Relationship Between Trauma and Addiction Addiction can result from a variety of things, one of them is trauma. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event, such as an accident, natural disaster, or sexual assault[1]. At We…
Rachel Callister is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Nationally Certified Counselor and is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trained. She specializes in treating individuals and families coping with mental health issues, behavioral problems, and substance abuse. Her years working as a licensed therapist have paid off as her ultimate goal is helping others heal. Rachel is the Clinical Director for Level Up Lake Worth and for over a decade Rachel has worked at the clinical level of some of Florida’s most successful dual-diagnosis treatment centers. Rachel leads the clinical and case management team at our treatment center and works directly with other departments to help the facility flow appropriately. Throughout her career as a licensed therapist, she has adopted a proven way of treating individuals while providing a balanced level of compassion and accountability. Her experience in treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse has given her the essential skills to treat those who are struggling with a wide range of different mental health issues and substance abuse. Rachel is a Florida native and attended UCF and FAU for undergraduate work and attended Lewis & Clark College receiving her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. She has worked with diverse populations from incarcerated individuals, treatment center clientele to people wanting to learn how to cope with life stressors and helping those suffering from trauma and PTSD. Rachel prides herself on offering a nonjudgmental comfortable environment for self-expression for her staff and clients alike.
As Lead Therapist, Cynthia provides support and coaching to primary therapists and case managers. Cynthia helps to oversee the clinical department and works closely with the Clinical Director to create materials for therapy and decision-making. In addition, Cynthia has a caseload, she conducts individual therapy with clients, facilitates groups, conducts daily clinical staff meetings, and provides weekly check-ins for the clinical team which gives them a sense of belonging, grounding, and balance. Cynthia holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Cynthia strengths include dedication, patience, and versatility. Cynthia believes we all have the power to make a difference in the lives of others.
Robert O’Grady holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern New Hampshire University, graduating summa cum laude. Robert comes to Level UP with over three years of experience in the substance abuse/mental health industry, commencing his career as a behavioral health technician. Robert has held positions as a lead BHT, BHT supervisor, and Assistant Operations Manager. Robert works furiously as our operations manager at both our West Palm and Tamarac facilities, transitioning from operations at our Lake Worth Facility. Collectively, Robert has managed over one hundred residential beds for mental health, detox, and residential substance abuse. Robert’s life experience has helped him provide the best care, service, and deliverables to our clients, as he understands the challenges living with substance use disorders and overcoming addiction presents. He is a true leader and example of what Level Up represents when individuals decide to be the vessel of change and develop tools necessary for success!
As a Case Manager with over 20 years of professional experience in mental health and substance abuse, Cheryl’s greatest desire is to create healing for those who are broken and want to live a healthy lifestyle. Cheryl is consistent with supporting clients in regaining a healthy approach to gain insight and recover from substance abuse disorders. Through guidance and support, clients learn to love and believe in themselves again. Cheryl is also responsible for assisting and communicating with clients’ employers, supporting with legal needs, communication with probation officers, attorneys, courts, etc. As well as assisting in filing FMLA/STD Disability Benefits along with filing for unemployment benefits. Other duties consist of facilitating clinical groups as well as supporting in clinical and crisis intervention. Graduated from Florida Bible College with an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies.
Mohammad Wehbe, PA is a Physician Assistant in our FL addiction and mental health treatment center. Mohammad Wehbe, PA is a board-certified physician assistant in Palm Beach Florida. He is affiliated with Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center.Certifications & Licensure: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)Certified Physician Assistant: Mr. Mohammad A Wehbe, PA-C, is a Physician Assistant specialist in Boca Raton, Florida. He graduated in 2012, having over 9 years of diverse experience, especially as Physician Assistant. He is affiliated with many hospitals including Jupiter Medical Center. Mr. Mohammad A Wehbe also cooperates with other doctors and physicians in medical groups including Jupiter Medical Center Physicians Group Inc.Hospital Affiliations: Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical CenterDecatur, GeorgiaA physician assistant is a person who has successfully completed an accredited education program for physician assistants, is licensed by the state, and is practicing within the scope of that license. Physician assistants are formally trained to perform many of the routine, time-consuming tasks a physician can do. In some states, they may prescribe medications. They take medical histories, perform physical exams, order lab tests and x-rays, and give inoculations. Most states require that they work under the supervision of a physician.
Brittanny obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University followed by her Master’s degree in Social Work from Barry University. As a Register Clinical Social Work Intern, Brittanny came to the Level Up Tamarac staff with 5 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse disorders within a variety of settings including detox, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient. She is passionate about empowering patients to overcome challenges and develop resiliency. She is proficient in mixed therapeutic modalities and continues to seek training to expand her skills and knowledge base. She helps motivate patients to establish goals, gain self-confidence, and participate in work, school, and social interactions, in order to improve their overall life satisfaction and achieve a more purposeful and meaningful life.
Charles migrated to South Florida from Connecticut in 2011 seeking recovery and a new opportunity to start a different lifestyle. Despite the adversity of a troubled past and many missed opportunities, Charles successfully completed a long-term residential treatment program. Newly empowered with recovery tools and a desire for success, Charles entered a career in the service industry, waiting tables while supporting himself and his dream to enter nursing school.
He successfully graduated from Broward College and became licensed by the State of Florida to practice nursing in 2016. He received the Irene Craney Fischley Award for Excellence which is given to one graduate who displays excellence in the clinical area as well as the classroom. He is nationally certified in the field of addictions nursing and recently earned his Bachelor of Science at Western Governors University. Charles was accepted to Purdue University Global’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program and has a tentative completion date of October 2023.
His goal is to provide compassionate, safe, and effective care to every patient entering the West Palm Beach Facility. Currently, his department consistently boasts patient satisfaction scores above 95 percent. When not hard at work, you can find Charles enjoying the outdoors, surfing, the beach, and serving others in his community as a way to ensure they have the same opportunities afforded to him.
Dr. Castellon earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology at The University of Miami. After, he studied Escuela Autonoma de Ciencias Medicas in Costa Rica where he received his Doctorate in Medicine. He then returned to the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he completed his Residency in Psychiatry. Dr. Castellon was employed as an attending physician at Memorial Regional Hospital, Broward Health Medical Center, and Broward Health Imperial Point as well as overseeing a successful outpatient practice. Dr. Castellon specialized in emergency psychiatry, psychiatric consultation-liaison, inpatient psychiatry, and addiction medicine. He was the Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Broward Health Medical Center from 2008 – 2014. Dr. Castellon is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association, American Medical Association, American Association of Psychiatric Medicine, Association for Convulsive Therapy, and American Society of Addiction Medicine.
Dr. Quesada is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, the American Board of Preventive Medicine/Addiction Medicine, a former Assistant Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and in the Department of Psychiatry as a Consultation-Liaison at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Currently, Dr. Quesada has her private office in Weston, Florida, and is Medical Director for Level Up Treatment Centers. As the former Medical Director at The Renfrew Center of Florida, Dr. Quesada treated patients with substance abuse, eating disorders, and comorbidity. Dr. Quesada has also served as the medical director at Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options, which works with teens with mental health and substance abuse issues, all the while concentrating on family preservation. As the medical director at Smith Community Mental Health, Dr. Quesada dedicated herself to the treatment of adults and teens with mental health and substance abuse issues. Dr. Quesada was awarded the Gratitude for Giving Compassion Award from Sierra Tucson, given to the medical doctor that contributed the most to the wellness of clients. Dr. Quesada was also the recipient of The Gold Doc award for putting “care” back into healthcare and the Upjohn Award for research excellence. Dr. Quesada has a vast wealth of experience as well as the recognition from her colleagues in her field for her caring and compassionate service in the areas of substance abuse and mental health.
As Case Manager, Kelsey is responsible for assisting clients with their initial intake processes, client support, legal documentation and medical disability necessities for outside client occupational integrity. Kelsey clinically assists clients on a daily basis, with empathy, kindness, and compassion. Kelsey is currently in school pursuing a degree in Social Work at FAU. Kelsey has a passion to help others prevail over personal obstacles with substance abuse and mental illness to improve their overall well-being and encourage them to a live happy and healthy life.
As a Case Manager, and working in the treatment industry since 2005, Samantha is responsible for assisting clients with their initial intake processes, client advocacy, legal documentation, and medical disability necessities for outside client occupational integrity. Having graduated from Lock Haven University and currently studying for her CAP from Academy for Addiction Professionals, Samantha is committed to continuing her education to best help her clients.
As a Family Therapist and Drama Therapist, she has more than twelve years of experience working with people of diverse populations including addictions, eating disorders, trauma, and dual diagnosis clients. Treating families, and all individuals, with compassionate care. Sassia uses experiential and evidence-based practices to support the whole person in body, mind, and spirit while creating a safe space for self expression and transformation. Sassia W. Hochberg holds postgraduate degrees from Nova Southeastern University, Masters in Interdisciplinary Education with specialization in Drama Therapy and Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Trauma-informed, Suicide Prevention, MCAP, ICADC certified Master’s Level Clinician specializing in substance abuse treatment. Pete graduated from Barry University with a Masters in Social Work and holds a Bachelor’s in Addiction Counseling. Peter has worked in treatment for the last 7 years as a behavioral health technician, group facilitator, and now Lead Therapist. Pete utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy to help assist his clients in getting a better understanding of their disease and figuring out the steps towards leading a healthier and happier life. Pete specializes in working with all levels of trauma and the Veteran population that suffer from the disease of addiction and has a great knowledge of 12 Step fellowships. Pete hopes to help his clients gain the peace and serenity that comes along with achieving long term sobriety.
Dr. Braulio Mariano Mejia has more than 10 years specializing in Addiction Medicine, most recently in West Palm Beach, FL. Dr. Mariano-Mejia is board-certified in internal medicine and Addiction Medicine. As Medical Director, Dr. Mariano-Mejia manages client evaluations and individualized substance abuse treatment plans for clients based on individual needs. Dr. Mariano-Meija has dedicated himself to the treatment of individuals suffering from the disease of Addiction.
Martin’s responsibilities include financial and insurance advisory for clients and their families, managing the billing department and clarifying patient responsibilities before, during and after treatment. With over 2 years experience working in the substance abuse industry, Martin has worked as a Behavioral Health Technician, Alumni Coordinator, and Admissions Representative, qualifying him to understand the entire treatment process and the great difficulties a family and client can face during their journey in recovery. Martin understands the potential complexity of patient responsibility in treatment, and provides comfort, support, and tools to alleviate all client financial concerns or questions that might arise during a client’s journey in recovery.
Jennifer has over 25 years’ experience in mental health and substance use disorder treatment from all facets; as a Program Director, Director of Operations, and Licensing and Accreditation Liaison for psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and AHCA licensed institutions. Jennifer also serves on many non-profit boards and continues to work outreach to break the stigma of mental health and promote awareness, as well as work for a drug-free community.
Daisy has significant experience managing day-to-day hospital and health care operations. As Director of Compliance, she will use her strong experience in improving compliance with licensing and regulatory requirements, managing national quality measures, Joint Commission readiness, strategic planning, and medical utilization review. Daisy specializes in improving systems and processes, National Quality Measures, Licensing and Regulatory standards, and cost controls.
As Director of Clinical Services, Lauren is responsible for overseeing and directing all clinical departments, including oversight of Master’s level Primary Therapists, Case Manager, and Bachelor’s level Group Facilitators. Lauren coordinates therapeutic care, chart auditing, and ensures the safe and appropriate clinical treatment of our clients. Lauren is responsible for developing and overseeing group schedules, coordination of aftercare, and discharge planning. In addition, Lauren also conducts daily staff meetings and provides weekly supervision for clinicians to help strengthen and hone their skills. Her primary role as Clinical Director is management of her clinical team, facilitating groups, as well as holding a small caseload of clients. Holding a Master’s from Nova Southeastern, Lauren is a licensed marriage and family therapist and Master’s level CAP(Certified Addiction Professional). Having worked in the treatment field since 2014 providing individual, group and family therapy, and having been with our company since 2018, Lauren has a strong passion for helping those and the families of those suffering from addiction.
Alexandra Korotkevich Chief Executive Officer at We Level Up Treatment Center Pompano Beach, Florida, United States About: We Level Up was created to drive a moment of change. It is a lifestyle with the purpose to live in empowering beliefs through connection, authenticity, self-love, emotional integrity and service to others. Through this WLU offers personal development events, coaching and drug and alcohol treatment. Our vision is to help create legions of self-empowered individuals who are completely in control of their lives and destinies, enabling them to get what they desire from this life, experiencing it to their fullest, most liberating potential. Through these hosts of self-empowered, and self-aware individuals, we will see families that communicate with more love, trust, and caring for one another, businesses that thrive in ways never before thought possible, and friendships that reach new heights. We Level Up produces a liberation from the mental chains that bind us, and enable us to operate at our fullest capacity. Have you ever wondered why you’re always living the same patterns over and over, end up feeling like a victim, or making the same choices which always lead to stress, anguish, and inevitable upset? We Level up offers not an answer, but a solution to these grave dilemmas that face us on a daily basis. Education Nova Southeastern University Master of Business Administration 2007 – 2008 Nova Southeastern University Bachelor of Science 2004 – 2007
Adam Roth Executive Senior Vice President & CMO at We Level Up. A Florida native, Adam Roth has shown tireless dedication to working in the treatment community with sick and suffering clients for well over a decade. Currently, Adam holds the title of Senior Vice President at We Level Up, which oversees treatment facilities for mental health recovery and addiction treatment. Adam began his work in the recovery community at The Florida House Experience as an admissions executive where he was charged with communicating with clients. Along with answering their queries and those of their families to help find the help that they so deserve. Adam helped clients recover and facilitated in their success in recovery from clients’ lowest and most dire points of their lives to their successful recovery. Adam’s steadfast commitment to the treatment industry is unwavering. Adam possess incredible leadership ability. He passionately brings an uplifting spirit to We Level Up, overseeing multiple departments including logistical company operations, admissions and outreach teams, and in the hiring process. Whether in the treatment industry, in the Narcotics Anonymous community, or in his personal life, Adam puts helping others first. Adam, having recovered in 2008, continues to apply himself and lend his services to the recovery community. In any way he can, by encouraging others to work and live the recovery steps of Narcotics Anonymous. He dedicated his personal time to actively sponsoring others in recovery, in addition to his primary job duties. Proving that wherever he is, he lives to help and lift up others. Volunteer Experience: Volunteer Staff at Habitat for Humanity Social Services. Painted houses, helped with construction, community outreach Abandonment Pet Rescue Volunteer Staff Abandonment Pet Rescue. Animal Welfare.
About Ryan Zofay Ryan Zofay is most passionate about sharing his practical lessons that change lives. As a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker he teaches development strategies that measurably improve performance, connection and overall mindset. Using the teachings of his own successes and tribulations, Ryan has a unique ability to facilitate deep change for individuals and organizations. Ryan gave every ounce of his being to finding a way to become the person he envisioned himself being. He completed an incredible 1500 hours of personal development training and experiential therapy workshops. He began implementing personal development principles, rituals and routines into his own organizations. Quickly he saw an extraordinary change in morale, effective leadership, team connection and overall performance. He saw the power of healing through vulnerability and built personal bonds with members of his team and community he wouldn’t otherwise have. His goal is to create a world where everyone can be empowered, know that they are enough, feel safe and be fulfilled. Ryan is living a life of purpose and believes “if you’re not living every day with a sense of purpose then you’re not living”. GIVING TUESDAY Ryan pledged to match donations this past Giving Tuesday for Hospitality Helping Hands. Hospitality Helping Hands began distributing groceries in West Palm Beach and within weeks has become one of the largest sources for families seeking support in the state. The challenge was EXCEEDED and 110k was raised which fed 170,000 families! The cause is still going. Despite our social distance, we are still in this together.
