Our Staff

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.

Lee Yaiva brings a wealth of knowledge and 16 years of experience in behavioral health and addiction treatment to his role as Chief Executive Officer at Scottsdale Recovery. In addition to his clinical mind, he also brings a business savvy mind that prompts tactical risk and strategic solutions to the ever-changing trends in therapeutic interventions and delivery of service. Mr. Yaiva has served as the tribal liaison for numerous campaigns targeting culturally specific endeavors, incorporating a holistic approach to health and healing that is innate. Lee’s passion for people and respect for the recovery process is evident in his distinct style and meticulous order in acquisition of identified objectives. Lee’s commitment to empower utilizing a methodical approach to the reclamation of life is strategic and impactful.  His individualized clinical objective is multi-tiered, a calculated technical advance applied through tactical precision to achieve full dimensional wellness. Lee’s mission is to create an opportunity of a lifetime for a lifetime of opportunities for all people.  

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.

Arijeta’s goal is to meet individuals where they are at and support their healing as dictated by individuals whom she serves. She firmly believes that healing begins with owning our story and being our most authentic selves.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Patrice is committed to ongoing education in Behavioral Health Additions in order to learn new treatments and interventions to better care for her patients. Patrice is certified as an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She is also certified as an Advanced Practice Clinical Nurse Specialist and as a Certified Acudetox Practitioner.

Throughout her career Patrice has endeavored to help people live their best life. Whether in her professional roles as an administrator or direct care practitioner, Patrice believes the individual holds the answers within and she feels privileged to be part of the team that helps them discover their personal journey to recovery.

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.

Luke earned his bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 2006 from University of Illinois. From there he went on to work in an Intensive Care Unit over the course of 4 years. He then transitioned to work at a Chicago inpatient psychiatric hospital where he developed a new passion for working with that patient population. He then seized an opportunity to work in an outpatient community health setting, which focused on helping patients with psychiatric illness maintain their independence and getting out of the cycle of repeated hospitalizations. His personal involvement in substance abuse recovery led him to SRC where he now functions not only as a nurse, but as another person with relatable life experiences that clients cite as inspiration for their own recovery. His professional interests include Medication Assisted Treatment, the role of holistic therapies in substance abuse treatment, and investigating emerging psychiatric medications.

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.

Talonna began her journey at SRC in February of 2021, and with her brought six years of experience working in the treatment field. Talonna received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, with the intention of becoming a Juvenile Probation Officer. Shortly following graduation, Talonna began working at a level one residential treatment center for juveniles. Talonna worked closely with juveniles struggling with trauma, substance abuse, and mental illness. After working with this population, Talonna found her passion in the field of healing and supporting individuals on their path to success and wellness.
In addition to assisting individuals within a treatment environment, Talonna is also a volunteer with the Gila River Fire Department Crisis Response Team and is committed to positively impacting Native American communities.  Talonna is dedicated to utilizing her experience and knowledge to provide clients with the resources and support needed to aid in their journey to recovery.

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

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.

Christina moved to AZ in 1998 from California. She has been working in in the recovery community since 2017. She started in the accounting department and has now moved into admissions since she is passionate about helping others. Christina hopes that she can use her story to inspire those that are struggling with their addiction. She has overcome the hardship that came from being incarcerated and is a valuable member of the recovery community and has 11 years of sobriety.

 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.

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

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

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.

Chris started 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.