OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE
Let’s do this!
Through client-focused care, a stable living environment, community partnerships, and lifelong dedication, NorthSight Recovery is committed to helping those whose quality of life has been compromised by substance use and mental health difficulties.
the choice is clear
Who We Are
NorthSight Recovery was founded by a group of individuals who have witnessed or experienced the toll addiction and mental health difficulties can have on individuals and their loved ones. They have also witnessed the joy and peace that sobriety can bring and are dedicated to helping others achieve the same joy and peace. Our team is passionate about ensuring everyone has access to the services they need to achieve recovery.
Executive Leadership
With over 100 combined years of experience, our Executive Leadership team has developed a deep understanding of the complex challenges facing behavioral healthcare and the communities we serve.
Jeremy Bloom, CMPE
Jeremy Bloom
Chief Executive Officer
Career Highlights
Jeremy Bloom has more than ten years of healthcare experience. During this time, he has held various senior and executive leadership positions where he gained expertise in organizational management, regulatory guidelines, and care delivery. Jeremy has built alliances with key local and national stakeholders. He has assisted in developing many programs, including psychiatric crisis centers, inpatient facilities, outpatient facilities, and patient-centered medical homes. Jeremy is passionate about healthcare innovation and developing systems that take a data-driven approach to measure outcomes and costs to improve the overall delivery of healthcare services.
Jeremy studied health care administration and finance at Grand Canyon University and holds a Medical Practice Executive certificate through the Medical Group Management Association.
Special Skills
Home improvement projects, cooking, and eating my weight in sweets
Most People Don’t Know
I have a twin sister
Greatest Achievement
Being a father
Jeremy Bloom, CMPE
Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Gallo, LISAC, CADAC
Shawn Gallo, LISAC, CADAC
Deputy Chief Clinical Officer
Career Highlights
Shawn has over 30 years’ experience in the behavioral health field and has operated at the Director level for the past 23 years. He is a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, and has served on the board of directors for the Arizona Board for Certified Addiction Counselors.
Special Skills
Thriving and surviving in a house with a wife and two kids who are all 2nd degree black belts in Taekwondo. Replicating small home improvement projects with sole instruction from people on YouTube.
Most People Don’t Know
I’m a second-generation immigrant, as my father came to the United States from Southern Italy as a child. I also enjoy Disneyland more now than I did as a kid.
Greatest Achievement
Being a father as a direct result of being in recovery.
Shawn Gallo, LISAC, CADAC
Deputy Chief Clinical Officer
Evan Schlack, Esq.
Evan Schlack
Chief Operations Officer
Career Highlights
Evan has extensive labor and employment law experience across diverse roles and industries. He began his legal career working at a boutique plaintiff’s-side labor and employment law firm focused on class- and collective action matters, securing over $100M in settlements in cases Evan worked on at the firm. From there, Evan moved on to roles that included Associate General Counsel for a nationwide healthcare staffing firm and Senior Labor & Employment Counsel for a global technology and construction startup, where he was responsible for the organization’s North American labor and employment compliance strategies, initiatives, and risk management. Most recently, Evan worked for a technology startup where he quickly rose the ranks from Senior Labor & Employment Counsel, to Head of Legal, and eventually the role of Vice President.
Special Skills
Evan’s experience – both personal and professional – provides him with a unique perspective that makes him particularly adept at understanding both sides of “people problems,” as he likes to call them.
Most People Don’t Know
Evan embraces being a bit odd. In his free time, if he isn’t reading (non-fiction, always), you can probably find him at the gym or home office working on his [ethical] lock-picking skills.
Greatest Achievement
His personal journey to recovery.
Evan Schlack, Esq.
Chief Operations Officer
Gabriella Guerra, LMSW Chief Growth and Strategy Officer
Gabriella Guerra, LMSW
Chief Growth and Strategy Officer
Career Highlights
Gabriella is passionate about progressing and advocating for our nation’s behavioral health system and has been working toward her mission for over two decades. She has held numerous senior and executive-level positions for large managed care and provider organizations, where she was responsible for overseeing some of Arizona’s most complex and vulnerable populations.
Gabriella has developed and implemented an integrated behavioral health and physical health care model for adults with SMI and designed and implemented outpatient “hubs” to provide clinical and SDOH solutions for adults with SMI. She has also been involved in developing an agency wide opioid treatment program and redesigned a systemwide crisis model. Gabriella earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s in social work from Arizona State University.
Special Skills
Cat herding
Most People Don’t Know
I was born in New York City
Greatest Achievement
Three kind, smart, and talented children
Gabriella Guerra, MSW
Chief Growth and Strategy Officer
Tom Castellanos, CPA
Tom Castellanos
Chief Financial Officer
Thomas has held several executive financial positions throughout his career supporting behavioral health communities in need throughout the country. He has been an integral part of several growth-oriented executive teams throughout his career. Since 2001, he has worked raising funding for several healthcare and behavioral health providers. He is a CPA in Arizona since 1981. He holds a degree in finance and accounting from University of Arizona.
Thomas works with thought leaders in meeting the needs of behavioral healthcare and affordable housing in our community. Throughout his career he has completed the financial work to form a new Integrated Care Federal Qualified Heath Center; has raised capital and start-up funding for several dozen crisis and inpatient clinics; and secured funding for the construction or retrofit of residential and outpatient clinics in Arizona, California, Delaware, New Mexico, and many other states.
Special Skills
I developed the “Unidos US, formerly NCRL” building on 16th Street NW in Washington DC.
Most People don’t know
I am a pilgrim to the Holy Land and volunteer for the church in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Greatest Achievement
I spend time with my grandchildren on beach and mountain camping trips every year.
Tom Castellanos, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Sierra Peritore
Sierra Peritore
Deputy Chief of Compliance
Career Highlights
Sierra has four years of behavioral health experience in a variety of settings. Before joining NorthSight Recovery, she worked at The Joint Commission (TJC) and then as a full-time regulatory and compliance consultant for behavioral health providers across the country. Sierra is passionate about creating safe and ethical treatment for those struggling with mental health and/or substance use disorders. She believes in the fundamental necessity of creating sustainable processes to ensure compliance and prioritize quality and safety.
Sierra studied Sociology and Criminal Justice Sciences at Illinois State University and is Yellow Belt certified in Robust Process Improvement® (RPI ®).
Special Skills
Teaching reformer Pilates and embroidery.
Most People Don’t Know
I cannot do mental math to save my life.
Greatest Achievement
Moving across the country from Illinois to Arizona alone to create the life I want for myself. Leaving all my friends and family was the most terrifying yet rewarding thing I could have done for myself.
Sierra Peritore
Deputy Chief of Compliance
Our clinical team of therapists and medical providers are uniquely qualified to treat mental health and psychiatric conditions that oftentimes accompany drug or alcohol abuse. NorthSight Recovery understands the importance of having healthy supports to aid in long term recovery. In addition to clinical programming, we offer services focused on care coordination and transitional housing.
Shawn Gallo, LISAC, CADAC
Deputy Chief Clinical Officer
Brittany Pierce, PsyD
Director of Clinical Training
Brittany Pierce, PsyD
Brittany Pierce, PsyD
Director of Clinical Training
Career Highlights
Dr. Brittany Pierce is a licensed Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Pierce earned her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology with minors in addiction counseling and philosophy. She pursued her Master’s Degree in clinical psychology and her Doctorate Degree in clinical psychology at Argosy University in Phoenix. Dr. Pierce has experience working in correctional settings, private practice, and inpatient psychiatric facilities assessing and treating a plethora of psychiatric illness including: Addiction, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, neurocognitive disorders, personality disorders, and trauma. Dr. Pierce also has extensive experienced in psychological assessment, program development and implementation, and teaching.
Special Skills
Memorizing song lyrics, decorating Christmas trees, game shows (ex. Super Market Sweep and Family Feud)
Most People Don’t Know
During my senior year of college, I participated in a study abroad program in Rome, Italy.
Greatest Achievement
Being a mom
Stephen Bass, MD
Dr. Stephen Bass, MD
Addiction Medicine Physician
Career Highlights
Dr. Bass is an accomplished physician with over 13 years in practice. Having focused his initial specialty in Anesthesia, he recognized the significant need for individuals struggling with substance use issues. He attended an Addiction Medicine Fellowship, where he obtained the knowledge and skill set to become a board-certified addictionologist in early 2021. Dr. Bass emphasizes innovation and understanding what the latest research suggests for various treatments.
He earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University in 2004 and completed a Residency in Anesthesiology in 2009 from the University of Oklahoma. He also serves as Chief Medical Officer for GenEd Systems, LLC, a research and development company for genetics education based in New Orleans, LA.
Special Skills
Photography, cooking
Most people don’t know
Being from Louisiana I am a good cook
Greatest achievement
Graduating medical school and earning board certifications in two specialties
Stephen Bass, MD
Addiction Medicine Physician
Danielle Hansen, PMHNP-BC
Danielle Hansen, PMHNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Career Highlights
Dani earned her Associates Degree in Nursing in 2012 and Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2015. She began her work as a Registered Nurse at a crisis center and served individuals struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders. Dani then joined an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team and treated those designated as severely mentally ill. In 2021 she earned her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and became the first Nurse Practitioner in Arizona to serve on an ACT team. Dani has a unique ability to connect with patients struggling with severe mental illness and strives to provide the most caring and effective care possible.
Special Skills
Patience, marksmanship, commitment to fitness
Most people don’t know
I can sing and participated in an audition choir
Greatest Achievement
My education
Danielle Hansen, PMHNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Judi Browne, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Judi Browne, PsyD
Judi Browne, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Career Highlights
Dr. Judi Browne is a licensed clinical psychologist with experience in treating addiction, anxiety disorders, bereavement, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and trauma as well as professional and caretaker burnout. She has practiced at inpatient addiction and psychiatric facilities, an outpatient methadone clinic, juvenile corrections, the Phoenix Vet Center, community mental health, and most recently in private practice. Dr. Browne’s therapeutic approach focuses on integrating neurobiology and mindfulness skills. She is trained in psychodynamic and cognitive therapies (CBT, ACT, DBT), EMDR and clinical hypnosis.
Special Skills
Being highly intuitive, extremely curious, and abstract thinking.
Most People Don’t Know
I have dyslexia
Greatest Achievement
Backpacking the Grand Canyon and Havasu Falls several times and making it to the top of Humphreys Peak.
Brady Byrne, Therapist
Brady Byrne
Therapist
Brady began his career in counseling while living abroad in the Netherlands. He has worked with a diverse range of populations across the EU, US, and UAE. After returning to the US, he settled in Arizona and began his work in recovery. Brady has experience as a therapist and clinical director, specializing in narrative therapy interventions with a focus on identity growth and development.
Special Skills
Writing, storytelling, & music composition.
Most People Don’t Know
I moved to Denmark in 2011 and only returned to the United States in 2021.
Greatest Achievement
Establishing a private practice while overseas and managing an international business.
Brady Byrne, LAC
Therapist
Nikki Ujvari, M.S.
Nikki Ujvari, M.S.
Therapist
Career Highlights
Nikki obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology and her Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and is currently working toward licensure and a Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling with a focus on traumatology. Nikki has had the opportunity to work with a variety of populations, including those designated with severe mental illness, substance use disorders, personality and mood disorders, and trauma. She hase a passion and extensive experience with advocacy and educating those who have been marginalized or ostracized within their communities.
Special Skills
Shopping, collecting record vinyl and hello kitty collectibles, and word games
Most People Don’t Know
I am bicultural and won the state Spelling Bee Championship in my younger years
Greatest Achievement
My relationship with my family!
Nikki Ujvari, M.S.
Therapist
Mackie Sherman
Mackie Sherman
Counselor
Mackie has been working in behavioral health since 2012 and began providing counseling services in 2016. She is passionate about working with those healing from trauma and addiction. She is trained in Somatic Experiencing, NARM, and IFS. Mackie achieved sobriety in 2011 and uses her personal experience to aid in serving those who are working toward recovery.
Special Skills
Binging a Netflix series in 2 days
Most people don’t know
I enjoy traveling solo
Greatest Achievement
Building a beautiful life for myself and becoming a mother
Mackie Sherman
Counselor
Cara McKinzie
Cara McKinzie
Case Manager
Career Highlights
Cara is a dedicated Case Manager and certified Peer Support Specialist who is passionate about using her lived experience to help others. She understands the challenges that people face when dealing with addiction as well as the struggles in early recovery. Cara strives to provide guidance to those who are struggling with the parallel issues that often arise from addiction and mental health issues. Cara’s approach is rooted in empathy and understanding. She knows first-hand the struggles that people face when dealing with addiction, and she uses her own experiences to connect with others and help them on their journey to recovery. Her goal is to empower her clients and give them the tools they need to lead fulfilling, healthy lives. Her empathy also allows her to anticipate the needs and concerns of others, and to communicate in a way that is both respectful and effective. She also is a creative thinker who can think outside the box to help others solve the different types of issues that arise in sobriety.
Most people do not know
Cara is a very dedicated mom to her two daughters, is originally from Kansas, and enjoys Volkswagen shows
Special Skill
Finding the best bargains and planning large scale events
Greatest Achievement
Working a plan of recovery, having her kids back in her care, and living a fulfilling life
Cara McKinzie
Case Manager
Dannie Heller
Dannie Heller
Case Manager
Career Highlights
Dannie is working towards her Bachelors of Social Work at Northern Arizona University, with an expected graduation in August 2024. After completing her bachelors, she will continue her education by working towards her Master’s in Social Work. Dannie hopes to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has worked as a peer recovery specialist, case manager, and OUD Counselor and wishes to remain in the substance field. She is passionate about providing care centered around clients’ strengths while meeting people where they are in their recovery.
Most people do not know
I love playing video games, spending time with family, and having a passion for math. I also continue working on myself daily.
Special Skill
Empathetic, organized, and determined to help reduce stigma in our society.
Greatest Achievement
I continue working on myself and using my past to help empower my life today.
Dannie Heller
Case Manager
Nik Schollenberger
Nik Schollenberger
Housing Program Manager
Career Highlights
Nik Schollenberger is a dedicated addiction recovery professional with a passion for helping individuals struggling with addiction find their way to sobriety. He is a valued member of the team at Northsight Recovery, where he serves as the Housing Program Manager.
With over three years of experience in the addiction recovery industry, Nik started his journey as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) and quickly rose through the ranks to his current leadership position. He has a unique perspective on the recovery process, having overcome his own addiction and achieving three and a half years of sobriety.
At Northsight Recovery, Nik is known for his compassionate and supportive approach to patient care. He is committed to providing each individual with personalized attention and support, and takes great pride in helping them achieve lasting sobriety.
Nik believes strongly in the power of community and connection in the recovery process, and works tirelessly to build supportive networks for his patients. He collaborates with other professionals in the industry to ensure that patients have access to a wide range of resources and support systems.
Outside of his work at Northsight Recovery, Nik enjoys playing softball on the weekends and attending AA meetings. He is an active member of the recovery community and is passionate about raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding addiction.
Special Skills
Forming relationships with others
Something People Don’t Know
I have 4 sisters
Greatest Achievement
Finding my way into recovery
Nik Schollenberger
Housing Program Manager
Dr. Laurel Rettle, PhD,LPC,LISAC
Laurel Rettle, PhD, LPC, LISAC
Therapist
Career Highlights
Laurel Rettle PhD, LPC, LISAC pursued her Doctorate Degree in General Psychology. Dr. Rettle has over 35 years of experience working in recovery settings, private practice, and inpatient psychiatric facilities assessing and treating a plethora of psychiatric illness including: Addiction, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and trauma. Dr. Rettle also has extensive experienced in psychological program development and implementation, consulting, and training.
Special Skills
Cooking, homemaking/organizing/budgeting.
Most People Don’t Know
I am interested in genealogy and am a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Greatest Achievement
Being a mom and grandma. Helping little ones learn to navigate the world through socialization, education and emotional development has been my life’s Magnum Opus.
Laurel Rettle, PhD, LPC, LISAC
Therapist
Operations
Our Operations Leaders consist of a strong team of professionals focused on healthcare operations, property management, and sustainable growth. By managing the organization’s day-to-day, they ensure that NorthSight Recovery provides high-quality care to clients.
Evan Schlack, Esq.
Chief Operations Officer
Jana Pierce
Jana Pierce
Director of Finance
Career Highlights
Jana attended Dickinson State University and received Bachelors Degrees in Business Administration, Finance and Accounting. In addition to her impressive three degrees, she is in the process of studying to obtain her CPA. Jana has gained extensive knowledge in the Accounting/Finance world through her past work experience as a Budget and Accounting Specialist and a Supervisory Outsourcing Accountant. She has worked across several industries in the areas of budgeting, account analysis, bookkeeping, payroll, accounts payable and receivable among others. Most recently, she has been focusing on Small Business Accounting for medical and addiction facilities.
Special Skills
Crocheting, completing 2000+ piece puzzles, shower karaoke, and getting 15,000 steps a day.
Most People Don’t Know
I grew up on a small farm in Minnesota and had 13 cats.
Greatest Achievement
Never being afraid to follow my dreams.
Jana Pierce
Director of Finance
Rob Caruso
Rob Caruso
Director of Project Management
Career Highlights
Rob Caruso is the Director of Project Management at NorthSight Recovery, where he has made significant contributions to the organization’s operations, compliance, clinical, and housing departments. With over 3 years of experience in the behavioral health field, Rob began working in a housing role and moved to a clinical role before transitioning to operations.
Rob’s achievements at NorthSight Recovery are many, and primarily among them is championing the Joint Commission accreditation process. With Rob’s guidance, NorthSight Recovery was able to meet and exceed the rigorous standards set by the Joint Commission, ensuring that the organization provides the highest quality of care to its patients. In addition to his work in operations and compliance, Rob has taken the lead on licensure projects with NorthSight Recovery’s supportive housing. Through his efforts, the organization has been able to secure the necessary licenses and permits to expand its housing programs, providing much-needed support to vulnerable populations.
Rob is committed to ensuring that the organization continues to provide the highest quality of care to its patients and remains at the forefront of the behavioral health field.
Unique Skills
Rob is grateful to have both lived and learned experience in the behavioral health field due to his own journey of recovery through the years.
Most People Don’t Know
Rob’s long-term goal is to live on a farm in the middle of the woods, raise animals, grow food, and spirituality while spending time with family.
Greatest Achievement
Definitely my own recovery, closely followed by my relationships with the two women in my life, my wife and my daughter.
Rob Caruso
Director of Project Management
Nolan Pierce
Nolan Pierce
Director of Facilities
Career Highlights
For the past 14 years Nolan has worked in the oilfield industry in various roles, including Crane Operator, Superintendent, Division Manager, Dispatch Coordinator, and Project Sales Manager. The role Nolan found most rewarding was managing the day-to-day operations at the 5th largest crane and heavy haul company in North America. Nolan is looking forward to switching occupational fields and aiding in the day to day operations at NorthSight.
Special Skills
Hunting, fishing, BBQ and smoking meats, handy man projects
Most People Don’t Know…
I am a licensed crane operator
Greatest Achievement
Progressing into a management role at a young age
Nolan Pierce
Director of Facilities
Jeremy Schall
Jeremy Schall
Admissions Specialist
Career Highlights
Jeremy’s personal experiences have fueled his passion for helping others navigate the challenges of addiction and behavioral health. He brings a non-judgmental and empathetic approach to his work, creating a safe and supportive environment for people that are seeking treatment. Jeremy’s tireless efforts in self-improvement and his unwavering dedication to his clients make him a respected professional in the behavioral health community. He continues to learn, grow, and apply himself with a steadfast determination to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those he serves. He brings a non-judgmental and empathetic approach to his work, creating a safe and supportive environment for people that are seeking treatment.
Special Skills
Remembering random facts and information, fishing, and kayaking
Most People Don’t Know
Jeremy was a professional hip-hop dancer as a teenager, who performed in Las Vegas and LA
Greatest Achievement
Being sober today
Jeremy Schall
Admissions Specialist
Chayla Hirz
Chayla Hirz
Admissions Specialist
Career Highlights
Chayla is a compassionate and dedicated professional with a heart for serving her community. With a background as a corrections officer and probation officer, she brings a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
Her desire to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need led her to switch gears and pursue a career in behavioral health. Chayla is able to provide empathetic and non-judgmental support to her clients. She understands that behavioral health issues can often feel like navigating through dark and difficult times, and she is committed to being a beacon of hope in those moments. Her ability to instill hope and provide a compassionate presence has made her a critical member of the admissions team serving as one of the first points of contact for NorthSight.
Special Skills
Shooting bow and arrow, paddleboarding, sports knowledge
Most People Don’t Know
I played college basketball and participated in Geography Bees
Greatest Achievement
My own walk through recovery
Chayla Hirz
Admissions Specialist
