Meet The Team

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Addiction and Mental Health Treatment

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Our Team Is Here For You

We are a multidisciplinary treatment team comprised of professional clinicians, medical experts, psychiatric specialists, and behavioral health practitioners. Our collaborative approach is essential in addressing our clients’ comprehensive needs—physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. Our clinical staff is well-versed in the latest interventions and modalities, equipped with up-to-date knowledge on treating specific populations and effectively managing co-occurring issues. Regardless of the nature of your behavioral health concerns, we are committed to providing support throughout the recovery process.

Executive

Joshua Scott

Chief Executive Officer

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Joshua Scott

Chief Executive Officer

Joshua Scott is an experienced healthcare executive, who has a proven record of designing and implementing intervention and treatment strategies for individuals suffering from alcohol and drug dependence, as well as eating disorders. Joshua is the founder of Guardian Recovery, and is an active member of the Delray Beach Drug Task Force. Joshua has assembled a dynamic team of therapists, clinicians, and medical professionals to help those struggling with substance use disorders progress through all phases of the recovery process. Residing in South Florida with his wife and three children, he travels and works throughout the United States.

Marco Merida, MBA

President & Board Member

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Marco Merida, MBA

President & Board Member

Marco Merida has an extensive career working with startups and Fortune 100s alike to build efficient operations that support expedient growth. Leveraging his strategic consulting experience in Manhattan, he has developed, executed, and sustained strategic corporate initiatives focused on building a stable infrastructure, nurturing innovation, and delivering against differentiated value propositions to rapidly scale firms without compromising customer satisfaction or core values. His expertise spans across strategy, marketing, operations, business development, systems design, and implementation. He is recognized as a cross-functional team leader with a relaxed management style and a proven ability to drive innovation. He cultivates high performing teams that can drive excellence into all aspects of the business. Marco holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from Georgetown University in Washington DC. Marco has a wife and two children at home in Florida. As a family, they enjoy traveling abroad and always take full advantage of their Florida lifestyle.

Ross Donahue, LCSW, MHA, MCAP, CRRA

Chief Administrative Officer

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Ross Donahue, LCSW, MHA, MCAP, CRRA

Chief Administrative Officer

Ross Donahue joined the Guardian Recovery team in 2020 with more than 13 years of experience in the substance misuse and mental health fields, spanning all levels of care, all departments, and a wide range of client demographics.

The majority of Ross’ career has been focused on developing staff, departments, and organizations to be more efficient and to improve inter-departmental collaboration. Ross is passionate about the administrative functions within addiction treatment and the ways in which these initiatives have a positive impact on the client experience, staff, and organization.

Ross holds an Associate’s in Addiction Counseling, a Bachelor’s in Psychology, a Master’s in Social Work, and a Master’s in Health Administration.

He is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Master’s Level Certified Addictions Professional, Qualified Supervisor, and Certified Recovery Residence Administrator.

Justin Williams

Chief Financial Officer

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Justin Williams

Chief Financial Officer

Justin Williams is responsible for the design and implementation of business strategies, plans, and procedures to meet objectives for company growth. Justin earned degrees in Accounting and Finance from the University of Maryland RH Smith School of Business. He adds 10 years of business operations expertise to the executive team, with experience in the public accounting, IT, legal, and healthcare industries. Justin is the Chief Financial Officer for all Guardian Recovery locations.

Ryan Soave, LMHC

Chief Clinical Officer

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Ryan Soave, LMHC

Chief Clinical Officer

Ryan Soave brings deep experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, certified trauma therapist, program developer, and research consultant for Huberman Lab at Stanford University Department of Neurobiology. Following graduation from Wake Forest University, Ryan quickly discovered his acumen for the business world. After almost a decade of successful entrepreneurship and world traveling, he encountered a wave of personal and spiritual challenges; he felt a calling for something more. Ryan returned to school and completed his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. When he started working with those suffering from addiction and PTSD, he found his passion. He has never looked back.

Ryan has trained extensively in many experiential and therapeutic modalities including yoga, yoga nidra, meditation, somatic experiencing, EMDR, and breath-work. He has worked with thousands of clients with complex PTSD, designed and facilitated workshops for thousands of participants, and been asked to speak at national conferences as an expert in the treatment of trauma and addiction. He has been invited several times to lead meditations for members and staffers of the United States Congress. Ryan brings passion, commitment, and joy to his work. He believes the addiction and trauma treatment process is an uncovering, during which the individual remembers his or her true self.

Charrisse Clark-Smith, RN

Chief Nursing Officer

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Charrisse Clark-Smith, RN

Chief Nursing Officer

Charrisse Clark-Smith is a cherished member of the medical team at Guardian Recovery. With more than 20 years of experience as a nurse, Charrisse leads by example with passion and conviction. Charrisse is a member of ASAM, SAMSHA, ANA, and FNA, and she continues her education and training through CEUs, workshops, trainings, ANCC, seminars, and college, focusing on mental health and substance misuse.

Dr. Tamer Wassef, MD

Chief Medical Officer

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Dr. Tamer Wassef, MD

Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Wassef is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in adult psychiatry. Dr. Wassef completed his fellowship training at the University of Pennsylvania. He has more than 15 years of experience in Treating mental illness and addiction . He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) for addiction and general psychiatry. , He is also board certified in addiction medicine. He also has the distinction of being a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He was serving as Chief of Psychiatry and chairman for psychiatry department at RWJ Barnabas Somerville Hospital. Dr. Wassef has lectured nationally on resistant depression, substance abuse treatment and pain management in chemically dependent patients, and has published several journal articles on severe anxiety, bipolar treatment and treatment of chronic resistant depression

Kenny Silver

Vice President of Treatment Services

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Kenny Silver

Vice President of Treatment Services

After embarking on his recovery journey in 2010, Kenny Silver quickly developed a passion for helping others. Kenny began working in the addiction treatment industry in 2011 and has experience in program development, addiction within the family system, and community outreach. While working on daily operations with the clinical, medical, 12-Step, and associated care team departments, Kenny enjoys witnessing the return to health for clients in the treatment continuum. Kenny provides a valuable degree of personal and professional experience to the Guardian Recovery community.

Maks Danilin

Chief Revenue Officer

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Maks Danilin

Chief Revenue Officer

Maks Danilin is the Chief Revenue Officer at Guardian Recovery, where he offers extensive experience in the healthcare sector and expertise in innovative addiction treatment programs. His career in healthcare was inspired by his personal recovery journey, leading him to pivotal roles in the industry, including his work with Aware Recovery Care, where he transformed in-home addiction treatment into a widely recognized, insurance-reimbursable service. At Guardian Recovery, Maks focuses on strengthening relationships with payers, reducing administrative burdens, and expanding access to care through new service lines and virtual offerings. His visionary approach to value-based care and partnerships with health plans aligns perfectly with Guardian Recovery's mission to provide exceptional behavioral health services across the nation.

DJ Prince, MBA

Vice President of Marketing

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DJ Prince, MBA

Vice President of Marketing

DJ Prince serves as the Vice President of Marketing at Guardian Recovery, bringing a wealth of experience from his tenure at various addiction treatment centers where he spearheaded marketing initiatives. Over recent years, he has carved out a niche for himself as a recognized authority in addiction treatment marketing, mastering platforms like Google Ads, SEO, and social media. DJ holds an MBA from the Warrington College of Business, University of Florida, further solidifying his expertise in the field.

Suzanne Simmons

Senior Vice President of Growth

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Suzanne Simmons

Senior Vice President of Growth

Suzanne Simmons is the Senior Vice President of Growth at Guardian Recovery. With 20 years of experience in healthcare management and a strong background in both large healthcare systems and private equity-backed companies, Suzanne has a proven track record of driving organizational growth and improving patient care. Her career began in the nonprofit sector in Oregon, but in 2019 she transitioned to a for-profit, private-equity-backed environment where she honed her skills in fast-paced, decision-making roles. At Guardian Recovery, Suzanne focuses on expanding mental health services across new and existing markets, including the development of virtual platforms to increase accessibility for underserved populations. Suzanne is committed to making mental healthcare more accessible and innovative, aligning with Guardian Recovery's mission to provide comprehensive and compassionate care nationwide.

Jessica Moretti

Vice Preisdent of Human Resources

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Jessica Moretti

Vice Preisdent of Human Resources

Jessica Moretti joined the Guardian Recovery team in 2015 and assumed the role of HR Manager in 2016. Jessica is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, where she received a BA in Psychology and a minor in Business.

Ryan Newman

Vice President of Admissions

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Ryan Newman

Vice President of Admissions

Ryan Newman is originally from Massachusetts and has been living and working in the behavioral healthcare industry since 2016. He successfully completed two combat deployments as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Ryan’s personal experience both in and out of sobriety have allowed him the ability to become an effective asset within the Guardian Recovery amily. As a member of the admissions team, Ryan is on the front lines of addiction. He is responsible for properly admitting new clients into adequate centers that best suit their needs.

Admissions

Brianna Bricken

Admissions Manager

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Brianna Bricken

Admissions Manager

Brianna Bricken is originally from Connecticut and has been working in the behavioral healthcare industry since 2013. She moved to South Florida in 2011 after struggling to overcome her own addiction. Brianna quickly found a passion for helping others, especially women in the community. Having worked in multiple different positions within the behavioral healthcare field, she brings understanding and knowledge to her role in admissions. Brianna also offers two years of experience in admissions prior to joining the Guardian Recovery family. She is responsible for building rapport with new clients and properly admitting them to the best facility to suit their needs. Brianna is finishing her Bachelors Degree in Criminology at Florida Atlantic University and plans to use this degree to continue to help others.

Michael Audette

Treatment Advisor

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Michael Audette

Treatment Advisor

Michael Audette is a native of Massachusetts where he was a Mason Contractor for over 10 years. After personally committing to sobriety in 2010, Michael discovered his passion for assisting other individuals who struggle with substance misuse. Michael began working in the behavioral healthcare field in 2013 with a commitment to ethics, compassion, and empathy. It is because of these shared commitments that Michael joined Guardian Recovery in 2018 with multiple years of experience as an admissions coordinator. Michael provides the same hope, recovery, and wellness that was once offered to him by assisting individuals, families, and professionals with identifying and securing appropriate treatment placement and professional care.

Steve Gerber

Treatment Advisor

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Steve Gerber

Treatment Advisor

Originally from New Jersey, Steve Gerber has been living in Florida since 2013. He got his start in the behavioral healthcare industry in 2016, when he worked in the admissions department of a local treatment facility. Steve began his journey with Guardian Recovery in 2021. He strongly believes in Guardian's full continuum of clinical care and the truly individualized treatment services it provides to each of its clients. When he isn't working, Steve spends his free time fishing and enjoying the great outdoors with his dog, Ollie.

Ashley Holland

Treatment Advisor

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Ashley Holland

Treatment Advisor

Ashley Holland, who was born and raised in Clearwater, FL, located to South Florida in 2011 to begin her personal journey of addiction recovery. She quickly developed a passion for helping others and became inspired to pass along the hope she had been given to those in the same position she was once in. She has been actively working in the addiction treatment field since 2015. Ashley remains dedicated to sharing her experiences and her message of recovery, showing others that long-term sobriety is possible. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her friends and family, experiencing new adventures, keeping up with fitness, and going on vacations.

Gregory Catik

Treatment Advisor

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Gregory Catik

Treatment Advisor

Gregory Catik, a New York native, worked as a property and casualty broker for 10 years after earning his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Siena College in 2004. His passion for helping others coupled with his personal experience with addiction and the treatment process have afforded him the opportunity to help others in a similar position.

Timothy Choquette

Treatment Advisor

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Timothy Choquette

Treatment Advisor

Tim Choquette moved from Massachusetts to Florida 11 years ago and began his personal journey of addiction recovery. Tim started working for Guardian Recovery in 2022 after strengthening his own recovery program. He understands the difficulties families face when a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, and he is committed to working with our clients and their family members as they navigate their own recovery.

Alumni

Mary Coates

Director of Alumni Services

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Mary Coates

Director of Alumni Services

Mary Coates recently joined the Guardian Recovery team in the role of Director of Alumni Services. With more than 25 years of corporate communications experience at companies such as IBM, WeightWatchers, and Pitney Bowes, Mary is excited to combine her skillset with her passion for addiction recovery. Her predominant goal is to build real connections within the Guardian Recovery alumni community. Mary is a former resident of Connecticut who moved to South Florida in 2017.

Tim Jonathan

Alumni Outreach- NJ

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Tim Jonathan

Alumni Outreach- NJ

Tim Jonathan was born and raised in New Jersey. He was inspired by his own journey in recovery and sought to get involved in the field of addiction in a professional capacity. He recently joined our Alumni team in a regionally based capacity, representing our team in his home state of NJ, and putting a face to a name for Alumni Services at all of Guardian Recovery’s locations in the state. Tim has personal experience and knowledge of the client side of treatment, 12-Step recovery programs, and the pressing need for alumni to have a network to plug into once they’ve left one of our facilities. His goal is to bring Guardian Recovery alumni together on a regular cadence for the purposes of staying in touch, maintaining connections, and building fellowship among peers in recovery. He understands the difficulties families face when a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder and is committed to working with both our alumni and their loved ones as they chart their new paths.

Alex Singer

Alumni Outreach

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Alex Singer

Alumni Outreach

Originally from Philadelphia, Alex Singer moved to Florida in early 2015 to start his own path to recovery. Shortly after building a foundation for his own sobriety, he developed a passion for helping others and began working in the field of addiction and mental health in several different capacities – first as a BHT, then as a recovery advocate, and most recently in a supervisory position as Lead Counselor Assistant for the last several years. He began his work with Guardian Recovery in late 2022. Using his own experiences as someone in recovery who has also worked in the field, he is able to offer an empathetic approach with alumni, assisting them with reacclimating to society. If they are struggling, he can hlpe them get back on the right path. Alex has a deep understanding of the difficulties that the disease of addiction can have on both the conflicted individual as well as their loved ones, having been on both sides of this disease. Alex holds a Bachelors of Applied Science and will be pursuing his MBA. In his downtime, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, fishing, cooking, and practicing Brazilian jui jitsu.

Hallie Watkins

Alumni Outreach

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Hallie Watkins

Alumni Outreach

Hallie Watkins is originally from Columbus, GA. She moved to Delray Beach in 2022 where she began her treatment through Guardian Recovery. Hallie recently joined our Alumni team where she is able to assist Guardian Recovery alumni in their recovery journey using her “voice of experience” and her gift of empathy. Her personal growth in the recovery process has created a passion for “being there” for others seeking sobriety, as well as their networks of friends and family. Some of her greatest desires are to help others learn andgrow and to be an example of how to lead a fulfilling life in sobriety.

Dimitrios Bakes

Alumni Outreach

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Dimitrios Bakes

Alumni Outreach

Originally from Connecticut, Dimitrios Bakes is a person in recovery and a Guardian Recovery alumnus. Dimitri has worked within the recovery community for over five years as an Emergency Department Recovery Coach for the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery. He was also a recovery coach and research affiliate for Yale University’s School of Emergency Medicine’s SafetyNet program, and he serves as the Manager of Individual Support Services for Herren Project. He is a recent graduate from Gateway Community College’s DARC program and is working toward his CAC State Certification. Dimitri is also the co-founder of Hope for Recovery, a local nonprofit he runs with his wife. The organization's Bubbie’s Place service offers free, temporary foster care pet placement for those seeking treatment. He enjoys traveling, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his family and dogs. His passion is working with people, especially those with substance use disorders and animals. Dimitri deeply believes in the power and benefits of peer support and connection as well as the idea that “Transformed People, Transform People.”

Administration

Danielle Sharp

Director of Revenue Management

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Danielle Sharp

Director of Revenue Management

Originally from Colorado, Danielle Sharp moved to South Florida in 2012 to pursue her personal life in recovery. Danielle has worked in the substance use and mental health field for the past 7 years and has been a part of the Guardian Recovery family since 2015. Prior to specializing in the substance use field, Danielle worked in a different sector of healthcare for 8 years. Danielle has had the opportunity to use her personal and professional experience as a compassionate guide for our clients and their loved ones. Danielle’s commitment to the well-being of each of our clients has transitioned her job responsibilities from admissions to client financial advocacy. As Director of Revenue Management, Danielle works with our clients, their families, and their insurance providers to support continued services while also working closely with our clinical teams to ensure proper clinical treatment planning.

Sophia Shellman

Data Entry

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Sophia Shellman

Data Entry

Sophia Shellman joined our team with enthusiasm and excitement. Although this was an industry different from her previous profession, she connected with colleagues and has become dedicated to being a part of our mission.

Sarah Babaa

Continuing Care/Concierge Account Manager

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Sarah Babaa

Continuing Care/Concierge Account Manager

Sarah Babaa has worked in substance use treatment for the past 10 years, acting in key management and operational roles. With experience in admissions, program operations, case management, and alumni, Sarah understands the importance of providing quality care for the success and well-being of our clients and their families. As Manager of Strategic Projects, Sarah has focused heavily on developing an alumni program that provides resources as well as a safe, supportive community following our clients’ completion of treatment. Sarah also works with our management teams to improve efficiency and ensure continued optimal client care across all programs and services.

Leah Scharf

Business Development

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Leah Scharf

Business Development

Leah Scharf came to Guardian Recovery with eight years of professional nursing experience and expertise in marketing and business development. Because of her commitment to clinical and business excellence, she has formed long-lasting relationships with doctors, case managers, discharge planners, social workers, hospitals, facility operators, administrators, and owners throughout the treatment industry. This strong network of contacts will greatly benefit her as she helps Guardian Recovery to grow, progress, and innovate. She is a team player committed to helping build consistent revenue and growth, while maintaining the highest standards of service for our clients and their families.

Alexis Rossi, LCSW, CAP

Utilization Review and Compliance Manager

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Alexis Rossi, LCSW, CAP

Utilization Review and Compliance Manager

Alexis Rossi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has over 10 years of experience in the behavioral health and addiction recovery field. She has worked in numerous roles and settings within the field including crisis interventionist, therapist, program manager, and clinical director. In her role as Utilization Review and Compliance Manager, she is responsible for maintaining quality service through adhering to quality service standards, analyzing and resolving quality and client service concerns, and recommending system improvements. She is dedicated to ensuring each client and family served by our organization has the best care possible throughout their entire treatment experience.

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