Meet Our Team

Anthony Marengo

Chief Executive Officer

As CEO, Anthony is responsible for executing Canyon Vista’s strategic vision. He leads a talented multi-disciplinary treatment team committed to improving the lives they touch on a daily basis. Anthony brings over 16 years of experience in the substance abuse and mental health treatment field where he has held various leadership positions and helped countless individuals in Arizona and Texas.

John Lee

Medical Director

Dr. John Lee is board certified in both Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. He graduated from Midwestern University with the highest distinction in Behavioral Health for his graduating class. He completed his residency at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center and was Chief Resident. Dr. Lee takes a holistic approach to care and only prescribes evidence-based medications. He is an expert in the use of medications for mental health and addiction, with a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Illinois where he graduated with high honors. Dr. Lee is dedicated to providing high-quality care to all of his clients at Canyon Vista.

Heather Amado

Director of Business Development

Heather has years of substance abuse experience and believes that her passion is to help those who still suffer from addiction. Heather, in recovery herself, has firsthand experience of what addiction looks and feels like. With a troubled past and a bright future, Heather has made it her mission to help anyone who is reaching out for help.

Greg Spruce

Director of Admissions

Greg has worked in substance abuse treatment for five years. Having struggled with addiction for a large portion of his adult life, he developed a passion for people struggling with substance use disorder. While in and out of treatment, he knew if he could ever get sober, he wanted to dedicate his career to providing people with the same message that empowered him to create a different life. His first job was as a peer support specialist in Show Low, Arizona. Since, he was worked as a BHT, case manager, and admissions specialist. He joined the Canyon Vista team as director of admissions in February 2020. He and his team are committed to helping our patients find a solution they can build the rest of their lives on.

Darren Lee

Director of Clinical Services

Darren Lee is the Director of Clinical Services at Canyon Vista Recovery Center and an adjunct instructor in the Applied Human Behavior program of Northern Arizona University’s Department of Educational Psychology. A Licensed Professional Counselor and trained in EMDR therapy, Darren has worked in clinical program management, staff training and development, curriculum development, strategic planning, process improvement, quality management, clinical assessment, and direct services for over 15 years.

In his practice of psychotherapy, Darren uses a humanistic, person-centered approach and draws on his expertise in cognitive-behavioral, acceptance and commitment, and mindfulness therapies. He assists individuals with mental health and substance use disorders in developing effective ways of coping with life’s challenges, as well as overcoming the limitations they once believed stood in their way of achieving their goals.

He graduated with honors from Villanova University with a B.A. in Psychology and received his master’s degree in professional counseling from Ottawa University in 2006. Darren is well-versed in 12-Step recovery principles, is a certified SMART Recovery facilitator, and a certified Lead-trainer of the Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS).

He is a leader in the recovery community, an avid supporter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA). When not out on the trails running with his dog “Chief”, or hiking or biking in the mountains, he can be found spending time with his family in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Andrea Francis

Director of Nursing

Andrea Francis began her professional journey as a medical assistant, driven by a passion for helping others. Her dedication to learning and growth led her to further her education, first becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and later achieving her Registered Nurse (RN) degree.

Throughout much of her career, Andrea excelled in skilled nursing, providing exceptional care to patients and making a meaningful impact on their lives. However, her path took a transformative turn when personal experiences with family addiction ignited a deeper sense of purpose.

Motivated by these profound experiences, Andrea chose to shift her career focus, seeking a role where she could help individuals overcome addiction and reclaim their lives. This decision ultimately brought her to Canyon Vista Recovery Center, where she discovered her true calling.

At Canyon Vista, Andrea combines her clinical expertise with a heartfelt understanding of the challenges of addiction, working tirelessly to support and empower individuals on their journey to recovery. Her story is a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of turning life’s challenges into a purpose-driven mission.