Palo Verde Behavioral Health is the perfect destination for people who want to participate in a growing and innovative organization that prides itself on patient care and security. Learn more about our staff below.

John T. P. Liggins, MD, MS
Chief Medical Director
Specialty: General Adult Psychiatry
Residency: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine
Board Certified through ABPN

Mark J. Helms, MD
Director, Consult and Liaison Services
Specialty: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Medical School: University of Arizona

Nazia Ahmed, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Specialty: Psychiatry
Medical School: St. Matthews University
Board Certified through ABPN

Allison R. Optican, MD
Staff Psychiatrist
Specialty: Adult and Adolescent Psychiatry
Residency: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: Northeast Ohio Medical University
Undergraduate: Case Western Reserve University
Board Certified through ABPN

Taiwan Savage
Chief Executive Officer

Amanda Scott, MA, LPC
Director of Clinical Services

Robert Mcmillan
Director of Plant Operations

Anna Perreira
Chief Financial Officer

Carol Britton
Chief Nursing Officer

Wendy Feldstein
Director of Human Resources

Kabrina Lee
Director of Business Development

Evelyne Lopez
Director of Risk and Performance Improvement

Katie Studenski
Director of the Business Office

John Boyer
Director of Pharmacy

Trisha Clark
Director of Health Information Management

Talerico, Alicia, MS
Director of Utilization Management

Rosa Elias
Credentialing/Medical Staff

Jeremy Shoemaker, MA, LAC
Director of Admissions