Our Team

Tyler is the Executive Director of Sequoia Behavioral Health, with a deep commitment to supporting others through their recovery journeys. Having personally navigated the challenges of addiction and undergone treatment, Tyler brings both lived experience and professional expertise to the role. Passionate about helping individuals who struggle with the same issues he once faced, he finds purpose in empowering others to overcome their obstacles. Outside of work, Tyler is a proud father, finding balance and joy in both his family and his mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

With extensive experience working with the community in mental health and residential programs, I bring a deep commitment to enhancing the impact of our team by incorporating diverse perspectives and evidence-based practices. My expertise spans trauma focused interventions, substance use disorder treatment, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy which allows me to guide clients through complex challenges while promoting lasting healing. I am passionate about helping individuals connect with their inner peace by rediscovering what ignites their spirit. Guided by a strong sense of compassion and commitment to promoting the healing process for others. I believe in leaving everything better than I found it, whether it’s the lives of those we serve, the programs we develop, or the communities we strengthen. In my leadership role, I strive to cultivate an environment where staff feel supported and empowered, ensuring that our collective efforts make a meaningful and lasting difference.

Dr. Segal serves as the Medical Director for Sequoia Behavioral Health and is a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He also serves on the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, is board certified in General Adult and Forensic Psychiatry, and works as a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona. Dr. Segal brings many years of clinical psychiatric knowledge to the team and personally oversees each client's medical care. He is a much loved, respected member of the psychiatric community and our clients have wonderful things to say about him.

Vanessa Plumley, MSN, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Vanessa began her mental health journey in 2015 when she started working at a psychiatric hospital in Show Low, Arizona. It was during this time that she found her passion for mental health and helping others achieve stability and balance. She has worked with individuals suffering from a variety of substance abuse disorders, mental health disorders, and those diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI). Vanessa has a strong passion for physical health and believes that one’s mind and body are truly connected. It is her goal to holistically help others achieve healthy balance both mentally and physically. Vanessa believes in incorporating the latest evidence-based research into each client's treatment plan. Her overall approach to care is patient-centered and collaborative. She believes by collaborating as a team that the patient will gain the tools they need to reach their personal goals.

Ashlee is a registered nurse who has chosen to dedicate her career to the mental health field. She has gained her experience from settings including level one psychiatric hospitals, substance abuse centers, and residential treatment centers. This experience helped formulate her ability to serve the community with focus on patient-centered care and safety, while continuing to treat all with compassion and dignity throughout their journey.

Laura Tyndall is a dual-licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over a decade of experience providing psychotherapy and nursing care. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Arizona State University after five years as a psychiatric RN, building on her Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Education in Clinical Human Sexuality (M.Ed), both completed in 2014. Her unique background integrates advanced nursing practice with clinical therapy, allowing her to approach mental health from both a medical and holistic perspective. Laura has cared for diverse populations in individual, couples, and group settings and is passionate about anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationships, men’s and women’s issues, and LGBTQ+ mental health. She combines psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions to deliver compassionate, evidence-based, and patient-centered care. Laura emphasizes attainable treatment goals, collaboration, and honoring each patient’s values. She believes there is nothing that cannot be handled together and is honored to walk alongside her clients as they take courageous steps toward healing and growth.

Licensed Master Social Worker | Clinician specializing in OCD, Anxiety, and Trauma TyCee is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with specialized expertise in Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She focuses on helping individuals face and overcome a variety of challenges, drawing on extensive experience in treating OCD, anxiety, and trauma. With a background in providing behavioral therapy to children on the Autism Spectrum, TyCee uses evidence-based practices to create a supportive, client-centered approach to therapy. Driven by a passion for healing, TyCee is committed to empowering clients to uncover their inner strength and achieve the fulfilling life they desire. Outside of her clinical work, she finds peace and inspiration in nature, bringing a sense of balance and serenity to her life and work.

Chef Natalie Abbott is a dedicated organic meal prep chef specializing in corporate catering that fuels productivity and wellness. With a passion for clean, whole foods and sustainable sourcing, she crafts nutrient-rich meals designed to energize busy professionals without sacrificing flavor or quality. From executive lunches to team wellness programs, Chef Natalie brings a fresh, health-forward approach to the workplace—one organic bite at a time.

Amber Yanez began her behavioral health career in 2022 as a Certified Peer Support Specialist and earned her Behavioral Health Technician certification within seven months. Since joining Sequoia Behavioral Health in 2023, she has served as a Case Manager, Residential Director of Operations, and now Chief Administrative Officer. Amber is passionate about creating a positive work culture, keeping teams connected to their purpose, and leading with compassion. She is a Certified Trauma-Informed and Resiliency-Trained Professional and is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health. She strives to lead with positivity, energy, accountability, and a little bit of silliness. One of the things Amber is most proud of is watching Sequoia’s Alumni community grow into a soft, supportive group of unlikely friends who continue to show up for one another.

Sara serves as the Office Manager at Sequoia Behavioral Health. She brings over ten years of pharmacy experience and a well-rounded spectrum of knowledge including prior authorization, inpatient hospital, leadership, and patient advocacy. Sara excels at creating and applicating policy and procedure in order to run an effective outpatient center. She is an effective communicator with excellent analytical, problem solving, and organizational abilities. Sara has struggled with substance use and bipolar disorder. Despite these struggles, she actively treats her bipolar and has been sober since 2020. She stays connected in the valley recovery community by attending meetings and sponsoring women in recovery programs. Her goal is to help others on their own paths to recovery.

In her work as a therapist Sophie prefers to utilize experiential and expressive modalities with clients. She aims to meet people where they are by using a person centered therapy approach and incorporating DBT, IFS, expressive, and somatic techniques. Most importantly, she wants her clients to feel safe in a compassionate space and to feel seen, supported, and empowered on their journey to embodiment and wellness. When she's not working, you can find her with her dog, Arrow, exploring nature, enjoying art and music, or catching up on a good book at a local coffee shop.

As a Licensed Associate Counselor and National Certified Counselor, Hannah brings a collaborative and down-to-earth approach to therapy. With a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she focuses on trauma work and incorporates Solution-Focused Therapy and DBT to help clients develop effective coping strategies and move toward their goals. She values being both supportive and direct, creating a space where clients can feel safe while also being challenged to grow. Hannah is especially passionate about helping clients build a future that feels aligned with their values. When she's not working, you can usually find her outdoors; hiking, paddle boarding, or traveling with her dog.

I am a dedicated Group Facilitator with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals through mental health challenges, recovery, emotional growth, and personal development. I take a whole-person approach to group work, helping individuals explore the connection between their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and life experiences. I strive to create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where individuals feel encouraged to participate, reflect, and work toward meaningful change. I believe that growth requires both compassion and accountability, and I provide honest, supportive feedback that helps individuals recognize patterns, challenge barriers, and continue moving forward. I use relatable material, real-life examples, and interactive discussions to help group members connect therapeutic concepts to everyday life. A quote that resonates with my approach is, “Get comfortable being uncomfortable, because that is where the growth happens.” I believe that stepping into discomfort with support and awareness creates opportunities for healing, resilience, and lasting change. Through evidence-based approaches and authentic connection, I support individuals in building self-awareness, developing healthier coping strategies, strengthening relationships, and creating a stronger relationship with themselves.

Porsha Smith is a Residential Therapist in the Clinical Department at Sequoia Behavioral Health, bringing more than 20 years of clinical experience supporting individuals and families across inpatient crisis stabilization, outpatient IOP, residential treatment, and community‑based programs. Her work reflects a deep commitment to helping people heal, grow, and regain stability during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Porsha is recognized for her calm, compassionate presence and her ability to build trust quickly with clients. She integrates evidence‑based practices including DBT, CBT, EMDR, crisis intervention, and trauma‑informed care with a relational, person‑centered approach that honors each client’s unique story. In addition to her clinical expertise, she has held leadership roles as an Assistant Director and Care Supervisor, where she excelled in team collaboration, staff support, and maintaining high standards of clinical care. With a strong belief in creating safe, empowering therapeutic environments, Porsha is dedicated to helping clients feel understood, supported, and capable of meaningful change. Outside of her professional role, Porsha is a proud mother of two. She enjoys karaoke, swimming, and taking peaceful drives while listening to music, these moments help her recharge and stay connected to joy.

Kristin Leneway, LMSW, is a behavioral health professional and clinical leader with more than 20 years of experience across child welfare, hospice, substance use treatment, and mental health services. She brings warmth, humor, authenticity, and genuine human connection to her work, believing that therapy begins with seeing the person first—someone navigating life, relationships, challenges, growth, and all the complexities that come with being human. Kristin utilizes a person-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach to therapy. Her clinical work integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), solution-focused interventions, psychoeducation, mindfulness, grounding, nervous-system regulation, and experiential and expressive techniques. She emphasizes developing self-awareness, identifying patterns of thoughts and behaviors, strengthening emotional regulation, building healthy boundaries, and helping clients reconnect with their values and sense of self. Kristin believes meaningful change develops through a therapeutic relationship built on safety, trust, collaboration, compassion, and appropriate challenge. She strives to create a space where clients feel genuinely heard while developing practical coping skills, greater insight, resilience, and confidence in their ability to create lasting and meaningful change.

Melissa found yoga and meditation through both movement and healing. A lifelong athlete and lover of movement, she returned to a consistent yoga practice when she was a boxing coach, using yoga to balance the intensity of training. Her meditation practice deepened in recovery, where she began meditating twice daily and later led a meditation-based recovery meeting. Through these practices, she experienced firsthand the grounding and transformation yoga and meditation can offer. Inspired by the wisdom of the The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita, she felt called to begin teaching. Melissa is passionate about teaching both Vinyasa and Restorative yoga in a trauma-informed way that helps students feel safe, empowered, and free to move in whatever way feels best for their body and nervous system.

Taylor’s journey with yoga and meditation began during her time in treatment for substance use, and it completely reshaped her healing process. It gave her a new way to cope, to reflect, and to reconnect with parts of herself she had been disconnected from for years. Yoga has become a powerful tool in her recovery and continues to support her mental and emotional well-being. It’s helped her build resilience, self-trust, and a more compassionate relationship with herself. Taylor believes yoga is for everyone and she is passionate about meeting people where they are. She strives to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where students can explore their own healing and self-discovery. Sharing this practice continues to be one of the most meaningful parts of her life.

Jacob spent most of his adolescence and young adulthood lost, using chemicals and people to create a false sense of self and meaning in life. Defeated and desperate after struggling with drug and alcohol addiction for over a decade, Jacob finally hit a point where he reached out for help. This help came in many forms; support from family and friends, detox, inpatient rehabilitation, and a variety of 12-step meetings- and yoga. Yoga brought him a sense of peace and serenity that he had been searching for his entire life. In the first year of his recovery from addiction, Jacob became a yoga instructor. Realizing that he had a gift- a unique and effective way to bring this solution to other people in recovery. He started teaching yoga at rehab centers and later created the non-profit Spiritually Fit Recovery, Inc. Jacob’s passion was found through his recovery. He now makes it his mission and life’s work to bring yoga to those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction in any stage of their recovery process. He hopes that opening the Co-Op will continue to spread this across the community on a larger scale.