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.