Robin Byrne, LCSW, Clinical Director, Cofounder

Robin holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago and a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois. Ms. Byrne has 37 years experience treating individuals, couples, and families. She completed a three-year post-graduate training program in Bowen Family Systems Theory. As a Family Therapist specializing in Addictions she knows the value of family support for our recovering clients. Robin’s approach incorporates wellness and spirituality in the treatment process. Her affinity for holistic treatments led her to become a certified Meditation teacher, completing the McLean Meditation Academy Teacher Training Program. As a devoted meditator who has experienced the benefits of a daily meditation practice in her life, she uses her expertise to guide our clients in meditation to realize the same benefits in their own lives.

JP Grako, CFO, Cofounder

JP arrived in this field through personal and family experience, and a strong desire to lead others to achieve what he has, long-lasting sobriety. JP opened Alliance Sober Living in the fall of 2016, when he saw a gap in the availability of aftercare in the Scottsdale area. After opening his third house in 2018, he partnered with Gabe and Robin to create Purpose Healing Center. Purpose was created as a family business to help others achieve their ultimate goals and dreams, and to overcome the gripping effects of addiction. JP holds a bachelors in business from Grand Canyon University.

Gabriel Tomaeno, CEO, Cofounder 

Gabriel’s own recovery led him to seek a career in this field. When he was battling addiction, he sought both Inpatient and Intensive Outpatient programs to guide him into recovery. With the support of the treatment programs, community support and his family he has been able to achieve sobriety. Eager to get involved in the recovery field, crediting his own treatment with saving his life, he enrolled in college with Addiction Treatment as his major.  Gabriel’s role within the company is to ensure ethical and appropriate approaches to businesses growth including referrals, client care, operations, community outreach and much more. Being the CEO of Purpose Healing Center is much more than a title for Gabriel he takes pride in the company’s mission and holds it close to his heart “Help bring Treatment to as many people as possible”.  Gabriel says the most joyous part about this field is talking to a new client and watching their hope rise when they feel the blessings of sobriety.

Louis Nardone, L.P.C.

Louis Nardone, L.P.C. with Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners,for 27 years. I have attended Rio Salado Community College enrolled in Chemical dependency ,completed also Ottawa University received bachelors arts degree, Chapman University received masters degree in counseling. I have worked in behavioral health field for 27 years. I have family with grown children, grand children and my two dogs that I enjoy in my life.During my many years working with substance dependency clients and tenure at Purpose Healing Center I have witnessed and have been a part of their recovery.   

Justin Ramirez, EMT/Lead BHT

Brent Osnato, Outpatient Coordinator

Brent began working in the recovery field after finding his own path of sobriety and abstinence. His specialty is helping those who need a less restrictive treatment model whether it be because of work, home life commitments, or you have just completed a residential or PHP program he will provide the best individualized IOP schedule to make sure you get the help you need. Brent is a resource in the recovery community that can help clients get back on track with their specific goals after completing treatment.

Andrew Parker

Andrew is an Arizona native who has worked in the behavioral health field for over 10 years. Andrew has worked in all levels of care managing detoxification units, acute psychiatric stabilization units, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient facilities with multiple organizations throughout Maricopa County. Andrew has managed small and large teams of interdisciplinary professionals, including peer support specialists, licensed clinicians/therapists, registered nurses, physicians, and others to improve the delivery of services and increase the efficacy and efficiency of these programs. Andrew has worked closely with the Arizona Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission to help improve the quality of care delivered to program participants. Andrew is well versed in facility operations, compliance, and best practices. With over 12 years of recovery from a substance use disorder, himself, Andrew has a passion for helping those suffering from substance use and behavioral health disorders, leading and coaching teams of multidisciplinary professionals, helping them reach their full potential, and improving processes and systems within the organization to maximize their efficacy in delivering behavioral health services.

Christepher (Chris) Romero,  Case Manager

Chris joined the team at Purpose Healing Center one year ago, but he has worked in the Behavioral Health field for the past three years. As a Case Manager, Chris is a key member of an interdisciplinary team that works directly with individuals in addiction treatment and recovery. Chris helps develop comprehensive case assessments and treatment plans for clients. Chris then works collaboratively with the clients, their families, community organizations, and other professionals to provide the specialized support that will help the clients remain clean and successfully manage their conditions on their own.

Before entering the behavioral health profession, Chris was an industrial painter and a skilled building maintenance worker. While in high school, Chris did considerable volunteer service and to date is the only Arizona student to have been awarded a Prudential National Spirit of Community Gold Medal, an honor that came with a $5,000 prize.

Born in West Palm Beach, FL, Chris has lived in Phoenix since early childhood. Chris now volunteers at André House, a non-profit organization that provides meals, clothing and other immediate, basic needs to those experiencing homelessness. Chris enjoys playing softball and has three sons.

Dr. Gelow, Addictionologist and Medical Director

Dr. Gelow is a dually board certified Addictionologist and the current Medical Director for Purpose Healing Center. Originally born and raised in Michigan, Dr. Gelow received his Medical Doctorate (MD) degree from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. After getting a taste for the sun, and moving around the country a bit, he has found his way to Scottsdale, Arizona and completed his Residency at Scottsdale Healthcare (now HonorHealth). His motivation and varied interests in medicine shows as he advocates for his patient’s health and success. Dr. Gelow’s knowledge is built upon his extensive experience in substance abuse and addiction disorders as well as medications pertaining to addiction treatment and recovery. Dr. Gelow also holds his DATA Waiver and is a firm believer in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) but only when appropriate.

Patrice Roy, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Patrice was educated and trained in her home state of Maine. She has over 25 years of experience in Behavioral Health Addictions.  Patrice’s practice philosophy is two-fold. First, she focuses on understanding the individual needs of each patient and then, in collaboration with the patient, develops a holistic, comprehensive care plan based on the individual. Patrice believes in the importance of a team approach to recovery and is proud to be part of the SRC Team where communication and collaboration ensure that each patient is provided the best that SRC has to offer.

Patrice is committed to ongoing education in Behavioral Health Additions in order to learn new treatments and interventions to better care for her patients.  Patrice is certified as an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.  She is also certified as an Advanced Practice Clinical Nurse Specialist and as a Certified Acudetox Practitioner.

Throughout her career Patrice has endeavored to help people live their best life.  Whether in her professional roles as an administrator or direct care practitioner, Patrice believes the individual holds the answers within and she feels privileged to be part of the team that helps them discover their personal journey to recovery.

Shannon B., Case Manager

Shannon is a Massachusetts native with a background in ABA therapy.  Shannon made the move from the East Coast to Arizona in January of 2018, with the decision to make a career change. That move came into fruition after studying the services available for those struggling in Arizona. Shannon’s expertise in the field of addiction starts with her own personal experience as a woman in recovery. Shannon takes a unique approach to case management using her experience using Applied Behavior Analysis and teaching of life skills to young adults with special needs, as well as her personal experiences as a client in treatment. She believes that case management is a crucial part of treatment. Case managers help clients take care of the obstacles life has thrown at them and the damage they’ve created, due to their addiction, using the 8 dimensions of wellness. This allows clients to obtain life skills that are indispensable. Providing the support of case management, allows clients to have an optimal experience in treatment and hopefully succeed on their journey.   

Tyler Kees, MS, Primary Therapist

Tyler is a primary therapist with Purpose Healing Center, currently working with the residential population. Tyler received his Master’s degree in clinical counseling psychology from Capella University in 2019. He has worked in the field of behavioral health beginning in 2015 when he received his bachelor’s degree from Arizona State in psychology. He will soon begin his doctoral journey with Capella University to pursue a PsyD in clinical psychology.  He has worked in all levels of direct care from technician to clinical coordinator. Tyler has developed programs that meet all requirements for patient care. Tyler had unbridled passion for patients and their needs. He has 12 years of recovery from all substances and wants to share his message with all clients he treats. He uses evidence-based modalities to help build the whole person from beginning to end.  Tyler believes recovery is possible, and wants every individual to develop healthy skills for lifelong success.