At Cottonwood Tucson we are grateful to have been able to gather, from across the country and around the world, a group of uniquely talented individuals who have hundreds of years of combined experience in the treatment of behavioral health disorders. Please take some time to meet these highly trained and seasoned clinicians, many of whom are leaders in their fields. A number of our medical and program staff currently hold faculty positions at area colleges and universities, including the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Even as important as our professional qualifications, many of our addiction treatment professionals and clinical staff have felt the same pains and problems you or your loved one may now be experiencing. Some of us have suffered from depression, alcoholism, drug addiction, co-dependency, trauma, and other issues. For each of us, our greatest growth has come through facing our pain and learning the skills necessary to successfully overcome it. Through confronting and understanding the problems in our lives through addiction services or co-occurring disorders treatment, we have become happy, confident people. Our personal successes in recovery are a direct result of the ongoing effort each of us has put into developing the attitudes, beliefs and values that bring wholeness to our lives. Our hard work in the recovery process has been rewarded with contentment, balance and joy, and we are eager to share the benefits of our hard-won insight with you. Those of us who work at Cottonwood believe that nowhere in the world is there a better place to make the discovery of a happier, more productive you.
Chief Executive Officer
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2024
Jennifer Stokes joins Cottonwood Tucson as Market CEO from UHS’s Palo Verde Behavioral Health Hospital where she served as CEO prior to Kindred Behavioral Health where she served as CEO for start-up behavioral health hospitals in Las Vegas and Phoenix, as well as enhancing behavioral health services for a hospital in Washington State. Prior to this, she was the CEO for a start-up hospital with New Vista Behavioral Health. Stokes has served in various leadership roles for inpatient and outpatient and was also previously with UHS as Director of Operations for a behavioral health hospital in the Phoenix market. She is an Independently Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University. Jenn has over 20 years’ experience in the behavioral health industry. Her education and experience in the field have influenced her patient-centered approach.
Chief Operations Officer
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2020
Melissa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Toledo, after which she went on to pursue a Master’s of Social Work degree from Arizona State University. Melissa is also trained in level 2 EMDR therapy and has worked in administrative-level positions at residential and inpatient psychiatric hospital settings. She has also provided mental health and trauma therapy while working for the Department of Defense. Melissa had the opportunity to work in the majestic Chugach mountain range in Alaska in a substance-using disorder center; it was at this time she became impassioned to help individuals struggling with addictions. Given that Melissa has such diverse experiences related to the field of addiction and trauma, she brings a broad approach to the treatment and sustained recovery at Cottonwood, which she feels looks different for each individual. She has a deep appreciation for the different realms of thought regarding the treatment of addiction and trauma, which makes each person’s approach to treatment at Cottonwood more individualized to their needs. Melissa is committed to carrying on the high-quality therapeutic modalities attached to the Cottonwood name over the years, in addition to upholding the high-quality values of the clinical department.
In Melissa’s spare time, she enjoys getting to know the Tucson community with her family and exploring the beauty and wonder the desert has to offer.
Director of Clinical Services
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2023
Stefanie is originally from Brooklyn, NY, and moved to Tucson to obtain her BA from the University of Arizona. Stefanie achieved her Master of Social Work degree from New Mexico State University. Remembering her experience in Tucson from her undergraduate studies, Stefanie returned to Tucson and has loved residing in the Old Pueblo for over 30 years. Stefanie is an experienced therapist, having provided therapy to children, teenagers, and adults throughout her career. She has experience across various settings including residential treatment, outpatient, and as an administrator for three AHCCCS health plans. Her experience covers both acute and long-term care. She has worked both in direct care and administrative positions over the past 30 years. In her last position, as Clinical Director at MHC Healthcare, she oversaw multiple BH teams throughout the county, including programs in Employment, Housing, and the First Responders team. Stefanie enjoyed providing therapy to First Responders and their family members using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Cognitive Processing Therapy, and other modalities. Stefanie is the proud mom of an adult daughter and enjoys spending time with friends and going to movies and sporting events.
Director of Risk Management
Director of Risk Management
Chief Medical Officer
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2019
Dr. Wilson earned his medical degree from Tulane University in 2007. Following graduation from medical school, he completed his Psychiatric residency at Tulane University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and subsequently served as the Chief Resident of Psychiatry in that department from 2010 to 2011. Dr. Wilson has held many key leadership positions including serving as President of the Arizona Psychiatric Society, Medical Director of Valley Hospital, Medical Director of Sonora Behavioral Health, and most recently as the Chief Medical Officer of Sierra Tucson. Dr. Wilson’s extensive clinical experience and his focus on providing the highest level of individualized care make him a great fit here at Cottonwoon Tucson.
Chief of Medical Services / Nurse Practitioner
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 1991
A member of Cottonwood’s nursing/medical team for over 25 years, Tab received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Arizona followed by a Master of Science degree in Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner training at the University of Phoenix. He is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner – Certified by the State of Arizona. When he can, Tab likes to take off to the great outdoors and is a nationally recognized archer.
Chief Nursing Officer
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2005
Maria started her journey with Cottonwood Tucson in 2005 after completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Arizona. She worked her way up as a patient care facilitator before being promoted to Lead Patient Care Facilitator. In 2008, Maria became a Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Instructor and began training all Cottonwood staff on verbal de-escalation techniques and the power of maintaining calm, grounding energy when working with patients in crisis.
In 2009, Maria was promoted to Milieu Manager of the Sweetwater Adolescent Program at Cottonwood Tucson, where she was mentored by the Director of Nursing for seven years. During her time on the Sweetheart Unit, Maria discovered her passion for management and learned invaluable skills in maintaining a non-reactive and empathetic approach when dealing with challenging adolescents.
After much contemplation, Maria made the decision to return to nursing school to continue working as a clinical nurse at Cottonwood. After earning her RN license, Maria worked at a Level 1 Trauma Center in the Emergency Department to gain new graduate skills while continuing to work at Cottonwood in a staff development role and as charge nurse. She has since returned in a full-time capacity as the Director of Nursing. Maria strives to inspire the team and patients through motivational encouragement and compassionate leadership.
During her free time Maria enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, and spending time with her husband and dogs.
Director of Business Development at Cottonwood Tucson
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2000
As Cottonwood Tucson’s Director of Business Development, Musomi McDowell brings over 18 years of experience providing multi-level leadership. He possesses a unique skill set in fostering lasting collaborative professional relationships and building new strategic connections. He has a thorough grasp of ethics and utilizes the most effective sales skills that work for the evolving needs of clients and the industry as a whole.
Musomi’s tremendous reputation of integrity and professionalism precedes him on a national and international level. Referents and other treatment programs trust him because of his sincerity, industry knowledge, and complete understanding of clinical issues, treatment modalities, and levels of care. Musomi’s philosophy of client care is exemplified by the following quote, “I am a passionate advocate for quality of care. Cottonwood Tucson embodies the quality of care on every level. Through a client-centered treatment approach, Cottonwood Tucson represents a nurturing reservoir of safety through which clients can embark on a journey of transformative healing launching each individual onto a new, clear path of life armed with effective coping mechanisms.”
Director of Plant Operations
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 1993
Since 1993, Ken has served as a member of the maintenance staff and was previously the assistant director. He is currently the director of plant operations, which includes maintenance, housekeeping, and grounds. Ken’s vast knowledge of why things break and how to fix them is a result of his diverse work history: his experiences in a drug store, asphalt plant, commercial and home construction, woodworking shop, pure-bred hog farm, casket factory, cabinet shop, and here at Cottonwood all help him keep things running.
Ken was born and raised in Iowa. He lived all over the Midwest before heading south to Tucson with his family in 1993. He and his wife have three adult children and four grandchildren, as well as a few dogs to keep them busy.
Executive Chef
Executive Chef
MD - Psychiatrist
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2024
Dr. Canelos is an adult psychiatrist who completed an advanced training fellowship in perinatal and reproductive psychiatry. She is a Tucson native and a fluent Spanish speaker. Following over a decade of work as a professional ballerina, Dr. Canelos completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles before earning her medical degree at Boston University. Her training at Massachusetts General Hospital includes extensive experience working at the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health. Dr. Canelos has publications related to women’s mental health, including mood disorders and substance use during pregnancy. Dr. Canelos’ goal is to collaborate with patients in accomplishing their treatment goals together.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2022
Amanda is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over twenty-five years of leadership experience working in the behavioral health community. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Walden University. This is where she also earned her Master of Science in Nurse Practitioner studies. Amanda prides herself on being service-minded, flexible, and invested in evidence-based practice. She is a passionate advocate for the mentally ill, drug-addicted, and alcohol-addicted population. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys experiencing different cultures through traveling and spending time with her husband and four children.
Nurse Practitioner
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2020
Damon initially received his medical training serving his country as a U.S. Navy Corpsman. He completed his education in physician assistant studies at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles California. He then served in the United States Public Health service as a commissioned officer Lieutenant junior grade physician assistant.
Damon has over 27 years of experience as a PA. He has worked in the behavior health and addiction medicine field in some capacity for more than 15 years and is certified by the National Commission of Physician Assistants.
He believes optimum health involves treating people physically mentally and spiritually.
Physician Assistant
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2020
Emily is a Board Certified Physician Assistant, having earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University followed by her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Northern Arizona University. She has been practicing in Arizona for three years and has a wide array of experience in multiple unique clinical settings, ultimately deciding to specialize in Psychiatry. Emily is an Arizona native, born and raised in Scottsdale and moved to Tucson to further her career by joining the provider group at Cottonwood Tucson. She works in direct collaboration with Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Aaron Wilson, to provide high quality care to our patients, and enjoys being part of the collaborative approach utilized at Cottonwood.
Physician Assistant
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2024
Tommy is a highly qualified Physician Assistant with a bachelor’s degree in physiology from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. With a career spanning acute psychiatric care, emergency medicine, and telemedicine, Tommy brings a wealth of experience to the field.
Physician Assistant
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2024
Brittany specializes in trauma, co-occurring eating disorders, and addiction medicine. She is passionate about the role nutrition plays as related to mental health and using non-prescription management remedies. When not working, Brittany enjoys reading, traveling, and hiking with her three dogs.
Physician Assistant
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2024
A Tucson native, Stephanie works with patients struggling with trauma, PTSD, and addiction. She has an extensive background in trauma, including trauma surgery and acute psychiatric stabilization. Stephanie has valuable clinical experience in both outpatient and inpatient acute medical settings, before finding her passion in psychiatry. She is an avid equestrian and loves spending time with her multitude of animals, and her husband.
Trauma Therapist
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2020
Bonnie is originally from the mountains of North Carolina and has been a resident of Tucson for more than 10 years. Her career began in art education teaching art in the school system and within the community. She learned through teaching art that the expression and processing of emotions is incredibly important. Bonnie then pursued her Master of Social Work to become a therapist. She holds a Master’s of Social Work from Arizona State University and has provided therapy to children, teenagers, and adults throughout her career. Bonnie has been a primary mental health therapist at Cottonwood in the past and is now a trauma specialist. She specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in her therapy practice, along with brain-spotting, inner child, and parts work. She also focuses on PTSD and dissociative disorders, including Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), and works on an individual’s strengths to propel them toward healing. Bonnie is passionate about connecting people with their core, true selves and beginning a healing journey that brings inner peace as well as a positive sense of self.
Primary Therapist
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2020
Native New Yorker Meredith L. Cohen comes to Cottonwood with over twenty years of experience in the behavioral health field. Meredith earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hunter College in New York City and her Master’s degree in social work from New York University’s Shirley Ehrenkranz School for Social Work. When Meredith moved to Arizona, she became a licensed clinical social worker. Meredith has a strong commitment and affinity for people who struggle with addiction and she has dedicated much of her career to assisting individuals navigate their behavior heath and addiction challenges. Meredith has worked in traditional settings such as behavioral health agencies, and rehabilitation centers, and non-traditional settings such as prisons and schools. Meredith specializes in treating mood and substance abuse disorders, utilizing an emotion-focused, strength-based, person-centered, rational, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed therapy approach. Meredith specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Therapy (DBT.)
Primary Therapist
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2021
Laura is a Tucson native who will graduated from Arizona State University in 2022 with a Master of Social Work. Her primary interest is in addiction, attachment theory, and trauma recovery. Laura utilizes a holistic approach when working with clients.
Since 2021, Laura has been both an intern and a counselor at Cottonwood Tucson where she provides individual patient support, group facilitation, and psycho education. Laura has experience as an on-line crisis counselor, courtroom victim advocate, and has 15 years working directly with adolescents and families in a health and wellness setting.
Most recently, Laura worked as a clinical research assistant, analyzing protective factors in early recovery for mothers participating in medication-assisted therapies.
Laura believes recovery is possible for anyone and uses a strength-based model to support clients in tapping into their own strengths and internal resources. Using techniques in mindfulness, cognitive theory, and recovery principles to collaborate with clients in supporting treatment goals. Laura is a firm believer that sometimes life is best managed one breath at a time.
Primary Therapist
Tiffany is a second-generation Tucson native who grew up on a cattle ranch just outside of the city. Tiffany graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Social Work and from Fordham University in New York with her Master’s in Social Work. During her career Tiffany has worked in multiple countries, including Mexico, Haiti, and several countries in East Africa. She has presented both nationally and internationally on the importance of the early developmental years and the cost of trauma. With over 15 years of experience in the field she has worked with children, families, and individuals at all stages of life. Her primary focus and training specialize in stress and anxiety related disorders, especially with regards to other helping professionals, i.e., therapists, teachers, medical providers, etc. and trauma, particularly related to PTSD and early childhood abuse/neglect. She also has significant experience working with personality disorders, LGBTQ+, cultural and racial issues and all substance use with a focus on alcohol disorder. Tiffany employs a strength based, person centered, neuroscience supported, whole health approach while utilizing nervous system regulation, somatic work, CBT, MI and psychoeducation. She believes in the inherent strength of each person, and that as the therapist it is her role to support the client, as they connect again to that strength to bring about the changes they want in their lives.
In her free time Tiffany enjoys spending time with her four amazing children, three of which are adults, with the youngest in high school. She also enjoys skiing, sailing, snorkeling, yoga and constantly learning about the brain and mental health. She is an avid traveler who has been to over 26 countries and is always looking forward to her next trip.
Trauma Therapist / EMDR / CST- L2
Member of Cottonwood since 2023
Stephanie Speake is a native Tucsonan; she received her master’s in clinical counseling from Prescott College with an emphasis in somatic and ecotherapy. Stephanie brings with her over 20 years in the health and wellness field as a licensed somatic therapist who specializes in rehabilitative massage and Yoga therapy. Stephanie is proud to have served with the county attorney’s office in Arizona as a victim advocate working alongside law enforcement and helping others on both sides of the line. Stephanie integrates various methodologies into her sessions.
She works from a trauma-informed, present-centered, creative, and holistic approach to populations struggling with Mood, and attachment. PTSD, substance abuse, and ADHD use a variety of personalized somatic, CBT, REBT, movement, art, and music therapies for the best treatment outcome possible. Stephanie’s fun fact, she spent 10 years in the entertainment industry working as a camera assistant in television and motion pictures before settling down, marrying, and having a family. Stephanie is a life adventurer, passionate about the recovery community, and looks forward to supporting you on this journey of wellness..
Therapist II
Therapist II
Somatic Experiencing and Tension and Trauma Releasing Yoga
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2021
Mayra believes in the brain and the body’s natural capacity to heal. She takes what she has learned from spiritual teachers, mentors, professional training, and her intuition, and weaves them into her work with individuals.
Mayra graduated from the University of Arizona in 2011 with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Mayra is a provisional Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, a Certified TRE® Provider (tension and trauma releasing exercises), as well as a Certified Yoga Teacher RYT200. She is a body-informed, trauma-informed provider, and offers a HAES (health at every size) approach. Her experience includes working with individuals struggling with trauma, eating disorders, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and attachment ruptures, in residential, PHP, and IOP levels of care. She holds space for individuals as they begin to shift out of a fear-driven brain, guiding them toward increasing their resiliency and natural resources.
Family Program Counselor
Family Program Counselor
Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2022
Charles Gillispie, MFA, LISAC, CSAT is a licensed independent substance abuse counselor and a certified sex addiction therapist. He has published articles describing his work in Addiction Professional, Arizona Together, Journal of Poetry Therapy, and Labyrinth Pathways. Charles has received grants from the Arizona Commission on the Arts and the Pima Arts Council supporting his work with creativity and addiction treatment. His first book of poems, The Way We Go On, was published by the Backwaters Press in 2010. It illustrates his values regarding counseling and recovery.
Yoga & Reiki Therapist
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2022
Natalie began her yoga journey as a way to reduce injuries for her running in 2002. She soon discovered that yoga brought peace and was hooked. She transformed with yoga and wanted to share that transformation with others! In 2011, she became a certified yoga instructor with the Yoga Connection, studying yoga, Sanskrit mantra, meditation, and the chakra energy centers with Priscilla Potter, Swami Maha-tarananda and JohnDennis Govert, Hapi Hara. She loved sharing and teaching yoga as a holistic wellness practice, not just for physical exercise. She taught at several studios around Tucson and dove deep into learning about why we do things and what makes us work.
Starting in 2014, she studied metaphysics, divine light meditation, and the aura energy field with Barbra Y Martin, clairvoyant metaphysical teacher; Dimitri Moriatis, metaphysical teacher; and the Spiritual Arts Institute. Starting in 2017, she studied Reiki Energy work with Reiki Master Janine Walters and in 2019 became a Reiki Master and opened her studio, Green Leaves Studio, using yoga, meditation & Reiki to heal others.
In 2021, Natalie became a certified metaphysician through the Spiritual Arts Institute and is continuing her training to become a Direct Divine Light Healer (completion date in 2025).
Natalie is passionate about holistic energy work, helping others and living a healthy balanced life. When she’s not doing yoga, she enjoys playing with her two children, date-nights with her husband, spending time with family and friends, dancing, running, hiking, camping, reading, playing guitar and singing!
Yoga Therapist and Craniosacral therapy
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2022
Shraddha is a wellness coach, spiritual healer, yoga, and meditation teacher. She leads individuals and groups on the path to explore, heal and transform their bodies, spirits, and lives. Her offerings have brought safety and refuge to many: Shraddha began teaching in 2005 and founded Mindful Yoga Studio Tucson in 2012. She offers an array of health and wellness services, including wellness coaching, mindfulness meditation, Hatha yoga, craniosacral therapy, and yoga therapy. She has a certification through the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching program, She is bilingual and has a bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in organizational management.
Yoga Instructor/Dietitian
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2010
Cathy has been with Cottonwood since 2010. Her main role is as a yoga instructor, however, when needed, she works as a dietitian as well.
Cathy was born and raised in Northwestern Arizona where she was heavily influenced by sports and her parents’ love of food and home-cooked meals. She attended the University of Arizona, David Lipscomb University, and a program certified through the Yoga Alliance where she received all her credentials. She brings 19 years of experience in the nutrition field (16 years in the hospital setting and 13 years at Cottonwood Tucson) and 14 years of yoga instruction. Her passions in evidenced-based research and the art of movement are felt in both her fields of practice. She empowers her clients to be curious and compassionate toward themselves as they navigate their long-term recovery and well-being. She is grateful to work at Cottonwood, as she gets to witness daily how the combination of yoga and the variety of staff and programs here lead to a beautiful, powerful, and well-rounded breakthrough. Outside of Cottonwood, Cathy is a mom to two amazing kiddos. She loves being with her family and friends, exploring the outdoors, as well as filling her introverted cup with her own yoga and meditation practice.
Specialty Counselor
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2014
George has been practicing law since 1983. In 1991, George became an active professional in mental and behavioral health, then became part of the Cottonwood team, bringing more than 33 years of recovery to the team. George’s mission is to “alleviate suffering wherever he encounters it.” George is currently the facilitator of two groups at Cottonwood: Total Recovery and Spirituality. He combines his own recovery, his legal practice, his work with The ManKind Project, and his work in the mental health field, along with poetry, literature, and expert facilitation to create compelling and memorable transforming experiences.
Specialty Counselor
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2020
Lilian sees the therapeutic process as a learning process. She is committed to supporting clients to achieve psychological growth and wellbeing by reviewing beliefs and attitudes, practicing awareness of behaviors, and developing resilience and communication skills. She is trained to work with cognitive-behavioral approaches (CBT) and with somatic approaches (SE), that include awareness of the body in the therapeutic process.
Lilian has earned a Master of Social Work degree from ASU, focusing on mental and behavioral health, a Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Arizona, focusing on health communication, interpersonal and intercultural communication, and a Master of Science from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro focusing on cultural paradigms of health and health systems. She is a native speaker of Brazilian Portuguese, who learned languages at an early age. She is prepared to work with clients who speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French.
Acupuncturist
Member of the Cottonwood team since 2022
Annette’s career in the healing arts began with her training and practice as a massage therapist. She practiced massage for six years and, during this time, she developed a sensitive and intuitive approach to healing. Annette has also spent time studying the social aspects of healing and illness. Acupuncture called to Annette because its treatments were very helpful to her personally and because she wanted to learn a more exacting and internal practice. Acupuncture seemed both very simple and quite complex – treating many issues of disease by inserting fine needles into points along meridian flows in the body. In addition to acupuncture, Annette has received training in herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha – practices that are all part of a long and diverse tradition of Asian medical tradition. Recently, Annette completed a DACM degree focusing on advanced treatment and research within an Integrative Medicine context. Annette feels honored to be a practitioner in this tradition and is grateful to many teachers who have found the patience to reach across cultures to share this knowledge.
Equine Director
Equine Director
Specialty Counselor
Kevin Lanoue, JD, OIX, CCST, LMT is an Organic Intelligence® practitioner based in Tucson, Arizona. Kevin integrates training in a variety of modalities along with mindfulness, nature-based practices, and experiential learning, to offer integrative support for mind, body, and spirit, beginning with the nervous system. Kevin believes that every body has the innate biological impulse towards organization, wholeness, and health, and that each person’s path to feeling better is unique. Kevin works with clients in individual and group settings, providing support for nervous system regulation and embodied systemic integration through the practice of supporting the good things that are already happening. His role is to support these processes as they are already present, and thereby expand the capacity for an individual’s unique expression of enjoyment, purpose, and self-fulfillment.
Dietitian
Member of the Clinical Team 2007-2018 and now rejoins in 2021
Lisa received a B.S. in Nutrition/Dietetics from the University of Arizona followed by a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Minnesota. She brings to Cottonwood more than 20 years of experience in nutrition counseling. Lisa empowers residents to explore and cultivate realistic and sustainable ways of eating to support recovery and emotional well-being. She has a passion for helping individuals find peace with food and their bodies.
Lisa has written articles for many publications including Family Circle, Shape, The Nest, and Arizona Together and was a contributing expert for the Conscious Cuisine Cookbook. She maintains membership in the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).
Specialty Counselor
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2014
Holly has been a professional psychotherapist for over 40 years. Her particular style of counseling has been influenced by a keen observation of the natural world, her humor and curiosity about human nature, a love for the arts, and a deep intuitive empathy. Holly has worked in a variety of psychotherapeutic settings as a counselor, program director, and clinical supervisor specializing in relationship issues, sexuality, addictions, and life transitions. She holds a Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in social work, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Certified Yoga instructor. In addition, she has done post-graduate work in art therapy and sand tray therapy. She lives in central Tucson with her husband, two dogs, and a cat, where she enjoys desert gardening, bird watching, painting and drawing.
Specialty Counselor
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2014
Rev. McDowell holds a B.A. degree in philosophy from Divine Word College in Iowa and an M.A. in philosophy from the University of New Mexico. He did further graduate study in philosophy and religious studies at the University of Oklahoma. He holds an M.A. degree in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University. He has done further graduate study in Jungian psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute in California. He has taught as an adjunct at the University of New Mexico, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Arizona in the field of Religious Studies. He was a Core Trainer at the National Drug Education Center at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in the early 1970s after working for Bernalillo County Mental Health Center running an adolescent drug abuse center in Albuquerque. The National Drug Education Center was a national training center for drug counselors established by the National Institute of Mental Health. He was chosen to be on a panel at Oxford University in England called the Oxford Round Table and has worked for Southwest Behavioral Health in Phoenix as a mental health counselor. He is pastor of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Tucson and served as co-chair of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance Community Action Team for several years.
Rev. McDowell hails from Vicksburg, Mississippi. He is married to Shirley J. McDowell and the father of five children and seven grandchildren.
Primary Float Counselor
Bio Coming Soon!
Mindfulness Instructor, Oxygen Advantage Breathwork, Somatic Experiencing & NeuroAffective Relational Model
Mindfulness Instructor, Oxygen Advantage Breathwork, Somatic Experiencing & NeuroAffective Relational Model
Residential Support Counselor & Patient Advocate
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2021
Thomas is a native of Detroit Michigan, but moved to the Los Angeles area, later making his way to Prescott and Show Low, Arizona, before finally ending up in Tucson in 2011. While on his own path to recovery, Tom looked into new career and educational opportunities. In 2014, he obtained an Associates of Arts in Social Services from Pima College, then decided to continue at the Arizona State University to obtain a Bachelor of Social Work in 2017. Currently, Tom is working on an LBSW.
For the last 10 years, he has been personally and professionally involved with relapse prevention techniques, including 12-step groups, SMART Recovery, Rational Recovery and mindfulness. Tom has also worked with veterans who struggle with homelessness, alcoholism, addiction, and serious mental illness. Tom’s passion is to assist individuals find their own recovery trail.
In his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym, walking Tumamoc Hill, and reading. Tom still likes to attend 12-step meetings, enjoys music and cooking; and takes joy in having a huge sock collection.
Clinical Scheduler
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2008
Leslie earned her Bachelor’s Degree with a double major in Business Administration and Equestrian Science from William Woods University, located in her home State of Missouri. Prior to 2020, she served on Cottonwood’s management team in various administrative roles. More recently, she moved to the Clinical Department where she puts together individualized daily schedule for each patient, and helps patients and their family members in planning their Family Program arrangements. She also has the pleasure of participating in various alumni events and staying in contact with alumni from across the globe.
Leslie started on her own journey in recovery on September 11, 1986. She is passionate about recovery and considers it a privilege to be a part of Cottonwood and see the gift of recovery in patients and their family members. When she isn’t at work she volunteers on a regular basis at the county animal shelter and other non-profit organizations. And when she isn’t working or volunteering, she can often be found happily spinning around the dance floor.
Alumni Coordinator
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2022
Geo is a Sonoran Desert native who moved to Boulder, Colorado to study Studio Art at The University of Colorado. He then pursued his culinary career after receiving an AS in Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena California.
Upon changing careers, Geo entered the field of Equine and has been working on a local ranch training horses along with property maintenance. His love for the outdoors and connecting with animals proved a new path more aligned with his core values.
Along with continuing his equine work, Geo has also been part of the Cottonwood Team since 2022 as a Lead Patient Care Facilitator after being a resident of Cottonwood in 2021, giving back, helping others, and sharing his experience for the benefit of others proved a healthy and joyous direction for himself and others around him.
Geo has a sturdy foundation for his recovery and wellbeing, rooted in Alcoholics Anonymous along with being active in the community while making ample time to spend in nature. His goal is to continue furthering his education in the Behavioral Health field while being a beacon of support in the Cottonwood Community.
“Laughter may not be the best medicine… however, it is a pretty good place to start.”
Outpatient Therapist
Rocio is originally from Nogales Sonora, Mexico and moved to Tucson in childhood. Rocio has lived in different parts of the country as well as overseas which has given her a broad cultural perspective. She obtained her B.S of Social psychology with a Human Development concentration from Parkville University and achieved her Master of Social Work with a Hispanic studies concentration from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2019. Rocio has worked with different populations including children, adolescents and adults throughout her career. Her experience includes providing direct care in both individual and group settings. She is trained in CBT,DBT, MI, MRT, CPT, ACT and EMDR. Rocio is a mother of 3 children and enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, reading and languages.
Outpatient Therapist
I was born and raised in Southern Arizona and attended Colorado Christian University to obtain my bachelor’s in psychology before continuing to Grand Canyon University for my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have always had a passion to help and educate others as I have made my way through my healing journey. I have worked with a wide range of clients from pre-teens experiencing divorce, loss, anxiety, and ADHD symptoms, to long-time veterans dealing with substance use, depression, PTSD, a lack of purpose, and many in between. My passion in counseling is to educate clients about how the nervous system functions and creates patterns in our lives that keep us feeling stuck. With the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Strengths-based Training, EMDR, boundary work, and somatic grounding tools, clients can become unstuck and experience joy in the journey. I teach my clients to have a toolbox full of useful tools during their recovery process. I have my toolbox and use a wide range of therapeutic modalities tailored to serve and empower each person I have the privilege of working with.
Outpatient Tech Manager/Family Program Assistant
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2019
Darlene was born in St. Louis, Mo., but has lived in many southern states and Arizona for 16 years. She is married to a therapist and pastor, Mike Simpson. They have four boys, two daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren, whom she adores.
Darlene has worked in the behavioral health field for the last seven years as a lead nursing assistant, lead tech, and more recently as the outpatient tech manager and family program assistant at Cottonwood. Before that, she has worked in pastoral ministries to underserved populations as co-pastor of First Church of God, Tucson, a role she continues today. Darlene has a strong desire to help those struggling with addictions and mental illnesses because of witnessing the devastation that it reaps in people’s lives. She extends that passion to helping family members of people suffering to have the proper equipment to assist in the recovery of their loved ones.
BA, ADV, CASAC, CAC Senior Clinical Outreach Specialist Northeastern Region
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2013
Dawn LaCarte is a dynamic passionate behavioral healthcare professional with over 25 years in the field. She has served in numerous capacities, in all treatment modalities including senior-level administration, therapist, business development, and interventionist.
An upstate NY native, Dawn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from the University at Albany-SUNY, where she pursued her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Dawn is an Advanced Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, Clinical Interventionist, Certified Recovery Coach, and Usui Reiki Master Teacher
Partnering with professionals and families to navigate the treatment landscape to connect them with the best level of care suited for the identified patients’ needs is where Dawn feels most rewarded. Dawn finds her work of establishing and maintaining relationships with referring therapists, psychiatrists, and physicians to be an honor and a privilege. She was drawn to Cottonwood based on its stellar reputation as a trusted industry leader in behavioral health, trauma, substance use, and mood disorders.
Outside of her career, Dawn enjoys spending time with her family and Chloe her Cavalier King Charles. As a person in long-term recovery, Dawn enjoys fellowshipping in the recovery community when she isn’t tending to her expansive flower garden.
Senior Intake Specialist
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2022
Melissa has worked in behavioral health for over three years, starting as a Behavioral Health Tech then transitioning to a Case Management role. She also brings an extensive medical background of over six years. Melissa has a passion for recovery and addiction treatment, she has assisted many people through various stages of recovery in a clinical and personal capacity. Melissa believes in the power of recovery and the amazing ways it can change a life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, traveling with family, and hiking.
Clinical Outreach Specialist
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2013
Dawn LaCarte is a dynamic passionate behavioral healthcare professional with over 25 years in the field. She has served in numerous capacities, in all treatment modalities including senior-level administration, therapist, business development, and interventionist.
An upstate NY native, Dawn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from the University at Albany-SUNY, where she pursued her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Dawn is an Advanced Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, Clinical Interventionist, Certified Recovery Coach, and Usui Reiki Master Teacher
Partnering with professionals and families to navigate the treatment landscape to connect them with the best level of care suited for the identified patients’ needs is where Dawn feels most rewarded. Dawn finds her work of establishing and maintaining relationships with referring therapists, psychiatrists, and physicians to be an honor and a privilege. She was drawn to Cottonwood based on its stellar reputation as a trusted industry leader in behavioral health, trauma, substance use, and mood disorders.
Outside of her career, Dawn enjoys spending time with her family and Chloe her Cavalier King Charles. As a person in long-term recovery, Dawn enjoys fellowshipping in the recovery community when she isn’t tending to her expansive flower garden.
Invitational Interventionist Intern
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2013
Aaron started working at Cottonwood in 2022 as a patient care facilitator. He often facilitates NA 12-step meetings and alumni events. Having multiple years in recovery he feels compelled to work with patients and support their road to recovery. Aaron often pulls from his journey through trauma to support patients from a trauma-informed lens. In addition, Aaron works as one of our sober living environment managers at the Hoyt House, men’s sober living. Teaching men how to have fun in recovery and build a healthy sober community.
Cottonwood Tucson Nursing Dept.
Cottonwood Tucson Nursing Dept.
Maintenance Technician
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 1998
Originally from Michigan, where he was the assistant manager of a manufactured home community for more than ten years, Chris relocated and started his Cottonwood career in September 1998. He started as the groundskeeper and transitioned into the role of maintenance. A fan of true crime and sports, Chris enjoys family gatherings and vacations.
Housekeeping Supervisor
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 1989
Born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Rosa started her journey at Cottonwood in June of 1989. From there, she worked her way up to lead housekeeper in 1992. In her spare time, Rosa enjoys Spanish soap operas, cups of coffee with friends, and loves going shopping.
Some of the things that keep Rosa at Cottonwood are her coworkers, as she has worked with so many amazing people over the years. She also loves the environment and loves that she gets to come to work on our campus every day.
Medical Office Manager
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2022
Born and raised in California, Deana moved to Arizona in 2004. She brings to Cottonwood more than ten years of behavioral health experience and feels blessed to work in an industry that helps people truly heal from addiction and work on their mental health.
In her spare time, Deana enjoys kickboxing as a stress reliever and exercise routine.
