Meet the staff

Dr. Joseph Vanderpool is the Chief Medical Officer, President and Founder of Atlantis Health Services. He has been providing services to adults, adolescents, and children for the past 20 years. He is a practicing psychiatrist who works closely with his medical and treatment staff to provide quality services to the El Paso community. Medical services are provided by Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (Board Certified) and Masters Level and Licensed Addiction Counselors.

Jean R. Joseph-Vanderpool, M.D.

Jean R. Joseph-Vanderpool, M.D. is a graduate of Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez Medical School. He trained in Psychiatry medicine at Harlem Medical Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Joseph Vanderpool is certified in Sleep Disorders from the American Board of EEG and Neurophysiology.

Dr. Joseph-Vanderpool has been practicing since 1984, the last 12 years as President/Founder of Sunwest Behavioral Health Org, LLC DBA Atlantis Health Services and Amanecer Health Systems. Dr. Joseph-Vanderpool’s practice specializes in the care of patients with mental illness. Dr. Joseph Vanderpool’s clinical interest also includes addiction treatment, where he is DAT waiver certified to treat opiate addiction with Suboxone (Buprenorphine) and is DEA Certified Narcotics Maintenance and Detox.

Dr. Joseph- Vanderpool has extensive experience in public and private inpatient and outpatient settings, and an experienced psychiatric administrator who continues active clinical practice with serious mental health disorders and dual diagnosed patients.

Izuchukwu M. Emejulu, PMHNP-BC

Mr. Izuchukwu Emejulu also known as "Mac" is a nationally credentialed and board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Mac has a Master of Science degree in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing from University of South Alabama with certification to treat children, adolescents, and adults. He recently obtained an additional specialization as a DEA certified Buprenorphine practitioner with vast knowledge and experience in treating patients with opioid use disorders.

Prior to his graduate training, he worked as a psychiatric registered nurse in various mental health facilities in and around the Houston area, primarily with low-income adults struggling with substance use and severe mental and physical health issues. He has been with Atlantis Health Services since April of 2017.

Mac believes that devotion to each individual’s exceptional experience cultivates an atmosphere that encourages individual growth and healing. He is committed in constructing compassionate, accommodating and non-judgmental surroundings that cherish every consumer’s potential for best possible health and happiness. He believes that the most successful treatment is tailored treatment, which is built upon an authentic appreciation of the consumer’s history, and individual standards. With this understanding, Mac aspires to partner with you to create a treatment plan that holistically focuses your distinctive needs, both for short-term symptom management and for long-term change.

Eugenio Chavez-Rice, M.D.

Dr. Eugenio Chavez-Rice is a well respected physician providing services at Atlantis Health Services and Amanecer Health Systems (AHS). He has vast experience and has dedicated a long time in treating mental health disorders by assisting individuals with many different needs and challenges.

Dr. Rice began his career in medicine while in Mexico City where he worked for 4 years. After this time he started practicing in the United States where he has worked in outpatient and inpatient programs for the past 40 years. He has been devoted to the Community of El Paso, where he has worked at MHMR as a Staff Psychiatrist and as the Director of Research in 2004 by leading LUNESTA research projects. In 1997, he was the Clinical Director of The El Paso State Center where he was in charge of developing program plans and administrative functions.

In the academic sphere, Dr. Rice has worked as an instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School while teaching students Forensic and Neuropsychiatry and as an Assistant Professor of Community Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine where he was teaching and supervising medical students. Generally speaking, Dr. Rice has been devoted as a practitioner, an academician and researcher. As a Psychiatrist, he has been enormously passionate to promote recovery on mental illnesses to different cohorts including children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. He is enthusiastic and proud of being part of AHS.

Irene Dunn, R.N., PhD., PMHNP-BC

Dr. Irene Dunn has been a Licensed Registered Nurse since 1976. Originally graduating with her Associate in Applied Science in Nursing from New York City Community College, she went on to practice primarily in El Paso. Over the years she has had a multi-faceted career, practicing in a variety of nursing areas such as Adolescent/Substance Abuse, Labor and Delivery Unit, Intensive Care Nursery Unit, Pediatric Critical Care Unit, Adult Critical Care Unit, Endoscope, Utilization Review, Newborn Nursery, Rehabilitation, and Home Health Nursing.

Amidst this array of positions, Dr. Dunn served 22 years in the United States Army Reserves. In addition to her vast wealth of experience, Dr. Dunn has also expanded her academic achievements throughout the years, in gaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UTEP, Master of Arts from Webster University, Master of Science from University of Phoenix, PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a Minor in Educational Management and Development from New Mexico State University, Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Psychiatric Mental Health from New Mexico State University, and most recently a certificate from New Mexico State University in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Family.

Dr. Dunn has been serving El Paso since 1977 and continues serving the mental health population today. Dr. Dunn serves children, adolescents, and adults, holding office both at Amanecer Health Systems as well as Atlantis Health Services. Dr. Dunn puts time and care into each patient served and serves from a background of extensive knowledge.

Justine M. Alva, CMA

Justine Alva is born and raised in El Paso, Texas and is a Certified Medical Assistant at Atlantis Health Services.

Justine attended Western Technical College where her love for helping others grew. She graduated with certifications including Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Medical Administrative Assistant, EHR Specialist, EKG technician, Phlebotomy Technician, and Texas Medical Board certified limited X-ray tech.

Upon graduation Justine completed 160 hours of externship in internal medicine with Dr. Nathaniel Griffith. Following externship Justine practiced in pediatrics specializing in treating children with ADHD. While working there her interest in mental health heightened, and she found her calling at Atlantis Health Services. Justine has been with Atlantis Health Services since November 2017. Since then she has gained much knowledge and experience in helping patients to detoxify from opioids and providing a comfortable and safe environment. By working closely with the medical providers Justine aspires to provide the best care available to you.

Maleah Griggs, LMSW

Maleah Griggs grew up in Colorado, where she attended the University of Colorado at Boulder. During her time there she volunteered at Chinook Clubhouse, a community clubhouse for those suffering from severe and pervasive mental health disorders. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, double-majoring in Psychology and Sociology.

Following her undergraduate education, Maleah went on to get her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kansas, in Lawrence, Kansas. To do so, she completed two years of practicum experience. She first completed 480 hours working in child welfare helping to reintegrate children with their families. Her second placement required 720 hours working as an Addiction Counselor in an outpatient facility. In that placement, Maleah was responsible for conducting assessments, treatment planning, individual counseling, and facilitating both adolescent and adult treatment groups. She also facilitated monthly, eight hour Alcohol and Drug Information classes to those mandated by the courts.

Since her master’s program, Maleah obtained her Master of Social Work License (LMSW) first in Kansas, and then in Texas. She went on to work as a Case Manager, and eventually the Housing Navigator at The Salvation Army in Austin. She moved to El Paso in 2017, and began working with Dr. Vanderpool and Atlantis Health Services in early 2018 where she serves as the Substance Abuse Coordinator. Helping those recovering from addiction is her passion, and she is genuine in her motivation to help her clients find lasting recovery.

Laura A. Cepeda, LPC, LCDC

Laura Cepeda is a proud El Paso Native with bilingual fluency in English and Spanish. She attended the University of Texas at El Paso graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2006 and Webster University graduating with a Masters in Counseling in 2009. Laura became licensed as a Professional Counselor and Chemical Dependency Counselor and since becoming licensed has worked with children as young as five, at risk youth, and adults in various settings to include inpatient services, residential treatment, outpatient treatment, in home services and private practice. During her clinical supervision, Laura gained skills and practice in expressive arts along with play therapy, sand tray therapy, and art therapy. Laura also received training in Multisystemic Therapy. Laura’s passion lies in assisting others to reach their goals in various life domains, including education and rehabilitation for individuals suffering from substance use and mental health disorders.

Laura has worked for several agencies in El Paso to include Dismas Charities, The West Texas Community Supervision and Corrections Department, The Counseling Center of Expressive Arts, The El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department and Emergence Health Network.

Ms. Cepeda began working with Dr. Vanderpool and Atlantis Health Services in August 2018. She understands seeking help may not be easy; however, she is committed to provide professional services with creative therapeutic approaches focused on you as an individual. Laura believes every client is unique to their emotional healing experiences.

Erika Aguilar, CMA

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Erika began her medical journey at Western Technical College. She graduated in 2010 with her certifications including Certified Medical Assistant, Certified Phlebotomist, Certified EHR Specialist, Certified EKG Technician, and Certified Administrative Assistant. Her experience in the medical field started at El Paso Orthopedic Surgery Group where she spent 7 years gaining experience in medical records and scheduling. After her tenure there, she spent time with Sierra Providence. She went on to Talecris – Plasma Center as a donor processor. Following this, she worked as a CMA at Neurosurgical Specialists of El Paso. In August of 2018 Erika found herself at Atlantis Health Services as a medical assistant where she continues to do what she loves, helping others. Erika is empathetic, caring and ready to care for you.