Our Management Team

drug and alcohol rehab in a warm, gentle environment










Quick reference links:
- Executive Director - Stefanie Carnes, Ph.D.
- Medical Director - Eduardo Pena, M.D.
- Clinical Director - Linda Rae Considine, LMHC
- Therapist – Lisa Sussman
- Therapist – Bill Walsh
- Family and Extended Care Therapist – Jen Alfert
- Program Coordinator
- Aftercare Coordinator
- Northeast Clinical Interventionist
- Admissions & Intake
- Business Development and National / Regional Marketing Director
- Regional Outreach Manager

Executive Director: Stefanie Carnes, Ph.D. LMFT, CSAT

Stefanie Carnes, Ph.D.

Dr. Stefanie Carnes was appointed Vice President and Executive Director of The Palm Beach Institute in September, 2009. She brings with her thirteen years research and clinical treatment experience, working with chemical dependency, eating disorders and sexual and relationship addiction. Dr. Carnes' broad range of experience and expertise have prepared her to redefine the daily operations of PBI, oversee the training of the clinical staff in the task model of chemical dependency treatment, and engage in individual therapeutic interaction with each of the clients.

Because of her knowledge and experience and work with IITAP and Dr. Patrick Carnes, developing credentialing and training for therapists working with sex addiction (CSAT), Dr. Carnes is a highly sought after presenter at both state and national levels. She brings this experience to The Palm Beach Institute where she is creating a model for "task-based" treatment of chemical dependency. Additionally, Dr. Carnes utilizes her talent working individually with clients and facilitating psycho-educational groups on co-occurring disorders, substance abuse, trauma, grief and loss, and addiction to both the residential and extended care clients.

She has led numerous research projects on addiction and authored many publications including her nationally renowned book, Mending a Shattered Heart: A Guide for Partners of Sex Addicts.

Dr. Carnes is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, an AAMFT clinical member and approved supervisor. She is also certified through IITAP (International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals) as a sex addiction therapist and supervisor.

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Medical Director: Eduardo Pena, M.D.

Dr. Pena is a psychiatrist who is Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. Additionally he maintains participation in the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law. Return to top of page.

Clinical Director: Linda Rae Considine, LMHC

Linda Rae Considine

Lin comes to the Palm Beach Institute with close to twenty years experience in the substance abuse field. Lin has worked in treatment centers as well as private practice. She has experience with families, couples and individuals. Lin has worked to assess clients with crisis management, codependency as well as chemical dependency.

In addition to being a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Lin is a Certified Psychodramatist. Lin received her Masters in Counseling and Psychology from Nova University.

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Therapist: Lisa Sussman, MA

Lisa began her relationship with the Palm Beach Institute as a group facilitator in our extended care program in 2007. Lisa rejoined PBI in March 2009 as an intern through the South University Program where she recently completed her Masters degree in Professional Counseling and works as a therapist in residential treatment.

Previously, Lisa was a program coordinator, working with adolescents and young adults with substance abuse and behavioral issues. Lisa facilitated groups, oversaw case managers and worked with clients' families.

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Therapist: Bill Walsh; LMHC

Bill earned his Master's Degree in counseling psychology from Nova University and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Kent State University. A licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), Bill offers over 30 years of experience in the fields of mental health and chemical dependency, including tenure as a probation officer in the corrections field. He began his current career in 1980 as an emergency screener, then moving on as a crisis support counselor, specializing in short-term crisis counseling for both inpatient and outpatient clients. He also served as an adolescent counselor in a long-term psychiatric facility.

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Family and Extended Care Therapist: Jennifer Alfert, MS, NCGC II Candidate

Jennifer joined the Palm Beach Institute in 2007, with a BS in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Since then she received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Springfield University in Tampa, FL and is currently a Certified Gambling Counselor Candidate.

Jennifer has served The Palm Beach Institute in many capacities and most recently has taken on the role of Therapist for the Extended Care and community based Intensive Outpatient Programs. In private practice, she treats those suffering from compulsive gambling addiction.

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Program Coordinator: Avraham Antine, MA Intern

Abe joined our staff working with the residential clients. Formerly program coordinator for The Olive Branch, our extended care facility. Abe now works with the clinical team in residential treatment to build a strong foundation in recovery and prepare clients for reentry to life.

Abe received his Bachelors of Science in Psychology from John Carroll University. He is currently pursuing his Masters in Social Work at Barry University. Previously, Abe was Director of Development for a not-for-profit agency providing services for the mentally and physically ill.

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Aftercare Coordinator: James Rapp, CAC

James Rapp is a Certified Addictions Counselor in the state of Florida and a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor in New York State. He is also an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor. He has been involved professionally in the treatment of substance abuse disorders for more than nineteen years. He has been associated with the Palm Beach Institute in various capacities since March of 2000 and most recently is the co-owner, Program Director and Therapist of a private practice Intensive Outpatient Treatment Center in Lake Worth, Florida. His duties have ranged from Case Manager to Therapist to Program Director to Board Member and owner. Jim is trained and experienced in state-of-the-art scientific, medical and 12-step models for the treatment of addictive disorders. His therapeutic approach conveys a strong message that addresses mind, body and the spiritual needs of recovery. He is expert in helping clients identify the underlying causes of addiction and takes an individual and proven approach in treating each of his clients. He goes beyond the theory and the technical points of therapy by utilizing compassion, caring, empathy, and understanding in assisting each of his clients achieve his or her personal recovery experience.

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Northeast Clinical Interventionist: Frank Walls, L.C.A.D.C.

Many clients of the Palm Beach Institute come from the Northeast including New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. To facilitate and coordinate care, Frank Walls, L.C.A.D.C. has worked with the Palm Beach Institute to assist clients who come to us for services and who will be returning home. Frank has worked as an Employee Assistance Counselor, Clinical Director and Program Director for over thirty years. His years of experience lend themselves to assisting clients in the Northeast area determine if the Palm Beach Institute or another facility is appropriate for them. Once a client has determined that the Palm Beach Institute is the treatment center of their choice, Frank assists the clients with the admission process and coordinates care for the family in the area. Additionally, Frank serves as a point of contact to connect clients from the Northeast area with local support when they return home.

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Director of Admissions: Patricia Weinrich, CEAP

Pat joined the Palm Beach Institute Treatment Team in March of 2007. She brought a wealth of experience to PBI having worked with Employee Assistance Programs as well as in residential substance abuse treatment settings. Pat is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She has both personally and professionally committed herself to assisting individuals and families struggling with addictive disorders.

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Intake Specialist: Melissa Zrebiec, CAS

For the past five years Missy has worked in both substance abuse and mental health settings. She began as a resident manager in July of 2006 at the Palm Beach Institute prior to moving into the position of intake specialist. Her experience working with patients at all levels of recovery combined with her continued education in the area of addiction and behavioral healthcare has given her the necessary skills to effectively evaluate patient treatment needs and recommend appropriate levels of care. We are pleased to have her working as part of our admissions team.

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Business Development and National / Regional Marketing Director: Sherry Young, Ph.D.

Sherry Young, Ph.D. , Business Development and National / Regional Marketing Director, joined the Palm Beach Institute in March 2010. She educates therapeutic professionals and diversion and advocacy communities about resources for individuals struggling with addiction, trauma, and co-morbidity. She has an interdisciplinary doctorate in psychology and literature from the University of Dallas, where she received her Ph.D. in 1986. She has written and published on the therapeutic nature of confession and the archetypes of gambling. Sherry is known for her collaborative style and work in the addiction field.

Formerly, a creative college professor and NEH grant recipient, Dr. Young taught interdisciplinary studies in literature, psychology and philosophy for many years, directed international educational programs in Rome, Italy, and brings a breadth of knowledge and experience from the liberal arts to clinical education and recovery in the addiction field. She has worked for many start-up businesses and created her own marketing consulting business, integrating other independent creative providers to form a virtual marketing team for small business owners.

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Regional Outreach Manager, Stephanie Smith - D’Andrea, CAAP, MLDT.

Stephanie's marketing experience spans 12 years with a focus on assisting clients and their families in finding appropriate treatment. Her broad knowledge of addiction as a disease affecting both the individual and their families, as well as her passion for recovery, translates into providing hope for healing to those who suffer from addictive and other behavioral health disorders.

Stephanie has developed community educational and outreach programs for social and health service agencies as well as educational seminars for the professional community. She is a member of the Heroes in Medicine Awards Committee for the Palm Beach County Medical Society and was responsible for the implementation of the Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force in Palm Beach County. She has been an active volunteer as an elementary school mentor for the Palm Beach County public schools, and Group Leader for Girls in Action, a volunteer group of girls who implement outreach programs for the area's homeless. Stephanie attended The Academy of Healing Arts, The Brahman Institute, and the Dr. Vodder Schule in Walchee, Austria and recently completed her training as a Certified Addictions Professional.

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