About Us

Ms. Wallace began her Social Work career over 21 years ago as a Case Management Intern and Direct Care Volunteer with the Child Crisis Center in Mesa, Arizona.  She assisted with the case management of twelve special needs children in a group home setting, reviewed and updated clients’ files and communications, kept medication records up to date for nursing staff implementation as well as acting Liaison between case management and Child Protective Services (currently DCS).  She also was a Direct Care Volunteer working with shelter children of various diverse backgrounds; organized activities, spent quality time with them and did instructional classes on topics such as boundaries, rules, etc.

Ms. Wallace went on to work as a Behavioral Health Tech for Community Bridges detox responsible for complete intake, care, and discharge of detox patients.  Some of her responsibilities included taking and assessing patients’ vital signs and report to nursing staff, complete intake/discharge paperwork along with counseling patients (under CSAC supervision).

In August of 2006 she began work as a BSW Intern with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community in Social Services and was hired on as Social Worker I six months later.  Responsibilities included all aspects of case management and CPS investigations for the Tribal community of Salt River.  This job included: home visits, home studies, culturally sensitive assessments, case plans, interventions, staffing reports, court reports, attend staff meetings, client placements, attend court proceedings, etc.

Deborah L. Wallace, BSW, MSW, Owner/Executive Director (2008)

During her Master’s program she worked in Substance abuse counseling (Advanced Direct Practice under LCSW supervision) for the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.  Her Direct Practice Counseling responsibilities included all aspects of Direct practice: culturally sensitive bio-psycho-social asseessments (including complete DSM-V diagnosis), a caseload of 5-7 one-on-one therapy clients, treatment planning, culturally appropriate and best-practice interventions, updating charts, and monthly compiance reports to P.O.s.  Always upholding the NASW Code of Ethics, including confidentiality and HIPPA laws.  Advanced Direct Practice under LCSW supervision.

Since February of 2003 Ms. Wallace has been the Owner/Director of New Life Recovery, Inc. in Mesa, Arizona a fully licensed Group Home.  Complete overseeing and management of a twelve bed home/facility for recovering addicts/alcoholics.  Her diverse background and experience make her ideally suited for this position.  Also specializing in dual diagnosis (clients with substance abuse and mental illness) she provides services to the local and nationwide population.  Upon opening 16 years ago this home was a totally new concept of catering to couples, males, and females and specializing in family reunification.  The first of it’s type, our program has been copied by other less competent practitioners, but none with Deborah’s expertise.

New Life Recovery is a twelve-step based program and includes weekly psychoeducational groups facilitated by Ms. Wallace on topics such as: relapse prevention, self esteem, behavior modification and positive thinking.  She also provides “Life Coach” one-on-one sessions for a nominal fee with individual clients including culturally competent bio-psycho-social assessments and treatment planning to give positive direction and/or feedback.

Our current manager is an exemplary example of recovery!  Mona Worden started out as a client beginning December 8th, 2017.  After completing her six month program with us at New Life Recovery and graduating with her individualized relapse prevention plan she came on board with us in June 1st, 2018 as full time House Manager.  Mona brings a wealth of compassion, understanding, care and concern for each client who enters our doors!  She implements our program with a firm but fair approach and has a natural knack for working with people.  She has a background in customer service which makes her a natural when working with our clients.  Whether just “being there” for our residents needs, just talking, or giving a written warning our current manager handles herself with the utmost professionalism!  She is definitely an asset to our program and we are truly grateful and lucky to have her on board!