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. Kenneth Russ
Medical Director
Dr. Kenneth Carl Russ, MD, holds dual board certifications in Bariatric Medicine and Addiction Medicine and has spent more than 30 years helping patients address weight management and substance-use disorders. The author of The Palm Springs Diet, he blends medical expertise with practical lifestyle guidance. After earning a BA at UC Berkeley, completing his MD in Brussels, and finishing an Internal Medicine residency at Sinai Hospital Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Russ ran a solo practice in Palm Springs before shifting to addiction treatment full time during the pandemic
Honor Moore
Admissions Coordinator
Honor Moore is the Admissions Coordinator at The Oasis, where she supports individuals and families as they take their first steps toward recovery. She is currently pursuing her Associate in Science degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies at College of the Desert. She has recently completed her coursework to become a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. As someone in recovery herself, Honor brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional training to her role. She understands the emotional weight of seeking help and is deeply passionate about making the treatment process more approachable, supportive, and filled with hope. At The Oasis, Honor is known for her compassion, authenticity, and commitment to helping others find healing—one conversation at a time.
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, ND
Naturopathic 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.
Dr. Greg Gomez, LMFT
Clinical Director
Experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist/ Professional Clinical Counselor with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry. Skilled in Crisis Intervention, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Addiction/ Recovery, LGBTQIA Issues and EMDR Trained. Strong healthcare services professional with a B.A. in Psychology from Cal State Dominguez Hills and a M.A. in Psychology focused in Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy/Professional Clinical Counseling from University of Massachusetts Global.
Graduate from University of Southern California with a Doctorate in Social Work, focusing on the discussion of strategies to address cultural taboos in the Latinx community.
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.
Robert Clewley
Lead 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.