Professional Experienced Addiction Treatment Staff

Treatment Alternatives Center has over 25 years of experience treating those who are suffering from the misuse of substances, primarily drugs and alcohol. We are proud of the tenured and caring professionals we have assembled at Treatment Alternatives Center of Boca Raton, Florida.

Each team member possess the experience and compassion that is so crucial to the successful addiction treatment outcomes of our clients. Following is a complete bio of each Treatment Alternatives professional staff member.

Steve Manko's personal journey of recovery is the story of one man's belief in the American dream. The dream that one can come back from the destruction of chemical dependency and build a life that makes a difference. Steve has plenty of what it takes - courage, determination, and especially concern for others.

His story is a voyage from business and personal success at the highest levels of society to one of self-destruction and the depths of addiction. One morning he awakened to the reality that he had lost everything. That he was, in fact, powerless. This was a very bitter pill for Steve to swallow.

After a search for reputable treatment centers, he selected South Florida and the Hanley-Hazelden Center, recognizing Hazelden as the great pioneer in the field. Here he received the help he needed and slowly began to reclaim his life and his dignity. After obtaining sobriety, Steve decided not to return home but rather to remain in Florida where his sober support system was.

It didn't take long for him to recognize what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. Steve began to reach out to others with his personal story as well as with his dream and model of recovery. Now, 20 years later, 30 rehabilitation facilities exist in this area as the result of this vision and passion.

His programs embrace people at every level of recovery and in every socioeconomic parallel with an unprecedented success rate. The synergetic effects of Steve's efforts in South Florida have resulted in this area becoming the largest recovery community in the World.

Recently Steve won a major case in Federal Court for discrimination against disabled persons; the millions of addicts and alcoholics, both in an out of recovery, that suffer from this life destructive disease. This epidemic in America has untold costs. It took 5 years and millions of dollars plus the emotional and financial drain on Steve and his family. As a result of his commitment to stay the fight, Federal law now protects the rights of recovering men and women in new ways. They can no longer be treated as outcasts but rather can live anywhere within the very communities they are becoming contributing members of. This legal victory is, perhaps, the greatest legacy of the man we call Steve Manko.

Alana Manko is the heart and soul of Treatment Alternatives Center and oversees the daily operations. She came to the United States from Russia and worked as a professional in the financial sector designing the planning and implementation of long term financial security for others.

Alana attributes her success in work and in life to her deep and genuine compassion for others. Operating from a true level of integrity, she tirelessly works with those who come to Treatment Alternatives Center in search for a better way to live. Today Treatment Alternatives Center is her passion, and she is proud to be actively involved in an industry that is directly responsible for contributing to the betterment of individuals and society as a whole.

Having accomplished much in her own life, Alana's enthusiasm, leadership and zest for life, is a wonderful example to those who come to Treatment Alternatives Center, and especially our women clients, of how anyone can accomplish any goal they set for themselves in life, once they make a decision.

Dr. Barry M. Gregory Ed.D., M.Ed., LMHC, NCC is the Clinical Administrator at Treatment Alternatives. He has over 15 years of academic, clinical, training and research experiences in the mental health and addictions fields. He has served as the Assistant Director of the FAU Substance Abuse Counseling Center, as a faculty member at colleges and universities, as Director of Outpatient and Residential Services at a Community Mental Health Facility, as Coordinator for a Substance Abuse Treatment Program in a Jail, and as Clinical Director of a private psychiatric and addiction treatment center.

Dr. Gregory is well-known for his expertise in evidence-based addiction and mental health treatments for young adults including state-of-the-art treatments like Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies. He uses highly effective motivational enhancement strategies to engage and retain individuals and families in treatment that have been impacted by the devastation of alcohol and drug addiction. He brings a wealth of practical clinical experiences and a deep sense of compassion to each and every client and family and goes the extra mile to help people find hope and solutions for life’s toughest problems. In short, he uses CBT therapeutic interventions to help people feel better by replacing old self-defeating thoughts and behaviors with a new sense of purpose and direction in life, improved self-esteem, restored connections with families and a healthy and positive life worth living.

He has a Doctor of Education Degree (Ed.D) with a Major in Higher Educational Leadership (2001) and a Master of Education Degree (M.Ed) with a Major in Counselor Education (1997) from Florida Atlantic University. He completed his BA degree in Psychology at Johnson State College in Vermont. He has been a State of Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) since 2003 and is a National Board Certified Counselor (NCC). He has appeared on local health focused radio programs and recently on MSNBC for a one-hour documentary on college binge drinking entitled Party 101. He has conducted over 500 national training seminars for mental health professionals and is author of the new book, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Skills Workbook: Practical Exercises and Worksheets to Promote Change”.

Tim Andrews is a Master of Social Welfare and is currently a registered intern earning his License in Clinical Social Work and is also working on becoming a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist. Tim has had the unique opportunity to train at the renowned “Onsite” facility in Tennessee where he gained expertise in experiential therapy which he continues to practice today. Experiential therapy has become his passion and has had a hand in the continuing success of numerous recovering addicts.

With well over a decade of experience in some of the most highly rated dual diagnosis facilities in the country including the Wellness Resource Center in Boca Raton, Florida, Tim worked his way from primary therapy to his present position here at the Estates of Boca Raton Having had an intricate roll with clinical treatment teams throughout his career, Tim has been able to facilitate processes and didactic groups as well as concentrating on individual therapy in order to help recovering addicts attain their goals of sobriety .Having taught and lectured on the newest breakthroughs in the field of addiction and also co-leading process groups; Tim soon became the director of family services at the Wellness Research Center. During his time in this position Tim was able to organize successful programs such as family weekends, family intervention services and family counseling. Tim was also invaluable in the teaching and facilitation of experiential therapy through group meetings and lectures and was also involved with following up and tracking the outcomes of recovering addicts and updating referral sources regarding the progress of each patients progress.

Mr. Saslov came to Treatment Alternatives after gaining a wealth of experience working in one of the country’s top dual diagnosis treatment centers where he worked for eight years, earning himself the positions of clinical director and acting executive director. His specialties include anger management training, REBT and CBT training as well as lectures covering the subjects of personality disorder and dual diagnosis.

Adam has also been a guest speaker for Florida Atlantic University students seeking master degrees in mental health counseling. After many years of facilitating and teaching family therapy as well as lectures and weekend seminars; Adam has ultimately developed outpatient programs covering chemical dependency and also worked in a therapeutic capacity for many local treatment programs. After receiving his BA in psychology from the University of Central Florida in 1993, and his MA in mental health counseling from Webster University in 1997; Adam became a licensed mental health counselor and registered supervisor for interns seeking licensure in the State of Florida.

In the early 90′s Adam began work at both the Florida and Charter Hospitals in Orlando. There Adam headed up a clinical monitoring system and tracked outcome studies of recovering patients that remained true to the program regarding medication and sobriety. Adam was soon trained to facilitate group therapy for adolescents and adults after becoming an assistant to local social workers and therapists. Adam then continued his formal education in the field ultimately earning his BA in psychology and masters in mental health counseling. During this time Adam took on a directorial position at a nursing home specializing in the care of dementia patients while also completing his practicum at Charter Hospital as a group therapy facilitator.

By 1997 Adam became the director of evening outpatient programs at the National Recovery Institute in Boca Raton, Florida where he created programs for recovering addicts who had relocated to local halfway houses. Adam created similar programs for other local hospitals such as St. Mary’s where he acted as the primary therapist until he began work at the Wellness Resource Center. After eight years of honing his skills Adam was able to move into private practice in 2000 and has continued his mission to help facilitate the reality of sober living to all who need his help.

Dr. Machado is a Florida Certified Addictions Professional (CAP), Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS) and a Doctoral Addictions Counselor. She has a Doctorate Degree in Education from Novasoutheastern University, a Masters Degree in Counseling and Human Development from Troy State University and a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama.Dr. Machado has twenty-five years of experience in mental health and substance abuse administration, education and direct therapeutic services. Clinical experience, technical knowledge, administrative expertise, curriculum development, contract management and quality improvement, combined with advanced educational achievements have lead to significant professional accomplishments and strong leadership in a fast-changing environment. Organizations, clients, colleges, students and the community have benefited from the knowledge, guidance, compassion, motivation and communication skills evidenced by the outstanding career dedicated to the behavioral healthcare field.

Jim is a highly effective and dedicated professional with over 28 years of extensive and diverse history in the field of addiction and recovery. Jim facilitated groups for The Life Skills Program at Lancaster Catholic High School, Lancaster Pa. Jim worked as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor, New Perspectives, White Deer Run, Lancaster and Lebanon Pa.

Jim has proven success in the assessment, planning and implementation of the intervention process. Jim is a graduate of Worcester State College and has attended Millersville University and Alvernia College (Addiction Studies).

 

Jerry has over 15 years working in the addiction field. Jerry has been featured on the Phil Donahue Show, CNN, MSNBC, radio shows, and newspaper articles around the country about his life and work.

Jerry holds a Doctorate in Pastoral Psychology and has written two books and articles dealing with his life growing up in foster homes because of his real parents being alcoholics. His story is that anyone can overcome the obstacles in life and come out on top. He has been a crucial member of the therapists staff team for over a year at Treatment Alternatives.

 

Faye Ann came to us from Vancouver, British Columbia 8 years ago where she worked as an addictions counselor for many years in non-profit organizations and private practices. She worked in the mental health field for several years until she found her niche in the chemical dependency field. Fay Ann created, developed, marketed and facilitated programs in both mental health and addictions before choosing to return to the field of addictions.

Faye Ann is a certified gambling professional as well as a certified addictions therapist and is licensed as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor Level II (CADC). Faye Ann moved to Florida 7 years ago bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience to share he with us at Treatment Alternatives for 2 years now.

Laura recently relocated from Long Island where she earned her Masters Degree in Education before completing her addiction studies at a very well known Outreach Training Institute. Laura brings over 20 years of extensive work in the field of addiction and recovery and is passionate about helping women achieve sobriety. She has worked as a primary therapist for years, and has also facilitated family bridge groups and didactic groups.

She was also recruited in 2009 to help initiate the Project Success Program here in Florida, where she worked with teenagers at risk for substance abuse before arriving at Treatment Alternatives in early 2010. Laura believes that sustained recovery is possible for everyone and is committed to helping those who struggle with the pain of addiction.

 

Born in Washington D.C. and raised in the metropolitan area, before moving to south florida to continue her education and further her carrier. Rosaland holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, and a Bachelor's of Art in Psychology. She is currently awaiting registration with the state of Florida to become a Mental Health Counselor, and has worked in various milieus in the mental health field for approximately 8 years.

As a primary therapist at a psychiatric hospital for two years, Rosaland provided individual, group, and family therapy, and has developed and introduced a structured rehab component to the hospital's chemical dependency Unit. She is new to Treatment Alternatives and is proving to be essential to the team.

 

Joe is a graduate of the program who is coming up on seven years of active involvement within our recovery programs. Joe came to Boca House as a client and worked his way up to Director of Operations, a position he has excelled in for the past four years. As Director of Operations, Joe has proven himself to be an asset to the organization. Joe oversees all the day to day operations for Boca House Recovery Communities and Treatment Alternatives programs and properties. In this capacity, Joe provides support to our clinical, security and building management personnel. In addition, Joe works with our clients to make sure they adhere to program requirements and to rectify any problems and concerns that may arise.

 

Carlo is a graduate of the program who is coming up on ten years of active involvement within our recovery communities. Carlo came to Boca House as a client and worked his way up to General Manager/Director of Programs, a position he has excelled in for the last three years. Today, Carlo continues in his role as an General Manager/Director of Programs and has also become the Evening Manager for all Boca House Recovery Communities and Treatment Alternatives.

In this capacity, Carlo provides support to our clinical, security and building management personnel. In addition, Carlo is always available to advise our clients on all areas of need and in particular; recovery, housing and finances.

 

 

Mark has been working in the chemical dependency field for 6 years and is our men’s lead behavioral health tech. He is committed to ensuring that the clients who visit our facility are treated with dignity and respect while accumulating knowledge and life skills to ensure continued success in staying sober. Mark moved to South Florida in 2001 for the purpose of getting sober and has remained in the community to give back while pursuing a career in the medical field.

Currently he is a student at FAU obtaining a B.S. in Biochemistry as well as working full-time at our facility. He is committed to providing the clients with an atmosphere of recovery and believes that his experiences and journey through the process of recovery can lead to a better understanding between the clinical staff and clients.

 

Samantha was born and raised in Monmouth County, NJ and relocated to South Florida in 2008.  She has been employed at our facility since September of 2008.  Samantha's top priority is to ensure our clients feel at home and receive anything they may need while attending our program.  She works closely with our clients on a daily basis.  

Samantha also ensures all tech responsibilities and duties are running smoothly, and coordinates all schedules and activities associated with the women's facilities.  In result of her love for helping and encouraging others, Samantha is currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education and counseling.

 

Matt, originally form the Philadelphia area, relocated to South Florida. Matt is a behavioral health tech with Treatment Alternatives since 2008.

While at work, Matt devotes his time and efforts to assisting our clients in reaching their recovery goals. He works one on one with the male clients to ensure everyone receives beyond satisfactory care throughout their treatment. Matt is currently pursuing a degree in psychology to further his education in the field of recovery.

 

Amber was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee.  She has been in recovery since moving to florida in 2008, and completed and graduated our IOP program at Treatment Alternatives and her stay at the women's Awakenings in 2009. 

She has been a part of the behavioral tech team since late 2009.  Amber has a deep care and compassion for all clients, and makes sure clients are treated with respect and that all of their needs are met while in our care.  She is currently completing her degree in psychology to further her carrier in in recovery field.

 

Phil comes to Southern Florida after a 23 year career in Southern California. Having begun working in recovery in 1989, Phil brings a wealth of experience. Not only from the clinical side but from a long experience in the Sober Lifestyle. Phil began working in recovery as a contract employee writing licensing agreements for the most prestigious Treatment Centers in the Western United States.

Phil is an ardent believer in the ‘Knuckles and Know-How’ methods of sobriety. ‘There comes a time when you leave treatment and you must be prepared. Phil has been a behavioral health tech working closely with the clients at Treatment Alternatives, and Boca House for 3 years.

 

James grew up in south florida, graduated miami beach senior high, attended memphis state university, graduated with a masters. He has been in the recovery community for 19 years, and is very passionate about his work. He went on to become a consultant, lecturer, and career coach for 18 years.

James has been a behavioral health tech, intake and weekend activities coordinator for 8 years with the foundations community.  He is passionate in what he does, giving all he can to help in the recovery of clients he works with.

 

Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Certified Psychoanalyst , William Alanson White Institute, Manhattan New York. Psychiatric Training Albert Einstein School of Medicine. New York, 20 plus years of experience in Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders. Obtained 10 million plus grants in Substance Abuse from SAMHSA, CSAT, HRSA while in New York from 1998-2003. Psychopharmacology Training by and Member of Neuroscience Education Institute.

Administrative experience as Vice president of Clinical Affairs, Senior Medical Director at different Hospitals s in New York and Florida.