Who We Are
Why We Exist
We believe everyone deserves care that works – and people who don’t give up on them.
Ava Health was created to meet you where you are – not where someone expects you to be.
We believe everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued for who they are – not judged by where they come from or how much they can pay.
Because healing doesn’t happen when people feel labeled. It happens when they feel safe enough to be themselves.
What Drives Us
We’re creating a world where adaptable, accountable and accessible behavioral healthcare is a universal right.
Agency
You are the expert on yourself. Your care is built with you, not prescribed to you.
Service
Every interaction should feel like we see, hear and value you for exactly who you are.
Purpose
We align everything we do to what matters most, your long-term health and well-being.
Meet the Team
At Ava Health, we work as one Team, with one goal – to meet you with compassion and the belief that change is always possible. We collaborate, we communicate, and we lead with humility.
- Your First Call -
Our Admissions & Welcome Teams
Ani Noda
Director of Admissions
I’m here because I feel supported and trusted, and that matters to me. So many behavioral health companies are broken in ways that trickle down to the people they’re supposed to help. What’s different here is the effort. The way this team shows up for each other affects how we show up for clients. There’s transparency, a willingness to listen, and a real intention to do things better from the inside out. That kind of environment feels rare and worth being a part of.
Natalie Tyran
Admissions Counselor
Why I’m Here: I’m here to contribute to and be part of the change I’ve always hoped to see in our field. Ava is more than just a treatment center serving the Grand Junction community—it’s a home for staff and clinicians alike, where support is prioritized, personal growth is encouraged, and a model is set to inspire other behavioral health organizations
Sarah Lynn Daily
Client Flow Coordinator
Why I’m Here: I truly love helping people and mental heath is very important to me!
- Your Arrival -
Our Nursing, Medical & Residential Teams
Dr. Roland Segal
Medical Director
Dr. Roland Segal, a distinguished psychiatrist, holds the role of Managing Partner and MD Psychiatrist at Synergy Mental Health and Wellness Integrated. Graduating from the University of Arizona, College of Medicine, he pursued his general psychiatry training at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
Deborah Baum, PMHNP
Medical Provider
Deborah was a nurse for 19 years before becoming a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Deborah became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2004 and earned her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Excelsior College in 2012. In 2019, Deborah earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Capella University.
Carla Peter, MSN, RN
Director of Nursing
Why I Do This Work: I do this work because I believe in the power of restoration and recovery. Every day, I show up with the intention to create a space where individuals struggling with mental health or addiction can be seen, supported, and offered the chance to heal.
Triston Pertile, RN
Registered Nurse, Outpatient
Why I’m Here: I’m driven by a deep commitment to providing compassionate, evidence‐based mental health care. This field challenges me to keep learning, stay curious, and continually grow—both as a nurse and as a human being. I’m especially motivated by the opportunity to support vulnerable populations and help individuals navigate some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
Nicole Richardson, CNA
Certified Nursing Assistant
Why I’m Here: I feel like I have a lot to offer as in, experience, passion and loyalty.
- Your Experience –
Our Clinical & Case Management Teams
Heather Garber, LCSW-R
Therapist
Why I am here: I am here at Ava because I believe in the commitment that Ava has made to clients and the community. Ava truly is a client-centered space where clients’ needs and experiences are at the core of the treatment. I believe in accessibility to good quality of care, no matter what a person’s circumstances might be. I am proud to be part of such an exciting new venture.
Dana Stabler, MA, LPCC, NCC
Mental Health Counselor
Why I’m Here: I have built my career in service-oriented fields, including cosmetology, massage therapy, and chiropractic care. While working as a clinician in my previous role, I often felt limited in my ability to truly support the community. Ava Health aligns with my values and commitment to meaningful, community-centered care, and I’m motivated by the opportunity to make a greater impact here.
Meg Marakisk, CMHC Intern
Clinical Intern
Why I’m Here: I was drawn to Ava Health because of its commitment to accessible, whole-person mental health care. As someone in recovery, I value honest, accountable support and wanted to be part of a team that treats people with dignity and respect.
Doug Wilson, BA
Case Manager
Why did I come to Ava Health? I came to Ava Health because I heard this was going to be different than anything I’ve been a part of before. This is supposed to be here for the clients and not the bottom line or the rules and regulations that have been established over the decades of minimal success. So far I am very happy with what I have seen, heard, and witnessed.
- Your Daily Rhythm –
Our Peers, Activities and Operations Teams
Nicole Carretti
Housing Supervisor
I’m grateful to be part of a place where compassion is lived, not just talked about. I am here, because I want to make a difference. I want to help people. Ava Health provides me the opportunity to actually do that. And be surrounded by others that also truly want that as well.
Kenny Gonzales
Practice Manager
Why I’m here: This work provides an unparalleled sense of purpose; it is a constant reminder that helping people rediscover their self-worth and build a sustainable future is the most meaningful contribution one can make.
Tamara Entwistle
Food Service Manager
As the Food Service Manager at Ava Health, I oversee all aspects of meal planning, preparation, and nutrition for clients in our drug and alcohol treatment program. With a background in culinary arts, food service leadership, and community-based nutrition, I am committed to creating meals that support both physical health and emotional well-being.
Robert Entwistle
Property Maintenance Manager
Why I’m Here: I am here because, for me, this isn’t a job, it is a sacred commitment. Fate, in its mysterious and often brutal way, did not merely bring me to Ava Health; it compelled me. I carry the weight and the light of a personal history marked by the insidious grip of addiction.
Riley Gershman-Walch
Staff Accountant
Why I’m Here Ava Health is giving me an opportunity no other company can. It allows me to be closer to family while doing the work I love.
Trisha Woods
Technical Setup and Support Specialist
Why I’m Here: I am one of those people who are either helping or helping the people helping.
Obella Marie D. Ronsario-Mojica
EA to Ian Gershman, COO
Why I’m Here: I’m here because I find meaning in helping others feel supported and cared for. Working alongside the COO allows me to contribute in ways that bring clarity, ease, and encouragement to the people I work with. I want others to feel that they have someone they can count on not just for work, but for understanding and kindness too.
Mirasol Fontanilla
EA to David Purinton, CFO
Why I’m Here: I love supporting executives who are warm and visionary leader like David Purinton, CFO of Ava Health. I excel in creating structure, clarity, and calm behind the scenes so he can focus on strategic financial leadership that strengthens healthcare access and impact.
- Leadership –
In Service to the Work
What our Team Values Most
“Remembering how someone loves their tea in the morning.”
“Sharing a moment of silence with another human being.”
“Looking someone in the eyes and welcoming them.”
“Just sitting with someone by the creek.”
We’re Building Something Rare
And it takes people who truly care. If that’s you, we’d love to talk.
We’re Here When You’re Ready.
Whether you have questions, need guidance, or are ready to take the next step—our team is here to help.
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(833) 888-4145
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