Tiffany Ruelaz, PhD, LPC, CDBT

Chief Executive Officer/ Clinical Therapy Supervisor

Tiffany, a therapist with a decade of experience, holds a Ph.D. in Community Psychology and a Master’s degree in Couple’s and Family Therapy. She specializes in helping clients of all ages address issues such as depression, sexual concerns, anxiety, PTSD, and communication challenges. Tiffany is particularly skilled in working with couples and individuals in non-traditional relationships (e.g., throuples, triads, quads) and has a strong background in assisting adolescents dealing with trauma while supporting their families.

“My goal is to help clients create strategies and life skills to reduce difficulties in their life that are causing them to feel overwhelmed. I want to instill hope for you that things can get better, and it all starts with reaching out for help. You are not alone!.”

Jennifer Garcia, MSW, LSW-T

Clinical Therapist

Jennifer has her MSW from Walden University and holds a B.S. in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University. She excels at empowering clients to make positive changes in their lives. She has worked with military families and veterans in the healthcare setting, and students with differing abilities in school settings, and is an advocate for persons experiencing homelessness and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.  Social Work is a recent career change; she has always had a passion for helping others see their potential in themselves.

“I now see that owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we will ever do.” -Brene Brown

Michaela Conley, BS, MA

​Clinical Therapy Intern

Michaela (My-kull-la) is an intern therapist, having returned to school to earn another degree (Marriage and Family Therapy) in order to be a part of the solution following the pervasive stress caused by COVID-19 pandemic. She is a life-long learner, coach and teacher with expertise in lifestyle medicine, neuromeditation, positive psychology, health education and health promotion. She has completed the Gottman Institute’s Level 2 training toward becoming a Gottman Certified Couples Therapist, and has significant experience in the Emotional Freedom Technique (aka Tapping an evidence based tool to address PTSD, stress and anxiety). Recently, she was inducted into the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and is currently pursuing “Parts Work” IFS, Internal Family Systems in addition to completing her work here at Change AZ.

“I have always felt the desire to support others in their journey to live their own best lives and see how people are their own best experts. By providing a safe and accepting space in which to explore, we can see, consider and strive to achieve so much more than previously thought possible. We can do this together.”

Jannette Peterson, BA, QMHP

​Clinical Therapy Intern

Jannette comes to the counseling career via a long and roundabout path that included stints working in travel, the nonprofit sector, nine years with an e-commerce provider, and five in the apparel industry. When she discovered that she actually is wiser, not just older, she decided to return to school and become a therapist.

While she borrows from many schools of thought, Jannette is especially interested in narrative and acceptance-based approaches. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful, and rewriting them can be life-changing.

Jannette has extensive experience with alternative lifestyle groups, including non-monogamy, kink/BDSM, and LGBTQ+ and welcomes individuals from those communities.

“There is love enough in this world for everybody, if people will just look.”

― Kurt Vonnegut, Cat’s Cradle

Shelby Tuttle, BS

Case Management Intern

Meet Shelby Tuttle, currently fine-tuning her skills in a master’s program at the University of Denver. She has a sturdy educational background rooted in her Bachelor of Science degree from Central Connecticut State University. As she takes her first steps in the professional arena, her dedication to making a significant change in the community is evident. 

Embarking on her journey with Change AZ, Shelby isn’t just stepping into a new role; she’s embracing a heartfelt mission filled with compassion and a burning desire to make a real, positive impact on people’s lives. She is driven to be a central figure in crafting a future that is not only brighter but embraces inclusivity, fostering both community growth and personal well-being. 

“I believe that it’s never too late to seek the path of healing and growth. Together, we can build a roadmap to navigate the complexities of life with resilience and grace.”

Brook Teal, MA

Chief Operating Officer

Brook is our Chief Operating Officer with over 20 years of experience working in the field of mental health.  When practicing, she utilizes an honest and direct approach during sessions to help clients address their struggles and change their lives for the better. She is experienced in cross-cultural communication with over a decade living overseas. She has a passion for helping others recognize their worth and potential, and incorporates a playful and nonjudgmental approach to psychotherapy. Brook holds a master’s degree in clinical community counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She uses all of her experience to help Change thrive! 

“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” -Albert Einstein

​Crystal Staples, BS
Board Member

As a born and raised Arizonan, Crystal decided to become a part of CHANGE AZ to help those in rural areas get the help they need and deserve. Growing up in a small town, she realized that the nearest options were always an hour away! When options were available around town, it often did not have oversight and was poor quality, due to lack of resources and high demand. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Crystal is passionate about helping others and her banking experience allows her to identify best fundraising practices. Bringing Crystal’s experience to CHANGE AZ will keep the organization on track to help all Arizonans in a positive way.

Michelle Jernigan