Desert Milagros meaning "desert miracles," provides a place for healing and recovery.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Life is a journey that presents many opportunities for personal growth. The path to a freer and more joyful state of mind begins with identifying your healing and recovery needs. We have carefully chosen methods that effectively release thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve you. We believe that addressing issues underlying your challenges is the most effective way to reduce symptoms and to achieve real healing at the mental, emotional, and physical levels. Self-empowerment is also emphasized by teaching you tools that not only manage your thoughts and emotions in the present but can be used throughout your lifetime to effectively handle life’s many challenges.

While each person uniquely experiences their path to recovery, we believe that the tools and methods provided in that process can greatly accelerate one’s return to wellness and improve personal functioning. It is our goal to provide you with the best-trained professionals and treatment methods that can assist you in that journey.

At Desert Milagros, you will find many opportunities for healing and recovery through the various programs we offer for the treatment of disordered eating, trauma, and mental health issues. All our programs encourage and promote one’s spirit and desire to thrive in life.

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OUR STAFF

Therapist at Desert Milagros are Master’s level professionals who are trained in various treatment modalities that address recovery and healing from a holistic perspective. Support staff including dietitians, counseling assistance, and personal trainers are certified in their area of expertise. All of our staff participate in continuing education and training to enhance their abilities to provide you with the best possible care.

 

Faith Suaso, Ph.D.Executive Director
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.
Jessi Antle, MSTherapist
Jessi graduated from Prescott College with a Masters degree in counseling. Jessi facilitates services in our Adult Mental Health program and provides group and individual therapy for those dealing with anxiety, depression, and bipolar symptoms. She has a special interest in DBT and body/mind therapies and brings these skills into her work with patients. With her gentle nature, Jessi provides a welcoming and trusting environment in which patients can thrive and focus on their recovery.
Phillip Pasena, MS, LACTherapist
Phillip graduated from Prescott College with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Phillip facilitates services for our Adult Trauma program and the Parent Support group. His approach to treatment is based in attachment theory, interpersonal biology, somatic and sensory motor modalities. He provides individual and group therapy for patients dealing with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Phillip has a special interest in Attachment/Bonding therapies and uses this knowledge to help clients move forward in their recovery process
Lorrene Mithers, M.Ed., LACTherapist
Lorrene received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia Southern University. She is a certified clinical Trauma Professional. Lorrene works with patients in the Teen groups for disordered eating and with the adult Trauma program. She has experience working with different treatment issues including grief and loss, mood disorders, phobias and severe mental illness. Lorrene is an Army veteran and brings the same dedication and commitment to her work at Desert Milagros.
Kim Parra, MA, LPCTherapist
Kim received her Master’s of Arts in Counseling from the University of New Mexico, following a career in the educational field. Kim facilitates groups in the Adult Trauma Program and is also a member of the assessment team; supporting patients in the enrollment process. Her approach to working with both adult and teen patients is based on attachment theory, interpersonal biology, family systems, and trauma theory. Kim 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.
Karen Magana, BSNutritionist
Karen received her BS in Nutrition from the University of Arizona. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Karen works with patients in the Eating Disorder programs providing nutritional guidance and support, in corporation with the Dietitian. She facilitates group and individual sessions.
Alyssa Deal, BSDietetics
Alyssa graduated from the University of Central Arkansas and DTR in Tucson AZ. She has experience as a clinical nutritionist in a variety of settings including mental health, rehabilitation, and sports nutrition. Her role at Desert Milagros includes working with our teen and adult patients in their recovery from disordered eating, and assisting other patients in learning healthy eating and nutrition for well-being.
Katherine Crawford, BAPersonal Trainer

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
Katee Moore, BACounseling Assistant
Katee is a Graduate student at Boise State University pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work. Katee is a counseling assistant for the clinic and assists therapists in the Teen and Adult therapy groups. She is responsible for helping with crisis management, teaching stress reduction techniques, meal support, and ensuring that therapists have the support they need to best work with patients.
Julie Kotelman, BSHSContracts Manager and Billing Specialist
Julie received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona as a Public Health Educator. She manages all billing and contract issues for Desert Milagros. Julie helps patients understand their insurance benefits and navigate the authorization process. 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.
Lilia SuasoOffice Manager
Lilia oversees the daily operations of the office and manages the needs of the clinic to ensure that patients have a welcoming and supportive environment to support their recovery. Lilia is currently studying to become a therapist and will attend the Honors program at the University of Arizona.
Pauline SmithReceptionist
Pauline is the first person patients see when entering the building. Her role is to help each person feel safe and welcomed to the clinic. She assists patients with their initial questions and does all their appointment scheduling. Pauline has worked in the behavioral health field for some time now and enjoys the daily interactions with our patients.
Charlotte McKee, ASOffice Assistant
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.

Request Appointment

For more information please contact our office at: (520) 531-1040 or the Intake department at (520) 539-2558.