Supporting operations, access, and clinical excellence across states.
Arom Evans, MD – Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Evans is the Chief Executive Officer of Orion Behavioral Health Network. As a board certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist he has a breadth of experience in treating individuals from all walks of life. He grew up in Anchorage and is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Medicine Alaska WAMMI program. He completed his adult psychiatric residency at the University of California Irvine and fellowship training at Cedars-Sinai in Beverly Hills, California. He has practiced in Alaska since 2004 and operated Orion Behavioral Health Network since 2009. He maintains faculty appointments and is committed to training the next generation of doctors, psychiatrists and Physician Assistants for the University of Washington. Licensed in Alaska, Florida, and Texas.
Dr. Jennifer DesRuisseau, PharmD – Chief Financial Officer
Dr. DesRuisseau is the Chief Financial Officer of Orion Behavioral Health Network. She attended the University of Florida for undergraduate studies and then in 1999 obtained her doctorate of pharmacy degree at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She also completed a residency program at the Long Beach California Veteran’s Affairs Hospital in 2000. The primary focus of her residency was ambulatory care. Prior to working for Orion Behavioral Health, she was a clinical care specialist at the VA focusing on anticoagulation and hyperlipidemia. In her spare time she enjoys jogging, hiking and spending time with her family.
Cherise Hug, PA-C – Medical Director
Cherise is the Medical Director. She was raised in a military household. She moved around frequently before finally making Alaska home in 2005. She worked in primary care prior to attending PA school at the MEDEX Northwest training program through the University of Washington. After graduation Cherise gained experience in psychiatry working at an acute inpatient care facility.
Mark Curtis, MA, LPC – Director of Therapy
Mark is a licensed professional counselor with more than 20 years of experience, and is also the director of therapy at Orion Behavioral Health Network. He has worked in community mental health, as well as private practice serving children, adults, couples and families. Mark takes a compassionate approach in assisting clients navigate their way through the challenges of life, including complications from mental health disorders. He is client centered, warm, positive and encouraging. Mark assists clients in understanding the connection between their thoughts, feelings and actions, and how this impacts their functioning in the world. He is excited to help guide each client down a path of discovery that will ultimately lead to developing the best version of themselves. Mark’s specialties include stress/anxiety, relationship issues, grief, parenting and depression.
Mercedes Dodge, PA-C – Texas Site Director
Mercedes is a Board-Certified Psychiatric PA with Orion Behavioral Health Network, providing telemedicine-based psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults. She earned her undergraduate degrees from Rice University, completed her PA training at UC Davis Medical School, along with a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Psychiatry. Practicing since 2008, PA Dodge has extensive experience in primary care and behavioral health, working across outpatient, residential, and inpatient settings. She takes an integrated, patient-centered approach, emphasizing collaborative care and behavioral health education. A certified Parent Educator and Coach, she also advocates for telemedicine and psychiatric access, serving in leadership roles with PAs in Virtual Medicine and Telemedicine and the Association of PAs in Psychiatry. Fluent in Spanish, she is committed to inclusive, culturally competent care. Licensed in Alaska, Florida, and Texas.
Jessi Eby – Chief Operating Officer
Jessi is the Chief Operating Officer of Orion Behavioral Health Network. She was raised in Nebraska and retired from the United States Air Force in 2016. At that time she transitioned to the Orion team. Jessi is married and has two sons. Jessi likes hunting, fishing, camping, really anything outdoors.
Jenni Dorscher, CCMA – Executive Assistant
Jenni is the Executive Assistant. She was raised in a military family. Living in Nebraska, California, Hawaii, Colorado, Washington and North Dakota before making Alaska her home in 2006. She graduated from Eagle River High School. She earned her Associate Degree in General Education in 2017 from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. She has background in helping children with behavioral challenges and learning disabilities.
She started at Orion as a receptionist and with her hard work and passion for helping people she became a Medical Assistant. She continued to grow and learn within Orion and was promoted to the Executive Assistant.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, camping, car racing, paddle boarding, watching hockey and football.
