Mindi Woodruff, BSN, RN, BHP, CCS-P
Owner/Program Director/Nurse Mindi Woodruff has been working in this field since 2005. She enjoys what she does because she believes we are all deserving of living our best life. Mindi has made it her mission and philosophy that every day be a day that she helps someone achieve that. Everything in her life revolves around her quote; “Built on Faith, Powered by Spirit, and all done in Love” (Mindi Woodruff 2019) and in the words of Aesop, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Her accomplishments are her children, her work in behavioral health and substance abuse field and staying grounded, centered, and never forgetting where she came from. Her philosophies are that all are worthy, equal, and deserving. Love and forgiveness are the most important thing in this world, and all should be shown such compassion. |
Sandi Kuhns
Human Resources/Compliance Officer Sandi Kuhns was born and raised in New Jersey, attended college in NYC and resided in southern California until 2019 when she located to Arizona. Sandi has been working in the human resource and corporate compliance world for the past nine years and brings diversified experiences from the precision manufacturing industry to the domestic and international residential development and recently, the substance abuse healthcare field. Sandi’s philosophy is to bring an approachable and positive culture to the Team and believes that employees are one of the most important assets to any business. She is committed to achieving the best work culture for all employees and creating an inclusive Team spirit environment. When Sandi is not working you can find her cycling on her beach cruiser, hiking, Pilates, cooking, and spending quality time with all dogs. |
Emaley Muridan
Public Relations/Naloxone Coordinator/Accounts Payable Emaley Muridan is the Public Relations/Naloxone Coordinator for New Hope Behavioral Health Center, since 2019. She is responsible for media, events, web-design, and community outreach. Emaley is gaining experience by forging new relationships with large organizations. Emaley has expanded her knowledge with web programs such as QuickBooks and Excel. Emaley aspires to graduate from W.P. Carey School of Business with her Bachelor of Science in accounting with a long-term goal of becoming a Forensic and Litigation Certified Public Accountant (CPA). When Emaley is not studying or working she enjoys the outdoors with her two dogs, cooking, fitness, and traveling. |
Stacia Saylor
Medical Biller/Coder Manager Stacia Saylor is the Billing Manger who has been with the New Hope Behavioral Health Center since 2017. Stacia oversees all the billing from gathering info to create claims, ensure claims are paid, and takes care of the credentialing with insurance companies. She assists patients with insurance concerns to help ensure it should be the least of their concerns here at New Hope throughout their recovery. Stacia is dedicated and motivated by her 2 children who are ready to spread their own wings. In her free time, she can be found looking for a trail, rock crawling in their off-road vehicles or at the campsite. |
Rhonda Dillon
Medical Biller/Coder Rhonda Dillon is part of the billing team and has been with New Hope since 2019. Prior to getting into the medical field, she worked as the lead bakery clerk for a large grocery chain for 19 years. Rhonda decided to go back to school to become a Medical Assistant. She was able to gain experience working in cardiology and family medicine as a front office medical assistant and a prior authorization tech. She slowly started working with the billing manager for the family medicine facility, where she was able to gain additional education and experience. Rhonda works together with New Hope’s billing team to create a proficient and efficient billing process. Rhonda enjoys working directly with patients to assist them in with their financial concerns. Her time away from work is spent with her wonderful husband, 3 beautiful kids and her handsome grandson. |
Dr. Matt Evans, MD
Medical Director Dr. Matt Evans, New Hope's Medical Director, specializes in substance use disorder, harm reduction and general physical health for the substance use disorder population. He completed his addiction medicine fellowship here in central Arizona at Honor Health/CBI and attended medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix. His work included managing the physical health consequences of substance use and treats patients with Hepatitis C as part of his addiction medicine practice. Dr. Evans is involved in a variety of activities to help improve the lives of those living with substance use disorder. He leads the education project ECHO at Arizona State University (ASU) to educate healthcare workers about medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). He facilitated an education project to educate judges in the state of Arizona on the benefits of MOUD. In addition, he works with local harm reduction groups like Sonoran Prevention Works to advocate for changes to Arizona laws which eventually helped pass laws that allow for sterile syringe access programs for people who inject drugs. Dr. Evans is a fierce advocate for harm reduction and access to Narcan (Naloxone). Dr. Evans is also active in research-based emerging treatment opitions for people with substance use disorders. He's a native Arizonan, who continues to give back to his home state and community. He finds joy in rock climbing, mountain biking, snowboarding, and above all else, spending time with his family. |
LaWanda Wheat, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner LaWanda Wheat is a Certified Nurse Practitioner with over 18 years' nursing experience in healthcare. LaWanda completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as her Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Degree at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. She holds a national board certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. LaWanda received her Post-Master of Science in Counseling: Substance Abuse Counseling. LaWanda has worked in a multitude of nursing roles throughout her medical career and had found her niche in addiction medicine/behavior health. In her free time, LaWanda likes to travel the world, read a nice book, and relax. |
Dr. Ray Hamilton, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner Dr. Ray Hamilton is a Board Certified NP and well-rounded Registered Nurse with 12 years of healthcare experience. Dr. Ray has been with New Hope since 2021. He has excelled in family medicine while earning the Staff Service Excellence Award for Dignity Health. Recognized by Catholic Charities Community Services and Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care as a healthcare presenter and public speaker. Some of his many accomplishments included: member of the electrophysiology team, trained and specialized in addiction medicine with active waiver, MAT certification, and credentialing for both inpatient & outpatient treatment. Dr. Ray provides detoxification and MAT services at many facilities throughout the valley including Scottsdale Detox, CleanSlate, Buena Vista Recovery, Silkworth Addiction Center, and New Hope Behavioral Health Center. |
Jim Bielli, LMSW, LISAC, BHP
Clinical Director Jim Bielli is a master level clinical social worker with a twenty-year history working in the behavioral health field. Jim specializes in substance use disorders and has extensive professional experience in different clinical areas ranging from trauma to parenting. He is very committed to using harm reduction principles to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use. Jim derives his inspiration and motivation from him patients who he considers to be his greatest teachers. In his free time, Jim enjoys board games, reading sci-fi and biographies, hiking and playing with his Boston Terrier. |
Jenifer Webb
Clinical Coordinator Jen Webb graduated from the University of Phoenix with her Bachelor’s degree. She has 7 years experience working in the addiction field, 4 of these years have been spent at New Hope. As clinical coordinator, Jen is dedicated to ensuring that New Hope provides the highest level of patient care. She believes that providing compassionate service can have a positive impact on anyone struggling with addiction. Jen also works closely with New Hope’s pregnant patients and their families to help ensure a happy and healthy delivery. In her free time, Jen enjoys traveling and experiencing new adventures with her husband and spending quality time with her family and friends. |
Randi Gillihan, CPSS
Peer Support Specialist Randi Gillihan is first Certified Peer Support Specialist at New Hope Behavioral Health Center. Peer supports have a solid understanding of substance use recovery and bring a unique perspective to living with substance use disorders and maintaining success. Patients often have barriers that prevent them from progressing towards positive goals. Randi’s role is to step in and provide more intense case management with these patients, offering support, advocating on their behalf, and at times just being an empathetic ear that listens. Randi has experience with the court, jail, and prison systems, healthcare and other state and government systems, as well as the invaluable experience of living on the streets and struggling with addiction. August 2022 marked 5 years of successful recovery, and Randi is excited to be on this new journey here with New Hope. When not at work, Randi is at home finishing her associate degree in Criminal Justice and spending time with her daughter. |
Ted Greer, LASAC
Counselor Ted Greer is a Master’s level substance abuse counselor (MA LASAC) practicing since 2008. Working for NHBHC since 2016. Ted specialties in process addictions, 12-step facilitation, codependency, core-family issues, and inner-child work. Ted enjoys tent-camping, kayaking, mountain-biking, and exploring Arizona outdoors. |
Marné Egarton
Counselor Marné Egarton is a Behavioral Health Tech with 4 years experience. She oversees individuals on their journey to overcome their Opioid Use Disorder through 1:1 and group counseling by educating them on harm reduction while also connecting them to much needed services such as housing, employment, mental health, and medical services. What some may view as lacking in professional experience, Marné makes up for by having an authentic understanding of addiction and its influence on people, their families, and society. A Colorado native, Marné spent her late teens and early 20’s residing just outside of Chicago, in Hammond, Indiana, where she earned a BA in both Sociology and Psychology. Marné values the importance of positive human connections and its ability to help others become better versions of themselves. In her free time, she can be found exploring the Valley with her four-legged, ride or die, Murphy. |
Brittany McGillivray
Counselor Brittany McGillivray is a Substance Abuse Counselor with 5 years’ experience working in Medication Assisted Treatment Programs. Brittany has an Associate degree in Applied Sciences of Addictions and Substance Use Disorders. Outside of New Hope, Brittany is an undergraduate student working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Addictions Counseling, with the goal of becoming a LISAC. Brittany has extensive history working with clients who are parenting and/or pregnant and patients who are involved in criminal justice system and or with the Department of child Safety. Brittany is extremely passionate about recovery and helping our patients to achieve their recovery goals. |
Samantha Schierhold
Front Office Manager (480)981-1022 frontdesk@nhbhc.net Samantha Schierhold is New Hope’s Front Office Manager with 15 years’ experience working in multi-departmental company that specializes in treatment for opioid substance use disorder. Samantha has been employed with New Hope since 2007. Samantha works closely with front office staff and other departments to facilitate a smooth flow for all daily operations and intakes. Samantha has a positive attitude and tireless energy, working to communicate needs of patients to staff. She is inspired by the patient’s success in their treatment. In her free time, she enjoys paddle boarding, camping, off-roading, and spending time with her grandchildren. |
Isabel Woodworth
Receptionist (480)981-1022 frontdesk@nhbhc.net Isabel is new to the medical field. As a little girl she had a strong passion for helping others and becoming a part of the medical community. She graduated from Mesquite High School in 2020. Isabel has two cats that she just adores. She is one of the faces you will see when you walk in as being a part of the Front Desk. She absolutely loves her job at New Hope and hopes to grow with the company. She brings a bright smile to the front desk & our community. She always tries to go above and beyond for the patients. In her free time, she loves swimming, hiking, hanging with friends and family, and going on little adventures. One of Isabel’s favorite places to visit is Sedona, Arizona, She enjoys the beautiful scenery and peacefulness. Her favorite sounds are the tree’s glycan through the wind and the water dripping down the mountains. |
Hope Loftus
Front Office Assistant (480)562-6628 216frontdesk@nhbhc.net Hope Loft is an Front Office Assistant/Medical Records Clerk at New Hope Behavioral Health. Hope’s job requires her to appropriately handle the placement and filing of patient’s medical information into our digital medical information software according to HIPPA guidelines. Hope also works at the New Hope Medical Clinic as a front desk receptionist. Hope values positivity and organization which helps provide for a smooth working environment. Hope is currently a student at Arizona State University to obtain her bachelor's degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice as well as Justice Studies. Hope enjoys spending time with her husband and their son as well as playing video games and doing puzzles in her free time. |