Staff

Mitchell E. Wallick, PhD., CAP, CMHP, ICADC, FABFCE
Executive Director

Dr. Wallick, holds Ph.D's in both Counseling and Addictions, is a fellow of the American College of Addictions Examiners, a Diplomat of the National Association of Forensic Examiners and an Oral Examiner for the Florida Certification Board. Dr. Wallick is a former faculty member of University of Miami School of Addictions Counseling, Assistant Professor of family and community Medicine at Hershey Medical School and is presently President of the Professional Training Association. Dr. Wallick is the author of numerous papers in the field of addictions and presents frequently at major conferences.

Dr. William Ramanos
Director of Psychiatric Services

He is a well-known psychiatrist, former Chief of Psychiatry at Columbia Hospital, with many years of experience in the treatment of addictions and mental health disorders.

Dr. Sue Naverson, MS, AP, DOM
Director of Alternative Medicine

Dr. Naverson earned her Bachelor and Master degrees at the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and is an Acupuncture Physician. She is also a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds a Master's degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. Sue is also certified by the The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.

Amiee E. Wallick, PhD., CAP, CMHP, ICADC, CCJC
Clinical Director

Dr. Aimee Wallick holds a Ph.D in Addiction Counseling and is a Certified Addiction Professional and a Certified Mental Health Professional. In addition she is an oral examiner for the Florida Certification Board and a Certified Forensic counselor. She specializes in dealing with the dually diagnosed clients. Aimee has practiced in Pennsylvania, New York and Florida since 1985.  

Rick Benson, CCGC, CPGC, NCGC-II
Director of Algamus Gambling Program

Rick has had extensive experience with problem and compulsive gamblers. He has worked with gamblers for the past 20 years and presented seminars nationally on gambling addition and recovery.

A 1971 Cornell university graduate, Rick is a Nationally Certified Gambling Counselor (NCGC), an American Certified Compulsive Gambling counselor (CCGC), a Canadian Problem Gambling Counselor (CPGC), a clinical supervisor for the Canadian Problem Gambling Certification Board, a past advisory board member of the Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina Councils on Problem Gambling.   He also is certified in the Practical Application of Intimate Relationships Skills (PAIRS) seminar and a regular co-facilitator of Emotional Healing Intensives.

Rick is a New Jersey native with prior experience  in hospitality management, specifically in organized development in the human resources field.

Gary Cohen, BA
Operations Manager / Residential Coordinator

Gary has degrees in Human Services and Chemical Dependency. He is a Life Skills Training Specialist. His experiences include Substance Abuse Coordinator for the Mohawk Valley Community College and a Prevention Manager for the Mohawk Valley Council on Alcoholism/Addictions.

Sheryl Workman
Administrative Assistant

A native Floridian, Sheryl brings over 25 years of office and administrative experience along with her smiling personality to her work at CARE. It is she who first greets visitors in our reception area with a smile and an ability to calm even the most nervous visitor. Sheryl who is an integral part of the CARE operation is currently working on her certification as a Behavioral Health Technician.

Ann Kosinski

Ann is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  She received her master’s degree from Barry University in Miami Florida.  Ann has been working in mental health and the addiction fields since the early 1980’s.  She has worked with adults, adolescents and families in the areas of substance abuse, eating disorders, dual diagnosis, and many other mental health issues.  Ann has worked in many clinical settings, (private and non-profit), including the Palm Beach County Community and Drug Courts.  She has extensive experience working with the judicial system and continues to help clients with legal issues related to their addiction.  Ann incorporates her previous skills as a teacher, along with her many years of experience as a therapist, to the field of recovery, rehabilitation and healing.

Linda Dunn

Linda A. Dunn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, who has been working in the field of addictions since 1995. She began her career at Hanley-Hazelden working as a Mental Health Technician. While she was there she completed Certified Additions Professional Training but also decided she wanted more.  So, she decided to go back to school, after 30 years, and got her Masters at Barry University in Miami.

 Linda came to CARE with varied experience in dual diagnosis having worked in psychiatric hospitals, treatment centers and community health centers in South Florida in both inpatient and outpatient settings both as a director and therapist.  Linda has received specialized training through some of the most prestigious institutions such as Masters and Johnson, Sierra Tucson, The Meadows, and most recently The Colin Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma, where she is currently working towards certification as a Trauma Specialist.  Linda has already been certified as a Clinical Sexologist, and is a level II EMDR practitioner, and clinical hypnotherapist. She has a special interest in sexual addiction and sexual trauma which is what led her to get her certification in sexology, a requirement in the state of Florida for doing that kind of work. In addition she has spent a total of 5 years in psychodrama and experiential therapy training, something that enables clients to “act out” situations from their past that impact the quality of their lives and possibly their sobriety as well.  Linda believes that her own recovery from Alcoholism is an important part of her resume because it gives her the insight, gratitude and willingness to get up every day and work with others that struggle with this disease.

Lynn M. Nessel
Manager of Business Office at CARE

Lynn has been in medical management for the past 25 years.

Her expertise include:  insurance billing, verification, pre-certification and correspondence.

Rex
Greeting Specialist

Rex, a noble "golden no can tell" is the agencies pet therapy and drug detection dog.  Rescued from the pound in 2001 by a graduate of our program who is a professional dog trainer, Rex is used to detect illicit drugs in the programs and offices.  Not satisfied with his position as an agency policeman, his wagging tail and good disposition quickly won his way into the hearts of staff and patients.  He now doubles as a therapy dog helping patients deal none verbally with anxiety and other emotions. 

When you come to CARE, it is most likely that he will be there to welcome you at the door

Catherine Etheridge, Counselor

Spirituality is often an aspect of oneself that is quickly lost in the progression of addiction. Upon entering treatment, many often describe themselves as having a spiritual void or a life without meaningful purpose. Within our facility at C.A.R.E, clients have access to an environment where they may discuss spiritual questions openly and confidentially, thus discovering or re-discovering their connection with a Higher Power, however they may identify it. Called The Peaceful Place, it’s the office of spiritual counselor and healing facilitator, Catherine Etheridge. Here clients are compassionately assisted to remember their spiritual essence and encouraged to seek an elevated life perspective. In addition, through guided meditations, energy healing sessions, relaxation techniques and processes, clients learn to find their own inner peace and quiet the mental and physical chaos which so often impede rehabilitation and recovery. With spiritual counseling available as an integral part of one’s overall treatment program, it’s possible to find a higher perspective or gift within the addiction experience, thereby going on to live a fulfilling and joyful life.

Craig M. Givens, MS, LMHC, NCC

Craig is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor. He received his Master's degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1996. He has worked in the addiction and mental health fields since 1997; dealing with substance abuse, alcohol dependency, codependency, relationship issues, sex addiction. He worked with the chronically mentally ill; specifically, those afflicted with schizophrenia (thought disorders) and bipolar disorder (manic-depression). He also is adept in working with those who are dually diagnosed which refers to those having a mental health diagnosis as well as a substance abuse/dependence diagnosis. He is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which is utilized in the treatment of trauma and abuse. It is also used in the treatment of phobias, eating disorders, panic disorders, complicated grief, stress reduction, pain disorders, performance anxiety, dissociative disorders, personality disorders and disturbing memories. In addition to being a counselor, Craig is an adjunct faculty member of Palm Beach Community College where he teaches classes for CAP, Psychology and Human Services. He also teaches continuing education classes for professionals.

Arnie Wexler
Gambling Program Consultant

Arnie Wexler is a Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor (CCGC), and was the Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey for eight years.

Arnie is one of the foremost experts on compulsive gambling in this country, and has been involved in helping compulsive gamblers for over 30 years. He has appeared on many of America's top television shows, including Oprah, NightLine, and 48 Hours. He has been quoted and profiled in hundreds of magazines and newspapers.

Arnie has presented workshops and training seminars nationally and internationally. He has spoken to many gaming industry executives, Fortune 500 corporations, legislative bodies, and on college campuses across the nation. He has also done trainings for the National Football League (NFL).

Shelia Wexler
Gambling Program Consultant

Sheila Wexler is a Licensed,Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), and a Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor (CCGC). She has been working in the field of addictions since 1977.

Sheila has worked in residential treatment, out-patient services and private practice. She has had extensive experience in counseling the addicted person and their families. Sheila is one of the pioneers in the treatment of compulsive gambling

In 1987, she developed and implemented a compulsive gambling in-patient treatment program at New Hope Foundation in Marlboro, New Jersey. Sheila is the author of a chart on the effects of compulsive gambling on the family. She has instructed Addiction Education classes throughout the country. She has also done extensive training on expanding addiction services to include compulsive gambling treatment.

Ed Force
Massage Therapist/ Yoga Instructor

Ed Force is a licensed Yoga Instructor and Massage Therapist.  Ed has been in independent practice since 1999 and joined the CARE staff in 2003.  Ed is an integral part of our alternative medicine program.

Etty Baker, MS, RD, LD/N
Registered and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist

Etty Baker earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Simmons College in Boston, Massachusetts and a Master's of Science Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. She was one of four accepted to the University Medical Center's Dietetic Internship Program in Tucson, Arizona, which was named one the "Best Hospitals in America" by US News in 2005, where she completed her training in nutrition. In recent years, Etty Baker became a scientific, published author in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association which has been one of her greatest accomplishments to date. Her love for holistic nutrition began several years ago while living in Brussels, Belgium where she learned the importance of sound nutrition and wellness. She focuses on behavior modification and holistic practices as part of her treatment plan and believes that nutrition is a fundamental pillar in recovering from addiction and learning to honor oneself through wellness and healthy nutrient-rich foods.

Delores Bass Smith, M. Ed.
Art Therapist

Delores holds a Master of Education Degree in Counseling Psychology specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Expressive Therapies (Art and Sand Therapy).

Natasha Nelina, M.A., M.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Psychotherapist

Natalya "Natasha" Nelina, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist with extensive training and experience in both Europe and the United States.  She holds an MSW from Barry University in Miami Florida and an MA degrees from Moscow Pedagogical University.  Natasha is trained in psychodrama, heart-centered hypnotherapy and various energy healing modalities.  She has been successfully incorporating creative experiential therapies in her work with clients for over twenty years.  Natasha work experience includes Psychiatric Hospitals, Hospice, Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse facilities.  She taught workshops and seminars across the country and has presented at the International Psychodrama conference.  She facilitates psychodrama and other  groups at CARE.   Natasha also maintains a separate private practice.

Pervis Patrick, BS
Personal Trainer

Pervis Patrick holds a B.S. degree from Concord College. Pervis, a former professional football running back, is a certified Personal Trainer with special certifications in Nutrition, Special Populations, and Sports Training. Purvis has designed and initiated numerous programs. At CARE he teaches physical fitness and helps motivate and generate a healthier life style.

Daniel Lewis
Licensed Acupuncture Physician

Daniel Lewis is a licensed Acupuncture Physician, Nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herb logy and is NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) certified.  He received his Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale.  Daniel is Nationally Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and holds certificates in Massage Therapy, Holistic Health Practitioner and Integrative Shiatsu from Meuller College of Holistic Studies in San Diego, C.A.  He is also a graduate of the School for the Evolution of Humanity fin Asheville N.C. where her studied hands-on healing/energy.

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