Admin Staff

Alex C Gonzalez, LPCs, NCC
Regional Director of Clinical Services

Alex brings over 25 years of experience in mental health and substance use treatment to Rite Path. He has held leadership roles ranging from case manager to Clinical Director, including overseeing psychiatric and county-wide behavioral health services in Utah, and later expanding outpatient services in Arizona.

EMDR certified, Alex is dedicated to delivering effective, client-focused care while driving innovation and efficiency within the organization. He joined Rite Path to contribute to a team whose vision aligns with his own commitment to excellence in behavioral health.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys traveling with his family, building LEGO creations, exploring all things Star Wars, and hitting the golf course.

Darlene Yoder, LPC
Clinical Director

With more than 20 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois and Arizona, Darlene brings extensive clinical and leadership experience to Rite Path as the Clinical Director of the Tempe Outpatient Treatment Clinic. Throughout her career, she has worked in private practice, psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment programs, addiction services, and community mental health, serving children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds. She is committed to fostering a collaborative, client-centered environment where both clients and clinicians can thrive.

Darlene specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, ADHD, and relationship concerns. She primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and integrates other evidence-based approaches to tailor treatment to each individual’s needs. Her philosophy is simple: meet clients where they are, respect the values and goals they bring to therapy, and provide the guidance and tools that help them create meaningful, lasting change.

Known for her warm, straightforward, and down-to-earth style, Darlene balances empathy with honest feedback, practical strategies, and a sense of humor. Whether providing direct clinical care or leading a team of dedicated professionals, she is focused on helping people build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Diana Garnica, Behavioral Health Administrative Assistant

Our Administrative Assistant provides friendly, professional, and compassionate support to clients and families throughout the intake and scheduling process. She assists with scheduling appointments, answering questions, coordinating communication, and helping clients connect with the appropriate services. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive experience from the very first point of contact. She is fluent in Spanish and is available to assist our Spanish-speaking clients and families.

Ready to get started? Call us today at 480-327-6320 to schedule your phone screening. We’re here to help!

Nuestra Asistente Administrativa brinda apoyo amable, profesional y compasivo a nuestros clientes y familias durante el proceso de admisión y programación de citas. Ayuda con la coordinación de citas, responde preguntas, facilita la comunicación y orienta a los clientes para conectarlos con los servicios adecuados. Está comprometida en crear una experiencia acogedora y de apoyo desde el primer contacto con nuestro equipo. Habla español con fluidez y está disponible para ayudar a nuestros clientes y familias de habla hispana.

¿Está listo para comenzar? Llámenos hoy al 480-327-6320 para programar su evaluación telefónica. ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarle!

Licensed Therapists & Counselors

Leslie Filsinger, LPC, NCC, NARM
Clinical Supervisor

With over 35 years of experience as a therapist, I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona for the past 11 years, previously practicing in New York and Ohio. I have worked with clients across all age groups, including young children, teens, adults, and families. My specialization lies in helping individuals heal from various forms of trauma. I am certified in EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and the Neuro-Affective Relational Model. Additionally, I am an approved Clinical Supervisor in Arizona and enjoy mentoring new clinicians on their path to licensure.

Michelle Gallardo, LMSW

Michelle is a licensed master social worker with experience working with a variety of populations across the Valley. In addition to a master’s degree in Social Work, Michelle has two graduate certificates in Trauma & Bereavement and Domestic Violence & Evidence-Based Practices from Arizona State University. I have experience working with domestic abuse survivors, adolescents experiencing hardships such as mental, behavioral, or educational struggles, and individuals navigating mood disorders and self-harm. As a therapist, I am dedicated to providing a safe, affirming, and culturally responsive environment for all clients, including LGBTQIA+ members and other minority communities. I am currently practicing under the direct supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor while I am pursuing independent licensure through the AZBBHE.

Jhinelle Boggie, LCSW, MSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Arizona State University. I am EMDR trained and started my career in crisis counseling in 2019, moving into individual and family therapy in 2023. I also hold my PMH-C specializing in perinatal mental health.

My approach is holistic, recognizing that mental health is influenced by our relationships, environment, life experiences, and overall well-being. Together, we work to identify strengths, overcome challenges, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, camping, and traveling, experiences that continually remind me of the importance of balance, perspective, and connection.

Master Level Therapists & Counselors

Barbara Mendez, MA, BHT

Hablo Español

Tengo 26 años trabajando con familias. Mi pasión es ver el “Antes y Después” Y descubrir sus fortalezas y ayudarles a superar los desafíos.

I have been working 26 years helping clients where they are in their healing journey without judgement. My goal is to help you grow past your roadblocks and see a positive “before and after.”

Mary Friend, MEd, BHT

Welcome and thank you for visiting my little corner of the website. My name is Mary Jennifer Friend and I have my Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in: Curriculum and Instruction. I have spent decades in the educational setting. The classroom became my true education in counseling. I believe that you must meet individuals where they are and listen with an empathetic heart. Only then, can you strive towards a solution. It has been my experience that most of our issues stem from past traumas. As well as recent, past and/or generational traumas.

Catina Frierson, MSW, BHT

My professional background includes holding a master’s degree in Social Work and working with children and their families for over 20 years. My goal is to provide services that best meet the need of the community and my clients. I strive to provide quality care in an environment where our dedication, warmth and positive regard are reflected in everything we do.

Crystal Rivers, MSW, BHT

I am a Master’s-level clinician with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families in a variety of behavioral health settings. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of supporting youth in group home and community-based environments, helping them navigate emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.

I have experience working with children and teens experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, behavioral concerns, and difficulties with emotional regulation. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered to overcome life’s challenges.

My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each individual’s unique needs. I utilize evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strengths-based interventions, behavior modification strategies, mindfulness, and parent collaboration to help clients build emotional regulation, healthy coping skills, confidence, and resilience.

I believe that meaningful change happens when children, caregivers, and clinicians work together as a team. I strive to partner with families to foster resilience, confidence, and lasting growth so that each child can reach their full potential at home, at school, and in their community.

Behavior Mentors

Keith Mathis, BHT

Hi, I am Keithen Mathis a dedicated Behavior Coach with approximately 14 years of experience in the mental health field. Throughout my career, I have been committed to helping children, adolescents, and families develop the skills needed to overcome behavioral challenges, build healthy relationships, and achieve positive outcomes.

With a compassionate, client-centered approach, I specialize in teaching coping skills, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, social skills, and positive behavior strategies. I believe that every individual has the ability to grow and succeed when provided with the right support, guidance, and encouragement.

I am passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve. My experience, patience, and genuine care have allowed me to build strong relationships with clients, their education team at school, and their families. I am committed to empowering clients to reach their personal goals.

I continue to love what I do and remain dedicated to creating positive change in my community—one client, one family, and one success story at a time.

Kristell Henninger, BHT

Kristell recently graduated from the University of Arizona with a double major in Psychology and Spanish Literature. She plans to pursue her master’s degree in a mental health-related field. Her goal is to help both Spanish- and English-speaking individuals and ensure that both communities receive the help and support they need. As a first-generation college graduate with Latin American roots, she hopes to inspire others, create change, and, most importantly, make a positive difference in the world. She also has experience mentoring and supporting children as a gymnastics coach throughout college, which further strengthened her passion for working with youth.

Behavior Mentors

Life Skills Mentoring: A form of mentoring or coaching focused on teaching individuals practical life skills to improve their daily functioning and independence, often used for people with mental health conditions or developmental disabilities. Life Skills can be and is typically used in conjunction with the individual’s larger treatment team of services and regularly coordinates with the assigned therapist.