The Clinical Team
Dr. Ash Bhatt, Medical Director (M.D)
Ash Bhatt, M.D. joined The Recovery Place, Inc. as Medical Director from the University of Miami where he filled multiple roles in addition to being an Assistant Professor. Dr. Bhatt is a Board Certified Diplomate by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He is also a Board Certified Diplomate by the American Board of Addiction Medicine and he was recently appointed to the courtesy faculty at the University of Florida College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, at the rank of Assistant Professor. “I am looking forward to working with the clinical team at The Recovery Place,” said Dr. Bhatt. “I was drawn to the treatment center by the passion of the people working here and their commitment to the highest standards of quality patient care. We all share the same goals, and are deeply committed to assisting our clients to lead sober and productive lives.” Dr. Bhatt adds, “I am pleased that I will be able to utilize my training and skills in an environment that places high value on serving the needs of our client population.”
Patrick A Casthely, Clinical Director (BS, M.S., C.M.H.P., C.A.P.)
Patrick was born in Boston, Massachusetts and is a first generation Haitian American. He earned his bachelors degree at Northeastern University where his focus was on sociology as a major. Additionally, Mr. Casthely also holds a Masters of Science degree specializing in the area of Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Patrick is also certified as a Mental Health Professional by the State of Florida and is a Certified Addictions
Professional (CAP - Internationally recognized). Prior to joining the team at The Recovery Place, Patrick provided oversight to local Broward County substance abuse treatment providers as a Licensing Specialist with the State of Florida Department of Children and Families.
Mark S. Gold, MD (Consultant)
Dr. Gold is the Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Florida. Dr. Gold and his Addiction Research Group have made major contributions to the research field in the areas of tobacco, alcohol, drug and process addiction. The University of Florida is at the forefront of translating the results of scientific discovery into treatments for recovery. Dr. Gold and The Recovery Place are working together to further our understanding of the disease of addiction, and are committed to raising awareness among the population of Florida and elsewhere of the dangers of addiction and the treatment resources available to address it.
Dr. Gold is helping to forge close ties between the University, the researchers, the Clinical Faculty at the Florida Recovery Center and The Recovery Place. As he’s stated, “We all share a common vision, which is to reduce stigma, deepen our understanding of the disease of addiction and to use science based solutions to improve recovery outcomes.”
You can read more about Dr. Gold and his pioneering work in addiction at: http://drmarkgold.com .
Barbara Hernandez (B.A., M.S., L.M.H.C.)
Barbara is a clinician in our Traditional Addictions Program. Ms. Hernandez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. Barbara received her Bachelor of Arts from Florida International University as a Psychology major. She received her Masters of Science degree majoring in Mental Health Counseling from Carlos Albizu University. Ms. Hernandez has worked with clients in a variety of settings, providing treatment to patients who suffer from chronic and severe mental illness. Barbara’s cultural background is Hispanic and she speaks Spanish fluently.
David Levin (LCSW, CMHP, CAP)
David was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; however, considers himself a native Floridian after moving here in 1976. He earned his Bachelors Degree in the field of Social Work from Florida Atlantic University, in Boca Raton, FL., and his Masters Degree in Social Work from Barry University, located in Miami Shores, FL. David is recognized and certified by the State of Florida as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Mental Health Professional. Additionally, David is recognized and certified both statewide and internationally as a Certified Addictions Professional. The focus of David’s research in both his Undergraduate and Graduate Programs was chemical dependency, and he is extremely passionate and devoted to helping individuals afflicted with chemical dependency.
Dr. Laura Marullo (Psy.D)
Laura B. Marullo, Psy.D is a clinician in the dual- diagnosis program and is also a Qualified Supervisor MHC. Laura received her Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology from Carlos Albizu University. Laura has a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Barry University and Carlos Albizu University both located in Miami, Florida. Laura brings over 18 years of clinical experience having her own private practice serving individual and family therapy with adults, adolescents, and children with a wide range of mental health issues, substance abuse, and physical/developmental disabilities. Laura also has provided individual and group therapy for voluntary, EAP, DUI, Drug Court clients.
David LeClair (B.A., M.S.W., L.C.S.W)
David is a clinician in our Traditional Addictions Program. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida. He is also recognized by the State of Florida as a Certified Addiction Professional. Mr. Leclair has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Empire State College with a major in Human Development. David also holds a Master’s of Social Work degree from Barry University. He has nearly 20 years of experience working with addicts, alcoholics, ex-offenders and clients with co-occurring disorders.
Edi Hernandez (BS, M.S., N.C.C.)
Edi is a primary clinician that specializes in treating clients in our Dual Diagnosis Program (A person who has both an alcohol or drug problem and an emotional/psychiatric problem is said to have a dual diagnosis.) She earned her bachelors degree at the University of Florida with a major in psychology and a minor in religious studies. Ms. Hernandez holds a Masters of Science degree from Barry University with the dual specializations of marriage, family & couples therapy and mental health counseling. She is also recognized as a nationally certified counselor. Edi is highly skilled in working with clients who are seeking spiritual or religious guidance. Ms. Hernandez has extensive experience working with clients of all ages.
Charlotte Day (B.M., C.A.P.)
Charlotte is a primary clinician that specializes in treating clients in our Christian Addictions Program. Ms. Day obtained her bachelors degree in Music and Vocal Performance from Houston Baptist University. She is also recognized by the state of Florida as a Certified Addictions Professional. Charlotte is the founder of The Community Women’s Restoration Ministry in Pompano Beach, Florida and is a featured Christian speaker for various retreats and faith based organizations. Ms. Day specializes in addictions education, Christian counseling, Biblical studies, and the twelve-step model of addictions rehabilitation. She has been a spiritual leader in the North Broward community for over a dozen years.
Amber Landfield (B.A., C.A.C., C.A.P.)
Amber is a primary clinician that specializes in treating clients in our Traditional Addictions Program. Ms. Landfield earned her bachelors degree at Union Institute and University with a major in social work graduating Magna Cum Laude. She is also recognized as a certified addictions counselor by the state of Florida and is a Certified Addictions
Professional (CAP - Internationally recognized). Amber specializes in addressing relationship/family problems, mood and addictive disorders utilizing a humanistic, client centered approach.
Mike Maddaloni (C.A.C.)
Mike is a primary clinician in our Traditional Addictions Program and Aftercare program. Mr. Maddaloni is certified by the state of Florida as an addictions counselor. Mike’s educational background combines both addiction studies and social work. He began his tenure at The Recovery Place as a substance abuse technician where he quickly began pursuing his education in addiction studies. His passion, dedication and hard work have resulted in multiple promotional opportunities within the organization including technician supervisor, safety officer, and medication coordinator. Michael specializes in treating young adults with severe addictions problems.
John Reeck
John is the primary clinician assigned to clients during the Residential phase of their treatment. Mr. Reeck initially began his career at The Recovery Place working on our Technical team. His passion, devotion, and commitment to excellence propelled this young man very quickly to a position of Residential Housing Supervisor. His gifts in working with clients new to the treatment process were evident and word quickly spread that the message and character of John’s counsel was precious.
Janet Johnson
Janet joined The Recovery Place team as a chemical dependency technician where she demonstrated her passion for assisting clients afflicted with substance abuse and mental health issues. Through providing continued support to the clients she was given the opportunity to become the Lead Technician for the Residential Treatment clients. Janet is a Certified Addiction Counselor and is continuing her education to obtain a Bachelor degree from Union Institute. She is now serving The Recovery Place as our Intensive Outpatient Clinician where she works with clients who are residing in the community and attending treatment in the continuum of care.
Tatiana Dallos
Tatiana received her Bachelors Degree in psychology from the University of Florida and Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Ms. Dallos has worked with a diverse population individuals and families. Her wide range of experience includes working with clients afflicted with relationship problems, family dysfunction, substance abuse issues, sexual trauma, and eating disorders. In describing her therapeutic approach, Tatiana states “I believe in a client-centered, humanistic therapy approach. I believe that the way to create success is to provide individualized treatment tailored to the needs, character and cultural background of the client. I endeavor to create a secure, nurturing environment where my clients can achieve growth through genuine, unconditional positive regard, and empathic understanding.” Ms. Dallos is fluent in Spanish and English.
Daniel Plotkin
Dan first started at The Recovery Place two years ago working as a Housing Support Technician. Dan demonstrated organizational skills and an exceptional ability to work with clients. He was promoted to a case management position and once again was quickly promoted to be the Lead Case Manager overseeing the Case Management department. Dan is currently pursuing an Addictions Counselor Certification as he continues his education in Addiction Studies. Dan is now serving as our Lead Case Manager and our Aftercare Clinician.