Behavioral Health Providers

<p class="rteBlock">Eric Benjamin,  MD, BHMP</p> Dr. Eric Benjamin M.S, M.D graduated from Mt. SINAI school of Medicine where he completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry. He also completed a fellowship in Child-Adolescent psychiatry at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Dr. Benjamin did research in Nutritional Sciences and obtained an M.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin. He has published various articles in the American Academy of Child-Adolescent Psychiatry Journal as well as the Journal of Nutrition. For 24 years he was Section Chief of the Department of Behavioral and Developmental medicine at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. He has provided care to adolescents and young children with psychiatric disorders including Developmental Disorders Autism, ADHD, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, depression, Eating Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Psychosis, Aggression and Tourette’s Syndrome.

<p class="rteBlock">Matthew Evans, MD</p> Dr. Matthew Evans is committed to helping people who use drugs and those who are in recovery from substance use disorders. During his training, he volunteered his time to educate clinicians about the importance of naloxone (Narcan) for reversing opioid overdose. After residency training, he worked in primary care for three years completed a fellowship in addiction medicine. He has volunteered with the local Arizona harm reduction group, assisting in efforts to pass legislation to legalize syringe access programs in AZ. In his new role, Dr. Evans will serve as the medical director of substance use disorder care. He directs methadone prescribing agencywide, provides addiction-focused primary care services to his patients (including hepatitis C treatment), and is expanding buprenorphine prescribing and alcohol use disorder treatment services.

<p class="rteBlock">Carol Rogala, DO, FACEP, FASAM</p> After completing a residency in Emergency Medicine from Cook County Hospital, Dr. Rogala went into practice as an Emergency Physician.  Since then, Dr. Rogala has become board-certified in Emergency Medicine and addiction Medicine, completed a Fellowship from UC Irvine in Primary Care Psychiatry, and owned an Urgent CareI for 14 years. During that time, she also served on state and local committees involved with patient care.  Dr. Rogala has been practicing Addiction Medicine for 12 years and currently sits on a Government Affairs Committee whose work is centered on removing obstacles to care and preventing discrimination against patients with Substance Use Disorders. She believes that physicians must be involved with organizations that impact regulatory guidelines to protect patients and improve access. Most recently, Dr. Rogala was appointed to the American Society of Addiction Medicine Public Policy Committee which actively lobbies to remove obstacles related to substance abuse treatment.

Emily Norris, PMHNP, NP Emily Norris is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, with training and experience treating patients with a range of psychiatric illnesses. She provides ongoing treatment to those enrolled in Valle del Sol’s SMI program. Norris earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University in 2004 and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 2012. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, she has a wealth of clinical experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds in a variety of practice settings including inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment programs. She is passionate about helping her patients improve their quality of life and was nominated for a Leadership and Advocacy RISE award, which recognizes providers in our community who inspire change and give voice to those who cannot always speak up for themselves. Originally from the Midwest, Norris enjoys cool autumn days, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two children.

<p class="rteBlock">Traci Robinson, PMHNP, FNP</p> Traci Robinson is a dually trained Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, who is qualified to practice in both primary care and psychiatry. She received her master's degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner eight years ago from Chamberlain University and then later earned a post-master's specialty as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Liberty University, where she graduated cum laude. She enjoys working with a variety of age groups and is qualified to diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for children, adolescents and adults in both specialty areas. Her areas of focus within her specialties are as follows: acute and chronic medical and psychiatric illnesses, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, trauma and substance use disorders. Her utilization of psychiatric assessment, medication management and psychotherapeutic intervention allows her to create specialized plans of care for clients ages 0-100. Traci holds two national board certifications with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses Association. She is committed to providing stellar, personalized, compassionate and comprehensive primary and mental health care to patients across the lifespan . Because of her background, innovative approach and innate ability to quickly build a warm rapport with both patients and family members, she is able to provide individualized stigma free care. In addition to her compassionate nature, she also uses her knowledge and expertise in these fields and bases her decisions on knowledge which is garnered from evidence-based practices and supported with psychotherapeutic interventions. As a PMHNP, Traci ’s roles are multifaceted which includes mental health advocate, patient educator and therapist. As a clinician, Traci values interdisciplinary education and inter-professional collaboration for a holistic, patient centered, research based and safe approach to both health and healthcare. Traci has special interests in the integration of behavioral medicine, preventative care, addiction medicine, trauma, suicide prevention, relationship health and naturopathic medicine. Traci consistently advocates for applying innovations in healthcare in order to ensure positive patient outcomes for all of her patients.

Ana McNabb, FNP-C, PMHNP Ana Lucia McNabb is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner fluent in English and Spanish with 17 years of experience in the healthcare field. She joined Valle del Sol in 2019 to continue working with high-risk populations. Her previous education includes Communication and Physiology degrees from the University of Arizona and her BSN from Northern Arizona University. While working in Case Management, Risk Adjustment, and Hedis measures as an RN she obtained her MSN from Simmons College in 2015 and obtained her certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner. In 2020 she obtained her post masters certificate as a Psychiatric Mental health Nurse practitioner. Her experience in delivering healthcare to bilingual families has allowed patients to feel at ease in discussing some of the most challenging aspects of the current pandemic. She works closely with her patients to ensure that those with co-morbid conditions are receiving the services and resources they need to meet their healthy living outcomes.

Joan Butler, BHMP, NP Joan Butler graduated from the University of Utah in 2013 with a Master’s of Science in Nursing. Before joining Valle Del Sol as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, she worked in adolescent residential treatment facilities and bedside nursing on a Medical/Oncology Unit. Graduate studies included the homeless/serious mentally ill population as well as inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Joan enjoys working with clients across the lifespan, from children to the elderly. Her areas of specialty include ADHD, Depression/Anxiety, Bipolar Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, OCD, and behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

<p class="rteBlock">Joann Arispe, PMHNP-BC</p><br> Joann is an Arizona board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, dedicated to providing exceptional care to diverse patient populations. With over seven years of specialized experience in psychiatry, she is a compassionate, empathetic, and attentive professional with a deep commitment to enhancing the well-being of individuals. Joann has a particular passion for treating individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and sleep disorders. Committed to delivering holistic and culturally competent care, Joann aims to support both patients and their families while promoting mental health education within the community. Her goal is to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health care. Joann aims to explore various modalities in the patient’s treatment plans, including psychotherapy, mindfulness and meditation, dietary adjustments, vitamin and mineral supplementation, and yoga to support patients' overall mental and physical health. By fostering an environment of trust and respect, Joann aims to empower patients and their families to engage actively in their treatment and recovery processes.

<p class="rteBlock">LaShaun Perry, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC</p> LaShaun Perry is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Integrative Health and Wellness Coach with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. LaShaun is a proud member of the American Nurses Association, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, The National Society of Leadership (Sigma Alpha Pi), and The Golden Key International Honour Society. LaShaun's passion lies in providing excellent mental health and integrative wellness care to individuals across the lifespan. She firmly believes in team-based healthcare, where each discipline contributes to best practices and optimal patient outcomes. Over the years, LaShaun has dedicated herself to learning about evidence-based, integrative approaches for brain-based conditions. The treatment she provides represents the culmination of her efforts, combining the most effective tools and modalities to support lasting healing. LaShaun's goal is to equip individuals with the necessary tools to achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness. Each treatment plan is personalized to fit individual lifestyles, ensuring that unique needs are met. She looks forward to meeting new clients and being a part of their transformative wellness journeys. LaShaun invites everyone to explore the integrative approach and discover the possibilities it offers for well-being.