Emily is working towards her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and licensure in the state of Arizona. She is currently in the 3-year Somatic Experiencing Practitioner Training program. Emily is passionate about providing trauma-informed and client-centered care to all. She believes that safety and connection is the antithesis to trauma, and through a strong therapeutic alliance, clients are empowered to take control of their lives and find deeper healing. At Sequoia Behavioral Health, Emily provides individual trauma therapy with a holistic focus on mind/body interventions, including integration, self-regulation, mindfulness and stress reduction.

Dr. Gargi Dwivedi, MD, graduated from M.G.M. Medical School, Mumbai, India in 1999. She finished her residency at St, Joseph’s Hospital, in Phoenix, Arizona in 2005. She is board certified in Family Medicine and her practice focuses on comprehensive office-based integrated care. She has been practicing primary care in the Scottsdale community for almost 20 years. She is passionate about continuity of care and has enjoyed taking care of many generations of her patient’s families. She has particular interest in women’s health, starting from puberty to menopause. She believes in mind-body wellness, and is a promoter of lifestyle modification and integrated medicine. She enjoys spending time with her three kids as well as cooking, music, and exercising-particularly yoga.

Eddie Mendez has always known the power of music. Throughout life, he has learned that through specific vibrations and frequencies, one can experience so much joy and also help one release trapped emotions. Music has been everywhere throughout centuries and cultures because of its impact on a person and its healing properties. Eddie Mendez plays various instruments that bring forth strong vibrations and frequencies like a gong, Tibetan and crystal singing bowls, ocean drum, and many other holistic healing instruments. The sound healing that Eddie Mendez offers will help open the passageways of healing, aligning the chakras, and aid in achieving set intentions.

My name is Edana and I am a recovering drug addict and alcoholic. While in treatment I was introduced to yoga by Spiritually Fit Recovery, a company that teaches yoga at treatment centers across the valley. I attribute the tools of yoga, breathing techniques, meditation and movement to my successful recovery. I experienced a full circle moment upon completing my yoga teacher training certification in 2022. After graduating, I was hired by Spiritually Fit Recovery, the same company that so graciously introduced me to this life-saving practice while I was in treatment. I feel so blessed to be teaching for them and it is an honor getting to work with other recovering individuals like me. All of the instructors at SFR are trauma-informed with first hand experience in mental health and addiction recovery ourselves. This allows us to develop a deep connection with our students. Post treatment, we offer students free yoga every Saturday night at Sweatshop on Central. This class allows us to provide all of our students with ongoing, free access to the tools of yoga that have helped so many of us without the barrier of financial burden. Our mission is to improve our mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health in our community. We can't wait to work with you!!

Alex serves as the Director of Admissions for Sequoia Behavioral Health and is a liaison in the process of getting patients the therapeutic care that they need. Alex graduated with honors from Arizona State University with his Bachelors of Science in Psychology and has a passion for Behavioral Health. Alex struggled with anxiety, depression, and drug addiction for 7.5 years before he found a path to recovery. After recovering in mind, body, and spirit, he is incredibly proud of the beautiful life he has built and is now truly happy, joyous, and free. It is his mission to help guide individuals from the demoralization that he once suffered to the freedom he now experiences. He actively participates in recovery meetings and sponsors men in recovery programs. He has worked hard to build a reputation in the valley recovery community and plans to continue to help others for the rest of his life. In his free time he spends time with his wonderful fiancée Sara, his two cats, and is a chess.com fanatic.

Eric J Henley MAS-MFT, LMFT is the Clinical Director at Sequoia Behavioral Health. Eric brings a unique blend of educational, professional, and personal experience to serve his clients. Eric has a Master of Advanced Studies in Marriage and Family Therapy from Arizona State University (ASU). He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and certified by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health as a Clinical Supervisor. Eric’s approach to therapy is attachment based and trauma informed. Eric is certified in evidence-based modalities of therapeutic care, including EMDR, and as a Trauma Professional and Personality Disorder Professional. He has additional training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cogitative Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Sand Tray Therapy. As a continuing coach, consultant, and mentor to business leaders and entrepreneurs, Eric’s approach to counseling can be very solution-focused as well, utilizing Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Eric considers the obstacles, natural tendencies, and responses that may work against your overall wellness and balance, taking in the entire picture with you to find a path toward healing. Whether it’s a current life adjustment or past trauma holding you back from your potential, he wants to work with you to restore your balance and create the best possible future. Eric has also lived the married and single life with kids who are now teens getting ready to launch into the world. He has experienced the ups and downs, the longing for connection, and the pursuit of personal growth. He has made the journey while looking at the world and life through many different lenses and angles. Eric brings this vault of knowledge, expertise, and wisdom to every session to help you succeed and thrive!

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.

Emma is a registered nurse with a passion for helping others through trauma-informed care. Emma started her journey in the mental health field in 2015 as a behavioral health technician and later became an emergency medical technician while attending nursing school. Emma has both in and out of hospital experience and will help you manage your medical needs during your stay. She is available 24/7 for any medical questions or emergencies and is excited to help you as you embark on your healing journey!

Alicia serves as a group facilitator at Sequoia Behavioral Health and assists with neurofeedback sessions. Alicia graduated with honors from Brigham Young University with her Bachelors of Science in Psychology and has a background in primarily DBT therapeutic intervention. She has worked closely assisting in the treatment of many mental health conditions, especially Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety. Alicia is trained in trauma-informed care and is a wonderful resource for clients. We love her warm personality and passion for helping others.

Drew entered the recovery field in early 2020 and his passion for helping others has allowed him to quickly progress in the field. He has experience as a bhpp, bht, facility manager, program manager and now comes to us as our new director of operations. Drew struggled with generalized anxiety, depression, SI, trauma and active drug addiction for 13 years before finding his way to recovery. Recovery completely transformed his life and he now shows his gratitude by sharing the gifts of recovery to those who need it most. His unique blend of spirituality, compassion, efficiency, and commitment to clients needs has helped him build a respected and well-known reputation in the valley community and beyond. Above all, it is his goal to lead those affected by mental health issues, trauma and substance use disorders down the road to recovery and to guide them back to themselves, their families, and their lives

Stacy Paul M.A., LPC, LISAC is a Therapist at Sequoia Behavioral Health. Stacy has a Master of Arts degree from Governors State University in Illinois. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor. Stacy has over 30 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She believes that Emotional healing is the process of acknowledging, allowing, accepting, integrating, and processing painful life experiences and strong emotions. It may involve empathy, self-regulation, self-compassion, self-acceptance, mindfulness, and integration. She has experience working with people who struggle with a variety of mental health conditions utilizing evidence-based practices. Stacy provides individual, family, and couples therapy. Stacy enjoys spending time with friends & family, photography, arts & crafts, going to festivals, and traveling. She has 2 four-legged family members who she loves dearly.

Amber Yanez is a dedicated and compassionate individual who began working in behavioral health as a certified Peer Support Specialist on a level-one crisis floor in March of 2022. She has since been trained and certified as a Behavioral Health Technician in Arizona. Amber now serves as Sequoia's Case Manager, helping advocate and coordinate care for clients to ensure they receive the support and resources they need to be successful in their recovery. Amber is committed to promoting the well being and empowerment of all Sequoia clients facing various challenges. She is skilled in assessing client needs and developing individualized care plans. She strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves, embodying empathy in all of her interactions.

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.

My name is Ally, and I am a Group Facilitator here at Sequoia Behavioral Health. I have worked in Behavioral Health for about 10 years, and have enjoyed every second of it. My experience is in a wide variety of lines of work that include adult services and youth including: DBT Group Counselor, CBT Group Counselor, Crisis Support Skills Group Counselor, Trauma Informed Parenting Facilitator, Trauma Advocate, Crisis Hotline and Response Team, Suicide Hotline, BHT in a Psychiatric Hospital, and even a professionally trained Special Needs Nanny. I also had the honor to work and create Behavioral Health Curriculum for both adults and youth for a large portion of my career. I chose to get my degree in Psychology as I knew I wanted to be in Behavioral Health long-term. My goal is to become a Psychiatric Physician Assistant. I truly believe my calling in life is to help others discover the healthiest, most independent, and positive version of themselves. I believe that everyone has access to discovering their best-self, and I am so honored to be just a small part of the journey along the way. I have a wonderful husband and a beautiful goldendoodle whom I treat as my own child! In my free time I enjoy going on walks, decorating my home, enjoying time with my family and friends, and I love all things Disneyland and Disneyworld. I absolutely love my job here at Sequoia Behavioral Health, and I feel everyone has a place here to discover healing, empowerment, and light in their life one step at a time.

Devon Mittelstaedt, MMS, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant dedicated to providing compassionate care in the field of Psychiatry. Graduating with a degree in biology from the University of Arizona, with an emphasis in biomedical sciences, Devon continued her education by earning a Master of Medical Sciences degree at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. During her studies, she developed a passion for Psychiatry and a commitment to treating individuals with psychiatric ailments. Devon is devoted to delivering quality, inclusive care to diverse patient populations. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, spending moments with loved ones, and embarking on adventures with her one-year-old doodle puppy.