Meet The Team
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. Jeffrey Chester, DO
Medical Director
Dr. Jeffrey H. Chester, DO, is the Medical Director of The Oasis. He has more than two decades of clinical experience treating substance use disorders and chronic pain. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Brandeis University and his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Rowan University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency and served as chief resident at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.
Marcia Lewis, LMFT
Clinical Director
Marcia Lewis, LMFT, is an accomplished Mental Health professional with extensive experience treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. With over 5 years in clinical leadership and 16 years of direct patient care, Marcia has development a reputation for implementing evidence-based, holistic approaches that improve outcomes for individuals with complex dual diagnoses.
In her current role as Clinical Director at The Oasis, Marcia oversees a multidisciplinary team, ensures the delivery of integrated behavioral health services, fosters a culture of clinical experience, and guides program development from intake to long-term recovery planning. Their expertise spans cognitive-behavioral therapies, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and psychopharmacology coordination, enabling comprehensive care that addresses both mental health and substance use challenges.
Passionate about bridging the gap between mental health and addiction treatment, Marcia is committed to staff mentorship, continuous program evaluation, and the integration of innovative treatment modalities. Their leadership is defined by collaboration, patient-centered care, and measurable improvements in treatment outcomes.
Karyn Sprinkle, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Karyn Sprinkle is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of healthcare experience in the Coachella Valley and 15 years of leadership experience. She is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate mental health and substance use challenges with compassion, dignity, and evidence-based care.
Karyn holds a post-master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati. She is licensed in California and Washington and has specialized training and experience in perinatal mental health, substance use disorders, and medication treatment for opioid use disorder, including during pregnancy.
In addition to her clinical work, Karyn serves as Clinical Director of the Indio Crisis Walk-In Center, teaches in the RN program at College of the Desert, and works with treatment centers and community partners to improve access to care. She is committed to creating supportive, trauma-informed environments where every person has the opportunity to heal and build a healthier future.
Gabriel Tyler
Admissions Coordinator
Gabriel Tyler serves as the Admissions Coordinator at The Oasis, where he helps guide individuals and families through the first steps of the treatment process with empathy and understanding. Having been on the other side of the admissions process himself, he knows how difficult it can be to make that first call and ask for help. His own recovery journey gives him a unique perspective and allows him to connect with clients in a genuine, authentic way. Gabriel is committed to making the admissions process as comfortable and stress-free as possible, answering questions honestly and supporting each person from their very first conversation. Like every member of our team, he believes in treating every client with dignity, compassion, and respect while embodying the warm, welcoming environment that makes The Oasis such a special place.
Kenneth Forstrom
Resident Care Supervisor
Ken serves as the RCT Supervisor at The Oasis, where he is dedicated to delivering exceptional client care built on meaningful connection and a client-centered approach. For Ken, ensuring that every individual is treated with compassion, respect, and dignity isn’t just a goal, it is the baseline standard of care.
Ken’s professional background spans both drug and alcohol addiction treatment as well as primary mental health care, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of the complex, intersecting needs of those entering treatment. Because he is personally involved in recovery, Ken brings a deeply personal perspective to his role. He recognizes firsthand how critical and transformative the first 30 days of treatment are in building a solid, lasting foundation for sustainable recovery.
Zakery Kindrachuk
Resident Care Technician
Zak brings a unique perspective to the recovery field after a successful career in media, where he developed strong communication and relationship-building skills. Inspired to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, he transitioned into behavioral health and is dedicated to supporting individuals throughout their recovery journey.
As a Registered Drug and Alcohol Technician (RAD-T), Zak is currently pursuing his counselor certification through the College of the Desert. Originally from the East Coast, he relocated to California in 2023 to further his education and career in addiction treatment. At our facility, Zak leads group sessions, provides day-to-day support for clients, and is always available to offer guidance, encouragement, and assistance whenever it is needed. His approachable nature and genuine passion for helping others make him a valued member of our team.
Mary Huerta
Resident Care Technician
Mary brings more than 40 years of experience in behavioral health and a deep commitment to compassionate, empathetic care. She believes that supporting someone struggling with addiction begins with understanding the whole person, their experiences, challenges, and strengths.
Throughout her career, Mary has seen how differently addiction affects individuals and their families. She recognizes that there is no single path to recovery and believes everyone deserves dignity, patience, understanding, and respect. Her dedication remains rooted in helping people build healthier, more fulfilling lives and offering support and encouragement during their most difficult moments.
Outside of work, Mary enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, who mean the world to her.
Marcus Whaley
Resident Care Technician
Marcus believes in the possibility of change and the importance of a strong support system when building a better life. His personal experiences with addiction and recovery have given him a deep understanding of the challenges of rebuilding a life and discovering a new sense of direction. Those experiences inspired him to enter this field and continue to give his work meaning and purpose.
Marcus is passionate about building authentic connections, meeting people where they are, and helping them recognize strengths and possibilities they may not yet see in themselves. At The Oasis, he values being part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day. His own recovery has strengthened his sense of purpose, and he finds fulfillment in using what he has learned to help others discover their path forward.
Brenda Bermudez
Resident Care Technician
Brenda has over 10 years working in child abuse prevention. Throughout her career she saw a clear need for more community resources and education around mental health and seeking help.
Driven by her personal experiences during the pandemic, she decided to go back to school to be a part of the solution. She is currently enrolled in the CCAPP counseling program and has recently earned a RAD-T, SMART Recovery (Friends and Family), and SMART Recovery 4-Point Facilitator certifications. Additionally, she will complete her NAMI- National Alliance on Mental Illness; Peer Support Specialist training this fall.
Due to her personal experiences and story of survival, she also enjoys giving motivational speeches at Women of Violent Crimes Conferences, the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and the DAP Health Care Center.
Brenda’s passion is to meet clients where they are without judgment and to help individuals and families experience the joy and freedom of a sober life. This community supported her when she needed it most, and she is honored to pay it forward by being part of The Oasis team.
Marisa Muñoz
Resident Care Technician
With a background in behavioral health, mental health, healthcare, and school-based services, Marisa brings a compassionate and person-centered approach to the recovery field. Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) at California State University, San Bernardino, with continued professional development focused on behavioral health and substance use recovery.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, with experience in crisis intervention, advocacy, resource coordination, and supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. Dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment that promotes recovery, resilience, personal growth, and overall well-being.
Stella Coney
Human Resources Coordinator
Stella Coney brings over ten years of combined experience across human resources, legal studies, and administrative operations. This unique intersection of skills allows Stella to manage employee relations and organizational compliance with a highly structured, analytical approach. Stella is deeply passionate about creating supportive workplace cultures where both operational standards and employee well-being can thrive. Outside of the office, she loves spending quality time with family, friends and visiting new places.
Darrell Marble
Chef
With over 20 years of experience across diverse culinary environments – including private service and healthcare facilities. Darrell Marble is a seasoned chef, nutrition specialist, and health coach dedicated to delivering balanced, high-quality meals that support both wellness and performance. His expertise spans large-scale food service operations, therapeutic nutrition, and personalized culinary solutions.
Darrell has successfully led culinary teams and operations serving high daily volumes, improving efficiency and growth through strategic menu planning, cost management, and performance-driven leadership. He has implemented training programs that strengthened team cohesion and retention while maintaining strict alignment with nutritional standards for diverse populations.
Known for his ability to merge culinary artistry with health science, Darrell develops seasonal, locally inspired menus that elevate the dining experience while meeting clinical and wellness goals. His work consistently drives customer satisfaction, repeat engagement, and operational excellence.
Passionate about the intersection of food, health, and human potential. Darrell continues to advance initiatives that promote nourishment, sustainability, and holistic wellbeing.
Rosario “Rosie” Vavasseur
Chef
Rosario “Rosie” Vavasseur is an experienced Executive Chef and Dining Director with over 20 years in hospitality, healthcare, and high-volume food service. She is known for delivering five-star quality cuisine while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and operational excellence. Throughout her career, she has led kitchen teams, developed menus, managed budgets, and created efficient systems that ensure quality. Beyond her professional leadership, Rosie has a deep passion for serving others. She has worked in feeding the homeless and previously led her own Food Ministry, using her culinary gifts to bring nourishment, dignity, and hope to those in need. Rosie believes food is more than a meal – it is an act of service, compassion, and love.
Bryan Turner
Holistic Services
Bryan Turner has more than 10 years of experience in the substance use disorder treatment field. Throughout his career, Bryan has supported individuals in recovery through compassionate, client-centered counseling and evidence-informed approaches that promote emotional regulation, self-awareness, and long-term recovery.
In addition to his clinical experience, Bryan is a certified yoga instructor and Sound Bowl practitioner, as well as a Reiki Level 1 practitioner. He specializes in incorporating grounding techniques, mindfulness, breathwork, relaxation, and mind-body practices to help clients develop healthy coping skills and manage stress and emotional distress.
Bryan takes a holistic, recovery-oriented approach to treatment, recognizing the importance of addressing the mind, body, and emotional well-being as part of the recovery process. His goal is to provide clients with practical tools they can incorporate into their daily lives to support emotional stability, self-care, and sustained recovery.
Bryan is working toward his Certified Personal Trainer certification. He looks forward to further integrating movement, physical wellness, and healthy lifestyle practices into his work with individuals in recovery.
Mark Accomando
Holistic Services
Mark Accomando is a Licensed Ordained Minister, mindfulness teacher, certified Kundalini Yoga instructor, and founder of Evoke Peace Now and Sacred Vibes Live. For more than 15 years, he has guided individuals in addiction recovery and personal transformation through mindfulness, spiritual psychology, and practical life skills. Mark facilitates experiential workshops, integrating evidence-based coping strategies with timeless spiritual wisdom. His work emphasizes emotional resilience, self-awareness, and creating a meaningful life in recovery. Through immersive sound journeys featuring Tibetan and crystal singing bowls, Paiste gongs, Native American flute, and breathwork, he creates deeply restorative experiences that nurture mind, body, and spirit. As a speaker, facilitator, and spiritual guide, Mark inspires others to cultivate inner peace, purpose, and authentic living. He is passionate about helping clients discover practical tools that foster lasting healing, emotional well-being, and sustainable recovery. Mark is honored to support the Oasis Recovery community by creating meaningful experiences that empower hope, growth, and transformation so clients can take the empowering practices and weave them into living an empowered sober life that works.
Askat Ruzyev, L.Ac.
Acupuncturist
Askat holds a Master’s degree in Russian Language and Literature and spent years teaching before transitioning into integrative healthcare. He earned his Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, CA in 2010, holds a license from the California Acupuncture Board, and is a board-certified Diplomate of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM).
Askat has served the local community for over a decade, including nine years with the Desert AIDS Project and running a private wellness practice. In his clinical work, he focuses on anxiety, depression, stress management, and musculoskeletal health. He utilizes specialized techniques such as the NADA protocol, Battlefield Acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, and Dr. Tan’s Global Balance Method, frequently incorporating massage therapy for physical relief.
Today, Askat offers mobile acupuncture and bodywork tailored to each patient’s unique recovery journey. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, photography, and world travel.
Lisa Botts
Yoga Instructor
Lisa is the founder of Sukha Life and creator of the CMA-accredited Live Easy Method. With ten years of wellness experience, she helps people understand their nervous systems and develop practical ways to relax, reconnect, and find balance. Her approach combines emotional processing, Kundalini yoga, and sound therapy to support greater awareness and calm.
Lisa’s personal experience with anxiety deeply informs her work at The Oasis. She understands how overwhelming it can feel to become caught in patterns that leave a person disconnected from their body and sense of peace. That experience shapes her compassionate approach and commitment to helping others reconnect with themselves.
What Lisa values most is witnessing each person’s progress—the moments when they breathe more deeply, feel more at ease, and recognize their own strength. She believes healing is a process of reconnecting with who you are and is grateful to support people on that journey.
Ellen Pirosh
Massage Therapist
Quality Massage Therapy & Skin Care (aka Quality Mobile Spa) partners with The Oasis to support individuals on their recovery journey. We know that therapeutic massage reduces stress, eases physical and mental discomfort, promotes restful sleep, and improves overall well-being. Our Team is passionate about providing safe, compassionate, professional bodywork in a supportive environment. In a recovery setting, gentle trauma-aware touch helps clients feel grounded in their bodies.
Working with The Oasis allows us to be part of a dedicated team committed to helping people heal and rebuild their lives. We support healing and whole person well-being. We are honored to be a small part of your clients’ path to stability and hope. Our group has served the desert since 1999. Led by Team Leader Ellen Pirosh, all of our therapists have multiple years of experience and we remain the leading mobile bodywork organization in the Coachella Valley.