California Palms Professional Staff
The California Palms employs multiple counselors and case managers to help ensure our clients receive the best care possible. All of our professional clinical staff have extensive experience in the fields of behavioral health and substance abuse. The Palms is affiliated with local psychiatrists, doctors of internal medicine, detox facilities, and others with specialized training. We aim to provide our clients with the most comprehensive care available in the field.
GERALD D. SHULMAN, MA, FACATA.
Program Director
Jerry@Caliparc.com
(800) 262-3742
Jerry is a nationally recognized leader in the chemical dependency and mental health treatment field with over 50 years of experience. He is a licensed psychologist intimately familiar with all aspects of the delivery of substance abuse treatment. He is an author with an extensive list of publications including the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria and managed care. A record of innovative clinical program development and management, a sought-after speaker, trainer and workshop leader. At the Palms, he is part of the executive management team as its Program Director, he works part-time on site where he develops standards for clinical assessment and treatment, and responsible for developing administrative and clinical supervision of staff. He also establishes training for new clinical staff and assesses the quality of care and appropriateness of services rendered through random sampling of cases.
ANN BRANDT, MS, LPCC-S
Clinical Director
Ann@Caliparc.com
(800) 262-3742
Ann Brandt is a state Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S). She has worked in the field of behavioral health and substance abuse treatment for the last 25 years. Ann has a maters degree in community counseling from YSU and a Master Degree in Education from Arizona State University. She has extensive experience in substance abuse, chemical dependency, addiction, and mental health counseling and specializes in therapy related to substance abuse and individual therapy concerning mental health counseling. At the Palms, she is part of the executive management team and as Clinical Director in charge of coordinating all aspects of the clinical programming within a multi-disciplinary team setting and responsible for the overall integrity and quality of services provided.
GEORGE RUTHERFORD, MS, CCS
Operations Director
George@Caliparc.com
(800) 262-3742
George Rutherford is a veteran of the United States Navy and has over fifteen years of experience in the field of drug and alcohol treatment. He started his career as a direct care staff member and has since become a credentialed addictions counselor, supervisor, administrator, and consultant. George utilizes a “Whole Person” approach to recovery and uses his certifications in personal training, Yoga, and Reiki to inform his methodology. Goerge has a Bachelor’s Degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s Degree from Sacred Heart University, and is a Certified Clinical Supervisor through the Pennsylvania Certification Board and International Credentialing and Reciprocity Consortium. George holds certifications from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections as a staff trainer and as a trainer in Assault Management Applications for Corrections as well as Safe Crisis Management. George is the author of the PCB approved training “Working With Families for the Alcohol and Other Drug Professional.” At the Palms, he is part of the executive management team and as Operations Director in charge of coordinating all aspects of operations and responsible for the overall integrity and quality of services provided.
SEBASTIAN RUCCI, JD, CDCA
Executive Director
Sebastian@Caliparc.com
(800) 262-3742
Sebastian is the owner of the Palms which he created after suffering the loss of two brothers to addiction. Sebastian is a licensed engineer, attorney, and chemical dependency counselor and has thirty years’ experience in business development. He is the Executive Director responsible for the overall integrity and quality of services provided, and the overall governance and financial function. He drives his unique and innovative vision of superior addiction and mental health therapy, physical fitness, positive thinking, and music therapy, through every facet of operations. He holds a Juris Doctor degree, bachelors degree in civil engineering and a Chemical Dependency (CDCA) certificate.
DR. KAREN GIORGETTI, Ph.D., Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
karen@Caliparc.com
(800) 262-3742
Dr. Giorgetti is a licensed psychologist in Ohio and professor of psychology at YSU with a Ph.D. in Psychology from Purdue University. She has thirteen years' experience in the behavioral health and substance abuse field. She has extensive knowledge of individual counseling and the treatment of mental health disorders. Dr. Giorgetti is associated with the Palms as its Clinical Psychologist through her company Hope Healing providing psychotherapy treatment and mental health therapy.
SAM NAPLES, BS, CDCA
Chemical Dependency Counselor
Sam@Caliparc.com
(800) 262-3742
Sam Naples Naples has a Bachelor's in Psychology from Youngstown State University and is a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA). At the Palms, Sam specializes in group therapy sessions for those undergoing treatment within a multi-disciplinary team setting. Sam Naples is also an eighth-degree grandmaster in Tae Kwon Do with over forty years’ experience teaching the art. At the Palms, he also teaches meditation which helps clients get in touch with their spiritual side and deal with stress and anxiety. He is also certified in hypnotherapy and assists clients to quit smoking.
ELIZABETH BECKLEY, CDCA
Case Management Director
ElizabethBeckley@Caliparc.com
Cell: (330) 717-9241
Work: (330) 935-2663
Elizabeth is a state-licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant with ten years of experience in the behavioral health and substance abuse field. Elizabeth has ten years of experience assisting those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. Elizabeth is also a peer specialist and is certified by SMART Recovery. Elizabeth has extensive knowledge of care for adults struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. At the Palms, Elizabeth is the Case Management Director assisting patients with their case management needs. She handles all arrangements concerning patients and staff training for new case managers. She provides informal counseling and guidance to clients, makes appropriate referrals for services not provided, assists clients in filling out forms for social services benefits, assists clients in re-entering society and re-engaging in their lives upon discharge, assist clients in finding housing, employment and arranging for outpatient treatment after discharge, and preparing clients’ discharge.
TONI GOLDSBORO, MS, CDCA
Chemical Dependency Counselor
Toni@Caliparc.com
(800) 262-3742
Toni has more than fifteen years of professional experience in chemical dependency counseling and therapy. Her specialty is in guiding clients toward recovery from addiction. A strong client advocate, Toni has training and experience in working with those suffering from addiction. She holds a Master's degree from Walden University in counseling. At California Palms, Toni is a Chemical Dependency Counselor specializing in individual and group therapy related to substance abuse, within a multi-disciplinary team setting.
JOSHUA KNISLEY, BS, CDCA
Chemical Dependency Counselor
Joshua@Caliparc.com
(800) 262-3742
Joshua Knisley is a military veteran with extensive professional experience in chemical dependency counseling and therapy. He has a bachelor's in psychology from Liberty University. He has extensive experience from the Federal Bureau of Prisons and is a strong client advocate working with those suffering from addiction. At California Palms, Josh works part-time as a Chemical Dependency Counselor specializing in individual and group therapy related to substance abuse, within a multi-disciplinary team setting.
NATALIE PRIDDY, BS, CDCA
Chemical Dependency Counselor
Natalie@Caliparc.com
(800) 262-3742
Natalie is a state-licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant with five years of experience assisting those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. Natalie has a Bachelors Degree from Strayer University in Criminal Justice and extensive knowledge of care for adults struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. At the Palms, Natalie is a Case Manager assisting patients with their case management needs. She provides counseling and guidance to clients, makes appropriate referrals for services not provided, assists clients in filling out forms for social services benefits, assists clients in re-entering society and re-engaging in their lives upon discharge, assist clients in finding housing, employment and arranging for outpatient treatment after discharge, and preparing clients’ discharge.
MELONIE BRUSSE, LPN
Nurse
Melonie@Caliparc.com
(800) 262-3742
Melonie Brusse is a state licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), at California Palms, she is our Staff Nurse, she gathers data from clients regarding medical and drug use history; reviews each client's medical/physical history and refers clients as needed to a private physician for medical evaluation. She responds to emergency situations, summons 911 and CPR/First Aid; schedules clients with outside physicians for medical care; assists staff and clients in mastering proper infection control procedures to prevent the spread of infections, and processes urine drug screens.
MICHELLE RUCCI, CCMA, CDCA & CMAA
Medical Assistant and Case Manager
Michelle@Caliparc.com
(330) 935-2663
Michelle Rucci is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA). At California Palms, Michelle is our Medical Assistant, she monitors patient recovery and progress while educating patients n prevention and treatment. Michelle also handles staff training concerning medical and emergency issues and handles coordination with our TeleMedicine (Express Healthcare). Michelle also assists veterans with their case management needs, she provides informal counseling and guidance to clients, makes appropriate referrals for services not provided, assists clients in filling out forms for social services benefits, assists clients in re-entering society and re-engaging in their lives upon discharge, assist clients in finding housing, employment and arranging for outpatient treatment after discharge, and preparing clients’ discharge.
MATTEO RUCCI, CDCA
Case Manager
Matteo@Caliparc.com
(330) 935-2663
Matteo Rucci is a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA). At California Palms, he provides informal counseling and guidance to clients, makes appropriate referrals for services not provided, assists clients in filling out forms for social services benefits, assists clients in re-entering society and re-engaging in their lives upon discharge, assist clients in finding housing, employment and arranging for outpatient treatment after discharge, and preparing clients’ discharge.
JAMIE DATTILIO, CDCA
Case Manager
Jamie@Caliparc.com
(800) 262-3742
Jamie Dattilio is a state-licensed chemical dependency counselor assistant extensive knowledge of caring for adults struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. At the Palms, Jamie volunteers her time assisting patients with their case management needs. She makes appropriate referrals for services not provided, and assist clients in finding housing, employment and assists clients in re-entering society upon discharge.
DR. HOLLY MAGGIANO, M.D.
Horticulture Therapy
EarthAngelFarms@gmail.com
Dr. Maggiano is a state-licensed medical doctor with twenty-eight years of experience specializing in neurology. Dr. Maggiano has training in horticulture therapy and is a co-founder of Earth Angel Farm which uses horticulture to assist individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. At California Palms, Dr. Maggiano teaches a Horticulture Therapy group introducing greenhouse practices to veterans undergoing treatment. Dr. Maggiano also works off-site with the veterans at various greenhouses.
DR. JOSEPH ALTMAN Psy.D. Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Work: (412) 486-9019
Palms: (330) 935-2663
Dr. Altman is a veteran with over twenty years experience and the Palms main clinical psychologist. Dr. Altman focuses on the treatment of depression, anxiety, grief, and PTSD. Dr. Altman utilizes the techniques of Energy Field Psychology, Clinical EFT(Tappings), EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These often result in the rapid resolution of painful memories associated with the trauma of PTSD, unresolved grief, sexual abuse, etc. Dr. Altman provides a positive, supportive, environment where residents have an opportunity to be healed of their emotional pain and fears. Dr. Altman meets the resident veterans where they are and to encourage a shift in thinking from predominately negative and fearful, to positive and hopeful.
DENISE MINCHER, MS, LPCC
Mental Health Counselor
Denise@Caliparc.com
(330) 935-2663
Denise is a state-licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), and Nationally Certified Psychologist (NCP). Denise has a Master of Science in Education Counseling from Youngstown State University and a bachelor's in psychology from YSU. Denise has twenty-two years of experience in the behavioral health and substance abuse field. At California Palms, Denise is a Mental Health Counselor and specializes in assessment, treatment planning and collaborative care of veterans undergoing treatment, within a multi-disciplinary team setting. Denise is presently on a leave of absence and expected to return very soon.
GREG WALLER, Ph.D.
Chief Financial Officer
Greg@Caliparc.com
(800) 262-3742
Dr. Waller is a professor of finance with a Ph.D. in finance from Purdue University. He has owned and managed several companies and served as an outside consultant to numerous firms in the areas of corporate finance and strategy. He consults with the Palms on the organization's financial goals, objectives, and budgets.
MARGE NELSON
Administrator
Marge@Caliparc.com
(800) 262-3742
Marge has twenty years of supervisory experience and knowledge of rules and regulations of the healthcare industry. At the Palms, she provides ongoing supervision of the clerical and support staff; assists with the annual review of non-clinical personnel; assists in developing and implementing procedures as related to non-clinical care; manages client flow; is responsible for scheduling appointments; screens emergencies; makes appropriate referrals for services not provided, and obtains necessary authorizations for treatment.
LARRY TROMBITAS
Tai Chi Master
lctrombitas@att.net
(800) 262-3742
Larry is a veteran who served in the United States Army during the Vietnam war. Larry is also a master of Tai Ruach (Tai Chi) with over thirty years of experience teaching the art. Larry has twenty years of personal recovery experience. At the Palms, Larry teaches The Art of Tai Ruach (Tai Chi).