Meet Our Dedicated Mental Health Staff for Teen Recovery

I’m Brian Carlisle, a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years in emergency services, including work as a Fire Captain/Paramedic, ER registered nurse, and now founder of Horizon Recovery. In my line of work, I get emergency calls to try to save kids—calls no one ever wants to get. I’ve worked on scenes where adolescents attempted to end their own lives, where self-harm and hopelessness overwhelmed them and their families. I’ve tried to save them with my own hands—on bedroom floors, in the back of ambulances, in emergency rooms—often doing everything possible, only to arrive too late. These are moments that will live with me forever.

Horizon Recovery was born from those moments. I built it to be the place I always wished existed before the crisis. A place where families could turn before the 911 call, before the irreversible. As a father myself, I believe no one should have to navigate this kind of pain alone. At Horizon, we walk alongside teens and families through the hard parts—offering support, structure, and hope—so they can heal before it’s too late.

Patrick Buehl brings extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to compassionate, client-centered care in the behavioral health field. As Executive Director of Horizon Recovery, Patrick oversees program operations and clinical excellence while championing a culture rooted in empathy, respect, and accountability.

Known as a “culture hero” among his team, Patrick sets the tone for how employees treat one another and how clients and families are cared for—insisting that every interaction reflects dignity, compassion, and trauma-informed awareness. Under his leadership, Horizon Recovery continues to evolve as a trusted leader in adolescent mental health, not just because of what we do—but how we do it.

I’ve spent more than 12 years in the behavioral health field, working across admissions, business development, marketing, billing, and operations. I joined Horizon to make sure our full continuum of care reaches as many teens as possible. What drew me here was the culture, clinical excellence, innovation, and a real commitment to creating healing environments that lead to lasting change. My goal is to bring energy, passion, and expertise to a team already doing exceptional work. Horizon Recovery’s mission to become the nation’s leading provider for teen behavioral health resonates deeply with me.

I’m an Arizona native, I earned my MBA from the University of Phoenix, a BA in business leadership from Northern Arizona University, and an AA in marketing from Maricopa Colleges. I am grateful to serve on the Scottsdale Youth Community Coalition board, and mentor emerging leaders throughout the behavioral health industry.

Adolescent Behavorial Health is one of the most fulfilling and challenging career paths one could take, in my opinion. Speaking from personal experience, the support and intervention an adolescent receives during their struggles, has the ability to leave a lasting imprint on the trajectory of their life. My passion stems from the gratitude I have for the people who helped me heal.

Now, as Director of Operations, I have the privilege of leading our supervisors, who in turn lead our teams and care for our clients. Everything we do trickles down—from the way we support our staff to the energy and structure we bring into each space. I believe strong leadership is rooted in empathy, accountability, and presence.

I love this work. I love watching people grow—whether it’s a teen learning to self-regulate or a new staff member stepping into their confidence. Guiding others toward their potential is what drives me, because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the right support can be.

I have worked in behavioral health since 2012. I obtained my BSW from ASU and worked in a shelter for women and children in need of support. I received my master’s in social work in 2013 and began working at a clinic for substance abuse and reentry. I later transferred to the Meadows in 2014, where I was a primary therapist and family therapist. I left in 2018 to start my private practice, which deals with addiction, trauma, and mental health.

In 1999, I was in a car accident while under the influence of substances and was incarcerated at the age of 19. The difficulty in my own journey and recognizing the value and connection and mental health gave me a desire to help others.

My role at Horizon Recovery is Clinical Director. I oversee therapists for oversight along with interns from varying colleges. I receive calls from the therapist with concerns or directions. I provide oversight, which means reviewing clients and charts, overseeing interns, and also overseeing their work. I also oversee all the BHT staff.

I love the clinical staff–they are amazing human beings!

To stay current with the latest developments and research in addiction recovery and mental health, I am required (along with all therapists’ staff) to complete 32 CEU hours a year. I am also required an additional 12 for supervision every three years.

In my free time, I hang out with my family (husband and kids), do sports and boating, or volunteer at the prison. We are doing cool work there, bringing mental health care inside.

What drives me most is the belief that most people operate from trauma, that people change and can grow, and that we are called to help and love others.

Just recently, they hired a client who was on my caseload as a primary at a fellow recovery center. It is inspirational to see someone build the life you know they are worthy of!

Dr. Amy Serin is an internationally recognized neuropsychologist and stress expert on a mission to help you live your best life! After graduating from Arizona State University in 1996 as Valedictorian (Moeur Award), she obtained a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University in 2006. She then founded Serin Centers in 2007 to integrate cutting-edge, results-oriented neuropsychology into profound and permanent results for her clients. Her unique blend of scientifically based methods including 3-D brain mapping, neurofeedback, bi-lateral stimulation, EMDR therapy, CBT therapy, and Near Infrared Technology for anxiety, depression, ADHD, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, autism spectrum disorders, giftedness, performance enhancement, and life challenges are “truly revolutionary” according to Huffington Post. Since 2007, Serin Centers have helped thousands of kids, teens, and adults reach their full potential.

Dr. Mona Amini, MD, MBA, is a board-certified psychiatrist and Horizon Recovery’s Medical Director with extensive experience in mental health and behavioral addiction. She has held numerous C-suite and administrative roles, including past President of the Arizona Psychiatric Society and leadership positions within the American Psychiatric Association. Driven by a deep commitment to patient care and advocacy, Dr. Amini co-founded the Arizona Psychiatric Society’s Women’s Group to empower female professionals in the field. Her blend of clinical expertise, executive leadership, and dedication to inclusivity has made her a respected national voice in mental health.

Dr. Topete was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. He attended ASU, where he obtained his B.S. in biology. He then entered the University of Arizona College of Medicine and graduated in 1992 with an M.D. degree. He then completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Saint Joseph Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ, in 1995. Dr. Topete started working in the field of addiction medicine in 1994. He fell in love with the patient population and the science of addiction. He is board-certified by the ABAM (the American Society of Addiction Medicine). Dr. Topete understands his patients' needs and dedicates himself to giving them the best. He is committed to openly communicating with referring professionals and the clinical team so that everyone is on the same page throughout the healing process.

• An expert in Medical Stabilization, Ambulatory Care, and Urgent Care.
• Serves as Medical Director for several respected behavioral health facilities.
• DATA waived physician (Subutex/Suboxone-certified)
• Successfully treated over 31,000 patients for alcohol and drug addiction

My name is Kelley Kingsley, and I serve as the Director of Admissions at Horizon Recovery. With over a decade of experience in the behavioral health field, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Communication Studies and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, along with an associate license.

My purpose is rooted in a deep belief that today’s adolescents are tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and visionaries. Empowerment is my calling. Helping young people recognize their worth, understand that they matter, and trust that their voice can shape the world around them. No child should ever feel unseen, unheard, or unloved. It is our responsibility to lift them up, walk beside them, and ensure that no child is ever left without the support they deserve.

My practice began in urgent care before expanding into pediatrics, family medicine, and correctional health, where I saw firsthand the universal need for better mental health care and earned my PMHNP while working in juvenile and adult justice settings. Today, I assess, diagnose, and treat clients using a blend of CBT, talk therapy, and evidence-based medication management, collaborating closely with therapists and medical teams to tailor each treatment plan. I draw on my clinical background to rule out medical causes before addressing psychiatric symptoms, and I stay current through ongoing education and best-practice guidelines. Guided by integrity, honesty, resiliency, and compassion, I approach every client with respect, recognizing that the presenting issue is only part of their story. Outside of work, I recharge with family, quilting, hiking, and baking—because compassionate care starts with self-care. I liken recovery to walking a stone path: nonlinear and uneven, requiring patience, support, and sometimes stepping back before moving forward.

I have a passion and a commitment to building strong, inclusive workplaces. I chose a career in Human Resources to make a meaningful impact on both the employees and the organization. I believe that when people feel valued, supported and empowered, businesses thrive. I chose to work at Horizon Recovery because I wanted to work with people who are passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives. I have personally experienced the challenges and emotions of having a child who needs help and not knowing where to find that help. It was terrifying and heartbreaking, as a parent. My son is a thriving adult now. Having the opportunity to support our mission is my “pay it forward”.  I couldn’t be more grateful for the small contribution I am able to make towards supporting my team as they are enhancing the lives of the individuals and families we serve.”

With a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a combined 5 years of experience as a teacher and as the education coordinator/tutor of this company, I bring a unique blend of academic knowledge and a passion for helping young minds flourish. I am dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment for adolescents. By fostering a positive and nurturing atmosphere, I aim to encourage students to embrace learning and their educational journeys, even when things are difficult. Motivating anyone to redo content that they’ve struggled with in the past is difficult, but I teach them that it is empowering to do difficult things. With consistent efforts and patience, I get to teach them that their future is bright and they can change their path.

My why is rooted in the belief that every adolescent—and their family—deserves a chance to heal, grow, and be seen for more than their struggles. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to face mental health challenges as a teen, and that lived experience fuels the deep empathy I bring into this work. I’m passionate about showing up for young people and their families in some of their most vulnerable moments and helping them find hope again. There’s something incredibly meaningful about being part of their journey as they rebuild trust, strengthen relationships, and rediscover their resilience. This work gives me purpose—it’s not just what I do, it’s what I’m meant to do.

With over 15 years in behavioral health and healthcare operations, I serve as the Executive Director of Revenue at Horizon Recovery. I’m passionate about creating systems that work—because when the behind-the-scenes runs smoothly, our team can stay focused on what matters most: helping teens and families heal. As a mom of two boys, I understand how important it is to feel supported and seen, even when you’re not the one in the therapy room. My role may be behind the curtain, but everything I do is rooted in the belief that every young person deserves access to quality care—and every family deserves a clear path to it.