MEET THE TEAM
That Will Change your Life

Dr. Sayegh was raised in New York where he trained at NYU Brooklyn campus in Brooklyn, NY and continued to become board certified in internal medicine. Dr. Sayegh's extensive 38-year career in substance abuse treatment enriches The Summit with invaluable experience, elevating its mission. With 16 years of personal recovery, Dr. Sayegh not only brings professional expertise but also a profound empathy from his own journey. His firsthand understanding lends a depth of insight into the struggles faced by those battling addiction.

Emily is a dedicated primary therapist at The Summit Sanctuary, bringing a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to her practice. Since 2016, she has been immersed in the substance abuse and mental health field, providing empathetic and effective care to her clients. Emily holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. She is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and has received specialized training in various therapeutic modalities, including: Experiential Therapies: Utilizing techniques such as mirror work and Gestalt therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Emily's approach is deeply rooted in her personal experiences, both as a clinician and as someone who has benefited from transformative therapy. This unique perspective allows her to offer a profound and lasting experience for each individual she counsels. By integrating her extensive academic knowledge with attentive listening, Emily tailors her therapeutic methods to meet the unique needs of each client. Her clients often leave sessions feeling nurtured and empowered, with a renewed belief that lasting change is both achievable and sustainable. At The Summit Sanctuary, Emily is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where clients can embark on their journey toward healing and personal growth.

Shelley Newman is a Program Therapist at The Summit Sanctuary who provides trauma-informed, client-centered care to individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. She helps guests identify emotional patterns, strengthen regulation skills, and reconnect with their identity beyond survival roles. Shelley creates a structured, compassionate space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered. Her thoughtful, evidence-based approach fosters resilience, insight, and meaningful change, allowing each individual to build sustainable tools for long-term healing and recovery.

Dr. Amy Knebel earned her Doctor of Acupuncture degree from the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture and practices in the Valley area. After a successful career as an award-winning educator and consultant, she transitioned into healthcare, bringing strong communication skills and a systems-focused approach to helping patients achieve lasting wellness. Dr. Amy provides compassionate, whole-person care and specializes in treating pain and orthopedic concerns using acupuncture and auricular techniques. At The Summit Sanctuary, she supports guests on their healing journey by offering acupuncture as a complementary modality for recovery, balance, and overall well-being.

Matthew serves as Clinical Director to The Summit, bringing over 15 years of dedicated experience in behavioral health and substance abuse treatment. Leading with expertise and compassion, Matthew oversees the implementation of evidence-based clinical programs, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Group Therapy Expert, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge in various therapeutic modalities. His dedication to excellence and client-centered care is evident in his commitment to fostering a supportive environment where every individual's needs are not only heard and understood but also met with compassion and understanding. His leadership ensures that The Summit remains at the forefront of delivering transformative care for those seeking recovery.

Nora is a dedicated primary therapist at The Summit Sanctuary Outpatient Clinic, bringing a wealth of experience, passion, and integration of clinical modalities alongside a science-based approach, since 2014. Nora holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work, with a focus on Direct Practice. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and has received specialized training in various therapeutic modalities, including: Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS-Parts), and Sand-Tray therapy. Nora utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach, including psychology and science, to enhance her ability to offer a person-centered, trauma-informed lens. Her clients often leave sessions feeling mentally and emotionally challenged, safe, understood, and supported. At The Summit Sanctuary, Nora is committed to holding a secure space for her clients to sharpen into individuals who become inter-dependent and inter-connected within their environments.

Devon Lavoie is passionate about personal growth, psychology, and helping others navigate life’s challenges. As a group facilitator at Summit Sanctuary, he creates supportive spaces that encourage healing, self-awareness, and lasting positive change. Devon facilitates meaningful discussions that help clients develop insight, build coping skills, and strengthen their recovery. With over a decade of experience in behavioral health, Devon has worked with diverse populations in addiction recovery and mental health settings. Drawing from both professional training and his own long-term recovery journey, he brings an authentic and compassionate perspective to his work with clients. Devon encourages individuals to express their authentic selves just as they are and to find the courage to share that truth with others. His approach emphasizes connection, understanding, and empowering individuals to move toward sustainable wellbeing. Devon earned his Bachelor of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Substance Abuse from Grand Canyon University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He remains committed to continual personal and professional growth in order to better support and serve those on their path to healing and recovery.

Ernest brings a wealth of experience and passion to our team at The Summit Sanctuary. Originally from Chicago, IL, Ernest made his mark in the medical field after moving to the Phoenix area in 2011 with his wife and two sons. Having graduated from Chamberlain University, Ernest's professional journey has been deeply rooted in both medical and behavioral health specialties. However, it was his unwavering commitment to addressing the often-overlooked realm of mental health that led him to specialize as a psychiatric mental health nurse. Ernest firmly believes that mental health deserves equal attention as physical well-being. Through his work, he endeavors to support individuals facing mental health challenges, offering compassionate care and advocating for greater awareness and understanding in our society.

Ashley is a Licensed Associate Counselor in Arizona with extensive experience at The Summit Sanctuary. She has supported a diverse range of clients navigating challenges related to mental health, substance use, and life transitions. Ashley provides a personalized, client-centered approach to care, creating a safe and empathetic space where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Ashley utilizes evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and positive psychology. She also provides trauma-informed care and is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). As an Arizona native, Ashley resides in the state with her daughter. Her personal healing journey and experience as a mother deeply inform her compassionate, grounded approach to therapy. She is passionate about walking alongside her clients as they build resilience, pursue growth, and create meaningful change in their lives.

Sami brings over two decades of experience in acupuncture, herbal medicine, Reiki, and Eastern movement practices like yoga and qi gong. A lifelong student and teacher of holistic healing, she has also spent more than 10 years as a professor of Chinese Medicine and now serves as Dean at the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture (PIHMA) in Arizona. At The Summit Sanctuary, Sami integrates her extensive training and global perspective into deeply individualized care. Her approach is rooted in the belief that healing is about optimizing quality of life—body, mind, and spirit. She has led international humanitarian medical trips to India, Thailand, China, and Taiwan, combining service with continuing education in Chinese Medicine. Sami’s connection to recovery care began early, beginning with sharing her yoga practice with those who were undergoing their healing process. She is honored to support clients here and hopes that the little magic she brings helps them step more fully into their healthiest, truest selves.