Executive Staff

Mitchell E. Wallick, Ph.D., CAP, CMHP, ICADC, CAGC, 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 Romanos
Director of Psychiatric Services

Dr. Romanos is a well-known psychiatrist in the South Florida area as well as on a national level. He is the former Chief of Psychiatry at Columbia Hospital and possesses many years of experience in the treatment of addictions, mental health disorders and dual diagnosis.

Aimee E. Wallick, Ph.D., CAP, CMHP, ICADC, CCJC
Clinical Director

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

Sue Naversen, MS, AP, DOM
Director of Alternative Medicine

Sue Naversen 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.

Clinical Staff

Craig M. Givens, MS, LMHC, NCC
Primary Counselor

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 and has worked in the addiction and mental health fields since 1997 dealing with substance abuse, alcohol dependency, codependency, relationship issues, sex addiction. Craig has experience 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 and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR.) 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.

Valerie Garoutte, NCC

Valerie is a Nationally Certified Counselor and is registered as a Marriage and Family Therapy intern through the State of Florida licensing board. She earned a Master’s degree from Capella University in Human Services with a specialization in Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy. She completed her undergraduate degrees in Social Science and Women’s Studies at Florida Atlantic University. Currently, Valerie is working on a Ph.D. in Psychology. Much of her professional experience was gained while working in the addictions field with individuals, couples and families.

Gary Cohen, BA
Certified Life Skills Instructor & Relapse Prevention Specialist

Gary has degrees in Human Services and Chemical Dependency and is a Life Skills Training Specialist. His experience includes positions as substance abuse coordinator for the Mohawk Valley Community College and prevention manager for the Mohawk Valley Council on Alcoholism/Addictions.

Clinical Specialists

Delores Bass Smith, M. Ed.
Sand Tray Therapist

Delores received her Master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Louisville, KY. In addition, she holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and early childhood education. Ms. Bass is proficient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and Expressive Therapy, specifically Art and Sandtray Therapy. Delores specializes in the treatment of depression, grief/loss, anxiety, anger management, thought disorders, behavioral disorders and dual diagnosis. After receiving her Master’s degree, Ms. Bass continued post graduate work at the University of Louisville, in the Expressive Therapies Program with a focus on Art Therapy. In addition, she has completed specialized training in Problem Oriented Art Therapy and Art Therapy combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. While attending the Expressive Therapies Program, she developed an interest in Sandtray WorldPlay Therapy. Ms. Bass received her training directly from the method’s creator, Dr. Gisela Schubach De Domenico, who is an internationally recognized leader in the field. After completing all six levels of training with Dr. De Domenico, Ms. Bass has been providing clients a powerful multidimensional experiential therapeutic tool for the last ten years.

Ms. Bass has accessed training with a number of renowned leaders in their respective fields of expertise. Ms. Bass completed a training seminar conducted by Dr. Albert Ellis, who developed REBT in 1955 and us recognized as one of the most influential psychologists of our time. In addition, she completed the Intensive Week Training Program on Choice Theory and Reality Therapy through the William Glasser Institute. Recently, she completed Forgiveness Training through the University of Stanford Continuing Studies Program with Dr. Fred Luskin, a nationally recognized leader in forgiveness research. Through Dr. Luskin’s methodology, clients are provided a nine-step forgiveness strategy that makes it possible to move beyond being a victim to a life of improved mental health and contentment.

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's work experience includes psychiatric hospitals, hospice, substance abuse facilities  and The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders.  She has taught workshops and seminars across the country and has presented at the International Psychodrama Conference.  She facilitates psychodrama and other groups at C.A.R.E., while maintaining a private practice.

Daniel Lewis
Licensed Acupuncture Physician

Daniel Lewis is a licensed Acupuncture Physician, Nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. 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 in Asheville N.C. where he studied hands-on healing energy.

Catherine Etheridge

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.

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 C.A.R.E. staff in 2003, as an integral part of our alternative medicine program.

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 yraining. Purvis has designed and initiated numerous programs. At C.A.R.E. he teaches physical fitness and helps motivate clients to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Gambling Consultants

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.

Dick DiGregorio
Gambling Program Consultant

Dick ‘D’ entered the field of recovery in the early 80’s with Dr. Larry Schmidt, Ph.D. at the Substance Abuse Center of Michigan after completing a one-year internship in conjunction with the Merrill Palmer Institute. Prompted by his personal experience and commitment to serve, DiGregorio co-founded the Michigan Council on Problem Gambling. He was proctored by Dr. Jules Tabor, Ph.D., Director of the Brecksville V.A. Inpatient Gambling Treatment Center, and schooled by Joanna Franklin (Chairperson for the National Certification Board for Problem Gambling). Dick is degreed in Marketing/Business Administration and trained under Dr. Pellitier, Dean of Organic Chemistry at the University of Illinois before being recruited from college into a management training program by a Fortune 100 company. A successful business career in the automobile, aerospace and toy industries ensued, which spanned 16 years and included positions as a top executive.

Dick DiGregorio has a reputation for bringing a sincere passion to his service with suffering addicts.

Administrative Staff

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 C.A.R.E.. An integral part of the C.A.R.E. operation, Sheryl greets visitors in the reception area with a smile and posesses an innate ability to calm even the most nervous visitor. She is currently working on her certification as a Behavioral Health Technician.

Rex
Greeting Specialist

Rex, a noble "golden no can tell" is the resident pet therapy and drug detection dog. Rescued from the pound in 2001 by a graduate of the C.A.R.E. 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 non-verbally with anxiety and other emotions.

When you come to C.A.R.E., it is most likely that he will be there to welcome you at the door.