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Our Team

Meet Our Team

Our staff community embodies the same beliefs and tenets we hold for clinical care: that individuals thrive and do their best growing when working alongside each other in a welcoming and committed environment. If you are looking for not only a job, but a place to belong, we’d love to hear from you.

Clinical Team

Megan Harrison, LMFT

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner

Megan Harrison is the Chief Executive Officer and a managing partner of the Anew Treatment Center. Megan has a wealth of clinical and managerial experience through her roles as a therapist, in clinical directorships, senior managing positions, and as president of a private consulting firm. She joined the Hanbleceya Treatment Center in 2014, igniting her passion to bring an informed systems approach to helping individuals and their families heal from current and generational effects of mental illness. Megan is eager to expand the reach of a therapeutic community system that has helped to heal thousands of individuals for more than 40 years by bringing a renewed and fresh approach to the Scottsdale area.

 

Megan joined active-duty service for the United States Navy in August of 2001. While on active duty, she supported deployment needs in the Middle East including efforts to support Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Following her honorable discharge in 2007, she supported government contract initiatives to develop employment opportunities for veterans transitioning from active-duty service into the civilian workplace. 

Karlyn Pleasants, PsyD

Chief Clinical Advisor and Managing Partner

For 25 years, Dr. Pleasants has helped create thriving therapeutic environments that have supported thousands of individuals and their families successfully build a life of self-management, health, and independence beyond the bounds of psychiatric diagnoses. She joined the Hanbleceya community in 1997 as a therapist, acquired the program in 2005 and co-founded the Hanbleceya Treatment Center, and has since dedicated herself to cultivating programs with a culture of belonging, hope, and sustainable change. She sees recovery and growth as a collective endeavor that relies on reciprocal support, promoting the belief that we thrive by receiving as well as giving back. Dr. Pleasants is considered one of the nation’s authorities on working with severe mental illness at the individual, sibling, and whole-family levels. And now, she is excited to bring her vast experiences and clinical skills to the Anew Treatment Center team.

James McCreary, LPC-S

Clinical Director

James McCreary is a highly experienced Mental Health Director and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. James also teaches part-time at NAU in their Applied Behavior program. With over 13 years of experience in the mental health field, James has dedicated his career to supporting individuals through compassionate care, evidence-based practices, and comprehensive mental health services. He is currently in his last two years of doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology and wants to complete psychological evaluations.

 

In his role as Mental Health Director, James has overseen the development and implementation of mental health programs, ensuring that services are aligned with the highest standards of clinical practice. He is skilled in leading multidisciplinary teams, providing clinical supervision, and fostering a supportive environment for both staff and clients. James’ expertise spans a range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma therapy utilizing EMDR and CPT, substance abuse, and crisis intervention.

 

James is passionate about advocating for mental health awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness for all individuals and has focused on veterans and adolescents. He is committed to continuous learning and professional development, regularly participating in workshops, training sessions, and conferences to stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field. James is dedicated to promoting mental well-being and empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives. In his free time, he volunteers at the local VFW. James enjoys hiking and golfing with friends and family in his free time. While James served 10 years in the military as a paratrooper and learned how to fly. James still skydives and flies when time allows.

Jennifer Holloway, LMFT

Senior Licensed Therapist

Jennifer Holloway is an Arizona Board licensed LMFT and Clinical Supervisor and received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from the University of Florida in 2016. Prior to working at Anew Treatment Center, Jennifer’s experience consists of working in both inpatient and outpatient clinical settings, providing individual, family, and group therapy, as well as teaching experience as a Counseling Adjunct Faculty with the Maricopa Community College system. She works from a strengths-based perspective and views each client through a systemic lens; her focus is on empowering clients and their families, providing them with opportunities to learn, grow, and implement positive coping strategies as they focus on their healing and building meaningful connection. While she has experience in working with individuals from all ages and backgrounds, her particular areas of expertise are family conflict, trauma, anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, and adjustment to life changes. 

Kayla Karesh, M.A.T., M.A.

Clinical Consultant

For over 20 years, Kayla has passionately served with warmth as a clinician and leader, supporting integrative innovation to care for the whole person (mind-body-spirit), the whole family, and the whole community. Kayla has held program director, clinical director, and executive director roles at various treatment programs, including 10 years of service and leadership in the Hanbleceya Community, where she supported the growth and expansion of the model and program. Kayla’s philosophy is to compassionately embrace the beauty of our lived stories and how they are held in our bodies, families, and communities. Kayla takes an integrative systems approach, promoting well-being by noticing and leaning mindfully into the subtle moments where we shift and grow, trusting the interconnectedness of all growth as spiritual empowerment, where we change ourselves and future generations through attunement, love, and forgiveness.  

Jessie Basile, LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor

Jessie is an associate-level therapist who received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver. Jessie’s approach to therapy is eclectic and based on the client’s needs, utilizing educational research and evidence-based learning practices. In addition, her approach is founded on warmth, empathy, and a genuine desire to fully understand her clients’ perspectives. She is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a deep passion for helping individuals in their mental health journey. Prior to joining the Anew Team, her clinical experiences focused on providing therapy services in an outpatient community-based setting. Jessie has worked with individuals of all ages, from adolescents to older adults. She has received extensive training in dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and collaborative assessment and management of suicidality. Jessie is an Arizona native and earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona. Currently, she is pursuing her licensing credentials with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.

Scott McCracken, MS, LAC

Licensed Associate Counselor

Scott McCracken is a native to Arizona as well as an Arizona Board Licensed Associate Counselor. Scott received his Master’s degree in Licensed Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University in 2020 and his Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice, Pre-Law from Northern Arizona University in 1995. Additionally, Scott holds certifications in Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). 

 

Prior to working at Anew Treatment Center, Scott’s experience consists of working in private practice for the past 5 years proving individual, family, and court ordered domestic violence and anger management groups. Mr. McCracken has also worked in group homes with the severely mentally ill (SMI) populations as well as working in a substance abuse outpatient treatment center serving the Native American populations from all over the country. Scott also has experience is facilitating teen, substance abuse, disc golf, and parenting groups. 

Jeff Thomas

Drum Therapist

Jeff is the founder of Impact Recovery and the creator of the LifeForce, Transformational Coaching program. He holds a BA in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and is a certified Recovery Coach, Performance Coach, Life Coach, and is Trauma Informed. Jeff is trained in the healing modalities of tai-chi, mindfulness, breathwork, and drum therapy. 

 

Jeff’s passion is coaching those struggling with mental health or co-occurring disorders. Jeff’s mission is to work with the families of those suffering from addiction to break the cycle of generational trauma. 

 

Jeff entered recovery in 2006 after a 15-year career as a professional musician where he now claims victory over codependency, C-PTSD, and love addiction. Jeff’s personal journey through addiction and recovery allows him to not only relate but also empathize with the challenges that one endures during the recovery process. He brings nonjudgmental acceptance along with a compassionate demeanor to meet his clients “where they are at” in the recovery process. Jeff strongly believes that each of us has a unique journey to recovery and works with his clients to discover their own paths by taking a holistic approach that focuses on mind, body, and spirit.

Barbara Meier-Conte

Yoga Instructor

Barbara has been in the fitness and wellness industry for almost 20 years, teaching and coaching fitness classes and guiding students through stretches, meditations, and yoga classes on three continents. Barbara recently completed her 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and is looking forward to sharing the benefits of yoga and meditation with her class participants and students. 

 

Originally from Switzerland, Barbara has been living in the United States since 1998 and landed in Arizona after (almost) seven years in Colombia. Her time in South America deepened her love for wellness and yoga and inspired her to complete the Yoga Teacher Training through Drishti Beats. 
 
She is very passionate about wellness, well-being, and mental health, having witnessed family members and friends suffering from mental-health-related challenges has only increased her passion and dream of sharing her passion with many.
Barbara hopes to deepen her knowledge by adding yin yoga, restorative yoga, and yoga for first responders to her toolkit in the near future.

Healthcare Team

Dr. Mona Amini, M.D.

Medical Director and Psychiatrist

Dr. Mona Amini combines a profound dedication to psychiatry with a unique blend of compassionate care and strategic healthcare management. Her credentials as a board-certified psychiatrist, enriched with an MBA, demonstrate her commitment to a holistic approach to mental health—one that harmonizes the individualized needs of her patients with the efficacy of modern healthcare systems.

 

With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of those she serves, Dr. Amini has steadfastly pursued the enhancement of patient outcomes. She is at the forefront of innovating mental healthcare delivery through her development of a concierge mental wellness practice, which offers a blend of treatments including medication management and personalized therapy.

 

In her role as CEO of Bumblebee Health, Dr. Amini is not just at the helm of a telehealth organization; she is also a pioneer advancing the scope of healthcare, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness in every facet of life. Her commitment to education and public advocacy ensures that the significance of mental health remains in the forefront of societal discourse.

 

Her investment in the growth and development of her colleagues, particularly in mentoring women in healthcare, fosters an environment of inclusion, support, and empowerment. Dr. Amini’s eloquent voice and thought leadership are not just guiding the conversation on mental wellness; they are defining it, paving the way for a future where mental health is understood, valued, and nurtured.

Jordan Whan, RN, BSN

Healthcare Program Manager

Jordan is a dedicated and compassionate nurse with a strong educational background from the Arizona College of Nursing. With years of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in various hospital settings, Jordan has developed a deep understanding of patient care and the complexities of the healthcare environment.
 
Transitioning to a Registered Nurse (RN), Jordan brings a wealth of hands-on experience and a commitment to improving patient outcomes. Her extensive background in nursing has equipped her with the skills to provide exceptional care, and she is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of her patients.
 
Beyond her professional commitments, Jordan enjoys a well-rounded lifestyle that includes reading, traveling, exercising, and spending quality time with friends and family. This balance of work and personal interests allows them to stay energized and focused, bringing a holistic approach to her caregiving.
 
As a nurse, Jordan is driven by a genuine passion for helping others and a belief in the difference compassionate care can make. She’s dedicated to continuous learning and professional development, ensuring she stays at the forefront of nursing practices to provide the best possible care for her patients.

Venessa Apodaca, CNA

Healthcare Program Coordinator

A devoted wife and mother of three, Venessa is a passionate advocate for healthcare. Her life is a harmonious blend of family, adventure, and a deep commitment to serving others. Whether exploring new landscapes or creating lasting memories with her loved ones, Venessa finds joy in both warm and cold weather adventures.

 

Venessa’s professional journey reflects her unwavering dedication to helping others. Beginning as a caregiver, she developed a profound understanding of patient care and compassion. This experience led her to roles as a health office assistant and a medical assistant, where she honed her skills in administering vitamin injections, removing IVs, calling in medication orders, and managing various medical tasks.

 

Recently, Venessa obtained her CNA license. This accomplishment further solidified her commitment to providing high-quality care. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, she gained invaluable insights into patient management, infection control, and effective communication.

 

Balancing her professional aspirations with her love for family and adventure, Venessa finds joy in every aspect of life. Driven by a passion for service and a desire to make a meaningful impact, she continues to enrich the lives of those around her.

Clinical Residential Team

Alyssa Rothermel, LAMFT

Clinical Residential Program Supervisor

Alyssa Rothermel is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Arizona State University in 2022. Alyssa strives to increase awareness of mental health diagnoses and help empower individuals and families through a systemic lens. Prior to her time working at Anew Treatment Center, Alyssa’s clinical experience consisted of providing therapy services in an outpatient setting, facilitating individual, group, and family therapy. Alyssa specializes in trauma-informed therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behavior modification. Alyssa is passionate and committed to helping individuals and families receive quality care within a therapeutic community environment. She believes support, connectedness, and honesty are aspects of growth and healing. Alyssa encourages individuals and families to share their stories in a safe cohesive environment, to learn from past experiences, and create mindful change. 

Liliana Hernandez

Sunrise House Chef

Liliana is a self-taught inspiring chef that brings a cultural twist to our kitchen. Liliana is born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and has lived in the United States for over twenty years. Liliana enjoys cooking for people she loves and cares about, it brings her an overwhelming joy of happiness and fulfillment. Her favorite dish to cook is enchiladas verdes! During Liliana’s free time, she enjoys being around her family, going on hikes and sightseeing new places around the world. 

Milieu Team

Katherine Wheaton

Director of Quality and Compliance

Katherine is a native of San Diego and was part of the Hanbleceya (now known as BrightQuest) San Diego team from July 2011-April 2022. Her roles at Hanbleceya/BrightQuest included 6 years as a Milieu Scheduling Manager and then 5 years in an Admissions Advisor role. She also facilitated a meditation/mindfulness group and a variety of addiction recovery groups. Katherine has been in recovery since 2011 and personally recognizes the ability and importance of clients being their own agent of change. Katherine brings over 30 years of organizational experience to Anew and is excited to return to a community rooted in core Hanbleceya values.

Gabi Buckley

Milieu Program Coordinator

For as long as she can remember, Gabi has always had a passion for helping others and driving change. She knew early on that her passion to be there for others would take her far, fulfilling the dream she had set in place, and that is exactly what she is doing. After completing her 200hr yoga teaching training, Gabi knew she wanted to bring more awareness to the mental health community by teaching yoga. Since then, her continuing education in Psychology at ASU and previous work experience in an outpatient office have given her the ability to shape the perspective of others and help them find their purpose in life. Through education and personal experience, Gabi hopes to help eliminate any judgment or stigma surrounding mental health and to be an advocate for those who suffer from mental illness. In Gabi’s free time, you can find her teaching yoga, reading, hanging out with friends, or traveling. 

Nutrition Team

Ursula Ridens, RDN, CEDRD

Registered Dietitian

Ursula Ridens is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 20 years of experience treating various medical conditions (digestive disorders, cardiovascular disease, etc.) and a wide range of mental health conditions including eating disorders. She graduated from San Diego State University cum laude in 1999 and holds additional credentials as a Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. Her career path has evolved over various settings including an acute care medical hospital Clinical Dietitian, hospital-based Outpatient Dietitian, residential eating disorder treatment program Nutrition Director, residential community-based mental health treatment center Lead Dietitian, and private practice consultant.

 

Ursula’s passion for connecting with clients and understanding their health goals is paramount in leading to positive outcomes. Her non-diet approach provides a unique look at lifestyle choices and self-care while supporting clients on a path toward peace with food and body. Changing eating and physical activity patterns can be overwhelming and daunting at times but through Ursula’s authentic, compassionate, and non-judgmental care clients take realistic steps towards improving their health and well-being.

Kristi Mollner, MS, RDN, CCTS-I

Registered Dietitian

Kristi Mollner is a dedicated registered dietitian nutritionist with over 17 years of experience. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master’s degree from Arizona State University, both in Nutrition. Additionally, she holds a certificate in Trauma Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist-Individual under the International Trauma Institute. Kristi has worked in a variety of settings, including behavioral health and public health, assisting hundreds of people through individual and group nutrition support. Her approach to care integrates the principles of nutrition and mental well-being, emphasizing resilience to help clients make sustainable, positive changes in their physical and mental health.

 

With a foundation rooted in trauma-informed best practices, Kristi offers compassionate, collaborative, and integrative nutrition services as an essential component of holistic mental health care. She believes in the power of resilience, empowering clients to harness their inner strengths to overcome life’s challenges and make lasting changes to their health. Her evidence-based nutritional guidance, combined with empathetic support, fosters an environment where individuals can thrive and achieve their wellness goals. Kristi’s commitment to promoting a balanced, healthy lifestyle through the synergy of nutrition and mental resilience underscores her mission to provide respectful, judgment-free care, advocating for intuitive eating approaches that help clients reconnect with their innate wisdom around food and body. She is thankful for the opportunity to guide others on their wellness journey

Gabrielle Dunlavey, MS, RD

Registered Dietitian

Gabrielle was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is a big fan of her state and really enjoys giving back to her community. She graduated with her master’s degree from ASU and has been working as a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders, disordered eating, sensory challenges with food, diabetes management, and digestive disorders among adolescents and adults. She is actively working towards her Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) certification. As a registered dietitian, who has worked in the healthcare field for a little over a decade, she has helped support many patients with the overwhelming task of navigating nutrition for each stage of life. She understands that every patient is different and will focus on their individual personality, strengths, and skills to increase food intake & variety.
 
Gabrielle’s personal relationship with food is an “all foods fit” approach while incorporating mindful eating and intuitive eating practices that is maintained long-term. Her passion is to empower her community to put themselves first and gain the knowledge and skills for a more balanced lifestyle. She will provide her patients with the science to increase their confidence in making educated bites. Gabrielle has spent the last 3+ years delving deep into what is influencing her community in regard to health, physical activity, and body image. Her mission is to provide nutrition education for adolescents, adults, and families that creates lifelong change. She strives to eliminate the “question marks” around nutrition and debunk the myths that circulate in society. Gabrielle cares about people, especially their stories, as their life experiences matter in how it has shaped them into who they are today. She is grateful for the opportunity to perform life-changing work. She celebrates and welcomes all walks of life as everyBODY is welcome.

Marketing & Admissions Team

Michaela Zermeno

Marketing/Admission Director

Michaela began her journey in therapeutic community treatment in 2014 and has helped hundreds of individuals develop the skills necessary for long-standing recovery and independence. She has managed various roles in her experience, including specialized activities of daily living training, academic and vocational plan development, and managing clinical and residential milieus. She thrives in creating community-bonding opportunities and has successfully developed and managed multiple events and programs designed to support clients and their families in building cohesion and connection. Michaela is thrilled to bring her extensive marketing and support of the treatment-entry experience to her new role as Marketing and Admissions Director at the Anew Treatment Center.

Aaron Johnson

Marketing Coordinator

Entrepreneurial at heart, Aaron Johnson has been deeply involved with start-ups since he was a child. As a Project Manager, Techie, and Marketing Strategist, Aaron helps entrepreneurs and small businesses discover and unleash potential in themselves and their businesses through relationships, intuitive systems, and soulful technology. Seeing how crucial Community and Communication are, Aaron integrated everything he had learned about connection and leadership from mentors, personal adventures, and stories into his approach to systems, teams, and building businesses. When he’s not masterminding or managing, Aaron spends his time meditating on and writing about big ideas, important lessons, and the power of Story. Aaron’s passion lies with creating educational opportunities like he had while he was in school that value and cultivate the innate superpowers of the individual and put youth in charge of their learning journey.

Alyssa Coelho

Designer & Media Manager

For more than six years, Alyssa has served individuals and businesses on their journeys to positively impact the world around them. As a modern Poet and Novelist, current Designer, and full-time Creator, Alyssa uses the power of words, stories, and visuals to romance souls into falling in love with their precious existence. She reminds us of our wild potential, of our hungry spirits, and of the entire world awaiting our unique gifts. She coaches and designs to inspire and mobilize individuals and communities to take action toward becoming the answers our world, our cultures, and our souls need to create a future where every individual is able to experience a vibrant and authentic life.

Administration Team

Nathalia Luz

Accounting Manager

Nathalia first joined the Hanbleceya Treatment Center system in 2014 as part of the accounting and finance team. She has a long history in both the Hanbleceya and BrightQuest San Diego programs, and established her own accounting business in 2018. Her familiarity with our system and her history of providing consistent and reliable support is a gift for the Anew Treatment Center system.

Kerry Paulson

Managing Partner

Kerry, along with his wife, Dr. Karlyn Pleasants, co-founded the Hanbleceya Treatment Center in San Diego in 2005.  A leader in the mental health industry, Kerry has founded and helped develop various residential mental health programs in San Diego, Seattle, Nashville, and now Scottsdale, Arizona. After the sale of Hanbleceya and Helix Healing and Recovery in 2017 to Constellation Behavioral Health, he stayed closely involved in the treatment-provision field and ultimately partnered with several others from the industry to help form the Anew Treatment Center, a unique, modernized version of a therapeutic community program model that has thrived for more than 4 decades.

Make an Appointment

Phone

602-358-7178

Address

1250 Golden house, new york

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