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Our Leadership Commitment
Hofunity Behavioral Health is supported by a full team of experienced executive, clinical, medical, and operational leaders who uphold the highest standards of ethical practice and regulatory compliance.
Each member of our leadership team brings extensive experience working with adolescents and adults facing complex behavioral health, trauma, and substance-related challenges. Their collective expertise ensures that services are delivered with integrity, accountability, compassion, and clinical excellence.
Through structured oversight, continuous quality improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration, our leadership team remains actively engaged in maintaining safe, compliant, and developmentally appropriate environments for the individuals we serve.
Tlahjonte Hopson
Owner & Founder | Chief Executive Officer
Administrator | Behavioral Health Technician
Tlahjonte Hopson is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, bringing over 9 years of entrepreneurial leadership experience and more than a decade of direct behavioral health administration and residential operations expertise. An entrepreneur and active in the behavioral health field for over 15 years, Tlahjonte has founded and led multiple licensed residential programs serving youth and adults across Arizona. She has overseen multi-site Behavioral Health Residential Facility operations, supervised 50+ direct care and clinical staff, and maintained regulatory compliance under A.A.C. Title 9, Chapter 10. Her leadership includes implementation of trauma-informed residential programming, crisis management and elopement prevention protocols, quality management systems, and coordination with DCS, probation, and community behavioral health providers. She has directed successful CARF accreditation efforts, aligning policy development, performance improvement initiatives, and compliance standards to strengthen program integrity and long-term sustainability. As Administrator, Tlahjonte oversees the overall scope of services, operational systems, staffing development, compliance monitoring, and strategic growth across all programs. Her leadership style blends structure, accountability, and compassion — ensuring that each program operates safely, ethically, and with clinical excellence. In addition to her behavioral health leadership, she serves as CEO and Chairman of the Board for Life Change, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations and expanding access to community-based resources. Tlahjonte remains committed to building structured, developmentally appropriate, and transformative residential environments where youth can experience safety, stability, and meaningful long-term change.
Phillip Hopson
Owner & Founder | Executive Coordinator
Behavioral Health Technician
Phillip Hopson (MAC) serves as Owner, Founder, and Executive Coordinator, bringing a unique blend of leadership, discipline, and hands-on residential behavioral health experience to the organization. MAC has worked with vulnerable children for since 2010 and entered the behavioral health field in 2018, where he has played a key role in residential program operations, client care coordination, and facility compliance. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in General Studies and completed specialized coursework in counseling, strengthening his ability to support youth through structured guidance and therapeutic engagement. As Executive Coordinator, MAC oversees daily residential operations, implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), staff training, safety compliance, medication procedures, transportation oversight, and coordination of care. He plays a critical role in ensuring programs maintain regulatory standards, uphold client rights, and provide a safe, structured environment for residents. Prior to his work in behavioral health, MAC was a professional basketball player for ten years. The discipline, teamwork, accountability, and resilience developed throughout his athletic career now shape his leadership approach within residential care. He brings a strong emphasis on health, wellness, structure, and personal responsibility — helping adults and youth understand that they can overcome challenges and accomplish whatever they commit their hearts and minds to.
Tonia Williams
Founder & Executive Director
Behavioral Health Technician
Tonia Williams serves as Founder and Executive Director, bringing over 15 years of experience in behavioral health, residential programming, and executive leadership within medical and human service environments. Tonia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management with certification in Human Services and is a Certified Peer Support professional. Her extensive background spans residential behavioral health administration, program development, compliance oversight, and executive consulting for licensed medical and behavioral health facilities . As Executive Director, Tonia provides strategic oversight of program services, staff supervision, policy implementation, contract compliance, and operational structure. She works closely with administrators, program coordinators, clinical contractors, and community stakeholders to ensure services are delivered ethically, safely, and in full regulatory alignment . Tonia actively engages with contracted medical and psychiatric providers to ensure all clients’ clinical and medication needs are properly coordinated and managed. Her leadership emphasizes accountability, structured programming, individualized treatment planning, and a culture of professionalism throughout each facility. With decades of direct service and executive-level experience, Tonia brings a deep understanding of the behavioral health system, including the complexities of serving adults and youth with emotional, behavioral, and substance-related challenges. She is committed to strengthening programs that promote stability, dignity, recovery-oriented care, and long-term success.
Tiona Harris
Chief Quality Officer (CQO)
Administrator Assistant | Behavioral Health Technician
Tiona Harris serves as Chief Quality Officer and Co-Administrator, bringing extensive experience in behavioral health operations, quality assurance, clerical administration, and human resource management. She has worked in the behavioral health field since 2018, with a strong foundation in community support services and regulatory compliance. As CQO, Tiona oversees quality assurance initiatives, accreditation adherence, internal audits, regulatory compliance, and risk management processes across all programs. She ensures services align with federal, state, and local regulations while maintaining internal policy standards and prioritizing the safety and rights of persons served. Tiona plays a critical role in monitoring facility compliance, maintaining medical records, coordinating record requests, and ensuring treatment plans, assessments, and documentation meet ADHS licensure requirements . She conducts environmental safety reviews, monitors incident reporting systems, and supports corrective action planning to strengthen overall service delivery. In her administrative leadership capacity, she assists with human resource functions including payroll oversight, employee scheduling, interviews, and personnel file management. She also serves as an acting Administrator during inspections and state reviews, ensuring readiness and regulatory alignment. Tiona is committed to continuous quality improvement, service excellence, and building systems that support safe, structured, and compliant behavioral health programming.
Arriam Meles
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Co-Administrator | Behavioral Health Technician
Arriam Meles serves as Chief Operating Officer and Co-Administrator, bringing over nine years of experience in behavioral health services, integrated care coordination, and residential program operations. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Health Administration, combining knowledge of healthcare systems, regulatory frameworks, and client-centered service delivery. Her background includes extensive experience adjusting Individual Service Plans (ISPs), monitoring treatment effectiveness, and coordinating care with clinical coordinators, nursing staff, and psychiatric providers to ensure appropriate and responsive service delivery. As COO, Arriam oversees day-to-day operations, program implementation, policy development, and staff performance management. She plays a central role in maintaining comprehensive clinical records, ensuring documentation integrity, and continuously evaluating service effectiveness to close gaps in care. Her leadership supports compliance with regulatory standards while strengthening integrated care practices across programs. Arriam actively participates in interdisciplinary care team meetings, ensuring services are adapted based on progress, social determinants of health, and each resident’s level of self-management. She is deeply committed to program development, treatment fidelity, and measurable outcomes that promote long-term stability and success. In addition to operational oversight, Arriam is responsible for training staff, supporting quality performance initiatives, and ensuring policies and procedures are implemented consistently throughout each facility . Arriam’s leadership reflects a strong balance of structure, collaboration, and clinical awareness — ensuring programs operate efficiently while maintaining compassionate, person-centered care.
Jamesria Harris, MS, LPC
Behavioral Health Professional | Clinical Coordinator
Jamesria Harris is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 9 years of experience in the behavioral health field, serving both adolescents and adults in therapeutic and residential settings. She holds a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with honors . Her clinical background includes diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions, developing individualized treatment plans, and conducting ongoing assessments to ensure measurable progress and positive outcomes. Ms. Harris is especially passionate about working with adolescents and continues to expand her clinical expertise in child and adolescent therapy. She utilizes evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and developmentally appropriate therapeutic interventions tailored to the unique needs of younger clients. She understands the complexities of adolescent development and the significant impact that trauma, family dynamics, and peer relationships can have on emotional well-being. In her work with youth, Ms. Harris focuses on strengthening self-esteem, improving emotional regulation, and helping adolescents develop healthy coping strategies to navigate the challenges of adolescence in a safe and supportive environment. In her role as Behavioral Health Professional and Clinical Coordinator, Ms. Harris provides program oversight across residential facilities, ensuring compliance with Arizona Department of Health Services standards and maintaining the integrity of clinical documentation . She collaborates closely with case managers, caregivers, clinical teams, and residential staff to create comprehensive care plans tailored to each resident’s needs. Her leadership experience includes supervising and mentoring Behavioral Health Technicians, reviewing clinical documentation for compliance, and supporting quality improvement efforts across programs. She is deeply committed to ethical practice, trauma-informed care, and fostering emotional stability and long-term growth for every individual served.
LaTanya M. Willis, MSN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
LaTanya Willis is a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) with over 20 years of clinical experience across diverse medical and behavioral health settings . She holds a Master of Science in Nursing and maintains national board certification through both the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) . Her background spans urgent care, corrections, crisis stabilization units, telemedicine, and integrated behavioral health services. As a PMHNP, LaTanya conducts comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, assigns appropriate diagnoses, manages psychotropic medications, and collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure safe and effective treatment planning. She has extensive experience working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, substance use disorders, and other complex psychiatric conditions . LaTanya has provided mental health assessments and medication management for children, adolescents, and adults, including crisis intervention and emergency psychiatric care. Her clinical approach emphasizes safety, evidence-based treatment, thorough assessment, and compassionate care. Within the organization, she provides psychiatric oversight, medication management, diagnostic evaluation, and collaboration with clinical and residential teams to ensure that each resident’s mental health and medical needs are appropriately monitored and addressed. LaTanya is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered psychiatric care that promotes stabilization, improved functioning, and long-term wellness.
Ejiria T. Walker, RN
Registered Nurse
Ejiria Walker is a Registered Nurse (RN) with over five years of experience working in behavioral health and residential care settings, along with extensive background in long-term care, wound management, and integrated healthcare services. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the Aspen University and has continued advancing her clinical knowledge, including specialized wound care training through the Wound Care Education Institute. Within residential behavioral health settings, Ejiria provides comprehensive nursing support including medication administration, head-to-toe assessments, vital sign monitoring, documentation oversight, and coordination with medical and psychiatric providers. She is experienced in maintaining electronic medical records (EMR) systems, chart auditing, and ensuring documentation compliance . Her background also includes supervisory and leadership experience, having delegated tasks to CNAs and managed teams in both civilian and military medical environments . As a former Sergeant and LPN within a Combat Support Hospital, she brings discipline, crisis response capability, and strong clinical judgment to her nursing role. Ejiria is committed to delivering safe, evidence-based nursing care while supporting the overall health, stability, and recovery of each resident served.
Julia Austin, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian
Julia Austin is a Registered Dietitian with a Master of Science in Nutrition and extensive experience in clinical rehabilitation, medical nutrition therapy, and food service leadership. Julia has managed complex patient caseloads in rehabilitation hospital settings, providing medical nutrition therapy for individuals with neurological injuries, trauma, orthopedic conditions, and other medically complex diagnoses . Her expertise includes tube feeding management, therapeutic menu planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and nutrition education tailored to individual health needs. She has experience counseling both children and adults in medical nutrition therapy, utilizing motivational interviewing techniques and evidence-based nutrition practices to support sustainable lifestyle changes . In addition to clinical care, Julia has played an active role in facility openings, staff onboarding, policy development, and training of dietary and clinical teams. Within the organization, Julia supports the development of structured, therapeutic meal planning, monitors nutritional adequacy for residents, and collaborates with medical and behavioral health providers to ensure comprehensive wellness care. She is committed to promoting balanced nutrition, healthy habits, and overall physical well-being as a foundational component of recovery and emotional stability.
Laura Hollis Sanchez, MA, LIAC (LISAC)
Licensed Independent Addiction Counselor
Laura Sanchez is a Licensed Independent Addiction Counselor (Arizona) with over 15 years of experience in substance use and behavioral health treatment, including more than seven years of direct experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in therapeutic and case management settings . Laura holds a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and is certified in Trauma-Informed Care, bringing specialized expertise in supporting individuals impacted by complex trauma, substance use disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Laura has served in a variety of clinical and leadership roles across residential programs, crisis settings, community-based treatment, and integrated healthcare systems. Laura has extensive experience working with youth and families navigating emotional, behavioral, and substance-related challenges. She has provided individual, family, and group counseling to adolescents, facilitated Child and Family Team meetings, and collaborated closely with caregivers, schools, protective services, and community providers to ensure coordinated and developmentally appropriate care . Her crisis therapy background includes providing services in emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, and detention settings, where she assessed risk, coordinated care with law enforcement and child protective services, and facilitated appropriate placements including psychiatric hospitalization and residential treatment . She has also drafted petitions for involuntary mental health assessments and testified in court proceedings, demonstrating strong clinical judgment and familiarity with behavioral health legal processes. Laura brings significant residential program leadership experience, including preparing facilities for Arizona Department of Health Services licensure, supervising teams, maintaining regulatory compliance, and ensuring quality documentation standards . She is deeply committed to trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care that promotes emotional safety, accountability, resilience, and long-term stability for both youth and adults. Her clinical leadership strengthens the organization’s ability to deliver structured, ethical, and developmentally responsive behavioral health services across the lifespan.
In addition to our executive and clinical leadership, Hofunity Behavioral Health is supported by a dedicated team of Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) who provide daily supervision, therapeutic support, and structure within each residential setting.
Our BHT staff are trained professionals with experience working with adolescents and adults experiencing behavioral health, trauma-related, and substance use challenges. They receive ongoing training in crisis intervention, documentation standards, client rights, and ethical service delivery to ensure consistency and safety in every home.
As the primary day-to-day support for residents, our BHTs play a critical role in implementing treatment plans, reinforcing coping skills, supporting life skills development, and maintaining a safe, structured environment. Their presence ensures that clinical recommendations are carried out with accountability, compassion, and professionalism.
We recognize that effective residential care depends not only on strong leadership — but on a committed direct care team that understands the nature and needs of the individuals we serve.