Staff At Delray Recovery Center

Delray Recovery Center’s triple-board certified psychiatrist, Dr. Darryl Appleton, recognizes that many individuals with a history of substance abuse or alcoholism attempt to self medicate in order to manage underlying problems with depression, anxiety, and/or trauma. Frequently, such underlying problems need to be dealt with therapeutically prior to addressing the more tangible and discernible substance abuse. Delray Recovery Center is prepared to work with each individual to address these underlying problems through multiple treatment options. In fact, Delray Recovery Center is one of the first treatment centers to offer the new, ground-breaking rTMS magnetic stimulation treatment designed to target and treat co-occurring disorders without the use of psychotropic medications.

Dr. Appleton has been recognized internationally for his research, evaluation and treatment of major depression, mood and anxiety disorders, as well as sleep disorders. He has conducted extensive research on the correlation between chronic pain and sleep disorders as well as the effects of anti-depressants on sleep quality. A frequent contributor to leading medical journals, Dr. Appleton is often called upon as an expert for radio and TV, consumer publications and internet forums.

Dr. Appleton is triple-board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (ABPN), the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (CIME) and the American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM.) He is also a fellow at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (FAASM) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPS(C)). Dr. Appleton completed his medical internship and residency in Psychiatry at the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial as well as a Fellowship at the University of Toronto in Neuropsychiatry.

Since 2003, Dr. Appleton has been actively involved in psychiatry and sleep medicine practices including the Appleton Clinic in Toronto, Sleep and Fatigue Treatment Center in Delray Beach, Florida, and BrainStim Health and TMS Therapy.

Sarah Gentry is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a renowned clinician. She brings years of experience in trauma resolution, mental health diagnosis, as well as substance abuse and eating disorders treatment to her position as Clinical Director at Delray Recovery Center.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS), and a Masters of Mental Health Counseling (MA). Sarah is also a Certified Addiction Professional, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and is board certified in the Creative Journal Expressive Arts Method.
Sarah is frequently asked to guest speak on topics such as, substance abuse, addiction treatment, mental health disorders, trauma resolution and gender specific issues at conferences nationwide. She also still maintains a private practice in Palm Beach, FL.

Jennifer Lundgren, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), is a Primary Therapist at Delray Recovery Center. Jennifer conducts group counseling as well as individual and family counseling sessions. She employs art therapy and creative discovery, motivational interviewing techniques, and solution-based cognitive behavioral therapies such as Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) as well as the more existential Gestalt. Through these methods, Jennifer helps clients center on changing and healing internally, rather than focusing on external situations and events.

Jennifer has worked in the field of addiction treatment since 2007. She has provided therapy and counseling in all areas of substance abuse treatment including inpatient, partial-hospitalization, outpatient, and intensive outpatient. She has worked with children, adults, and seniors. While Jennifer has worked with a multitude of behavioral issues, she specializes in substance abuse and eating disorders.

Jennifer completed her Master of Arts (MA) degree in Mental Health Counseling at Marist College and her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from St. Thomas Aquinas College. While attending college and graduate school, she was an active member of the International Honor Society of Psychology. Jennifer is originally from Orange County, New York.

Malia Birk is a Primary Therapist at Delray Recovery Center. Malia conducts group and individual counseling sessions, administers psychosocial assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, and provides family support and education.

Malia uses a holistic, therapeutic approach that incorporates the biological, psychological, spiritual, and environmental needs of each client. She emphasizes personal empowerment through a strength-based approach. Integrating these techniques and centering on the unique qualities and life experiences of each person, Malia guides her clients to discover their capacity for healthy, fulfilling lives through recovery.

Malia’s counseling experience includes anger management, depression, suicide prevention, safety planning, and grief and loss. She has worked with veterans and the elderly, providing psychosocial needs counseling including homelessness, implications of hospitalization, medical treatment, adjustment to life circumstances, home health care, and advance directive education.

Malia holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology from the University of Kentucky. Malia received her Master of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in Clinical Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. While attending graduate school, Malia was an active member of the Social Work Empowerment and Advocacy Team as well as the Phi Alpha Honor Society. Malia is originally from Lexington, Kentucky.

As the Holistic Program Counselor at Delray Recovery Center, Joe uses his dynamic background as a counselor, breathworker, and Reiki practitioner to help clients heal on a deeper level. Joe gently leads clients to safely connect through body, mind and spirit. He facilitates awareness through individual and group sessions to discover clients’ unconscious thoughts and life patterns so they can make conscious decisions to change fundamentals in their lives. The process also promotes a profound physical connection which allows healing to happen on a visceral or cellular level – a level of healing essential for trauma and addiction patients.

Joe utilizes a number of powerful, yet safe and gentle therapeutic modalities including Reiki, mindfulness, breathwork, meditation, intuitive energy work, crystal therapy, and holistic therapy to release stress, increase energy, and generate healing. Joe is passionate about breathwork, a healing modality using conscious, connected breathing that encourages release of negativity, suppressed negative thoughts and emotions, and pain stored within the body. Breathwork can provide tremendous value by allowing individuals to discover how current issues originated from decisions made in the past. Becoming consciously aware of patterns and undesirable habits is the first step to creating change.

As a Reiki Master, Joe uses the Japanese Reiki technique, administered for stress reduction, relaxation and healing. A treatment of the “life force energy” can feel like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that treats the whole person –body, emotion, mind and spirit. It is used to treat illnesses, relieve side effects, and promote recovery either as a sole treatment or in conjunction with medical or therapeutic techniques.

In addition to his knowledge of holistic healing modalities, Joe has several years of experience in the field of addiction. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona as well as a Masters degree (MA) in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. He is a certified Reiki Master and Breathwork counselor. Joseph is originally from Springfield, IL.

Kathryn Steward is the Manager of Residential Services at Delray Recovery Center. Kathryn is responsible for training and supervising the behavioral health technician staff. She also manages residential housing, guest transportation, and monitors clients for medication compliance. Kathryn and the staff ensure that Delray Recovery Center is a clean, comfortable and nurturing environment to facilitate guest recovery.

A graduate of St. Andrews School, Kathryn Steward attended Wofford College in South Carolina and Armstrong State College in Savannah, Georgia. She is currently working towards certification in Rapid Trauma Resolution while finishing her Addiction Counselor Certification at Palm Beach College. Kathryn grew up in Savannah, Georgia.

Catherine Cahill brings over 10 years of addiction counseling expertise to her position as Client Service Coordinator at Delray Recovery Center. Catherine works closely with the clinical, administrative, and residential property staff to ensure that each client receives seamless, individualized care. As a Substance Abuse Counselor, Catherine provides individual counseling sessions, focusing on helping clients develop the life skills necessary for a successful recovery. She is passionate about helping recovering addicts at the critical phase just after primary treatment; she motivates these individuals as they transition to a stable, healthy life off campus.

Catherine graduated from Sante Fe College in Gainesville, Florida and completed the Certified Addiction Counselor program at Palm Beach State College. She is currently studying to become a Criminal Justice Addictions Counselor (CJAC) and is completing her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology, specializing in substance abuse. Catherine is originally from Baltimore, Maryland.

Joseph Petri brings dedication and integrity to his role as Chief Executive Officer. He provides solid leadership and strategic direction for Delray Recovery Center. Joe oversees the entire organization, establishing key performance objectives, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and directing patient outreach.

In addition to his role as CEO, Joe is very active in the community, serving on the Drug Task Force of Delray Beach and the Board of Prep and Sports, a non-profit organization that prepares middle and high school students for academic and athletic success while simultaneously teaching them about the risks of drug abuse. He is a member of the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Club and activelysupports both the Pamoja Charity for African youth and the Delray Beach National Little League (DBNLL.) He is frequently consulted by local and state officials on questions related to the impact of drugs and addiction on society and how to effectively address this problem.

Joe is originally from Garden City, NY. He later attended Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL from which he earned three Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degrees in Accounting, Finance, and International Business.

Douglas brings innovative operational strategies and processes to his position as Chief Operations Officer at Delray Recovery Center. He is responsible for implementing corporate strategy and enforcing company-wide operations standards and procedures. Douglas manages key functional areas including purchasing, accounts receivable, and information technology.

Douglas graduated from the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a concentration in Entrepreneurship. He is originally from Garden City, New York.

As Director of Business Development, Jack is responsible for building relationships with the professional and business community along with acting as a liaison between our admissions team and individuals and families who are reaching out for help and in need of beginning treatment for addiction.
Jack brings over 25 years of experience in business development, consulting, marketing and customer service.. Jack has a strong ability to build relationships with the business and professional community specifically in the addiction treatment field because of his background in business but just as importantly, because he has been clean and sober for more than 30 years.
Jack joined Delray Recovery Center after working for three and a half years for The Hanley Center and Caron Treatment Centers. Jack is originally from Westchester County, New York and has been living in Florida since 1994.

“I have walked in the shoes of those in active addiction and co-occurring disorders so I know firsthand, the pain, loneliness and sense of desperation that many alcoholics and addicts are experiencing. What gives me the greatest sense of accomplishment is being able to help guide an individual who is lost, hurting and possibly at deaths door to an exceptional facility such as DRC that has the programs and staff that can help them on their way to healing, recovery and a new beginning.”

With over 10 years of experience in the field of substance abuse and addiction, Joseph brings expertise and compassion to his role as the Director of Admissions. As the Director of Admissions, Joseph interacts with new guests and their families, providing crucial support and guidance during this vital step in the recovery process.

Prior to joining Delray Recovery Center, Joseph gained valuable experience as Resident Manager, Staff Supervisor, and Admissions Director at drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities. Joseph is originally from Edison, New Jersey.