Alicia Schoephoerster, DBH, LCSW
Alicia is a licensed clinical social worker with experience working with diverse populations across the lifespan. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and a doctorate in behavioral health from Arizona State University. Her career includes supporting first responders and their families as a medical social worker in behavioral health settings, including substance use treatment, outpatient, and hospital settings. She continues to support complex medical and behavioral health needs through evidence-based interventions for trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, relationship/family stressors, and other client priorities. Alicia has served as a behavioral health leader in inpatient and outpatient settings and uses her clinical experience to inform decision-making for those she serves.
Lisa VanHolsbeke, MC, LAC
Lisa has been a licensed therapist in Arizona since 2007, with a unique background and heart to support first responders because she is an EMT and retired law enforcement officer herself. Lisa is passionate about helping first responders stay strong by building resilience, learning more emotional coping tools to get better outcomes at work and at home. Lisa provides a welcoming and safe environment to “off-load” some of the intrusive effects of traumatic incidents.
During her 26-year career in federal law enforcement, she investigated and supervised difficult cases such as child exploitation, which can take a significant emotional toll. She also worked many special, high intensity assignments as a firearms instructor, special response team (SRT) operator, and tactical EMT. She has also responded to many critical incidents, including suicides, officer deaths, natural disasters, mass casualty events like the Uvalde School shooting and the Oklahoma City bombing. She has first-hand experience with the cumulative nature of critical incidents, both everyday ones as well as large-scale traumatic incidents. This motivated her to go back to school in 2003 to complete her master’s degree in counseling to provide the clinical support which was not available to her during her law enforcement career.
For the last three years, Lisa has worked as an operational field clinician for a large federal law enforcement agency, trying to de-stigmatize mental health care, build resiliency, and support employees after traumatic incidents. She is also in private practice part-time with Kuhlman Psychology and Consulting, a practice specializing in supporting first responders.
Gary Watson, LMSW
Gary is a licensed master social worker in Arizona and co-founder of Avanzar Wellness. Following a thirty year career as a firefighter in Arizona and North Carolina, he enters his second career as a therapist focusing on first responders and their families. His lived experiences from a career in public safety allows him to understand the culture and traditions of the profession and give focused treatment for the individual first responder.
Gary received his Master of Social Work from Western New Mexico University. He is trained in EMDR for trauma therapy, and Struggle Well post traumatic growth. His approach to treatment is a strengths-based focus that draws on our individual strength, resiliency, and resources to grow beyond the traumatic events we all face. Gary uses multiple treatment modalities like CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing to find our strength and learn the tools and resources needed to have a healthy work/life balance.
“Our profession provides us a rewarding career, I want to help first responders navigate the challenges us and our families face during that career so we can all enjoy a long and healthy retirement.”
Jennifer Hawkins, LMSW
Jennifer Hawkins recently retired from Tucson PD after 24 years of service. Inspired by her own personal and professional experiences with loss and trauma, Jennifer is now pursuing a new career path helping other first responders and veterans. Jennifer graduated from Arizona State University with her Masters of Social Work in 2024 and recently obtained her Licensed Master of Social Work. She is working as a therapist at Avanzar Wellness and is accepting new clients.
Taylor Santiesteban
Taylor Santiesteban is a Licensed Associate Counselor specializing in mental health support for first responders. Drawing from a distinguished background in law enforcement, Taylor brings a depth of real-world experience and insight into the unique psychological demands faced by those who serve in high-risk public safety roles.
During a multifaceted law enforcement career in Indiana, Taylor served as a K-9 handler, worked in the criminal interdiction unit, and held specialized roles as an accident reconstructionist and crime scene investigator. These assignments required precision, resilience, and a deep understanding of critical incidents—experience that now directly informs Taylor’s clinical approach.
In December 2025, Taylor earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, further strengthening a commitment to bridging the gap between frontline experience and effective therapeutic care. With a focus on trauma, stress, and resilience, Taylor is dedicated to supporting first responders in navigating the psychological impact of their work while fostering long-term mental wellness.
By integrating professional training with firsthand experience, Taylor provides a grounded, empathetic, and practical approach to counseling—helping individuals build resilience, process trauma, and continue serving their communities with strength and clarity. Taylor is currently a therapist at Quality of Life Integrated Health.
Audrey Kelly
Audrey Kelly is a Licensed Master Social Worker and U.S. Army war veteran who brings both structure and compassion to her work. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California and has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate life’s most difficult seasons with grace and courage. Audrey also has a strong connection to the law enforcement community through her work alongside correctional officers, giving her a unique understanding of the demands, stressors, and realities faced by those in high-pressure service roles. She is known for her steady presence, genuine care, and ability to listen deeply, creating a space where clients feel safe, supported, and understood. Audrey is passionate about helping clients reconnect with their inner strength, build emotional resilience, and find a renewed sense of peace in their everyday lives.