The Mission of your team at Rio de Esperanza at Mingus Center is to
offer opportunities for recovery from addiction and mental illness. We
provide an environment conducive to wellness using proven methods to
regain respect and dignity through the highest level of excellence,
professionalism and ethical standards. Our Core Values include, Accountability, Team Work, Respect, Integrity, and Professionalism.















Tamara Christian, PHR, Executive Director earned her role as Executive Director through nearly 20 years of organizational development experience in multiple industries, most recently, behavorial health in Northern Ariziona. Human Resource Management is the foundation of her career which includes contributions to both profit and non profit financial, advertising, electrical engineering and manufacturing organizations in Texas, Arizona, California, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Canada.

Tamara joined Mingus Center in March 2004 as a Human Resources Consultant, she accepted employment as the Human Resources Director in June 2004, was promoted to Operations Director in June 2007 and has been an active member of the Leadership Team since the inception of Mingus Center. Mingus Center's Board of Director's selected Tamara as their new Executive Director in May 2008.

Betty has over 30 years experience in Psychiatry and the Substance Abuse Field. She has spent the last 20 years on the administrative side of Nursing and has varied experience with all age groups. Betty joined the Mingus Center in February of 2008 and accepted the role of Nursing Director the following July.








Mike Mendoza, CPA, Finance Director Mike joined the Mingus Center team in September 2008 after a 22 year career in Public Accounting. He has been using his expertise to provide management with timely financial information and aid in the smooth operations of the accounting department. 








Kathy Hoover, BA Admissions Manager Kathy has 17 years experience working with clients suffering from addiction and mental illness. Prior to moving to Arizona, Kathy worked at Caron Treatment Centers where she gained valuable experience as Evening Counselor, Detox Counselor, After Care Specialist, Therapist, and Clinical Coordinator. Kathy also contributed to the development of a Women’s Program at Caron Treatment Centers. Kathy moved to Arizona to pursue new paradigms in treatment. She joined the Mingus Center staff in July of 2008 as Case Manager for the Rio de Esperanza Unit and was promoted to Admissions Manager in April of 2009. . 





Marti Landis Jones, Human Resources Manager, MA
Marti is one of the newest members of the Mingus Center staff. She comes to Mingus Center with 25 years of experience in a variety of human and social service settings. She is originally from Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation from Penn State and a Master’s degree in Personnel Administration from St. Francis College. Marti supervises and oversees our Human Resource, Maintenance, Dietary and Housekeeping Departments. She enjoys helping others and is a good listener.






Peggy Miller, Public Relations Manager also brings a wealth of experience to Mingus Center, having worked in the behavioral health care field for over 15 years. As Public Relations Manager she is responsible for developing and maintaining effective and productive public relations operations, and has established relationships with representatives of the community, professional organizations, referral sources and consumers.  











Belle Shook, Therapist, LAC earned her Master of Counseling degree from the University of Phoenix CACREP accredited program. She has over 16 years of therapeutic experience including a Bachelor of Arts in Experiential Education and over 10 years teaching and facilitating Experiential Learning/Therapy. Belle provides individual and group therapy, teaches addiction educational groups and takes clients on outings focused on personal growth. Her therapeutic style is compassionate and forth coming. Belle is passionate about helping people recover their lives and build genuine self-esteem.