The RECO Team

With over five years of experience in the addiction treatment field, Dr. Alexander Scheuermann brings to team RECO an approach to medicine that is tailored to fit each patient’s needs. After pursuing specializations in neurology, emergency medicine, and supportive oncology, he began practicing exclusively within the RECO Intensive Outpatient Program. As Medical Director at RECO, he regularly consults with patients throughout their participation in the program, and recognizes the progressive transformations they make, both in their personal health and in their overall recovery from addiction. Dr. Scheuermann, who attended Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and trained at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, is committed to providing excellent care to all RECO clients.

With over 40 years of experience as a board-certified psychiatrist and one of 12 doctors at Boca Regional Hospital and Delray Medical Center who specialize in psychiatry, Dr. Charles Norris brings a wealth of knowledge in addiction psychiatry, general psychiatry, and neurology to team RECO. After receiving his medical degree from The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont in 1975, he started his practice in Boca Raton, FL where he won multiple awards including the Compassionate Doctor Recognition Award (2012-2018) and The Patient’s Choice Award (5-year Honoree). Now as the Head Psychiatrist for Team RECO and armed with the facts that addiction rarely comes as a solo diagnosis, he regularly meets with our clinical and medical staff developing patient care. Dr. Norris also meets with our clients one on one using his extensive background to help them facilitate the transformation necessary to heal.

A Delray Beach native, Kathleen has been practicing in psychiatric and addiction medicine since graduating PA school in 2018.  With a passion for helping those suffering from addiction and mental health issues, her goal is to provide patients with an empathetic and caring approach for healing and recovery. She comes with significant experience in detox, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and outpatient treatment settings. Growing up in Delray Beach,  she has seen firsthand how the recovery community has grown is proud to be a part of the RECO team and we are proud to have her.  When Kathleen isn’t working you can find her rollerblading, traveling, trying new restaurants and playing pickleball.

With well over fourteen years of critical care nursing experience, Giselle brings with her an astonishing abundance of knowledge, understanding, and discipline into RECO’s already extremely well-rounded detox team. Touting a bachelors, and a masters degree from Barry University, as well as being a licensed Nurse Practitioner, illustrates that Giselle is primed to continue pushing the treatment and care of patients undergoing acute detox from substance abuse forward for many years to come.

A dynamic addition to RECO’s qualified team of therapists, Carolyn has spent the past 15 years working in psychotherapy. With experience in multiple therapeutic environments, including hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and treatment centers, she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) that truly enjoys guiding clients on the path to sobriety. At RECO, Carolyn leads individual therapy and group sessions, and values her daily interactions with clients as they gain awareness of patterns and make critical transformations in their lives. Through her employment of individualized treatment, Carolyn believes in the potential of each of her clients, and is grateful to play a significant role in their recovery. Native to Northern Kentucky, in her spare time Carolyn enjoys watching soccer and spending time at the beach.

Born and raised in Hollywood, FL, Jenna brings to team RECO a wealth of experience in substance abuse counseling and anger management techniques. In her role as a Primary Therapist, she meets with clients on an individual basis, in addition to hosting weekly group sessions on Meditation and Process. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), she values her role in a client’s therapeutic journey, and enjoys working on a team that brings so many dynamic approaches to addiction treatment. Her individual sessions allow her the opportunity to connect with clients’ stories, while her group sessions give clients a space in which they can establish healthy connections with others in sobriety. In her spare time, Jenna enjoys traveling, playing with her St. Bernard mix, Trapper, and listening to all different types of music.

David is very passionate about helping others and brings to RECO with him over 8 years of experience in the mental health field working as a behavioral health technician, a clinical case manager, and most recently as a psychotherapist.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2014 in economics and attempting to work in finance he found the field to be unfulfilling. Knowing mental health was where he wanted to be, he was accepted into Florida Atlantic University’s graduate program for clinical mental health counseling, where he received his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling in 2018.

While David brings a wide array of therapeutic styles to our clients and is well-studied in various traditional and non-traditional approaches, our clients truly know him as our adventure therapist. Allowing our clients to find growth in areas such as team building, communication effectiveness, trust, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and problem-solving skills, the adventure therapy program David has implemented at RECO allows him to bring these skills into a group while creating a fun atmosphere for clients to practice mindfulness and disconnect from the monotony of daily life while reconnecting with their sense of self, nature, and spirituality. When David isn’t out on an adventure with our clients or in an individual session you can find him participating in USPSA competitions, precision shooting, hiking, and kayaking, or volunteering at the local animal sanctuary. He also fancies TV shows and is a movie fanatic.

Specializing in addiction, eating disorders, and trauma, Carol is a qualified, considerate ally in the field of mental health. In her role as a Primary Therapist, she aids clients in reclaiming the most precious parts of their inner selves, which can often be lost within the haze of shock and suffering. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor, she flourishes in guiding those who have been sidelined by the pain of addiction, and aims to create a space in which they can heal and imagine themselves not as victims, but as survivors. Through leading a weekly female group, meeting individually with clients, and following up with client family members, she recognizes the importance of continuity of care and therapeutic restoration, and is a motivated participant in her clients’ progress. Aside from her role at RECO, Carol adores spending time with her family, and is grateful for the impactful compassion they have instilled in her.

Robert Messarge Jr. is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida who specializes in treating addiction, relationship issues, adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, and compulsive behaviors .

Robert attained both his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Bachelor’s in Psychology from Liberty University, where he graduated with honors. In addition to his clinical experience, Robert has also participated as a psychological researcher at Liberty University. As both a husband and a father, Robert understands the importance of how communication, conflict resolution, and boundaries can contribute to building healthier relationships.

Enthusiastic and motivated to encourage clients in their recoveries, Lucy joined team RECO as a Case Coordinator in 2016, before transitioning to her role as a Primary Therapist. Each day, she provides excellent standards of care while facilitating group and one on one therapy sessions. As she works directly with clients, she recognizes their daily advances toward transformation, and plays a critical role in the therapeutic process of early recovery. With a Master’s Degree in Social Work, she identifies with RECO’s mission to support those who have lost hope, and appreciates the opportunity to walk alongside clients on their path toward recovery. Outside of her position at RECO, Lucy enjoys traveling to new destinations, preparing recipes from different cuisines, practicing yoga, and volunteering at a local animal shelter.

A New Jersey native, Katharine brings to her role at RECO five years of experience working in outpatient substance abuse treatment. As a Primary Therapist, she values her daily interactions with clients and takes pride in watching their progress through treatment. In addition to leading one on one sessions, she also hosts group sessions at RECO every week, and is a dedicated member of our team. Motivated to learn from others, Katharine is excited to take on her new role in the recovery community of Delray Beach. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her 2-year-old Lab, going to the beach, and hanging out with friends.

From North Carolina, Tabitha received her BSW at the University of Wyoming (2018) and MSW at Florida Atlantic University (2020). With special focuses on, addiction, horticulture, ACOA, and CBT, Tabitha has worked as a counselor with LGBT youth, volunteered with underserved populations (reading tutor, building gardens for elementary/middle schools, Red Cross disaster relief team, Big Brothers/Big Sisters), and gotten to know people as they learn about themselves and the world around them. Tabitha currently has over 3 years in the field and is an essential part of the RECO family not only as primary therapist but as our new Director of Family Services. When she isn’t at RECO you can find her, hiking, climbing, gardening, reading, and sewing.

Joy Patriarca, MSW has been working in the field of addiction for the past 15 years as a primary therapist. Joy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2003 and her Master’s Degree in 2004 while in the Advanced Standing program. While at her first internship in a treatment center Joy made a decision to pursue a career in addictions. Joy’s dedication and determination in providing the clients with the best possible care continues. Joy’s spiritual journey continues to encompass her personal life experiences with addiction, and recovery.

Originally from New York, Erin joined team RECO as an intern while completing her Masters in Social work at FAU. Now as a full-time employee and case coordinator at RECO she works directly with our clients helping them to facilitate the outward changes necessary for a brighter future. With a focus on compassion and her ability to empathize, Erin strives to support our clients in achieving their goals both in recovery and their life. When Erin isn’t working with our clients you can find her at the pilates studio, checking out new restaurants, or hanging with her family.

Michelle has worked in the substance abuse treatment industry for over 7 years. She gained a passion for the industry after getting herself sober in 2010. She has experience in Case Management and Substance Use Counseling. As one of our primary therapists, Michelle works with our clients one on one on their treatment plan and overall behavioral and emotional changes while at RECO.

With a background in the hospitality industry, Ryan brings both a significant attention to detail and an affinity for strong communication to team RECO. As the Director of Client Care, he focuses on creating a welcoming, supportive environment for each client. He takes pride in making people smile, and inspires both his clients and his co-workers through his dedication and perseverance. He is responsible for managing all client needs, including discharge planning, daily interactions, and updates to clients’ families. Hailing from Long Island, NY (the best place in the world), he is superbly involved with each client’s experience, and is consistently on-call and ready to listen. When a client feels broken, he empathizes, hands them the pieces, and helps them glue their experience back together. Outside of RECO, Ryan is a football fan, a camping connoisseur, and an advocate of and active participant in AA.

Beginning her journey at RECO as a BHT in college, Kristina has acquired her Bachelors in Social Work and is working towards her MCAP. With experience working in harm reduction and homelessness, Kristina was rehired to the team as a primary therapist to help facilitate our client’s journey into sobriety while working with them one on one. As someone who knows the ins and outs of RECO she is well equipped to help them handle anything that might come up during their stay here.

Renee brings to RECO over 6 years experience in the mental health field as well as a passion to be the best she can be both for herself and her clients. Her background encompasses four years in addiction counseling, working with struggling juvenile offenders, at risk families and youth, and those suffering from dual diagnosis disorders. As the youngest child of two immigrants, and now a first generation college graduate, Renee lets her past reflect her future as she helps our clients reconcile with their own internal obstacles and find a way forward in sobriety. When Renee is not at RECO doing one on one sessions with clients you can find her heading to the beach with her daughter and husband, or checking out new restaurants and stores in the area.

Dr. Leslie Hickey has been helping people embrace a healthy lifestyle for over a decade. She attended Rollins College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Sociology. From there, based on her belief in the benefit of natural medicine, she made the decision to seek an advanced degree in chiropractic medicine from Life University. Her professional life helps her pursue her passion, helping people lead healthier and happier lives. She is a certified Acupuncturist, as well as a yoga teacher and a massage therapist.

A dedicated supporter of the arts, Rolando Barrero joined team RECO in 2017. With a Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago in Art Therapy, his expertise in the field and personal healing experiences with art are an incredible asset to RECO’s therapeutic programming. The founder of the Florida Arts Association and director of the Boynton Beach Art District, Rolando is an award-winning artist in Palm Beach County, and has long-served as an inspirational figure to the recovery community. His passion for recovery has shaped his commitment to instructing others, and his spirit of resilience and creativity is the perfect addition to our team of specialty therapists. At RECO, Rolando runs bi-weekly group sessions, encouraging each client through the application of different mediums of self-expression.

From Jacksonville, FL, Ginger, with her bright smile and calming presence teaches our clients the healing power of yoga. With over 10 years of experience and a focus on Yin Yoga for deep trauma release, she helps our clients let go so they may find unconditional love deep within themselves.  When Ginger isn’t teaching yoga at RECO you can find her most likely laughing, traveling, hiking, and spending time with her Australian Shepards.

A dedicated horseback-riding instructor since 1991, Nongae Johnson brings nearly 25 years of experience to her position as Equine Specialist. As a certified member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, she is a seasoned professional, and has experienced firsthand the incredible healing that equines can create in our lives. During her Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy sessions, she guides clients in making connections with their equine partners, and consistently recognizes impactful, therapeutic triumphs that occur. As her clients learn from their equine partners, she enjoys sharing in their restorative practice, and provides gentle, personalized direction throughout the process. Outside of her role at RECO, you will find Nongae at the ranch, riding—her life’s work is also her life’s passion, and she is thrilled to spend her days guiding others in their relationships with equines.

A dedicated equine specialist, Rhonda is an EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) certified member of our team, and works every other week with our clients in an equine therapy setting. The leader of Equine Assisted Healing, Rhonda believes deeply in the healing power of equines, particularly in matters related to mental health and well-being. A proud advocate of RECO, Rhonda can be found at the RECO Ranch caring for and facilitating sessions with one of our several therapy horses.

With over five years of experience working in the behavioral health industry, Erika joined team RECO as our Billing Liaison in 2017. As she works to ensure proper billing procedures, Erika communicates with staff, families, and outside agencies regarding coordination of benefits and insurance policies. With a tireless attention to detail, she plays a key role in facilitating seamless transitions throughout the timeline of treatment, and is available to field client or family questions at any time during the process. Motivated to help others through her work, Erika also enjoys spending time her with her family, seeking out the latest sushi spots, and exploring local attractions off the beaten path.

As a RECO alumna herself, Veronica brings a supreme dedication to the enduring community that she has remained a part of throughout her sobriety. In her role as a Case Coordinator, she upholds and maintains communication with clinical staff, aiming to foster an atmosphere of teamwork and continual support. From day to day, she checks in with current clients, facilitates intakes and medical appointments, and ensures the comfort and well-being of all those involved in the program. Her empathetic and understanding nature resonates with clients, and her determination and commitment is a terrific asset to our qualified staff. As she moves through her own recovery, she is grateful to have the opportunity to give back the compassion that was so freely given to her during her experience in treatment. Originally from Peabody, MA, she enjoys beach days, shopping trips, and hanging out with her pup, Layla.

As an alumni of the RECO program herself, Amber knows exactly what kind of support our clients need. New to the field but coming with a lot of care, compassion and understanding, she walks our clients through their daily life here at RECO. She is currently attending Palm Beach State College and is looking forward to giving back and helping people who are in the same position she once was. When she isn’t at RECO you can find her hanging out with friends or relaxing at home.

Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Neil joined team RECO as a Behavioral Health Technician with several years of experience working in treatment and managing sober living homes. After finding sobriety in South Florida himself, he values having the opportunity to give back to the sober community. In his role at RECO, Neil ensures that clients are well cared for and safe, and facilitates consistent client check-ins to guarantee their comfort within the program. Firm and consistent in his interactions with clients, Neil is a compassionate ally with a heart for helping others in their recovery. In his spare time, he roots for the LSU Tigers and is a major foodie.

A native Floridian hailing from Jupiter, Hunter’s personal experience in recovery makes him an ideal fit for team RECO. As a behavioral health technician, Hunter brings compassion to every client that steps through our doors. With a passion for helping he is able to show our clients how to facilitate the change necessary to stay sober for life. When he isn’t working you can usually find him hanging with his friends, his dog, or playing video games.

Colby, beloved by clients and staff alike, hails from the great state of Georgia. After attending Middle College Georgia, got to work. With over 4 years experience in the field, Colby brings compassion as our client advocate and is always there to support them at every milestone in their recovery. His main goal is to see them succeed and find happiness in their newfound sobriety. When you can’t find Colby at RECO, you can find him playing softball as much as he can, escaping the real world, playing his favorite sport. Which is actually on the RECO team!

“If you do the work you’ll dance again.”

If you know Matt, it is likely you have caught him at various speaking engagements or events in the community as an advocate for recovery. Matt, who is a current school teacher and newfound cat lover (shoutout to Sir Earl Grey) has made recovery the foundation of his entire life. As a fellow RECO alum himself, he brings a spirit of positivity and understanding to our alumni department and to all who know him. We are ecstatic to have him on the RECO team as a leader and helping hand for our alumni.

Rhea joined the RECO team in July 2018 and brings with her nearly 10 years experience in marketing, half of which were in the treatment industry. With a broad range of skills; from content writing to SEO, to developing CRM platforms, and project management, Rhea’s background is now helping to bring the RECO brand to life. Her work with RECO can be seen and felt in our social media presence, weekly blogs, and even in the day to day administrative work here at RECO. Rhea’s passion for what she does combined with an attitude of altruism makes her an ideal fit for RECO. When she isn’t working, Rhea enjoys traveling, reading, and a good cup of coffee.

As our property manager, Bill not only maintains the quality of our clinical offices, residences and well, just about everything, he maintains the positivity that has become the defining energy of team RECO. A former chef and restaurant owner, and the literal climber of many mountains, just ask him about it, Bill ensures that nothing is out of place. When something breaks, he is there to fix it; when something needs to be touched up, he is there to spruce it up. Without Bill, RECO wouldn’t be RECO and while he is mainly behind the scenes, most of our clients are used to seeing him around, as he improves the quality of their stay with us.

Motivated throughout his career to serve others, George joined team RECO after 21 years of employment with the Florida Department of Corrections, with significant focus in substance abuse and behavioral concerns. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served during the Gulf War as a Marine Infantry Squad Leader. As the Director of Residential Services, he is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of all RECO Residences, as well as ensuring proper documentation, client safety, and staff communication. His attention to detail, strong work ethic, and commitment to clients and fellow staff creates an atmosphere of security and well-being amongst the RECO community. A native Floridian, George enjoys riding motorcycles, kayaking, and hanging out with family and friends in his spare time.

Born and raised in Kentucky, Tonya brings with her a multitude of experience in the treatment field, specifically in managing sober living houses. After joining team RECO in 2015, she became responsible for morning and night checks, house meetings, and chore list checks, among dozens of other, constantly revolving tasks. As manager of both Hart and Parker Houses, she provides firm, genuine guidance and assesses clients’ needs and progress on a daily basis, serving as both a supervisor and a sober confidante. As she watches her residents transform over time, she looks forward to the moment when everything “clicks” and the client begins to make lasting connections, both in their personal sobriety and within the RECO community. Personally invested in each client’s growth, Tonya is grateful to work in an environment of such incredible transformation. Aside from her role at RECO, Tonya enjoys writing and listening to music in her free time.

Guy started with team RECO recently but he is no stranger to helping those with substance abuse. With over 14 years of experience in the field, Guy brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and dedication to his role. Having nearly seen it all, Guy is readily equipped to help our clients in any situation. With a simple mission of treating people the way you would like to be treated, Guy brings laughter, joy, and understanding to our clients on a daily basis through his own kindness.

Harry, an alumnus of the RECO program himself, attended and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. While the man can cook, he loves being able face a new challenge everyday and opportunity to better himself and someone else’s  life. He is currently working on Continuing Education Credits in the Behavioral Health Technician field in order to better understand and help people like him and to further his career in the addiction field. As an eclectic, when Harry isn’t working you can find him cooking, surfing, building computers, and working on classic cars.

Conner is new to the field of behavioral health however his past experiences have made him an impressive delegator while working with our BHT team as well as, someone who is able to multi-task the various needs of our clients. Currently attending Shelton State Community College, Conner brings with him his hardworking and friendly attitude to RECO every day helping to inspire our clients to become the best version of themselves. When Conner isn’t here at RECO, making sure everything runs smoothly for groups, you can find him playing baseball, softball, hanging with friends, watching sports, or improving on his cooking skills.

Coming from Chicago, Kathy has used her own recovery journey to create a fulfilling and passion filled career path for herself. With a true faith and belief in her purpose to help others find the same freedom from addiction that she has found, not only does she give our clients understanding and compassion but also the first hand experience of what life can be like sober. When Kathy is not at RECO you can usually find her at her local AA meetings, laughing with friends or enjoying a good cup of coffee.

Eta comes to us new in the field of mental health, however her own personal challenges have given her an open mind and the understanding of what it takes to be a behavioral health technician. She is currently attending university to receive her degree in psychology and is using this as a platform to make the world a happier place one step at a time. In her day to day efforts with our clients, she takes the time to help show them how to put in the work to heal. When Eta isn’t at RECO helping transport clients, doing bed checks or the like you can find her listening to music, baking and writing.