Our Staff

Lee Yaiva possesses the desire to go above and beyond all expectations to ensure client satisfaction and strives to keep our treatment centers “Sanctuaries For Sobriety.” Lee is committed to helping people stay sober and is a huge asset to our organization. His love for his fellow employees and the clients are paramount in Lee’s ideology to try to fix the drug addiction epidemic; to not just put a band aid on it and say its healed. Healing takes time and Lee, as well as our Clinical Directors, have developed a world renowned long-term treatment program here at Scottsdale Recovery Center. Lee brings to the table tremendous business and recovery experience, passion, commitment, honesty and integrity. He has been in the substance abuse field, in many different capacities, for the past seven years.

Dr. Gelow is the current Medical Director for Scottsdale Recovery Center. Originally born and raised in Michigan, Dr. Gelow received his Medical Doctorate (MD) degree from American University of the Caribbean. After getting a taste for the sun, and moving around the country a bit, he has found his way to Scottsdale, Arizona and completed his Residency at Scottsdale Healthcare (now HonorHealth) in Family Medicine. His motivation and varied interests in medicine show as he advocates for his patient’s health and success. Dr. Gelow’s knowledge is built upon his extensive experience in substance abuse addiction disorders as well as medications pertaining to addiction treatment and recovery. Dr. Gelow holds his DATA Waiver and has been with Scottsdale Recovery since October 2015.

Michelle Sproule is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Arizona. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Arizona in 2006 and received a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Phoenix in 2014. Michelle initially began her career working with adults who suffer from mental illness. Her path later led her to begin working with adolescents with dual diagnosis mental health and substance abuse concerns in nonprofit behavioral health before becoming a therapist at SRC in 2017. She is trained in various trauma modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting (BSP). Michelle is passionate about leadership and thrives on working collaboratively with leaders, clinicians, and clients to enhance motivation and drive for creating a new identity in recovery. She strives to live out the principles of the Four Agreements and challenges her peers, clients, family, and friends to do the same. Outside of her professional life, Michelle enjoys practicing yoga, reading, and listening to self-improvement podcasts.

Sara is our Director of Nursing.  She is a Registered Nurse with 35 years of nursing experience. She has been a nursing director, manager and educator to staff and patients throughout her career. She comes to the recovery center with the hope to educate clients on their health and help in their recovery. Her personal and professional experiences with addiction her have led her to this position and her hope is to make a difference in our client’s lives!

Amy is a Certified Life Coach specializing in helping others go beyond their current circumstances. By addressing life skills, while utilizing recovery tools, she maximizes on the strengths of our clients to reach their full potential and achieves results by her direct approach. She lends compassion, love and professionalism to each individual and meets them on their journey of recovery. Amy brings 13 years of sobriety with two years of private coaching experience to our center. Her enthusiastic love for living a sober life is apparent in every aspect of her life. Her interests include hiking, yoga, meditation and time with family and friends. Scottsdale Recovery is delighted to have Amy to enhance the well-being of those who are seeking to reclaim their lives.

Roberto received his Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation from the University of Arizona and Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. He has been counseling for 4 decades working in corrections and substance abuse. Roberto has been involved in individual, family, and couples therapy. He also has worked with challenging personalities and populations in high-risk situations. He found addiction to be the most complex and challenging. Roberto facilitates a unique blend of therapeutic interventions which include Existential, Experiential, and Neurobiological approaches. His most recent work has been in more fully understanding the addicted brain. He believes that when clients better understand the underpinnings of their addiction experience, the greater their chance of learning to interrupt the discomfort associated with addiction. This in turn will allow them to embrace the power to interrupt the cravings, providing them a greater chance of experiencing a fuller measure of freedom from addiction. Freedom is a significant reality that runs through Roberto’s work. His mantra is “I’m not here to help you, I’m here to free you, by leading you back to the freedom you have been distracted from since childhood.”

Victor Lee is a Licensed Substance Abuse Technician working as a primary therapist with SRC. He has been assisting addicts with recovery for more than three decades. His approach is transformational in that he inspires addicts and alcoholics to create the shifts necessary to bring about new realms of possibility in their lives. His work is centered on personal development. He believes anyone seeking recovery must get to a place that motivates them to act on what they seek. This requires a new and empowering view of themselves. As a professional speaker for more than 20 years and a clean addict since June of 1985, he understands all too well the challenges of obtaining and maintaining sobriety. He understands that the real work for clients begins after they leave treatment. As an addiction coach since 2001, while working with families and addicted youth, he developed a passion for those in support of the suffering addict. One of his roles at SRC is taking part in educating the families on addiction and how to assist them during recovery while taking care of themselves. He also worked in the Arizona prison system for three years as an addictions counselor and a certified corrections staff trainer. Victor holds an AAS in Substance Abuse and Addiction, Counseling Certification, BS in Human Services, MA in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University with a minor in Servant Leadership, and is a graduate of Landmark Education and an LSAT license from the state of AZ. He is a published author and an Alumnus of the National Society of Leadership and Success. His mantra is “we can’t be, where we won’t go.”

Daria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Adolescent Development: Emphasis on School-Age Child and Family, from San Francisco State University.  She will be starting in Fall 2020 at Grand Canyon University with the goal of earning her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and becoming a Licensed Counselor. In her time with SRC, Daria has created a culture of warmth and empathy, and serves clients with a drive to better themselves throughout their journey in recovery. Daria comes with the personal experience of having fought alcoholism and addiction and is in recovery.  Currently, Daria is working closely with the clinical staff and clients to help ensure the clients are supported and they receive the most out of their experience at SRC. She partners with clients and clinical staff to create a healing environment and solidify aftercare plans for clients to maintain lifelong sobriety.

Lisa has over twenty-seven years of experience in the field of counseling and 19 years in the management of outpatient, residential, and inpatient settings, most often in the area of substance abuse treatment.  She has been BBHE licensed since 2004.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marywood College in 1988 and received a Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialization in Addictions from Marywood College in 1990.

She has worked as a Counselor, Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Operations Director and Clinical Director. Lisa was chosen to be 1 of 15 professionals (from over 100 applicants from the southwest region of the country) to attend the Leadership Institute in California sponsored by UCLA.  She has extensive experience serving both juveniles and adults with substance abuse issues in the criminal justice system.   Some of her areas of expertise include Criminal Justice, Trauma and Addiction, she is trained and utilizes EMDR which is an integral part of her therapy services.

My journey in recovery started on November 5th of 1995. I struggled being sober for the next 5 years and finally reached the point where I realized, I couldn’t do this on my own so, I put myself in treatment. It was there that I learned that I had a disease and not a moral deficiency. I was introduced to another 12 step program and was told that if I put forth the effort that I could recover from a hopeless state of mind and body and if I wanted to stay clean and sober, I had to give away what was so freely given to me. It was on February 15th of 2007 when I made the biggest commitment of my life. My father passed away unexpectedly back in Michigan. I didn’t have the money to get back there to be with my family. I went to a meeting and shared what had happened. Immediately after the meeting, people were coming up to me and putting money in my pocket and within an hour after the meeting, someone had purchased an airline ticket for me to fly back to Detroit and be with my family.

I was on a flight that night. All they told me to do was to pay-it-forward one day. It was at that moment that I made the conscious decision to do the work necessary to stay sober, one day at a time. I have been sober for over 10 years now and I’ve been working in the recovery industry ever since. I try to carry the message of hope to every person that comes into Scottsdale Recovery Center. I started my journey here on July 7th of 2015 and have been working with some of the most amazing people that I’ve ever worked with in my life. We go to battle for our clients here every day to help show them that there is a life worth living today. I hope and pray that if you have a loved one that is struggling with an addiction, that you choose Scottsdale Recovery Center so, we can have the opportunity to show them that there is a better way live today. My hobbies include playing jazz flute and playing with my golden retriever, Yeets.

Randi is originally from Los Angeles. She has attended classes for addiction studies and has been working in treatment since 2010. She has been working at Scottsdale Recovery Center since 2016 after moving here to be closer to her family. With 13 years of sobriety, Randi has a passion for helping others who struggle with substance abuse, criminal background challenges, and especially those who feel they are too old to change. She is a supportive member of our team and brings her extensive recovery experience on a daily basis to our community

Aleron is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in the state of Arizona. Al is originally from New Mexico, on the borders of the Navajo Nation. He graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Counseling – GO SUNDEVILS! As an undergrad, Aleron also participated in Rat Model Addiction Research. His inspiration to help those battling addiction comes from witnessing how alcoholism, addiction, and various types of abuse affected his family, community, and culture at large. Continuing along with his family lineage of helpers and healers, he brings a contemporary, holistic, and out-of-the-box approach that is inspired by his traditional Navajo heritage, to battling addiction in the modern age.

Courtney is a Massachusetts native, whose journey in recovery started at Scottsdale Recovery Center. From a starting point of hopelessness and brokenness, she was able to turn her life around. Courtney’s life experiences taught her to be her own advocate, and shaped her into the woman she is today. A woman of strength and compassion. Courtney has a true passion empowering others, and helping addicts achieve their greatness. She is beyond grateful to work for the same treatment center that saved her life. BOOM! #TEAMSRC

After moving to Arizona from Boston, MA in 2016, Kevin has been thoroughly involved in the recovery community. He received his BA in 2007 from St Josephs College of Maine. His passion and experience in recovery has led Kevin to make a professional change and work with others in addiction. He is devoted to helping men and women and their families as they struggle with the confusion and frustration of addiction by applying his love and knowledge of recovery. Outside of work Kevin is a member of a sober softball team and enjoys hiking and gold mining in the beautiful mountains of Arizona. He also loves dove hunting, drum circles and his pet Australian Shepard, Twopinch. By the grace of God Kevin has over two years sober and three years in recovery from his internet gaming addiction.

Doris is an integral part of Scottsdale Recovery Center. She is very passionate about recovery and helping others.

Kelsey first began her journey in sobriety at Scottsdale Recovery Center in 2015. Throughout her experience she has found her true passion for helping other addict and alcoholics reclaim their lives in sobriety and give back to the recovery community.

Joe is a northern California native and has been living in the Scottsdale area since 2011. He brought with him a wealth of combined admissions, finance, marketing and utilization review experience in the addictions treatment field. His philosophy of effective, trauma informed treatment for those struggling with addiction combines personal accountability with care and compassion. Joe believes that effective, open communication with referents, families and clients is the most integral part of the admissions process at Scottsdale Recovery Center. Joe is skilled in residential substance abuse and mental health treatment after working in various treatment centers and intervention services for the greater part of the last 7 years. He holds a vast perspective of admissions, insurance (verification and pre-certification) and relationship building. He has the proven ability to flourish in high pressure, deadline-oriented environments, while possessing a high level of organizational and communication skills. Professionally, Joe is drawn to situations that provide hands-on access to the admissions process, allowing him to build symbiotic relationships that support the identified loved one’s admission to a program that benefits their sobriety and lifelong healing. In his spare time, he loves playing softball, fishing, and watching sports. Joe is an avid bullrider and is a spelunking enthusiast. He is a board member in a local recovery based sober softball organization in which he coaches the two SRC teams. #TEAMSRC

Andrea was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She became part of the SRC family January 2019 after completing our treatment program in 2018. She understands the struggle of addiction and shows our clients firsthand that recovery is possible. She attended Northern Arizona University to study business management and has a strong passion for helping others. She has over 10 years of customer service experience and uses her Bachelor of Business Administration degree to support our front office operations. She enjoys playing golf, playing the piano and wake boarding in the summer. Her positivity and sunny disposition keep our clients and staff in high spirits whenever possible. She is passionate about her career and was our 2019 Employee of the Year.

I am originally from Washington State but have called Arizona my home for 42 years. I began working with individuals dealing with adversities due to substance abuse/co-occurring issues in 2005 after I myself went through treatment. I continue my education to make sure I provide the best assistance for the individuals I am helping and have successfully obtained the following certifications: Peer Support Specialist, Direct Support Professional, and Behavioral Health Technician.

After becoming a Nurse in 2016 Shandel began her career as a Correctional Nurse. It was at the Penitentiary where she discovered her passion for substance abuse and mental health disorders. Seeing how the system was broken and people with addiction were not given proper rehabilitation, Shandel decided it was time to move on to a place that specializes in those areas. It is her compassion, determination, and drive to help her community that makes Shandel perfect for Scottsdale Recovery Center. Each day Shandel gives her all into caring for her patients and makes each feel like they have a second chance at recovery, a second chance at life.

 After years of struggling with addiction Joe has found peace within himself and his goal in life is to show others that it’s possible for them too. His passion for recovery and helping people shines through him with his ability to help our clients tackle any of their issues they may need help with. He makes people feel at home and safe here at SRC.

Chris Cohn holds a Masters Degree in Addiction Counseling, (MAC) and has a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from the University of Arizona in Tucson – Bear Down! Chris brings strength, hope and inspiration to the organization as well as a strong desire and passion to help people get and stay sober. Chris was born and raised in Arizona and is well connected in the recovering community. Chris went to Brophy College Preparatory then graduated from the University of Arizona with a Sociology Major / Psychology Minor. Chris wanted to continue his education and study addiction more thoroughly, so he attained his Masters Degree in Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University.

Apart from being the Founder and Owner, he is highly involved in the therapeutic processes; utilizing his personal journey as well as his education. Chris is in this business for one reason: To help the still suffering alcoholic and addict get and stay sober. Furthermore, his ability to think outside the box and employ the best network of licensed therapists, substance abuse counselors, sober coaches, detox doctors, medical doctors, Interventionists and psychiatrists, opens the door to an all-encompassing recovery program that goes far beyond just Inpatient Drug Rehab. The programs implemented are all PROVEN to keep people sober and attain life-long sobriety. We give you the tools needed to get and stay sober; the willingness, acceptance and ones ability to surrender must come from within.