Center for Integrated Recovery and Wellness Studies

Rebecca Booth is a behavioral health professional focused on recovery-oriented systems of care, with emphasis on policy development, regulatory compliance, and the professionalization of recovery housing. Her work addresses the operational challenges of community-based recovery programs and the broader implications of ethical service delivery and long-term support for individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders.

Her research includes behavioral health policy, recovery capital metrics in care evaluation, and systems-level strategies to improve recovery housing. With expertise in addiction counseling, credentialing, and standards-aligned policy development, Rebecca’s work contributes to shaping ethical practice, advancing regulatory alignment, and informing sustainable models of recovery care.

Alexander (Alex) M. Fields, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in FAU’s Department of Counselor Education, as well as a professionally licensed counselor (LIMHP), national certified counselor (NCC), and approved clinical supervisor (ACS). He has an extensive background in integrated behavioral health settings, providing counseling services to individuals and families with substance use disorders, severe mental illness, disabilities, and chronic health conditions. His scholarship is driven by his clinical interests, examining therapeutic outcomes centered around the mental health and wellness of communities following integrated behavioral health approaches. Additionally, he has an interest in group counseling approaches and creative strategies that prepare healthcare professionals and educators to work effectively in a diverse society.

John Hulick currently serves as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Government for Commonly Well. Commonly Well is a pioneering provider of resilience and recovery services and technology, dedicated to improving individual and community well-being through innovative, evidence-based solutions. There John spearheads the company’s public and private partnership initiatives, drives the adoption of its innovative services and solutions, and positions the company as a thought leader in the public health and technology sectors.

With over three decades of experience in government relations, public policy, and strategic partnerships, John’s wealth of expertise in guiding the dynamic change activities of private and public sector organizations has enabled them to achieve all aspects of their desired strategic growth and policies.

Most recently, John served as Palm Beach County, Florida’s Drug Czar, where he was appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to lead the county’s response to the opioid epidemic; established the Office of Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders; and, designed a person-centered, recovery-oriented ecosystem of care which integrated Commonly Well’s resilience and recovery capital indexing and services as critical components.

His innovative Master Plan for opioid settlement funds, which allocated 90 percent of $120 million in anticipated revenues to social determinants of health, has been recognized as a national model. He also co-founded the Center for Integrated Recovery and Wellness Studies at Florida Atlantic University and successfully lobbied for more federal recovery grant funding.

John was nominated by New Jersey Governor Christopher Christie and confirmed by the State Senate to serve as Executive Director of the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, where he shaped substance use disorder service policies. Prior, he served as Christie’s Policy Advisor for Human Services, Children and Families where he influenced human and child protection services and budget policy.

As Managing Partner of In Depth Solutions, LLC, John guides public and private sector organizations in achieving strategic growth and navigating regulatory environments. A pioneer in substance use disorder services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, John founded Signs of Sobriety, Inc. He was key in enacting landmark legislation to provide services to this community.

John, who has been in recovery from alcoholism for over 39 years, brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, informed by his and his family’s experiences navigating his daughter’s early onset mental illness, substance use disorder and traumatic brain injury challenges. As such, he is deeply committed to the authentic voice of those living with and impacted by these challenges, their protections under the law, quality care, and outcome-driven solutions.

Hulick holds a Master of Science in Public Policy from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Western New England University.

Allison “Alli” Jimenez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Addiction Professional, Nationally Certified Counselor, and College Professor with over 15 years in the human services and nonprofit field, specializing in community partnerships, public affairs, trauma, and crisis intervention. Alli believes that personally and professionally, everything is relational and has built longstanding relationships with colleagues across the country. Through her personal and professional experiences, she has made it her life’s work to break generational cycles of trauma through counseling, prevention services, education, advocacy, writing, and public speaking. Alli has lived experience of sitting in the client seat and knows firsthand the positive impact consistent therapy has. She takes an integrative and holistic approach to everything she does, identifying root causes, not just focusing on the problem at hand. It is her belief that much of the detriment in our world is due to the shackles of unresolved generational traumas. If more people had access to mental health services, education, prevention, and treatment programs without barriers and the fear of stigma, our communities could and will be strengthened.

Alli is well known for building comprehensive programs including diversion programs for youth at risk of entering the juvenile justice system, teen and young mom mentoring programs, substance use disorder treatment programming for perinatal women, Narcan distribution initiatives, youth mentoring programs, family support groups, and suicide prevention.

She has held roles at the Executive level and through partnerships and grant writing, has solidified and sustained over $5 million in grants. As a professor at Palm Beach State College, she uses her multifaceted experience to teach in 3 departments. Alli holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University: Summa Cum Laude, Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida International University: Magna Cum Laude, and an Associate Degree in Human Services from Palm Beach State College.

Dr. Sara Matsuzaka is an Assistant Professor at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. Before joining Montclair State University, Sara completed a postdoctoral research appointment in the University of Virginia’s Department of Psychology. Sara received a PhD in Social Work from Fordham University, MSW from Florida Atlantic University, and BA from Tufts University. Sara has worked as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in outpatient substance use treatment and private practice settings. Through her research, Sara seeks to identify ways to increase engagement in substance use and mental health treatment with consideration of clients’ unique needs.

Alex Price is CEO of Project Overdose Florida, one of the nation’s leading advocacy groups confronting the overdose crisis. In this role, he is working alongside founder Andrae Bailey to scale bold, statewide solutions to one of Florida’s most urgent public health challenges. Alex also serves as Founder & CEO of Mission Impact Strategies, a consulting firm helping organizations strengthen philanthropy, communications, and community partnerships. A 20-year veteran of corporate social impact, Alex previously led community investment efforts at Fortune 500 companies including Burlington Stores, Office Depot, Comcast, and ADT. He is the architect of several nationally recognized initiatives, such as Elevate Together® and ADT Always Cares®. His career began in New York City government, where he served under Mayor Bloomberg and founded a successful nonprofit to promote civic engagement among young professionals. Alex holds a master’s in strategic communications from Columbia University and a BFA from Florida State. He lives in Boca Raton, Florida with his wife Jessie and their four children.

Founding Director, Center for Integrative Recovery and Wellness Studies
Professor and Director, Sandler School of Social Work, Florida Atlantic University

Dr. Michael A. Robinson is a distinguished scholar, educator, and practitioner with a career dedicated to improving the health and well-being of underserved populations. As the Founding Director of the Center for Integrative Recovery and Wellness Studies (CIRWS) at Florida Atlantic University, he leads innovative research and community-based initiatives focused on recovery, mental health, and wellness. Dr. Robinson has secured extensive grant funding and published widely on topics such as substance use recovery, mental health services, and program evaluation. His leadership at CIRWS reflects a commitment to advancing holistic, evidence-informed approaches that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Dr. Precious Skinner-Osei is an Associate Professor whose research centers on justice-oriented social work, with a particular focus on the far-reaching effects of incarceration. Her work not only addresses the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals but also examines the profound impact on their families and communities. Her research spans key issues such as paternal incarceration, trauma-informed care for juveniles, substance abuse, reentry, recidivism, and family reunification. She has also studied the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on justice-involved populations. Her research is instrumental in shaping reform efforts within care systems and has significant implications for social work practice, advocacy, and future research. Her research contributions can be found on Google Scholar and The C.A.R.E model.

Dr. Suzanne Spencer has served as Chief Executive Officer of Living Skills in the Schools since 2013, leading an organizational turnaround with exponential growth.

Suzanne Spencer, Ed.D. brings a wealth of expertise and experience in nonprofit leadership to her career in community organizing. She has been recognized for innovations in mental health and addiction. She is the creator and producer of the Talk with Your Mouth Full Podcast and the visionary of The Family Box for Substance Abuse Prevention Series, as well as prior local community initiatives such as Project Trailblazer, What Happens After Narcan, and SUDTALKS, thus advancing the national dialogue on our public health crisis and opioid epidemic during her leadership tenure in prior roles. Her most recent product innovation addresses vicarious trauma in school systems because of school personnel’s chronic exposure to students with adverse childhood experiences.

Dr. Armiel Suriaga is a tenure-earning Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. His research centers on substance use, misuse, and abuse, with a particular focus on opioids, cannabis, kratom, and ethanol. He leads several key initiatives, including the Communities Talk campaign by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Action Collaborative pilot project by the National Academy of Medicine, for which he was awarded a Certificate of Achievement. He also received a substance use training award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for his work on the SCCHRED study (Synthetic Cannabinoids and Cannabinoids for Harm Reduction and Education Dissemination).

Dr. Suriaga is recognized as an NDSN Scholar by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and as a Butler-Williams Scholar by the National Institute on Aging. His research is deeply community-engaged, with a strong emphasis on harm reduction and public awareness.

Ms. Janet Weisenford is the Senior Director, Learning & Development at Fors Marsh, bringing over 30 years of expertise in training, learning research, and the design of innovative, results-driven solutions for a wide range of public and private sector clients. She has led high-impact research initiatives for the Department of Defense, focusing on learning data analytics, advanced eLearning technologies, and medical modeling, simulation, and training. Her leadership has guided the creation of engaging training programs for healthcare professionals on critical topics such as evidence-based opioid prescribing, substance use disorders, motivational interviewing, and pain management. Ms. Weisenford holds a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Arts from New College of Florida.

Artesian Transitional Housing offers a structured sober living environment in Stuart, Florida, serving as a vital bridge between treatment and independent living. As a type of transitional housing, Artesian is specifically designed for individuals in early recovery who are committed to maintaining sobriety and rebuilding their lives.

Residents benefit from a safe, substance-free setting that blends peer support, personal accountability, and life-skills development. Grounded in the Twelve‑Step philosophy, Artesian provides an ideal environment for those who are able to work and are ready to reenter the community with support.

Our program emphasizes:

• Structured sober housing with routine and responsibility
• Peer accountability and a supportive recovery community
• Access to 12-step meetings and relapse prevention
• Drug testing and recovery-focused guidance
• Life skills support and encouragement toward employment

Whether you’re transitioning from a treatment program, rebuilding after a setback, or looking for a fresh start in recovery, Artesian Transitional Housing offers the structure and community you need to move forward—one day at a time.

CEO & Chief Legal Officer

Michael Schlossman serves as CEO and Chief Legal Officer of the Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR), the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences. Under his leadership, FARR upholds Florida Statute 397.487 through statewide oversight, accreditation, education, and advocacy to promote ethical, high-quality recovery housing. Michael brings over two decades of legal, clinical, and executive leadership experience in behavioral health, including roles as treatment program CEO, clinical director, and general counsel. A person in long-term recovery since 2010, he is deeply committed to advancing evidence-based recovery systems and reducing barriers to housing for individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders. He holds a Juris Doctor from New York Law School and is licensed to practice law in both New York and Florida. Michael also served as Chair of the Palm Beach County Behavioral Health, Substance Use, and Co-Occurring Disorder Steering Committee and is a former FARR Board Member.

Director of Public Funding Initiatives

Angie Sweeney is the Director of Public Funding Initiatives at the Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR), where she oversees the management, reporting, and compliance of state and local government contracts supporting recovery housing across Florida. With over a decade of experience in both case management and financial administration, she has led large-scale housing initiatives for chronically homeless and developmentally disabled populations in Palm Beach County. Angie has administered more than $4 million in government and private funds, coordinating over 150 residential leases and implementing low-barrier, supportive housing programs. At FARR, she contributes to grant-funded initiatives, supports philanthropic reporting, and plays a key role on the Education and Outreach Team. Her work bridges operations and policy to ensure quality recovery housing is accessible, accountable, and sustainable. Angie is Six Sigma Green Belt certified and fluent in Spanish, bringing both efficiency and cultural competency to her statewide role.

Deputy Executive Director

Josh Thrasher is the Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR), where he oversees the application and renewal process for certified recovery residences statewide. Since joining FARR in 2021, he has led quality assurance efforts, provider training, and strategic collaboration with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and other key stakeholders. Josh is committed to advancing safe, ethical, and standards-based recovery housing that supports long-term recovery outcomes. His professional background includes a range of direct care and administrative roles in the recovery field, from sober living house manager to treatment center admissions coordinator. A Certified Event Interventionist, Josh brings both lived experience and systems-level insight to his work. He is passionate about improving access to quality recovery housing and fostering safe environments for individuals in recovery across Florida.

Megan Garvey Foret, LCSW, MCAP, EMDR, is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Fenix Recovery in West Palm Beach, Florida. A licensed clinical social worker with advanced certifications in EMDR and addiction counseling, Megan brings over a decade of experience in trauma-informed, gender-affirming addiction treatment. Her work emphasizes inclusivity, personalized care, and advocacy for underserved populations—particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community. An alumna of FAU’s Social Work program, she continues to mentor student interns and collaborate on advancing behavioral health research and policy. Megan is committed to transforming recovery care through data-driven innovation, equity-centered programming, and community-based solutions.

Billy Davis is a co-founder of The Sober Pad, a FARR-certified recovery residence dedicated to supporting men in early recovery. Their mission is deeply rooted in lived experience and personal conviction: Billy is a person in long-term recovery. Together with co-founder Rachel Davis, they saw a gap in safe, supportive housing and decided to build the kind of environment they believed every person in recovery deserves.

Since launching in 2021, The Sober Pad has grown to five homes with 48 beds—and will expand to six homes and 64 beds in 2026. Their program emphasizes structure, peer accountability, and community reintegration. Beyond day-to-day operations, Rachel and Billy use nearly four years of resident data to track outcomes such as length of stay, primary substance use, criminal justice involvement, and demographic trends. This data-informed approach allows them to continuously evolve their model to better support long-term recovery.

Their combined compassion, lived experience, and operational excellence make them trusted partners and dedicated advocates in the recovery housing landscape.

Rachel Davis is a co-founder of The Sober Pad, a FARR-certified recovery residence dedicated to supporting men in early recovery. Their mission is deeply rooted in lived experience and personal conviction: Rachel is a passionate recovery ally. Together with co-founder Billy Davis, they saw a gap in safe, supportive housing and decided to build the kind of environment they believed every person in recovery deserves.

Since launching in 2021, The Sober Pad has grown to five homes with 48 beds—and will expand to six homes and 64 beds in 2026. Their program emphasizes structure, peer accountability, and community reintegration. Beyond day-to-day operations, Rachel and Billy use nearly four years of resident data to track outcomes such as length of stay, primary substance use, criminal justice involvement, and demographic trends. This data-informed approach allows them to continuously evolve their model to better support long-term recovery.

Their combined compassion, lived experience, and operational excellence make them trusted partners and dedicated advocates in the recovery housing landscape.