Heather A. Suggs, LPC
Heather has been a counselor since 1997 having graduated from Oakland University in Michigan. Heather received her Master’s Degree in Counseling 1996 and became certified in Child and Adolescent Counseling, Psychological Testing and Couples and Family Counseling. In 1997, Heather earned her License in Professional Counseling.
In the most recent years Heather held a private practice business in Michigan, Utah as well as Arizona. In addition to being the Primary Therapist for Community Connections’ Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, Heather works at the University of Phoenix teaching the Counseling Residency courses to the graduate program students.
Heather has an array of counseling experience with both adolescent populations and adult populations. She has a life long passion and a commitment to work with individuals struggling with various eating disorders and disordered eating. Heather’s commitment to those she serves is to truly understand an individual’s key issues impacting their eating disorder, like self-esteem, depression and compulsion.
“I truly love people and enjoy seeing them thrive and work through difficult issues. My clients are real SuperHeroes!” - H.A. Suggs, M.A., LPC
Heather has been a counselor since 1997 having graduated from Oakland University in Michigan. Heather received her Master’s Degree in Counseling 1996 and became certified in Child and Adolescent Counseling, Psychological Testing and Couples and Family Counseling. In 1997, Heather earned her License in Professional Counseling.
In the most recent years Heather held a private practice business in Michigan, Utah as well as Arizona. In addition to being the Primary Therapist for Community Connections’ Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, Heather works at the University of Phoenix teaching the Counseling Residency courses to the graduate program students.
Heather has an array of counseling experience with both adolescent populations and adult populations. She has a life long passion and a commitment to work with individuals struggling with various eating disorders and disordered eating. Heather’s commitment to those she serves is to truly understand an individual’s key issues impacting their eating disorder, like self-esteem, depression and compulsion.
“I truly love people and enjoy seeing them thrive and work through difficult issues. My clients are real SuperHeroes!” - H.A. Suggs, M.A., LPC
Janice Moore, LPC
We are proud to say that Janice has been a therapist with Community Connections since the very beginning. As the Lead Therapist, Janice has been an integral part of the treatment team success.
Janice received a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Relations from Villanova University. She was a practicing Psychologist in Pennsylvania before moving to Arizona in 1998. Janice is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC) in Arizona.
Janice has more than 30 years experience in counseling & therapy. Janice has held positions as a lead therapist, clinical supervisor, and clinical director in a variety of therapeutic settings including residential treatment, outpatient counseling and private practice with adults and adolescents. Janice specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families with a wide range of emotional challenges including, anxiety, depression, personal loss, trauma, adjustment/life transition issues and relationship issues. Janice has a special dedication to treating/helping individuals with eating disorders. She specializes in all facets of eating disorders including body image issues, self-harming behaviors, and addictive behaviors including substance abuse.
"I value sensitivity, honesty, respect, stable boundaries and humor.
I use an integrative approach to treatment utilizing psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, and Brief Solution Focused Therapy techniques based on the individual needs. I truly enjoy working with and learning from people representing diverse backgrounds--economic, cultural, religious, sexual orientation." - Janice Moore, LPC
"Through a collaborative process my hope is for clients to move from DIS-EASE and IMBALANCE to EASE and BALANCE within their lives." - Janice Moore, LPC
We are proud to say that Janice has been a therapist with Community Connections since the very beginning. As the Lead Therapist, Janice has been an integral part of the treatment team success.
Janice received a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Relations from Villanova University. She was a practicing Psychologist in Pennsylvania before moving to Arizona in 1998. Janice is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC) in Arizona.
Janice has more than 30 years experience in counseling & therapy. Janice has held positions as a lead therapist, clinical supervisor, and clinical director in a variety of therapeutic settings including residential treatment, outpatient counseling and private practice with adults and adolescents. Janice specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families with a wide range of emotional challenges including, anxiety, depression, personal loss, trauma, adjustment/life transition issues and relationship issues. Janice has a special dedication to treating/helping individuals with eating disorders. She specializes in all facets of eating disorders including body image issues, self-harming behaviors, and addictive behaviors including substance abuse.
"I value sensitivity, honesty, respect, stable boundaries and humor.
I use an integrative approach to treatment utilizing psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, Gestalt, Motivational Interviewing, and Brief Solution Focused Therapy techniques based on the individual needs. I truly enjoy working with and learning from people representing diverse backgrounds--economic, cultural, religious, sexual orientation." - Janice Moore, LPC
"Through a collaborative process my hope is for clients to move from DIS-EASE and IMBALANCE to EASE and BALANCE within their lives." - Janice Moore, LPC
Barbara Hatton, LPC
Barb is a License Professional Counselor. She is licensed in the State of Arizona and Michigan. Barb earned a Bachelors degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University in 1985. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling which she obtained from Central Michigan University in 1996.
Barb is originally from Michigan and has lived in Arizona since 2010.
In Michigan she had Certified Advanced Addiction Counselor certification and had a Certified Clinical Supervisor certification.
Barb has been working as a Social Worker since 1986 and as a Therapist since 1996. While residing in Michigan she worked in the Mental Health Field with individuals who struggled with Severe Mental health issues along substance abuse issues. Barb has also addressed sexual harassment in the field giving lectures, providing education and support to women who had experienced sexual harassment in the work force. While in Michigan she worked closely with the community to address the suicide epidemic that was arising. As a Therapist for the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians she specialized in domestic violence treatment, treating adolescents with challenges with self-esteem, eating disorders and substance abuse. Barb has extensive experience in residential treatment, outpatient and IOP treatment. Barb's rich clinical experience has allowed her career to flourish as a therapist, clinical coordinator, and Executive Director. Upon moving to Arizona she has worked in outpatient and residential treatment settings. Most recently, Barb created a very successful adolescent eating disorder program which included group therapy treatment, individual counseling and family counseling. Today, Barb is one of Community Connections lead therapists who works with individuals who are struggling with eating disorders in both the IOP setting and residential setting.
"I take a holistic approach to treatment to meet individuals and families where they are at. I use in my Therapy EMDR, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Stages of Grief, Body Image Work and take a Neuro-Science Approach. I focus on individual’s strengths and help them to change and challenge negative beliefs and thoughts and replace them with new healthy positive beliefs in order to help them live a healthy productive life based on what they desire for themselves. I take a mind, body and spiritual approach in therapy." - Barb Hatton, LPC
Joanne Gerster, LCSW
Joanne has been working as a helping professional since 1997 after graduating from College Misericordia in Pennsylvania. Joanne received her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2002 from Arizona State University. In 2007, Joanne became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Joanne has continued to work with vulnerable populations throughout her career, with a focus on trauma and crisis. She spent 12 years working as a crisis counselor in hospital ER’s throughout Maricopa County. She believes that crisis is a time of opportunity for change.
Joanne draws upon an eclectic work experience and training with both adolescent populations and adult populations. She enjoys thinking outside the box when it comes to therapy and she is committed to helping others lead their best lives.
“It’s not my job to fix things. It’s my job to show you the tools and skills to help you do it yourself. It’s not easy but nothing easy is worth it!” - Joanne Gerster, LCSW
Joanne has been working as a helping professional since 1997 after graduating from College Misericordia in Pennsylvania. Joanne received her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2002 from Arizona State University. In 2007, Joanne became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Joanne has continued to work with vulnerable populations throughout her career, with a focus on trauma and crisis. She spent 12 years working as a crisis counselor in hospital ER’s throughout Maricopa County. She believes that crisis is a time of opportunity for change.
Joanne draws upon an eclectic work experience and training with both adolescent populations and adult populations. She enjoys thinking outside the box when it comes to therapy and she is committed to helping others lead their best lives.
“It’s not my job to fix things. It’s my job to show you the tools and skills to help you do it yourself. It’s not easy but nothing easy is worth it!” - Joanne Gerster, LCSW
Christine M. Lewallen, RD
Christine is a registered dietitian as well as a fitness instructor and a mother of two beautiful girls. She has been a dietitian for more than 20 years and is Community Connections Lead Dietitian. Christine is a graduate of Chico State University at California where she earned her Bachelors in Dietetics & Food Administration.
Christine’s scope of practice ranges from ten plus years in bariatrics and diabetes education along with nutrition education for all ages. She has had a private practice in California for several years where she also worked with individuals who were treated for eating disorders but relocated to beautiful Arizona where for the last three years she has worked at inpatient facilities, partial inpatient treatment programs, residential treatment programs, IOP counseling centers and out patient treatment programs.
Christine recently married and enjoys many outdoor sports and activities. She was an Elite Spartan obstacle racer for several years until a traffic accident ended her participation in running activities. Although Christine can no longer participate in short and long distance races, she continues to motivate and inspire individuals by participating in group fitness through spinning, body combat training and body pump classes. Christine's expertise, enthusiasm and her passion to help individuals improve their lives & relationships with food are the right attributes to help motivate those struggling with ED.
"I'm passionate about people and their lives and how they can be their best at whatever it is they do." - Christine Salazar, R.D.
Christine is a registered dietitian as well as a fitness instructor and a mother of two beautiful girls. She has been a dietitian for more than 20 years and is Community Connections Lead Dietitian. Christine is a graduate of Chico State University at California where she earned her Bachelors in Dietetics & Food Administration.
Christine’s scope of practice ranges from ten plus years in bariatrics and diabetes education along with nutrition education for all ages. She has had a private practice in California for several years where she also worked with individuals who were treated for eating disorders but relocated to beautiful Arizona where for the last three years she has worked at inpatient facilities, partial inpatient treatment programs, residential treatment programs, IOP counseling centers and out patient treatment programs.
Christine recently married and enjoys many outdoor sports and activities. She was an Elite Spartan obstacle racer for several years until a traffic accident ended her participation in running activities. Although Christine can no longer participate in short and long distance races, she continues to motivate and inspire individuals by participating in group fitness through spinning, body combat training and body pump classes. Christine's expertise, enthusiasm and her passion to help individuals improve their lives & relationships with food are the right attributes to help motivate those struggling with ED.
"I'm passionate about people and their lives and how they can be their best at whatever it is they do." - Christine Salazar, R.D.
Christine Carillo, LAC
Christine is a therapist on our Residential Treatment team. Christine earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Counseling Practice from Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL. She is a board certified Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in the state of Arizona & most recently completed her doctoral course work in the General Psychology-Teaching track. Currently, her area of research is in Epigenetics and traumatic brain injury.
Christine’s professional background includes assistant teaching and substitute teaching in grades K-8. Christine has extensive experience in both community behavior health settings as well as private behavioral mental health clinics. She is passionate about working with clients from varying multicultural communities with a range of ages, ethnic backgrounds and diagnoses.
Christine is a therapist on our Residential Treatment team. Christine earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Counseling Practice from Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL. She is a board certified Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) in the state of Arizona & most recently completed her doctoral course work in the General Psychology-Teaching track. Currently, her area of research is in Epigenetics and traumatic brain injury.
Christine’s professional background includes assistant teaching and substitute teaching in grades K-8. Christine has extensive experience in both community behavior health settings as well as private behavioral mental health clinics. She is passionate about working with clients from varying multicultural communities with a range of ages, ethnic backgrounds and diagnoses.
Elizabeth A. Rodgers, MSW
Liz serves as Community Connections Director of Operations. Liz earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Kansas at Lawrence. She went on to earn a Master's degree in Social Work from KU as well.
Liz has 25 years of professional experience combining therapy, health administration and program development. Liz's experience includes seven years therapy in correctional settings, Clinical Supervision, Clinical Director and Director of Operations working with Individuals with Serious mental illness. Early in her career, Liz provided the guidance and direction in the development of a local residential program serving individuals with brain injuries, and now has more than seven years of eating disorder treatment experience. Additionally, Liz's therapeutic treatment experience include closely working with children and adults in both residential and outpatient settings.
Liz was the driving force in the development and inception of Community Connections and currently serves as the Director of Operations, over seeing the day to day programming of both the Residential and Intensive Outpatient programs at Community Connections.
"As a Social Worker, my passion has always been to serve the individual where they are, provide the needed programs for those that have less opportunities for treatment in the community and to maintain my focus on the individual". I remain very passionate in my work and the treatment that Community Connections provides. It is important to provide one services extremely well, rather than many services well". - Liz Rodgers, MSW
Liz serves as Community Connections Director of Operations. Liz earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Kansas at Lawrence. She went on to earn a Master's degree in Social Work from KU as well.
Liz has 25 years of professional experience combining therapy, health administration and program development. Liz's experience includes seven years therapy in correctional settings, Clinical Supervision, Clinical Director and Director of Operations working with Individuals with Serious mental illness. Early in her career, Liz provided the guidance and direction in the development of a local residential program serving individuals with brain injuries, and now has more than seven years of eating disorder treatment experience. Additionally, Liz's therapeutic treatment experience include closely working with children and adults in both residential and outpatient settings.
Liz was the driving force in the development and inception of Community Connections and currently serves as the Director of Operations, over seeing the day to day programming of both the Residential and Intensive Outpatient programs at Community Connections.
"As a Social Worker, my passion has always been to serve the individual where they are, provide the needed programs for those that have less opportunities for treatment in the community and to maintain my focus on the individual". I remain very passionate in my work and the treatment that Community Connections provides. It is important to provide one services extremely well, rather than many services well". - Liz Rodgers, MSW
Vanessa DeRozan- Simpson
Is the Office Coordinator for Community Connections, LLC.
She is a seasoned Administrator with over 22+ years in the field of Behavioral Health with extensive experience in all Administration tasks. Before moving to Arizona, Vanessa was a California native and worked for NCADD/BHS for 15 years serving clients in the fields of Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation, Domestic Violence, Family Preservation and DUI. While working full-time and taking care of two children independently, Vanessa also attended Long Beach College, studying Business Administration. When it comes to servicing potential clients as well existing clients, Vanessa takes personal pride in making everyone feel welcomed. Vanessa understands each persons path to treatment is unique and each person should be valued once walking through the doors of Community Connections. She makes the beginning of their treatment experience comfortable and successful.
In addition to her duties as a Wife and Mother, Vanessa continues to provide the same dedication and commitment in working for a prominent company servicing individuals with eating disorders.
“Be thankful for the things you have and the things you don’t”. -
Vanessa DeRozan-Simpson
Is the Office Coordinator for Community Connections, LLC.
She is a seasoned Administrator with over 22+ years in the field of Behavioral Health with extensive experience in all Administration tasks. Before moving to Arizona, Vanessa was a California native and worked for NCADD/BHS for 15 years serving clients in the fields of Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation, Domestic Violence, Family Preservation and DUI. While working full-time and taking care of two children independently, Vanessa also attended Long Beach College, studying Business Administration. When it comes to servicing potential clients as well existing clients, Vanessa takes personal pride in making everyone feel welcomed. Vanessa understands each persons path to treatment is unique and each person should be valued once walking through the doors of Community Connections. She makes the beginning of their treatment experience comfortable and successful.
In addition to her duties as a Wife and Mother, Vanessa continues to provide the same dedication and commitment in working for a prominent company servicing individuals with eating disorders.
“Be thankful for the things you have and the things you don’t”. -
Vanessa DeRozan-Simpson
