Brad Peters, Co-Founder & CEO
Brad has been in the business world for over 25 yrs. He sees his role as handling the business, finance, and compliance matters so the clinical team can focus all of their time and energy serving clients. He also serves as a financial advocate for clients, and has been known to go to great lengths to get insurance benefit coverage for much needed services.
Established in 2012, Zen Institute is considered a relatively new business. Not only has Brad kept Zen Institute a debt free company from day one, he has also proven that Zen Institute is a company that is financially secure and profitable. Brad was nominated for Tucson CFO of the Year in 2014.
Brad’s philosophy on business and life can be summed up simply: Live in the present, express gratitude freely, laugh often, and do the right thing. In his free time, Brad enjoys spending time with his family, photography, boating, fishing, and motorcycle riding.
Brad has been in the business world for over 25 yrs. He sees his role as handling the business, finance, and compliance matters so the clinical team can focus all of their time and energy serving clients. He also serves as a financial advocate for clients, and has been known to go to great lengths to get insurance benefit coverage for much needed services.
Established in 2012, Zen Institute is considered a relatively new business. Not only has Brad kept Zen Institute a debt free company from day one, he has also proven that Zen Institute is a company that is financially secure and profitable. Brad was nominated for Tucson CFO of the Year in 2014.
Brad’s philosophy on business and life can be summed up simply: Live in the present, express gratitude freely, laugh often, and do the right thing. In his free time, Brad enjoys spending time with his family, photography, boating, fishing, and motorcycle riding.
Pallavi Gupta, MA, LPC, LISAC
Clinical Director
Pallavi has more than 20 years of experience as a mental health professional working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She holds a Masters degree in Counseling from Chapman University and Bachelors degrees in Business and Family Studies.
Pallavi is Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC) and she has extensive training in EMDR and trauma treatment. She is a certified advanced practitioner of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy under direct supervision from trauma experts Pat Ogden and Kekuni Minton. She specializes in treating people with severe anxiety, depression, addiction, attachment injury and relationship trauma.
She is currently pursuing Doctor of Behavioral Health from Arizona State University.
As a trauma survivor herself, Pallavi has always been an advocate for the defenseless and she continues to help the "voiceless find their voice".
Clinical Director
Pallavi has more than 20 years of experience as a mental health professional working in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She holds a Masters degree in Counseling from Chapman University and Bachelors degrees in Business and Family Studies.
Pallavi is Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC) and she has extensive training in EMDR and trauma treatment. She is a certified advanced practitioner of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy under direct supervision from trauma experts Pat Ogden and Kekuni Minton. She specializes in treating people with severe anxiety, depression, addiction, attachment injury and relationship trauma.
She is currently pursuing Doctor of Behavioral Health from Arizona State University.
As a trauma survivor herself, Pallavi has always been an advocate for the defenseless and she continues to help the "voiceless find their voice".
Maureen O’Connor-Strout, MC, NCC, LPC
Staff Therapist
Maureen C O’Connor-Strout, MC, NCC, LPC, has recently joined the staff of Zen Institute as interim Clinical Director & Clinical Supervisor. Maureen brings more than 20 years experience with EMDR therapy, treating trauma with an attachment, ego state & somatic focus at Sierra Tucson, where she worked with developmental & relational trauma, adult & childhood trauma & abuse, First Responders, Eating Disorders, mood disorders, grief & loss, addictions & co-occurring disorders, as well as of chronic pain.
A graduate of the College of New Rochelle (1974: BFA Fine Arts & Graphic Design) and the University of Phoenix (1995: Masters in Counseling), Maureen also has a background in publishing and graphic arts, was a volunteer & volunteer trainer in a Level One Trauma Unit in the Emergency Department of a community hospital, and served in adult & pediatric hospice settings as a grief counselor, where she also facilitated community grief & loss support groups for patients & survivors.
Maureen’s focus celebrates resiliency, the power of supportive presence, and the individual’s innate desire to heal.
Staff Therapist
Maureen C O’Connor-Strout, MC, NCC, LPC, has recently joined the staff of Zen Institute as interim Clinical Director & Clinical Supervisor. Maureen brings more than 20 years experience with EMDR therapy, treating trauma with an attachment, ego state & somatic focus at Sierra Tucson, where she worked with developmental & relational trauma, adult & childhood trauma & abuse, First Responders, Eating Disorders, mood disorders, grief & loss, addictions & co-occurring disorders, as well as of chronic pain.
A graduate of the College of New Rochelle (1974: BFA Fine Arts & Graphic Design) and the University of Phoenix (1995: Masters in Counseling), Maureen also has a background in publishing and graphic arts, was a volunteer & volunteer trainer in a Level One Trauma Unit in the Emergency Department of a community hospital, and served in adult & pediatric hospice settings as a grief counselor, where she also facilitated community grief & loss support groups for patients & survivors.
Maureen’s focus celebrates resiliency, the power of supportive presence, and the individual’s innate desire to heal.
Erin Nelson, MPC, LAC
Staff Therapist
Erin has a master’s degree in professional counseling with experience helping clients of all ages work through anxiety, depression, and trauma. She has experience in both individual, couples, family and group settings including IOP, Life on Life’s Terms, DBT, Love and Logic Parenting, and Women's Domestic Violence. Erin has worked with individual clients in a range of general mental health areas, focusing on CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and boundaries and communication among other modalities.
Erin is also passionate about health and fitness. As an accredited exercise physiologist, she has helped individuals with a range of chronic health conditions and athletes alike to accomplish their goals. She continues to teach fitness classes in the community as a balance to her work.
In her spare time, Erin enjoys family time, hiking, learning, gardening, volunteering and enjoying the family’s animals, which include goats, chickens, geese and a much loved family dog.
Erin is passionate about helping others and she is looking forward to working with clients at Zen Institute.
Staff Therapist
Erin has a master’s degree in professional counseling with experience helping clients of all ages work through anxiety, depression, and trauma. She has experience in both individual, couples, family and group settings including IOP, Life on Life’s Terms, DBT, Love and Logic Parenting, and Women's Domestic Violence. Erin has worked with individual clients in a range of general mental health areas, focusing on CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and boundaries and communication among other modalities.
Erin is also passionate about health and fitness. As an accredited exercise physiologist, she has helped individuals with a range of chronic health conditions and athletes alike to accomplish their goals. She continues to teach fitness classes in the community as a balance to her work.
In her spare time, Erin enjoys family time, hiking, learning, gardening, volunteering and enjoying the family’s animals, which include goats, chickens, geese and a much loved family dog.
Erin is passionate about helping others and she is looking forward to working with clients at Zen Institute.
Jenna Jarrold, MS, LAC, NCC
Staff Therapist
Jenna received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. She is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Jenna has worked in the mental health field for over ten years, in both residential and outpatient settings. She has worked with individuals struggling with a range of concerns (depression, anxiety, relationship issues, gender identity concerns, PTSD, trauma, eating disorders) and has experience with individual, group, couples, and family work.
Jenna has a zeal for helping others. Using an integrative and holistic approach, she helps each client build upon their unique and individualized strengths, rather than solely focusing on the presenting problem. Jenna considers herself and advocate for her clients, and approaches each person with openness, acceptance, and honesty.
In her free time, Jenna explores her passions for travel, art, animals, reading, and writing.
Staff Therapist
Jenna received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. She is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Jenna has worked in the mental health field for over ten years, in both residential and outpatient settings. She has worked with individuals struggling with a range of concerns (depression, anxiety, relationship issues, gender identity concerns, PTSD, trauma, eating disorders) and has experience with individual, group, couples, and family work.
Jenna has a zeal for helping others. Using an integrative and holistic approach, she helps each client build upon their unique and individualized strengths, rather than solely focusing on the presenting problem. Jenna considers herself and advocate for her clients, and approaches each person with openness, acceptance, and honesty.
In her free time, Jenna explores her passions for travel, art, animals, reading, and writing.
Joyce McQueen
Office Manager & Intake Director
Joyce is our Ambassador of Amazingness! She has twenty plus years of experience in the administrative field and she is the wizard behind the curtain that makes us all look good. Joyce takes delight in making sure each person who walks through our door feels supported, loved, and welcome at Zen Institute.
Over the last few years, Joyce has become interested in meditation, yoga and holistic practices due to everyday stress and personal experiences. She truly enjoys helping others and is a firm believer in nurturing your mind, body and soul.
In her spare time, Joyce enjoys spending time with her family and pets.
Office Manager & Intake Director
Joyce is our Ambassador of Amazingness! She has twenty plus years of experience in the administrative field and she is the wizard behind the curtain that makes us all look good. Joyce takes delight in making sure each person who walks through our door feels supported, loved, and welcome at Zen Institute.
Over the last few years, Joyce has become interested in meditation, yoga and holistic practices due to everyday stress and personal experiences. She truly enjoys helping others and is a firm believer in nurturing your mind, body and soul.
In her spare time, Joyce enjoys spending time with her family and pets.
Sarah Reimer Dawson, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Consultant
Sarah holds a Master's degree from the ASU School of Social Work. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is EMDR certified and DBT trained.
Sarah believes everyone can heal from trauma and be their best self through therapy and skill building, and that this makes the world a better place for everyone. She has extensive experience and training in treating mood disorders, trauma and addiction, dual diagnosis, family and relationship issues, and LGBT/identity concerns.
"I love working at Zen Institute because we share this mission and because it is a peaceful, joyful place that helps me put my principles and skills into practice in my own life."
In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, eating, and yoga.
Clinical Consultant
Sarah holds a Master's degree from the ASU School of Social Work. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is EMDR certified and DBT trained.
Sarah believes everyone can heal from trauma and be their best self through therapy and skill building, and that this makes the world a better place for everyone. She has extensive experience and training in treating mood disorders, trauma and addiction, dual diagnosis, family and relationship issues, and LGBT/identity concerns.
"I love working at Zen Institute because we share this mission and because it is a peaceful, joyful place that helps me put my principles and skills into practice in my own life."
In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, eating, and yoga.
Jeanne Hilton, Ph.D.
Clinical Consultant
Jeanne received her Ph.D. in Family Economics from Oregon State University in 1985. She currently works as a full professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno. Dr. Hilton teaches courses on family resource management, individual and family resilience, contemporary family issues, and theory and research methods. She also has published numerous articles in academic journals on topics related to divorce and single parenting, child development, balancing work and family, and successful aging.
Clinical Consultant
Jeanne received her Ph.D. in Family Economics from Oregon State University in 1985. She currently works as a full professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno. Dr. Hilton teaches courses on family resource management, individual and family resilience, contemporary family issues, and theory and research methods. She also has published numerous articles in academic journals on topics related to divorce and single parenting, child development, balancing work and family, and successful aging.
