide support and guidance the day you walk out those doors. I'm grateful to have found a recovery center that's not a corporate sell out and a group of owners that are present and involved in our road to sobriety every day we spend here. Once again thank you SRPC and showing me no matter how bad I destroyed every aspect of my life at the end of the day I do deserve to live a life in sobriety.

John S.