Our Team
The team of recovery experts at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery works together to evaluate complex and co-occurring health conditions. It’s our diverse range of experience that enables us to effectively address the many manifestations of addiction.
Andrew Maloof
CEO / Co Owner
Andrew Maloof | CEO / Co Owner
Andrew Maloof is the CEO and cofounder of Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, a premier treatment center dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery. With a degree in hospitality management from UNLV and over a decade of experience in behavioral health, Andrew brings a unique blend of compassionate care and strategic leadership to the field.
Beginning his career as a drug and alcohol counselor in 2014, Andrew quickly transitioned into leadership roles, excelling in business development and marketing. He has held key positions at several reputable treatment centers, including 449 Recovery, Pacific Palms Recovery, Milestone Addiction Centers, and Safe Harbor. His expertise in marketing and business development has played a pivotal role in expanding access to high-quality addiction treatment.
In 2022, Andrew partnered with Luke Cuccia to establish Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, with the mission of providing a supportive and transformative environment for those battling addiction. His dedication to innovative treatment approaches and client-centered care continues to drive the success and growth of the organization.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife, Kendall, and their three sons, Benjamin, Elias, and Samuel. He is also passionate about Dodger baseball, golf, politics, and skiing.
Luke Cuccia
CMO/ Co Owner
Luke Cuccia | CMO/ Co Owner
Luke Cuccia is a co-owner of Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery and has worked in the addiction recovery field for over a decade. With a deep passion for helping men build meaningful lives in sobriety, he focuses on guiding individuals toward long-term recovery, health, and abundance.Before co-founding Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, Luke worked in business development and operations for 449 Recovery. In addition to his professional work, he volunteers at music festivals, creating safe, sober spaces for attendees who choose to live a life that is drug- and alcohol-free.
Outside of his work, he’s an avid Dodgers fan, attending as many games as possible each season, and enjoys snowboarding whenever he gets the chance. His commitment to recovery isn’t just a career—it’s a way of life that he’s dedicated to sharing with others.
Kendall Maloof, LMFT
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof, LMFT | Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
Marlee Cuccia
Director of Administration
Marlee Cuccia | Director of Administration
Marlee Rutberg brings over a decade of diverse experience to her role as Director of Administration at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She graduated from Ithaca College in New York in 2012 with a degree in Environmental Studies and began her career as Promotions Director for iHeartMedia. She then moved to California where she gained expertise in data analysis and spreadsheet management at Ocean Media.
In 2020, Marlee transitioned into the behavioral health treatment field, leveraging her organizational and data skills in the financial department at Northbound Treatment Services. She then further expanded her knowledge of the inner workings of treatment by mastering utilization review at Cipher Billing. Marlee’s comprehensive understanding of recovery center operations makes her an invaluable asset at Eagle Creek. Her strategic mindset allows her to shine in her position, proactively enhancing processes and driving swift, effective outcomes
James Witteck
CSO Chief Strategy Officer
James Witteck | CSO Chief Strategy Officer
James Witteck is a seasoned behavioral health executive with over a decade of experience developing and stabilizing treatment programs across multiple states. At Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, he leads strategic growth, accreditation preparation, and regulatory advancement to ensure the organization is positioned for long-term clinical and operational excellence.
James was first introduced to Eagle Creek’s founders, Andrew Maloof and Luke Cuccia, when their vision for a men’s-only treatment program was in its earliest stages. He was invited to support the initial launch as the licensing and compliance consultant, helping guide the facility through regulatory approvals and foundational operational planning. That early collaboration built a strong mutual respect, and when the opportunity arose to support Eagle Creek in a strategic leadership capacity, James welcomed the chance to continue supporting the organization’s growth alongside the team, working together to strengthen its foundation and advance its long-term goals.
He currently holds two national board appointments, serving on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) as well as the NAATP Foundation for Recovery Science and Education (FoRSE), supporting national efforts to advance outcomes measurement and data-informed care. James studied Political Science and Public Policy at the University of Central Florida and completed training in healthcare risk management. His focus at Eagle Creek is to strengthen operational systems that protect quality of care, expand access, and ensure long-term sustainability in alignment with the organization’s mission.
Kristin Santiago, RN
Director of Nursing
Kristin Santiago, RN | Director of Nursing
Kristin Santiago brings over two decades of compassionate, skilled nursing experience to her role as Director of Nursing at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. Her journey in healthcare began in 2003, driven by a deep commitment to patient-centered care and advocacy.
Kristin’s nursing career has been rooted in high-acuity settings, with her primary focus in Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU). For over 20 years, she specialized in caring for the most vulnerable newborns, developing a reputation for clinical excellence and the ability to support families through some of their most difficult moments.
With a growing passion for holistic healing and mental health, Kristin expanded her clinical focus to addiction recovery and behavioral health. Her NICU background instilled in her a unique perspective on trauma-informed care, resilience, and the importance of nurturing both body and mind. At Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, she leads the nursing team with compassion, integrity, and a dedication to fostering a safe and healing environment for every client
Bill Santiago
Operations Manager
Bill Santiago | Operations Manager
Bill Santiago is the Operations Manager at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, where he also serves as a Med Tech in the nursing department. With a background in both operations and healthcare, Bill plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the facility and providing essential support to individuals on their recovery journey.
Before transitioning into the recovery field, Bill spent 25 years in the construction industry. He began his career as a laborer and steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a project manager in the Napa Valley. This extensive experience provided Bill with a strong foundation in problem-solving, time management, and effective leadership. His ability to manage complex projects and coordinate teams has translated seamlessly into his current role, where he applies those skills to improve operations and support the well-being of residents.
Bill’s strengths include his exceptional problem-solving abilities, keen sense of time management, and a deep compassion for others. His commitment to helping individuals through their recovery process is evident in both his professional and personal interactions, making him a valued member of the Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery team.
Scott Lane, NP
Admitting and Attending
Dr Sanjai Thankachen, MD
Medical Director
Kristy Mitchell, LPN
Charge Nurse
Kristy Mitchell, LPN | Charge Nurse
Kristy is the Charge Nurse at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, where she oversees clients’ medical care from admission through discharge. With 17 years of nursing experience—including 15 years in skilled nursing facilities—Kristy brings a deep understanding of complex medical needs and compassionate patient care. Since transitioning to the recovery field in 2023, she has played a key role in supporting clients through detox and medication management, working closely with both the medical provider and clinical team to ensure high-quality, integrated care.
James White
Assistant Operations Manager
James White | Assistant Operations Manager
James White is the Assistant Manager at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, where he brings extensive experience in behavioral health, medication management, and client care. With a background as a certified Medication Technician and years of direct work in mental health settings, James plays a key role in ensuring the smooth, safe, and effective operation of daily programming.
Throughout his career, James has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting individuals navigating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. His knowledge, combined with his calm leadership and attention to detail, allows him to support both staff and clients with professionalism and empathy.
At Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, James oversees operational logistics, assists in staff coordination, and ensures compliance with care standards and safety protocols. His ability to manage complex situations while maintaining a supportive and therapeutic environment makes him an integral part of the leadership team.
Matt Hill, LPC
Primary Therapist
Matt Hill, LPC | Primary Therapist
Matt Hill is the Primary Therapist at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery recovery. Matt got his degree in Political science from Boise State University, while participating on the Blue Field as part of the Bronco football team. After a brief stint in the NFL, Matt continued his education and completed his Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from Bastyr University, and is a licensed professional counselor.Matt began his substance use treatment career in 2016 working with Family Drug Treatment court and leading the Co-occurring treatment program for adults. Prior to landing at Eagle, Matt worked with adolescents in an embedded high school treatment program. From these experiences Matt brings a calm, thoughtful, solution focused approach to understanding the client and family needs.
Mel Plourde, LMSW
Program/ Case Manager
Mel Plourde, LMSW | Program/ Case Manager
Mel Plourde is the Program Case Manager at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. As a licensed master social worker (LMSW), she has developed a diverse career in mental health over the past several years. Mel began her journey in January 2020 at Lifeways Psychiatric Hospital, where she worked as a psychiatric technician for one year. During her time there, she built a strong foundation in group facilitation, individual assessments, and general client care.
After a year, Mel transitioned to Northpoint Recovery as an Admissions Coordinator, specializing in the treatment admission process and ensuring that families and clients felt comfortable and secure throughout their transitions. In this role, she assisted with admissions across Idaho, Washington, Colorado, and Nebraska.
In early 2022, Mel took on the role of Business Development Representative for American Addiction Centers, focusing on building relationships within the recovery community across various territories, including Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming.
In January 2023, Mel joined Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery as the Program Case Manager, where she organizes experiential therapy and outings while supporting clients in their recovery journeys. She is dedicated to helping clients navigate daily stressors and create effective discharge plans. Additionally, Mel is an active member of the clinical team, facilitating group therapy, individual sessions, family mediation, and treatment coordination.
Mel earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Walden University in February 2022 and completed her Master of Social Work at the same institution in August 2024. Her commitment to client care and her ability to foster a supportive environment make her an invaluable member of the Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery team.
Joseph D Marti, MHS, CADC
Primary Counselor
Joseph D Marti, MHS, CADC | Primary Counselor
Joe is a native Idahoan.
Joe’s journey to helping men find recovery and change their lives started in May of 1998 when he began dealing with his own issues of alcohol and drug abuse.
Ten years later he became a Foster Parent for his then 5-year-old grandson. During his training as a Foster Parent, Joe made a choice to be a support and advocate for change and elected to go back to school. He attended a program at Boise State University where he completed a Master of Health Science, focusing on Addiction studies and Counseling and eventually got his CADC, (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor).
Joe completed an internship at the VA Residential Substance Abuse Treatment center( RSAT) in Boise, Idaho. While waiting for Graduate school he worked at ICAPP as a MRT Instructor for the Dept of Corrections. He later worked at the Walker Center and Access Behavioral Health Services, both in Boise, Idaho as a counselor providing Outpatient SUD treatment.
Before joining us at ECRR, Joe worked for five years at the Idaho Army National Guard as the State of Idaho’s Prevention Coordinator, overseeing the Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention programs. During this time Joe became a trainer for the ASIST Suicide Prevention Program.
Wanting to get back to his true passion, helping men get sober, Joe decided to go back into face-to-face counseling and landed at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery.
Jeff Hatch
National Business Development
Jeff Hatch | National Business Development
Jeff Hatch is a man in long term recovery. He is an Ivy League graduate, a retired NFL player, and an advocate for those suffering with Substance Use Disorder and/or Mental Health issues. Jeff has been featured in 3 documentary films, acted and done stunt work in movies and television, and won the president’s award for community service. Today, Jeff does National Business Development for Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery and is a Certified High Performance and Personal Transformation coach. He and his wife reside in Vancouver, WA and he spends his days helping others find recovery.
Preston Anderson,
Admissions Coordinator
Joan Barnes, RN
Nurse
Heather Turner, LPN
Nurse
Robert Lamiell, LPN
Nurse
David Shaheen, LPN
Nurse
Paige Marsh LPN,
Nurse
David Halcomb
Chef
Tyler Christianson
Group Facilitator
Jace Horrocks
Behavioral Health Tech
Todd Nelson
Behavioral Health Tech
Patrick Fortney
Behavioral Health Tech
Brandon Michaelson
Behavioral Health Tech
Scott Todd
Behavioral Health Tech
