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Unity Recovery Center Inc.

Unity Recovery Center Staff

Mandi DugganMandi 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 AcknerJason 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.


Dr. Mark Hernandez M.D., P.A
Medical Director

Dr. Mark Hernandez M.D., P.A is excited to be a part of the Unity Recovery Center team. He has been practicing in the field of addictions for over 10 years. He began his training in the Dominican Republic and completed his residency training with Jackson Memorial Hospital. In the past he has worked with pharmaceutical companies to research psychotropic medications for Anxiety, Alzheimer’s Disease, Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder, and Neuopathy. Most recently Dr. Hernandez was the Medical Director of The Watershed of the Palm Beaches. In addition to his private practice, he is associated with North Shore Medical Center, Palmetto General Hospital, Florida Medical Center, and Larkin Hospital.


Jennifer Schickling, BA, MSW
Therapist

Jennifer received her BA from Pennsylvania State University in 1983. She recently completed her Masters degree in Social Work from Barry University in Miami, Florida. She has begun the process of registering for her social work internship with the state of Florida to complete her LCSW.


Prior to entering the substance abuse field, Jennifer spent ten years with Bristol-Myers Squibb as a pharmaceutical representative. She promoted a variety of pharmaceutical products including anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications.


Jennifer began working in the recovery field after she became sober. She has worked as a primary therapist at White Deer Run, Inc. in Pennsylvania before moving to Florida. She was the director of Awakenings For Women in Boca Raton and primary therapist at Palm Partners in Delray Beach. Jennifer has provided individual therapy, family therapy, psych-educational groups and therapeutic groups for her clients. Jennifer is currently enrolled in a therapist psychodrama workshop which provides an additional outlet for clients to express themselves.


Jennifer's primary goal is to help clients discover their true selves and find hope for a joy filled future.


David M. SloanDavid M. Sloan, RMHI
Therapist

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.


Miesha McIntosh, MS, LMHC
Therapist

Miesha McIntosh is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, who has a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelors in Psychology from Bethune-Cookman University. Miesha’s post Masters experience is mainly as a therapist within the Fl Department of Corrections. Most recently, she was the Clinical Coordinator at Rega Mental Health Center. Miesha’s heart lies within restoring and reshaping the lives of individuals in need. Miesha is extremely excited to join our team, delighted to bring her knowledge and experience, and looking forward to learning and gaining experience from others.


Susan EvanSusan Evan
Vice President of Operations
Business Administrator / Human Resources

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.


Carol HaberCarol Haber
Utilization Review

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.


 

Unity Recovery Center’s professional staff also works closely with our university and mental health interns. Additionally, our interns interact with our clients during group process and activities.