MEET THE TEAM AT LGBTQ REHAB.

Clinical Team

 Loni Cervone, LMHC, CAP, QS

Loni Cervone, LMHC, CAP, QS

Clinical Director She / Her / Hers

Loni Cervone, LMHC, CAP, QS received her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Florida Atlantic University. As a clinician, Clinical Director and Qualified Supervisor, with 20 years experience; Loni has found it rewarding to serve a diverse population while working in different settings-including in New York, California and Florida.

Loni can honestly say that she has found fulfillment in helping clients to address solutions to personal life challenges, overcome struggles and trauma, and go on to find peace and serenity in their lives. She believes that we all have the power to create personal change. Her therapeutic approach integrates complementary methodologies and strategies to create a trusting relationship with clients.

With, compassion, validation, and empowerment, she works holistically, helping individuals discover their essential truth. She celebrates the special aspects of each client here at Inspire Recovery.

Jaki Neering, LCSW, QS, Trauma-Informed Certified

Jaki Neering, LCSW, QS, Trauma-Informed Certified

Clinical Supervisor - She / Her / Hers

Jaki Neering, has a loving & progressive approach working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Jaki graduated from Barry University in 2016 with a Master of Social Work degree. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Jaki believes in the power of trauma-informed interventions, which recognizes human vulnerability but focuses on finding strengths, resources, and capacity for healing and recovery by promoting factors that will enhance a person’s resiliency.

Through her inspirational approach, Jaki has a passion for empowering marginalized populations. She is devoted to serving the LGBTQ population while on the journey of self-discovery, self-love, and long-term sobriety. Jaki assists individuals in finding their voice and advocates for self-expression. Additionally, Jaki believes in the transformation of recovery and is passionate about helping others find their truth.

Lia Bigelow, MA, CAP, LMHC, LPC, QS

Lia Bigelow, MA, CAP, LMHC, LPC, QS

Chief Operations Officer - She / Her / Hers

Lia has over 20 years of diversified experience in the fields of Human Services, Information Technology, and Higher Education, including program planning and oversight, counseling, organizational development, adjunct faculty and systems consulting. Lia received their MA in Counseling Psychology from Rosemont College and their BA from the University of Pennsylvania.

Lia has directed a variety of substance abuse treatment programs throughout the Philadelphia and South Florida regions encompassing diverse populations including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, mothers with children, chronically homeless men and women, adults with co-occurring mental health disorders, diversion programs for criminal justice involved men and the formerly incarcerated. She has worked with clients along the entire continuum of care including outpatient, halfway, residential, and inpatient settings. She is a former board member and grant writer for a grassroots non-profit organization designed to assist women with community reintegration after incarceration through individual counseling and job training. Lia’s proudest achievement thus far in her career was the development and opening of the first inpatient substance abuse treatment program exclusively for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in the country. Through this groundbreaking program, not only were program participants able to get appropriate and affirming care, but for many who were homeless upon admission they were placed in permanent independent living upon program completion.

In addition to her background in running treatment programs, Lia has experience following consumers along the continuum of care providing an array of aftercare services including co-founding a non-profit organization which promotes not only sober living but developing an array of life skills and employment skills that prepare client’s to become self-sufficient and are conducive to achieving and maintaining long-term sobriety. She has used her experience in Human Resources at the University of Pennsylvania and as an Adjunct Professor in Rosemont College’s Graduate Program for Counseling Psychology to launch a consulting business which provides an array of recovery management services, but specializes in Clinical Training and Organizational Development with a special emphasis on helping programs assess their level of competency when it comes to providing clinically relevant and culturally affirming care to members of the LGBTQIA+ communities.

Megan Hauser, LCSW

Megan Hauser, LCSW

Primary Therapist - She / Her / Hers

Megan Hauser is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a native of Florida. She has been in the addiction and mental health field since 2011. Megan received a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2010. She was employed for 9 years at a long term inpatient and outpatient treatment facility. She worked in several different roles and was promoted from each role in the span of 2-3 years.
She began as a Behavioral Health Technician in 2011 and worked in that role while attending school for her Masters in Social Work Degree at Barry University. She graduated from this Trauma Informed school in 2014. She returned to the same facility and was employed as a case manager in 2014. She was promoted to Primary Therapist in 2017 after receiving her professional license. Megan has been employed at several other facilities and was previously promoted to a Clinical Director role at her previous facility. Megan now works at Inspire Recovery as a Primary Therapist and uses her trauma informed approach to help the LGBTQIA + community. As a member of the community herself, this has allowed her to bring her years of experience to help a community that is truly a piece of her heart.

Emily Rodgers, MSW

Emily Rodgers, MSW

Primary Therapist - She / Her / Hers

Emily Rodgers earned her B.A in Psychology from Clemson University and her Master of Social Work degree from Boston University. During the pursuit of her graduate degree, Emily catered her clinical experience and academic studies to social justice advocacy and trauma informed therapy. Prior to receiving her graduate degree, Emily served as a forensic interviewer in South Carolina, where she gained experience working with survivors of child sexual abuse as well as provided crisis intervention for sexual assault survivors in the community.

Emily strives to provide a trauma-informed environment for her clients to practice vulnerability and curiosity. Emily is deeply committed to empowering her clients through strengths-based therapies that recognize the complex and oppressive realities of intersecting marginalized identities her clients face every day.

Shirleyann King, MA, LMHC, MCAP

Shirleyann King, MA, LMHC, MCAP

EMDR Specialist/Trauma Therapist - She / Her / Hers

Shirley Ingram, MA, LMHC, MCAP, is most passionate about the field of therapeutic professions, which she has over 25 years of experience in. A lifelong Floridian, she is highly skilled and dedicated to helping individuals overcome trauma and struggles with the debilitating effects of mental health illnesses and addictions. Shirley is driven by a genuine desire to help others to find inner peace and harmony. Shirley specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.

EMDR is a worldwide recognized effective treatment for trauma. EMDR Therapy is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. It is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from other treatment approaches, that are skillfully employed that helps the mind heal from psychological trauma.

William Wilhelm, CCBT, Registered Intern MSW

William Wilhelm, CCBT, Registered Intern MSW

Primary Therapist - He / Him / His

William, MSW, is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and graduated with a Bachelors degree from Cabrini University with a dual major in English and Communication Media Studies as well as a Minor degree in Sociology, with a concentration in Race and Ethnic Relations. William moved to Florida to pursue a Masters degree in Social Work at Florida Atlantic University. Prior to becoming a Therapist, William worked as a lead Behavioral Health Technician in the field of addiction for many years. William practices and is certified in (CBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
William strives to empower Inspire clients and showcase their inherent worth, natural talent, skills and abilities.
William is dedicated to serving marginalized populations and committed to fostering hope, healing and strength to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Medical Team

Dr. Denise Josey, MD, MPH, MS, FASM

Dr. Denise Josey, MD, MPH, MS, FASM

Medical Director - She / Her / Hers

Dr. Denise Josey is a fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and has been an Assistant Professor of Preventative Medicine at Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Josey earned her Doctorate of Medicine from Howard University College of Medicine; a Masters of Public Health with a concentration in Quantitative Methods (Biostatistics and Epidemiology) from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Public Health - now Rutgers University; and a Masters of Science in Human Nutrition from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

She completed her residency in Preventive Medicine / Public Health Medicine at the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County and an Addiction Medicine fellowship at St. Joseph Mercy hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She currently holds board certifications in both Addiction Medicine and Preventive Medicine / Public Health Medicine.

Dr. Josey has dedicated her career to social justice, mental health, chronic pain, and mitigating the opioid crisis in suburban and urban areas.

Shawn Fisher, PAC, MBA

Shawn Fisher, PAC, MBA

Psychiatry PA - She / Her / Hers

Shawn grew up in Port Washington, New York and relocated to Florida in 2021. She earned a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Touro College and later earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Baruch University in New York City. She is licensed in both the state of Florida and New York.

Shawn has over 20 years experience in Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, and Substance Abuse Disorders. This includes certification to provide Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for those with substance abuse disorders. As well, Shawn has several years of experience helping the LGBTQIA+ community, treating gender dysphoria, and providing expertise in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Shawn currently specializes in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care in private practice. She provides genuine care through understanding and compassion.

Jackie Vega, RDN

Jackie Vega, RDN

She / Her / Hers

Jackie Vega, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in private practice and a recent recipient of Arizona State University Medical Nutrition Masters program.

Jackie graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Dietetics from Kansas State University and completed her internship at Iowa State University and is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She also completed a personal training program from the American Council on Exercise.

As the owner of The Wellness Solution, a personal fitness and wellness practice in south Florida she specializes in recipe development, meal planning, kitchen organization, fitness consulting, and integrating personal lifestyles into individualized programming for each clients goals.

Jackie has written several articles for WatchFit.com, SuperHealthyKids.com, HealthBeet.org, HealthInsiders.com and her personal blog, JackieVega.com.

Through her delicious recipes, quick yet effective workouts and lifestyle integration practices, Jackie teaches her clients how to create mouth-watering meals everyone will love, encourages them to not feel guilty for taking that 20-30 minutes out of their days to exercise and inspires them to feel beautiful + radiant in their own skin.

Clinical Support Team

Sawyer Field, BS

Sawyer Field, BS

Case Manager - He / Him / His / They / Them / Theirs

Sawyer Field graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s in Neuroscience and Behavior, with a focus in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. They entered the recovery field looking for an opportunity to support and empower their queer and trans peers, and he is grateful to have found an exceptionally loving and welcoming recovery community.

Sawyer joined the Inspire team as a BHT and then transitioned to case manager. As case manager, his goals are to help clients identify their needs and to assist them in gathering a tool kit of skills and resources that will allow them to build a healthy, functional life.

Kyler White

Kyler White

Recovery Advocate - He / Him / His

Prior to his life in South Florida, Kyler attended the Paul Michell School of Knoxville where he received his Master Barber License. As a member of the trans community, Kyler used his barbering talents to help peers feel confident and congruent in their own skin.

Kyler moved to South Florida to attend treatment and is an alumnus of Inspire Recovery. During his time as a client, he discovered a passion for helping others who struggle with mental health and addiction. Kyler enjoys using his personal experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community to advocate for others and provide insight for his peers.

Sarah Needleman, BME

Sarah Needleman, BME

Recovery Advocate - She / Her / Hers / They / Them / Theirs

Sarah is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, with a background in Music Education. She relocated to Florida in 2022 to attend treatment as a client of Inspire Recovery. It was there that she discovered a passion for advocating and helping others in the LGBTQIA+ community, and recovery overall.

She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at Barry University, as well as her certification as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. Her goal is to eventually become a therapist. She enjoys using her back in education and a trauma-informed approach to help create a welcoming and healing environment at Inspire Recovery.

Recovery Support Team

Molly Janes, ADC, CAP

Molly Janes, ADC, CAP

Recovery Support - They / Them / Theirs

Molly is from Ohio and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University with a dual major in Education and History. After completion of their degrees, Molly began to work in Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse therapy with youth and adult offenders. Molly began pursuing their Master’s in Counseling at Marshall University. They obtained their International Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification, and moved to Florida in 2014.

Molly has worked as a group facilitator, case manager and BHT, in corrections, behavioral health, and substance abuse treatment centers since 2010. They believe that wellbeing starts with looking at the whole person and customizing treatment to meet the needs of the individual. Molly aims to empower clients with knowledge about themselves healing from their traumas. They are passionate about social justice and advocating for marginalized groups.

Jodi Neering, LMT

Jodi Neering, LMT

Recovery Support - She / Her / Hers

Jodi Neering is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Breathwork Practitioner honored to facilitate holistic health and recovery. She provides a unique combination of specialized breath and bodywork for integrating stress and processing trauma at a cellular level. These cutting edge therapeutic techniques regular the nervous system and inspire transformation through self-awareness. Jodi is lovingly committed to enhancing well-being by offering tools and practical action steps which create new neural pathways and empower the individual.

Brian Ritter, BA

Brian Ritter, BA

Recovery Support - He / Him / His

Brian Ritter is a sincere healer who uses medicinal moving meditations to help people live up to their full potential. He is a Tai-Chi Certified and Gamma Breath Certified practitioner who has been practicing Tai Chi, Qi Gong, breath work and meditation for the last 11 years and teaching these practices for the past four years. Brian graduated from the University of Central Florida, UDF, with a degree in psychology. His gift comes from cleverly crafting groups which inspire and deliver synergistic elements and profound wisdom.

Admissions Team

Nadia Lopez-Rabelo

Nadia Lopez-Rabelo

Admissions Coordinator - She/Her/Hers

Nadia is a south Florida native, and an alumnus of Inspire Recovery. She quickly developed a passions for the field, after graduating the program, and has been a part of the Inspire Team since 2021.

With a background in customer service and trauma-informed care, Nadia is dedicated to helping members of the LGBTQIA+ community. She uses personal experience to help clients going through similar circumstances.

Nadia’s life experience, Peer Advocacy training, and trauma-informed approach to recovery makes her a valued part of the Inspire Team.

Administrative Staff

Donna Weinberger

Donna Weinberger

CEO, Founder - They / Them / Theirs

Donna is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of behavioral healthcare for LGBTQ individuals by challenging age-old traditional systems. Donna encourages their staff by providing continuing education to commit a standard of care for the LGBT community with addiction & mental health trauma-informed therapies. Through case studies of experiences, Donna and their staff educate hospitals & treatment facilities throughout the country.

Before opening Inspire Recovery, Donna consulted for the behavioral healthcare industry for 10+ years, developing a strong alliance and passion to aid the recovery community, specifically serving a gender spectrum providing a safe space for transgender folks & others within the LGBTQ community.

Donna opened Inspire Recovery because it was a vital need to have an affirming environment for the transgender and queer community to live and recover with LGBTQ peers with an LGBTQ affirming staff. As a part of the LGBTQ community, Donna is concerned about the well-being of their peers and ensuring that anyone who wants to recover from addiction has a safe and affirming space to grow.

George Lydon

George Lydon

Utilization Review - He / Him / His

George received his Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communication from Boston’s Emerson College in 2000 and relocated to South Florida in 2001. After thirteen years working in the luxury retail sector in Palm Beach, George wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and has been working in the field of treatment center admissions since 2015.

As a founding member of Voices of Pride, the local gay men’s chorus, he is well ensconced in the LGBTQ+ community. George joined the Inspire team in 2017, and currently oversees Utilization Review.

Teri Tauriello

Teri Tauriello

Revenue Cycle Manager - She / Her / Hers

Teresa Tauriello, known to all as Teri, is a Billing Office Manager with 25 plus years experience in the medical field specializing in substance use disorders and mental health billing and collections. Teri began her career in New York where she was born and raised and moved to Florida in 2006 with her wife and partner of 32 years.
Teri began her career as a Medical Assistant for fifteen years which led to her interest in the business end of treatment, working mostly in medicine during her years in New York. Her first job after moving to Florida landed her in a large billing and collections company which specialized in SUD & Mental Health, and she learned everything from the ground up. She became a vital and integral part of the team and supervised 100+ employees during her almost ten years at this company.
In addition to her work life, Teri has a very rewarding personal life. As mentioned earlier she has been in a relationship with her wife since 1989. They married in 1993 in New York and then again in 2015 when it became legal in Florida. She enjoys walking, listening to music, old movies, reading, time with friends and family, and is a certified Reiki practitioner. “It is important to have balance in our lives. All work and nothing else will burn you out very quickly. I am truly grateful every day for all the gifts & blessings in my life. Namaste…

Joseph Batchelor IV, CRRA

Joseph Batchelor IV, CRRA

Human Resources / Clinical Support Mgr - He / Him / His

Joseph Batchelor is a native to South Florida and an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. He has personal experience with active recovery from the disease of addiction, and is grateful to give back through the field of recovery.

Joseph joined Inspire Recovery in 2021 as a BHT, before moving to case management and eventually administration. As the Clinical Support Manager, Joseph uses his experience to help the Clinical Support staff to assist clients, in an empowering way, and to build the skills and resources that will help them on their journey through treatment and beyond.

Jeanette Geraci

Jeanette Geraci

Administrative Assistant - She / Her / Hers

Jeanette Geraci relocated from New York to South Florida to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Florida Atlantic University. After graduating in 2017, she bounced around working various odd jobs for about three years. Deep down, she always felt a strong pull to clinical psychology/counseling, and made the decision to return to Florida Atlantic University to pursue a Master of Social Work in 2020. Jeanette was fortunate beyond measure to intern at Inspire Recovery during her foundation year in the MSW program, and was thrilled when Inspire asked her to officially join their team as an employee after her internship drew to a close. Jeanette’s projected graduation date is May 2023. For now, she wears several different hats -- both administrative and clinical in nature -- at Inspire Recovery. She finds it deeply rewarding to connect with clients who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Joyce Matera

Joyce Matera

National Outreach Director - She / Her / Hers

Joyce Matera is a Certified Recovery Coach Trainer and Recovery Coach, certified by CCAR. Joyce has been an active member of the recovery community for the past 32 years. Joyce has been an impelling representative of the LGBTQ community, serving as a Board Member of LAMBDA North, a 12 step clubhouse for the LGBTQ community. She is an active member of NALGAP and WIN “Women in Network.” Ms. Matera, along with Inspire Recovery, is an effective affiliate of Compass Business Alliance and many pride organizations.

Working in the treatment field for the past five years, she has brought considerable awareness of the plight and difficulties that the LGBTQ community has experienced in the world of treatment and recovery. Prior to her recent passion in the field of recovery treatment, she had a 21-year career in finance and insurance.

Interested in becoming part of our team?

We’re looking for dynamic team members.