Program Leadership & Faculty

Program Leadership

Brittany L. Pace, MD
Program Director
Brittany.Pace@elrio.org

Dr. Pace was born and raised in Tucson. She attended University High School and then received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona. She attended medical school at Ross University School of Medicine, allowing her to travel across the United States and the Caribbean. She returned to Tucson and completed her residency with the University of Arizona Department of Psychiatry, where she was also chief resident.

Throughout her career, Dr. Pace worked at several local hospitals including BUMCS and the VA prior to joining El Rio. She is an Associate Professor with the University of Arizona COM and serves as a specialty advisor. She has been heavily engaged in educating medical students, residents, and fellows, receiving multiple awards in recognition of her work. Her professional interests include inpatient psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, addiction medicine, medical education, and healthcare administration. Personally, she enjoys spending time with her family and 2 doggies. She loves trying out new restaurants, travelling, and getting coffee with friends. She is very excited to be a part of this exciting new residency!

Adlemi Contreras
Program Coordinator
adlemi.contreras@elrio.org

Adlemi was born and raised in Tucson. She attended Sunnyside High school and then received her Bachelor of Science from Northern Arizona University. She returned to Tucson and joined El Rio in February 2023, where she was a behavioral health case manager prior to becoming the residency Program Coordinator. She has over 3 years of experience working in behavioral health and has served various diverse populations. She is passionate about helping others in their time of need. Adlemi is also the primary coordinator of fun around the office. She organizes birthday celebrations, holiday luncheons, and office decorations. In her personal time, she loves being outdoors and enjoying all the fun activities Arizona has to offer. She spends a lot of her off time spoiling her golden retriever. She is excited to oversee the program and provide residents with support to achieve their career goals.

Faculty

Christina Arrendondo, MD
General Psychiatry
Community and Public Psychiatry
Addiction Medicine