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.

Tyler is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Tyler received his BS in Psychology from Arizona State University in 2015 and received his Master’s in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Clinical Counseling in 2019. Tyler has worked on every level of direct care for behavioral health systems since 2015 when he was a case manager for a community mental health center. Tyler is a board certified clinical supervisor.

Tyler finds passion in the recovery field based on his own experience with addiction. It ultimately brought him into the clinical mental health world. He began his recovery journey in 2008 and continues to practice on a regular basis. His therapeutic style is unique, focusing on the person-centered approach, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Crisis Intervention. He has worked with countless numbers of people and seen significant success throughout his career.

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.

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.

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, 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 (LISAC), fully trained in EMDR and a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist – Individual (CCTSI). 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. Sidenote: Lionel began his career as an intern with Scottsdale Providence 5 years ago and is thrilled to return!

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.

Caitlin is a Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC). Caitlin received her Bachelor’s in Neuroscience from the University of Nebraska and her Master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling from Grand Canyon University. After a long career in medical device sales, Caitlin was faced with her own struggles with drugs and alcohol. Caitlin is an alumni at Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center and got to experience the Providence Miracle first-hand in 2020. She has now made it her personal mission to give back what was so freely given to her and is dedicated to guiding clients toward lasting recovery and building a life they don’t want to escape from.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.