Meet the Staff Your Treatment Team at The Hope House

Dr. Gelow is a well respected physician known for his outstanding patient care and has a wealth of experience in family and addiction medicine. He is dual board certified with certification in Addiction Medicine from the American Board of Preventive Medicine and board certified in Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Gelow is involved in and guides the medical care plan for all clients at The Hope House.

Ray Hamilton is a doctor of nursing practice with dual certification in psychiatric and family care. Ray manages the detoxification, MAT, and psychiatric care at the facilities. He is known for his expert knowledge of recovery symptoms & medicine, outstanding bedside manner, and engaging personality that settles clients and helps put them as ease in their recovery process.

Previously, he excelled in the family practice setting while earning the Staff Service Excellence Award for Dignity Health. Ray has been recognized by Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care as a healthcare presenter and public speaker. He also thrived on the electrophysiology team for Munroe Heart.

Valery Nkendong, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, has a wealth of experience in the healthcare industry which has given him a solid foundation to provide client-centered care. Val strives to provide clients with access to high-quality mental health services. Dr. Valery services clients through counseling and medication management. His priority is to get patients actively involved in their treatment plans. Val’s work with clients is critical to their behavioral and overall physical health.

Dr. Marc Blackstone completed his Doctor of Chiropractic training at Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2001. He has been in private practice for over 20 years. He is experienced in natural treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries. His holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment uses chiropractic, physical medicine, and medical imaging combined with healthy lifestyle choices.

Dr. Blackstone is excited to bring his experience and passion for a natural and holistic approach to health care, pain relief, and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries to The Hope House. Dr. Blackstone enjoys many outdoor pursuits in his spare time, including running or biking nearby mountain trails.

Avery completed her Bachelor’s and obtained her Registered Nursing certification from Arizona State University and has been a nurse for the last 5 years. Avery’s emphasis is on assessing an individual’s physical and mental health needs while also implementing a collaborative plan for treatment. She is an enthusiastic and highly motivated RN who loves to create a compassionate environment for her patients.

Rochelle completed her Degree in Nursing from Forest Park College in St. Louis Mo. She has been a nurse for 17 years, with 14 of those years practicing Beside Nursing as well as being in managerial roles. The past 3 years in Mental Health and Addiction have allowed her to see other ways to help people. While making emphasis on the client’s assessment and care plan, she is also lending a listening ear.

David has a Masters in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Northern Arizona University. He has worked with populations ranging from individuals with SMI, veterans, & LGBTQIA individuals. He focuses on treating addiction, trauma, mood disorders, dissociative disorders, personality disorders, & much more. David utilizes an eclectic therapeutic approach including ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), TASK model, Somatic Interventions, Safe & Sound Protocol & more.

Andrea is a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC). Andrea graduated with a Master of Science from Grand Canyon University and received a Graduate Certificate in Expressive Art Therapy from Ottawa University. Andrea believes in a holistic therapeutic approach that focuses on mind, body, and spirit integration. Andrea utilizes intermodal creative processes to promote emotional growth and healing.

Larry has been working in the mental health and addiction field for more than 30 years. Completed Masters degree in Professional Counseling (MSC) with emphasis in addiction counseling, 10/2018. Obtained a Professional Counselor License (LPC) with the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Also, a member of the American Counseling Association.

Michelle graduated with a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University and is a licensed associate substance abuse counselor (LASAC). She takes a diverse approach to therapy where helping the client can be accomplished through various modalities. Several of these include solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing, CBT, somatic experiencing, and trauma informed care. Michelle is passionate about her work and cares deeply about recovery.

Alan graduated with a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University.  Alan is a retired Air Force Veteran who specializes in working with people dealing with trauma, transitioning from the legal system, substance abuse and emotional issues. Alan’s main goal as a therapist is to assist and support individuals in living a life with awareness, intention, being goal oriented, processing past experiences, as well as assisting in choices for successful relationships, work/life balance and personal peace.

Francisco has been a licensed therapist for several years after serving in the United States Marine Corps and working as a Clinical Mental Health Social Worker at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the staff.  Francisco’s desire to serve other is apparent in his groups and sessions with the clients that he has the privilege to serve.

Kimberly was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. She graduated from Davenport University in 2011 with a dual degree in Applied Science with emphasis on Insurance Claims Management and Health Information Technology. Kim comes to The Hope House with over two decades of experience in behavioral health services, with 17 of those years in direct leadership and employee development. She has specialized in Program Development, Program Management, Clinical Quality Management, and Insurance Claims/Authorization Management. When Kim is not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys volunteering her time alongside of the many community-based organizations as part of the ending homelessness initiative “One Story at a Time”.

Jada has a passion for helping people struggling with addiction and a strong commitment to leading in behavioral health. Her dedication to improving the lives of others is evident in her work as she strives to provide the best care possible. Jada believes in empowering & mentoring other professionals to ensure they have the skills & knowledge necessary to provide effective treatment.

Maya takes great pride in being a part of the journey to recovery with individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders. Maya has been sober for several years and has made it her mission to continue to be an example to those sick and suffering. Maya has been with The Hope House since 2022 as a Behavioral Health Technician, Case Manager, and Operations Manager and looks forward to her future with the organization.

Cameron began his career in addiction treatment with The Hope House in 2019. His training in Sociology has helped in his commitment to helping people overcome addictions, depression, anxiety, & other stressors. Cameron believes that healing is a collaborative endeavor without judgment. Cameron uses a personalized approach by treating individuals with empathy, respect, & understanding to create a tailored plan of care.

Lisa has spent her entire working career in Human Services and Substance Abuse. Her passion is helping others.  In her free time she loves being outdoors with her children, trying new foods, and relaxing with a funny movie.

I was born and raised in the very rainy Washington State with my family of seven. My love for helping people has pulled me from Real Estate to Medical detox and Rehabilitation. I truly believe that “HOPE” is a state of being and should be incorporated into daily practice along with gratitude. I am grateful I get to work with people trying to better themselves, make healthier choices, and navigate this crazy thing we call life.

Fredy Urrea was born in Honduras and raised in Chicago. He has been an Arizona native for over 13 years. Fredy understands the power of teamwork and support. As the Facilities and Transportation Manager he strives to give clients a Premier and Luxury welcome and stay for The Hope House. He enjoys being able to find solutions for client needs and requests. Seeing Clients succeed, achieve, and smile on their journey is a daily reward.

Melissa was born in Germany, but raised in Arizona for most of her life. She’s been in active recovery since 10/26/2017 and has worked in recovery facilities since 2018. She is an active student getting her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health Science with an Emphasis on Substance Abuse through Grand Canyon University. Melissa strives to integrate her personal, school, and work-life experiences when connecting with others. She strives to maintain balance in her life and demonstrate to others that it is possible to keep. Melissa’s goal is to help you find your recovery story.

Makayla was born and raised in Arizona, she has always had a passion for being there for people as well as helping in anyway she can. She hopes to further her career in behavioral health and become a therapist for people struggling with addiction. Makayla strives to become the helping hand in people’s recovery and be the safe space for those that need it.

Hi! My name is Kandyce Miller and I love helping people! I’ve been in behavioral health for 5 years now and a CNA for 2! I love seeing people achieve their goals knowing I was a part of the journey!

Megan moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2022 from Alberta, Canada. She comes to the Hope House with previous experience in the criminal justice sector and behavior/mental health. Megan holds a degree in Criminology & Addiction and is passionate about helping those in recovery with an empathetic, non-judgmental approach. She believes in the personalized treatment plans The Hope House offers with the integration of meeting people where they are at. Her empathy, compassion, and genuine desire to see others succeed make her a valuable asset on the journey to sobriety.

Cassandra graduated with a Doctorate of Acupuncture (DAc.) from Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture (PIHMA) & is certified in Acu-detox & NADA protocol. She joined The Hope House with the goal of benefiting others with acupuncture as a complementary therapy. When not at the clinic, she can be found exploring the outdoors with her husband & fur babies. She is an animal lover, sports fan, and live music enthusiast.

Ann Wilson, LPC, MSC graduated from the University of Phoenix with a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ann specializes in PTSD, Equine Assisted EMDR (Equilateral™) by Dragonfly International, Structural Dissociation Theory integrated with Equine Psychotherapy, ASIST applied suicide intervention skills training. She is passionate about helping her clients and bringing awareness to mental health.

Since 2006, Laura has been a dedicated practitioner and teacher of yoga. She has devoted her life to the study and teaching of this ancient practice, completing Yoga Pura’s 500 Hour master-level yoga teacher training program, including going on to become a mentor and teacher in that very same program. Laura has been teaching Trauma Informed Yoga and Yoga Nidra in the recovery space for more than a decade.

Terri is certified in Advanced Amrit Method Yoga Nidra, Transformational Sleep, Sound Healing, & Mindfulness. She currently guides Yoga Nidra, Sound Immersion, Meditation, & Reiki to reduce stress and anxiety. “I truly believe that we attract whatever we focus on. My joy is working together to be more mindful,change the negative into positive, & start directing energy into all the right places so that you can attract all of those things you dream of!”

Alicia graduated from the Arizona School of Massage Therapy in 2006 and has been a passionate practitioner ever since. As a Licensed Massage Therapist with experience in trauma-informed care and recovery, she believes that healing truly occurs when mind and body are in unison. Whether the focus is therapeutic in nature or much-needed relaxation, she takes pride in providing a customized experience tailored to each individual’s needs.

Miller has trained as both an art therapist and in psychotherapy to maximize the benefits of art therapy. All of humanity has a desire to self-express, which often transcends basic needs. When the world appears to be chaotic, unjust, and senseless, self-expression offers a means to experience hope, which leads to health and well-being.

Quinn was a founding member of The Hope House, and continues to spearhead daily operations & overall direction. He emphasizes an unwavering commitment to providing the highest-level quality of care with an understanding that providing clients with the most opportunity for success is the single most important facet of The Hope House’s mission. Quinn stresses continuing education for The Hope House staff to ensure all clients receive expert care.

Seth is the Director of Business Development with more than a decade of experience in business development and operations of behavioral health facilities. Seth’s passion for community impact drives him. When not spending time with his wife & four children, he actively engages at church & supports the Ohio State football team. Seth’s unwavering commitment to helping families makes him an invaluable asset to The Hope House and the recovery community.

With a decade of industry experience in the recovery field, Megan is a heartfelt professional known for her skill and dedication in leading our Admissions team and processes.

Since getting sober and having navigated her own struggles in addiction and journey of sobriety, Megan’s involvement in the substance abuse field has been characterized by her commitment and genuine passion for making a positive and lasting impact in the community and lives of those she touches.

Megan loves her work, her dog ‘DAWG’, traveling and spending time with her family.

Peyton has 10 years experience in the communication industry with the last 3 years in the addiction space. She is dedicated to making complex topics feel easy to understand. At The Hope House, Peyton is focused on empowering individuals and families in finding addiction rehab and fact-based drug and alcohol treatment information.