Meet the Core Recovery Team

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

As mental health and recovery specialist, we understand how critical it is to get the help you need for a mental health disorder 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, CEO Heather Peltier, 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
Known as a “loving leader,” Jillian founded Core Recovery in 2013 to build a healing environment that meets the needs of the whole individual as she continues to evolve as an addiction counselor.

Traci Nicely

Practice Administrator
Traci is an experienced healthcare professional with over 25 years of experience working in large healthcare systems, including The Mayo Clinic, Honor Health, and Banner Healthcare. Traci has a passion for mental and behavioral health care and strives to ensure that all patients receive the highest quality care.

Sarah Anderson

Director of Clinical Services
Sarah has over 20 years of experience in the mental health and addictions field, providing compassionate trauma-informed care, developing culturally sensitive clinical programs in hospitals, residential and outpatient settings, while building innovative teams to deliver empathic, effective, and best-practices treatment.

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.

Tyler Marks

Patient Care Coordinator
An Arizona native, Tyler has put his heart into his work from a young age. He appreciates the importance of hard work and strives to bring that mentality to work daily.
In his position here at Core, he wears many hats with one goal: acting as a support for Core’s patients and fellow staff members.

Glen Kriegsman

Clinician
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.

Kristina Sheppard

Clinician
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.

Amy Perry

Clinician
Amy’s background is in community behavioral health. Amy went to UOP for her Associate and bachelor’s degree and then got her Major in Clinical Mental Health at Walden University. Amy moved from KY to AZ in 2016 in hope of fulfilling her dream of helping people change their lives.

Robert Shepherd

Clinician
Robert Sheperd is a clinician at Core Recovery. Robert completed his bachelor’s degree in human services at the University of Phoenix and his master of social work at Walden University.

Izabel Puerta

Patient Care Coordinator Izabel is a Patient Care Coordinator at Core Recovery, and a student at Arizona State University studying psychology.

Stephanie Winter

Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMNHP)
Stephanie has over 15 years experience in the medical field and works at Core Recovery as a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner providing compassionate, individualized, culturally informed, and innovative treatment for her patients.

Ammara Ahmad

Medical Assistant
Ammara received her medical assistant certificate in 2019 from Arizona College. Her first job after graduation was in a behavioral health clinic.

Marilizabeth Birk

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Marilizabeth Birk is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a background in psychiatric nursing and intensive outpatient therapy.

Nikki Kirby

Registered Dietitian & Certified Eating Disorder Specialist
Nikki is a dedicated and compassionate Registered Dietitian and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. She guides individuals on their journey towards healing and nourishment with a deep-rooted belief in the All Foods Fit philosophy.

Dana McKaufman

Clinician
Dana has almost three decades of experience working with patients in mental health and substance use.

Matthew Oberg

Group Facilitator, Case Manager & Patient Advocate
Matthew is an experienced behavioral health technician who uses his experience in inpatient and intensive outpatient programs to support Core Recovery’s patients and empower them in their recovery journeys.

Patricia McKay

Behavioral Health Technician
Patricia is a veteran in the field of health care, who is working with Core Recovery’s patients to ensure that they get the most out of their experiences at Core.

Monique Torres

Patient Care Coordinator
Monique is a Patient Care Coordinator at Core Recovery’s Surprise, AZ location.

Request an Appointment

Your recovery matters to us. Start your road to a happier, healthier tomorrow with Core Recovery today.

Whether you believe you’re a good candidate for outpatient therapy, are interested in working with one of the above team members, or just hoping to learn more about our treatment and services, we are here for you.

Fill out the form below to get started or request an appointment. Please note that all form submissions are confidential.

Bonus: You can now discuss your mental health concerns with Core Recovery via remote counseling!

We happily offer virtual appointments over the phone or online via Telehealth.

click here to fill out our secure form.

Core Recovery has opened a new location in Surprise, AZ@@Adult Eating Disorder Program Now open in Surprise