THE SCOTTSDALE PROVIDENCE TEAM
Daniel Nichols, LCSW
Shawn Mikiska
Alex Porter
Taliah Tsunis
Dr. Steven J. Locnikar
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
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.
Keren Poirer, LCSW
Keren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who received her Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA. Keren is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist through The International Association of Trauma Professionals. Keren is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is working towards certification. In addition, Keren has received specialized training in utilizing EMDR with complex trauma and dissociative disorders as well as utilizing EMDR with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Keren has worked in the field of addiction for over 9 years and is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Utilizing techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Keren is able to provide support and practical feedback to help her clients effectively address personal life challenges. Keren works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth necessary for their recovery.
Caitlin Belvin, MOTR/L
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.
Kara Thomas, LPC
Brittany Coppelli, LAC
Dr. Carl Schwartz
Chelsey Valeri, LMSW
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.
Beth Freese
Beth is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who received her Masters in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Beth is a certified EMDRIA therapist trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. She is also trained in biofeedback as a HeartMath® Trained Facilitator.
Beth has worked in the metal health and substance use field for nearly a decade. She also specializes in treating chronic pain co-occurring with substance abuse. Beth believes each person has the ability to heal from challenging experiences and is passionate about helping those on their journey of healing and self-discovery.
Karen Geyer
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.
Max Steele
Michelle Sheydayi
Kyle McLean
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.