Aaron was born and raised in Miami, Florida, after struggling with his own demons of addiction, he decided to make a change, and put his recovery over everything. Aaron joined the Boca Recovery Center Team in 2017 & he takes great in pride in holding the title of Director of Business Development. Aaron plays a key role in our South Florida presence, but also travels nationwide to establish working relationships and to let the nation know Boca Recovery Center's Mission. He believes that no one is hopeless, and everyone deserves to receive the best quality care.
Alex Cuevas was born in Dearborn, MI and raised in Youngstown, OH. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance from the University of Toledo (Ohio) in 2010 and shortly after he relocated to Pompano Beach, FL. Alex began working in the substance abuse/treatment industry as a Behavioral Health Tech in 2012 while searching for opportunities in Finance. He managed to network and build relationships in the industry and worked as Receptionist, HR Supervisor, and Case Manager, before taking a position as Financial Administrator in 2014. Since that time, Alex has learned the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and developed extensive experience in both the business and financial aspects of the treatment industry.
Alex remained heavily involved with, and assisted in, multiple detox/treatment startups across the country. He specializes in; executing and implementing
operations, payroll, business insurance and employee benefits, lease and business agreements among other legal documents.
With four years of business and finance experience under his belt, Alex feels fortunate to have been given the role of Director of Finance with Boca Recovery Center in 2018. In taking this position, Alex has been reunited with some colleagues that he worked with when first starting out in the industry. Most recently, after two successful years with the company, Alex was promoted to Chief Financial Officer where he continues to assist in current and new business ventures as the company continues to grow.
Benjamin “Bo” Garfield was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. Starting at the age of 17, he struggled with addiction for many years. In 2016, Bo was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer, and after aggressive treatment, he has been in remission since that time. Bo got sober almost 4 years ago, and in 2018, he received a Certified Recovery Specialist from Penn State, Abington.
After working in treatment in Philadelphia area for several years, Bo moved to South Florida in 2019. He began working as a House Manager at a sober living facility, and then moved into positions of Behavioral Health Technician, Tech Supervisor, and now the role of Alumni Coordinator with Boca Recovery Center. Bo is actively involved in the program of Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and he enjoys sharing his strength and hope with others who are seeking recovery. Bo now has plans to work towards becoming a Certified Addictions Counselor. In his downtime, Bo can be found kayaking, playing with his Labrador, and spending time with loved ones.
Casey Hiltner was born and raised in Margate, New Jersey, and moved to South Florida after reaching out to his childhood friend, Chris Ferry, for help with his addiction. With Chris’ support and encouragement, Casey found sobriety and remained in South Florida, and soon he began working for Chris as Boca Recovery Center was in its initial stages of development.
Now, with several solid years of recovery under his belt, Casey has been working for Boca Recovery Center in their Admissions Department in various positions. For the past 2 years, Casey has taken a leadership role as the Director of Community Outreach, and he is excited to be relocating home to New Jersey, where he will continue in his role of Outreach at our Galloway, New Jersey
facility.
Christopher Ferry is a passionate addiction recovery advocate based in Boca Raton, Florida. Born and raised in Ventnor, New Jersey, his strong desire for helping people began early on and it has stayed with him ever since.
Growing up, Christopher loved playing ice hockey and was on the varsity team at St. Augustine Prep School. By 18 years old, he was invited to try out for the USA National Team Development Program (Team USA). Shortly afterwards, he walked away from ice hockey and began using drugs. Christopher developed an addiction that continued for many years, and his life spiraled out of control. During this time, Christopher served as the Co-founder of a Jacksonville-based insurance franchise called We Insure Florida, from which he had to step down in order to enter treatment for his addiction. Christopher ultimately entered into drug treatment programs on two occasions, and finally, on February 21, 2013, Christopher found long-term sobriety.
As soon as he was able to get sober, Christopher decided to transform his challenging past into a present triumph through helping others who have gone through similar struggles. Now with many years sober, he is the proud Owner/Founder of Boca Recovery Center. Utilizing his in-depth marketing expertise, he aims to encourage people battling with the disease of addiction to find a positive outlet in the form of drug and alcohol treatment.
Additionally, Christopher is Certified National Master Interventionist (C.N.M.I.) and received his certification from the National Association of Drug & Alcohol Interventionists (N.A.D.A.I.). He has also studied marketing and business development extensively. After everything he has endured, Christopher has adopted “Never Say Die” (Never Give Up) as his life-long motto.
During his free time, Christopher enjoys attending sporting events. He also has an avid interest in physical fitness. Most importantly, he loves spending quality time with his family and close friends.
Dexter Green comes to Boca Recovery Center with extensive experience in substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. He graduated from NJCU in 2005 with a Master's Degree in Education and Rehabilitation with a concentration in Psychology. He is Board Certified to provide therapy in the state of FL as a Master’s Level Addiction Professional, Mental Health Professional, Criminal Justice Addiction Professional, IC & RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Certified E-Therapist.
Dexter has over 15 years of experience working with individuals, adolescents, and families who suffer from addiction and mental health diagnoses. During his tenure, he held positions as a Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, and Clinical Director. Dexter uses a number of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems Theory. Dexter takes a holistic, strengths-based, person-centered approach to treatment that utilizes effective and relevant interventions to meet his clients’ needs.
When he is not working, Dexter enjoys spending time with family and coaching youth football.
Dr. Alison Tarlow is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the States of Florida and Pennsylvania, and a Certified Addictions Professional (CAP). She has been a practicing psychologist for over 15 years. She began her career as a Postdoctoral Resident at The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders, specializing in the treatment of women’s issues, including Post Traumatic Stress, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Addiction.
Dr. Tarlow developed a successful private practice in Boca Raton, Florida, and began consulting for treatment centers and programs throughout the South Florida area. Before joining the clinical team at Boca Recovery Center, Dr. Tarlow was the Clinical Director of an organization for three years, and was responsible for the development of a medical detox facility in Palm Beach, and two substance abuse treatment facilities (in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida). She has specialized training in a variety of evidenced-based practice, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dr. Tarlow is also a Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator in the State of Florida, and incorporates this experience into her work with clients and their families.
Dr. Tarlow has written numerous articles on the topic of substance abuse treatment for Sober World Magazine, and has presented at conferences and training events throughout the United States.
Jake Powers has worked at Boca Recovery Center for the past three years, starting as a Behavioral Health Technician, and then moving to the position of Case Manager, and his most recent promotion to the current position of Housing and Facilities Supervisor.
In this role, Jake heads up the Housing Department and is the Supervisor in charge of the Behavioral Tech Staff at all our locations. He is also responsible for ensuring that all our facilities are running smoothly and in perfect order.
Jake has been in recovery for many years and he enjoys providing sponsorship to men seeking sobriety through the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Jake is also currently attending Florida Atlantic University, where he is in the midst of seeking his Bachelor's Degree in Business and Finance.
When Jake finds downtime, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife and infant daughter and two rescued pit-bulls, or he can be found fishing or on the golf course.
Joe grew up in New Jersey which is where he originally tried to get help for his addiction, finally coming to Florida he was able to get sober. He has worked in the field of addiction since 2013 as a licensed interventionist and assisting in the admissions process.
Being in recovery himself, Joe can relate to and aid others in the recovery process. He helps clients with the entire admissions process including tours of our facilities for clients and family members, transportation arrangements, and getting clients settled once they arrive.
Joe understands the days leading up to admitting into a facility can be stressful and aims to make the process as comfortable as possible for clients and their loved ones.
Justin is Boca Recovery Centers's Chief Legal Officer and specializes in behavioral healthcare regulation and compliance. Justin has worked extensively in matters involving state and federal regulation of mental health and substance abuse facilities, including, but not limited to, consulting start-up and established businesses, handling licensure and accreditation applications, drafting policy and procedure manuals, representing clients at audits, and counseling clients with regards to regulatory compliance matters. Justin's valuable experience includes his aggressively advocating for clients in a wide array of contracts.
Justin was born and raised in Palm Beach County, Florida. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida in 2006 and a Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2009. Justin is licensed to practice in all state courts in Florida, as well as the federal courts in the Southern District of Florida.
When not working, Justin enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf as much as possible and rooting for the University of Central Florida’s athletics programs.
Lead Clinical Therapist & Safety Compliance Officer
Maryssa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Master’s Certified Addictions Professional in the State of Florida. Maryssa’s inherent passion to help others led her to pursue a Bachelors and Masters degree in Social Work at Florida Atlantic University. Throughout her course of study, Maryssa developed a strong interest in the specialty of substance use disorders. She began her career in the substance use disorder field as a clinical support staff member and was quickly promoted to the role of primary therapist where she was able to continue developing her skills as a therapist, group facilitator, and case manager.
At Boca Recovery Center, Maryssa has taken on the role of Lead Therapist, Clinical Intern Supervisor, and Safety and Compliance Officer. Maryssa takes a strengths-based, solution-focused approach to foster a strong rapport with clients as she helps to empower them to create positive change in their lives. She believes that the development of self-esteem and self-love is essential to maintaining long-term sobriety.
Maryssa’s experience allows her to address a broad range of issues including substance use, codependency, self-esteem, co-occurring mental health, anger, emotion regulation, and behavior modification.
Maxx has been working in health insurance related fields for 15 years and has been specializing in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Utilization Review for ten of those years. Max recently graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a Bachelor’s in Business and is in the process of furthering his education by obtaining a Master’s Degree.
Max's extensive knowledge of health insurance, specifically in regard to the Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health component equips him to advocate for our clients seeking treatment at all levels of care. Maxx is passionate about recovery and he uses this drive to ensure our clients are receiving the best possible care to treat their disorders. Maxx is a huge asset to Boca Recovery Center and the clients who seek treatment with us every day.
Megan Marchese is a great asset to our staff and housing department of Boca Recovery Center. Megan moved to Florida from Plymouth Meeting PA, in search of her passion to help others. She started working for Boca Recovery Center as a Behavioral Health Technician in 2017 and soon became our Housing Supervisor. Megan brings to Boca Recovery Center a strong knowledge of twelve-step programming, a warm and positive attitude, and the gift of great organizational skills.
Megan enjoys being able to work directly with our clients, ensuring that they are able to feel comfortable and safe as they embark upon their journey in sobriety.
Nicole Newby, grew up in South Jersey in a close-nit family. Nicole struggled with addiction for a few years before ending up in South Florida to find recovery. Since entering recovery Nicole's passion and drive to want to help others became her mission. Nicole did graduate college with a degree in Communications but found her career path in helping others find their way to recover as well. The admission process is something Nicole knows well and has now been in the field for a little over 2 years.
Nicole utilizes her extensive knowledge and ability to give back to family members and their loved ones who have been affected by addiction.
Patricia has worked at Boca Recovery Center since the doors first opened in 2016. She has held the position of Case Manager since inception of the organization and has enjoyed seeing significant growth and development within the company over the past several years.
Patricia graduated from SUNY Albany with a Bachelors’ Degree in Political Science and a minor in Criminal Justice. She has worked for many years in child welfare, foster care, mental health, and substance use disorder treatment. For 12 years, Patricia held the position of Regional Chairperson for “The Fresh Air Fund,” in New York City. Patricia moved to South Florida so that she could be closer to the beach and sunny weather.
Patricia is a Certified Recovery Coach and enjoys working with the clients at Boca Recovery Center. She particularly enjoys being able to provide the clients with much-needed resources, including aftercare referrals, tuition assistance, sober housing, medical/dental or legal resources, and other important information that will benefit the clients as they work on building a solid lifestyle in recovery.
Patricia always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude, and in her spare time she can be found at the beach, enjoying time with family and friends, traveling, and bringing her knowledge of aromatherapy to the office.
Charlotte is nationally recognized for creating and developing Christian Substance Abuse Programs as well as outreaches for the community. This includes Christian concerts and convocations to promote recovery, and women’s programming to offer support and guidance within Christian recovery.
Charlotte has appeared on the Trinity Broadcast Network and has directed and performed in several videos pertaining to Christianity and the Twelve Steps.
Charlotte is a Certified Addictions Professional and holds a music degree. She was also a successful performer in the entertainment business until she heard the call for a higher purpose. Charlotte now incorporates her love and talent for music and the arts as a way to help people heal from the ravages of addiction. Charlotte’s mission is to bring healing and God’s love to people who are hurting and are looking for a better way of life. Boca Recovery Center is very excited to have Charlotte with us to oversee our Christian Spirituality Track.
Robert Cornett, has worked many years in treatment as well as a few years of experience in the healthcare industry. Robert grew up in Maryland and struggled with addiction prior to his path to Florida for recovery. Robert utilizes his own experiences when speaking to those struggling with addiction and their loved ones to help guide them in the admissions process. Robert is a proud member of Boca Recovery working tirelessly to assist those struggling with addiction and guide them into the beginning stages of their journey.
Teague was born and raised in Southern New Jersey. After moving to Florida 10 years ago, he was introduced into the world of recovery. He has worked at a variety of different treatment centers holding positions from Behavioral Health Technician to Admissions. In those roles, he saw a need for a liaison to be able to provide a clear, concise explanation to clients and their loved ones about the intricacies of health insurance.
As Director of Client Accounts at Boca Recovery Center, Teague is the front line to answer any and all questions potential and current clients may have about their insurance coverage, as well as their families. He provides answers and compliance in an ever-changing atmosphere of the substance abuse healthcare industry. In his free time, Teague enjoys playing the guitar, tinkering on his Jeep and spearfishing.
