Team | Arizona Eating Disorder Treatment

Our Team

Community Connections, LLC is committed to providing the best clinical care and Eating Disorder Treatment experience for those struggling with an eating disorder. We are licensed therapists, dietitians, behavioral health technicians who are seeking to make a difference in the lives of those with struggling with an eating disorder.

Elizabeth Rodgers

MSW

Co-Founder and Director of Operations of Community Connections. She earned her Bachelor's 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 32 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, developmental disabilities and eating disorders. Early in her career, Liz provided the guidance and direction in the development of a local residential program serving individuals with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities and brain injuries, and now has more than 15 years of eating disorder treatment experience. Additionally, Liz's therapeutic treatment experience includes 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, overseeing 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 service extremely well, rather than many services well". - Liz Rodgers, MSW

Marissa Sandoval

LCSW

Marissa graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and later completed a Master’s degree in Social Work at Arizona State University. Marissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Since finishing her studies, Marissa has worked in various settings, gaining valuable experience and developing the skills needed to serve clients across a broad age range, from children as young as five to older adults. Her professional background includes important roles at the Department of Child Safety, psychiatric inpatient hospitals, mental health crisis units, community based mental health organizations, and, most recently, the Department of Corrections. Additionally, Marissa has established her own private mental health practice. Marissa has completed post-graduate certification in TeleMental Health through the CCE and is currently pursuing advanced education and certification as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). Marissa is Community Connections' primary therapist for the Adolescent IOP Treatment Program. Marissa believes that “healing requires the alignment of the mind, body, soul, and nervous system.” She is passionate about assessing each person’s unique circumstances and employs a combination of approaches, including Somatic Experiencing, ACT, and CBT, to provide a person-centered method tailored to align the mind, body, and soul. “One modality does not fit all, which is the reason for a combination of approaches as mental health is not a 'cookie cutter' process but must be individualized.” - Marissa Sandoval, LCSW

Joanne Gerster

LCSW

Joanne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. She received her Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University and has had advanced training in trauma and diabetes. Joanne has worked with a diverse population over the years and draws from an eclectic approach when working with clients meeting them where they are and helping them move forward. “I give people the skills and tools to help people help themselves.” - Joanne Gerster, LCSW

Katina Jonovich

BSN, RN

Katina attended Grand Canyon University to finish her nursing degree and graduated in December 2015 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. In the years since, Katina has worked with a diverse patient population within the hospital setting. Upon graduation, Katina worked in various medical specialties that included neurosurgery and the orthopedic specialty floor for several years. Her most recent nursing assignment was working on a gastrointestinal, gynecology and palliative unit. Katina’s passion to give back wasn’t limited to the hospital, she also has nursing experience with private in-home elderly care and assistance. “The behavioral health side is new to me, but I am excited to provide a listening ear, education and to be an advocate to those in need.” An open communication style and empathy are at the forefront of Katina’s practice, and she is excited to become part of the Community Connections as the on-call Registered Nurse. “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest accomplishment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” - Leo Buscalgia – Katina Jonovich BSN, RN

Leslie Work

Leslie is an RN having moved to the Phoenix valley from Pennsylvania last year. She was an LPN for seven years and then graduated from Gannon University / Villa Maria School of Nursing located in Erie Pa. with an Associate of Science Degree in Registered Nursing. Leslie has 43 years of nursing experience with a broad range of clinical practice. She has worked in many settings including Medical/Surgical, Intensive/ Cardiac Care, Post Anesthesia Care, Cardiac Cath Lab/ Interventional Radiology (Angiography). She also has nursing experience in Pain Management and GI/Endoscopy Lab. She previously was certified in critical care (CCRN) by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and is presently ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified by the American Heart Association. " Although behavioral health is a new area of focus, I have always approached client care in an empathic and compassionate way. I am learning so much about behavioral health here at Community Connections. My time spent with the guests is so very meaningful". Favorite Quote: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Mahatma Gandhi - Leslie Work, RN

Heather 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

Karina Rivera

LPC

Karina D. Rivera is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked in the mental health field for more than 10 years with children, teens, and young adults, and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and challenging patterns of thinking and behavior. She holds a Master of Science in Professional Counseling. She has a clinical background in addiction and compulsive behaviors, which informs her work with youth who struggle with food, body image, and other coping patterns. In addition to working with adolescents, Karina owns aa very successful private practice and also serves as a trauma therapist for a community domestic violence shelter, supporting individuals and families impacted by abuse, loss, and chronic stress. This work deeply informs her understanding of how trauma shapes the nervous system, relationships, and coping behaviors across the lifespan. Karina's approach is trauma-informed and rooted in the belief that behaviors — whether related to food, emotions, or relationships — are often survival responses to stress, loss, or unmet needs. Rather than focusing on fixing or controlling the symptoms, Karina helps young people learn what their nervous system is communicating and how to build safer, more supportive ways of coping. In therapy, Karina emphasizes emotional awareness, body-based regulation skills, and parts-based work that helps teens make sense of conflicting thoughts and feelings with less shame and more curiosity. She works to create a therapeutic space that is calm, respectful, and emotionally safe, where young people can show up as they are without fear of being judged or pushed too fast. Within the community, Karina aims to be a steady, approachable presence for families and providers seeking trauma-informed support for adolescents struggling with anxiety, behavioral challenges, and food-related distress. "My goal is to help people feel more grounded, resilient, and connected to themselves, not just managing symptoms, but building a foundation for long-term emotional health." - Karina Rivera, LPC

Christine Lewallen

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 25 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 and a certificate in Exercise Physiology. 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 twelve years she has worked at inpatient facilities, partial inpatient treatment programs, residential treatment programs, IOP counseling centers and out patient treatment programs. Christine is 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 Lewallen, R.D.

Heather Cochran

LMSW

Heather Cochran is a licensed master social worker with a strong focus on supporting individuals through substance use recovery, mental health challenges, and life transitions. With experience in both outpatient and intensive treatment settings, Heather helps clients build resilience, self-esteem, and healthier coping strategies for lasting change. Her therapeutic approach combines evidence-based practices—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and strengths-based methods—with deep compassion and respect for each client’s journey. Heather believes in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where individuals can heal, grow, and rediscover their sense of purpose. In addition to her clinical work, Heather is passionate about community wellness, providing education and resources that empower people in recovery to thrive personally and professionally. Outside of her practice, she enjoys mindfulness practices, lifelong learning, and spending time outdoors. “Healing doesn’t take time, it takes courage”. Heather Cochran, LMSW

Vanessa Derozan-Simpson

EXEC. ASST.

Vanessa is the Executive Assistant for Community Connections, LLC. She is a seasoned administrator with more than 25 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. Vanessa has been with Community Connections for more than ten years and has more than ten years of experience working with individuals that struggle with Eating Disorders. When it comes to servicing potential clients as well current and past clients, Vanessa takes personal pride in making everyone feel welcomed, heard and is a true client advocate . Vanessa understands each person's path to treatment is unique and each person should be valued once walking through the doors of Community Connections. Vanessa makes the beginning of the treatment experience comfortable and successful for All. 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

You can help someone turn their life around today.

We recognize that each individual has a unique story, and his or her own distinctive strengths and challenges. With input from the individual, his or her loved ones, and our experts, we develop an individualized eating disorder treatment plan for each individual.