Meet The Team

Elliott Smith
CEO
Elliott Michael Smith opened his first business at the age of 18 and by 21, had over 300 employees working at his agency. From a young age, he gained a lot of experience in leadership and management. Elliott produced over a dozen major motion pictures, but working in the industry did not come without its pitfalls. As a person in recovery, Elliott sees a need and a unique way to reshape the addiction treatment industry by providing excellent luxury care and removing the hurdle of having to leave everything behind to attain it. At The Oasis, Elliott is accountable for creating an environment and culture that focuses on fulfilling the organization’s mission, vision, and values. His tasks include operational management, program development supervision, strategic planning, and more.

Bridget Heady
Executive Director
Bridget Heady is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University and over 15 years of direct clinical experience. She understands both the clinical and administrative areas of creating quality organizations. She is dedicated to the field of substance use and mental health in order to provide exceptional treatment and safety to clients. With compliance as a main focus, Bridget oversees organizational decisions and implementation of policies that provide exceptional client care. She ensures that the organization’s staff strictly adheres to local, state, and federal laws and regulations in providing treatment. It is her passion to create an environment where we can make a difference in the lives of our clients and provide a space for them to succeed in their recovery.

Dr. Michael McGrath
Chief Clinical Officer
Dr. McGrath began his career in Hawaii in 1995. He has served as the Medical Director of the Behavioral Health Division and Attending Inpatient Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine Physician at Kona Community Hospital. He also serves as an assistant clinical professor at the University of Hawaii’s John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu and a clinical instructor with the University of Washington’s School of Medicine Physician Assistant (PA) program in Seattle. Dr. McGrath received his bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Northern Illinois University and his medical degree from Southern Illinois University. He completed his residency in psychiatry and neurology from the University of California, Irvine. Dr. McGrath went on to become triple boarded in psychiatry and neurology, addiction medicine, and pain medicine. He shares the vision of enhancing the health of the community, one person at a time.

Danielle Lacey
Admissions Coordinator
With over 10 years of dedicated experience in the field of addiction treatment and recovery, Danielle brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to the role of Admissions Coordinator at The Oasis Recovery. She plays a pivotal role in guiding individuals and families through the initial steps of their journey towards recovery, ensuring they receive the highest level of care and support. Danielle believes in the transformative power of a supportive, well-informed admissions process as a critical first step towards long-term recovery. She is passionate about ensuring that every prospective client and their family feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their journey. Above all else, Danielle is passionate about helping individuals finding a path toward healing, resilience and personal growth.

Joseph Devasto
Primary Therapist
Joseph is celebrated for his open-minded, fun, and heartfelt approach to addiction counseling and psychotherapy. At The Oasis, he extends an invitation to all those seeking to unlock their fullest potential and begin their life free from addiction. With a background in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, he seamlessly integrates contemporary, progressive methods into his addiction treatment approach. He has also studied Organizational Leadership at Colorado State University and is currently a Doctoral Candidate of Marriage & Family Therapy at Chaminade University. With training in Gestalt, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and experiential therapy, he brings a rich, bright, and holistic framework to his work with clients at The Oasis. His passion for helping others spans a career of over 15 years. He has roles as a therapist, counselor, mentor, and director across diverse settings, including sober living environments, intensive outpatient programs, collegiate recovery, and wilderness therapy. Joseph warmly welcomes you to The Oasis Recovery Center to find the support you need on your journey to recovery. When he’s not working, he can be found practicing yoga, hiking, and exploring the mystique of the Coachella Valley.

Dr. Wesley Buckle
Medical Doctor
As both a teacher and healthcare provider, Dr. Buckle empowers patients to actively engage in their health journeys. He values prevention, the healing power of nature, and a collaborative approach to care. At The Oasis, his patients are more than clients—they are partners in a shared pursuit of lasting wellness.

Pat Bathurst, LMFT
Clinical Director
Pat has been a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) since 2001. She also has credentials as an alcohol and drug counselor with a level II Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-II) and as a licensed advanced addiction counselor (LAADC) certified by the California Certification Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors. Her experience in the helping profession has spanned a period of 30 years. She worked in the mental health field in San Diego for 20 years, serving adult populations with addiction and serious and persistent mental health issues. She has a bachelor’s degree from Cal State Chico and a master’s degree from the National University of San Diego.
Pat always knew her career would contain a service component. Having grown up in a family that emphasized helping others, she utilized her passion for working with people by first finding a job at a board and care facility after completing her bachelor’s degree. Throughout her career, Pat has recognized the importance of therapeutic care, focusing on the whole person. Helping people by treating comprehensive needs in a compassionate setting is critical to providing a healing environment for any individual seeking help in life.

Robert Clewley
Resident Care Technician
Robert Clewley brings extensive experience in the recovery field to The Oasis, having worked in various roles ranging from driver to tech supervisor. Known for his keen attention to detail, Robert takes pride in building meaningful connections with clients, understanding their unique stories, and helping them reach their full potential in recovery.
Having personally experienced the challenges of addiction, Robert understands the journey firsthand and is deeply committed to guiding others toward lasting change. Originally from Boston, he is a passionate fan of the city’s sports teams and has attended numerous games over the years. Outside of work, he enjoys discussing politics, staying active through kickboxing and gym workouts, and spending time with his family. Robert is married, has an adult son, and is excited to welcome another child soon. Passionate about the next phase of his career, he looks forward to making a meaningful impact at The Oasis.

Kiki Themelis, RN
Nurse
Kiki Themelis brings a wealth of experience to The Oasis as a seasoned Emergency Department Registered Nurse, having cared for both pediatric and adult populations. Over the past five years, she has worked as a travel nurse in many of California’s major trauma hospitals, gaining invaluable experience in acute care settings. Throughout her time in the ER, Kiki found deep fulfillment in supporting individuals in the early stages of recovery, particularly by helping to manage acute withdrawal symptoms.
After years in emergency medicine, Kiki made the decision to transition into a dedicated role in addiction treatment, where she could focus on guiding individuals through long-term recovery. Originally from Seattle, she has now made Southern California her permanent home and is honored to be part of The Oasis team.
Outside of work, Kiki enjoys golfing, singing, baking, and cooking. She is also an avid climber and hiker, embracing the adventure and beauty of the desert landscape. She looks forward to making a meaningful impact on the recovery journey of those at The Oasis.

Susana Benavidez
Chef
Susana Benevenides is a dedicated chef at The Oasis, where she has the privilege of preparing nutritious and delicious meals for residents. Her passion for cooking is driven by the joy and satisfaction she sees on their faces as they enjoy her dishes. Susana finds deep fulfillment in knowing that her work not only nourishes but also brings comfort to those in recovery.
With a commitment to creating an enjoyable dining experience, she takes great care in crafting meals that support both physical well-being and emotional healing. Susana is honored to be part of The Oasis team and takes pride in making every meal a meaningful part of the residents’ journey.

William Keizer
Operations Director
William Keizer has served marginalized and disenfranchised populations in Washington State for nearly 35 years in a variety of roles. William has taught in the public school system and worked as an Adult Basic Education Instructor in the Washington State Prison system, as well as spending time as Client Services Manager for American Behavioral Health Systems. William has served on the Board of Directors for Center for Justice, The Spokane Regional Law and Justice Council, Evidence-Based Processes Committee, as well as the Spokane Jail Innovation Team. William currently sits on the Board of Directors for Harmony Woods Holistic Retreat Center and The Revive Center for Returning Citizens. William spends his free time with his 6 grandchildren. William holds a BA in Education and a Graduate Degree in Addiction Studies, both from Eastern Washington University.

Teenya Phillips
Resident Care Tech
Teenya Phillip is an Army Veteran with 7 years in the behavioral health system, including several years in a correctional setting as a Peer Recovery Specialist. She specializes in addiction services and education. She is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Addiction Counselor. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting and spending time with her husband and children.

Brian (Sully) Sullivan
Chef
Brian “Sully” Sullivan brings over 20 years of experience as a professional chef to The Oasis, where he is honored to provide clients with nutritious, great-tasting meals. Having faced his own battle with addiction, Sully’s journey to sobriety in 2017 marked a turning point in his life, allowing him to rediscover his passion for cooking and his love for life.
Now dedicated to supporting others in their recovery, Sully takes pride in preparing meals that not only nourish the body but also contribute to overall health and wellness. He considers it a blessing to share his culinary expertise with those on their own healing journeys, helping them regain strength and vitality through thoughtfully crafted, wholesome food.
