Staff Achievements

Staff Achievements and Milestones
At CODAC, we care about the personal and professional development of our staff.
We are proud to share about staff who have earned recent promotions, certifications, degrees and promotions to support their professional development and enhance the services they are able to provide to CODAC members.
These recent reasons to celebrate reflect February to May, 2023.
Please join us in celebrating as well.
Promotions and New Positions

Learn more about Rafael
Prior to joining CODAC, Rafael worked in software and systems development with Electronic Data Systems (now a part of HP), a Fortune 500 company. He provided systems engineering and development to customers such as GM, Volkswagen, Phillips Petroleum, IBM, and others.
Rafael is currently a member of the Technical Advisory Committee and the Policy Advisory Council for Contexture (the Arizona- and Colorado-based Health Information Exchange), providing direction in the development of its data offerings to all healthcare providers in Arizona, Colorado and beyond.

Learn more about Dan
In addition to oversight of the programs, Dan is responsible for the development of community collaborations including work with the Tucson Police Department, the Tucson Fire Department and the Pima County Adult Detention Center as well as numerous community hospitals to address the overdose crisis through developing collaborative interventions.
Dan has a master’s degree in Counseling and over 35 years of experience in behavioral health. The majority of his career was spent in rural behavioral health with a wide variety of duties including administrative and clinical oversight of a 16-bed inpatient psychiatric facility, residential substance use treatment programs, day programs for persons with Serious Mental Illness and standard and intensive outpatient substance abuse treatment programs for adolescents and adults.

Learn more about Kristy
Kristy joined CODAC in 2013 and has been with the organization for more than nine years. During her tenure, she has worked her way up from membership specialist, to lead to manager and now senior manager.
Customer service is always a priority for Kristy. “Connecting members to the care they need and when they need it, will always be my number one goal,” she says.

Learn more about Kristine
“CODAC has afforded me incredible opportunities for experience, growth, leadership and creativity. My colleagues throughout the organization have been a source of inspiration, strength, support and knowledge,” says Kristine.
Kristine began her career at CODAC in 2003, spent time at University Physicians Healthcare and the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, and returned to CODAC in 2009 where she has held progressively responsible roles. She has been on the boards of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the Public Relations Society of American Southern Arizona Chapter.

Learn more about Keila
“Keila has been with CODAC for four years and during that time she completed training in all areas of Membership and 380. She was one of the original membership specialists qualified as a BHT and promoted to membership technician III as we started the process of having Membership identify and submit billable services,” says Damien Bracamonte, director of membership.
Keila shares that she is excited to continue learning and growing with CODAC.

Learn more about Shawnee
Shawnee obtained her Master’s in Social work from Arizona State University and possesses many years of experience in behavioral health as well as a passion for integrated care. She is also an avid practitioner of Transcendental Meditation.

Learn more about Ashley
Ashley James is a marketing and communications professional with over 10 years of experience in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. She is a results-driven individual with expertise in multi-channel campaign management, strategy, storytelling and community relations. Ashley is committed to promoting awareness and collaboratively nurturing the growth of the community impact organizations she serves.
Ashley began her career at CODAC in 2012 and then spent time working in the healthcare marketing space and, most recently, at the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona.

Learn more about Jonathan
Jonathan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, earning a master’s in social work and a master’s in philosophy, with advanced training and certificates in Dissociation & Trauma, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy.
His career path has evolved from therapist into management and director-level roles. As an administrator, Jonathan takes pride in developing efficient processes that allow his staff to focus their attention on customer service and clinical effectiveness.

Learn more about Eddie
“I’m truly blessed to be in a role which allows us (CODAC) to not only grow our wellness, employment and therapy team services, but to address health matters which will positively impact – and even save – lives! At the same time, I’m privileged to play a small role in the preventative and whole health outcomes of our members, their families/families of choice as well as our colleagues,” he says.

Learn more about Bill
“His solid clinical presence and licensure ethic is second to none. And, he’s truly been an integrated health champion within our various departments and teams,” he adds.
Bill shares that he is honored to continue expanding in his career at CODAC. “This achievement will provide the opportunity to grow as a professional, clinician, supervisor and leader to make larger-scale impacts among fellow colleagues, members and the community as a whole. I am proud to continue my adventure within CODAC and amongst the greats!” he says.

Learn more about Estella
“This role continues to be a commitment to the meaningful mission at CODAC and the incredible impact this organization has on the community. I get so much fulfillment from the collaboration with other professionals and complex problem-solving in this field dedicated to thriving communities and workplace excellence,” says Estella.
Estella is dedicated to maintaining an environment that promotes positive employee relations and successful business practices. She holds a bachelor’s in business administration and completed her coursework for her master’s in organizational management in 2000 from the University of Phoenix; she is a veteran of the United States Air Force. Estella attained her certification as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt in September 2020.
Professional Development Achievements

Learn more about Nikki
Nikki Keele is a therapist with CODAC and recently obtained associate’s level licensure. She also received her Master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Northern Arizona University in 2022. She graduated with distinction in her cohort.
“I have longed worked to become licensed and it feels surreal…To have achieved the level in my career is both an incredible achievement and a new wonderful opportunity. I can’t wait to jump into various roles as an individual, couples, and group counselor here at CODAC.”

Learn more about Claudia
Claudia shares that this achievement brings the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and improve healthcare systems, policies, and operations, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.
“I am committed and dedicated to the work I do and hope to make a positive impact at CODAC and to the community we serve… I am thankful to CODAC and its leaders for giving me the opportunity to grow within the organization and take on various roles for the last 16 years,” she says.