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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lori attended Nova Southeastern University and completed her residency in emergency medicine at the University of Nebraska School of Medicine. Born in Kansas, Lori is an honorary Florida native who moved to the state at age 2. She has over 20 years of experience in emergency medicine. During that time, she worked in hospital emergency rooms and was a paramedic. During her time as a paramedic, she enjoyed working with firefighters and saving people’s lives, and she is continuing to save people’s lives at ViaMar Health. Outside of work, Lori is a great mom of two amazing daughters and two sweet dogs.

TBD

Food is not just sustenance; it is an art form that brings people together and uplifts them, especially during difficult times. My passion for food and my personal 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. My personal journey of recovery has breathed new life into my relationship with food and my career. I find immense joy in using food to revitalize and rejuvenate others. 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 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 part of a company that values the significance of food and the well-being of our clients. Through this platform, I can express love, compassion, and joy through the food I create, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so.

Drew attended Palm Beach Atlantic University, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Biblical and Theological Studies and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. His clinical experience has spanned through the nonprofit and private sectors within various clinical settings (both inpatient and outpatient), working with clients struggling with a wide range of issues, including substance use disorders, process addictions, attachment issues, anxiety, and depression, PTSD, and relational and marital problems, among many other co-occurring disorders.

Drew makes good use of his formal training as a Certified Practitioner of Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) and additional training in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), among other evidence-based therapies. His treatment approach combines his healing and recovery process, his warm and compassionate demeanor, and his formal training as a clinician.

Nina is a Florida native who was an IB Honors student who completed AICE classes at Forest Hill High School. She is the oldest of three siblings and enjoys traveling. Nina played varsity basketball and still plays from time to time. Nina started with ViaMar Health as a behavioral health technician. She was promoted twice to her current position within one year of joining the team. She loves her role at ViaMar, learning things every day and helping the patients on their path to recovery. Nina says, “ViaMar has changed me – I came here as a child, and now I am a responsible adult.”

Susan has worked in Human Resources for over ten years. She has experience working in compliance for treatment centers for the Joint Commission and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Susan prides herself on ensuring all requirements are met, and appropriate staff training is available. She is incredibly proud of her special relationship with all employees and patients; she makes each staff member know they are appreciated! Susan is thankful for being an integral part of the ViaMar team. She can also be found on occasion enjoying a great tennis match!

Idaly Diaz is a dedicated bilingual mental health professional with a passion for counseling and empowering individuals facing trauma, eating disorders, addictions, and various mental health conditions. Fluent in English and Spanish, she fosters an inclusive and safe environment for clients. Idaly holds a bachelor’s in organizational leadership and a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, concentrating on Trauma and Crisis from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She is a doctorate student pursuing an EdD in Community Counseling and Traumatology at Liberty University.

Idaly has diverse professional experiences, including community management and missionary work. At ViaMar Health, she applies evidence-based treatment techniques tailored to each client’s unique requirements to address eating disorders and their associated conditions. Her expertise extends to working with individuals with special needs, having developed inclusive education programs and alternative learning environments for children.

In her free time, Idaly enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending quality time with her loved ones. Her unwavering dedication, strong educational background, and genuine desire to help others drive her to make a significant impact in counseling. Idaly’s passion for learning and her heart to help are evident in all aspects of her life.

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 disorders.

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.

Karolina is from Poland. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Science in Nutrition at Nova Southeastern University. She received her bachelor’s degree in general studies with a concentration in biology and exercise science at Nova Southeastern University. Before coming to ViaMar Health, Karolina completed her dietetic internships at Namaste Nourished, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Baptist Health, HCA University Hospital, and Nourishing Lives, where she gained clinical, community, and food service experience in helping individuals improve their nutritional choices.

Before moving to the United States, Karolina was a professional tennis player, presented on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) list. Once retiring from her professional tennis career, Karolina received an athletic scholarship, playing for Division I and II schools. Unfortunately, eating disorders are very common in the athletic world, where Karolina experienced multiple friends struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and others. Karolina developed her passion for nutrition and eating disorder treatment throughout her athletic and personal journey.

Karolina is an enthusiastic, passionate, and open-minded dietitian. She has outstanding communication skills, such as active listening, persuasion, and negotiation, which are significant in providing accurate help to patients.

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 allowed me to create a career path to which I’m deeply connected. 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 Eldean, MSW, RCSWI, is a dedicated primary therapist for ViaMar Health’s Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Residential Level of Care. Julia exemplifies a profound commitment to her clients’ care and progress. With a Master’s in Social Work from the University of West Florida, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Her extensive background includes working with individuals experiencing suicide ideation, self-harm, and substance abuse across various treatment levels such as detox, residential, PHP, and IOP level of care, as well as experience in inpatient psychiatric hospitals. Julia’s passion for her work is particularly evident in her focus on eating disorders, where her deep understanding and compassionate approach significantly impact her clients’ journeys to recovery. Her unwavering dedication and expertise highlight her vital role in comprehensive and effective therapeutic support.

Maria Palacio-Weaver is a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor intern who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University in 2014 and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling from Walden University in 2023.

Maria, who is bilingual in English and Spanish, is passionate about working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. She understands that the journey to healing is not a straight line, but a unique and personal process for each individual. She is here to help you navigate your own path to wellness.

Through her education and clinical experience, Maria is highly skilled in numerous evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and family therapy, that lead to healing and recovery for her clients.

Brandon grew up locally in Singer Island, FL. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Liberty University and is currently working on his master’s in clinical mental health counseling. He is passionate and excited about becoming a licensed mental health counselor.

His first-hand personal experience struggling with an eating disorder, along with other co-occurring mental health conditions, has inspired him to become an advocate and a voice for those who struggle with this insidious disease. “It all started with one thing, and then it turned into something much more extensive, but I realized that I had developed an eating disorder not just because of that one thing; it turned out to be a multitude of things.”

His hope is that he makes an everlasting positive impact on patients with whom he has the pleasure of working and being a part of their recovery journey. He also firmly believes in continuity of care. “Recovery doesn’t just begin and end while being in treatment; it’s about following through with your aftercare plans, and that is to continue seeing your outside providers, joining a peer support group, and attending Eating Disorders Anonymous meetings.”

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.

Emilie Walsh is a compassionate and driven graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. She relocated to South Florida in 2018 with her three children, motivated to provide them with a better quality of life.

Emilie holds a Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma City University, where she graduated in 1998. Following her studies, she spent a decade making her mark in digital marketing, having held significant roles in the industry, including as a Client Services Manager at The New York Times Digital. After an 18-year hiatus dedicated to raising her children and volunteering in various capacities, she returned to school to follow her passion for mental health and wellness.

With 25 years of experience as a competitive and professional dancer, Emilie has encountered many peers grappling with disordered eating. This exposure has profoundly shaped her empathy and understanding of the struggles individuals face with eating disorders and other mental health challenges. As an Admissions Counselor at ViaMar Health, she draws upon her experiences to support and guide those seeking help.

Emilie is committed to fostering a compassionate environment for individuals dealing with mental health issues, particularly in the context of disordered eating.

Jillian Delaney is an Admissions Coordinator at ViaMar Health, where she applies her extensive background in the eating disorder and mental health fields to support families and clients on their recovery journeys. Jillian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Florida State University, with a minor in Hospitality Entrepreneurship.

With years of experience, Jillian is aware of the complexities of the recovery process. She is motivated to find and arrange the best care for those in need. She is committed to being a compassionate and guiding presence at the beginning of this transformative journey, supporting clients step by step as they reclaim control and work toward healing.

In her personal time, Jillian finds joy in spending quality time with family and friends, expressing her creativity through painting, and unwinding at the beach. These personal interests not only provide balance to her professional life but also make her a relatable and approachable figure.

She serves as the program manager of PHP, IOP, and Supportive Living at ViaMar Health, where she is committed to advancing comprehensive eating disorder treatment. She holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, specializing in Medical Family Therapy, from NSU’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. Christina brings extensive experience in substance use treatment across various settings, including detox, residential care, partial hospitalization treatment, and intensive outpatient programs. Her work in a hospital psychiatric unit has given her deep insight into the involuntary hospitalization process and mental health crisis management. Christina is passionate about experiential therapy and client-centered care, leveraging these approaches to create a compassionate and effective treatment environment.

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.