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. 

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Agency

You are the expert on yourself. Your care is built with you, not prescribed to you.

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Service

Every interaction should feel like we see, hear and value you for exactly who you are. 

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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

- 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.

- Your Experience –

Our Clinical & Case Management Teams

Eric Rydzewski, MS, LPC

Clinical Director

Why I’m Here: Mr. Fred Rogers once taught us that deep presence is a kind of love. That is the kind of leadership—and healing—I believe in. That’s why I’m here.

Sarah Lynn Daily

Client Flow Coordinator

Why I’m Here: I truly love helping people and mental heath is very important to me!

- Your Daily Rhythm –

Our Peers, Activities and Operations Teams

Erica Blunt-Goode, MSW

Chief of Staff

Why I’m Here: A person becomes a person, through other people.

Roman Braly

Community Engagement Architect

Why I’m Here: To be a bright light in a dark world

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.

Gie Alcaraz

EA to Christopher Bennett, CEO

Why I’m Here: I do this work because I genuinely find purpose in being the person who helps everything run smoothly behind the scenes.

Chris Mourelle

Billing and Collections Supervisor

Why I’m Here: To ensure there is no added stress to an already difficult time and provide a seamless process and reduce barriers where possible.

Kat Cruz-Mourelle

Utilization Review and Billing Manager

Why I’m Here: I’m tired of waiting for something better to come along. Why wait for a better system, when you can be part of creating the system, you always needed?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

- Leadership –

In Service to the Work

Christopher Bennett

Chief Executive Officer

Why I’m Here: To be a shining light in the darkness. To turn dreams into reality. To live a visionary life.

Ian Gershman

Chief Operating Officer

Why I’m Here: Two years ago, Christopher approached me and said, “I don’t know exactly what it will look like, but I want to build something together.” That moment opened a door.

David Purinton

Chief Financial Officer

Why I’m Here: Because everyone deserves care that sees their strength, not just their struggle, and I want to help build the kind of system that finally feels like it was made for them.

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. 

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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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