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.

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.

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.

Tesleah is responsible for developing and maintaining professional relations, marketing strategy, and brand awareness/expansion. However, she is most passionate about using her skills and resources to act as a community advocate for those who struggle with mental health and addiction issues, as well as their loved ones. She is a proud and active member of the recovery community as well as the behavioral health industry on both a local and national level. She has an Associate’s degree in psychology, and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She has always had a passion for leadership and feels very lucky to be able to apply her personal and educational interests to her career. Tesleah started as an admissions coordinator in 2016 and worked her way up to multiple leadership positions within Admissions and Business Development. She is also a proud mother of two and a proponent of holistic health and wellness.

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 self experience, over 12 years working in the field of drug and alcohol treatment in Southern California 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.

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.

Stephanie began working in the behavioral health field in late 2018 shortly following her graduation as a client here at Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center. Stephanie began her work in the field as a house manager for a local sober living where she grew to love helping others cope with the day to day life in early recovery. Stephanie began with Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center as a behavioral health technician in September of 2019 where she provided direct client care, growing in her enthusiasm for helping those who struggle with both substance abuse and mental health disorders. Stephanie facilitates substance abuse groups and oversees the individual needs of those in our supportive housing. Stephanie is also responsible for alumni gatherings and alumni recovery milestone recognition.

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 an Arizona native. She was born and raised in Tempe, AZ and graduated for Corona Del Sol High School. For the past seven years, she has worked at Community Bridges, mainly on their crisis unit. She has loved working in the psychiatric world. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in addition to eight years of psychiatric nursing experience before becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Although she has not personally struggled with addiction, her passion for substance abuse developed when she was affected by the disease of addiction in a loved one. She has been a member of Al anon since 2018 and is a proponent of 12-step programs. She loves working with people and takes an empathetic approach to helping them. When she is not working, Sabrina loves spending time with her family, two cats, and their beloved dog Crunch.

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 a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy with a specialization in the systemic treatment of addictions from Northcentral University. She has a bachelor of science in Nutrition from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing her PhD in Psychology. Nicole is a certified clinical trauma specialist in addictions and family (CCTS-A/F), and utilizes modalities including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Structural Family Therapy (SFT), and psychodynamic theory. Outside of clinical work Nicole enjoys staying active and spending time with her husband, daughter, and dog Minnie Moo.

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 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.

Keely Brannigan is a Licensed Associate Counselor in Arizona and Licensed Professional Counselor in Idaho. She holds a Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in somatic psychology from Prescott College. Keely specializes in trauma-informed care, mindfulness, attachment theory, somatic psychotherapy, trauma-informed yoga and movement therapy. She has extensive experience in individual and group psychotherapy with adolescents and adults. She has worked in residential treatment and private practice settings. In 2015 she completed a year-long training in somatic touch therapy from the Somatic Therapy Institute. She has 20-plus years of personal experience with vipassana meditation and advanced training and experience in integrating meditation and mindfulness into a clinical setting. In 2012 she completed the Yoga Alliance 200-hour yoga teacher training. Keely is completing a year long training in depth and transpersonal psychology from Polaris Insight Center in San Francisco, California.

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 14 years’ experience working in the behavioral healthcare system
in Arizona. Andrew’s previous experience includes peer support, case management, program management and development, healthcare compliance, quality assurance, licensing, accreditation, and individual and group psychotherapy. Andrew takes a client-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to therapy, integrating Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Crisis Intervention, and 15 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.

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.

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.

Sara is a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) who received her Masters in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California (USC) in 2016. Sara is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and many other psychodynamic therapies to provide tailored care to her clients. Her previous experience includes working as an individual and group therapist at the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health, Banner Hospital, and the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections. Sara has a passion for service and advocacy for mental health and special needs.

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 case management. During his time in case management, he discovered a passion for connecting with client’s families and support persons, often pulling from his personal recovery experience to help involve them in the treatment planning and aftercare process. He began to expand his network of community and provider resources, seeing the value of connecting clients with the most appropriate support for long term recovery. He then shifted into an admissions coordinator role, excited to bring his years of experience in direct client care to aid clients and their families in beginning their recovery journey.

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.

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.