STAFF & FACULTY

Executive Director:

Dale Parker became the Executive Director in September 2006 after spending the past 10 years working Rancho Valmora’s sister program, The High Frontier, in Fort Davis, Texas. Dale earned a BS in Agri-Business in 2000 and as a result of his involvement with High Frontier, he continued his studies earning a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. He has spent the last ten years working in every aspect of the program, becoming an expert in the Positive Peer Culture model.  Prior to arriving at Rancho Valmora he performed a dual role at High Frontier, managing the responsibilities of a Formal Group Leader and providing all the on-site training and development for the staff.  In addition to his duties as Executive Director at Rancho Valmora, Dale continues to maintain a role as a Formal Group Leader for one of the peer groups.

Assistant Director:

Chad Reznicek, T-LPCC, has been with Rancho Valmora since 2001 and has operated as Assistant Director since 2003.  He received his BFA in psychology from Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska and a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2000.  Chad provides an extensive amount of training to both the Group Leaders and Milieu Instructors.  Additionally, he also provides clinical oversight and serves as a Formal Group Leader for one of the male groups.  Prior to working with Rancho Valmora, Chad worked in a number of mental health settings including transitional living programs and providing therapeutic services for homeless adolescents.

Co-Clinical Director:

Johanna Reznicek, LPCC, has been with Rancho Valmora since 2003. Along with the other co-clinical director, she shares the clinical oversight responsibilities for the students.  Johanna earned a B.A. in Psychology from Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska in 1997 and a Master’s in Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2001.She is trained in the Community Reinforcement Approach to substance abuse. Prior to working at Rancho Valmora, Johanna worked in a youth program doing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Additionally, she has worked as a case manager, coordinating job development for adults with mental disabilities, and in a group home specific to adults with schizophrenia.

Co-Clinical Director:

Sally Mayer-Swift, T-LPCC, has been with Rancho Valmora since 2005 and shares the clinical oversight responsibilities of the students. Sally earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and has a Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas.Prior to coming to Rancho Valmora, Sally worked in residential treatment, and held a private practice treating children, adolescents, adults, and families.

Clinical Staff:

Dr. Amy DeBernardi, Psy.D. is a consulting Licensed Clinical Psychologist and has been with Rancho Valmora since 2004. Dr. DeBernardi provides psychological testing, intake evaluations, and individual therapy sessions. She received her BA from DePaul University and her Psy.D. from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.  Prior to working at Rancho Valmora, she had twelve years experience in child, adolescent and family therapy. Amy has worked in a variety of settings including psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment and outpatient therapy.

Jani Drewfs, LMHC, works closely with both Clinical Directors to provide individual and family therapy to the students. Jani has worked in a non-profit outpatient clinic in Santa Fe, New Mexico and was a Milieu Instructor at Rancho before coming on board full-time as a therapist in2006. Jani received her BA in Liberal Arts from Antioch University in Seattle, Washington and has a Master’s in Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Consulting Psychiatrist:

Dr. Michael Gzaskow, MD, is one of two consulting psychiatrists at RanchoValmora. He is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and has been working with Rancho Valmora since 1999. Dr. Gzaskow is originally from Alberta, Canada, where he received his medical degree from the University of Alberta in Edmonton.  He was in private practice in Houston, Texas from 1966-1975.  Dr. Gzaskow then moved his practice to Santa Fe, New Mexico and was Chief of Psychiatry at St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe.

Consulting Psychiatrist:

Dr. Roxana Raicu, MD has been a consulting psychiatrist for Rancho Valmora since 2005. Dr. Raicu is from Bucharest, Romania and received her medical degree from Carol Davila University in Bucharest. After relocating to the United States, she continued her training in General Psychiatry through the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. While in Houston, Dr. Raicu completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and another fellowship in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy through the Houston-Galveston Psychoanalytic Institute. She has been Board Certified in General Psychiatry since 2003, and Board Certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry since 2004. Dr. Raicu is licensed in Texas and New Mexico

Principal:

Mike Lundergan became Principal at RVHS in August 2006.  He holds a BS in Psychology from Southern Oregon College, a Master’s in Special Education from the University of Utah, and a Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from Highlands University, in Las Vegas, New Mexico.  Mike has nineteen years special education experience, as well as six years as a school counselor and six years as an administrator.