Meet our Team

Our team is comprised of dedicated, caring individuals with a passion for serving and helping others. Our team understands that meeting you where you are at is very important and that this is a journey and though you will be held accountable; it will be done without judgement. ​

Administration Team

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
Accounting Manager
Emaley Muridan joined the New Hope team in 2019. Her role encompasses managing accounts, preparing budget forecasts, processing weekly payroll, and overseeing financial statements, among other duties. Emaley has actively cultivated new partnerships with prominent organizations, expanding her expertise in web applications such as QuickBooks Online and Excel. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the W.P. Carey School of Business and is now an alumna of ASU. She aims to become a Forensic Certified Public Accountant (FCPA). Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys outdoor activities with her three dogs, cooking, staying active, and exploring new destinations through travel. 
​Samantha Schierhold
Senior Administrative Assistant
​Samantha Schierhold is New Hope’s Senior Administrative Assistant 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.
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.

Medical Team

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.
Karen Holtz, PMHNP-BC
Mental Health/MOUD Provider
Karen Holtz is board-certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), demonstrating her commitment to providing excellent care to individuals struggling with mental health issues. Throughout her career, Karen has worked in various clinical settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. Her compassionate and patient-centered approach to care has earned her a stellar reputation among her patients and colleagues. As a PMHNP-BC, she utilizes evidence-based therapeutic interventions to address the unique needs of each individual, creating a safe and trusting environment that allows her patients to feel comfortable discussing their concerns and collaborating on their journey towards improved mental well-being. With her empathetic and personalized approach, Karen is a true advocate for mental health, committed to helping individuals achieve optimal mental well-being and live fulfilling lives.
​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. 
Christopher Sims, LPN
Nursing Lead
Chris was born and raised in southern California. He has 13 years of medical experience, working in high acuity psychiatric, and in patient drug and alcohol treatment units. He moved to Arizona in 2020, where he tested and vaccinated patients during the COVID pandemic. Chris began his career at New Hope in 2023 where he is now the Nursing Lead. Chris believes his purpose in life is to be of service to others. He strives to be the type of supervisor his nurses can depend on. In his spare time, he enjoys riding motorcycles to scenic views such as the Grand Canyon, and Zion National Park.

Clinical Team

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.
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.
Matthew Swanson
Counselor
Matthew Swanson is a Counselor-BHT with six years of experience in Behavioral Health. Before transitioning into his role as a counselor, he spent five years working as an admissions coordinator and intake specialist at a substance use inpatient treatment center. Having been in long-term recovery for over eight years, Matthew leverages his personal journey to assist others in overcoming what may seem like insurmountable challenges. In his free time, he enjoys camping and fishing with his son and girlfriend.​
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. 
Mark Cain
Counselor
Mark has worked in substance abuse treatment for over 2 decades. He has spent the last 14 of those years in medication assisted treatment, working with individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorders. He is an advocate for treatment in justice settings, including Specialty Courts, Adult Probation, the Department of Child Safety. Arizona and the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry along with various city and county correctional institutions. Mark works to educate, to reduce stigma and increase awareness of the role medications for opioid use disorders play in today's environment. Each day his goal is to make a positive difference in someone’s life.

Front Office Team

Josy Tamayo
Front Office Manager
Josy serves as the Front Office Manager at New Hope where their compassion and dedication play a crucial role in our commitment to providing exceptional care. With a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those seeking treatment, Josy ensures that every patient receive the support and attention they need from the moment they walk through our doors. In their role, Josy is responsible for overseeing daily front office operations, including patient scheduling, administrative support, and facilitating communication between patients and clinical staff. Their ability to manage a busy office environment while maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere reflects their genuine concern for patient well-being. Josy brings a wealth of experience in customer service, combined with a heartfelt commitment to supporting individuals on their path to recovery. Their empathetic approach and unwavering dedication to their role significantly enhance the patient experience and contribute to the overall success of our clinic.
Stacey Barker
Receptionist
​Stacey is the friendly face you'll find at the front desk, where she handles patient check-ins, appointment scheduling, and transportation arrangements. Her passion lies in helping others and ensuring that everyone who walks through the doors feels valued and secure. Whether someone needs information, support, or simply a warm smile, Stacey is dedicated to assisting with any needs that may arise. Outside of work, Stacey enjoys watching stand-up comedy and cherishes quality time with her two wonderful children. She encourages everyone to reach out for assistance and looks forward to making each visit as pleasant and stress-free as possible.
Randi Gillihan
Receptionist/Administrative Support
As the receptionist and administrative support for New Hope's IBHPCP psychiatric clinic, Randi's role involves ensuring the clinic's operations run smoothly while providing valuable support to both staff and clients. Her responsibilities include managing patient scheduling, handling phone calls, maintaining patient records, and assisting with billing tasks. A key aspect of her job is fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for patients and coordinating communication between psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals. Recognizing the stigma surrounding mental health issues, Randi is dedicated to contributing to solutions that help people overcome barriers to accessing the help they need. Through openness, empathy, and support, she strives to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for everyone. In their free time. Randi is a junior at ASU and she enjoys spending time with her 5-year-old daughter and newborn son.

Join Our Growing Family!