Operations
Nicholas Vacarino
Executive Director
Nick works with patients on a daily basis to connect with them and help them find long-term recovery. Through the connections he builds with patients and their peers, he generates a culture of sobriety and caring for one another.
Amanda Dinatale
Client Care Coordinator
Amanda plays an important role in patient care. For four years she has worked at our facility, ensuring patients receive comprehensive treatment. From scheduling therapy sessions, to making sure each client has everything they need, Amanda cares for each client with dignity and respect.
Carlos Farina
First Responders and Veterans Program Director
MS, MCAP, NBCCH
Carlos Farina has over 26 years of clinical and consulting experience and received his Master’s degree in counseling psychology from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida with a specialty in behavioral modification. He completed his clinical training and internship at Fairbanks Oaks Psychiatric Hospital in Palm Beach County, Florida. He provided clinical services in both adult and adolescent psychiatric and chemical dependency units. Read More
He is also a 30 year law enforcement veteran with Broward County Sheriff’s Department where he served in road patrol, staff clinician with the department’s psychological services division where he offered his clinical services to all law enforcement officers and their families. During his time with the department’s psychological unit, he conducted numerous officer post- critical incident briefings, these included line of duty deaths, post-shootings incidents, suicides,and other trauma-related cases. His extensive background also includes department in-service training instructor, Broward County Police Academy Criminal Justice Institute Instructor, and a certified trainer for the criminal justice and stands training commission. Carlos is a highly respected professional among first responders and counseling communities, committed to the recovery and mental health among our veterans and first responders.
James Samuels
Facility Management
James has worked with The Haven Detox for seven years. He specializes in crisis prevention, risk management, and ensuring patient safety. James plays a vital role supervising the Behavioral Health Technician staff and day-to-day operations.
Mike Lazar
Alumni Coordinator
Mike Lazar is an Alumni Coordinator at The Haven and an advocate for trauma-informed treatment. Mike has over 6 years in recovery himself. Because of his experience, he is able to connect with the clients on a unique level and walk with the clients through the same process that he went through.
MEDICAL
Dr. Ignatov
Medical Director / Psychiatrist
M.D.
With decades of professional experience, Dr. Ignatov’s diversity in the field of psychiatry and addiction medicine has garnered him respect and recognition among colleagues. Known for his endless passion and versatility, Dr. Ignatov uses innovative, yet common-sense approaches to treatment. His expertise in the addiction process, understanding of multicultural spiritual traditions and knowledge of advanced medication management techniques have helped countless people with their unique experiences to restore balance, achieve stability and continue moving up through the various levels of life. Read More
Dr. Ignatov is the New York’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine psychiatry residency graduate. He also completed the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Miami School of Medicine and has the forensic examiner’s credentials from the University of Florida. Dr. Ignatov is board-certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in General Psychiatry and by American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) in Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Vladislava Culina
Psychiatrist
M.D.
Dr. Culina, MD is a Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine specialist. She is Board-Certified in General Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Addiction Medicine and the American Board of Preventive Medicine. She has been practicing psychiatry for more than 30 years. She received her Medical degree at University of Belgrade, Yugoslavia and completed residency training in Neurology and Psychiatry at University of Belgrade. In 2007, Dr. Culina completed her Psychiatry residency training at the University of Miami. She was Chief Resident and was awarded the VA Outstanding Chief Resident Leadership Award. Dr. Culina has over ten years of experience in the field of addiction.
Stacy Riordan
Director of Nursing
RN, BSN
For over 14 years, Stacy has worked with patients struggling with psychiatric conditions. Stacy specializes in co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. Stacy focuses on patient well-being and guides our nursing team to excellence in care.
Ross Fultz
Assistant Director of Nursing
Ross has been working in detox and substance abuse RN for over 10 years. His approach to nursing care is individualized and attentive. He specializes in detail-oriented assessment for each patient’s care/ quality needs as it pertains to medical. His direct contact with the medical director and providers ensures ease of crisis resolution during detox and/or residential levels of care.
Taylor Ellis
Nursing
Taylor is one of our valuable nurses who works with clients directly to ensure their comfort, medical stability, and quality of care. Taylor is an important part of our staff and continues to exhibit excellence and strength in caring for her patients.
Sanon Edmond
Nurse Practitioner
Sanon Edmond is a certified Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner at the Haven Detox where he provides individualized, high quality and holistic care to our patients during their recovery process. He attended State University of Haiti Medical and received his Doctor of Medicine and practiced medicine in Haiti for 10 years. He continued to pursue his dream and passion for medicine by attending Florida International University’s program for Foreign Educated Physician to become Nurse Practitioner in 2020.
CLINICAL
Michele Vacarino
Clinical Director
Michele Vacarino is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Dual Masters Degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling and Mental Health Counseling. In order to better diagnose and promote recovery of her clients, Michele obtained post graduate education and certifications in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Michele has applied her extensive clinical skills to diverse client populations including working for the VA with returning Iraq and Afghanistan disabled war veterans. She takes an empathetic and solution-focused approach toward helping individuals lead more productive and healthy lifestyles.
Cheryl Hallett
Primary Therapist
MSW, LCSW
Cheryl Hallett, MSW, LCSW, received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. During her educational career and clinical experience, Cheryl has worked with various populations throughout the life span; children on the autism spectrum, adults with behavioral and mental health needs, families engaged in the child welfare system, and family caregivers. Cheryl’s primary experience has focused on substance use treatment, LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care, and bereavement. Read More
Cheryl enjoys creating a safe space for clients to engage in individual therapy, in addition to, facilitating open communication, providing psychoeducation, and promoting group cohesion in group therapy. Cheryl believes in the inherent worth and value of every human being and strives to help each client embrace their own truth.
Jose Soler
Clinical Therapist
MCP
Jose received his Masters in Clinical Psychology and has been working with The Haven Detox for over two years. He specialized in treatment of anxiety and depression, as they relate to substance abuse disorders. Through evidence based treatment models, Jose helps his patients find a life of healing and success.
Theresa Gahren
Therapist
Theresa Gahren is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. Theresa holds undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice, and Psychology; graduate degrees in Liberal Studies and Social Work; and is working toward her doctorate degree. Theresa specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Theresa takes a Person-Centered and Solution-Focused approach in helping our clients succeed in their recovery journey; helping them to become their best possible selves. Theresa is a former Police Officer and Deputy Sheriff who is committed to the mental health and well being of our Veterans, and First Responders.
Karen Gouws
Therapist
LMHC-S
Karen Gouws, LMHC-S, is a Certified Trauma Professional, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, and EMDR Therapist. She specializes in PTSD, C-PTSDS, and grief. She is also a fully trained and registered Play Therapist for adults and children which allows her to bring a fun, and creative component to her trauma work. Karen takes a Person-Centered approach, and uses evidenced-based treatment modalities to gently guide her clients with curiosity and unlimited compassion, to address their traumas, resolve longstanding limiting beliefs, and find joy and success in their lives again.
Josie Rhoads
Therapist
LCSW
Josie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Consultant in Training and a Qualified Clinical Supervisor. She is the Clinical Director at Coastal Therapy & Wellness, overseeing the practice and the Student Intern program.
Josie has experience working with clients on a wide range of mental health and behavioral issues, however has a special interest in conditions associated with traumatic experiences. Josie uses a specialized and extremely effective approach called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR activates the brain’s natural healing abilities to reprocess past experiences that may be deeply rooted in the client’s current issues. EMDR is unique as it allows clients to resolve their emotional issues without having to “talk” through all the details. Many clients describe the EMDR experience as a profound and rapid solution that helps them to improve their symptoms and positive outlook on their life.
OUTREACH
Ralph Johnson
Director of Marketing
Ralph has worked for The Haven Detox for over six years. Through his nationwide networking and relationship building, Ralph helps to coordinate aftercare planning for patients. With his wide array of connections and experience helping people find long-term recovery, Ralph is a pivotal part of our team.
