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 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.

Dr. Sebastian Espinola is a recent addition to team RECO, but he is no stranger to the field of mental health. As one of our clinical therapists, Sebastian brings with him nearly 12 years experience in the field, a Doctorate in Psychology, and a wide variety of background experiences.

After receiving his Bachelor’s degree from Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, NC, and moving to San Francisco to continue his studies, Sebastian was honing his skills as an elite clinician. From working in infant mental health to trauma to juvenile delinquency, Sebastian has an understanding of the human experience from infancy to old age. With a focus on domestic violence, gang prevention, and childhood trauma, Dr. Espinola has unique capabilities that allow him to care for his clients, showing them and teaching them how to love themselves again. When Sebastian isn’t in session here at RECO you can usually find him trying out new cuisines and restaurants or reading some of his favorites; Maya Angelou and Brene Brown, which he implements in his practice.

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.

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.

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 with 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.

With a focus on CBT and mindfulness strategies, Peter comes to us with nearly 5 years of experience as a therapist. After attending Florida State University for his undergrad (graduated Summa Cum Laude) and Florida Atlantic University for his graduate school, Peter began his work. Through his passion for what he does and the deep care he has for his clients, Peter brings not only his love for what he does to RECO, but also his ability to help people find the answers within themselves. As an ACOA (adult child of an addict/alcoholic) himself, he has seen firsthand the damage caused by addiction as well as the healing and serenity that emerges from sobriety, from the perspective of the family unit. This makes Peter a unique addition to our therapeutic team and brings a true family element to his therapy practice with our clients. When Peter isn’t meeting with clients he is usually hanging out with his wife, taking his dogs to the park, or simply enjoying a good cup of coffee coupled with good conversation.

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.

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.

Caitlyn joined RECO in 2017 with prior experience of working in the South Florida recovery field. After finding sobriety in South Florida herself, Caitlyn is passionate with helping those in finding a new way of life just as she did. Through facilitating house checks, monitoring client interactions, and keeping consistent documentation, she serves as a key link between the client’s home life and IOP.

Now a Clinical Therapist, Caitlyn offers her recent education and personal experience to our client’s during their one on one sessions.

Originally from Cincinnati, OH, she enjoys day trips to the beach, as well as beach meditation at night. She values her health and likes keeps up with her personal fitness on a daily basis. Caitlyn loves taking adventures outdoors and a good game of sand volleyball.

The founding Director of the Modern Sex Therapy Institutes in Boca Raton, Richard is an authority in his field, focusing primarily on experiential methodologies. At RECO, he runs a weekly group entitled “Sexual Issues in Addiction and Recovery,” and provides incredible insight to our clients as they move through their recovery. In his practice, he teaches clients how to create and maintain healthy, positive relationships, while also addressing the traumatic effects that addiction can create in relation to sexuality. With multiple accreditations and a wealth of experience, Richard is an integral member of our specialized therapeutic team.

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 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.

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.

As RECO’s resident Dietitian and Nutritionist, Troy provides comprehensive nutritional instruction to all RECO clients. Throughout his nutrition and wellness group sessions, he emphasizes the importance of diet in recovery, and aims to educate clients on the impactful relationships we form with food. With many years of experience as a licensed dietitian, Troy is passionate about health and fitness, and enjoys guiding individuals in their nutritional education. As clients cultivate progress in recovery, a supplemental nutritional education allows them to create new eating patterns that will fuel sobriety and overall wellness, with Troy serving as their trusted mentor. Outside of his role at RECO, Troy is also a CrossFit instructor and values time spent with his family.

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.

Originally from Canada, Melanie is a resilient advocate for those suffering from addiction, as she grew up with addiction in her family. After losing her beloved father to suicide in 2013, she began exploring the healing practice of yoga. During her early practice, she experienced an emotional breakthrough, which eventually led her to pursue what would become her life’s work. Upon completing her yoga teacher training, she started teaching exclusively in recovery settings, honoring both the light within her clients and the light within the father she has lost. As she guides clients in their restorative practice, she upholds the belief that everything in life is happening for us rather than to us, making each of us powerful in our own reactions. A full-time yoga instructor at RECO, Melanie is also a health and nutrition coach, and enjoys playing soccer, running, and discovering hidden gems in the South Florida culinary scene.

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.

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.

A proud alumna of the RECO program, Rachel joined the team as a Behavioral Health Technician before transitioning to her role as a Case Coordinator. A dedicated worker and empathic spirit, her daily interactions with clients involve instructional money management, facilitation of doctor visits, and coordination of medical appointments and referrals. In her role, she serves as a confidante to clients, and consistently maintains communication with all members of the RECO team to ensure that each client is well-adjusted and comfortable during their stay. Always willing to lend a hand, her dedication to client care is evident, as she is motivated to give back what was so freely given to her. Outside of RECO, Rachel roots for her native Boston teams, the Red Sox and the Patriots, has a dog, Layla, and enjoys spending time with friends and family.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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 takes on many different roles, depending on the needs of the day, however, the clients here know her as the “keeper of the swag.” 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.

With an extensive background in the compliance field, Tim joined team RECO in 2015. As our chief Compliance Officer, he ensures that all state and federal regulations are upheld and maintained, focusing on specific mandates in the addiction treatment industry. Acting as a liaison between RECO and outside governing agencies, he enjoys the challenge of organization, data collection, and information maintenance. Through his careful attention to detail, he guarantees RECO’s compliance, both in-office and in the context of the greater community. Born and raised in South Florida, Tim is an equine enthusiast, and can often be found tinkering with new technologies, landscaping in his backyard, or staying active outdoors.

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.

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.

Originally from Wellesley Massachusetts, Madison is a proud alumni and member of the BHT team at RECO. Through her own journey in recovery she has gained valuable insight and a passion for helping others. Madison uses her personal experience to support clients in their road to recovery and success. In her spare time Madison enjoys seeing live music, exploring local nature conservations, traveling, and doing art projects.

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.

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.

From North Chicago, Matt brings personal experience and compassion to his job as a behavioral health technician. Motivated by love to help others, in the same way, he was helped, has made him a successful BHT for nearly 2 years now. A hard-working and loyal employee, when Matt isn’t at RECO you can usually find him golfing, at the beach, or getting his reps in at the gym.

Kristina, a Florida native, has two full-time jobs. One as a “boy” mom and the other as Behavioral Health Technician at RECO. After receiving her AS in Human Services at Palm Beach State, she is currently studying at FAU for her Bachelors’s in Social Work. As a BHT at RECO, Kristina brings with her compassion and the understanding for those who may be struggling. Motivated by the experience and helping others change, when Kristina isn’t at RECO you can usually find her attending a Crossfit, yoga, or acro class.

From New Albany, Indiana, Brandon loves the opportunity to get to help people struggling with substance abuse disorder. With nearly 2 years of experience in the field, he personally knows the joys to see the light come back in our clients’ eyes. When you don’t see Brandon at RECO you can usually find him traveling, or playing video games.

Shannon has been in the field of behavioral health for over 3 years now and brings with her a wealth of knowledge not only from her work experience but from her personal life as a mom. Fueled by laughter and seeing others happy, she uses her own personal struggles with an addiction to help our clients get more joy out of life. When Shannon isn’t at RECO you can usually find her bike riding on back trails or just hanging with her family and pets.