Jason Ackner
Executive Director
After a very successful career in commercial real estate development, Jason turned his energy to helping others by creating a high-quality, highly personalized, and affordable addiction treatment program.
Jason has been personally involved in the recovery community for over 10 years and practices a 12 Step program in all that he does. He’s driven to give back, providing opportunities for recovery to many individuals who could not otherwise afford treatment.
He is empathetic to the suffering that accompanies the disease of substance abuse and takes a personal interest in his work, making himself available to clients and their families seven days a week. Unity Recovery Center is Jason’s passion.
Mark Hernandez, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Hernandez has been practicing in the field of addictions for over 10 years. He began his medical training in the Dominican Republic and completed his residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital (Miami, FL).
Previously, Dr. Hernandez worked with pharmaceutical companies researching psychotropic medications for anxiety, Alzheimer’s Disease, depression, schizophrenia, neuropathy, bipolar and pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder.
Most recently, he was the Medical Director at The Watershed of the Palm Beaches. Dr. Larkin is associated with North Shore Medical Center, Palmetto General Hospital, Larkin Hospital, Florida Medical Center, in addition to maintaining a successful private practice.
Crystal “Nicky” Morris, MA
Primary Therapist
Quitman, LA native Nicky holds a Master’s of Arts degree from Northwestern State University (Natchitoches, LA) in Student Personnel Services, Counseling. She identified the field of addictions as a special interest early in her educational career and earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology — with a concentration in substance abuse — from ???
Nicky has worked in outpatient and inpatient settings with clients suffering from addictions and other mental health disorders.
An accomplished professional, Nicky has presented at local and national conferences. She is a member of several prestigious national organizations and has co-authored a published journal article.
Nicky is obtaining her licensure and hopes to further her education. Nicky is enthusiastic about her work and loves the difference therapy makes in the lives of her clients.
Jennifer Shickling, MSW
Therapist
Another Penn State alumna, Jennifer, or “Jen,” received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Barry University (Miami, FL). She is in the process of registering for her internship in order to complete her LCSW.
Prior to entering the field of substance abuse treatment, Jen spent 10 years with Bristol-Myers Squibb as a pharmaceutical representative. She promoted a variety of products, including prescription anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications.
Jen began her career in the recovery field after achieving sobriety herself. She was a primary therapist at White Deer Run (PA) before coming to Florida. She was also a primary therapist at Palm Partners in Delray Beach and director of Awakenings for Women in Boca Raton.
Jen provides individual, group, and family therapy for her clients. She leads psych-educational and therapeutic sessions for the Unity recovery community. Jen also directs psychodramas providing an additional outlet for client expression.
She helps clients discover their true selves and find hope for a joy-filled future.
David Sloan, MS, RMHI
Therapist
David earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology at North Carolina State University and his MS in Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. He is also a Stephen Minister and actively working towards licensure as a mental health counselor in Florida.
Before joining Unity, David worked at SouthLight: Pathways Counseling Center (Raleigh, NC), First Step Services, LLC (Raleigh, NC), and CARP (West Palm Beach, FL) providing mental health and substance abuse counseling to dual diagnosis individuals in intensive, intermediate, and short-term outpatient programs.
His responsibilities at each facility included providing substance abuse assessments, developing person-centered therapy (PCT) treatment plans, and linking clients to other community mental health and substance abuse resources.
An experienced therapist, David helps clients discover a variety of ways to enjoy healthier lives.
Miesha McIntosh, MS, LMCH
Therapist
Miesha, a Bethune-Cookman University alumna, earned her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She has extensive experience as a therapist with the Florida Department of Corrections and was the Clinical Coordinator at Rega Mental Health Center (Coral Springs, FL).
Miesha’s daily goal is to help as many clients as possible achieve purposeful and hope-filled lives.
Susan Evan
VP Operations, Business Administration, Human Resources
With over 15 years experience in residential and commercial property management, Susan is now fulfilling her desire: putting her substantial skills and knowledge to work in an industry that helps those in need.
Sharing Jason’s vision of providing the highest-quality, most personalized, and affordable addiction treatment available, Susan works diligently and creatively with clients and their families to make Unity Recovery Center accessible to all.
Susan sees herself as a part of a team of passionate professionals who understand the pain and suffering of addiction and is committed to bringing recovery to clients and their families.
Carol Haber
Utilization Review
Carol is a leader on Unity Recovery Center’s administrative team. She has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, holding positions including Assistant Administrator, Business Office Manager, and Hospital Department Director.
Her expertise is focused on reimbursement, utilization review, and adherence to the policies and procedures of managed care and commercial insurance plans. Her professionalism, breadth and depth of knowledge make Carol an integral part of our program.
Intern Staff
The clinical staff at Unity Recovery Center works closely with our university and mental health interns. Our interns regularly interact with clients during groups and activities.
