Mandi Duggan, Clinical Director

Mandi Sjogren Duggan LPC, LMHC, NCC comes to Unity Recovery Center, Inc. with a diverse background in addiction and clinical management. She began her substance abuse career in 1999 at Catholic Social Services in Pennsylvania, and has been employed by Family Recovery in Georgia, and other Florida Drug Rehab Centers such as The Watershed, and The Renaissance Institute. Most recently, Mandi has experience in assisting drug rehab facilities become licensed by DCF and accredited by The Joint Commission (JCAHO). Mandi is a licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia, a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, holds a National Certified Counselor credential, and is a Florida Qualified Supervisor.

Jason Ackner, Executive Director

After much success in commercial real estate development, Jason followed his heart and turned his energy to helping others. Being personally involved in the recovery community for over 10 years and practicing a 12 step program himself, Jason is driven by the need to give back to the community and provide recovery to those individuals who could not otherwise afford it. At Unity Recovery Center, Jason’s primary concern is providing the highest quality, most personalized drug and alcohol treatment programs to meet each client’s individual needs. Jason is empathetic to suffering that accompanies the disease of addiction and makes himself available to the clients and families 7 days a week. By helping people help themselves, to heal their wounds, mend broken relationships and become useful members of society, Unity Recovery Center has become Jason’s passion. He takes a personal interest in his work and is compassionate and caring for every person he meets.

William Romanos, MD
Dr. Romanos is a well-known psychiatrist in the South Florida area as well as on a national level. He is the former Chief of Psychiatry at Columbia Hospital and possesses many years of experience in the treatment of addictions, mental health disorders and dual diagnosis.

Marlene Roy, ED, MS, RMHI

Marleen is a Florida Registered Intern of Mental Health with a Master's Degree in Psychology of Counseling and Bachelor's Degree in Education and Management from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Her mental health training includes; substance abuse, dual diagnosis, personality disorders, and other complex mental health concerns.

She worked in the Palm Beach County School system as a classroom teacher and also as an adult Vocational Trainer for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to assist clients in their occupational/parenting goals. She worked in the Palm Beach County Court system assisting culturally diversified families and their children in court hearings, mediation, and handled all pertinent client issues for effective case management in preparation for reports to the court.

Marleen has worked with Hibiscus Children's Center to assist clients and their families with sexual abuse implications resulting from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She is experienced in treatment through Trauma Focus Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TFCBT) to address client self-perceptions, relation with others, and systems of meaning resulting from the trauma. Additionally, she is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

Linda Dunn, Therapist

Linda is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor, with 15 years of experience in Mental Health and Addictions. Most of Linda's training and experience was gained in alcohol and drug treatment centers, right here in South Florida. She has held positions as a Primary Therapist, Clinical Director, and Assistant Director, but she will be quick to tell you that her heart is in working directly with clients.

It was while working at Hanley-Hazelden as a Mental Health Technician, that Linda completed the CAP (Certified Addictions Professional) training going on to receive a Masters in Mental Health Counseling at Barry University. Linda has also completed certifications in Clinical Sexology, EMDR, Hypnotherapy, Domestic Violence, and Psychological Trauma.

In the course of her work she has developed workshops that specifically address: trauma resolution, relationship skills, and pain management (Gorski based), all of which she will be facilitating here at Unity Recovery Center. Linda’s own experience as a recovering person enables her to have empathy for the struggles of a newly recovering individual, while seeing through their walls of denial, and acknowledging their fears of being able to change.

David Sloan

David M. Sloan received a Bachelors of Art in psychology from North Carolina State University in 1997, certification as a Stephen Minister in 2004, and a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in 2008. Currently he is registered as a mental health counselor Intern with the state of Florida, actively working towards licensure.

Mr. Sloan has worked in South Light: Pathways Counseling Center, Raleigh, NC; First Step Services, LLC, Raleigh NC; and CARP, West Palm Beach, Fl. providing mental health counseling and substance abuse counseling to dully diagnosed patients in the intensive, intermediate, and short-term outpatient programs. His main responsibilities at each facility include providing substance abuse assessments for adolescents and adults, developing person centered treatment plans, and linking clients to other mental health and substance abuse community resources. Mr. Sloan also has experience providing individual and family sessions for adults and adolescents.

His main goal is to help individuals discover in themselves a variety of ways to live healthier lives through mental health and substance abuse counseling.

Dr. Jon Connelly, Ph.D, LCSW

Board certified in psychotherapy, sex therapy, hypnotherapy, behavioral medicine, clinical social work and chemical dependency counseling, Dr. Connelly brings over 30 years experience working with individuals and training professionals. Dr. Connelly is the founder and developer of Rapid Resolution Therapy, a revolutionary psychotherapeutic approach to resolving emotional and behavioral difficulties. Additionally, Jon founded The Institute for Survivors of Sexual Violence, a non-profit organization providing mental health professionals with training in advanced clinical methods of eliminating the negative influence of trauma. His book Life Changing Conversations – The Power of Transformational Communication, transcripts demonstrating that dramatic therapeutic breakthroughs can be facilitated in a single psychotherapy session

Susan Evan, VP Operations

Barry University, Miami FL

With over 15 years experience in residential and commercial property management, Susan is eager to fulfill her desire to utilize her skills and knowledge in an industry that helps others. Sharing Jason Ackner’s vision of providing highest quality, personalized addiction treatment, Susan works creatively and diligently with individuals and their families to make treatment available and affordable. Susan is part of a team of professionals that understands the pain and suffering of addiction and is passionate bringing recovery to the addict and their families.

Kimberly Creech

Another team member who is committed to the work in addiction treatment, Kim brings to Unity Recovery Center 15 years of bookkeeping and accounting in the construction business. Kim coordinates with clients’ regarding ancillary expenses and key to managing our day to day operations. Highly detailed in her work she also provides support and encouragement to clients and co-workers.

Carol Haber

Carol Haber recently joined the Unity Rehab Center's Administrative team and brings with her over 20 years experience in the medical administrative field and has held positions ranging from Assistant Administrator, Business Office Manager and Hospital Department Director.

Carol's expertise has primarily focused on reimbursement, utilization review and adhering to the policies and procedures of the Managed Care and Commercial Insurance plans. Her professionalism, breadth and depth of knowledge and experience make her a valuable member of our team.

Nina Long, MS, CAP, ICADC

Nina is a Certified Addictions Professional and is an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.  Nina received a Master of Science in Substance Abuse Counseling from Nova Southeastern University.  She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Psychology Major from Hollins College.  In addition Nina is a trained interventionist.

From 1999-2003, Nina was a family services counselor for the State of Florida.  In this position, Nina had a broad range of responsibilities, including substance abuse assessments, evaluating the need for intervention and establishing treatment plans. She provided individual and family-centered counseling, implemented ongoing substance abuse services and coordinated services and referrals with appropriate agencies.  Nina was chosen as part of the mentor program, training new counselors on best practices.

From 2003-2006 & 2008-2009, Nina was a substance abuse evaluator at Pride Integrated Services, Inc. in West Palm Beach, Florida.  She provided assessment services to court-ordered clients, determined eligibility for services and developed recommendations for treatment. Nina was responsible for a grant funded program which offered substance abuse referral services to a wide-range of clients in order to promote and improve accessibility of treatment services. 

From 2007-2008 Nina was a substance abuse counselor at CARP, Inc. in Stuart, Florida.  She supplied initial, individualized determination of eligibility for outpatient services, assessing client needs and ensuring admission to proper program.  Nina served as substance abuse counselor for adolescent and adult clients, coordinating with program directors to develop individualized treatment plans, group, and one-on-one therapy.   Nina was acknowledged for excellent interpersonal, organizational and leadership abilities.  She was recognized with commendation for outstanding teamwork and professional approach for coordinating with other counselors to address client concerns.

In 2007 Nina completed her graduate internship at Hanley Center, Inc. in West Palm Beach, FL.  At Hanley Center Nina served as a chemical dependency counselor. She provided direct residential services to individuals.  Nina performed patient assessments to establish diagnostic evaluation of patient’s substance abuse and coexisting conditions to develop and implement an integrated approach to treatment goals, process, and resource requirements. Nina conducted individual and group counseling. Key contributions included relationship-building and interviewing techniques to establish a trusting, positive rapport with patients.

At Hanley Center, Nina also served as a Prevention Facilitator for the Kid’s Place Program.  She co-facilitated a weekly psycho-educational program designed for children that have a family member dealing with substance abuse issues.