Dr. Suaso established Desert Milagros in 2010 and has dedicated her career to providing programs and services that address the interconnecting relationship between mind, body, and spirit. She is a licensed professional therapist and has a doctorate in psychology with an emphasis in spirituality and consciousness studies. Dr. Suaso has worked for some of the leading treatment facilities in addiction, eating disorder and mental health recovery. With over 30 years in the field she brings maturity and compassion to the many challenges facing the behavioral health community. Today she oversees program development and the daily operations of Desert Milagros.

Kim received her Masters of Arts in Counseling from the University of New Mexico, following a career in the educational field. Kim is the Clinical Director for Desert Milagros and oversees the clinical team and the treatment programs at Desert Milagros. She is an innovative director who cares about the services provided to our patients and continues to develop each program to best address patient needs.

Kim has a therapeutic background in attachment theory, interpersonal biology, family systems, and trauma theory. She is a student of the Tapas Acupressure Technique and uses forms of energy psychology to help patients gain relief from symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Tami received her Master's degree in counseling from Chapman University upon retiring from the U.S. Air Force. Tami works with teens in our Eating Disorder and Mental Health programs. Her therapeutic background includes trauma, conflict resolution, grief, and loss therapy, and providing treatment for those with severe mental illness. Her approach in therapy is from a strengths-based perspective. Tami is a board registered clinical supervisor.

Jessi received her Master of Science in Counseling from Prescott College. Jessi has facilitated groups in several of our treatment programs and has a keen awareness of patient needs and the ability to help each person reach their recovery goals. She is skilled in mindfulness techniques, DBT, and CBT interventions.

Daia received her Master of Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University. She has worked with patients in various therapeutic settings and is a practitioner of energy psychology. She is part of our clinical team and facilitates groups throughout our programs.

Aprana is a registered dietitian and has worked in various settings including hospital-based, university, and community programs. She is passionate about nutritional education and works with each patient to better understand their nutritional needs. She assist patients in the Disordered Eating programs and throughout our treatment programs.

Katee received her Masters in Social Work from Boise State University. She has a background in community nutrition, and counseling including trauma resolution, eating disorders, and recreational therapy. She has had several roles with Desert Milagros beginning as a counseling assistant where she assisted in all our groups and with all ages. After completing a year internship with us, she decided to stay with Desert Milagros and is now part of the clinical team. Katee facilitates groups in our Trauma program and facilitates intake interviews and assessments.

Katee's therapeutic approach is grounded in a person-centered and strengths-based perspective.

Katherine is a certified personal trainer holding advanced certifications in Corrective Exercise and Weight Management, emphasizing functional movement, through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. As a personal trainer, Katherine assists patients in regaining range of motion, improving life impairments through emphasizing integrated whole-body movements, balance and coordination, leading to better stability and mobility. Katherineworks with all patients throughout our programs and facilitates a specialized groups for the Binge Eating program and patients dealing with obesity related issues.

Katherine obtained her BA from the University of Washington. She holds the following certifications:

• CPT: American Council on Exercise
• CES: National Academy of Sports Medicine
• WLS: National Academy of Sports Medicine
• CAFS: Gray Institute
• COS: American Council on Exercise

Julie received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona as a Public Health Educator and her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She manages all billing and contract issues for Desert Milagros, in addition to utilization review and quality assurance issues. She works directly with each of our patients to ensure that the financial part of enrollment goes smoothly. Additionally, she advocates for patients regarding insurance authorizations and treatment extensions.

Isabella is our receptionist and assist patients with scheduling their appointments and handling any questions that they may have. She is the first person that patients see and provides a warm welcome to those seeking care in our facility. Isabella has a personal interest in becoming a therapist and is currently in pursuit of her degree in the Behavioral Health Field. She received her Associates Degree in Liberal Art and Psychology from Pima Community College.

Ariel received her Associates in Business Administration from Clark College in Vancouver, WA. She is a team member in our Administrative office and assist patients throughout their treatment stay.

Charlotte assists in the office and the management of the clinic. She is responsible for coordinating special projects and ensuring that the staff and clinic have the supplies and tools needed to operate smoothly. She is endearingly referred to as Vice President of Miscellaneous.