Our story.

Confianza Health was founded in August 2018 to provide meaningful and effective mental health counseling services to individuals and families. Our name, Confianza, means trust in Spanish, and reflects the foundation of our work: creating relationships and environments where people feel safe, heard, respected and supported.

Our mission: Confianza Health is dedicated to providing meaningful and effective mental health counseling and supportive services to individuals and families. We take time to understand underlying concerns and provide compassionate, comprehensive, trauma-informed care that supports healing, relationships, stability and long-term wellbeing.

Leadership

  • Elias Moran

    LPC, Chief Executive Officer

    Elias Moran is the founder and leader behind Confianza Health, a behavioral health organization focused on expanding access to high-quality mental health services across Arizona. He specializes in healthcare operations, behavioral health program development, compliance, provider contracting, credentialing, revenue cycle management, and community partnerships.

    Through his leadership, Confianza Health has developed relationships with school districts, community organizations, healthcare partners, and payer networks to support children, families, and adults through evidence-based behavioral health services. Elias is passionate about building sustainable healthcare systems that improve access to care while maintaining strong standards for quality, compliance, and operational excellence.

    His work focuses on organizational growth, regulatory compliance, strategic partnerships, and creating innovative programs that strengthen the health and well-being of the communities he serves.

  • Carmen Moran

    Chief Operating Officer

    Carmen Moran serves as Chief Operating Officer of Confianza Health, providing leadership across operations, administration, compliance, and organizational development. She works closely with executive leadership, clinical teams, and community partners to strengthen systems, improve operational performance, and support the delivery of high-quality behavioral health services throughout Arizona. Her focus on efficiency, accountability, and service excellence helps advance Confianza Health's mission of improving access to care for the individuals and families it serves.

Administration

  • Lezly Moreno

    Administrative Supervisor and RCM Manager

    Habla español

    Hi, my name is Lezly Moreno, and I am the administrative supervisor at Confianza Health. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences at South Mountain Community College. I am dedicated to creating a welcoming, organized, and supportive experience for every client. As one of the first points of contact for the practice, I strive to ensure that each individual feels respected, informed, and comfortable from their very first interaction with the clinic.

    I am committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. I enjoy helping others and take pride in providing reliable, compassionate support to clients and colleagues alike. I believe that kindness, empathy, and attention to detail can make a meaningful difference in a person's experience, and I am proud to contribute to the supportive environment at Confianza Health.

  • Maria Zaragoza

    Administrative Assistant

    Hi, I'm Maria Zaragoza. I am passionate about helping people access programs and resources that support their health and well-being. Through referral coordination and collaboration with community partners, I strive to make the process simple, efficient, and meaningful for those I serve.

  • Jackie Flores

    Administrative Assistant

    Habla español

    Hi, I'm Jacqueline, a bilingual English and Spanish professional with experience in healthcare administration and customer service. I am passionate about helping others, staying organized, and supporting services that make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and families.

Therapists

Led by Elias Moran, LPC, our team of licensed and associate clinicians serves families in English and Spanish.

  • Hiliana Holguin

    LAC, Bilingual Therapist

    Habla español

    I'm Hiliana Holguin, a bilingual therapist dedicated to providing supportive, client-centered care to individuals navigating emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. I earned my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and am passionate about helping clients build coping skills, strengthen confidence, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.

    My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in cultural awareness. I focus on meeting clients where they are and creating a safe space where they feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow at their own pace.

  • April Munoz

    MA, Bilingual Therapist

    Habla español

    Approaches: TF-CBT, DBT

    Hi. Welcome and Bienvenidos.

    My name is April Munoz, and I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. I furthered my education by earning a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the same institution.

    Born and raised in a minority, border town in Texas, I am deeply passionate about serving members and families in underserved communities. Through extensive work with nonprofit organizations and community outreach programs, I have made it my mission to ensure that individuals and families in these communities receive the mental health care and support they deserve. I am a compassionate individual who firmly believes that, regardless of what someone is going through, it is always okay to ask for help.

    As a Spanish-speaking therapist, I enjoy working with clients of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors. I am a strong advocate for mental health, and I am committed to providing compassionate care to individuals facing a variety of challenges, such as anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem issues, and trauma, among others.

  • Cristina Pasos

    LAC, Therapist

    Habla español

    Approaches: TF-CBT, DBT

    Hi, I am Cristina Pasos, and I am a Licensed Associate Counselor in Arizona. I have over 15 years' experience working with children, adolescents and adults.

    As a counselor my goal is to create a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment for clients. I have experience assisting clients with anxiety, depression, self-worth, self-esteem, grief and loss, substance use, anger, trauma, and relationship issues. I utilize evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral theories, motivational interviewing, solution-focused techniques, person-centered, and mindfulness. I enjoy working with clients one on one and in group settings. I utilize a creative approach to building therapeutic relationships.

  • Paige Cotton

    MSW, Therapist

    Approaches: DBT

    Hello, everyone! My name is Paige, and I am currently a master's-level social worker. I graduated from ASU in 2020 and went straight into public service working at UMOM New Day Centers, the homeless shelter for families. After two years spearheading their Children's Services department, I went into the private sector working at Avenir, an inpatient psychiatric hospital. There I gained relevant experience working with voluntary, involuntary, court-ordered, SMI and DDD populations.

    I have vast experience working with a variety of ages ranging from infants to geriatric patients. I have learned how to assist those in varied areas of crisis and have helped them gain knowledge and insight into their circumstances, as well as connect them to necessary resources. No matter the current stage of change you are in, I will meet you where you're at in your healing to ensure the most growth for the future. I appreciate the opportunity to work with you and/or your loved ones!

  • Alysa Orehowsky

    MS, MSW, Therapist

    Approaches: DBT

    Hi, I'm Alysa, and I have Master's degrees in Criminal Justice and in Social Work. I was inspired by so many clients and colleagues to return to school to complete my MSW to best advocate for the mental health needs of my clients and properly address their concerns. I have worked with children and adolescents in the foster care and justice system for over 14 years. I completed part of my internship facilitating intensive outpatient therapy, which gave me a wealth of hands-on training working with adolescents and adults facing mental health and substance use challenges.

    I love helping clients address various areas such as self-esteem, behavioral issues, anger, and relationship difficulties. As a military spouse, I also understand the challenges of hard life transitions. Taking the first steps towards healing can feel scary, but it is incredibly brave.

    In my free time I love to read, travel, hike, color, and no matter how many times I have watched Friends I laugh every time.

  • Osbely Panduro

    MA, Bilingual Therapist

    Habla español

    I believe that everyone deserves a space where they can feel safe, heard, and truly understood. As a bilingual therapist, I am passionate about walking alongside individuals who have experienced trauma and supporting them as they navigate life's challenges, healing, and personal growth. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself and sharing your story at your own pace.

    I believe therapy is a collaborative process, and I will meet you where you are with empathy, compassion, and respect for your unique experiences, strengths, and goals. My approach is client-centered and incorporates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness techniques. I tailor therapy to each individual because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing.

    Whether you are working through past experiences, feeling overwhelmed by the present, or simply hoping to better understand yourself, you do not have to navigate it alone. My hope is to provide a supportive space where you can feel empowered, develop meaningful tools for coping and growth, and move toward the life you want to create.

  • Monica Cañez

    MSW, Bilingual Therapist

    Habla español

    Approaches: TF-CBT, DBT, Strengths-Based Care

    Monica Cañez is a bilingual therapist who earned her Master of Social Work from Arizona State University. She is passionate about supporting children and adolescents as they navigate anxiety, emotional-regulation difficulties, behavioral concerns, family challenges, and significant life transitions.

    Through individual and family therapy, Monica uses a compassionate, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approach tailored to each client's unique needs. She works collaboratively with caregivers and other members of the client's support system to promote consistency, strengthen communication, and create an environment in which every child feels safe, heard, understood, and valued.

    Monica is committed to helping young people recognize their strengths, develop healthy coping and communication skills, increase emotional awareness, and build confidence in themselves. She considers it a privilege to walk alongside children and families as they overcome challenges, strengthen their relationships, and work toward meaningful, lasting growth.

  • Dora Gallardo Romo

    MA, Therapist

    Habla español

    Approaches: TF-CBT, DBT, MI, Play-Based

    I am a mental health counselor with over 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds. Throughout my career, I have developed experience in play therapy, Motivational Interviewing, DBT-informed and trauma-focused interventions, mindfulness, and a variety of coping strategies that support emotional regulation and personal growth.

    My goal as a counselor is to help people process their concerns, understand their emotions, identify their strengths, and develop practical solutions to life's challenges. I believe that every person has the ability to grow and make positive changes when provided with compassion, understanding, support, and the appropriate therapeutic tools. It is my passion to walk alongside clients as they work toward greater emotional well-being, resilience, and a healthier quality of life.

  • Angel Gonzalez

    Clinical Intern

    Habla español

    Approaches: DBT, Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed

    I am a clinical mental health counseling intern and an aspiring clinical therapist who is committed to providing trauma-informed, person-centered care to clients of all ages. Being bilingual and having personal experiences as an adolescent immigrant, I empathize with clients of diverse backgrounds as they navigate complex systemic barriers to accessing to mental health care.

    My professional experience includes supporting refugee, immigrant/unaccompanied minor populations, as well as providing professional interpretation and facilitation. I have a special interest in supporting young adults transitioning from adolescence into early adulthood and at-risk youth.

    I prioritize my own well-being through exercising, gaming and going to music shows/festivals with my fiancé and taking care of our fur babies.

  • Riziki Deogratias

    Clinical Intern

    Approaches: CBT, DBT

    Riziki Deogratias is a second-year Master of Counseling student with four years of direct behavioral health experience providing behavioral support to children, adolescents, and adults across residential, community, and in-home settings. In her role as a Family Connections Consultant, Riziki created individualized service plans for families across Arizona to meet desired outcomes, cultivated comprehensive family assessments, and connected families to essential resources aligned with their needs. In previous roles, Riziki conducted crisis interventions to support children and adolescents experiencing trauma and provided ABA therapy in an empathetic and patient manner.

    Riziki is grounded in a strengths-based and culturally sensitive approach. She believes the client is the expert of their own life, and she is passionate about building resilience and growth in her clients. As a Burundian and Congolese immigrant, Riziki is dedicated to delivering culturally informed services to underserved communities. Riziki draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Liberation Psychology to support clients navigating life transitions, low moods, anxious thoughts, traumatic events, and systemic barriers. Riziki's culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approaches ensure that she provides a safe, non-judgmental, and therapeutic environment for clients to process their experiences.

Youth Programs

At our Avondale office, our youth programs offer children and teens mentoring, life-skills development, group sessions, workshops and field trips.

  • Nyssa Verdugo

    Youth Program Manager

    Habla español

    Nyssa Verdugo serves as the Youth Program Manager at Confianza Health and earned her Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health and Science through the Maricopa Community College District. She has a background in leadership, youth mentorship, and community engagement, including supporting teens as they explore and pursue higher education. In her role, Nyssa is passionate about creating supportive and engaging environments where youth can build confidence, develop life skills, and recognize their strengths. She has a strong interest in behavioral health and psychology and plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis on adolescents, young adults, and trauma-informed care.

    Outside of her professional work, Nyssa enjoys painting, traveling, going to the movies, and spending time with her husky. She considers herself an artistic and curious person with a passion for continued learning, particularly in psychology and behavioral health. Nyssa hopes to continue growing both personally and professionally while making a meaningful difference in the lives of the youth and families she works with.

Culturally Responsive Care

  • English
  • Español

Care that honors your culture, language and story. Se habla español.

Join Us as a Case Manager

We're growing our case management team. If you're good at connecting people with resources and helping them find steadier ground, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply

We're ready when you are

  • (623) 439-7472
  • Avondale: Mon–Fri, 8:30am–5pm
  • Phoenix: Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm
  • Weekend and after-hours availability by appointment
  • In person or telehealth