Cottonwood Tucson's Staff

Administration

Ron Welch, MBA

CEO
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 1992

Ron oversees Cottonwood’s strategic planning and interface with financial institutions and our shareholders.  A native of Texas, Ron spent years of his childhood living in both London and South America.  He graduated with a B.A. in biology from Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas and got his MBA from Florida International University.  Ron saw service in the Army as the commanding officer of a medical aid station before starting a civilian career as a hospital administrator.  In his spare time, Ron enjoys playing golf and spending time with his grandchildren.

Steve Welch, JD

Executive Vice President – General Counsel
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2004

Steve graduated with a B.A. in economics and political science summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas before getting his J.D., also with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law.  He then served in the U.S. Army as a Special Forces JAG officer after graduating with honors from the Army Judge Advocate General School.  Steve has practiced law for almost thirty years, and in his spare time, enjoys traveling with his wife Jo Ann, skiing and fishing.

Brian Welch, MBA

Administrator
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2005

In charge of day-to-day operations at Cottonwood, Brian received a B.S. in business administration from the University of Arizona, followed by an MBA from the University of Phoenix.  Brian is a long-time resident of Tucson and likes to spend time with his wife and two young daughters.  Brian also likes to play golf and cycle when he can find the time.

Lauren Dubs

Chief Financial Officer
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 1999

A longtime resident of Tucson, Lauren oversees financial operations for Cottonwood.  She received a B.A. in accounting from the University of Arizona and likes to spend her spare time with her family, reading and chasing her three-year-old son.

Sue Olson, M.Ed.
Vice President – Marketing
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 1992

A native of Illinois, Sue has been living in Arizona since 1970.  Before coming to Cottonwood, she worked with developmentally disabled children and then as a client advocate for the State of Arizona.  Sue oversees a marketing staff of 8, and in her spare time can be found with her two grown children - hiking or riding bikes in the scenic foothills around Tucson.

Elisabeth “Betty” Cox

Director of Human Resources
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2008

Betty grew up and spent much of her professional career in Pennsylvania before following the sun to Tucson several years ago.  She received a B.S. in management from Rosemont (PA) College and has been working in human resources for 20 years.  Betty specializes in employee relations and recognition.  In her spare time, she likes to travel and play golf with her husband.  Betty brings to her work at Cottonwood personal experience as the loved one of a recovering addict and is a grateful member of NarAnon.

Mark Zajicek, RHIT

Director of Clinical Records/Compliance
Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2008

A native of Arizona, Mark earned a B.S. in Hospital Administration before serving as an officer in the U.S. Army.  Since coming to Cottonwood, Mark has been busy implementing our facility-wide electronic medical record (EMR) system – designed to protect patient confidentiality while freeing doctors and therapists' to spend increased time with our patients.  In his spare time, Mark enjoys cycling and opera and rooting for his son Phil, a three-time member of the U.S. Cycling Team in the world championships.

Clinic Staff

Frances Moore, M.D.

Medical Director/ Psychiatrist
Member of the Clinical Team since 1994

In addition to being Cottonwood’s medical director, Dr. Moore serves as Assistant Clinical Professor of Child Psychiatry at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.  She received her M.D. degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and completed both a psychiatric residency and post-residency fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.  Dr. Moore is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.    On weekends, Dr. Moore can be found with her husband and son, tending her fruit trees at their second home in Tubac, Arizona.

Matthew Lally, M.D.

Psychiatrist/Addictionologist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2007

Aside from his duties as a Cottonwood attending psychiatrist, Dr. Lally serves as Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.  Matt grew up in Massachusetts and received his M.D. from the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine.  He completed a residency in psychiatry and a post-residency fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Arizona.  Dr. Lally is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and also a diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine.  

Arlene Kellman, D.O.

Internist/Addictionologist
Member of the Clinical Team since 1999

Dr. Kellman grew up in Baltimore and was a rock musician and yoga teacher before returning to college to earn a B.A. in biology from San Francisco State University followed by a D.O. from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine.  After completing a residency in internal medicine, Dr. Kellman qualified for and received board certification in both internal medicine and addiction medicine.  She is also a certified yoga teacher and Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner.  In addition to her duties as a staff physician at Cottonwood, Dr. Kellman conducts yoga therapy and Jin Shin Jyutsu to help patients find more adaptive ways of managing difficult feelings and physical pain.

Gail Schultz, M.D.

Physician/Addictionologist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2001

A Tucson native, Dr. Shultz received a B.S. in zoology from the University of Arizona and an M.D. from Tulane University followed by a residency in urology, also at Tulane.  His interest in the treatment of alcoholism and addiction was sparked when Dr. Shultz got sober in 1983.  In 1985 he became one of the first practitioners of addiction medicine and has served as medical director of both Cottonwood and the Betty Ford Center.  Dr. Shultz is a diplomate of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Liz Canterna Douglass, Ph.D.

Clinical Psychologist

Member of the Cottonwood Team Since 2009

Liz Canterna Douglass, Ph.D. is a staff clinical psychologist at Cottonwood and coordinator of the Cottonwood Assessment Program.  She has over 25 years of experience in the field of recovery stemming from her work as Director of the Inpatient and Outpatient Chemical Dependency Units at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank, California and as staff psychologist and Coordinator of the Assessment and Diagnostic Program at Sierra Tucson.  Her interest in treatment was sparked by her own recovery from alcohol dependency over 30 years ago.  In her spare time Dr. Douglass can be found tending her vegetable garden, traveling or practicing harp.

Tab W. Hoyt, MSN, FNP-C

Nurse Practitioner

Member of the Clinical Team since 1991

A member of Cottonwood’s nursing/medical team for almost 20 years, Tab received a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Arizona followed by an M.S. in Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner training at the University of Phoenix.  He is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner – Certified by the State of Arizona.  When he can, Tab likes to take off to the great outdoors and is a nationally recognized archer.

Jason Lashbrook, MS., Pharm. D.

Pharmacy Director
Member of the Clinical Team since 2005

The director of Cottonwood’s pharmacy, Jason is a Tucson native, and received Master of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the University of Arizona.  He licensed as a pharmacist by the State of Arizona.  Jason is the father of two young daughters and, in his spare time, plays drums in a local rock band.

Lisa MacDonald, MPH, RD

Dietitian
Member of the Clinical Team since 2007

Lisa received a B.S. in Nutrition/Dietetics from the University of Arizona followed by a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.  She specializes in the study of how nutrition can affect mood and recovery from addictions as well as a non-diet approach to weight management.  Lisa has written articles on nutrition and recovery for Family Circle, Shape and Arizona Together magazines and was a contributing expert for the Conscious Cuisine Cookbook.  She is also adjunct professor of nutrition at Pima Community College in Tucson, AZ.

Deb Tobias, ACE, CHEK Biomechanics and Holistic Life Coach

Therapeutic Fitness Consultant
Member of the Clinical Team since 2008

Deb has over 20 years of experience in the fitness/wellness field.  The area of mind and body has always been an integral part of her treatment philosophy.  She specializes in using exercise to optimize neurochemistry in people recovering from mood and addictive disorders.  Deb also designs programs to help each individual become more aware of their personal lifestyle choices and aid each to gain a better physical and emotional balance.  It is Deb’s wish that everyone be able to use physical, emotional and spiritual practices to gain balance in their everyday lives.  Deb was a featured trainer in O (Oprah) magazine in 2007.

Valerie Leviton, RNCD, LCSW

Director of Nursing
Member of the Clinical Team since 1999

Valerie received her RN from Iowa Central College followed by a BSW and MSW from Florida International University.  She has years of experience working with nurse recovery and professional diversion programs and is a member of the chemical dependency advisory committee of the Arizona Board of Nursing.  Valerie manages all this while raising twin boys.

Lisa Logan, RNC

Nurse Manager – Adult Unit
Member of the Clinical Team since 1997

A Chicago native, Lisa received a B.S. in Nursing from Bradley University.  She is a nationally certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse.  Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and is a perennially-hopeful Cubs fan.

Program Staff

Kim Sines, MFA, LISAC

Vice President of Clinical Services
Member of the Clinical Team since 1994

Kim has been in the field of behavioral health counseling for over 33 years – fifteen of those years at Cottonwood.  Originally from Wisconsin, Kim received a BFA from the University of Wisconsin and an MFA from Arizona State University where he was a teaching fellow.  He is licensed as an independent substance abuse counselor in Arizona and specializes in the treatment of addictions and eating disorders.

Kathleen Parrish, MA, LPC

Clinical Director
Member of the Clinical Team since 2002

Kathleen grew up in Tucson, and graduated from Tennessee Temple University with a B.A. in psychology.  After a few years of working in social services as a case manager, Kathleen returned to school and got a combined M.A. and M.F.C. from Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary.  She has been in the field of behavioral health treatment for over 17 years.  Kathleen has written articles for Addiction Professional and Arizona Together magazines, and has presented seminars on trauma, eating disorders and substance abuse in the United States and Europe.

Jeffrey C. Friedman, MHS, LISAC, CCGC

Primary Therapist/Gambling Therapist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2002

Jeff brings 23 years of personal experience in recovery from drug addiction to his work at Cottonwood, and has been a professional counselor since 1987.  He is a summa cum laude graduate (MHS) of the Lincoln University (PA) Graduate School of Human Services, and is licensed in Arizona as an independent substance abuse counselor.  Since coming to Cottonwood, Jeff served as principle investigator of our 2003 study into lawyers and behavioral health treatment, and led Cottonwood’s five-year outreach effort – helping a struggling drug and alcohol treatment center in Puerto Penasco, Mexico.  Jeff has written articles for both Counselor and Addiction Professional magazines, and has been a featured speaker at counseling conferences throughout the world.  Jeff is also our pathological gambling consultant.

Camille Derricotte, MSW, LCSW

Primary Therapist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2006

Camille grew up in Seattle and received an MSW from Smith College School for Social Work in Northampton, MA.  She has been a licensed clinical social worker for close to 20 years working with co-occurring disorders and mood disorders.  Camille has also been trained in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral and spiritually based therapies and is skilled in working with people suffering from attachment related disorders.

Peter Biava, MC, LPC

Primary Therapist
Member of the Clinical Team since 1998

Peter is from Long Island and has been a clinician at Cottonwood for over ten years – first on our adolescent unit and now as an adult therapist.  He received a B.S. in Human Services from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA and a Master of Counseling from the University of Phoenix.  Peter is a Licensed Professional Counselor and specializes in the application of mindfulness and other Buddhist principles in the practice of behavioral health counseling.

Bob Cunningham, MS, LPC

Primary Therapist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2007

Originally from upstate New York, Bob moved to Arizona at a young age and eventually received a BA in psychology from California State University – Long Beach in 2002, followed by an MS in marriage and family therapy, also from CSLB.  He is licensed by the State of Arizona as a professional therapist.

Lenny Segal, MSW, LMSW

Primary Therapist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2001

Lenny grew up in New York City and graduated from Arizona State University with both a BSW and MSW.  He specializes in the treatment of young adults.  Besides his academic training and professional experience, Lenny brings over 10 years of personal experience in recovery from chemical dependency to his work with our young adult patients.

Tanya Lauer, MC, LPC

Primary Therapist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2008

Tanya grew up in sunny California and did her undergraduate work at San Diego State University.  She received a Master of Counseling degree from the University of Phoenix, and is licensed by the State of Arizona as a Licensed Professional Counselor.  Tanya is the mother of a gorgeous four-year-old son and, in her spare time, runs marathons.

Sarah Lind, MA, LAC

Adolescent Primary Therapist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2006

Sarah is from Tucson and worked as an high school teacher before getting an MA in counseling psychology from the Prescott College.  Besides working at Cottonwood, Sarah is a lecturer in psychology at the University of Phoenix.  In her spare time, Sarah enjoys riding her horse Kaleidoscope, showing pure-bred collies and scuba diving.

Melissa “Moe” Young, MC, LAC

Adolescent Primary Therapist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2006

In the course of her career at Cottonwood, Moe was a mental health technician and our patient advocate before getting her Master of Counseling and Psychology degree from Prescott College and assuming the duties of an adolescent primary therapist.  Moe is also an ACU Detox Specialist and loves to inspire creative expression in her adolescent patients.

Maggie Morton, LCSW

Trauma Therapist

Member of the Clinical Team since 1999

Maggie grew up in Phoenix and received her undergraduate degree in media arts from the University of Arizona followed by a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University.  She has worked as a therapist since 1992, and specializes in trauma, intimacy and couples therapy.  In her spare time, Maggie likes to ski, scuba dive and sings in a local folk band.

Laura Brinckerhoff, MA, LPC, LISAC

Equine-Assisted Mental Health Professional
Member of the Clinical Team since 2003

Laura is a native of Tucson and, for the past five years, has run Cottonwood’s Equine-Assisted Mental Health Program where she combines a lifelong connection with horses, and a keen appreciation their therapeutic potential.  She received a B.A. from the University of Arizona followed by an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Prescott College, where she is now a faculty member.  Laura is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor and a recognized expert in the field of equine-assisted counseling.  In addition to her professional accomplishments, Laura has been clean and sober since August 8, 1988.

Charles Gillispie, MFA, LISAC

Program Specialist
Member of the Clinical Team since 1993

Charles is a native of Virginia and traveled the country for years before settling in Tucson.  He received both a BA and MFA from the University of Arizona and has authored numerous professional journal articles on the use of poetry in the therapeutic process.  Charles has been sober for 28 years and regularly draws on his own personal experience in recovery when working with young adults.  He has received a number of grants from the Arizona Commission of the Arts in support of his work in poetry therapy.  Charles’s first book, The Way We Go On was published by the Backwaters Press in October 2009.

Mark Levine, B.A.

Evening/Weekend Therapist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2000

A native of Massachusetts, Mark received a B.A. in psychology from the University of Arizona 1976.  He has been involved in the helping professions since the early 1970s and served as a teaching assistant in the Personality Lab Program at the U of A, and was supervisor of a crisis line in Tucson for many years.  Mark has been an adjunct instructor in the psychology and social services departments of Pima Community College for over twenty years.  He is the proud parent of five dogs who are named after prominent Red Sox players of the past and present.

Richard “Butch” Patterson, MS, CTRS

Director of Recreational Therapy
Member of the Clinical Team since 1995

The coordinator of recreational therapy for Cottonwood, After a college football career, Butch returned to school receiving an M.S. in Recreational Therapy from Indiana University.  He has 44-years of experience as a recreational therapist and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist.  Butch, when his wife Carolyn will allow him, can be found playing the numerous golf courses in and around Tucson.

Emily Mattimoe, MS, CTRS

Recreational Therapist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2008

Emily received a B.S. in therapeutic recreation from the University of Georgia and an M.S., also in therapeutic recreation from the University of Tennessee (in spite of her association with UT, Emily remains a Bulldog at heart).  She works primarily with the girls of Cottonwood’s Sweetwater Adolescent Residential Program, using various recreational activities to help the girls learn to structure their free time and generally enhance their recovery efforts.  Emily recently authored an article titled “What’s in a Name” that was published in the September 2009 issue of The American Journal of Recreational Therapy.

Peter Loiselle, MSW, LCSW, LISAC

EMDR Therapist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2001

Peter graduated with an MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1978 and has been involved in the practice of clinical social work for over thirty years.  He is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy and is a certified EMDR therapist.

Anne Roe, MA, LPC

EMDR Therapist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2006

Anne is a native of Chicago who earned a B.A. in psychology from Northeast Illinois University followed by an M.A. in counseling from Chapman University.  She is a Certified Consultant Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapist and, in her spare time, enjoys hiking the canyons around Tucson.

Sally Hicks

Alumni Coordinator
Member of the Clinical Team since 1999

A native of Texas, Sally brings 24-years of personal experience in recovery from chemical dependency and disordered eating to her work at Cottonwood.  She received an A.A.S. degree respiratory therapy from Pima Community College and worked as a certified respiratory therapist for ten years before coming to Cottonwood.  In her spare time, Sally likes to sing Karaoke.

Family Program

Ed Rusnak, MS, LISAC, NCC

Clinical Supervisor – Family Program
Member of the Clinical Team since 1999

Ed is from Connecticut and received both a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Counseling from Western Connecticut State University.  He is a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor.  Ed has done a number of professional trainings on the use of Cottonwood’s “Listwork” process.  In his spare time, Ed runs marathons.

Dan Cook, MSW, LMSW

Family Program Therapist
Member of the Clinical Team since 2007

Dan received a B.S. in family studies and human development from the University of Arizona and an MSW from Arizona State University.  He specializes in counseling families and couples suffering from behavioral health problems.  Dan is the father of two young children and loves working on cars and enjoys the outdoors.

Marketing Staff

Bill Otto

Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2004

Cottonwood’s community relations representative for Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado and New Mexico, Bill got his B.S. in secondary education from Southwestern College in Phoenix, Arizona.  He taught school for several years before coming to Cottonwood.  In his spare time, Bill plays guitar and cooks.

Jordan Emerson

Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2005

Jordan graduated with a B.S./B.S.J. in public relations and journalism from Northern Arizona University and worked in the computer industry for several years before coming to Cottonwood.  He is our community relations representative for Oklahoma, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Illinois.  For recreation and to stay in shape, Jordan practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is also an avid sports fan.

Jessica Roselle

Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2006

Jessica graduated with a B.A. in psychology from the University of Arizona and worked at Cottonwood as a mental health technician before taking the job as our community relations representative for Southern California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana.  In her spare time, Jessica likes to work out at the local gym and go boating on Arizona’s Lake Powell.  She is also an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

Musomi McDowell

Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2000

Musomi has lived most of his life in Tucson and is our coordinator of professional development and director of the Cottonwood Institute.  He coordinates educational seminars sponsored by Cottonwood and is also our community relations representative for Phoenix, northern Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Montana and Wyoming.  Musomi enjoys spending his spare time with his wife Amy and their two children.

Dan Stone, MSW, LCSW, LISAC

Member of the Clinical Team and Cottonwood Team since 1995

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Dan received a B.A. in History from Brooklyn College, and after a twenty-year career as a New York City schoolteacher got an MSW from New York University School of Social Work.  He is a certified thanatologist working in the area of death, dying and bereavement, and has received training and certification through the Association for Death Education and Counseling.  Dan’s extensive training and professional experience is augmented by 22-years of personal experience with recovery from chemical dependency.  Besides being Cottonwood’s grief therapist, Dan serves as our community-relations representative for New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia and West Virginia.

Clint Welch

Member of the Cottonwood Team since 2003

Clint is a Texas native, but spent much of his childhood living in South America and England.  He attended Texas A & M University before becoming vice president for marketing for a regional gasoline/convenience store company.  Clint then came to Cottonwood as our community-relations representative for West Texas and Southern New Mexico.  In his spare time Clint enjoys spending time with his wife and two children and likes to boat and fish.  He is a serious pro soccer fan.