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 recently 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.
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.
Diane Montalbano, CFO
Diane has been a critical care registered nurse for over 20 years. She served as a nurse manager at Broward General Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where she was the recipient of multiple customer service awards. For the past seven years, Diane has been a director and a managing partner of Holly's place, Inc., a one hundred bed collection of housing facilities for women in recovery from addiction. These facilities provide the necessary transition that most recovering addicts require in order to regain the ability to fully function. As an advocate for women in recovery, she has not only provided support and compassion for those suffering from the grips of drug and alcohol dependence, she has provided the means to make their transition from treatment to recovery possible
Jonathan Sobelman, COO
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.