Our Staff

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!.”

Maggie Bacon, BA
Clinical Therapy Intern

Maggie is a second-year Master of Social Work student at the University of Denver, with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is passionate about creating a safe and comfortable bond between client and counselor. She is dedicated to working with and alongside clients to further understand and connect with mental health challenges such as trauma, depression, anxiety, etc., through Person-Centered Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and integrated approaches. In her free time, she enjoys reading, puzzles, movies, cooking, and spending time with her cat, Frankie.

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.

Dionne Gaynor-Seepersad, MSW, LCSW
Board Member

Dionne resides in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where she has been a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) employed in a private practice for 3 years. She is currently preparing to take the examination to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), after which she will be able to open her own practice. She holds an MSW with a focus in Advanced Clinical Practice from Walden University and a BS in Counseling with minors in Micro Human Services and Psychology from Lesley University.

Dionne is no stranger to Change AZ. She received her clinical training here in 2022. This experience helped shape her clinical practice as a therapist who treats adults, with an affinity for working with individuals in alternative, loving relationships. Dionne is both excited and honored to be back at Change AZ in a new role as a board member.

“Change is painful, but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”

Mandy Hale

Michaela Conley
Board Member

Michaela, being a previous therapist at CHANGE AZ, has come back to be a board member! With her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, she helps people build connections and a stronger sense of community. Her bright attitude, knowledge of therapy, keen business mind, and passion for CHANGE will continue to help us grow and move forward!

Brook Teal, MA
Chief Operating Officer

Brook is our Chief Operating Officer with over 20 years of experience working in mental health. Brook is experienced in cross cultural communication and has a passion for helping others recognize their worth and potential. 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

Morgan Singleton

Morgan Singleton is a Master of Social Work candidate at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work, pursuing a clinical concentration with a focus on mental health, trauma-informed care, and affirming practice with marginalized communities. She brings a grounded, person-centered approach to her work, shaped by her experience across community mental health, interventional psychiatry, and restorative justice settings.

Morgan is deeply committed to building therapeutic relationships that honor the full identity of each client. She is particularly passionate about working with individuals and communities whose experiences have been shaped by systemic inequity, and she approaches each person with cultural humility, genuine care, and a belief in their capacity for healing and growth.

Cokelly Herrera

I was born and raised in Arizona alongside my parents and two siblings. Growing up in a small town taught me the value of close relationships, community, and connection. After spending several years in California, I recently returned to Arizona to be closer to family and enjoy the slower pace and sense of belonging that small-town life provides. Outside of my professional work, I am a proud dog mom to two wonderful companions: Phoebe, a Red Queensland Heeler named after a character from one of my favorite television shows, and Mini, a long-haired Chihuahua whose tiny size and playful personality reminded me of Minnie Mouse. I am also engaged to my partner of nine years, and we are working on building a life together.

I am a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and am currently completing my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. For the past five years, I have worked in a medication-assisted treatment program, where I began as a Case Manager and later advanced to Assistant Executive Director. These experiences have allowed me to support individuals from diverse backgrounds as they navigate challenges related to substance use, mental health, relationships, and personal growth. I welcome individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences and strive to create an affirming space where clients feel respected, understood, and supported in their unique experiences.

I believe that every person has a unique story worth sharing. Sometimes fear, past experiences, or trauma can make it difficult to tell that story or fully embrace one’s strengths. My approach is rooted in compassion, respect, and the belief that every individual has the capacity for healing, growth, and meaningful change. I have a particular interest in helping individuals who experience intense emotions, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, and difficulties with emotion regulation develop greater stability, self-compassion, and resilience. Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I strive to help clients develop healthy coping skills, build resilience, and work toward their personal goals. My priority is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to be your authentic self.

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!.”

01.

Why should you choose Change

We have lower cost services supported by the community to help people who are underinsured or uninsured.

02.

Support Training

We provide extensive training to new therapists and value our high standards in therapy interns.

03.

Virtual Services

We provide services to everyone in Arizona from anywhere you are. All you need is a stable internet connection!

04.

Leadership

06.

Self Awareness

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07.

Confidence

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08.

Life Skills

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