Healing Starts With People Who Care.

With more than two decades of medical experience, our physician brings a wealth of clinical expertise, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to providing exceptional, patient-centered care. Known for his compassionate approach, exceptional bedside manner, and ability to connect with patients, families, and colleagues, he believes that quality healthcare begins with listening, understanding, and treating every individual with dignity and respect.

He earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles before receiving his Doctor of Medicine from UCLA in 2001. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Arizona in 2004.

Throughout his distinguished career, he has held numerous clinical and executive leadership positions across the Phoenix metropolitan area. As Lead Physician for IPN of Arizona, he oversaw physician operations across three hospitals and a Long-Term Acute Care facility, focusing on care coordination, operational efficiency, and patient outcomes.

He also served as Medical Director for Tri-City Medical Associates, directing medical operations across four facilities, including strategic planning, provider oversight, conflict resolution, and comprehensive patient care programs.

In 2008, he joined Sound Physicians, serving as a hospitalist at Phoenix-area hospitals including Arizona Heart Hospital and Phoenix Baptist Hospital. In December 2023, he continued his hospital medicine career with Scottsdale Inpatient Specialists.

His dedication extends beyond direct patient care. He has served as a Governing Board Member and Medical Executive Committee Member at Promise Specialty Hospital, Medical Executive Committee Member and Co-Chair of the Quality Council at St. Luke's, and Chair of the Quality Council at Mountain Vista Medical Center.

At the heart of his medical philosophy is a simple belief: every patient deserves to be heard, respected, and treated with compassion.

Outside medicine, he enjoys basketball and brings the same passion, teamwork, and dedication to his personal interests that define his professional career.

Luana is an ANCC Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-BC, licensed in Arizona and Colorado.

She brings over a decade of experience in mental health care, having worked in residential treatment centers, private practices, level-one psychiatric hospitals, and geriatric facilities.

Before becoming a PMHNP, Luana served as a registered nurse in level-one psychiatric settings beginning in 2012. Her leadership background includes serving as Chief Nursing Officer and Medical Director of an Intensive Outpatient Program.

Luana treats adults ages 18 and older and has a special interest in supporting individuals managing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD/ADD, and addiction.

She is dedicated to providing nonjudgmental, compassionate psychiatric care that includes evaluations, medication management, and brief supportive therapy.

Outside work, Luana enjoys reading, camping, and spending time with her new grandson.

With extensive experience in healthcare, Jesse brings a strong clinical background and a genuine passion for helping individuals achieve improved health, stability, and overall well-being.

Specializing in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, acute detoxification, and primary care, he is committed to providing compassionate, individualized care supporting each patient's recovery journey.

He earned his Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization from Grand Canyon University in 2022. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an Associate Degree in Nursing from Western New Mexico University.

His experience includes acute care hospitals, residential behavioral health facilities, home health, and wellness medicine.

As a Family Nurse Practitioner with Teri's Health Services, he provided medical assessments, treatment planning, medication management, and ongoing care for individuals receiving substance use and alcohol use disorder treatment.

He is also founder and CEO of Ageless Medical, a wellness practice in Gilbert, Arizona, specializing in hormone replacement therapy, IV hydration, and medically assisted weight management.

His nursing background includes Assisted Home Health and Hospice and Banner University Medical Center, where he developed a foundation in managing complex medical conditions, coordinating interdisciplinary care, and supporting patients.

His philosophy centers on treating the whole person, recognizing that physical health, mental well-being, and emotional stability are essential components of lasting recovery.

At Excellence Recovery, he brings valuable expertise in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, and medical management to help patients build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

As a dedicated Case Manager and Group Facilitator at Excellence Recovery, Kira brings compassion, understanding, and a genuine passion for helping individuals overcome challenges and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

In case management, Kira works closely with clients to identify individual needs, establish meaningful goals, and develop personalized plans supporting long-term recovery and stability.

Responsibilities include coordinating care, assisting with community resources, addressing barriers to treatment, and supporting discharge and aftercare planning.

As a Group Facilitator, Kira leads engaging, educational sessions focused on relapse prevention, emotional regulation, healthy coping strategies, self-esteem, communication, life skills, and personal growth.

Through psychoeducation, group discussions, and evidence-informed recovery activities, Kira encourages clients to develop greater self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and build lasting recovery skills.

Kira's approach is rooted in empathy, accountability, and the belief that every individual can create meaningful change.

By fostering trust, encouraging communication, and celebrating progress, Kira helps clients recognize their strengths and regain confidence.

As a Behavioral Health Technician at Excellence Recovery, Deon plays an essential role in providing compassionate care, guidance, and encouragement to individuals navigating mental health challenges and substance use disorders.

Working closely with the clinical team, Deon provides daily client support, assists with therapeutic activities, monitors well-being, and encourages active participation in treatment.

Through individualized support and everyday interactions, Deon helps clients strengthen healthy coping mechanisms, improve communication, develop emotional awareness, and establish routines that promote stability and personal growth.

Recovery is unique for every individual, and Deon's approach emphasizes patience, trust, accountability, and understanding.

Everyone deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity for a fresh start.

By offering consistent encouragement and celebrating milestones, Deon helps clients recognize their potential for healthier futures.

As a Behavioral Health Technician at Excellence Recovery, Sophia helps create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where clients feel valued, respected, and empowered.

Working alongside the clinical team, Sophia supports daily activities, monitors client well-being, encourages participation in treatment, and helps individuals develop confidence and practical recovery skills.

Through compassionate interactions, Sophia supports emotional awareness, communication skills, healthy coping mechanisms, and routines that promote personal growth.

Recognizing that recovery is different for every person, Sophia approaches clients with patience, understanding, and respect.

Her approach reflects the belief that everyone deserves dignity, compassion, and the opportunity for a fresh start.

By offering encouragement, accountability, and consistent support, Sophia helps clients navigate challenges, celebrate milestones, and work toward long-term recovery.

As Operations Coordinator at Excellence Recovery, Kristen brings extensive experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, admissions coordination, and patient care.

Her professional background includes serving as Admissions Coordinator and Care Coordinator at Emerald Isle Health and Recovery, where she developed experience across the treatment process from initial admissions through discharge planning.

Her responsibilities have included admission assessments, insurance verification, clinical team collaboration, and assisting individuals and families navigating treatment.

Her direct patient care experience includes facilitating therapeutic and psychoeducational groups, treatment coordination, discharge planning, and helping clients access community resources.

Kristen also brings leadership experience in staff training, scheduling, interdepartmental communication, and facility operations. Her earlier hospitality and administrative experience strengthened her dedication to exceptional service and meaningful client relationships.

Her professional philosophy centers on compassion, accountability, teamwork, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel supported and respected throughout recovery.

At Excellence Recovery, she combines admissions knowledge, care coordination, and operational experience to support clients, families, and staff.

Michael brings a strong educational background in behavioral health and hands-on experience supporting individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.

He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Health Science from Grand Canyon University and an Associate Degree in Behavioral Health Science with an emphasis in Mental Health from Glendale Community College.

He also pursued a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling at Grand Canyon University, strengthening his knowledge of addiction, mental health, and evidence-based treatment.

His experience spans Residential Treatment, Partial Hospitalization Programs, and Intensive Outpatient Programs. He has served as a Behavioral Health Clinician, Recovery Support Specialist, Behavioral Health Technician, and Group Facilitator with BayMark Health Services.

His clinical experience includes therapeutic and psychoeducational groups, assessments, individualized treatment planning, crisis intervention, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Michael's passion for behavioral healthcare is deeply personal. Growing up with an older brother diagnosed with schizophrenia and a younger brother with autism inspired him to pursue a career helping individuals living with mental health conditions and developmental disabilities.

He believes meaningful recovery begins with trust, genuine connection, and creating a safe environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

At Excellence Recovery, his mission is to give back to individuals and families who need support most, empowering clients to recognize their strengths and build healthier lives.

As Administrative Assistant at Excellence Recovery, Meg plays an important role in creating a welcoming, organized, and supportive environment for clients, families, and staff.

Her responsibilities include supporting administrative operations, coordinating communication between departments, maintaining accurate records, assisting with scheduling, and providing essential support to clinical and leadership staff.

Through organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities, she helps create an efficient environment where clients can focus on healing and recovery.

Understanding that seeking treatment can be an emotional and challenging experience, Meg approaches interactions with patience, empathy, and respect.

Her philosophy reflects the belief that every role within a treatment facility contributes to the healing process.

She recognizes that compassion, clear communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude make a meaningful difference in the lives of those seeking help.

At Excellence Recovery, her dedication to exceptional service and genuine care supports the organization's mission of compassionate, individualized treatment.