Our Team

For the past thirty years Michelle has devoted her career to helping individuals with addictions, eating disorders, and self-destructive behaviors and to live healthier and happier lives. Throughout her career, Michelle has worked in various administrative, corporate and clinical leadership capacities. She is a therapist at heart and brings a client-centered approach to her companies. She offers a wide range of experience in understanding her role as CEO as she oversees and guides staff, and patient care.

She was Executive Vice President of Rosewood Eating Disorders Treatment Centers and co-founded A New Journey Eating Disorders Treatment Center in Santa Monica California. She has built clinical programs both nationally and internationally. Michelle was the Chief Executive Officer for Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Center in Antigua, West Indies.

She is published and has presented nationally and internationally on addictions and eating disorders. Michelle is psychodrama trained at the Moreno Academy of Psychodrama. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, Post Graduate Certification in Addictions Studies, and Certification as an Eating Disorders Specialist.

Coco Klinedinst is our beloved therapy dog at ViaMar Health, known for her calm demeanor, gentle presence, and uncanny ability to connect with both adults and adolescents. Born on July 15, 2022, Coco quickly demonstrated a natural gift for emotional support and has since become an integral part of our therapeutic environment.

An expert in Psychodramas, Coco provides quiet strength and grounding during intense therapeutic work, offering comfort, a reassuring nuzzle during a breakthrough or a warm cuddle at the end of a tough session, Coco is always here for those in need.

Coco’s talents go beyond therapy—she thrives on attention, is always ready for pets, and never turns down a well-deserved standing ovation. Her gentle energy creates a safe, welcoming space where healing can begin, and hearts can open.

Ethan has worked in the field of patient care for over 14 years. Ranging from Abused and Neglected Children, Adults and Adolescents with Eating Disorders and Mental health conditions and Adults with Chemical Dependency. His former positions Include Executive Director at Sol Recovery Center, Director of Business Development and Director of Intake and Utilization Review at Rosewood Centers.

He best describes himself as a steadfast patient advocate. He believes in only working with teams of people that make the treatment experience as compassionate and comfortable for the person as possible.

Dr. Sophia Zaretsky returned to her hometown of West Palm Beach, Florida after completing her psychiatric training in New Orleans, LA. She brought home with her a passion to bring her proficiency in the treatment of eating disorders to the community in which she was born and raised. Dr Zaretsky has extensive experience in the 12 step recovery model, CBT, CPT, ACT, IFS and many other forms of therapy to assist patients in negotiating their way to better mental health.

Dr. Zaretsky believes that all patients deserve to be treated with respect and without judgement. Recovery can be daunting and may seem out of reach to some patients, but Dr. Zaretsky believes that with the proper support and motivation recovery is always possible.

Stephanie is a South Florida native. She graduated with Honors from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology, where she published research on eating disorders and later received her MBA in healthcare management from Lynn University.

When her sister was first diagnosed with an eating disorder and went to treatment, she became invested in learning everything possible about this cruel disease. She then realized her passion for this field and being a light for someone in their darkest hours. Stephanie is highly family-oriented and has combined her love for family support and eating disorders to ensure no other family member will have to navigate this journey alone.

Stephanie believes it’s essential to find joy in the little things. That first sip of coffee in the morning, seeing the sunset, coming home to your dog jumping in your arms, and most importantly, seeing your loved one genuinely happy again.

Lori Vitello Gianni leads a team dedicated to providing exceptional service to all clients seeking care – from their first phone call inquiring about treatment services to ensuring a warm and welcoming environment to heal.

Lori comes with extensive experience in substance abuse and mental health treatment.

She is passionate about helping individuals start their recovery and stay on track, throughout the admissions, treatment, and aftercare process. She maintains and establishes relationships with current patients, alums, and fellow employees to promote a positive environment for ViaMar Health. She also engages with community organizations, treatment centers, and referral sources by raising awareness of ViaMar Health’s available services.

Lori comes to ViaMar Health with over 20 years of experience in patient care, including her career as a healthcare advocate. She has had the unique opportunity to observe both the clinical and business sides of substance abuse and eating disorder treatment. Lori believes in the positive outcomes ViaMar Health provides.

Lori finds the most rewarding part of her work to be collaborating with ViaMar Health’s incredibly talented teams. Their dedication inspires her to find new and better ways to welcome people into our care.

Stephanie was born in Minnesota but is native to AZ, spending 25 years throughout different cities. Her family members began working in the eating disorder field during her youth years, and she has learned the struggles society encounters from a very early age. Stephanie started as a teller with Bank of America and graduated with over 15 years of experience. She was promoted to the Legal Department and dealt with billion-dollar transactions within her role. She has a tremendous financial background and has worked alongside banking managers and operation associates with many needs to assist their banking centers in operating successfully.

Stephanie enjoys many hats with ViaMar, including patient accounts, AP, payroll, and other financial roles.

In her free time, Stephanie enjoys reading, going to the beach, cooking, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and attending church activities.

Born and raised in Michigan, Julia graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2003 and 2007 with music degrees in performance and education. After teaching music in the elementary classroom for 9 years and then staying home with her kids (now 9, 7, and 5), she made a bold decision to transition into a new career. Her personal recovery journey from an eating disorder became the driving force behind this transition, leading her to a field where she could help others.

Julia’s road to recovery went directly through ViaMar, as she was a client here in the early years, participating in all levels of programming (residential, PHP, and IOP). She is passionate about developing ViaMar’s Alumni Program into a supportive community where alums can learn to live life together, helping them find fun, joy, and meaning in recovery. Julia is also a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CRPS).

In her free time, Julia enjoys camping with her family, reading, crafting, walking/hiking/moving, and spending time with friends.

From Southeast Georgia, Kate displays Southern hospitality to all clients and loved ones she works with. Working within the treatment field for numerous years, Kate has expertise in ensuring that each client is comfortable, heard, and set up with the resources needed. In recovery, Kate understands how hard it is to take the first step and overcome challenging obstacles.

While pursuing her college education, Kate is passionate about applying her experience to help others. In her free time, she enjoys long walks on the beach with her dog, spending quality time with family and friends, and seeking out adventures. Kate is forever grateful to be a part of the admissions team here at ViaMar and strives for each client to receive the help needed to overcome their Eating Disorder!

Dr. Sophia Zaretsky returned to her hometown of West Palm Beach, Florida after completing her psychiatric training in New Orleans, LA. She brought home with her a passion to bring her proficiency in the treatment of eating disorders to the community in which she was born and raised. Dr Zaretsky has extensive experience in the 12 step recovery model, CBT, CPT, ACT, IFS and many other forms of therapy to assist patients in negotiating their way to better mental health.

Dr. Zaretsky believes that all patients deserve to be treated with respect and without judgement. Recovery can be daunting and may seem out of reach to some patients, but Dr. Zaretsky believes that with the proper support and motivation recovery is always possible.

As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), I practice psychiatry through a holistic, patient-centered lens, recognizing both the connection between physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and the fact the body was created to heal itself, given the right conditions. This approach allows me to provide care that goes beyond symptom management and routine psychiatric treatment.

I believe that meaningful care begins with truly knowing my patients. I take the time to listen, understand their experiences, and appreciate each individual’s unique strengths and challenges. My training as both a pediatrician and a child and adolescent psychiatrist provides me with a strong foundation in child development and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of the various mental health disorders which occur in children, adolescents, and young adults, including autism spectrum and eating disorders.

At ViaMar Health, I value the opportunity to spend dedicated time with each adolescent—whether in person or through virtual care—to ensure they feel seen, heard, valued, and supported throughout their treatment journey.

My goal as an osteopathic psychiatrist is to treat the whole person, not just a diagnosis or symptom. By integrating my understanding of both physical and mental health, I bring a unique perspective to patient care. This includes identifying the root cause of a patient’s disorder and addressing the complex relationship between emotional distress and physical symptoms and behaviors.  With this approach I can help patients to remove barriers to achieving improved health while reducing treatment response time, increasing likelihood of treatment success and without as much reliance on medication, if possible.

Jacqueline Brennan is a highly experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with more than 10 years of experience in behavioral health treatment. Prior to joining Viamar Health, Jackie spent five years at Rosewood and more than five years at The Meadows, where she developed extensive expertise in psychiatric care, clinical collaboration, and the developmental treatment model.

Jackie provides comprehensive psychiatric and nursing evaluations, medication management, and ongoing clinical support for patients and families. She also plays an integral role in supporting the multidisciplinary team through staff training, peer collaboration, chart review, and clinical programming.

Known for her compassionate approach and strong clinical insight, Jackie is dedicated to delivering individualized, patient-centered care while supporting the overall therapeutic environment at Viamar Health.

Amanda Volfson is a board-certified Physician Assistant with extensive experience in cardiology and electrophysiology. She has spent the past several years providing comprehensive patient care in both outpatient and hospital-based settings throughout South Florida.

Amanda is skilled in patient assessment, diagnostic evaluation, medication management, and collaborative treatment planning. Her background includes caring for patients in high-volume clinical and hospital environments, with a strong focus on compassionate, patient-centered care and continuity of treatment.

Amanda brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to patient care and is dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of every individual she serves.

Alexandra Gonzalez, MSN, RN, is the Nurse Manager at ViaMar Health. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing and brings over 16 years of experience providing compassionate, patient-centered care across a variety of healthcare settings, including medical-surgical nursing, behavioral health, and nursing leadership.

Alexandra is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where patients feel respected throughout their recovery journey. She believes in leading with compassion, teamwork, and clinical excellence while supporting both patients and staff in achieving the best possible outcomes.

Johana holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Florida Atlantic University and a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Her passion for helping those struggling with eating disorders and her background in providing community mental health services to children, adolescents, and families led her to ViaMar Health. Johana is fluent in Spanish and driven to destigmatize mental health treatment within the Latino/a community.

As part of the dedicated team at ViaMar Health, Johana brings a relational and integrative approach to her counseling practice. She utilizes interpersonal techniques to build collaborative working relationships with clients. She emphasizes the inherent strengths of her clients and families better to support the family system in its path toward recovery.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Johana is a multifaceted individual who finds joy in various activities. She enjoys the escapism of reading fiction, the tranquility of the beach, the thrill of video games, and the satisfaction of learning new crafts.

Ashley attended the University of Florida, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and Psychology before obtaining a Master of Social Work degree from Florida Atlantic University. Throughout her time as a clinical social worker, Ashley has worked with adolescents and their families to cope, support, and heal from eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma. 

Ashley’s passion for treating eating disorders stems from her personal and professional interests. She uses a client-centered approach, meeting each patient where they are in their recovery journey, whether it is their first time engaging in therapy or they are familiar with the therapeutic process. Ashley’s expertise is evident in using various techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and family systems practices to tailor treatment to everyone she works with. Ashley also knows the important role family plays in recovery and enjoys providing family members with the knowledge and skills needed to support their loved ones in treatment. She aims to create a safe environment for adolescents to feel heard, challenged to grow, and supported each step of the way.

As an artist at heart, I’ve always had a passion for helping others. My journey led me to obtain a Master’s in Social Work while attending art school. I also hold a Pre-Art Therapy degree from my hometown of Indianapolis, IN. This unique blend of art and social work has enabled me to create a career path that I’m deeply connected to. I’ve discovered that artistic expression is a powerful tool that can bridge the gap when words alone are not enough to express emotions.

Julia Friedman earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and Psychology from the University of North Florida, followed by a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University.

Her passion and dedication reflect a deep commitment to supporting adolescents and their families, providing insight, and creating a safe space to heal from eating disorders and other mental health challenges.
Julia utilizes a client-centered and integrative approach, drawing from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care. She specializes in working with individuals navigating eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms. Julia is passionate about meeting clients where they are, fostering trust, and helping them build insight, resilience, and a healthier relationship with themselves and their bodies.

Outside of her professional work, Julia enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors in nature, and relaxing with her beloved labradoodle. She also likes to indulge in various hobbies, whether it’s reading a good book, watching a new television series, or playing a fun game of pickleball.

Shana Box, BS is the Family Programming Coordinator at ViaMar Health, where she is dedicated to empowering families through education, support, and meaningful connection throughout the eating disorder recovery journey. She develops family programming curriculum, facilitates family support groups, and provides case management support, helping families build the knowledge and confidence needed to effectively support their loved ones in recovery.

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Shana earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Creative Writing with an emphasis in Fiction from Southern New Hampshire University. Her path into the eating disorder field began through personal experience after her eldest son struggled to find appropriate treatment. Determined to help him, she immersed herself in learning everything she could about eating disorders, recovery, and family involvement. That experience not only helped her support her son’s recovery but also inspired her life’s work.

Today, Shana is passionate about ensuring that no family feels alone while navigating the challenges of an eating disorder. She believes that education, compassion, and connection are powerful tools in the recovery process and is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where families can learn, grow, and find hope together.

Outside of work, Shana enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, relaxing at the beach, horseback riding, and getting lost in a good book.

Ashley Gangaware is a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern and Primary Therapist who works with adolescents in treatment for eating disorders. She received her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University in 2025.

Ashley is passionate about helping teens feel seen, supported, and understood during some of the most challenging times in their lives. She believes in a whole-person approach to therapy and values creating a safe, trusting environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Being a mom, Ashley brings a compassionate and relatable perspective to her work with both adolescents and their families. She is committed to growing as a clinician and providing thoughtful, individualized care to support each client’s recovery journey.

Lauren earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Social Work degrees from Florida State University. Her passion for helping others and creating spaces where individuals feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported led her to ViaMar Health. She has experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and has a particular passion for supporting those navigating eating disorders, substance use, and LGBTQ+ related concerns.

Lauren brings a warm, relational, and person-centered approach to her work. She believes that no two individuals fit into the same box and values taking the time to truly understand each client and their unique experiences. Lauren strives to build genuine, collaborative relationships with her clients and create a therapeutic space where they can feel comfortable showing up as their authentic selves.

Lauren is also deeply passionate about supporting the families and loved ones of those in treatment. She recognizes that eating disorders impact not only the individual, but the people who care about them most. Lauren believes that helping families better understand their loved one’s experience, feel supported in their own journey, and learn how to be an active part of the recovery process is an important part of creating meaningful and lasting change.

Outside of her professional work, Lauren loves spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Winston. She enjoys traveling, cooking and trying new recipes, getting lost in a good book, and recharging with a cozy night at home. Whether she’s bringing the people she loves together or enjoying some quiet time, Lauren values the moments that help her feel connected and refreshed.

I was born and raised here in Florida, eventually moved up to Boston Massachusetts and the surrounding Northeast New England states shortly after graduating undergraduate at FAU.I also recently spent some time in Thailand!

I eventually returned to Florida and pursued my MSW at FAU where I also specialized in Child Welfare and Substance Use Disorder.

I’ve worked as former middle school English teacher but found my passion really was towards direct patient care as a therapist.

I’ve worked in the field of substance use disorder and co-occurring disorder treatment for about 5 years now working in various roles from a BHT, some case management and after care coordination, group facilitation and direct one on one clinical therapist roles.

I’m currently in substance use recovery and have been for about 2 years now. I currently have my RCSWI and am pursuing licensure for private practice.

The therapeutic modalities I tend to gravitate towards and specialize in are Gottman theory for family involvement, inner child work, shadow work and Gestalt therapies alongside CBT and DBT interventions.

I’m excited to be a part of the team!

Halie Reznik is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern dedicated to supporting adolescents and adults in recovery from eating disorders, trauma, and co-occurring mental health concerns. She strives to create a compassionate, supportive environment where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

Halie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. She utilizes evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, and person-centered therapy, to help patients strengthen emotional awareness and regulation, process difficult experiences, build healthy coping skills, and achieve lasting recovery

Leslie is a California native who previously worked in wildlife conservation and research, where she developed methods for monitoring endangered species, managed databases, and, at one point, lived in Costa Rica to study biodiversity in agricultural systems. After moving back to the US, Leslie’s growing interest in nutrition and desire to continue to use her analytical skills led her to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition from Keiser University.
Leslie is passionate about dispelling nutrition myths and communicating science in a way that makes sense to any audience. This, along with her belief that health is not a size, brought Leslie to the field of eating disorders. At ViaMar, Leslie draws from her unique experiences and combines science with creativity to help patients gain freedom from eating disorders.
Leslie enjoys cooking, birdwatching, and drawing birds and food outside of work.

Jamie is a South Florida native who graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs and minors in Business Administration and Psychology. She worked in corporate marketing for five years before following her passion and pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition from Keiser University.

Jamie’s love of food, cooking, and nutrition led her to pursue a career in nutrition. She is passionate about providing nutrition education and helping clients heal their relationship with food and their bodies. Working in the field of eating disorders, Jamie can combine her interest in psychology with her education and training in dietetics and nutrition to help clients find peace from their eating diso

Nicholas is originally from the Philadelphia area. Before studying nutrition, he held degrees in Secondary Education and Communicative Sciences & Disorders. Shortly following graduation, he was accepted into a graduate leadership program in food service management. He later obtained another Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and his Masters in Community Nutrition from West Chester University of Pennsylvania while doing research as a graduate assistant. Before coming to ViaMar Health, Nicholas worked as a sports nutrition intern at the University of North Texas with women’s basketball, women’s tennis, and track & field athletes, where he was first exposed to eating disorders. He moved to New York City in 2023. He completed his dietetic internship at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, where he continued to develop his clinical skills in medical nutrition therapy.

Nicholas’s background in sports nutrition, community nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy has led him to pursue working in the field with individuals affected by eating disorders. Working with this population allows him to combine his love of nutrition counseling with community engagement to help support each individual on their recovery journey.

Food is not just sustenance, it is an art form that has the power to bring people together and uplift them, especially during difficult times. My passion for food and my journey of recovery have allowed me to form deep connections with others. I was fortunate to have a father who was a chef and taught me the intricacies of food from a young age. He showed me that food can transcend boundaries and connect people from all walks of life.

In the past, I have managed several restaurants and received training from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. However, my journey of recovery has breathed new life into my relationship with food and my career. I find immense joy in using food as a means to revitalize and rejuvenate others. I firmly believe that everyone deserves to experience the best that life has to offer, and I am grateful to be able to facilitate that through my work at Viamar.

My goal is to help our clients develop a positive and fulfilling relationship with food, one that mirrors their worth and potential. I want them to understand that they deserve to enjoy delicious meals and to look forward to a brighter future filled with exciting culinary experiences. I strive to show them that while our paths to recovery may differ, they can achieve their goals just as I have. Every day, I am committed to guiding them toward becoming the best versions of themselves, just as they have done for me.

I am truly blessed to be a part of a company that values the significance of food and the well-being of our clients. It is through this platform that I can express love, compassion, and joy through the food I create, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so.