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.

Dr. Ali, is the Medical Director of Rio de Esperanza at Mingus Center.



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.



Deborah Pardee, LCSW, Clinical Director holds a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She is currently working towards her Doctorate at Northern Arizona University. Deborah has managed inpatient substance abuse and psychiatric programs for adolescents and adults. She has also taught a graduate level course on substance abuse at NAU. Before coming to Mingus Center, Deborah initiated a private practice in 1992 and authored two books addressing the issues concerning substance abuse treatment.    




Belle Shook, LPC 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. 



Robin Spencer, Admissions Manager
Robin joined Mingus Center in July of 2005 as a pre-petition screener for Title 36 evaluations. Robin brings to our team over 7 years of Mental Health and Dual Diagnosis experience. She has done most of her work with the Seriously Mentally Ill population, as well as the adolescent population that suffers from mental illness and substance abuse. Mingus Center is dedicated to provide affordable addiction treatment to all, especially to the working class that would not otherwise be able to afford treatment. Individuals may be able to utilize their insurance to pay for treatment. Also helping individuals understand that there is 3rd party financing available where insurance may not be available. Robin works closely with the financial team, clinical team, and medical team to ensure all elements of treatment can be addressed while making the process easy to navigate.




Betty Azad R.N., Nursing Director
Betty has over 30 years experience in Psychiatry adn 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.