Meet The Team

Core Recovery is a Behavioral Health Outpatient Facility that is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services to provide intensive outpatient programming (IOP) and partial hospitalization programming (PHP). Core Recovery's licensed clinicians and behavioral health staff work collaboratively to ensure that each patient receives the personalized care that they deserve.

Two woman happily talking at home

Fulfilling a critical need with unparalleled recovery care and unmatched mental health expertise.

As mental health and recovery specialists, we understand how critical it is to get the help you need for a mental health or addiction. No matter what you’re faced with, we have one goal in mind—we are here to help you feel your best again.  

Our integrated care model brings together a team of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Counselors, Case Managers, and Behavioral Health Technicians to create a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan for each patient at our Phoenix, Arizona-based mental health facility.

If you need comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment to reach long-term sobriety, look no further than the team at Core Recovery. We are here to help you feel your best every step of the way—starting today.

Our Compassionate Leadership Team

Since 2013, Core Recovery has worked to fulfill the need for a comprehensive and patient-focused behavioral health treatment center in the Greater Phoenix Area. Led by Founder and Chairwoman Jillian Vanselow, Clinical Director Natalie Davis, and the executive leaders, the Core Recovery team takes a whole-person, integrated approach to treating mental health and addiction issues.

Jillian Vanselow

Founder & Chairwoman, EdD (ABD), MS

Natalie Davis

Clinical Director

Cherry Irving

Practice Manager

Our Experienced & Caring Clinical Team

Our facility is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services as a Behavioral Health Outpatient Facility.

We have LegitScript certification, and we are an EMDR Institute-approved facility.

Kristina Sheppard

Clinician

Robert Sheperd

Clinician

Nour Zangana

Clinician

Matthew Oberg

Admissions Coordinator

Edward Camacho

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Lleva Groves

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Rosalinda Romero

Patient Care Coordinator

Izabel Puerta

Patient Care Coordinator

Monique Torres

Patient Care Coordinator

Glen Kriegsman

Clinician

Laurie Roach

Clinician

Your Leading Behavioral Health Facility in AZ

Jillian Vanselow is known in her community as a loving leader. Her strong vision for building a healing environment that meets the needs of the whole individual continues to evolve in her journey as an addiction counselor. Graduating with honors, she received her Master’s in Addiction Counseling at Grand Canyon University. During this time she received addiction counseling experience in the public sector as a licensed substance abuse technician for a busy non-profit agency. Jillian specializes in biopsychosocial substance abuse assessments, treatment planning and development, psychoeducation, CBT, motivational interviewing, co-occurring disorders, and identifying cultural needs of special populations. She has provided care for the following populations: LGBT, DUI offenders, child custody, diversion program, possession of marijuana, domestic violence, sex offenders, federal, bureau of prisons, and private patients.

As an outreach community leader, she has coordinated events that helped organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Ujima House, Neighborhood Ministries, Bible study, Stand up for Kids, Andre House, Christmas Angles, and Family Outreach. Her years in outreach leadership have guided her in developing strong relationships within the community. She utilizes these relationships to develop connections that will provide the support and encouragement her patients need in their life long journey of recovery.

Jillian is an entrepreneur as well as philanthropist. Her love for helping others to live a life in balance is a life long journey. She is passionate about her patients as well as her family, friends, and community. Jillian continues to demonstrate her efforts to increase the well-being of humankind. Her energy is contagious and her loving spirit is motivational. She is committed to providing the best addiction care by integrating therapeutic strategies that address the specific needs of each individual

“I have a passionate life commitment and open heart for practicing addiction assessment, treatment, and recovery. My years of experience in facilitating individual, group, and family addiction treatment programs have given me insight into the core issues regarding addiction. It is my mission to understand my patient’s strengths, barriers, and issues in order to create a quality treatment approach that meets their specific needs. I offer a safe, confidential, and compassionate environment for therapeutic processing and healing. In addition to individualized treatment I feel very strongly about creating connections outside of treatment that will work to support and encourage a life of living in balance. Recovery is possible…I am here to help!”

Peace, Love, Hope.

License Type: LASAC

License Number: LASAC-13339

Natalie Davis LCSW is a licensed Clinical Social Worker. She completed her graduate degree in the field of social services at Arizona State University Phoenix, Arizona in 2011. Natalie also completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Arizona State University the Glendale Arizona campus in 2008. As a member of the mental health community, she had the pleasure of acting as a Chief Clinical Officer, Clinical Director, Program Director and a field instructor for students pursuing degrees in the field of mental health at Grand Canyon University, Walden University and Northern Arizona University.

Natalie’s passion includes leading teams that provide patient centered care, supporting individual clinicians as they pursue their career goals to include the pursuit of independent licensure. Natalie has developed clinical based treatment programs to meet the needs of those impacted by trauma, life transitions, anxiety, and depression as well as populations with co-occurring mental health concerns such as depression and substance abuse.

Natalie has worked in a variety of treatment settings including outpatient, intensive outpatient, and inpatient. Natalie is skillful in helping people achieve an improved quality of life through the use of therapeutic modalities including such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). Natalie supports the delivery of services in a manner which is gender inclusive. She believes in developing a strong therapeutic alliance with clients, other care providers, family members. She is a supporter of a collaborative approach to health and well-being.

Natalie is native born to Arizona. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, listening to an eclectic array of music, and taking day trips throughout the State of Arizona.

Cherry has over a decade of experience in the social services sector, marked by a deep commitment to supporting diverse populations, including individuals struggling with mental health challenges, substance abuse, eating disorders. Cherry’s experience includes working in residential facilities, outpatient settings, and in organizations dedicated to assisting homeless youth. Cherry is also a veteran of the United States Military Intelligence Corps.

As Practice Manager, Cherry is dedicated to ensuring that Core Recovery remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all individuals seeking support for their mental health, addiction, and eating disorders. Her background, work experience, and deep empathy and passion for helping others allows her to cultivate an environment where both staff and clients feel valued and supported.

Cherry holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Public Administration. When she is not serving Core Recovery’s patients and staff, Cherry enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Kristina has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in social work from Walden University. She has over 15 years of experience working in human services and is a member of the National Association of Social Work. Kristina is committed to supporting patients achieve their goal of recovery and healing. She believes in building strong relationships and creating a safe, non- judgmental space for patients to work on problematic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and enjoying the Arizona outdoors.

Robert is a therapist who treats adult and adolescent patients at Core Recovery. Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Robert has lived in Arizona for 8 years. He began his career advocating for the unhoused in Phoenix. Subsequently, Robert worked became a social worker, earning his Master’s Degree in Social Work from Walden University. Robert has experience providing mental health counseling, hospice medical social work, and case management. Robert offers therapy services to children, adults, and adolescents, employing a variety of modalities, including CBT and DBT. Robert is deeply passionate about the work that he does and is excited to return to Core Recovery, where he previously worked from 2021 through 2023.

Nour is a dedicated Mental Health Counselor with a passion for supporting individuals and families on their journey to well-being. She earned a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University and has extensive experience working with diverse populations in both individual and group therapy settings. Nour’s counseling approach is rooted in evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She specializes in helping adolescents, adults, and families navigate challenges related to mental health, addiction, and life transitions. Her goal is to provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and achieve meaningful growth.

Matthew Oberg is a seasoned veteran in mental and behavioral health services, with a diverse background that spans various roles within the field. He currently serves as an Admissions Coordinator at Core Recovery, and has previously held the positions of Program Director, Behavioral Health Technician, and Case Manager in the greater Phoenix area.

Originally from Oakdale, Minnesota, Matthew relocated to Arizona in 2006. His career began in the automotive industry, but his passion for helping others led him to transition into mental and behavioral health services. Matthew has served in managerial roles at multiple outpatient recovery centers, utilizing his extensive experience to support individuals struggling with behavioral health and substance use issues. He has also served as the Program Director for a Native American Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), where he facilitated daily IOP groups, provided trauma-informed care, and helped clients discover their passions and purpose in life.

Matthew’s primary goal is to empower the clients and patients of Core Recovery to lead transformed and fulfilling lives. His dedication to improving the lives of those he works with is evident in every aspect of his work, from program management to direct patient care.

Edward is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over five years of psychiatric experience as a nurse in the psychiatric resource unit of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.  Edward is a passionate and dedicated provider who prides himself on his patient-centered approach, guided by his recognition that each individual has unique experiences, strengths, and needs, and consequently, what works best for one person may not work best for another.

Edward’s primary goal is to make a positive impact at the intersection of mental health and holistic well-being. Edward believes in a personalized model of care in which he gets to know his patients, allowing him to cater to their ever-changing needs through individualized treatment plans that align with their goals and values. Edward strives to create a safe and nurturing environment, where his patients feel empowered to explore their emotions, thoughts, and concerns openly.  He derives satisfaction and meaning out of working with patients as they move throughout treatment toward their ideal self, to live joyful, fulfilling lives.

Edward is originally from Nashville, Tennessee. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Xavier University and his Master’s Degree from Northern Kentucky University.

Lleva Groves is a compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of dedicated service in healthcare. Her journey began as a neurology nurse, where she provided care for patients with traumatic brain injuries, psychosis, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. This early experience instilled in her a deep understanding of neurological and psychiatric conditions and the importance of empathetic patient care.

She then transitioned to become a level 1 trauma nurse in the emergency room, where she managed acute psychiatric crises, including psychosis and suicidal patients. Working in this high-pressure environment enhanced her clinical skills and reinforced her commitment to compassionate care and developing trusting relationships with patients in their most vulnerable moments. She was soon recognized by her peers when she received a Daisy Award for excellence in patient care.

Lleva further expanded her expertise by working in two outpatient private practices, where she provided comprehensive psychiatric care to patients ages six and up. Utilizing advanced treatment modalities such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), ketamine, and Spravato, she has successfully integrated these innovative therapies into personalized treatment plans, ensuring the best possible outcomes for her patients.

Throughout her career, Lleva has been unwavering in her dedication to patient care. She believes in building strong, trusting relationships with patients, fostering an environment where they feel heard, respected, and supported. Her holistic approach to mental health care combines medication management, psychotherapy, and patient education to promote overall well-being and recovery.

Lleva is honored to be a part of the Core Recovery team and is committed to helping patients achieve their mental health goals. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family, playing video games, and engaging in arts and crafts.

Rosalinda is a passionate Patient Care Coordinator with over 4 years of experience in behavioral health. She comes to work every day seeking to help ensure that individuals can obtain the best care for mental health, trauma, and substance use. When she is not at work, she loves to spend time with her loved ones, watching movies or playing games together. She also enjoys long walks with her dog, reading as many books as she can, and cooking new recipes.

Izabel Puerta is currently a student at Arizona State University. She is studying to receive her bachelor’s degree in psychology, after which she intends to pursue her PhD in Clinical Psychology to become a Neuropsychologist. At Core Recovery, Izabel is an integral part of the support system for Core’s patients, and continues to learn from working with Core Recovery’s clinicians and patients. In her free time, Izabel loves spending time with her family, friends, dogs, and cat. She is an Arizona native and is passionate about serving those in her community. She is excited to continue her growth as a mental health professional.

Monique is a Patient Care Coordinator at Core Recovery. She is passionate about assisting Core Recovery’s patients and their families. When she is not at Core, Monique is dedicated to continuing her education. Monique is a student at Rio Salado College and will be transferring to Temple University to complete her bachelor’s in communications. In her free time, she loves to play video games and spend time with her cats, Squidward and Dinky.

Glen completed his Master of Science degree in Addiction Studies at Capella University. Glen completed his clinical practicums and education in Las Vegas, NV with a strong focus on treating dual diagnosis patients. Glen excels at facilitating individual, group, and family counseling sessions utilizing motivational interviewing intervention methods, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family systems theory. Prior to Core Recovery, Glen has worked as a program therapist at a leading psychiatric hospital in Arizona treating patients who suffer from co-occurring disorders. Glen is in the process of obtaining his LASAC licensure. Glen’s passion is to treat each patient and family ethically and firmly believes that group cohesiveness is imperative to the success of mental health and/or addiction recovery. In his free time, he likes to read true crime or listen to Audible, watch movies, engage in the performing arts, volunteer in the community, and ride his bike.

Laurie is a passionate and dedicated mental health professional, with extensive experience helping individuals with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Laurie excels in facilitating individual, group, and family counseling sessions, employing a variety of modalities, including dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing. She provides a non-judgmental setting that offers a safe place for individuals to process their emotions and heal.

Laurie is passionate about ensuring that individuals participating in Core Recovery’s programs receive high quality care in all individual, family, and group settings. Laurie is also an equine-assisted clinician, providing counseling sessions to individuals and families while using rescue horses as her guide to heal. During these sessions, she also utilizes a labyrinth meditation walk in for clients to be able to ground themselves, implement mindfulness, and process their emotions in a safe place. In her free time, you will find her riding her horse, Pickett, and spending time with her sons Brenden and Travis.

Laurie completed her Master of Science degree program in Clinical Psychology at Capella University.