Staff Achievements

Ashley Gonzalez accepted a promotion to the role of supervisor at CODAC’s outpatient substance use treatment center.

Initially hired as a recovery coach in 2020, Ashley has developed her skills and transitioned to the role of outreach engagement specialist before receiving this promotion to supervisor. Ashley is currently pursuing her graduate degree and internship in marriage and family therapy. She also holds her certification as an Integrated Healthcare Recovery Support Specialist.

Ashley shares, “This achievement was especially important as it highlights not only my hard work, but also my commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. It’s not just about my own advancement, but about how I can now better support and uplift my colleagues, creating an even stronger team dedicated to our shared mission.”

Since joining CODAC as an addictions fellow and then as associate medical director, Mark Grant, MD has immersed himself in the world of addiction medicine. He has a track record of proven leadership and clinical care, a heart for underserved populations and individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders, and a passion for growth. “We are confident in his ability to lead our medical operations with excellence and dedication,” says Dennis Regnier, CODAC president & CEO.

As medical director of CODAC’s Medication Assisted Treatment program, Dr. Grant oversees clinical operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care to individuals with opioid- and other substance use disorders. He is responsible for developing treatment protocols, supervising medical staff, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and creating an environment where person-first integrated care is provided to promote positive outcomes.

“I am incredibly excited and fortunate to take on the role of medical director at CODAC’s Medication Assisted Treatment program,” says Dr. Grant. “For years, this clinic has been setting the bar high in the Tucson community, providing community members with patient-centered and innovative programs such as 24/7 services, integrated care and hepatitis C treatment.”

In her new role of director of nursing, Liliana will has oversight of all nurses and medical assistants across CODAC locations and programs, ensuring that daily staffing meets patient care requirements.

Additionally, this position coordinates staff training and creates and implements consistent policies and protocols for efficient and effective operations. Liliana will also ensure that the clinics follow state and national regulations and meet CARF accreditation standards. As strong communication and teamwork are very important, Liliana works closely with other CODAC leaders and programs to further integrate nursing and medical assistant duties into clinical operations.

“Over the past eight years at CODAC, I have had the privilege of working alongside an incredible team dedicated to providing the highest quality care to our members. I am immensely proud of the progress we have made together,” says Liliana. “As I step into the role of director of nursing, I am excited to build on our successes and continue our mission to deliver compassionate, top-tier healthcare. Together, we will achieve even greater heights.”

Prior to joining CODAC, Liliana had hands-on experience as a licensed practical nurse in medication assisted treatment, primary care and pediatric care settings. Liliana is CPR certified and is proficient in both English and Spanish. She earned a master’s in business administration (MBA) from Grand Canyon University, a bachelor of Science in health care administration from the University of Arizona and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification from Pima Community College.

Yessenia Leon has been promoted to the role of recovery coach.

Beginning her journey at CODAC in 2017 as a childcare worker, Yessenia has demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication.

“This achievement has been a new learning experience for me,” said Yessenia. “I want to continue working at CODAC and gain as much experience as possible. I hope that one day I will be able to achieve many future career goals and continue my education.”

Yessenia aspires to gain experience as a probation officer and go back to school for her master’s in counseling.

Tsion Meles has been hired for the new role of community liaison and educator.

This grant-funded role plays a pivotal part in enhancing collaboration among community partners to address substance use disorders and increase education on overdose prevention, harm reduction and substance use treatment. In her new role, Tsion is responsible for collaborating with the Pima County Health Department and external partners to promote overdose prevention, organize and facilitate monthly collaboration meetings and build relationships with provider networks and community coalitions.

“I am excited about the opportunity to further grow in this new role and continue to make positive impacts in our community,” said Tsion.

Prior to this role, Tsion worked as a recovery coach and most recently as an outreach engagement specialist at CODAC’s outpatient substance use treatment center. Tsion recently earned her master’s in public health from the University of Arizona with a focus on health service administration. She also obtained her Integrated Healthcare Peer Support Specialist Certification in 2022.

Larry Oñate, MD has transitioned out of direct administrative and clinical services at CODAC to take on a new consulting role for the organization.

Leveraging his extensive expertise in addiction medicine, Dr. Onate’s role now focuses on researching and understanding community and national trends in substance use and treatment. His role includes analyzing trends and emerging practices and following constantly evolving federal regulations to be able to provide expert consultation both at CODAC and around the country to enhance substance use treatment service delivery.

Sam Eckert accepted a promotion to the position of director of billing & contracts in January 2024. Having joined CODAC in  2016, Sam has dedicated nearly eight years to the organization, showcasing exceptional commitment.

Sam’s journey has been marked by continuous growth. Demonstrating exceptional skills and dedication, she progressed through roles, serving as a billing processor, lead billing processor, and most recently, as billing supervisor.

In Sam’s own words, “I have worked for CODAC for the better part of a decade and have been given so many opportunities and support for professional development. This new role is giving me the ability to take what I have learned and really make a difference within the organization, and I am eager to see what this new chapter holds.”

Since joining CODAC in August 2019, Aimee has demonstrated dedication and passion for making a positive impact on the lives of members.

In Aimee’s previous role as a Membership Specialist, she showcased skills in working directly with her colleagues and patients.

Aimee shares, “I really enjoy getting to work with our members one-on-one and seeing what a huge difference our organization can make.” This commitment to our mission undoubtedly contributed to Aimee’s promotion to Membership Technician I in January 2024.

Laura Johnson was promoted to recovery coach lead in September 2023. Since joining CODAC as a recovery coach, Laura has been unwavering in promoting recovery and providing invaluable support to members.

Laura’s dedication to her work is evident in her passion for helping others on their recovery journeys. Having become Peer Support Certified in 2019, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to personal and professional growth.

“I’m truly grateful for the work I get to do every day. This promotion means I can help others be better at their job as a Recovery Coach or Peer Support Specialist which will lead to more people getting well. Together we can and do recover!”

Lauren was promoted to recovery coach from her role as peer support specialist in January 2024.

Maria was promoted to therapist in August 2023.

Beginning her career at CODAC as a recovery coach, Maria’s commitment to professional growth is evident through the pursuit of her peer support certification (in 2019) and in her recent promotion to therapist. It is clear that through enhancing her skills, Maria is dedicated to providing unparalleled support to members.

Carmen Soriano was promoted to the position of Membership Technician II at CODAC in January 2024. Carmen joined our team on July 10, 2017, and over six years, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and proficiency in her role. Having initially served as a Membership Specialist, Carmen’s commitment and expertise led to her advancement to Membership Technician I.

“This role in my career at CODAC is a great accomplishment. I have great leadership and peers to work with who make my job rewarding.”

Christina began her career at CODAC in 2019 as a peer support specialist. During the following few years, Christina explored the role of recovery coach with the criminal justice team before her recent promotion to supervisor for the Hillman House and the Pregnant &
Postpartum Women Transitional Living Program.

“The staff I work with are amazing. The people at CODAC are encouraging and a pleasure to work with. Having the opportunity to work with women and children and to watch families reunite is indescribable. I am truly grateful to work for such an amazing company,” she said.

Christina earned her bachelor’s in psychology from the University of Phoenix and earned her certification as a peer support specialist in 2013. She was promoted to supervisor in May 2023.

Sydney Brown, Recovery Coach, attained her Integrated Health Peer Support Specialist Certification in March.

“This certification has allowed me to advance my professional development and expand my ability to provide quality care to members,” said Sydney.

With her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Kansas Wesleyan University and an associate’s degree from Angelina College, Sydney is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social work at Arizona State University.

Amy Cesich has achieved her Integrated Health Peer Support Specialist Certification. According to Amy, this accomplishment has deepened her connection with the community and enriches her role at CODAC.

After a career in politics, Amy has discovered a new way to positively impact people’s lives through her peer support work with members.

“This accomplishment enables me to support others more effectively, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment to my work. I am proud to contribute to a cause that truly makes a difference in people’s lives,” said Amy.

Amy holds a Paralegal certification from DePaul University Chicago and has completed the Illinois County Government Leadership Academy at the University of Illinois.

Doug Clarke, membership specialist at CODAC’s Speedway location, has earned his Integrated Healthcare Peer Support Specialist certification.

In his role, Doug handles member benefits, scheduling, data maintenance, and ensures smooth communications with members. Doug consistently provides exceptional customer service to members by ensuring their needs are met and any issues are quickly addressed.

“Achieving this certification means a lot to me in being able to further support others as they go through their own journey and recovery,” said Doug.

Jennessee earned her certification as a medical assistant from Carrington College in November 2023. She shares that this certification “helps me put in the knowledge I’ve gained while in school and apply it to my clinical work with members of our community.”

Sue has reached new heights in her career by earning certification as a Psychiatric Health Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center in October of 2023. This accomplishment reflects Sue’s dedication to providing integrated mental health and physical health care to CODAC members.

She shares, “obtaining this achievement is a professional accomplishment that acknowledges my knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide integrated mental health and physical health care to members. It is meaningful to my career in treating persons as a whole being.”

“We are so proud of Christian and his accomplishments. Christian is a very quick study and adept at identifying systemic gaps as well as gaps in care,” said CODAC’s chief compliance officer Dr. Amy Muñoz, DBH, MS, NCC.

Christian is currently pursuing his Master’s in Social Work.

In December 2023, Kristine (CODAC’s chief operating officer) received Eller College of Management’s “Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things” Award.

With a career spanning various roles within the organization, she oversees a wide range of responsibilities including communications, marketing, fundraising and facilities planning. Additionally, she leads the division serving sexual assault survivors and actively engages in community initiatives.

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Katlyn, director of the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault (SACASA), has been selected as an honoree for the 2023 class of “40 Under 40.”

Hosted by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, this award recognizes forty individuals making a profound impact in the southern Arizona community.

Katlyn is a dedicated public servant and tireless advocate for those affected by sexual violence, substance use, mental health disorders and trauma in Tucson. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving the Tucson community while focusing on restorative justice and systems-level change to support vulnerable populations. Read more >>

Celena Leland is a Certified Health Coach and valued member of CODAC’s wellness team. The certification she received as a nutrition specialist is awarded to those who have demonstrated their knowledge and skill in addressing a wide range of health issues through personalized nutrition.

“I’ve worked very hard to earn this credential, and I am thrilled to be able to apply what I’ve learned to my work with members,” said Celena.

Celena shared that she feels honored to be part of CODAC’s integrated healthcare team. “It touches my heart to see the impact our services have, and I’m grateful to all of our staff for the work they do to support members in improving their health and wellbeing.”