Adalesa Meek, MA, LPC, LIAC, ACS, Chairperson
Adalesa Meek, received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Cross Cultural Counseling from the University of Arizona. She comes from Mexico City and is a bilingual; Spanish and English clinician. While working at a maximum-security facility in Florida, Adalesa learn Haitian Creole to assist the multidisciplinary team understand a patient from Haiti.
Adalesa is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, Cognitive Enhancement Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
Ms. Meek is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor as well as a Clinical Supervisor in Arizona. In addition, she is an Approved Clinical Supervisor under the Center for Credentialing and Education. Adalesa has supervised numerous associate licensed clinicians in obtaining independent license.
In, 2021, Adalesa celebrated 30 years serving the community in Maricopa County. Adalesa has held numerous positions including Clinical Manager, Clinical Director and Chief Clinical Officer. She was a member of a Clinical Education Program as a Sr. Clinical Supervisor overseeing the master level counseling and social work internships. Adalesa has led clinical teams, supported teams and organizations in a quality management role, developed and supported various programs including the first Dialectical Behavior Therapy under the Regional Behavioral Health Authority.
Adalesa participated in an international cross-cultural program, Up With people.
Diane Palacios, LIAC, LPC - Secretary/Treasurer
Diane has worked in the mental health field and has served the community in many capacities for over 27 years. In 2021, Diane opened her private practice, Palacios Crew Counseling LLC. Prior to opening her private practice, she worked at Jewish Family & Children’s Service in many different roles and capacities for 13 years. She graduated from NAU with a BA in Psychology in 2002 and while in college studied abroad in Granada, Spain and is fully bilingual in Spanish and English. Diane then moved to Pasadena, CA to attend Fuller Theological Seminary and graduated in 2004 with a Masters in Multicultural Ministries and Hispanic Studies. In California, Diane worked at the Union Rescue Mission in Skid Row where she worked with homeless women and children. In 2006, Diane moved back to Arizona to help open and start Hope House, a family group foster home for teen girls with Neighborhood Ministries- a non-profit organization in which she has volunteered and been involved with since 1996. In 2009, Diane returned to graduate school at Grand Canyon University and graduated in 2011 with a double Masters in Professional Counseling and Addiction Counseling.
Diane is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC) as well as an Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Approved Clinical Supervisor. Diane is also a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and has been certified in Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach,(A-CRA) through Jewish Family & Children’s Service. One of her passions and specialties is working in perinatal mental health, addressing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders ( PMADS). She is certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) and is an EMDR Certified Therapist.
Leanette Henagan, LCSW, LIAC -
Dr. Leanette Henagan earned her Bachelors degree of Science in Business Management at Michigan State University and her Masters of Social Work and Doctorate of Integrated Healthcare and Behavioral Health at Arizona State University. She is the founder and CEO of Concierge Wellness, LLC where she delivers health and wellness services, behavioral health therapy and consulting. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor and has 17 plus years of experience as a human service and behavioral health clinician with specialties in the areas of organizational leadership, health systems, program development and implementation, counseling, chronic disease management, crisis intervention, recovery and addiction. She is a national speaker on the topics of behavioral health, pregnancy and addiction, and integrated healthcare, and she has a comprehensive understanding of current health care delivery practices and solution focused methods for patient care. She is active in her community and sits on the Board of Directors for Sun Valley Academy, Desert Heights Charter School and Greater Hope Christian Church.
Mark Shen, LPC - Photograph and Bio not available.
Crystal Krueger,LMFT-
Dr. Crystal Krueger, DBH, LMFT graduated from Ottawa University in 2013 with a master’s degree in professional counseling with a concentration in marriage and family therapy. In 2021, she graduated from ASU with doctorate in behavioral health. After graduation, Dr. Krueger worked in managed care with children primarily in foster care for one year. She then went on to work for a child advocacy center for three years, where she came to gain a deeper understanding of therapeutic work. In September of 2018, she launched Dawn Institute an organization aimed at helping children and families prevent trauma and overcome the effects of adversity. In January 2024, Dr. Krueger announced the launch of Dawn Childhood Foundation, a non-profit that exists to raise funding for therapeutic services for underserved children who have experience trauma. Dr. Krueger believes not only in the work she is doing on the individual and family system level, but also in spreading knowledge of the impact and healing process of trauma through the community. She provides training throughout the country in order to help communities better understand the impact of trauma. Dr. Krueger is contracted federally to assist in training law enforcement on taking a victim-centered approach when encountering children who may have been a victim of abuse or human trafficking. Dr. Krueger is trained in EMDR and has in-depth training on somatic-based approaches to treating trauma. She also has extensive training in sand tray play therapy and play therapy approaches in working with children and families. Dr. Krueger is passionate about her work in helping find healing and sharing knowledge with the community.
Jose Luis Madera, LPC- Bio not available.
Dominic Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been serving communities in Arizona for over 15 years through several clinical and administrative leadership roles in behavioral health, specializing in the delivery of behavioral health services to individuals and families enrolled in the Arizona State Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the state’s Medicaid program. He has been licensed by the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners since 2017 and is a trained therapist with experience treating individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and comorbid disorders, adults involved in the justice system, and children in the custody of the Department of Child Safety (DCS) receiving high-needs case management services. Dominic received his Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Master’s degree in Social Work, and Master’s degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University. He also is a member of the Behavioral Health Advisory Board for Grand Canyon University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Dominic currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Southwest Behavioral and Health Services and is responsible for all day-to-day program operations of the organization and driving strategy for new initiatives that will further the organization’s mission of enhancing lives and improving communities. Dominic oversees the management and operations of a comprehensive array of programs that provide mental health services including integrated outpatient mental health treatment, case management and treatment for individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), psychiatric services including medication monitoring, substance use services, Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opiate use disorders, behavioral health inpatient treatment, court ordered evaluation and treatment, crisis stabilization and observation, behavioral health residential facilities, permanent supportive housing, grant-funded prevention services, school-based counseling, and primary care services. Dominic also oversees the organization’s nationally recognized and American Psychology Association-accredited Doctoral Psychology Internship Training Program; one of the largest programs of its kind in a public health setting. Prior to his current role, Dominic has held numerous positions including High Needs Case Management Team Lead, Clinical Manager, and Vice President of Outpatient Services.
Brenda Dennis- Public Member - Photograph and Bio not available
Teresa Peña- Public Member - Photograph and Bio not available
Social Work Academic Review Committee
Kristi Stuckwisch, LCSW, LIAC, Chair -
Kristi Stuckwisch, LCSW and LISAC since 2004, joins the SWARC to share her experience and knowledge from over two decades of practice in the field of mental health. Kristi holds a Masters in Social Work degree from ASU and a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Ball State University. Specializing in substance abuse, trauma, addition and mood disorders, Kristi currently serves as Clinical Coordinator for Treatment services at ASU Counseling Services. Additionally, Kristi has been chosen as a subject matter expert for SAMHSA-HRSA grant reviews since 2016, edits manuscripts for two national journals in the area of trauma and maltreatment, is a tribal grant evaluator and provides training in the community. Kristi's professional career has spanned various populations and settings: high risk youth & young adults in detention and juvenile drug court, tribal young adults in education settings, integrated social work for adults and elders in primary healthcare, tribal adults and elders in specialty diabetes care, private practice, tribal juvenile & adult detention center inmates, state youth offenders, sex offender and family members, youth group homes, victim advocacy, and law enforcement. Kristi has worked cross-culturally with Native American tribal communities for over 13 years, has taught for ASU's school of social work for 10 years and taught for Mesa Community College's social work program for 2 years. Kristi currently provides clinical supervision for therapists and interns, trains social work professionals and is a strong advocate for mind-body-spirit wellbeing. Kristi has lived in Arizona for 25 years, is active in her local church and loves her family tremendously!
Jennifer Flack, LCSW, Secretary -
Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in the mental health field since 2005. In 2006, Jennifer received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Metropolitan State University. In 2010, she completed a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. Jennifer's career has traversed populations from birth to death. She has worked in a variety of settings including: Child and Adult Protection, Hospice, Nursing Facilities, Psychiatric Hospital, Inpatient Substance Rehabilitation and Community Mental Health before deciding to go into private practice. In 2018, Obsidian Health and Wellness, in Litchfield Park was created where she specializes in trauma and addiction.
Member - Vacant
Patricia Kerstner, Academic, Chair -
Dr. Kerstner is the University of Phoenix Campus College Chair for the College of Social Sciences. Author of 3 CACREP reports, she is well-versed in their standards, and is a CACREP site team reviewer. She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology, is a licensed Psychologist in the state of Arizona, and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She is active in the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), where she served a term as national secretary for the organization. She is a past-president of the Western Region ACES which includes California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Hawaii, Arizona and Australia/New Zealand. Her clinical experience includes hospital psychology/behavioral health, women's issues, eating disorders and family therapy.
Janet Lee O'Connor, LPC, LIAC,
Janet Lee O’Connor, EdS, LISAC, LPC is a psychotherapist in private practice in
Tucson, Arizona as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor, providing clinical supervision to interns and associate counselors. She has 31 years’ experience as a therapist, trainer, educator and consultant for private practitioners. Janet is an adjunct faculty member at Prescott College and Grand Canyon University, teaching in the undergraduate and graduate degree programs for addiction and professional counselors. She is co-owner of the Southwest Institute for Group and Family Therapy which provides quality, affordable, professional training. Janet is a nationally and internationally recognized trainer and has published in professional literature. She serves as Education Coordinator for the United States of America Transactional Analysis Association and is a member of the International Transactional Analysis Association.
Angel Branch Moore, Ed.D., LPC Secretary -
Dr. Angel Branch Moore is Faculty and Chair of the Counseling Department at Mesa
Community College (MCC) and has worked in the Maricopa County Community College
District for over 14 years. Angel teaches a variety of student success courses such as Career
and Professional Preparation for the Helping Professions, Career and Personal Development,
and Strategies for College Success. She is also adjunct faculty at Northern Arizona University. Angel enjoys working with diverse student populations to help them explore career/pathway opportunities and encourages them to reach their highest potential. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examinersand has worked in community mental health as a counselor and clinical therapist. Angel serves on a variety of committees at her institution and is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American College Counseling Association, and the Arizona Counseling Association.
Lesley Wimmer, LAMFT, Chair -
Lesley is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist currently serving on the Marriage and Family Therapy Academic Review Committee. She holds a Masters of Advanced Studies in Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Arizona State University and has over eight years of experience working in the behavioral health system in Arizona. Lesley is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy as well as the Arizona Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AzAMFT) and currently serves on the Spring Conference Committee for the AzAMFT.
Keith Cross, LMFT, Secretary -
Dr. Cross is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, professor of counselor education in the Masters of Science in Counseling program at Prescott College and works primarily with couples in his private practice. He conducts workshops on a variety of topics, but trains therapists most frequently on counselor ethics and the use of emotionally focused couples therapy. Dr. Cross serves on the AzAMFT Board of Directors and is the Supervision Committee Chair.
Member - Vacant
Yvonne Fortier, LIAC, LPC, Chair - Photograph and bio not available
Sofia Hassid, LCSW, Secretary - Photograph not available
Sofia Hassid, LCSW, is a psychotherapist who owns and manages the group practice, Road to Therapy in Central Phoenix, Arizona. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Childhood Development from California State University Northridge. She also received her Masters of Social Work degree from University of Southern California with a sub-concentration in Systems of Recovery in Mental Illness. She has worked in the field of substance addiction for the past 7 years and integrates faith and spirituality in her clinical work. Through her training as a social worker, Sofia has lectured at the university level on the topic of childhood abuse and neglect. She is trained to work in a variety settings, spanning from elementary school through death. Sofia uses the foundations of her social work training in allowing clients to meet their own objectives and respecting each client’s ultimate goals. Through her practice, Sofia provides the ultimate therapy experience in providing clients a safe space to process their patterns of addiction and live fulfilling lives free of addictions.
Member - Vacant
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