Dr. Mark Hernandez M.D., P.A is excited to be a part of the Unity Recovery Center team. He has been practicing in the field of addictions for over 10 years. He began his training in the Dominican Republic and completed his residency training with Jackson Memorial Hospital. In the past he has worked with pharmaceutical companies to research psychotropic medications for Anxiety, Alzheimer's Disease, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder, and Neuopathy. Most recently Dr. Hernandez was the Medical Director of The Watershed of the Palm Beaches. In addition to his private practice, he is associated with North Shore Medical Center, Palmetto General Hospital, Florida Medical Center, and Larkin Hospital.

Emily Stevens, Ph.D., NCC, LPC, Provisional MHC comes to Unity Recovery Center from Atlanta, Georgia with over 18 years of clinical experience with diverse populations. Her unique background and approach with emerging brain-based research and interventions such as EEG/QEEG, neurofeedback, alpha-stim/CES, BAUD and AVS has provided her with a unique approach to working with clients with a variety of disorders and dual diagnosis. She began working with addiction clients in 1994 with the Peniston Protocol and began developing specialized protocols for individuals with multiple treatment experiences to better address their dual diagnosis needs in treatment. In 1995, she provided the first of several regional brain-based dual-diagnosis trainings for the Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse and has been an invited speaker at numerous conferences including the Summit Addictions Conference providing specialized dual diagnosis training to addictions professionals from around the country. Her research and publications have focused on innovative brain-based approaches to improve treatment outcomes with depression, anxiety, ADHD and addiction with a comprehensive mind, body and spirit approach to treat the whole person. As a professional and consultant with Neurobehavioral Consulting she has worked with an array of programs over the years from Psychological Sciences Institute, Florence McDonnell Center, Everwell, Camelot, Georgia Baptist Children's Homes, Inner Harbour – Youth Villages, MEDS-PDN, PESI and more providing training and brain-based program development. She is a frequent speaker and has presented to hundreds of audiences, which include television news appearances, conferences, educational and radio programs.

Justin Baksh recently graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University. Justin is currently working towards his Master's in Mental Health Counseling at Nova Southeastern University. Justin loves being in this field because of how rewarding it has been to help people with their journey towards recovery. Justin has a strong dedication to helping others which he accomplishes by using strategies of attention to detail, time management, and communication learned while enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Justin dedicates his time to ensure each client has all of their needs met by finding community resources tailored to their individual needs. Justin also ensures all of our clients have tangible and realistic aftercare plans and expectations.

Soteros Maniatty, CPA comes to Unity Recovery Center with over 18 years experience in the executive financial management area, including eight years within the mental health industry. Other positions included being Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Palm Beach Zoo. While there, his responsibilities included overseeing the construction of a $40.0 million redevelopment project, being responsible for day to day operations as well as managing a $70.0 million portfolio. At previous positions, he monitored the cash flow for a $2.0 billion publicly-traded global services organization and acted as a Government Regulator for the Captive Insurance industry domiciled in the State of Vermont He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Vermont and holds a license in good standing as an active CPA from the State of Vermont.

Heather's experience includes working for Fortune 500 Companies in areas such as sales, marketing, office management, and customer service. "Personal experiences with people in my life gave me the passion to help others change their lives to become more happy and independent while remaining humble and supportive".

Lisa has been in the nursing field for 21 years and has extensive experience in neurosurgery and pain management. After training at The Florida Back Institute she opened and managed their satellite office in Stuart Florida. She has also worked in all aspects of internal medicine, including office nursing as well as fieldwork and chart review for a local Home Health Organization. She is relatively new to the rehab community, however, feels she has learned as much as our clients and thrives in the opportunity to be a part of something as important as a second chance at life.

Cathleen is originally from New York and has fifteen years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health and addiction programs. She completed a Masters Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Drugs and Alcohol in 1997 at the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Addiction Professional and an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Additionally, she is a Licensed Qualified Supervisor for mental health and social work students and registered interns. Most recently, she attained training and education in rapid resolution trauma therapy and is a Certified Practitioner in Rapid Resolution Therapy.

David Gibbs M.A., LMHC, CAP, ICDC brings over 18 years of experience to the Unity Recovery Center, Inc. family. David's diverse background in addiction, mental health, and clinical management brings a unique approach to the chemical dependency treatment arena. David has worked in both the for profit and non –profit environment in every level of the continuum of care, ranging from Inpatient, Partial hospitalization, residential, and outpatient. David's professional experience has included Program Development, Clinical Management, Marketing and presenting at both local and national levels.

David is also licensed as Licensed Professional Counselor and Chemical Dependency Counselor III in Ohio. David is a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, and is a Florida Qualified Supervisor.

Heather comes to us with a BA in Child and Family Studies from Stony Brook University NY. She has worked 10+ years in helping families to access care in NY for UHC and Not for Profit. She was the Director of Child Health Plus Program, Health and Welfare Council of Long Island. Heather has a passion for experiential therapy including Equine Assisted Psycho-Therapy.

She is currently completing her Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling at Springfield University Tampa Campus. She has been sober 20 years and is grateful to be able to use her experience in recovery with others. Previous work history in substance abuse and mental health include the Hanley Center/Gatelodge. Heather began her journey with Unity in May 2011 as clinical intern and in Admissions in July 2011.

Tricia Epple graduated from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL with a Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Tricia is currently in the process of becoming a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern with the state of Florida.

Tricia's prior employment includes Martin Girls Academy in Stuart, FL, a High Risk Florida Juvenile Justice Residential Facility for Adolescent Girls providing therapeutic services. Tricia has interned at Broward General Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL at the inpatient psychiatric unit. Tricia was a volunteer at Palm Beach County's Victim Services Unit as a Victim's Advocate. Tricia has also been afforded the opportunity to train police officers on effective communication techniques and crisis intervention strategies to assist with hostage negotiation situations.

Tricia has experience working with individuals who come from various backgrounds and have had struggles with substance abuse, self mutilation, suicidal ideation, traumatic experiences, and who are dually diagnosed. Tricia dedicates her time to providing clients with quality therapeutic services treating each client as the unique individuals they are. Tricia strives to assist clients with developing the tools necessary to lead sober and healthy lifestyles and is passionate about helping those who are in need and desire to have a positive future.

Tatiana Bergstrom, MA comes to Unity Recovery Center, Inc. with a diverse background in addiction and mental health services. She began her mental health career at Community Connections, Inc. Washington County Mental Health, and Fletcher Allen Healthcare Inpatient Psychiatry. She then broadened her spectrum in addictions with a history of working for the Drug Abuse and Treatment Association and Ambrosia South LLC. She also has a history of working in parole and probation for the Federal Government assisting mentally ill, substance abusing offenders with reintegration into society. Tatiana holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from New England College and a Master's degree in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University - Washington, D.C. campus and the American School of Psychology. She brings to Unity a passion for recovery and a positive attitude!

Marla Berger is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Art Therapist. She has been working in the field of mental health since 1990. Marla is a proponent of experiential techniques, including art therapy, sand play, play therapy, and equine assisted psychotherapy. She has given lectures, workshops, and in-service trainings to promote education and involvement in this field. She has certification in Equine Assisted Learning/Psychotherapy through the Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. Marla has worked in the areas of substance abuse for over three years, including leading Group Art Therapy to increase understanding of patient's recovery process. She provides Group Art Therapy to Unity Recovery with an emphasis on addressing trauma and core issues that hinder recovery.