VP of Finance/Director of Operations

Been with Desert Rose for five years. Todd oversees the operations at PHP and Detox. He works with billing, admissions and marketing. Todd has been in the field 18 years, and has been a recovered alcoholic for 21 years. Brother died of alcoholism; passionate about helping those in active addiction reclaim their lives. When he isn’t helping others, Todd can be seen on the golf course. Married with 4 kids

Assistant Director of Operations

Originally from Connecticut, Kellianne first came to Desert Rose in 2016 as a client. After getting sober and graduating from our program, she decided to relocate to Florida and was hired here as a Behavioral Health Technician. Through her hard work and dedication, she was quickly promoted to the operations team in 2019. Kellianne does an extraordinary job in managing all communications between our clinical, medical and BHT team as well as making sure all day-to-day operations run smoothly here at Desert Rose.

Kellianne is passionate about connecting with the clients and sharing her own experience in addiction to give them hope for the future. When she is not at work, Kellianne enjoys playing the piano, video games, reading and snorkeling. She also looks forward to her trips back home to Connecticut where she loves spending time with her niece and nephew.

Robert is a Finance & Operations Senior Executive, a proven senior leader with 30+ years of experience in operations, compliance, corporate finance and “Big 4” public accounting focused on growing successful companies. Following a successful career as the CFO for Hicks Muse, Tate & First and then as the CFO of Fox Sports Latin America, Robert co-led and developed SOBE Well Institute, a successful health care company focused on the elements of mental health and substance abuse remediation. The company’s core focus centers around chemical dependency and substance abuse treatment services in highly specialized settings. Following SOBE Well, Robert joined Peter Hamilton as a partner in Behavioral Health Options LLC, which owns and operates Desert Rose FL LLC, Desert Rose Detox LLC & Freedom from Addiction, he Co-Led and developed a highly respected substance abuse and marketing service provider agency and Treatment
Centers in Florida. Core focus centered around chemical dependency and substance abuse treatment services. Leveraging his experience and relationships in the television, production and treatment sector have enabled the company to grow and be a respected firm in a very competitive industry. He will continue to follow his passion of helping others who are affected by substance abuse and mental health. Robert also sits on the board of the Ganley Foundation, which educates communities about depression and challenges the stigmas that prevent proper intervention and treatment.

Director of Admissions

With over 15 years of experience, Robert joined the Desert Rose team with a significant track record of building and managing admissions teams in the substance use field. His extensive knowledge of the industry allows him to help guide clients and their loved ones to ensure they are fully comfortable and informed throughout the admissions process. Originally from Philadelphia, Robert loves the excitement that this industry brings as well as helping clients see their full potential. When not answering phone calls here at Desert Rose, Robert spends most of his spare time with his daughter.

Clinical Director, MDiv, LMHC, CAP

Nathan brings extensive training and the gift of passion to his duties as Clinical Director of Desert Rose. He has worked in the field of addiction recovery since 2009 and been part of the Desert Rose family since 2018. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, and Master’s level training in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic. Nathan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and has earned multiple certifications in addiction prevention and treatment. He is currently an adjunct professor with Concordia University in Chicago and part of the addiction task force of the Treasure Coast. Nathan is trained in CPT, a form of treatment he uses with clients to undo the impact of past trauma. Helping those in early recovery overcome cravings and have a chance at long-term recovery. Nathan has spent over 10 years assisting families and individuals struggling with the effects of addiction, and is passionate about the 12-step approach to recovery. When not therapizing, Nathan enjoys spending time with his wife and four sons. He is a Florida State alum and sports enthusiast.

Primary Therapist/IOP Clinical Supervisor, LMHC

With over 25 years of experience in the field of addiction care, Diane is a skilled therapist and facilitator devoted to assessing and treating mental heath and substance use disorders. Her passion is making clients feel empowered and understood and instilling in them the tools they need for a lifetime of recovery. She is keenly focused on helping clients address issues related to family dynamics, self-esteem and building sober supports. Diane is a grateful recovered addict/alcoholic and by God’s grace has not felt it necessary to take any mood-altering substance in 21 years. She considers it a blessing being able to share her experience, strength and hope both in her personal life and career and can’t imagine doing any other type of work.

VP of Marketing

Vincent has worked in substance use treatment for over 10 years acting in key management roles in both the admissions and marketing departments with expertise in scaling and expanding organizations into different markets. He works hard to ensure every client has a 5 star experience from their first phone call into Desert Rose until they leave our program and are interacting with our alumni team. He believes what makes Desert Rose so special is the family atmosphere and the fact that he gets to interact with clients and see the transformation from the start of their journey until the end. When he is not working, you can find Vincent volunteering at one of South Florida’s local dog rescues.

Lead Primary Therapist, LMHC, NCC

Kate Polk is Lead Primary Therapist for the PHP Program. Kate is an LMHC in the State of Florida, and Board-Certified Clinical Counselor (NCC). Kate has been working in the addictions/substance abuse field since her graduation from Wake Forest University in 2018, where she received a master’s degree (MA) in Clinical Counseling. Kate is a US Army Veteran, who is passionate about serving the therapeutic and mental health needs of Veterans and First Responders and has experience developing curriculums in treating the specific needs of clients within the “hero” population. Kate practices from a person-centered approach implementing Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) interventions to assist client’s in accepting their challenging past and identifying healthy and sustainable changes they can make in their present and future. In her off-time, Kate enjoys spending time at the ocean and beach with her 2 children. Shell-finding, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, road cycling, and reading are her most favorite hobbies that she enjoys in her off time, as well as adventuring to new places in Florida with her kids.

Therapist MS, LMHC

Briana is originally from Connecticut and has a background in community healthcare at Yale University. She is a problem solver by nature and loves helping clients reach points of insight and breakthroughs that help them move forward in their recovery. Briana is an eternal optimist and is driven to help clients develop a hopeful attitude and outlook on the future. She has a history working with the at-risk LGBTQ+ community and has been working with us at Desert Rose Recovery for a little under 2 years. When she’s not helping our clients with their recovery, Briana loves spending time at the beach and with her beloved pooch, Stella.

Alumni Relations Manager

Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Lenny came down to South Florida to get sober 5 years ago and has never looked back. As our alumni relations manager, you can find Lenny running meetings, interacting with clients, and coordinating events to make sure our alumni community is engaged and always a part of the Desert Rose family. He loves the relationships he builds with clients during and after their stay with us as well as the change he sees during their time here which he calls the “ah hah” moment. In his free time, he takes advantage of the large sober community South Florida offers and spends time at the beach, playing sports and collecting vintage sneakers.

Nursing Supervisor, LPN

Candace has quickly become a cherished member of the medical team here at Desert Rose. After completing nursing school and becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, she decided to fulfill her passion here at Desert Rose where she can help others live a life of sobriety. Candace provides support to staff members and makes sure clients are provided with the best possible care. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her 3 children.

Case Manager

Primary Therapist, MSW, LCSW Connecticut and Florida

James worked at the Family Intervention Center, a non-profit outpatient mental health and substance abuse agency in Connecticut, from 2007 until 2021 when he relocated to Florida. He finds it rewarding supporting people who live with substance use disorders and other co-occurring mental health conditions. He has been a key member of the Desert Rose Recovery team since 2021. James guides group sessions (i.e. psychoeducational groups, process groups, experiential groups). He also practices individual therapy with clients and love working with people – supporting them in building a strong foundation for a happy and fulfilling life in sobriety and recovery. James considers it vital to make a difference in the world through his work. When he’s not helping clients at Desert Rose he likes to spend time with family and friends, enjoys dining out, cars, animals, theater, museums, art, and music.

Detox/Residential Primary Therapist, LCSW, MCAP

Originally from Nashville, TN, Kimberly relocated to Vero Beach 12 years ago. As a detox and residential primary therapist, Kimberly provides our clients with comprehensive therapeutic services including clinical assessments, individual counseling, goal oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups. Her focus is on improve client’s level of functioning, helping develop individual treatment plans and connecting families to critical resources to further recovery goals. She has 10 years of experience treating substance use and mental health disorders and has been working at Desert Rose for a little over a year as of 2022. Kimberly enjoys working in this field because it gives her a chance to help people learn to live healthy and fulfilling lives in recovery. In her free time she enjoys being at the beach, reading and spending time with friends. She recently became a new aunt which she cherishes as a precious and important role in her life.

Trauma Therapist, MS, LMHC, NCC

Murphy is the Trauma Therapist for Desert Rose. 2022 will be her seventh year working with Desert Rose Recovery clients.
Murphy utilizes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) trauma therapy to help people overcome and resolve negative live experiences, trauma-related issues, PTSD and other disturbing events that interfere with a person’s ability to move forward in life.

Murphy is Board-Certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors and recognized as both a National Certified Counselor and a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, an EMDRIA-trained EMDR Trauma Therapist, a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, an EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Practitioner as well as a Life Coach. She enjoys helping people move beyond emotional pain.