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MEET OUR TEAM
Dedicated Professionals, Compassionate Care
At Desert Willow Wellness, our team is the heart of our mission—guiding individuals toward healing, transformation, and lasting recovery. United by expertise and compassion, our licensed clinicians, medical professionals, and dedicated support staff create a nurturing environment where you can reclaim balance, joy, and purpose.
Our team brings decades of experience in mental health and addiction recovery, blending clinical excellence with innovative thinking. Through open communication and unwavering dedication, they foster a culture of trust, compassion, and continuous growth.
From cognitive behavioral therapy to trauma-informed care and holistic healing, our skilled therapists and medical professionals specialize in evidence-based treatments tailored to your unique journey. With a shared commitment to empowering lives, we walk beside you every step of the way.
Kurtis Girard, CIP
Founder
Kurtis Girard brings over 15 years of experience in addiction recovery and mental health treatment, having worked in a variety of roles since 2010. He is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate their healing journeys.
Recognizing the vital role families play in recovery, he became a Certified Intervention Professional, empowering families through transformative interventions and helping them build hope and connection. Kurtis is committed to ongoing professional growth, learning from industry leaders and behavioral health pioneers to continually refine his approach and enhance his impact. His personal recovery journey is a powerful source of inspiration, fueling his compassion and dedication.
Outside of work, Kurtis finds renewal in outdoor activities like water sports, golf, and time with his rescue dog. A devoted Dodgers fan and baseball enthusiast, he brings the same passion and dedication to his work, ensuring those in his care are supported on the path to lasting recovery.
Jordan Held, LCSW
Chief Clinical Consultant
Jordan Held brings a passion for trauma recovery, LGBTQ+ support, and dual-diagnosis treatment to his role as Chief Clinical Consultant at Desert Willow Wellness. With years of experience guiding individuals and families through healing, he specializes in breaking cycles of trauma and strengthening resilience.
A sought-after speaker and advocate, Jordan serves on the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles LGBT Center and The Laurel Foundation and is actively involved in organizations like JQ International and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. He also provides consultations and training to ensure mental health professionals deliver culturally affirming care.
When he’s not helping clients navigate their healing journeys, Jordan finds joy in collecting sneakers, spending time with his rescue dog, Scout, and caring for his two beloved horses, Ike and Biggie.
Tracy Thompson, MS, APCC
Associate Therapist
Tracy Ann Thompson understands that life moves fast, bringing both joy and challenges. As a therapist, she provides a calming, judgment-free space for clients to pause, process, and heal. With extensive experience in mental health and human services, she specializes in anxiety, depression, addiction, personality disorders, and neurodivergent populations. She is also pursuing a second master’s degree at the renowned Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, specializing in Licensure for Alcohol and Drug Counseling.
Tracy integrates evidence-based practices like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and Rogerian Person Centered Support to help clients build resilience and regain confidence. She believes that therapy is a lifelong journey of self-discovery and empowers individuals to set short-term goals that lead to lasting change.
Originally from New York, Tracy cherishes the contrast between the ocean and the desert. Outside of work, she finds joy in cooking, sharing meals with loved ones, and appreciating the beauty of both the natural world and the transformative work happening at Desert Willow Wellness.
Flaura Ashley Nunn, MA, CYT, AMFT
Associate Therapist
With over two decades of experience in clinical settings, Ashley blends traditional therapy with yoga, art, and equine-assisted approaches to create a holistic path to healing. She specializes in working with individuals navigating trauma, substance use, and anxiety, offering a compassionate, integrative approach that nurtures both the mind and body.
Ashley believes that true transformation happens when individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered. Whether guiding clients through mindfulness-based practices or evidence-based therapy, she provides a safe space for growth and self-discovery.
Beyond the therapy room, you’ll find Ashley facilitating destination yoga retreats around the world, immersed in creative pursuits, embracing the outdoors, or sharing her love for equine therapy with clients seeking deeper healing.
Bill Bruner
Case Manager/Addiction Counselor
With nearly 35 years in recovery and over a decade in the field, Bill brings lived experience, deep empathy, and a commitment to service. He holds certifications as an Advanced Peer Support Specialist, SMART Recovery Facilitator, and Smoking Cessation Counselor, and is recertifying with CAADE.
Bill’s approach is realistic, kind, and deeply compassionate, believing that listening is the key to healing. Passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ and marginalized communities, he helps clients navigate discharge planning, goal setting, and personal challenges.
A former entertainment industry professional, Bill has always sought to uplift others—whether through music or recovery work. Sober since 1990, he remains dedicated to giving back, finding joy in nature, cat rescue, and helping others build fulfilling lives in recovery.
Arnold McCuller
Case Manager/Addiction Counselor
From center stage to center healing, Arnold McCuller has spent decades captivating audiences as a world-class musician. Now, he brings that same passion to his work as a Certified Intervention Professional (CIP) and CADC counselor, helping individuals and families find hope in recovery.
While touring the world, Arnold dedicated himself to studying addiction and mental health at Sober College of Los Angeles. At Desert Willow Wellness, he serves as both a counselor and case manager, guiding clients through the recovery process with honesty, empathy, and a deep understanding of 12-step principles.
When he’s not supporting clients, Arnold shares his love for music through vocal coaching, enjoys cycling, interior design, and detective novels, and is a proud parent to his two rescue cats, Anastasia and Aretha.
Start Your Healing Journey Today
At Desert Willow Wellness, compassion is at the heart of everything we do. Our team is not only highly skilled but deeply committed to your healing and success. With specialists in addiction recovery, mental health, trauma care, and holistic therapies, we offer a truly comprehensive approach—ensuring that every aspect of your well-being is supported.
Beyond expertise, we believe in creating a safe, judgment-free space where you can heal, grow, and reclaim your life. Every member of our team shares a vision of empowerment, meeting you with understanding, respect, and unwavering support.
Recovery begins with a team you can trust. Reach out today and discover how our dedicated professionals can guide and support you every step of the way.