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DR. RACHEL PAPPERT DOCEKAL, MBA, Ed.D.

Chief Executive Officer

For more than two decades, Dr. Rachel Docekal has built a career focused on shifting from what is present to what is possible. Under this mantra, Dr. Docekal founded the Lyrae Group, a firm providing consultative services focused on philanthropy, where she served as its Managing Director until 2023. Currently, she co-chairs two policy committees as a board member of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County and serves as chair-elect of Palm Beach County’s Criminal Justice Commission. She is also a member of Leadership Florida’s Cornerstone XXXVI Class and Leadership Palm Beach County Focus. Previously, Dr. Docekal served as chairman of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Mounts Botanical Garden Board of Directors. She has also held senior leadership roles at Nova Southeastern University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the South Florida Science Museum.

Dr. Docekal comes to Hanley Foundation with the unique experience of having previously served as the organization’s CEO, a role she skillfully fulfilled from 2010 to 2015. With familiarity and deep experience, Dr. Docekal oversees board and donor relations for Hanley, while creating strategies to support the organization’s lifesaving programs and expansion initiatives.

Dr. Docekal holds a Bachelor of Arts from Chatham College; a Master of Business Administration from The Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh; and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and was named one of South Florida Business Journal’s 25 Most Influential Women in 2012.

TURNER BENOIT

Chief Philanthropy Officer

In his role of Chief Philanthropy Officer at Hanley Foundation, Turner directs all major fundraising efforts, overseeing management of millions of dollars annually. Turner also oversees the Foundation’s Lifesaver Fund, earmarked to assist those who might not otherwise be able to afford access to quality addiction treatment. In his tenure, this program has grown from helping a handful of individuals a year to providing treatment scholarships for upwards of 500 people annually.

Turner Benoit is a native of Palm Beach who joined Hanley Foundation in 2016 as Chief Development Officer. In this role, Turner helped promote the development and success of the organization and its initiatives through fundraising and financial planning.

Turner previously worked at MAP Health Management as a regional business development and marketing associate, specializing in revenue cycle management and MAP Software. His experience also includes work as a clinical liaison for Hanley Center and Caron Foundation, helping guide individuals and families into treatment.

As someone living his own personal journey of recovery, Turner feels it is his life path to do what he can to give back to those still suffering from the disease of addiction—whether it is raising money for those who cannot afford treatment or bringing prevention services to schools to stop addiction before it starts.

In addition to his work as Chief Philanthropy Officer, Turner is a member of the State’s Attorney’s Addiction Recovery Task Force and has served with a number of local charitable organizations, including Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League.

Turner holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and lives in Jupiter with his wife, CJ, and their two children. When he’s not working, Turner loves spending time with his family in the great outdoors as a “true Floridian,” fishing, spearfishing, and hunting.

JENNIFER LEE

Chief Operating Officer

A native Floridian, Jennifer Lee has 30 years of experience in behavioral healthcare. She has spent more than 20 of those years in the nonprofit sector, focusing much of her career on compliance and administration.

Prior to joining Hanley Foundation, Jennifer served as Corporate Director of Compliance with Origins Behavioral HealthCare where served as the primary point of contact for all corporate compliance issues, while developing and implementing the agency’s corporate compliance plan. She also briefly served as Director of Social Services at the Joseph L. Morse Geriatric Center, and spent 14 years as the Program Support Services Coordinator for Father Flanagan’s Boys Town Florida.

Jennifer’s extensive background in regulatory compliance, contracts and grants, and human services coupled with her strong interpersonal and organizational skills complement the rest of the talented Hanley Foundation team, helping her provide key organizational oversight and guidance that allows the organization to fulfill its mission.

Jennifer holds training certificates as corporate trainer for essential trainings and has continued her drive for compliance as a surveyor for Commissions on Accreditation Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitative Services and Master of Science in Rehabilitative Counseling from Florida State University.

LINDSEY WHITE, CFRE

Chief Advancement Officer

A second-generation West Palm Beach native, Lindsey White has more than 15 years of nonprofit experience with an emphasis on annual and capital campaigns, donor engagement, special events, planned giving, corporate philanthropy, and strategic collaboration in support of the greater good.

Prior to joining Hanley Foundation, Lindsey held positions with United Way of Palm Beach County, Society of the Four Arts, and the Norton Museum, where she fulfilled various leadership roles dedicated to supporting giving initiatives and furthering the missions of the nonprofits.

Lindsey earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from New York University. She also holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, and served as a board member for the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Palm Beach County chapter. She is a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County, serves as a Trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, and is a member of Executive Women of Palm Beach County.

In addition to her important work for Hanley Foundation, Lindsey is passionate about giving back to the community, volunteering with a number of local charity organizations.

Dr. Dyben

DR. JOHN DYBEN, DHSC, MCAP, CMHP

Chief of Research and Innovation

In his role as Chief of Research and Innovation, John provides support to treatment leadership through research and consultation. John continually builds upon his academic expertise through research and nationwide speaking engagements on health science, spirituality, clinical ethics, and related topics.

John’s academic training includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Conflict Management, a Master of Science in Management, a Doctor of Health Science, and postgraduate studies in psychology, philosophy, and religion. John is a Master Certified Addictions Professional and a Certified Mental Health Professional in the State of Florida. He is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Substance Abuse Professional meeting all Federal DOT qualifications. John is a musician, writer, and a private pilot, and he enjoys spending time with his family.

Dr. Heather Howard, PhD, MSW, LICSW

Dr. HEATHER HOWARD, PhD, MSW, LICSW

Chief Strategy Officer

Dr. Heather Howard joins Hanley’s executive leadership team as a nationally recognized expert in perinatal mental health and maternal substance use with extensive clinical, academic, and research experience. Her peer-reviewed publications focus on the use of shared decision-making in healthcare with an emphasis on eliminating stigma and strengthening families. Her current research explores supporting the mother-infant dyad, increasing recovery capital for those impacted by substance use, and the intersection of infant removal on recovery.

Dr. Howard is committed to changing perceptions around mental health and substance use and building supportive communities where individuals and families are empowered to find treatment. She is passionate about health equity and helping families affected by trauma and substance use go on to live safe, healthy lives.

As Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Howard strengthens Hanley’s position as a national leader in behavioral health research, prevention, and treatment while supporting and developing the team to uphold the organization’s reputation for excellence. She is dedicated to mentoring graduate students and early-stage clinicians and guiding them to become exemplary helping professionals.

Dr. Howard is active in the peer-recovery community in South Florida. She created the trauma-informed care-learning module for the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Initiative. She has also received local, state and federal grants that support education and clinical research in prevention, intervention and recovery. In addition to her research, Dr. Howard’s work includes collaboration with FAU’s College of Medicine as a co-investigator and shared decision-making trainer for the SAMHSA State Opioid Response Grant Curriculum Development and Implementation Project.

Prior to joining Hanley, Dr. Howard served as an Associate Professor at FAU Sandler School of Social Work. She also spent more than 20 years as a perinatal social worker specializing in perinatal mental health and maternal substance use.

Dr. Howard earned a double-major Bachelor of Arts degree in Development and Cultural Psychology and English Literature from Boston College, a Master’s in Clinical Social Work with a Medical sub concentration from the Graduate School of Social Work at Boston College, and she earned her PhD in Clinical Social Work from Simmons University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Florida, and is a qualified Supervisor in Florida.

Brad Williams

J. BRAD WILLIAMS

Executive Director

Brad’s professional expertise throughout his journey to sobriety has been extensive and varied, showcasing his many talents. Before joining the Hanley family early in 2019 after getting sober, Brad spent 15 years in professional services as a technology expert, helping clients in massive litigation, regulatory, and fraud matters. As a partner at two global consulting firms, he managed teams servicing clients worldwide from New York, Boston, and Chicago. Brad graduated with honors from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s in business administration, focusing on management information systems.

As Executive Director at Hanley Center, Brad leverages his journey of sobriety and extensive professional experience within large organizations to provide key insights, guiding Hanley to deliver exceptional patient care in a safe, healthy community for staff to work and patients to heal and grow.

DR. PHOENIX ADAMS, DSW, MBA, LCSW, GC-C

Chief Clinical Officer

As Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Phoenix Adams oversees all clinical programs at Hanley Center and Headwaters. In this role, he strategically guides program evolution, ensuring the organization continues to deliver excellence in care and the highest quality patient experience. Prior to joining Hanley, Dr. Adams spent his career helping patients as a licensed psychotherapist and grief counselor, specializing in bereavement, loss, and grief. He has also held executive roles at renowned treatment facilities, where he developed innovative programs focused on improving patient outcomes.

With his rich background, deep clinical expertise, and extensive leadership experience, Dr. Adams brings a wealth of knowledge to Hanley. His work is distinguished by a trauma-informed, family-centered approach to substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health disorders, and complicated family dynamics. He has supported a diverse range of patients, including executives, professionals, and families of power, affluence, and influence, helping them navigate the complexities of recovery, personal transformation, and life after loss.

Dr. Adams is a licensed psychotherapist in Florida, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. He holds a Master of Social Work (MSW), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) from Florida Atlantic University. He is also a Certified Grief Counselor through the American Institute of Health Care Professionals. His doctoral research, which examined the benefits of family involvement in the treatment of substance use disorders, has been presented internationally, showcasing his dedication to integrating research and clinical practice.

Dr. Adams was drawn to Hanley because of its rich history and esteemed reputation as a leader in the field. He is committed to building on this legacy, ensuring that the organization’s clinical programs continue to set the standard for exceptional care and innovative treatment while meeting the ever-changing needs of the communities it serves.

DR. ANGELO ASHEH, M.D.

Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Angelo Asheh is a double-board certified physician with expertise in addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, psychopharmacology, prevention, and pain. His work includes a specialized focus on treating childhood trauma and social determinants of health.

As Hanley Center’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Asheh oversees all medical operations, ensuring physicians, nurses, and other medical staff have the tools, training, and support they need to deliver world-class patient care.

Dr. Asheh has previously served as lead clinician for several renowned treatment centers nationwide. In addition to his work with Hanley, Dr. Asheh is a medical instructor at the University of California, Florida Atlantic University, and a REACH scholar through Yale University and AAAP. A recent research study he led, published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine in January 2023, on how childhood trauma contributes to addiction and overdose in adulthood, highlights the importance of screening for adverse childhood experiences and overdose when assessing patients for treatment.

Throughout his career, Dr. Asheh has delivered a personalized, “whole person,” holistic approach to treatment that considers physical, emotional, spiritual, and social health. With every interaction, his goal is to build a long-lasting individualized therapeutic alliance. He believes in lifestyle optimization with sleep, diet, and exercise, in addition to medication management and mindfulness.

Dr. Asheh completed his training at some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, including Yale University, University of California San Diego, Loma Linda University, University of Connecticut, and Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Amanda Burke

AMANDA BURKE

Executive Cabinet Coordinator

As Executive Cabinet Coordinator at Hanley Foundation, Amanda Burke brings a rich diversity of experience from various customer service and administrative roles across healthcare, hospitality, banking, and more. Amanda’s extensive background has helped her develop an innate sense of service, which she has proudly put into action at every stage of her career.

Prior to joining Hanley Foundation in June 2022, Amanda spent seven years working at Hanley Center, one of Hanley Foundation’s renowned treatment facilities. For five of those years at the center, Amanda served as an executive-level administrator, providing daily support to the leadership team. Working in the substance use treatment industry opened Amanda’s eyes to the disease model of addiction, and she has grown passionate about helping those in recovery. Seeing the daily struggles walking into treatment and the miracles walking out motivated her to continue working in the field, providing key support and services to those who need it most.

In her role as Executive Cabinet Coordinator at Hanley Foundation, Amanda provides crucial support to the CEO and Executive Cabinet, acting as a primary contact for all Board members. She also masterfully manages the coordination of Board and Committee meetings, ensuring seamless collaboration and administrative excellence.

A Florida native, Amanda enjoys her rural life in Loxahatchee, where she finds joy in spending time with family, two beloved pit bulls, and a flock of chickens.

Brad Fitch

BRAD FITCH

Vice President of People

Brad Fitch joins Hanley Foundation as a seasoned professional in human resources and organizational development with more than two decades of experience in servant leadership. Brad has played a pivotal role in structuring and enhancing HR operations, systems, and programs. Prior to joining the Hanley family of organizations in 2018, Brad served as the Senior Director of Human Resources at a popular water park and resort, where he was instrumental in restructuring the HR department and cultivating an open-door culture. Brad's early career also includes time as an international flight attendant for a major airline, a role that allowed him to travel extensively and gain a profound understanding of cultural diversity.

Brad’s professional philosophy centers on the fundamental principle that HR is intrinsically about people. He enjoys pairing the right people with the right companies in the right roles, driven by his firm belief in win-win compromises and mutually beneficial outcomes. Brad is committed to using positive dialogue and engagement to promote a healthy company culture, leveraging his expertise in organizational leadership, recruitment and retention, onboarding, and training. As Vice President of People, Brad applies his wealth of knowledge across a range of human resource functions, driving cultural excellence and supporting the Foundation’s vision and growth.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, Brad is known for his warm, approachable personality and his passion for bringing out the best in others. He enjoys taking his dog to the beach, practicing yoga, cooking for family and friends, and hiking in his spare time.

Cara Webster, MAcc

Vice President of Finance

Cara Webster joined Hanley Foundation as Vice President of Finance in September 2023 as a seasoned leader specializing in finance and accounting. In this role, Cara oversees financial operations, building and guiding the execution of strategies to support the foundation’s mission and vision. Cara brings an extensive portfolio of work within the nonprofit sector of Palm Beach County, where she has served in various leadership roles since 2016, most recently on the executive team at the Arc of Palm Beach County.

Throughout her leadership career, Cara has been responsible for elevating organizations and helping them achieve excellence through the development, execution, and management of financial operations and reporting. Through this work, she has gained extensive proficiency with grants, audits, and organizational budgets.

In addition to her dedication to nonprofit work, Cara has a passion for the arts and entrepreneurial spirit. In 2008, she founded her own music and art studio, which she managed until 2011.

Cara holds a Master of Science in Accounting from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Religion and a minor in Music from Florida State University. A Palm Beach County native, Cara actively participates in her synagogue and is a devoted mother to William and Bayla.

Danielle Hanson, CFRE

Vice President of Development

Driven by a profound respect for philanthropy and the transformative impact it has on the world, Danielle Hanson serves as the Vice President of Development for Hanley Foundation. Since 1995, Danielle has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector, where she specializes in bridging philanthropic individuals and organizations with nonprofits that strive to make substantial positive changes in the world. Danielle has held esteemed leadership roles in higher education, disability service organizations, and initiatives aimed at hunger relief.

Originally from Chicago, Danielle has been a resident of Palm Beach County since 2006, where she actively engages with the local community as a member of the Planned Giving Council of Palm Beach County and Executive Women of the Palm Beaches. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University and is distinguished as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

In her role at Hanley Foundation, Danielle’s passion and expertise coalesce, enabling meaningful connections conducive to growth and altruism. She remains inspired by the power of good work and is committed to propelling the vision of the foundation forward.

Beyond her professional work, Danielle finds joy in playing basketball, hiking, and engaging in other high-adrenaline sports. She values her personal life greatly and takes immense pride in being the wife of Dr. Craig Hanson and the mother to Paul Hanson.

Alli Jimenez, MS, MHC

Vice President of Program Development

As Vice President of Program Development at Hanley Foundation, Allison oversees several crucial initiatives: The Zero Suicide Initiative, The Safe Prescribing Initiative, The Hendry, Okeechobee, and Glades Opioid Consortium (HOGOC), Project COPE, Project HOPE, the Mental Health and Teen Court implementation grants for Hendry, Glades, and Dixie counties, Narcan Distribution, Casa Flores for Pregnant and Parenting Women launching September 2024, and the American Patriots’ Program. She is a prominent representative of Hanley Foundation in media campaigns and panel discussions. Allison is passionate about eliminating access barriers by offering multilingual training and materials, bringing services to resource-scarce communities, and finding creative solutions to reaching those in need, always utilizing a trauma-informed lens.

Allison holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Summa Cum Laude, from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude, from Florida International University. She is also a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern specializing in Trauma and Crisis Intervention, a certified Trauma-Informed Care and Mindfulness practitioner, and a Youth Mental Health First Aid, QPR, and QPRT Trainer. She is a recipient of the Palm Healthcare Foundation Scholarship for Behavioral and Mental Health Scholars and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Her extensive career includes nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit, finance, and compliance sectors, working on a wide range of community-focused programs. Allison is excited to drive evidence-based prevention and education efforts, supporting families and youth-serving professionals to break generational cycles of trauma and substance use disorders across the Hanley footprint.

Fran Marcone

Fran Marcone

Vice President of Professional Relations

Fran Marcone is originally from Pittsburgh but has called West Palm Beach home for over 20 years. After previously serving as Director of Marketing and Special Events for Hanley Center and Hanley Foundation from 2013 to 2015, she returned to the Hanley family as a Professional Relations Officer in 2018. Now as Regional Vice President of Professional Relations, Fran brings strong project management, strategic development, and organizational skills.

Fran’s extensive experience includes working in substance use disorder treatment and the broadcasting, entertainment, and advertising industries. She is highly skilled at developing and leading successful marketing and event promotion and product and business branding teams. Fran is also an accomplished marketing executive with keen presentation and communication abilities. Her past roles include serving as Director of Marketing and Special Events for other nationally known addiction treatment centers, general sales manager for major broadcast companies in Pennsylvania and Florida, and marketing director for a Florida advertising agency.

Ingrid VanAlstyne

INGRID VANALSTYNE, MBA, LMHC, MCAP

Vice President of Learning and Culture

Ingrid possesses a genuine passion for fostering high-functioning teams within healthy work environments where employees can truly flourish. With an extensive background in key leadership positions, including executive and HR roles, Ingrid brings over 20 years of experience in leadership and organizational development specifically within the behavioral health field.

In terms of education, Ingrid holds a Master's degree in Mental Health counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Furthermore, she is a licensed clinician (LMHC) and a Master Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP). Demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, she recently earned her MBA from The University of Florida in 2020.

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Ingrid is happily married with two daughters. During her leisure time, she finds solace outdoors by engaging in activities such as gardening and caring for her collection of plants.

Meghan Brooks

Vice President of Admissions

Meghan started working with Hanley in 2016 as an Admissions Specialist, seven years after beginning her own personal journey as a Hanley Center patient. With a firsthand understanding of the unique struggles that patients and their families endure prior to reaching out for help, Meghan knows that the initial phone call can potentially shape an individual’s outlook and willingness to seek and sustain treatment. Meghan received her bachelor’s in marketing from the University of Central Florida.

Meghan loves working in the recovery community, especially when she can assist other women to get the expert help they need. She is grateful for the opportunity to lead a talented Hanley team that is on the front lines of healing in a company fully dedicated to advancements in treatment.

Holly Blazer

Holly Blazar

Corporate Director of Revenue

Since 2019, Holly Blazar has served Hanley Foundation as a Director of Revenue, leading operations across a multitude of revenue responsibilities, including benefits, authorizations, and payments. Today, as Corporate Director of Revenue, she oversees several departments within the organization, including Verification of Benefits, Utilization Review, Billing, and Collections teams, focusing on both self-pay and insurance revenue activities.

Holly's educational background is in addiction counseling. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, in addition to several professional certifications. She is also a certified addiction specialist in the state of California and holds a certification as a Certified Revenue Cycle Representative from the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

Prior to joining Hanley Foundation, Holly had a diverse career in the treatment and recovery industry. She served as the Director of Quality and Compliance for treatment centers in California, following an early-career internship at the Cleveland Clinic Alcohol and Drug Recovery Center. Her professional experience includes roles as a treatment specialist at an adolescent facility in Ohio and a clinical technician at Bayside Marin in California. This breadth of experience has given her a unique perspective that drives her passion for helping others through her work.

Holly loves life with her family, enjoying quality time with her husband and their two dogs. A proud Cleveland, Ohio native, she cherishes her roots and everything related to her hometown. Holly also brings her passion and pride to her work in treatment and recovery and is grateful for the opportunity to be a part, however small, of someone’s recovery and wellness journey. Alongside the revenue cycle team who tirelessly work to obtain authorizations and payments, Holly is incredibly proud of the work they do to alleviate the financial burdens of treatment patients and their families face.

Paola Medina, Esq.

Corporate Director of Organizational Operations

Paola Medina, Corporate Director of Organizational Operations, joined the Hanley Foundation team in November 2022. A distinguished graduate of St. Thomas University College of Law, Paola swiftly passed the Florida Bar Exam on her first attempt and began her career within the Coral Springs City Attorney’s Office. By late 2022, choosing to forge her own path, she found a fitting platform at Hanley Foundation, where she could use her legal acumen to support Hanley Foundation’s compliance needs and various legal initiatives.

In this important role, Paola monitors the foundation’s compliance with specific requirements across all federal, state, and local grants awarded to the organization. She oversees all contract monitoring validations and the organization’s licenses, acting as the crucial conduit between the Programs and Finance departments.

Paola enjoys learning about Hanley’s organizational operations and is passionate about making a positive and lasting impact with her work. Known for her quick adaptability and strategic insight, Paola has been instrumental in refining the organization’s compliance processes, notably spearheading the integration of Prevention Systems into Salesforce. Through her role, Paola continues to foster an environment of compliance integrity and support Hanley Foundation’s important mission.

Diamond Howard-Stevens, MHC

Corporate Director of Prevention

Diamond Howard is a dedicated prevention professional with more than a decade of experience, half of which has been spent in the field of substance abuse prevention and education. Her passion for working with youth was ignited through her volunteer efforts at the Boys and Girls Club of Miami and further developed as a Master's Practicum Intern with Accelerated Learning Solutions (ALS), where she taught interpersonal skills to adolescents and coordinated various exploration activities for high school students.

Since joining Hanley Foundation in August 2015, Diamond has played a vital role in bringing evidence-based prevention education programs to Palm Beach and Broward counties, collaborating with district and school administrators to serve both public and private schools. She takes great pride in being a role model, guiding youth toward making healthier choices and driving media literacy.

With her unwavering passion for prevention and empowering youth, Diamond continues to build strong, long-lasting relationships with schools, community partners, and agencies, making a lasting impact through her presentations and community involvement.

Diamond actively participates in the United Way of Broward County's Commission on Behavioral Health and Drug Prevention, contributing to its Youth Action Task Force, Committee for Surveillance, and Community Response Team. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master's in Mental Health Counseling from St. Thomas University. As a National Trainer of Botvin LifeSkills Training and CATCH My Breath, Diamond's expertise extends to various community organizations, including Kappa Gamma Pi National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society, Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society, and Psi-Chi International Honor Society for Psychology.

Tara Paparo, CAC, ICADC

Director of Alumni

Tara is a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) and an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC). Tara came to Hanley in 2008 as a volunteer with a passion for helping people and their families recover from substance use disorders. Tara became an employee and worked in many departments over the years, such as Admissions, Continuing Care, Human Resources, Family Program, and Executive Assistant to our Executives and Clinical Director. She encourages each person preparing for discharge to attend the many support groups that are offered weekly, in person or virtual. Tara and her team stay in contact with all alumni via phone, email, and text. Tara loves spending time with her family, husband, children, grandchildren, and dogs.

Lindsay Slattery-Cerny

Director of Programs

Lindsay has over fifteen years of experience working in social work and services throughout Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. Lindsay graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2012 with a master’s degree in social work, specializing in child welfare. She has worked previously in the child welfare system, including in dependency case management, as well as in forensic and residential settings. After both personal and professional experiences with suicide loss, Lindsay sought out training and certifications in evidence-based practices in crisis intervention and clinical suicide prevention to help guide others in suicide care best practice.

From 2016 through 2019, Lindsay led the Florida Linking Individuals Needing Care (FL LINC) Project, which was the first of its kind program to bring the SAMHSA-endorsed Zero Suicide Initiative to the region through a partnership with Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network (SEFBHN). As a Regional Suicide Prevention Specialist with the FL LINC Project, she became a certified QPR, QPR-T and YMHFA instructor, and has helped train over 2,500 local community members, parents, teachers, clinicians and other social service professionals in suicide prevention and intervention.

Lindsay also volunteers as a Regional Director for the Florida Suicide Prevention Coalition (FSPC), where she oversees advocacy efforts and suicide prevention supports for the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee. As both an FSPC Regional Director and Program Coordinator for Hanley Foundation, she enjoys working and partnering with community leaders to address the topic of suicide prevention with vulnerable populations and communities at-risk for suicide. She looks forward to continuing to collaborate with both the community, behavioral health professionals, agencies, and systems to help provide access to suicide prevention knowledge and care.

Emily Nichols

Marketing Director

West Palm Beach native Emily Nichols is an accomplished marketing professional who has been with Hanley Foundation since April 2020. In her role as Marketing Director, Emily focuses on connecting people to causes, using creativity and truth to drive maximum impact through dynamic storytelling.

She brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role, building her early career in nonprofit marketing and event management. Before joining Hanley, Emily served as Communications and Events Coordinator at the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce while serving as staff liaison for the Chamber’s Women in Business Council. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Oklahoma.

Under her guidance, the Hanley Foundation has recently undergone a transformative rebrand and website redesign that reimagines its online presence and bolsters its organizational identity. Today, her initiatives and strategies continue to elevate the organization’s mission and outreach.

Emily is not only committed to professional excellence but also to her community, one of the many passions she brings to her role at Hanley Foundation. In her spare time, she serves on the Young Friends of Ballet Palm Beach committee.

Amy Gottlieb

Director of Development

Amy is a dedicated professional with a career that has bridged both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Her journey commenced in the hospitality industry, where she excelled as a sales executive, mastering the art of customer relations and business development.
Amy’s passion for making a meaningful impact led her to the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation, where she held crucial roles contributing significantly to the organization’s mission of saving lives through bone marrow donations. Following her work at the Gift of Life, Amy transitioned into the Clinical Research industry, where she assumed leadership roles as Director of Development and Director of Marketing and Patient Engagement. In these positions, she continued to demonstrate her commitment to excellence and her dedication to improving healthcare.

Since 2020, Amy has been the Director of Development at Hanley Foundation, where she plays a pivotal role in expanding services and resources to south Palm Beach Community. She shares Hanley’s commitment and passion for stopping addiction before it starts, helping provide financial scholarships to those in need of quality treatment for substance use disorders.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Amy is an avid advocate for her community. She has been an active volunteer in the Palm Beach County school system and served as President of the PTO at a private school. Today, she continues her commitment to community service, serving as a graduate of the Leadership Boca program and volunteering in various capacities.

Amy is an active member of the Rotary Club of Boca Raton, the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, the Planned Giving Council of Palm Beach County, and the Holistic Chamber of Commerce. Her dedication extends to her role on the Board of Directors of the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC.

Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Delaware. She has called Palm Beach County home for 34 years.

Outside of her professional and community commitments, Amy enjoys Peloton, traveling and spending time with her family. She resides in Boca Raton with her husband, Jon.

MJ Demetriades, PHR, SHRM-CP

Human Resources Manager

MJ, a seasoned Human Resources professional, brings over a decade of experience to her role at Hanley Foundation, which she joined in 2019. She holds a master’s degree in Education from the University of Bridgeport and began her career as an educator, initially specializing in environmental education before transitioning to elementary school teaching. Before her tenure at Hanley Foundation, MJ spent 13 years with the South Florida Water Management District.
Committed to excellence in service, MJ prides herself on delivering unparalleled customer service to staff, fueled by a deep passion for assisting others. She has an authentic passion for helping people and continually seeks out learning opportunities, not only to grow as a professional but also to enhance the services she provides.
Her diverse background and steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth make her a valued asset to Hanley Foundation, where she continues to drive the mission forward by enriching the organizational environment.
MJ lives in West Palm Beach with her husband and two dogs. She is an animal and nature lover. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to live music, and gardening.