Our Staff
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Tiffany Ruelaz, Ph.D, LPC, CDBT, CCTP, EMDR trained Chief Executive Officer Tiffany has been a therapist for almost a decade and has a goal to help clients create strategies and life skills to reduce difficulties in their life that are causing them to feel overwhelmed. She completed her Ph. D in Community Psychology, and her Master’s degree in Couple’s and Family Therapy. She has worked with clients of all ages and has effectively helped clients find relief from issues such as depression, sexual issues, anxiety, PTSD, and communication difficulties. As a relational therapist, she works with couples and people in alternative relationships (throuples, triads, quads etc…). You don’t have to look any further to find a therapist who can truly understand your relational orientation and lifestyle, just click here! Tiffany also has a great deal of experience working with adolescents suffering from trauma and prefers to help their families find ways to guide them through the difficulties, and have peers for additional support.
“My goal is to help clients create strategies and life skills to reduce difficulties in their life that are causing them to feel overwhelmed. I want to instill hope for you that things can get better, and it all starts with reaching out for help. You are not alone!.” |
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Brook Teal, M.A. Chief Operating Officer Brook is our Chief Operating Officer with over 20 years of experience working in the field of mental health. When practicing, she utilizes an honest and direct approach during sessions to help clients address their struggles and change their lives for the better. She is experienced in cross-cultural communication with over a decade living overseas. She has a passion for helping others recognize their worth and potential, and incorporates a playful and nonjudgmental approach to psychotherapy. Brook holds a master’s degree in clinical community counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She uses all of her experience to help Change thrive!
“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking. -Albert Einstein |
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Jennifer Garcia, MSW, LMSW-T
Clinical Therapist
Jennifer completed her Clinical Therapy Internship with CHANGE AZ in February 2023. She completed her MSW in Advanced Clinical Practice at Walden University. She holds a B.S. in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University. She excels at empowering clients to make positive changes in their lives. She has worked with groups, individuals, couples, and families to improve communication and decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and grief. She is a United States Air Force veteran with a unique perspective as a service member, military spouse, parent, and family member. She has worked with military families and veterans in the healthcare setting, students with differing abilities in K-12 school settings, and is an advocate for persons experiencing homelessness and the LGBTQIA+ community. She has always had a passion for helping others see their potential in themselves.
“I now see that owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we will ever do.” Brene Brown
Clinical Therapist
Jennifer completed her Clinical Therapy Internship with CHANGE AZ in February 2023. She completed her MSW in Advanced Clinical Practice at Walden University. She holds a B.S. in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University. She excels at empowering clients to make positive changes in their lives. She has worked with groups, individuals, couples, and families to improve communication and decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and grief. She is a United States Air Force veteran with a unique perspective as a service member, military spouse, parent, and family member. She has worked with military families and veterans in the healthcare setting, students with differing abilities in K-12 school settings, and is an advocate for persons experiencing homelessness and the LGBTQIA+ community. She has always had a passion for helping others see their potential in themselves.
“I now see that owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we will ever do.” Brene Brown
Michaela Conley
Clinical Therapy Intern
Michaela (My-kull-la) is an intern therapist, having returned to school to earn another degree(Marriage and Family Therapy) in order to be a part of the solution following the pervasive stress caused by COVID-19 pandemic. She is a life-long learner, coach and teacher with expertise in lifestyle medicine, neuromeditation, positive psychology, health education and health promotion. She has completed the Gottman Institute's Level 2 training toward becoming a Gottman Certified Couples Therapist, and has significant experience in the Emotional Freedom Technique (aka Tapping an evidence based tool to address PTSD, stress and anxiety). Recently, she was inducted into the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and is currently pursuing "Parts Work" IFS, Internal Family Systems in addition to completing her work here at Change AZ.
"I have always felt the desire to support others in their journey to live their own best lives and see how people are their own best experts. By providing a safe and accepting space in which to explore, we can see, consider and strive to achieve so much more than previously thought possible. We can do this together."
Clinical Therapy Intern
Michaela (My-kull-la) is an intern therapist, having returned to school to earn another degree(Marriage and Family Therapy) in order to be a part of the solution following the pervasive stress caused by COVID-19 pandemic. She is a life-long learner, coach and teacher with expertise in lifestyle medicine, neuromeditation, positive psychology, health education and health promotion. She has completed the Gottman Institute's Level 2 training toward becoming a Gottman Certified Couples Therapist, and has significant experience in the Emotional Freedom Technique (aka Tapping an evidence based tool to address PTSD, stress and anxiety). Recently, she was inducted into the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and is currently pursuing "Parts Work" IFS, Internal Family Systems in addition to completing her work here at Change AZ.
"I have always felt the desire to support others in their journey to live their own best lives and see how people are their own best experts. By providing a safe and accepting space in which to explore, we can see, consider and strive to achieve so much more than previously thought possible. We can do this together."
VolunteersWe are looking for volunteers to join our team. Are you interested in helping CHANGE AZ grow? Perhaps you have skills working with people, marketing, financing, or are great at making web content?! If so, click the button below and send us a message. Helping AZ Change is right around the corner! |
Board of Directors
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Crystal Staples Board Member As a born and raised Arizonan, Crystal decided to become a part of CHANGE AZ to help those in rural areas get the help they need and deserve. Growing up in a small town, she realized that the nearest options were always an hour away! When options were available around town, it often did not have oversight and was poor quality, due to lack of resources and high demand. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Crystal is passionate about helping others and her banking experience allows her to identify best fundraising practices. Bringing Crystal’s experience to CHANGE AZ will keep the organization on track to help all Arizonans in a positive way.
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Joseph Balinas Board Member Joseph has had a big passion for health and wellness his whole life. He decided to join CHANGE AZ to uplift and inspire individuals of all ages. He currently works as a Researcher and has a background in marketing and healthcare. With a Master’s degree in Public Health, he strives to help people and make a positive impact in their lives. Joseph’s diverse experience will help CHANGE AZ continue to cultivate relationships as well as address the health needs of the community of Arizona. |
Shelly Jernigan
Board Member
Coming soon!