The Team
Who We Are
Anthony Pfiffer
Founder
The founder of Phoenix Oasis DBA Bridging The Hope, is a visionary leader dedicated to transforming behavioral health care in the community. With a deep belief in resilience and strategy, they built the organization on the principles of accessibility, dignity, and innovation in treatment. Guided by his favorite book, The Art of War, He approaches challenges with a balance of discipline, foresight, and compassion—always seeking the most effective path to victory for the individuals and families they serve. Under his leadership, Phoenix Oasis has become a beacon of hope, offering holistic support that empowers clients to reclaim their lives and thrive.
Teri Manalastas
CEO
At the heart of Phoenix Oasis is its CEO, a leader with both vision and compassion. With over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field, Teri Manalastas brings a true understanding of state
regulations, compliance standards, and the most current best practices in client care. Known for her big heart and unshakable drive, she combines empathy with action to ensure every initiative moves forward with purpose and impact.Her leadership is rooted in the belief that healing and progress go hand in hand.Teri works tirelessly to integrate innovative practices, foster partnerships with both community and state organizations, and continuously improve programming so that clients receive the highest level of care. Guided by determination and fueled by compassion, she turns bold ideas into meaningful, client-focused
programs that transform lives, restore hope, and strengthen the community.
Luana Rutherford
Medical Director
Luana is an ANCC Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), licensed in Arizona. She brings over a decade of psychiatric experience, having practiced in residential treatment facilities, private practice, level-one psychiatric hospitals, geriatric facilities, and intensive outpatient/partial hospitalization programs (IOP/PHP).
Her journey began in 2012 as a psychiatric RN at several level-one hospitals, where her dedication and leadership led her to become the Chief Nursing Officer of Arizona’s largest level-one psychiatric facility in 2017. Since then, she has expanded her practice to provide compassionate, evidence-based care as a PMHNP-BC.
Luana specializes in treating adults (18+) and has a particular interest in anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and ADHD/ADD. She offers psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy—all grounded in a judgment-free, collaborative approach.
As the Medical Director of Phoenix Oasis, she is known as a great listener, trusted leader, and compassionate advocate for both patients and staff. Her guiding belief is simple yet powerful: healing begins with feeling heard and valued. Under her leadership, Phoenix Oasis is more than a treatment center—it is a community of care, connection, and holistic healing.
Outside of work, she recharges through reading, camping, and spending time with her five beloved dogs and her new grandson.
Macayla Schlechty
Clinical Director
The Clinical Director of Phoenix Oasis, Macayla Schlechty, is a visionary leader whose brilliance is matched only by her dedication to lifelong learning. Beyond her expertise, she is known for staying at the forefront of the behavioral health field by embracing cutting-edge treatment modalities and evidence-based practices. Her commitment ensures that Phoenix Oasis remains a hub of innovation and excellence, where clients receive the most advanced and effective care available.
Macayla is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with extensive experience across both the clinical and operational sides of behavioral health. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in 2016 before completing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University. After successfully passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE), she achieved full licensure through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE).
Throughout her career, Macayla has held pivotal roles in both Clinical Leadership and Business Development, serving as a Clinical Director while also leading outreach and operational strategies.
She holds advanced certifications in Suicide Prevention and Trauma Therapy, including EMDR, and is a Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor in Arizona. Committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, Macayla has pursued advanced training across the country, continually raising the standard of what compassionate, modern treatment can be. With her passion for growth and her belief in the transformative power of knowledge, she not only uplifts her teams but also ensures every client at Phoenix Oasis receives the highest quality of care.
Matt Schlechty
Program Director
The Program Director of Phoenix Oasis is a true force in the world of behavioral health—someone who has walked the walk and understands the journey firsthand. With 15 years of combined experience in both private and state behavioral health systems, Matt brings unmatched expertise in building institutions from the ground up. He has a proven track record of designing, implementing, and sustaining programs that move seamlessly from concept on the drawing board into fully operational, compliant practices.
Known for his tough exterior and relentless drive, Matt will do anything for the people he serves
and the team he leads. Yet beneath that hard shell is one of the most compassionate hearts—always
ready to lift others up, provide support, and create a space where healing can flourish. His deep
operational awareness, combined with a true understanding of compliance, ensures that Phoenix Oasis is rooted in both resilience and care.Matt’s unique blend of strength, empathy, and leadership makes him one of the backbones of Phoenix Oasis, ensuring that every program reflects not only regulatory excellence but also the human touch at the center of recovery.