Desert Bolt® Behavioral
Meet Our Team
Valery Nkendong
DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Valery Nkendong, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, founded Desert Bolt Behavioral in 2020 with the vision of providing comprehensive mental health services to clients of all ages. His wealth of experience in the healthcare industry has given him a solid foundation to provide client-centered care. Val and his team are proud to provide Phoenix, Arizona, with access to high-quality, affordable mental health services. Val began his work as a CNA before transitioning to an LPN and later an RN and facility supervisor. He obtained his Master of Science degree in nursing with a concentration in psychiatric mental health and went on to complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Walden University. As an advanced practice registered nurse, Valery services clients through counseling and medication management. His priority is to get patients actively involved in their treatment plans. Val’s work with clients at Desert Bolt Behavioral is critical to their behavioral and overall physical health. He looks forward to continuing his work as a mental health provider and growing in the field.
Michael Bass
APRN, PMHNP-BC
Michael Bass has over a decade of experience working in the field of mental health. He has worked in various positions, including director of nursing and hospital supervisor, working with patients and their families to help them reach their treatment goals. Michael is committed to providing patient-centered care, taking the time to listen to individual needs and developing personalized plans for each person to help them reach their desired treatment goals. Michael is passionate about helping his patients reach their full potential and provides the highest level of care and support to patients at Desert Bolt.
Tyler Weber
PMHNP-BC
Tyler Weber is a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner committed to helping individuals achieve mental wellness. Known for his empathetic approach, Tyler creates a safe, supportive space where patients feel genuinely heard and valued.
With expertise in treating a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more, Tyler provides personalized, evidence-based care tailored to each patients unique needs. He serves individuals across the lifespan, empowering them to take charge of their mental health journey. His commitment to breaking stigma and fostering hope makes him a trusted provider for those seeking emotional well-being.
Patients often describe Tyler as calm and composed, fostering a reassuring and comfortable environment. His approachable style, thoughtful insights, and lightheartedness help patients feel at ease and engaged throughout their care.
Let Tyler’s compassionate care and clinical expertise take the next step toward achieving balanced mental health and a healthier, happier life.
Jennifer Whelan
PMHNP-BC
Jennifer Whelan is an experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a distinguished career in mental health nursing. Recognized for her empathetic and holistic approach, Jennifer believes in treating the whole person mind, body, and spirit through an integrated health model. She provides personalized, evidence-based care, blending medication management with therapeutic interventions to support patients in achieving their mental wellness goals.Jennifer specializes in serving patients across the lifespan, addressing a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and more
.
Patients often describe her as caring and composed, fostering a sense of calm and trust in every interaction. She is recognized for creating a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their concerns, thanks to her compassionate approach and focused listening. Jennifers dedication to patient-centered care ensures that each person feels understood, valued, and empowered to make meaningful progress toward better mental health
.
With Jennifers compassionate care and clinical expertise, take the next step toward achieving balanced mental health and a fulfilling life
Julia England
LCSW
Julia is a Graduate from Arizona State University with a Master of Science in social work and a certificate in gerontology. Julia has worked with a variety of populations from developmentally disabled adults to adolescents in an inpatient psychiatric setting. As a contracted Clinical supervisor, Julia provides clinical oversight to Desert Bolt’s main therapist. As a therapist, Julia helps individuals and couples recognize maladaptive patterns and develop the skills they need to help overcome life’s challenges. Julia draws from different therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. As a therapist and social worker Julia believes it is important to always be learning and keeping up to date with the latest research through reading and trainings.
Renee Bradley
Renee Bradley
Renee Bradley, is a skilled therapist at Desert Bolt Behavioral LLC, licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners as a Licensed Master Social Worker. A proud military veteran who served in Iraq, Renees service brings a unique and invaluable perspective to her practice, particularly in trauma-informed care, substance abuse treatment, and domestic violence intervention
.
Renee earned her Masters in Social Work from Capella University and has a strong foundation in psychology, allowing her to provide evidence-based, personalized therapy tailored to each clients needs. Her military background equips her with deep insight into the challenges faced by veterans and their families, making her an exceptional resource for those navigating issues related to trauma and resilience
.
With experience across diverse settings, Renee offers individual and family therapy that prioritizes empowerment, growth, and healing. Her dedication to helping clients build resilience and achieve their mental health goals makes her an integral part of the Desert Bolt team and a trusted provider for those she serves.
Maricruz Ledesma
Office Manager
Maricruz Ledema serves as the Office Manager at Desert Bolt Behavioral, where she brings exceptional organizational skills, dedication, and compassion to her role. With a strong background in healthcare administration and patient support, Maricruz ensures the clinic runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis—coordinating scheduling, managing communications, and supporting both staff and clients with warmth and professionalism. Her commitment to efficiency and care helps create a welcoming, well-structured environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
Ndedseh Nchopah
Administrative Assistant, Desert Bolt Behavioral
Ndeseh Nchopah is an Administrative Assistant at Desert Bolt Behavioral, where he plays a vital role in supporting daily operations and ensuring patients receive timely, organized care. Known for his reliability and attention to detail, Ndedseh brings a strong sense of discipline and service to his work, qualities shaped partly by his military service. His professionalism, adaptability, and commitment to the team help foster a supportive and efficient environment for staff and clients..
Andrea Peugnet
Administrative Assistant
Andrea Peugnet is an Administrative Assistant at Desert Bolt Behavioral, where she provides essential front-office support and ensures a smooth, welcoming experience for all patients. With a strong background in customer service and administrative coordination, Andrea is known for her warm demeanor, efficiency, and problem-solving abilities. She plays a key role in managing appointments, communication, and day-to-day logistics—helping to keep the clinic running seamlessly and compassionately.
Valery Nkendong
DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Valery Nkendong, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, founded Desert Bolt Behavioral in 2020 with the vision of providing comprehensive mental health services to clients of all ages. His wealth of experience in the healthcare industry has given him a solid foundation to provide client-centered care. Val and his team are proud to provide Phoenix, Arizona, with access to high-quality, affordable mental health services. Val began his work as a CNA before transitioning to an LPN and later an RN and facility supervisor. He obtained his Master of Science degree in nursing with a concentration in psychiatric mental health and went on to complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Walden University. As an advanced practice registered nurse, Valery services clients through counseling and medication management. His priority is to get patients actively involved in their treatment plans. Val’s work with clients at Desert Bolt Behavioral is critical to their behavioral and overall physical health. He looks forward to continuing his work as a mental health provider and growing in the field.
Michael Bass
APRN, PMHNP-BC
Michael Bass has over a decade of experience working in the field of mental health. He has worked in various positions, including director of nursing and hospital supervisor, working with patients and their families to help them reach their treatment goals. Michael is committed to providing patient-centered care, taking the time to listen to individual needs and developing personalized plans for each person to help them reach their desired treatment goals. Michael is passionate about helping his patients reach their full potential and provides the highest level of care and support to patients at Desert Bolt.
Tyler Weber
PMHNP-BC
Tyler Weber is a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner committed to helping individuals achieve mental wellness. Known for his empathetic approach, Tyler creates a safe, supportive space where patients feel genuinely heard and valued.
With expertise in treating a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more, Tyler provides personalized, evidence-based care tailored to each patients unique needs. He serves individuals across the lifespan, empowering them to take charge of their mental health journey. His commitment to breaking stigma and fostering hope makes him a trusted provider for those seeking emotional well-being.
Patients often describe Tyler as calm and composed, fostering a reassuring and comfortable environment. His approachable style, thoughtful insights, and lightheartedness help patients feel at ease and engaged throughout their care.
Let Tyler’s compassionate care and clinical expertise take the next step toward achieving balanced mental health and a healthier, happier life.
Jennifer Whelan
PMHNP-BC
Jennifer Whelan is an experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a distinguished career in mental health nursing. Recognized for her empathetic and holistic approach, Jennifer believes in treating the whole person mind, body, and spirit through an integrated health model. She provides personalized, evidence-based care, blending medication management with therapeutic interventions to support patients in achieving their mental wellness goals.Jennifer specializes in serving patients across the lifespan, addressing a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and more.
Patients often describe her as caring and composed, fostering a sense of calm and trust in every interaction. She is recognized for creating a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their concerns, thanks to her compassionate approach and focused listening. Jennifers dedication to patient-centered care ensures that each person feels understood, valued, and empowered to make meaningful progress toward better mental health.
With Jennifers compassionate care and clinical expertise, take the next step toward achieving balanced mental health and a fulfilling life
Julia England
LCSW
Julia is a Graduate from Arizona State University with a Master of Science in social work and a certificate in gerontology. Julia has worked with a variety of populations from developmentally disabled adults to adolescents in an inpatient psychiatric setting. As a contracted Clinical supervisor, Julia provides clinical oversight to Desert Bolt’s main therapist. As a therapist, Julia helps individuals and couples recognize maladaptive patterns and develop the skills they need to help overcome life’s challenges. Julia draws from different therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. As a therapist and social worker Julia believes it is important to always be learning and keeping up to date with the latest research through reading and trainings.
Renee Bradley
Renee Bradley
Renee Bradley, is a skilled therapist at Desert Bolt Behavioral LLC, licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners as a Licensed Master Social Worker. A proud military veteran who served in Iraq, Renees service brings a unique and invaluable perspective to her practice, particularly in trauma-informed care, substance abuse treatment, and domestic violence intervention
.
Renee earned her Masters in Social Work from Capella University and has a strong foundation in psychology, allowing her to provide evidence-based, personalized therapy tailored to each clients needs. Her military background equips her with deep insight into the challenges faced by veterans and their families, making her an exceptional resource for those navigating issues related to trauma and resilience
.
With experience across diverse settings, Renee offers individual and family therapy that prioritizes empowerment, growth, and healing. Her dedication to helping clients build resilience and achieve their mental health goals makes her an integral part of the Desert Bolt team and a trusted provider for those she serves.
Maricruz Ledesma
Office Manager
Maricruz Ledema serves as the Office Manager at Desert Bolt Behavioral, where she brings exceptional organizational skills, dedication, and compassion to her role. With a strong background in healthcare administration and patient support, Maricruz ensures the clinic runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis—coordinating scheduling, managing communications, and supporting both staff and clients with warmth and professionalism. Her commitment to efficiency and care helps create a welcoming, well-structured environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
Ndedseh Nchopah
Administrative Assistant, Desert Bolt Behavioral
Ndeseh Nchopah is an Administrative Assistant at Desert Bolt Behavioral, where he plays a vital role in supporting daily operations and ensuring patients receive timely, organized care. Known for his reliability and attention to detail, Ndedseh brings a strong sense of discipline and service to his work, qualities shaped partly by his military service. His professionalism, adaptability, and commitment to the team help foster a supportive and efficient environment for staff and clients..
Andrea Peugnet
Administrative Assistant
Andrea Peugnet is an Administrative Assistant at Desert Bolt Behavioral, where she provides essential front-office support and ensures a smooth, welcoming experience for all patients. With a strong background in customer service and administrative coordination, Andrea is known for her warm demeanor, efficiency, and problem-solving abilities. She plays a key role in managing appointments, communication, and day-to-day logistics—helping to keep the clinic running seamlessly and compassionately.
Visit Us
At Desert Bolt®, we value the state of mind of our clients. Patients are often the first to detect a change in their wellbeing. We are here to listen to you, and help you maximize your full potential. Our Nurse Practitioner and therapists provide client-centered care. This means everything we do is about you, not us.
Appointments
We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Request an appointment today!
Office Hours
Monday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Sunday: Closed
Contact Us
We do offer after-hours appointments, give us a call to learn more.
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