The Leadership Team
John Cates, CEO
John Cates is the founder and CEO of John’s Place, Inc the first and only treatment program to provide substance abuse services exclusively to the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Mr. Cates is also the CEO and owner of the Recovery Place, a private treatment facility offering an array of services located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. John began his journey in the treatment industry as a substance abuse technician and was awarded with increasing promotional opportunities at various facilities touching most every junior, mid level management, and senior executive position. Mr. Cates earned his way to the position of Chief Operating Officer with a local treatment organization, prior to beginning his own treatment program in May, 2007. Over the course of nine years John has helped to develop several successful treatment facilities in South Florida. He has been provided with the distinction of becoming a qualified professional in the State of Florida, earning his certification as an addiction professional. Additionally John was given the honor of joining the Substance Abuse Advisory Board which helps to shape public policy regarding substance abuse matters for Broward County. Recently John has also become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the State of California (CADAC), an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CCBADC, ICADC), a member of the board of directors of Susan B. Anthony, and a member of the board of directors of B.A.R.C. (Broward County Substance Abuse Advisory Board).
John is a true leader and patient advocate in the substance abuse treatment industry. His passion stems from his natural desire and ability to help others, help themselves. Though John has held several executive positions at various treatment centers, it is not uncommon to see him communicating with a person or family member in crisis, desperate for help. John also loves working directly with clients, providing special individual work to those needing motivational enhancement at the most critical stages in their recovery.
Mr. Cates is also always interested in increasing awareness of the disease of addiction to the general public. He frequently provides in-service discussions with national and local facilities to explain the most effective treatment options and to help shatter the stigma associated with those in recovery. John especially empathizes with people struggling in their addiction because he is an example of all that a person in recovery can become with hard work and determination. Once a successful attorney, John’s life became unmanageable due to an addiction. His career, family and freedom were all taken from him. Realizing the gift of treatment saved his life, he began his mission of helping others. This example forces newly sober clients to see the realm of possibilities available to them once they follow treatment recommendations coupled with a 12 step recovery plan.
Jonathan Sobelman, Executive Director
Jonathan’s diverse background includes multiple positions in the managed care, mental health, and substance abuse treatment industries. He attained both his Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and Master of Business Administration degrees locally at Nova Southeastern University. Jonathan is licensed as a Mental Health Counselor and a qualified supervisor in the state of Florida. He is dedicated to the mission of providing the highest standards of client care and continuous quality improvement. Additionally, Mr. Sobelman is an experienced therapist who understands the importance of assessing the client's most significant needs and matching them with the most appropriate level of treatment.
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
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 holds a Masters of Science degree specializing in the area of Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Patrick is a Certified Mental Health Professional and Certified Addictions Professional in the State of Florida. 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.
Pamela Hand, Program Director
Ms. Hand received both her bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. Pam is a Certified Addictions Professional and a Certified Addiction Prevention Specialist in the State of Florida. Pamela has served as a substance abuse and mental health counselor for over 12 years and has worked in a variety of settings. Her extensive experience includes working with some of the most complicated, treatment resistant populations including those with criminal backgrounds, the persistently mentally ill, and the homeless.
Peggy Robinson, Director of Utilization Review
Peggy is the Director of Utilization Review and is primarily responsible for overseeing the department which communicates with insurers that provide treatment authorization. Her staff includes seasoned, experienced clinicians who are charged with providing managed care companies accurate medical and clinical information for ongoing treatment approval. Dr. Robinson received her degree of Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California at Irvine; her degree of Master of Science in Clinical/Community Psychology from the California State University at Fullerton; and her degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Education and Supervision from St. Mary’s University of San Antonio, Texas. She holds master level licensure in the states of Florida and California. Peggy has taught graduate and undergraduate courses as adjunct faculty, provided individual and couples therapy in private practice utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and managed court-referred adolescent residential programs.