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The Desert Cove Recovery Center Staff

We believe that effective addiction treatment begins with expert and compassionate leadership. Our staff is comprised of medical professionals and knowledgeable caretakers who have years of experience working with addictions and the families of individuals in treatment.

Get to know us by reading our biographies below, or call to speak with us directly: (844) 235-2768

Bradley LaVorgna

Director of Client Services
Michael Carlton, MD

Medical Director
Christina Orellana

Clinical Director
Chris Colonna

Admissions Coordinator
Cory Jocque

Medical Coordinator and Safety/Compliance Officer
Emily Goodspeed

Case Manager
Mackenzie Sherman

Primary Therapist
Rebekah Allen

Family Nurse Practitioner

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know it’s time for addiction treatment?

When addiction takes hold, it’s debilitating. The individual may show signs of addiction through actions as well as changes to their physical appearance. Here are a few warning signs that indicate it’s time to seek help… Read More

When is detox necessary?

Our admissions team can help advise you if detox is necessary in order for the addiction to be treated successfully. If medical detox is suggested, we will make a recommendation for detox with one of our partners… Read More

Will my Insurance cover the cost of addiction treatment?

We accept most insurance providers. You can visit our Insurance Providers page here, or you can visit our Insurance Verification Form page here to see if your current health care provider covers addiction treatment through Desert Cove Recovery Center… Read More

How long is the Desert Cove Recovery Program?

Desert Cove Recovery believes that each individual is unique. The type of addiction treatment and length of time in the program should meet each person’s specific needs. We offer an extended care program for those requiring more time to address complex treatment… Read More

What does Desert Cove offer AFTER my initial treatment program is complete?

On completion of the Desert Cove Recovery Program, clients will be supported in finding sober living, attending Desert Cove Aftercare Services and involvement in the 12-Step community… Read More

Desert Cove Recovery Scottsdale Blog & News

August 5, 2022

Is it Normal to Constantly Think About Relapse in Addiction Recovery?

Relapse is a common occurrence in the recovery journey. A study published by the National Institutes of Health concluded...
Read More
July 27, 2022

Why Can’t Alcoholics Drink in Moderation?

When a person first admits they have an alcohol addiction problem and need treatment, one of the most frightening...
Read More
July 20, 2022

How to Identify a High-Functioning Alcoholic

When you hear the word alcoholic, what images come to mind? Many of us have stereotypical images of someone...
Read More

Accreditations & Memberships

Help is waiting.

Our professional Scottsdale drug and alcohol addiction therapists are waiting to hear from you. (844) 235-2768

Bradley LaVorgna

Director of Client Services

I am currently the Director of Client Services at Desert Cove Recovery. I went through my own recovery journey and have nine years sober. I have been working in the treatment industry for almost nine years and have been at Desert Cove Recovery since 2015. The greatest reward of my profession is getting to watch each individual find their own personal success.

Michael Carlton, MD

Medical Director

As the CEO and Founder of Phoenix Recovery, Dr. Carlton has admitting privileges at all the major Phoenix-based hospitals and can provide detox services when needed. Certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Carlton has the knowledge to diagnose and treat specific problems and to manage addictive disorders, having cared for more than 25,000 individuals withdrawing from drugs and alcohol. Dr. Carlton completed his four year dual residency training in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and two years of a specialty fellowship in Medical and Industrial Toxicology. He has over a decade of experience in the treatment of addiction and has given educational lectures and seminars throughout the Southwest. Dr. Carlton has published numerous articles and has extensive knowledge in the fields of Addiction, Toxicology, and Medicine.

Christina Orellana

Clinical Director

I am currently the Clinical Director at Desert Cove Recovery. I began working in the world of substance abuse recovery in 2015, after getting sober myself in 2010. I am extremely passionate about helping others find peace in sobriety so that they may begin a new chapter in life. I am a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor and am trained in Brain Spotting as a means of working through unresolved trauma. My goal is to help create a safe space for those suffering to break free of addiction.

Chris Colonna

Admissions Coordinator

I am currently the Admissions Coordinator at Desert Cove Recovery. I have worked in the recovery field for six years. I struggled with an alcohol and heroin addiction for many years. Like everyone I tried to get sober on my own, I was unable to put any real time together as I did not have the necessary tools or knowledge of how to do so. After a few failed treatment attempts at short term programs I found a long term option in Arizona. At that program I did extensive work on myself and found a connection with my higher power. I have now been sober for seven years. I recently decided to join the team at Desert Cove Recovery as I believed they had an amazing staff dedicated to helping people as well as an effective long term program. They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. That could not be more true for me. I never thought I’d be in a position to help families get their loved ones back and watch people heal and thrive more than they ever dreamed was possible, for that I am truly grateful.

Cory Jocque

Medical Coordinator and Safety/Compliance Officer

I am currently the Medical Coordinator and Safety/Compliance Officer for Desert Cove Recovery. I’ve worked as a Medical Coordinator since 2017, and was employed by Desert Cove Recovery in early 2019. I’ve taken on my position as Compliance Officer as well along the way. My recovery journey began on February 23rd, 2015. After battling with addiction myself, I discovered my passion for working with others in addiction and sharing my experience with overcoming obstacles over the years of my sobriety. I began working in the recovery field by managing a female inpatient home and found the opportunity to help others very rewarding. Today, I assist our physician to make sure their medical needs are met and they receive the care and support they need and deserve. I most enjoy the time I get to spend with our clients to get to know them and hear their stories. My passion is science and learning the physiology of the human body and I am currently continuing my education.

Emily Goodspeed

Case Manager

I am currently the Case Manager and one of the group facilitators for Desert Cove Recovery. I joined the Desert Cove Recovery team in 2021, and began my behavioral health case management journey in 2022. I will be graduating in the Fall of 2022, with my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Throughout my time at Desert Cove Recovery, I have not only worked here but gained experience and internship hours. Working in this field was never something I ever imagined but what I love most is that every day is something new. You start your day expecting one thing, and it ends completely different.

Mackenzie Sherman

Primary Therapist

I am currently one of the Primary Therapists at Desert Cove Recovery. I have worked in behavioral health for the last ten years. I started working in clinical roles six years ago, and have had the opportunity for extensive training on trauma and addiction. I am also in recovery and got sober when I was eighteen years old and I am celebrating eleven years of sobriety. I love working in recovery because I feel it is an honor and privilege to get to be able to be a part of someone’s journey. I love watching the miracles in people unfold as they fight this addiction to become the best versions of themselves.

Rebekah Allen

Family Nurse Practitioner

I am currently the certified Family Nurse Practitioner at Desert Cove Recovery. I have been working in addiction medicine for eight years but have been in the healthcare profession for over twenty years. I enjoy helping others manage their health issues as they work and learn about the recovery process. It is a joy to be a witness to the metamorphosis occur in the lives of my patients. Working in recovery has taught me the importance of life balance. To get my personal life balance, I took up tennis and recently won my first tennis tournament.