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Text Content

 * Home
 * Services
   * Medication Management
   * Psychosocial & Rehabilitative Program
   * Low Energy Neurofeedback Systems
   * Individual & Family Counseling
 * About us
 * Meet the Staff
 * Contact us
 * (915) 779-5600

 * Home
 * Services
   * Medication Management
   * Psychosocial & Rehabilitative Program
   * Low Energy Neurofeedback Systems
   * Individual & Family Counseling
 * About Us
   * Administration

 * Meet the Staff
 * Contact Us
 * (915) 779-5600


MEET THE STAFF

All of our providers are professionals who are dedicated to provide the best
quality of care. Our valuable team consists of: Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse
Practitioners, Counselors/Therapists and General Doctors in Medicine.



MEET OUR MEDICAL PROVIDERS

All of our providers are professionals who are dedicated to provide the best
quality of care. Our valuable team consists of: Psychiatrists, Nurse
Practitioners, Counselors and Doctor in Medicine




DR. JOSEPH VANDERPOOL

Dr. Joseph Vanderpool is the Chief Medical Officer, President and Founder of
Atlantis Health Services. He has been providing services to adults, adolescents,
and children for the past 20 years.

He is a practicing psychiatrist who works closely with his medical and treatment
staff to provide quality services to the El Paso community. Medical services are
provided by Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (Board Certified) and
Masters Level and Licensed Addiction Counselors.


EUGENIO CHAVEZ-RICE, M.D.

Eugenio Chavez-Rice is a well respected physician providing services at Atlantis
Health Services & Amanecer Health Systems (AHS). He has vast experience and has
dedicated a long time to treat mental health disorders by assisting individuals
with many different needs and challenges.

Dr. Rice began his career of medicine in Mexico City where he worked for 4
years. After this time he started practicing in the United States where he has
worked in outpatient and inpatient programs for the past 40 years. He has been
devoted to the Community of El Paso, where he has worked at MHMR as a staff
Psychiatrist and as the Director of Research in 2004 by leading LUNESTA
researched projects. In 1997, he was the Clinical Director at El Paso State
Center where he was in charge of developing program plans and performed
administrative functions.

In the academic sphere, Dr. Rice has worked as an instructor in Psychiatry at
Harvard Medical School while teaching students Forensic and Neuropsychiatry and
as an Assistant Professor of Community Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine
where he was teaching and supervising medical students. Generally speaking, Dr.
Rice has been as been devoted as a practitioner, an academician and researcher.
As a Psychiatrist he has been enormously passionate to promote recovery on
mental illnesses to different cohorts to include children, adolescents, adults
and the elderly. He is enthusiastic and proud of being part of AHS.


IRENE DUNN, R.N., PHD., PMHNP-BC

Dr. Irene Dunn has been a Licensed Registered Nurse since 1976. Originally
graduating with her Associate in Applied Science in Nursing from New York City
Community College, she went on to practice primarily in El Paso. Over the years
she has had a multi-faceted career, practicing in a variety of nursing areas
such as Adolescent/Substance Abuse, Labor and Delivery Unit, Intensive Care
Nursery Unit, Pediatric Critical Care Unit, Adult Critical Care Unit, Endoscope,
Utilization Review, Newborn Nursery, Rehabilitation, and Home Health Nursing.

Amidst this array of positions, Dr. Dunn served 22 years in the United States
Army Reserves. In addition to her vast wealth of experience, Dr. Dunn has also
expanded her academic achievements throughout the years, in gaining her Bachelor
of Science in Nursing from UTEP, Master of Arts from Webster University, Master
of Science from University of Phoenix, PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a
Minor in Educational Management and Development from New Mexico State
University, Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Psychiatric Mental
Health from New Mexico State University, and most recently a certificate from
New Mexico State University in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
Practitioner-Family.

Dr. Dunn has been serving El Paso since 1977 and continues serving the mental
health population today. Dr. Dunn serves children, adolescents, and adults,
holding office both at Amanecer Health Systems as well as Atlantis Health
Services. Dr. Dunn puts time and care into each patient served and serves from a
background of extensive knowledge.


VALERIE CONTRERAS, PMNHP-BC

My name is Valerie Contreras. I am an El Paso native, born and raised in the
area. I have been practicing as a psychiatric nurse practitioner for about one
year now, and truly find it rewarding.

I specialize in patients of all ages. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, I
worked as a Emergency room nurse for 10 years in addition to working as a mental
health nurse part time. I am an air force veteran, which has proven to be an
extremely valuable experience. I look forward to serving you and your family.


MEET OUR COUNSELORS




CHRISTINE DURFEE, LPC

Christine Durfee is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Amanecer Health
Systems. Christine recently relocated from Portland, Oregon to El Paso, Texas.

For the past 23 years, Christine has worked with children and families in
various capacities. Previous to becoming a therapist, she was the director for
Court Appointed Special Advocates and oversaw all dependency cases in the court
system. Christine became a therapist after years of seeing families struggle.
She began studying how trauma affects the brain and central nervous system,
which influenced the modalities she uses in her practice today. Christine helps
families obtain goals through bio-feedbacks called Low Energy Neurofeedback and
Heart Math along with Reflex integration, Psychoeducation, and teaches
therapeutic parenting.

Christine received her Master's Degree at Corban University, and is currently a
doctoral candidate at Walden University. She holds certifications as a Trauma
Family Therapist, Low Energy Neurofeedback and Rhythmic Movement Therapist.


DENNIS DURFEE, LPC

Dennis Durfee is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Amanecer Health Systems.
Dennis recently relocated from Salem, Oregon to El Paso, Texas.

For the past 17 years, Dennis has worked with veterans and individual adults
primarily. Dennis and his wife Christine have also collaborated together and
worked with children and families on a limited basis as well. Dennis, a veteran
himself, and a former VA Employee, as well as a Disabled Veteran's Outreach
Program Specialist understands the needs of veterans and their families. He
worked in the Employment Counseling field for 8 years, then transitioned to
Mental Health Counseling for the past 10 years. Dennis helps clients identify
barriers to good mental health practices, using solution focused therapy, Low
Energy Neurofeedback and Psychoeducation. He helps clients reach their mental
health wellness goals, in a way that is lasting for them, and their families.

Dennis received his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from
George Fox University. He holds certifications on Low Energy Neurofeedback, Case
Management and Employment Specialist from the University of Colorado at Denver,
and an Introduction to Jewish History from Hebrew College Boston, Massachusetts.


MALEAH GRIGGS, LMSW

Maleah Griggs grew up in Colorado, where she attended the University of Colorado
at Boulder. During her time there she volunteered at Chinook Clubhouse, a
community clubhouse for those suffering from severe and pervasive mental health
disorders. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, double-majoring in Psychology
and Sociology.

Following her undergraduate education, Ms. Griggs went on to get her Master of
Social Work degree from the University of Kansas, in Lawrence, Kansas. To do so,
she completed two years of practicum experience. She first completed 480 hours
working in child welfare helping to reintegrate children with their families.
Her second placement required 720 hours working as an Addiction Counselor in an
outpatient facility. In that placement, Ms. Griggs was responsible for
conducting assessments, treatment planning, individual counseling, and
facilitating both adolescent and adult treatment groups. She also facilitated
monthly, eight hour Alcohol and Drug Information classes to those mandated by
the courts.

Since her master’s program, Ms. Griggs obtained her Master of Social Work
License (LMSW) first in Kansas, and then in Texas. She went on to work as a Case
Manager, and eventually the Housing Navigator at The Salvation Army in Austin.
She moved to El Paso in 2017, and began working with Dr. Vanderpool and Atlantis
Health Services in early 2018 where she serves as the Substance Abuse
Coordinator. Helping those recovering from addiction is her passion, and she is
genuine in her motivation to help her clients find lasting recovery.


LAURA CEPEDA, LPC, LCDC

Laura Cepeda is a proud El Paso Native with bilingual fluency in English and
Spanish. She attended the University of Texas at El Paso graduating with a
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2006 and Webster University graduating
with a Masters in Counseling in 2009. Laura became licensed as a Professional
Counselor and Chemical Dependency Counselor and since becoming licensed has
worked with children as young as five, at risk youth, and adults in various
settings to include inpatient services, residential treatment, outpatient
treatment, in home services and private practice. During her clinical
supervision, Laura gained skills and practice in expressive arts along with play
therapy, sand tray therapy, and art therapy. Laura also received training in
Multisystemic Therapy. Laura’s passion lies in assisting others to reach their
goals in various life domains, including education and rehabilitation for
individuals suffering from substance use and mental health disorders.

Laura has worked for several agencies in El Paso to include Dismas Charities,
The West Texas Community Supervision and Corrections Department, The Counseling
Center of Expressive Arts, The El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department and
Emergence Health Network.

Ms. Cepeda began working with Dr. Vanderpool and Atlantis Health Services in
August 2018. She understands seeking help may not be easy; however, she is
committed to provide professional services with creative therapeutic approaches
focused on you as an individual. Laura believes every client is unique to their
emotional healing experiences.


CHRISTIAN SALAS, LMSW

Christian Salas is a native El Pasoan. Born and raised in the El Paso/Cd. Juarez
region, he is fluent in both English and Spanish. Chris graduated with honors
from Burges High School in 2002. He went on to study at the University of Texas
at El Paso from which he holds multiple degrees: BA in Multidisciplinary Studies
in Music Performance and Music Education, Bachelor of Social Work, and Master of
Social Work.

Though a young professional, Mr. Salas has a myriad of experience working to
help others. While at UTEP, Chris developed and organized the Inclusion and
Advocacy. He is currently on his second team with the Disability Right’s Texas
Board of Directors, serves as the Chair for the Policies and Bylaws Committee.
He has served on the National Association of Social Workers – Texas Board of
Directors as the MSW Student State Representative and as the Rio Grande Branch
Chair. He currently sits on the UTEP Department of Social Work Advisory
Committee.

Clinically, Mr. Salas has experience working in the El Paso and Southern New
Mexico region. Mr. Salas started his social work career as an intern for the El
Paso County Probate Court No. 1. He then provided group therapy and individual
counseling for federal inmates at Dismas Charities of El Paso. He began his work
with children and trauma at the El Paso Child Guidance Center where he was a
graduate therapy intern and training co-facilitator. He served as clinical
therapist for LCDF in Anthony, NM where he treated children, adolescents, and
adults. Mr. Salas, provided substance abuse and mental health individual and
group treatment to pre-trail and post-conviction patients with the US Probation
Office – District of New Mexico as well; a contract he oversaw and administered
for the agency.

Mr. Salas began working for Dr. Vanderpool and Amanecer Health Services in
January of 2019 as a Children & Adolescents therapist. He is glad to be back in
El Paso and helping his community better itself one therapy session at a time.


KORINA VILLA, DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATIVE PROGRAM

Korina Villa is the Director of Psychosocial Rehabilitative Program at Atlantis
Health Services and Amanecer Health Systems, where she supervises and directs
the Psychosocial and Rehabilitative program, the largest program in the agency.
Ms. Villa’s work is also focused on taking on specific cases but also directing
the Program Manager and Mental Health Case Workers by assisting and mentoring
towards the betterment and well-being of the consumers and assuring all clinical
and financial aspects of the program are up to company standards. Korina Villa
has focused her studies and academic accomplishments in the field of Psychology
and Social Work in which her Bachelor’s Degree was in Psychology and Sociology
and received her Master’s Degree in Social Work, specializing in Direct Practice
in Mental Health and Substance Abuse, focusing on assessment and intervention
with those evidencing acute and chronic mental health problems and substance
abuse disorders. During her graduate studies, Ms. Villa also focused her
research in program evaluation by learning and understanding the environment and
statistical findings in programs in order to provide the best interventions
possible for the betterment of the program. Ms. Villa also gained experience in
the legal aspects of the field by gaining experience in the Probate Court
setting and assessing for legal guardianship options.


MEET OUR CASE MANAGERS




ROEL LOPEZ, LEAD CASE MANAGER

Roel Lopez is a dedicated Case Manager that coordinates the overall plan of care
for patients with mild to moderate emotional and behavioral problems. Oversees
patient evaluation and treatment planning, and monitors patient progress,
adjusting treatment plans as necessary. Roel Lopez educational background
includes a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Texas at El Paso, and is
currently enrolled in a MA program for Gerontology at The University of Southern
California.


LENDA AMEZCUA, CASE MANAGER

Lenda Amezcua has been working at Atlantis Health Services since June of 2018 as
a case worker. She is dedicated to provide services by helping children,
adolescents and by providing psychosocial rehabilitation intervention. Through
this program, she assists consumers with coping skills, educating consumer of
services available within the community and advocating for their mental health.

Ms. Amezcua obtained her B.A in Psychology at the University of Texas at El Paso
and is eager to continue pursuing her education and obtain her Masters in Social
Work focusing on Mental Health.


MARLENE ARELLANES, CASE MANAGER

Marlene Arellanes has been employed at Atlantis Health Services as a Caseworker
since January 2018. Ms. Arellanes has been working with Children & Adults
providing skills training to nourish their knowledge about their mental health
illness and to assist with their recovery through Skills Training and
Psychosocial and Rehabilitative services.

Currently Ms. Arellanes is a Case Manger at Amancer Health Systems assisting
patients to meet their needs by linking them to the proper resources. Ms.
Arellanes has a Bachelor in Social Work and plans to obtain her Masters in
Social Work specializing in Mental Health. Meanwhile she plans to continue
working in assisting with the awareness of mental health in this population.


ANGELA GARZA, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT


BETHANN PITTS, OFFICE MANAGER & HUMAN RESOURCES

BethAnn Pitts is the Office Manager and Human Resources for Atlantis Health
Services. Beth has an AAS in Medical Assisting and is currently pursuing a
Bachelors degree in Human Resources Management. She has experience in payroll,
management, recruiting, event planning, and tax preparation and planning.

Prior to working with Atlantis Health Services, Beth served as an Office Manager
for H&R Block, an account manager for T&T Staff Management, Inc and worked for
Community Hospitals in Indianapolis, IN in multiple roles. Beth is very active
in the community serving on multiple boards for local youth organizations as
well as an officer in civic clubs. Beth is very passionate about working to help
others and with the Shriner’s Hospitals.

CONTACT US

1219 Barranca Dr.,
El Paso, Texas 79935
(915)779-5600

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