Our Team
We’re Here to Help You
Reclaim Your Life!
The River Source Family
When you join The River Source Family, you get the unwavering support of our entire team. Our diverse staff all have a passion for helping others and know what you are going through. Their experience has led them to see the value in holistic treatment that focuses on treating the individual on a deeper level, including mind, body, and spirit. The various departments of our staff work directly with each other to help you gain the mental, physical and spiritual strength you need to break-free from the grip of addiction.
At The River Source, you receive professional and empathetic care from the time you first call our intake specialists to your treatment from our doctors and nurses to your amazing community of licensed counselors and behavioral health technicians. Every person at River Source is dedicated to ensuring you are safe, comfortable, and on track for success. You receive wholehearted support from the River Source during treatment and beyond through the fellowship of our aftercare program. Because at River Source, you always remain part of our family.”
Leadership Team
The leadership team at The River Source is here to serve you. Addiction and behavioral health treatment requires a leadership team that is constantly working to improve services and process while also creating dynamic departmental teams with common goal of serving you and your family in your time of need. ”
Darrin Miller, MA, LAC, LAT, LPCC
Chief Executive Officer
My Bio:
As the CEO of The RIver Source it is my responsibility to empower and support our phenomenal staff to carry out their compassionate work with those affected by mental health issues and addiction. It is our goal as an organization to serve our community and …
Dr. Andrea Palmer
Director of Medical Services
My Bio:
As the Director of Medical Services, I use my background in naturopathic treatment to guide a truly integrative approach with our clients. I am a graduate of the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, which is where I received my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. With over 10 years of experience…
Tina Lee
Director of Finance
My Bio:
I am going on 8 years at The River Source as Business Office Manager responsible for HR and Finance. Although I do not provide one on one care to our patients, I always make it a priority to greet them with a smile and ask how they are doing when walking around the facility.
Being in recovery myself, the most gratifying part of my job is …
Tony Bratko, MSC, LPC, LISAC
Clinical Director
My Bio:
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor. I have created treatment programs at the inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient level of care for both mental health and substance use programs. I have created policies and procedures for treatment centers to get licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services. I have held the position as Executive Director of Clinical Services. I am a Clinical Supervisor through the…
Mike Gerken
Director of Operations
Becky Fronheiser
Director of Programming
My Bio:
As the Program Director I use my personal experience and professional background to meet our clients where they are to help them on their recovery journey. I am an Alumni of The River Source Program and have a passion for helping people recognize their addiction and find a new way to live. I have had the pleasure of working in multiple departments within The River Source. This has given me the ability to see…
Garrett Kitchens
Director of Marketing & Outreach
My Bio:
My role within the company is to make sure that our program is visible to those in need. My objective is to make our services ready and available to anyone who needs substance abuse services — from a client searching out treatment for themselves, to a medical or clinical professional that needs resources for one of their patients, and for the mom or dad making phone calls on behalf of a loved one; all of…
Stephen Leza
Director of Admissions
My Bio:
As the Director of the Admissions Department, my role within our company is to oversee the admissions process of onboarding clients into our treatment facility. When a potential client or loved one calls into our center the Admissions team members are the first voice that is heard, bringing a new sense of hope and education to a family that is struggling with the disease of addiction…
Clinical Team
The River Source believes in a clinical and evidence-based model of treatment that requires a multidisciplinary team of professionals. Our clinicians will be providing group therapy, individual therapy, educational lectures, and family education groups utilizing a wide range of techniques and modalities.
Patti Christiansen, MC, LISAC
Clinical Supervisor
Inpatient
Kevin Harvey, MS
Addiction Counselor
Inpatient
Damon Newton
Addiction Counselor
Inpatient & Outpatient
Kimberlly Speed, MSW
Addiction Counselor
Outpatient
Geoff Hushaw
Addiction Counselor
Outpatient
Janice Brown, MS
Addiction Counselor
Inpatient & Outpatient
Your Case Management Team
Every client has a unique story and set of needs as they progress through addiction treatment. Our case managers are here to tie everything together. Our case managers will coordinate services internally with clinical, medical, and programming departments. They will also serve as primary points of contact for coordinating care with each client’s family. Our case managers play a crucial role in ensuring each client receives the best that The River Soruce has to offer.
Brenda Emerick, BHT, CLC
Lead Case Manager
Inpatient
William Skinner, BHT, CLC
Case Manager
Inpatient
Melissa Hensley, BHT, CLC
Case Manager
Inpatient
Cassie Mueller, BHT
Lead Case Manager
Outpatient
Miranda Jacobs, BHT
Case Manager & BHT
Outpatient
Hailie Halverson, BHT
Case Manager & BHT
Outpatient
Your Medical Team
The River Source believes that no single approach to treating addiction is best, therefore, we have a medical team that embodies a holistic approach to addiction treatment. The River Source has 24/7 RN coverage, a blend of naturopathic and conventional medicine physicians, and other medical personnel to ensure that our clients receive the best treatment physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Jeanie Coole, RN
Director of Nursing
Inpatient
Dr. Chad Goetz
Naturopathic Medicine Doctor (NMD)
Inpatient
Dr. Kris Berkner
Naturopathic Medicine Doctor (NMD)
Inpatient & Outpatient
Dr. Dave Arneson
Naturopathic Medicine Doctor (NMD)
Inpatient
Dr. Safdar Chaudary
Medical Doctor (MD) & Addictionologist
Inpatient & Outpatient
Dr. Berlin Wright
Naturopathic Medicine Doctor (NMD)
Inpatient
Erin Summers, RN
Registered Nurse
Inpatient
Carol Lopez, MA
Medical Assistant Supervisor
Inpatient
Your Programming Team
Meet the leaders of our programming department. Every day at The River Source involves a structured and comprehensive daily schedule. This is the team that makes sure groups, breaks, family visitation, new intakes, meal time, and all other pieces of our daily schedule fit together. Our programming team has one goal each day — to enhance client experience and provide best-in-class customer service to each of our clients and their families.
Roberta Barrera, BHT
Assistant Program Director
Inpatient
Timothy Simmons, BHT
Program Manager
Inpatient
Desiree Williamson, BHT
Program Manager
Inpatient
John Preskitt, BHT
Program Manager
Inpatient
Waldo Gutierrez, BHT
Group Facilitator
Inpatient
On The Phones & In The Community
The first step in acquiring treatment usually begins with a phone call. Meet the team that answers that call. Our admissions & outreach team is dedicated to making sure that every person who reaches out to The River Source finds the services that are right for them. These individuals can check insurance benefits, schedule intakes, or provide referrals when necessary.
Chris Westerman
Admissions Coordinator
Nick Schmit
Admissions Coordinator
Tyler Padgett
Admissions Coordinator
Logan Bennett
Outreach Coordinator
Heather Amado
Outreach Coordinator
Behind The Scenes
Addiction treatment involves many moving parts. Meet the unsung heroes that are making our services possible behind the scenes. From daily operations & facilities maintenance, working with insurance providers, ensuring that The River Source meets all state and federal guidelines, and recruiting and hiring the best team of professionals. These are the players that keep The River Source functioning.
Jackie Kureska, LCDC
Utilization Review Manager
Amy Langston
HR Manager
Krysta Mikkelson
UR Specialist
