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 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 collaborative leadership team that is constantly working together to improve services and process while also building dynamic departmental teams with a common goal of serving the needs of our clients and their loved ones.

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…

Garrett Kitchens

Director of Business Development

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…

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 …

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…

Tony Bratko, MSC, LPC, LISAC

Outpatient 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…

Patti Christiansen, MC, LISAC

Residential Clinical Director

Clinical Team

The River Source believes in a clinical and evidence-based model of treatment that requires a multi-disciplinary team of professionals. Our experienced clinicians will be providing group therapy, individual therapy, educational lectures, and family education groups utilizing a wide range of techniques and modalities to help clients reclaim their lives from addiction.

Kevin Harvey, MS

Addiction Counselor

Damon Newton

Addiction Counselor

Kimberlly Speed, MSW

Addiction Counselor

Geoff Hushaw

Addiction Counselor

Janice Brown, MS

Addiction Counselor

Case Management Team

Every client has a unique story and a unique set of needs as they progress through treatment. Our case managers will coordinate services with clinical, medical and programming departments while serving as primary points of contact for each client’s family. Our case management team plays a crucial role in ensuring each client receives the best that The River Soruce has to offer.

Brenda Emerick, BHT, CLC

Lead Case Manager

William Skinner, BHT, CLC

Case Manager

Melissa Hensley, BHT, CLC

Case Manager

Cassie Mueller, BHT

Case Manager

Miranda Jacobs, BHT

Case Manager & BHT

Hailie Halverson, BHT

Case Manager & BHT

Medical Team

The River Source believes the best form of addiction treatment is one that embodies a holistic approach — taking into account the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our clients. Our robust medical team consists of RNs, conventional and naturopathic medicine physicians, and other personel to ensure clients receive high-quality, around-the-clock care during recovery.

Jeanie Coole, RN

Director of Nursing

Dr. Chad Goetz

Naturopathic Medicine Doctor (NMD)

Dr. Kris Berkner

Naturopathic Medicine Doctor (NMD)

Dr. Dave Arneson

Naturopathic Medicine Doctor (NMD)

Dr. Safdar Chaudary

Medical Doctor (MD) & Addictionologist

Dr. Berlin Wright

Naturopathic Medicine Doctor (NMD)

Erin Summers, RN

Registered Nurse

Carol Lopez, MA

Medical Assistant Supervisor

Programming Team

Every day at The River Source involves a structured and comprehensive schedule. These are the leaders of the team that make sure groups, breaks, family visitation, new intakes, meal time, and all other pieces of our daily schedule fit together. Our programming team is commited to providing best-in-class customer service and enhancing the experience of our clients and their loved ones.

Roberta Barrera, BHT

Assistant Program Director

Timothy Simmons, BHT

Program Manager

Desiree Williamson, BHT

Program Manager

John Preskitt, BHT

Program Manager

On The Phones & In The Community

The first step to getting treatment starts with a phone call. Meet the team that answers that call. Whether we’re answering questions, checking insurance benefits, scheduling intakes, or providing referrals when necessary — we’re here to help. Our admissions and outreach team is dedicated to making sure that every person who contacts The River Source finds the services that are right for them.

Heather Kyser

Director of Admissions

Stephen Leza

Admissions Coordinator

Chris Westerman

Admissions Coordinator

Tyler Padgett

Admissions Coordinator

Logan Bennett

Outreach Coordinator

Greg Bravo

Outreach Coordinator & Director of Alumni Services

Behind The Scenes

Addiction treatment involves many moving parts. Meet the unsung heroes that make our services possible behind the scenes. From daily operations, facilities maintenance and working with insurance providers, to recruiting, hiring and making sure The River Source meets all state and federal guidelines — our operations team keeps The River Source functioning smoothly.