Substance Abuse Counselors & Staff

NBRC is honored to have Dr. Mitch Ghen as a part of our team as a consultant for our Integrative Medical Program. Dr Mitch Ghen has 34 years of experience in anti-aging and holistic and integrative medicine. In addition, he has authored dozens of articles in peer-reviewed journals. He has been a host and guest on hundreds of radio programs as well as television, where he has been the expert in alternative health. Dr. Mitch Ghen is an international lecturer on topics about oral and IV nutrition, life-style changes, bioidentical hormone replacement, and stem cell transplantation. He is noted to be one of the premier teachers at conferences and seminars on integrative medicine and his vast academic knowledge, coupled with his entertaining delivery, makes him a well sought after presenter.

John Profera is a Florida native and graduate of both Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and the University of Florida with a Masters of Science in Nursing. His specialty is Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. John holds the following credentials: Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Board Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Board Certified. After graduating from Florida Atlantic University with Bachelors in Nursing in 1995, John was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy. Throughout his career he specialized in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and substance dependence treatment. He received his training through the United States Navy as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing at the University of Florida. John retired from United States Navy in October 2011 after 20 years of service. He continues to specialize in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and substance dependence counseling and treatment. Further, he serves as an expert mentor and life coach for adolescents and adults. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, John is Board Certified to provide medication prescriptions and psychotherapy for all psychiatric disorders. He is holistic in his approach to mental health, providing you with psychotropic medications and the counseling, therapy and education needed to reach the highest level of wellness.

We are so excited to have Dr. Pancione join our psychiatric and medical staff here as our Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner. Having prior experience in substance abuse, mental health, internal medicine, women's health, pediatric, and urgent care services, her knowledge encompasses a variety of practices in the medical field. She received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Psychiatry and Nurse Educator from University of South Alabama Mobile in 2014, her Master's of Science in Nursing from FAU, and BSN from Virginia Commonwealth University. With this knowledge, her supervision and staff developmental experience, we are incredibly grateful to welcome her onto our team!

Jim is a graduate of Worcester State College, attended Millersville University, Northeastern University (business) and Alvernia College (Addictions Studies). Jim is a Certified Addictions Counselor in Florida and Pennsylvania and a nationally certified interventionist with over 32 years of personal sobriety. Jim joins the NBRC team after 5 years serving as Lead Therapist and Program Director at a well known treatment center in Boca Raton. Jim is from the Boston area and has worked at well known treatment centers in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

Dr. Kristie is a Clinical Psychologist with experience in the evaluation, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders in children, adolescent, and adult populations. She received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2009 from Nova Southeastern University and her Masters in Clinical Psychology from Loyola College in Maryland in 2004. Prior to working at New Beginnings Recovery Center, Dr. Kristie helped patients with co-occurring disorders and ran several clinical trials examining the efficacy of new treatment modalities in the field

Tatiana has been in the mental health and substance abuse field for over 10 years. She has worked on locked psychiatric units, community mental health case management, as well as a parole and probation officer for the federal government. She obtained her BA in Psychology from New England College in 2005 and her MA in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University in Washington D.C. She has found her calling working in the substance abuse field as she has participated in the field in all areas including Utilization review, case management, and as a therapist. She is excited to be part of such a dedicated team of professionals who truly have a passion for helping others. We are so grateful to have Tatiana's happy spirit and her knowledge on our team.

Juliet joins the New Beginnings Recovery Center team as a staff therapist. A graduate of LaSalle University in Philadelphia, she earned her Master's in Clinical Psychology. She got experience in the field working as a substance abuse counselor at other treatment facilities, as well as the prison system. She prides herself on focusing on mental health with many of her patients who are struggling with dual-diagnosis. Juliet was born and raised in New Jersey, but moved down to Florida in 2012. In her free time, she enjoys baking, cooking, and art. Please join us in welcoming her to our team!

Julia is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the state of Florida. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and her Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Julia studied clinical psychology, physiological psychology, and social psychology at University of Colorado, Boulder, CO and Hollins University, Roanoke, VA. Julia is currently a Doctoral Candidate at Nova Southeastern University, specializing in Health Care Education and Human Services Administration. Julia has experience working with gender-related issues, addiction disorders, eating disorders, co-occurring disorders, chronic mental illness, and trauma-related issues. Julia’s approach to therapy is client-centered. She utilizes CBT, REBT, and DBT modalities.

Penelope, a new member of our clinical team, received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University in Women and Gender Studies. Her graduate degree is from The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in psychological counseling. She has worked with soldiers with PTSD, patients diagnosed with serious mental illness, and Alzheimer’s patients, to name a few, but her true passion is working in substance abuse. Penelope focuses on working with each patient holistically, mind, body, and spirit. The reason she is so passionate is because she believes it is an honor work with patients as they recover and heal into wholeness.

Charity, a native Floridian, joins our team as a staff therapist with much education and experience behind her. She received her undergraduate degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and continued her education to get her MSW at Barry University. She became licensed in September 2014 and has worked with multiple populations including: homeless, children/families, child protective services, inpatient mental health, PHP/IOP/OP level of care substance abuse, school based substance abuse counseling, and crisis response with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Charity will be getting married this October and is an active runner with her second half-marathon in November. We are so grateful to be able to add another experienced and caring therapist to our staff here at New Beginnings!

Karen oversees all nursing at NBRC. She has over 12 years of experience in the substance abuse and recovery field, with positions including Clinical Coordinator, Community Mental Health Nurse, and Staff Nurse for Domestic Violence Women's Shelter. She also spent five years as an instructor to certify nursing aids/LPN program, as well as a charge nurse on the Med/Surg unit of a hospital. She earned her BSN at SUNY Plattsburgh. Recently, she moved to Florida from upstate New York with her two dogs. In her free time, Karen enjoys yoga, going to the beach, and spending time with her sister, brother-in-law, and father who reside in Florida. She has one son who adds immense joy to her life. Karen's vast knowledge in the field, compassion, and humor make her a great asset to the New Beginnings Team!

Denise joins us as an experienced infusion nurse for our neurotransmitter restoration program. She is currently in school at South University to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. She received her BSN at FAU and since then, has worked in pediatric oncology doing blood transfusions, chemo, and inpatient treatment. Outside of work, she stays busy being a cheer mom to her two daughters and 1 dog. We are so grateful to have Denise’s knowledge and personality on our team!

Maribel grew up in Massachusetts but has made Florida home for the last decade. Meeting so many people in South Florida who struggle with some sort of addiction has given her a strong passion to help those suffering with substance dependency and providing support for their families. She loves to see success stories and feels blessed to be a part of NBRC and see lives changed first hand. Aside from work, Maribel has two beautiful children that light up her life and remind her to be grateful for all that God has blessed her with.

As Director of Residences for our day/night treatment center at New Beginnings Recovery Center, Todd maintains open communication lines with facility staff, attending clinicians, physicians, patients and families. He also is responsible for engaging with community agencies, vendors and payers of health services. Prior to joining our team, Todd was owner of Prosperity Palms, a Sober Living Facility. After that, he worked as the director of residences at Beit Hatikvah Treatment Center. He attended Palm Beach Community College, Florida and Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. Todd is married with three children and resides in North Palm Beach.

Nathan Hudson is the PHP Lead Therapist here at New Beginnings Recovery Center. He is Mental Health Counselor Intern, and Certified Addictions Professional. Nathan received extensive counseling and theological training from Palm Beach Atlantic University and Asbury Theological Seminary where he earned a Masters of Divinity degree. He has had over 15 years in working with families, in professional counseling and in pastoral settings. Besides his work with families, Nathan has experience leading faith-based recovery programs, inpatient addiction treatment, and a private counseling practice. Nathan is the father of three awesomely crazy boys. He enjoys watching and playing sports, particularly college football. He loves the outdoors and hopes to one day sail the world. Nathan's humor and experience bring life to our PHP program and we are grateful to have him on our staff!

Tim was born and raised in New York and has called South Florida his home for 3 years. He graduated from Manhattan College in 1994 with a Bachelors in Finance. He worked for 17 years in the financial services field for a number of large financial firms including Citigroup, U.B.S and Allianz Global Asset Management. After moving to Florida he made complete lifestyle change and decided to try and help others do the same by pursuing a career in the recovery field. Prior to joining New Beginnings, Tim was the Supervising Behavioral Health Tech for another treatment center. Tim enjoys spending time with family and friends. He likes to take advantage of the great Florida weather and can usually be found at the beach on the weekends.

Originally from Massachusetts, Dan has made South Florida his home for the past 3 years. After graduating his apprentice program for local 17 Sheet metal workers union out of Boston in 2011, Dan came down to South Florida in 2012 for a fresh start after struggling with addiction. With three years sober, Dan has a lot of experience in the field from his own journey in recovery as well as being a house manager of a sober house, and working as a tech for other treatment centers. Dan enjoys spending time with family and friends, his dog Oscar and rooting for his home town sports teams.

Joy is a Licensed Practical Nurse and she brings years of experience to NBRC. She graduated from the Practical Nursing Program at North Tech in 1984. Her compassion and friendly smile puts patients at ease right away. Her vast experience in treating detox patients from start to finish gives her a unique insight to accurately assess and help callers decide if our clinic is the right place for them. Her passion to help others coupled with her previous history helping women suffering with substance abuse issues makes her a real asset to NBRC. Joy has a daughter and resides in Lantana, Florida.

Joining our team for Business Development and Outreach, May Nunez is an incredible asset here at New Beginnings. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from FIU and went on to earn her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Carlos Albizu University in 2009. Since then, May has excelled in the field, with positions such as clinical director for an outpatient detox center in Miami, a co-occurring therapist for a mental health center, case manager and therapist, senior primary counselor, court dependency case manager, and more. With her vast knowledge in the field, May informs the community of the services we are able to provide, as well as referring clients out if we cannot take them here. With a wide variety of resources from here to Miami, May does an excellent job of forming relationships with other facilities. We are so happy to have her knowledge and her kind, sweet demeanor represent our company here at New Beginnings.

In addition to having certificates in Data Evaluation and Credit and Financial Analyzing, Larry has a forty year background in marketing and business development. He has worked in the field as a Senior Tech, Manager of Properties for residential and IOP treatment, and community outreach specialist, to name a few. Larry himself got sober in 2009 and has been working in the recovery field since then. He joins us as an Admissions Specialist. With a diverse knowledge of the field, he is an extraordinary asset to our team here at New Beginnings.

Rachel joins the New Beginnings team in the Marketing Department. She graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Rachel is originally from Connecticut, and has been living in West Palm Beach for the last 5 years. Rachel has experience in both treatment centers and marketing throughout her university and professional career. She has a passion for this field because she likes to see people being restored to their full potential and have hope for the future. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys outdoor activities, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Rachel is a recent addition to the New Beginnings Billing Team. She is originally from St. Louis, Missouri and currently resides in Jupiter, FL. She has experience in the medical field along with customer service and patient relations. She enjoys any sort of outdoor activities including kayaking.

Brad joins our team as a Utilization Review Specialist. He graduated from FAU with a Bachelor’s in 2012 and was born and raised in Florida. On his off time, he enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, going to Disney, and spending time with his Boston Terrier, Oliver. Brad is a huge asset to our team and we are thrilled to have him!

Originally from Gainesville, Florida; Michelle brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the New Beginnings Team. She is finishing her Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science. Michelle is an efficient Administrative Assistant and more recently has become invaluable in our Lab. In her free time she loves to surf, spend time outdoors with her dogs, and listen to live music with friends.

Derek is a licensed Medical Technologist at NBRC. With more than 17 years working in the laboratory field, his diagnostic testing experience is vast. Derek has valuable insight into qualitative and quantitative areas in both chemistry and toxicology. He recently joined the NBRC team and is committed to delivering timely and accurate results to help aid those on their journey through recovery.

Tracey joins us as a lab assistant and driver. She has been in the substance abuse field for 14 years, having ran sober houses and working in treatment centers. She received her C.A.S at Palm Beach Community College and is married with two children. We are honored to have her as a loyal member of our team here at New Beginnings.

Having worked in a dialysis lab for the past 15 years, Lynn joins us as an experienced laboratory assistant. Although this type of lab work is different, she enjoys the work and learning new things. Lynn is originally from Long Island, New York, but moved to Florida in 1986. She has a husband of ten years with two sons. When she’s not working, she loves to spend time with her family and is an avid reader. We are so happy to have Lynn and her great work ethic join our team here at New Beginnings!

Joe is one of the newest members of the NBRC team. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, he moved to Florida in 1979. Joe has been a medical technologist for over 20 years now and spent the last 13 years working in a dialysis laboratory. In his free time, Joe loves to spend time at the beach with his spouse of 13 years and 3 stepchildren. We are thankful for his knowledge and experience here at New Beginnings!

Lisa is a Florida native and has been a nurse for 14 years. Her specialty is detox nursing. She has one son, two daughters, two very spoiled dogs and resides in West Palm Beach. In her free time, she volunteers with the Guardian ad Litem program, advocating for children. We are grateful for Lisa and her nurturing presence here at New Beginnings.

Eric has been a loyal and reliable part of NBRC since 2013. We are grateful to have such a committed member on our team.