BEACHCOMBER - Key Persons
Andres Cobas was born in Medford, Oregon and resided in South Florida for most of his youth. He joins The Beachcomber with nearly twenty years of culinary experience. Accomplished in food preparation across a wide range of ethnic and regional cooking, Andy established his reputation with "home-style" meals. Since our Beachcomber menus are best described in exactly such terms he has quickly found popularity with residents, visitors and employees. His willingness to accommodate patients with special dietary requirements and his broad knowledge of appealing dishes has further advanced this important aspect of residential treatment. Appealing menus at the Beachcomber are legendary and often a key to long-term health in recovery according to former residents.
Job Titles:
- Client COORDINATOR, Ft. Lauderdale
As Client Coordinator for our Ft. Lauderdale facility, Cornelia is responsible for managing all non-clinical needs of clients, including insurance payments, drug testing, and transportation scheduling. Cornelia has worked in the field for over 10 years as a Residential Manager. She has been in recovery for many years. Cornelia is a certified Behavioral Technician and loves working with other recovery addicts. Cornelia is family-oriented and has six grandchildren who are the sparkle in her eye.
From 1988 until 2013, Dean Peterson has sung title and leading roles in the leading International opera houses around the world. He has performed at La Scala, The Met, the Vienna Statsoper, the Chicago Lyric, San Fransisco Opera, Beijing Opera, and the Royal Concert Hall in London, to name a few. Mr. Peterson's recordings can be found at the Metropolitan Opera house on DVD, the Albany recording label, and solo albums licensed through the Harry Fox agency in New York City.
Upon retirement from the Music Industry, Mr. Peterson has been working in the Recovery field as a Tech and now as a CAC/CAP candidate at the Beachcomber in Delray Beach Florida. He brings 34.5 years of continuous sobriety, and the experience of 5 years working with others to assist in their recovery
Job Titles:
- Bookkeeper
- Certified Patient Account Technician
Dolores is a certified Patient Account Technician with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. As our Bookkeeper, Dolores maintains and ensures all financial protocol, statutory rules, and regulations. She is also responsible for maintaining and updating the accounts payable and accounts receivable function of the company.
Dr. Anthony G. (Tony) Foster is a MCAP, CRC, CADC, RRT, CEI and the Program Director of the Beachcomber. He is also the author of "The Toothbrush Therapy Journal." Dr. Foster is passionate about helping people overcome alcoholism and addiction. With over 16 years of extensive experience at all levels of care, Dr. Foster has served as a Clinical Therapist, Clinical Director, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer in the treatment field. He is the Co-Founder of the Center for Sobriety, Spirituality & Healing. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counseling from Florida Atlantic University and a dual Master' Degree in Mental Health and Rehab Counseling, also from FAU. He has been certified nationally as Rehabilitation Counselor as well as a Certified Event Interventionist, in Florida as a Master Certified Addiction Professional, internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, as well as being an accredited practitioner of Rapid Trauma Resolution and an Advanced Relapse Prevention Specialist. Dr. Foster has spoken at various conferences on subjects relating to addiction. He is also an active member of the recovery community for the last 18+ years. He is a past President and Vice President of Employee Behavioral Health Network of Florida (also known as EAP of Florida) and currently serves on their Board of Directors. Dr. Foster has been associated with the Beachcomber since 2002.
Job Titles:
- Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine, AP, DOM
Dr Green is double board certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. He holds a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine from the NCCAOM. He received his first Bachelor's in Public Relations from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a second Bachelor's in Health Sciences with a Graduate degree in Chinese Medicine from the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine. He was named as the coveted Clinician of the Year in 2007.
He interned with the well respected Neurologist and Master Herbalist Di Fu AP MD (China) for several years during and after school where he honed his craft. He works with the CCAOM to test and certify student physicians. He is licensed to practice in the State of Florida.
He is a member of the Florida State Oriental Medicine Association. His clinical focus is Pain Management and treatment of Infertility and Addictions. His unique brand of Acupuncture has been featured in the Sun Sentinel, Palm Beach Post and on the CBS television show Good Morning South Florida.
He believes in integrating conventional and natural approaches to healing. A transplant from Texas, he brings a kind and caring bedside manner into the treatment room. He is blessed with a beautiful wife and an amazing son. David answers his own phone so don't be surprised when you reach him or his personal voicemail instead of his assistant.
Job Titles:
- MEDICAL DIRECTOR
- Medical Staff Member
- PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. Culina has been practicing medicine for more than 30 years. She received her Medical Degree at University of Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1983. She completed residency training in Neuropsychiatry at University of Belgrade in 1992, and in Psychiatry at University of Miami /Jackson Memorial Hospital in 2007. Dr. Culina is board certified in General Psychiatry (2009) and Addiction Medicine (2014), and has more than eight years of experience in the field of addiction.
Ed Cejka is one of our new primary counselors in the evening for the IOP Program in Boynton Beach. Ed is a Master's Level Counselor with state, national, and international credentials for over 20 years, and has been treating clients in recovery and with mental health concerns for over 25 years. He has been working with both adult and adolescent populations. He has clinical experience in addiction and has served over the years as a Clinical Director, Compliance Officer, and CEO administrator. Ed is also a Catholic priest. He is semi-retired in ministry, but serves the communities of Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Ed previously worked for the Archdiocese of Newark at the parish level, extensively with the homeless and addicted. He is noted for involvement in feeding programs for the poor and working to get treatment programs for recovering addicts. Ed also ran a medical clinic and dental clinic for the inner-city poor.
Ed is a graduate of Seton Hall University, Immaculate Conception Seminary, and holds a Master's degree in Counseling and Human Services. He has been teaching as an Adjunct Professor in Philosophy and Theology at Barry University in Florida for over 20 years. When Ed moved to Florida, he decided to live in the Palm Beach area He has two parrots he raised from babies, and has many horticultural interests. They keep him happy and always in awe of what God and nature can provide us humans when seeking serenity. He also has interests in Astronomy and Geology and has been on archeological expeditions in Ireland.
He brings many years of professional, non-judgmental caring to those suffering addiction and seeking serenity. His specialties include working with families, developing systems of coping, and relationship building. He has been teaching and educating people on how to reduce or extinguish unhealthy co-dependency traits, empowerment of women, LGBT communities, and education to identify domestic violence.
Ed has worked for the Broward sheriff's office as a therapist in the Broward jail system. He has extensive forensic training and is a court liaison for Broward Co. and Palm Beach Co. He is well known for his contribution in the drug courts and Marchman Act advocacy. He serves on the Broward Interdisciplinary Partnership on Addiction. Ed is one who loves and cares that others are loved as well.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Operations Director of Ft. Lauderdale
Eric Bryan, grandson of our founder, is another third generation Bryan working at The Beachcomber. As a boy, he spent many of his summer months at The Beachcomber, playing shuffleboard, walking to the beach, or just spending time with his grandfather. Eric graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Sociology. Before joining The Beachcomber, Eric interned with four different substance abuse treatment centers, including an adolescent center and a primary mental health center. As the Assistant Operations Director, Eric works closely with the families and individuals who are considering The Beachcomber as their preferred treatment facility. He makes it his goal to ensure that his grandfather's legacy continues to flourish. Born and raised in sunny Florida, Eric has a deep love for the ocean and spends much of his free time fishing, kayaking, and catching a few waves.
Job Titles:
- Certified Addiction Counselor
- Primary Therapist
Erin Liposky is a Certified Addiction Counselor and has been working in addiction treatment for the past 14 years. She earned a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Catholic University of America. As a primary therapist at The Beachcomber, she loves working with clients and running groups. She can often be found hanging out and laughing with the clients in The Beachcomber's courtyard. With 33 years of sobriety, Erin felt called to the field and has been working to help people achieve and maintain a healthy sober lifestyle since her own recovery. When not at work, Erin can be found at the beach, the dog park, or just hanging out with her best friend Danny, a German Shepard mix she rescued two years ago.
Job Titles:
- Client Coordinator, Ft. Lauderdale
Frances has worked in the recovery field for the past five years and has enjoyed the experience of working with clients in recovery. Originally from New York City, Frances loves spending time with her children and 13 grandkids. She also loves to bake and listen to music.
Frank was the third brother to join The Beachcomber and assist in continuing the legacy that is ongoing since 1976. Having lost touch with his father for eight years as a young boy, Frank knows all too well the ravages of alcoholism on the family. Once his father found recovery, he came back into Frank's life. Frank often visited with his father where he worked at Eagleville Hospital, Chit Chat Treatment Center (Renamed Caron Foundation) and The Beachcomber, playing volleyball and charades with the clients. Frank comes to The Beachcomber with a successful 37-year career in high technology, culminating with his early retirement from Intel Corporation after 28 years as a manager, marketing professional, and strategic product planner. He traveled extensively around the world, meeting with PC and cell phone manufacturers to discuss designing their products using Intel semiconductor chips. As a strategic planner, Frank worked on a number of Intel products, helping to define features for Intel's latest PC processors. Frank has an undergraduate degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from Florida State University, and a Master's of Business Administration from The Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Frank is the Director of the Boynton Beach facility. He works closely with the families and individuals that are considering The Beachcomber for their preferred treatment facility. He is also the Chief Technology Officer for The Beachcomber, ensuring smooth operation of systems and hardware, including our web pages and other outreach activities.
Gina Demestre has been with the Beachcomber for 10 years and runs our housekeeping department. This includes working with our outside linen supplier and ensuring the Beachcomber facility is always clean and comfortable for the clients. Gina makes a special effort to ensure each new client feels at home, their room is properly supplied and ready for their arrival.
Glenn Wojtusiak is Beachcomber's weekend and evening Client Coordinator, ensuring that clients receive a warm welcome and smooth transition into Beachcomber's Residential Program. When not assisting clients directly, Glenn assists both the clinical and medical teams, to ensure that client's records are stired and maintained accurately. Other duties include handling client discharges, observing medication dispention, and acting as a liason between clients and their therapists. Originally from Long Island, NY, Glenn has been a Palm Beach County resident for over 30 years. After a successful career in the retail industry, Glenn is excited to be working at The Beachcomber, watching clients grow and steer themselves along the path of recovery.
Ian Bryan, grandson of our founder, is one of the third generation Bryans that are learning the recovery field at the Beachcomber. Ian grew up close to the Beachcomber visiting his grandfather, Jim, who lived and worked on the property and later his father, Joe, who currently lives and works on the property. He worked for many summers at the Beachcomber through his school years in between summer sports of surfing and skim boarding which he enjoyed at the ocean only a few steps away. Ian is graduate from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in Engineering in Physics.
Job Titles:
- Director of the Beachcomber Family Center for Addiction Recovery
- Director, Ft. Lauderdale
As the Director of The Beachcomber Family Center for Addiction Recovery, Jim Bryan is part of the second generation of the Bryan family holding leadership positions within the company. Jim served as the Director of the Boynton Beach office until he opened the Fort Lauderdale office in 2014. He has been gaining experience in the substance abuse field since he was a teenager while he accompanied his father in his rounds as Director of Therapy at Chit Chat Treatment Center. In Jim's early career, he worked as a professional forester over most of the state of Florida. In that role, he spent time as a forest ranger fighting wildfires. Later, he served as the manager of all forest fighting crews in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties. Jim moved on to work for a private company where he was responsible for managing over 100,000 acres of forest land. In that capacity, Jim and his team planted over 50 million pine, cypress, and eucalyptus tree seedlings. As a professional forester, Jim received numerous awards, most notably National Field Forester of the Year by the Society of American Foresters. Jim received his Bachelor of Science from Florida State University and his Master of Science from Utah State University. As a lifetime surfer, Jim can be found during his off days on his board, waiting for the next wave.
Job Titles:
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Joan Donnelly Morris MSN FNP-C, PMHNP-BC is a dually board-certified nurse practitioner. She incorporates her family nurse practitioner license with her psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed to offer a holistic approach, thus creating a comprehensive approach to her patients she cares for. Joan has been working on psychiatry and addiction medication for the last 10 years. She reports she utilizes evidence based research and traditional medication regime to treat underlying mental health needs in adjunct with alternative therapies to provide individualized treatment plans for patients.
As part of a multidisciplinary team, she works in collaboration with other treatment providers. Joan has a strong interest in improving patient access to mental health care as this is a priority when helping those with addiction issues for mental health stability and relapse prevention.
Joe Bryan began working at the Beachcomber in 1980, shortly after the Beachcomber opened. He followed in the path of his father, James Bryan, who founded the facility in 1976 and whose career spanned decades of leadership in the field of alcoholism and addiction treatment. Joe has held all positions at The Beachcomber and is now the owner and CEO. Joe has a degree in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University and is currently in school pursuing a degree in Nursing. His expected graduation date is 09/2019.
Joe has been an active advocate for the recovery community and has organized numerous functions to better the community and bring awareness to the horrendous affliction that addiction has on individuals, families and the community. Joe believes treatment centers have a responsibility to do more than just treat patients; they need to be a positive part of the community and start taking leadership roles. Joe has had numerous positions in the recovery community beginning as treasurer for the local chapter of South Florida Employee Assistant Program in 2001-2002. He also held numerous positions at the Employee Behavioral Health Network of Florida (also known as EAP of Florida) including acting President for 2007-2009 and President from 2009 - 2011. Currently, Joe serves as the Vice-President. Joe started a non-profit FATC to help those who have addiction problems and promote the best treatment centers in Florida. Most recently, Joe has offered support by serving on the board of the Care Hope College of Nursing.
Joe has been awarded for his tireless effort to support the recovery community. He received the prestigious Clinician of the Year Award in 2011 for Palm Beach County bestowed by Bob Bozzone, Executive Director of CARP (Comprehensive Alcoholism Rehabilitation Programs). In January 2019, Joe was awarded the FMHCA award for outstanding community service.
Jonathan came to The Beachcomber after spending much of his life in the New York Metropolitan area. A transplant from New Jersey, Jonathan is a welcome addition to The Beachcomber staff. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication from the prestigious Fairleigh Dickinson University. Additionally, Jonathan has an Associate's degree in Liberal Arts from Edward Williams College in New Jersey. Before turning his attention to a career in addiction therapy, Jonathan worked extensively in the field of print and online publishing. Working for such publications as The Village Voice in New York City, Jonathan became well regarded within the journalistic community of the Northeast.
As the Clinical Director of our Residential program in Delray Beach, Kelsey is responsible for managing the clinical staff and overseeing the well-being of clients. Kelsey received her Bachelor's degree in 2016 from Palm Beach Atlantic University and has since graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, January of 2020. Kelsey has been working in the recovery field since 2019 and loves the ability to come to work daily and potentially have some positive impact on someone's life. She loves spreading joy, gratitude, and positivity to patients and others that surround her. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Kelsey teaches day-to-day goals reinforcing skills related to sobriety, healthy habits, and self-care routines to those struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders. Kelsey was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, however calls south Florida her home since 2012. She loves working out, running, and spending time with family and her dogs, Simba and Petey.
Marcia Greene is the Director of Nursing for The Beachcomber. Born and raised in New York City, Marcia Greene is ANCC board certified in psychiatry and mental health, working with mental health adult clients as a registered nurse since 1987, and in the South Florida area since 1989. Her wide experience covers both inpatient and outpatient care of persons with acute and chronic mental illnesses, substance abuse problems, those who are dually-diagnosed and older adults in the Alzheimer's Disease/Related Dementia realm. Marcia earned her certification as a Dementia Practitioner from the NCCDP, and trains other care providers in working with clients with cognitive and memory problems. Marcia has a special interest in the relationship between those with mental health and substance abuse issues and cognitive decline, as well as healthier aging of the brain. Marcia received her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts at SUNY Albany and her registered nurse degree at Edison State College in NJ. Personal interests include fitness and nutrition, cooking, gardening and creating glass art.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Operations Director, Boynton Beach
As the Assistant Director of the Boynton Beach facility, Michael is responsible for coordinating and providing transportation, housing, and care for all clients. This involves training and supervising the client coordinators and drivers, ensuring facility safety and maintenance, and organizing monthly barbeques in Ft. Lauderdale and Boynton Beach. Working only with FARR accredited sober living homes, Michael also assists clients in transitioning from our residential facility to IOP or sober living facilities. As a boy, Michael attended Monsignor McHugh Elementary School, Pocono Central Catholic High School, and graduated from Pocono Mountain High School. Michael attended Palm Beach State College and graduated from Gold Coast School to become a Real Estate and Mortgage Broker. He was also a Chairman of the Township of his home town, appointed to the Environmental Advisory Council and local Fire Department Board. Michael grew up in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. In his free time, he enjoys bike riding and gardening.
Michael Giorgi is a former Catholic priest. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Pontifical College of the Josephinum, and studied Adolescent Counseling at Fordham University. He taught high school for many years and served as a counselor to both students and families. Coming to The Beachcomber with 25+ years of sobriety and over 30 years of experience in this field, Michael serves as counselor for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Questioning Clients (LGBTQ). He brings a much-needed element into the field of recovery, with a specific program designed for the LGBTQ community. Michael facilitates both men's and women's groups and conducts individual and family counseling. Michael has served in many roles in the LGBTQ community, including Co-Chair of the Florida Roundup and President of Lambda North, the 12-step Alternative Clubhouse for Recovery in Lake Worth, Florida. In addition to working for The Beachcomber, he has a business, Dream Wedding Ceremonies, and serves as a non-denominational Minister, officiating weddings throughout Florida.
Mike has over 39 years of experience in the addictions field. He is currently a Certified Addictions Professional with the state of Florida and is internationally certified as well.Mike is trained in Gestalt Therapy, which is a framework for an individual to externalize his/her problems and experience them without intellectual interference. Once this is done, the client has an opportunity to have a "moment of truth," and say: "teach me what I don't know and teach me what I think I know but don't." Mike believes that Gestalt is a powerful vehicle to help a client arrive at the beginning of his/her lifelong journey of recovery. Mike's journey on the path of recovery started while he was a client at The Beachcomber in 1980. Since then, he worked for The Beachcomber in the 1980s and 1990s. Mike always stayed connected to The Beachcomber through the years returned to work as a primary counselor in 2016. Mike has worked for 3 generations of Bryans!!! Mike believes that the size of the Beachcomber program, the environment, and the unspoken motto "client care first" are some of the reasons why The Beachcomber gives a real chance for a client to have a "moment of truth." For over 40 years, The Beachcomber has echoed the truth "together we can do what we can't do alone."
Paul started his road to recovery in a small town south of Buffalo, New York. He has worked in the addiction recovery field since 1999. At that time he was developing an employee assistance program for his employer. Paul then worked at a substance abuse treatment center in Delray Beach, Florida. Paul left that center to serve as night manager at the Beachcomber.
Growing up in an alcoholic home, participating in family treatment programs and coping with being an Adult Child of an Alcoholic motivated Robyn to seek a career in Counseling. After receiving her BA in Psychology, Robyn discovered Holistic Health Coaching. It was in her own journey with a coach, Robyn experienced healing and realized her passion for helping others in the pursuit of wholeness, emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. Over the period of 13 years, Robyn offered tools to clients for overcoming issues with self-esteem, grief, trauma and addiction. Her greatest joy was seeing clients who were "sick and tired of being sick and tired" apply the tools necessary to heal and grow in health as a whole person. Today Robyn uses the training she received as an Addiction Counselor to help clients identify beliefs that keep them stuck, disciplines that keep them stable and habits that keep them healthy in a life of recovery.
Job Titles:
- Client Coordinator, Boynton Beach
As a Client Coordinator, Sandie can be found at the front desk of our Boynton Beach office. Her responsibilities include monitoring and checking in the Intensive Outpatient clients, as well as organizing their transportation. With almost a decade of sobriety under her belt, Sandie sets a positive example for the clients she interacts with daily. She has five years of experience in the substance abuse treatment field. Originally from Rockville, Maryland, Sandie now enjoys the South Florida lifestyle, spending her free time at the beach or relaxing at home with her cat, Ray.
Stephanie Bryan was Born and raised in Hialeah Florida. She is a first generation Cuban American. Stephanie graduated from Florida State University with a major in psychology and minor in biology. She has a passion for the healthcare field and helping others. On her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and traveling
Job Titles:
- Medical Director
- Medical Staff Member
"Doctor Steve" has worked with the clinical staff for over three decades and as Medical Director at The Beachcomber for the past seven years. Presently a resident of Lantana, he has resided in Florida for nearly 20-years. Supervising our nurses and coordinating treatment for our clients he also maintains a private practice for patients in this region of the State. He attended the University of Tennessee where he obtained his medical degree..
Valerie Bartenfelder is originally from Miami Florida and lived for 35 years in Colorado. She moved back to Florida to be closer to family in 2011. Valerie is a Certified Addiction Counselor with the state of Florida and has been trained extensively in psychodrama. Additionally, Valerie is a registered RRT practitioner. She currently works as a counselor and enjoys working alongside our other long-term clinical staff members. Valerie also has a passion for traveling, and has had opportunities to travel to many far-off destinations over the last 25 years. She has traveled to Europe, Micronesia, Africa and India to name a few. Valerie lives in Delray Beach, Fl. with her husband.
Job Titles:
- Client Coordinator, Boynton Beach
As a Client Coordinator, Verna can be found at the front desk greeting clients and attending to all non-clinical duties at the Boynton Beach facility. Verna moved to Florida in 2007 to find a new way of living. She enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with her two dogs.