Augustine Recovery Staff
The Augustine Recovery team is here to help you fully recover from chemical dependency. We understand what it takes to break the cycle of addiction because we’ve been through it ourselves.
Jason Chane, CAP, ICADC, CTP
OWNER, CEO
JASON CHANE
CAP, ICADC, CTP – OWNER, CEO
Jason Chane is a leader in the evolving recovery industry. He has worked in the field over 10 years now and brings much personal and professional experience to the world of recovery. Jason started as a Program Director at Mark Houston Recovery Center (now Benchmark Recovery Center) in Austin, Texas in 2008. Jason knew from this point that his life would be devoted to the service of men and women that struggle with addiction. He found the calling he had been searching for his entire life. Jason also spent one year in Florida, working for Vince Carter Sanctuary as a Counselor and loved living in the city of St. Augustine dearly. Jason was asked to come back to Texas to be the Executive Director of the Men’s Program at Benchmark Recovery Center in November of 2011. During Jason’s tenure at BRC, the program experienced growth and stability due to Jason’s peaceful and powerful approach to leading men. Jason left BRC in July to pursue the vision of starting a recovery and life center in St. Augustine, Florida with his lovely wife Lauren. Jason believes that any man or woman who desires to be sober or free of addictive behaviors can be. It just takes surrender, honesty, discipline and enthusiasm, four things that can be developed. It is Jason’s life purpose to revolutionize the field of addiction recovery. Jason is devoted to living a life of health, peace, and abundance in all ways, and is uniquely able to bring out the best in others. Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity University, in San Antonio, Texas. Jason is a LCDC (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) in Texas and is a CAP (Certified Addiction Professional) in Florida. Jason also maintains his ICADC (Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) designation.
Lauren Chane, LCSW, CTT
OWNER, CEO
LAUREN CHANE
LCSW, CTT
Lauren Chane was born in Austin Texas in 1983 to Tom and Liz Davis. Tom and Liz own three restaurants in the Austin area including two Green Mesquite BBQs and Scholz’s Bier Garten (founded in 1866 and in the Texas register of historic places). As she grew up in Austin, her husband was making his way in Marlin, Texas. They joined mutual friends at a local honkytonk and when they danced the chemistry was set alight. Lauren has her bachelor’s from Texas State University and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas. She entered recovery from drug and alcohol addiction 11 years ago and has dedicated her life to service and sobriety. She is currently active in Alcoholics Anonymous and sponsors other women in the program and takes them through the twelve steps. She has volunteered throughout her time in school with Heart to Heart Hospice, St. David’s Hospital, The Sims Foundation, Austin Recovery and the Austin Parks Cleanups. She is an avid runner and completed her first marathon in February of 2012 where Jason rode his bike and held up grumpy cat signs to keep her spirits high. She is also an avid gardener and loves to grow organic food at home. The love and recovery in their home is the foundation that they have built the mission for their business on. They believe in clean eating, physical exercise, connection to something greater than themselves, helping other alcoholics recover, equality and fairness for all creatures on earth, prayer, daily meditation, a daily review of character defects and continued personal growth and spreading recovery to all those who need it.
Ty Labenne, CAP, CTP
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TY LABENNE
CAP, CTP
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Christopher Blauvelt
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
CHRISTOPHER BLAUVELT
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
Chris hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A legacy staff member, Chris helped open Augustine Recovery, and has been directing Augustine's admissions efforts ever since. Chris is a person in long term recovery. He spends his free time with his beautiful family, surfing, and is actively engaged in the St. Augustine recovery community.
David A. Cunningham, LADACII, NCACI, ICADC, QCS
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
DAVID A. CUNNINGHAM
LADACII, NCACI, ICADC, QCS - DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
David A. Cunningham has been in the addiction treatment profession since 1990. He has served as East Tennessee President and Tennessee State President for the Tennessee Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors and served as the Southeastern Regional Vice President (TN, GA, NC, SC, FL, MS, AL) for NAADAC The National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselors. He has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Tennessee the Henry A. Ashe Professional of the Year in East Tennessee, the State Professional of the Year Award in Tennessee, runner up for the National Professional of the Year (NAADAC), the Tim Kerin Red Ribbon Award for Community Achievement with Child and Family Services and Helping Pre-Natal Chemically Exposed Children and Adults, East Tennessee Lifetime Achievement Honoree and most recently the Tennessee State Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also been made an Honorary Member of Clean & Sober in the Wind Motorcycle Club of Portland, Oregon.
Cunningham's experience has included program development, private practice, supervision, counseling, NAADAC Approved Educational Provider, Qualified Clinical Supervisor, interventions, Equine Therapy, consulting, training, and volunteers time with American Red Cross, schools and treatment facilities. Cunningham is currently the Director of Development at Augustine Recovery in beautiful St Augustine, FL where he assists with clinical programming, family program, family support groups, Alumni support groups and national clinical outreach. David is dedicated to the 12-step philosophy, leadership in the recovery field, the encouragement of others, and the promotion of sober lifestyles.
Cunningham says that of all of his accomplishments his personal recovery, his family and helping others struggling are among his greatest assets. He gives all credit to God, all of those who came before him in the profession and recovery and his mentors over the years. “I have a great passion for working with those suffering and their families”.
Emily Foster, LCSW, MCAP, CTT
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
EMILY FOSTER, LCSW, MCAP, CTT
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Emily is the Clinical Director for The Augustine in St. Augustine, Florida. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida and Bachelor’s Degree from Villanova University. She has experience across a variety of settings, including residential and therapeutic communities in both the private and non-profit sectors. Emily combines both life experience and education to help clients with substance use disorders and trauma and has been in recovery since 2012. She is a MCAP (Masters Certified Addiction Professional), and an ICADC (Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor). She received her CTT (Certified Trauma Therapist) through Judy Crane’s Spirit to Spirit training in 2018 and is trained in DBT and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She completed her neurofeedback training through The EEG Institute in Woodland Hills, California.
Emily has worked with The Augustine since 2017 providing therapeutic services, utilization review and neurofeedback. She enjoys the family feel that The Augustine provides and loves that the staff does their own work, whether it be through 12 step programs, health and wellness, or completing their own trauma work. She loves helping clients to change their lives one day at a time. “It is through doing my own recovery and trauma work that I am able to emphasize with others and guide them on their own journey.”
Jeff Tarr, CTP
PROGRAM MANAGER
JEFF TARR
CTP
PROGRAM MANAGER
Jeff is a Southern California native who moved to St. Augustine in 2006 where he currently resides with his wife and 2 children. He is passionate about seeing people experience freedom from the chains of addiction which led him to begin working at TARC in 2017. Jeff has held multiple positions with the company before landing in his current role as the Program Manager. As Program Manager, Jeff works hand in hand with the leadership team to help mold and guide the programming in an ongoing commitment of achieving the best care possible for the client’s at TARC. Jeff also oversees the case management team and the DCA staff, as well as, also serving a dual role as a case manager in which he carries a small caseload of men (once a case manager, always a case manager). Jeff has completed over 200 hours of intense trauma therapy training and holds a certificate as a certified trauma professional (CTP). Jeff’s passion for seeing people experience freedom from addiction stems from his own personal experience and his long-term recovery. Prior to TARC, in 2008, Jeff’s desire to help people led him to co-create “The Foundry”, a non-profit community project in St. Augustine Beach which served as a creative outlet for local at risk youth and their families. The Foundry served as a place for the community to express themselves in healthy ways through art, music and other creative expressions. Jeff has also spent many years as a carpenter and continues to use his talents in that area to build cool stuff on the weekend and in his free time, especially for his wife! Jeff loves the ocean, playing guitar, and serving at his church.
Matt Stevens, CRPS, CAC
CASE MANAGER
MATT STEVENS
CASE MANAGER
Matthew's addiction brought him around the country before finally landing in Florida to get Sober. Matthew is an avid surfer, guitar player, and yoga instructor, that brings his zest for life into his recovery. Matthew celebrates multiple years of sobriety and shares his love of life with the men that he works with.
Erika Weaver, LCSW
WOMEN'S PRIMARY THERAPIST
ERIKA WEAVER
WOMEN'S PRIMARY THERAPIST, LCSW
Erika is a Florida native, originally from South Florida and has been working for Augustine Recovery since 2018. Erika has been with the Augustine Recovery Women's Center since 2021. Erika's therapeutic approaches include a focus on experiential therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Neuro Affective Relational Model (NARM), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Erika's balances these therapeutic approaches with creative expression, meditation/yoga, along with influences of nature and music and building a healthy understanding of wellness of the mind, body and spirit. Erika facilitates individual, family and group sessions. Erika's philosophy is based around using the power of community, strengthening family relationships and discovering authentic self through an intensive recovery process. Erika enjoys gardening, reading, travel, thrifting, yoga, and cooking.
Tyler Seymour
CLINICAL INTERN
TYLER SEYMOUR
CLINICAL INTERN
I am passionate about recovery and changing our lives through working within and on ourselves to change our relationship with substances. I have this stance because I did the work myself and hope for nothing more than to help the next man do the same. My undergraduate schooling originated in education and communication. I currently am working towards what I believe to be my calling as a therapist through gaining my Master's in Social Work.
Jackie Werboff, MA, LMHC
PRIMARY THERAPIST
JACKIE WERBOFF, MA, LMHC
PRIMARY THERAPIST
Jackie's approach to therapy is trauma-focused, meaning that she and the client work together to heal unresolved attachment, developmental and relational wounds that manifest in various forms of emotional distress. Jackie received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology in 2011 from Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL and her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology in 2016 from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. Jackie is trained and certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of FL. Jackie values her clients’ and their families’ authenticity and emotional vulnerability, and in turn does her best to embody and model these values herself. When not working with clients, Jackie loves spending her time in nature with her animals and family.
Kelly Carter
BUSINESS MANAGER
KELLY CARTER
BUSINESS MANAGER
Kelly achieved a lifetime goal of moving to St Augustine from Gainesville in 2013. She has one son who lives in Virginia with his wife. The beach, music, animals, extended family and working with staff and residents at The Augustine are things that bring joy to Kelly’s heart.
Professionally, she has over 30 years’ experience in medical practice management, credentialing and contracting, financial analysis, billing, Certified Professional Coding, HIT- Pro, chart auditing, Human Resources, compliance, physician and staff training, clinical trials, and direct patient care as a Medical Assistant / X-Ray tech.
Nathan Powers, MS, RMFTI
PRIMARY THERAPIST, REGISTERED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST, INTERN
NATHAN POWERS, MS, RMFTI
PRIMARY THERAPIST, REGISTERED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST, INTERN.
Nathan hails from South Georgia and works to bring a familiar and comforting, but real, approach to the very difficult work of addressing addiction. Nathan pulls from his own experiences in life and from his education at Valdosta State University where he earned a master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. Nathan is currently working toward full licensure in the field. Nathan lives this work, and is proud to lead the experiential fishing program in its current state. Nathan has benefitted greatly from the outdoors and from time spent in nature, especially the ocean, and seeks to invite the benefit of similar experiences to the men he works with every day. Nathan also holds a B.A. in English from the University of Georgia, and is honored to run poetry groups at Augustine Recovery, in which participants are invited to explore their complex relationships through verse and prose. Nathan additionally employs a multitude of therapeutic approaches, including family therapy and EMDR, and works to integrate family and personal complexities into positive treatment outcomes. In the difficult work of recovering from addiction, Nathan believes that every bit of ground gained, no matter how small, is worth illuminating and celebrating and learning from. 'Every victory is a victory.'
Taylor Neilly, MSW
PRIMARY THERAPIST
TAYLOR NEILLY
MSW
PRIMARY THERAPIST
Taylor is a dedicated life-long-learner, a nature-lover, and an exercise, meditation, and spiritual-self-help enthusiast, with an affinity for Florida Gator Football. Taylor finds purpose and joy in life in being a father and husband, and providing holistic, person-centered care to individuals and families impacted by substance use and addiction.
Bryan Day
SOBER LIVING CASE MANAGER
BRYAN DAY
CASE MANAGER
Hailing originally from Renton, Washington, Bryan is an individual in long term recovery from Heroin, Alcohol, and Gambling Addiction. Bryans' traumatic experiences throughout his life, including verbal, sexual, physical, and mental abuse, have enabled him to connect, empathize, and communicate compassionately with our clients that have had a similar experience. Bryan was only able to overcome his traumas and substance abuse issues by engaging in EMDR, working the steps of Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous and exploring ways to enhance his perspective on how to treat his own, and other's, trauma.
Bryan started his recovery journey on February 9th, 2016 and began working at The Augustine Recovery Center after achieving 7 months of sobriety. Bryan began working as a Direct Care Associate(DCA), then became the DCA Supervisor, combined the roles of DCA Supervisor and Medical Technician Coordinator before we introduced Detox facilities and a full medical staff, and finally achieved his goal of becoming a Case Manager. Bryan has since transitioned to Case Management at our Sober Living House in Downtown Saint Augustine. Bryan works closely with our clients that have successfully completed The Augustine Recovery Center's inpatient program after they transition to Sober Living, and is our Aftercare Case Manager, working with our clients and their families as they progress and continue their own personal recovery journey.
Bryan is a certified Seeking Safety Group Facilitator, combining modalities that simultaneously treat Substance Abuse Disorder and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and is working on becoming a Certified Addiction Counselor.
Bryan spends his weekends with his wife and step daughter exploring Florida's state parks, kayaking, swimming and diving in Florida's Springs, playing Disc Golf and exploring various avenues of meditation to enhance his spiritual life.
Matt Thomas
OPERATION COORDINATOR
MATT THOMAS
OPERATION COORDINATOR
Adam Rotell, CRPS
MENS'S NEUROFEEDBACK PROVIDER
ADAM ROTELL
CRPS
MENS'S NEUROFEEDBACK PROVIDER
Adam Rotell is from Land O' Lakes Florida originally and also lived in Ocala Florida for a period of time. He is A Recovering Meth addict living with PTSD. Adam has been sober since August 27th 2018 when he came to Augustine Recovery as a client. While at Augustine Recovery he faced and worked through his trauma from childhood. Adam now works at the Augustine Recovery Center as A Neurofeedback practitioner he also has his CRPS and is working toward his CAC. Adam is extremely helpful when clients attempt to leave treatment in convincing them to stay. He is also called the Trauma wisperer by staff because he is able to relate with clients that suffer from trauma and help them through it. In his free time Adam enjoys going to the shooting range, playing video games, and working with other addicts. Working at Augustine Recover is a big part of his life and we are very lucky to have him on the team.
Jeremey Sisak
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE, LPN
Jeremey Sisak
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE, LPN
Jeremey Sisak is from Orlando, FL. He is a retired Army combat veteran with 20 years of service. He has worked here at Augustine Recovery for 4 years. He is our late night Direct Care Associate who ensures a safe nighttime environment and does welfare checks throughout the night. He is currently attending school to become a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).
JJ Fransisco, CPT
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE AND CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
JJ FRANSISCO.
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE AND CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
Courtney Knoblauch , CPT
WOMEN'S CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
JJ FRANSISCO.
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE AND CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
Ben Rosenberger
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE SUPERVISOR
BEN ROSENBERGER
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE SUPERVISOR
Ben taught high school in Virginia for nine years before moving to St. Augustine to begin work in the field of recovery. As the Direct Care Associate (DCA) Supervisor, Ben oversees and works alongside the DCAs in managing day to day operations and assuring clients' well-being. Ben loves playing bass and guitar, reading and watching science-fiction, enjoying theatre, and spending time with his three dogs. Ben is an active member of his local church where he volunteers as well as plays in the band. Ben holds two Bachelor's degrees and a Master's of Arts in Teaching degree from James Madison University. Ben strives to use his own experiences and love for life to connect with clients and encourage them on their paths to recovery.
Shelby Winsco
WOMEN'S DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE SUPERVISOR
SHELBY WINSCO
WOMEN'S DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE SUPERVISOR
Shelby Winsco grew up in a military family and settled in St. Augustine in 2006. Shelby entered recovery from drug and alcohol addiction in 2015, at the age of twenty-three, and discovered a passion for helping others heal. She believes deeply that recovery is available to anyone, and loves seeing others grow. Shelby continues to seek further education in the field of addiction treatment to be of maximum service to others. Shelby lives with her partner, also in recovery, and two magnificent cats.
Tony Mathis
CASE MANAGER
TONY MATHIS
CASE MANAGER
Tony is an alumni of The Augustine and can personally relate to the struggles and successes that our clients face. Tony is involved in recovery in every aspect of his life, both personally and professionally. Tony is an avid surfer and artist using these as a positive outlet in his recovery.
Treva Saleem
RN
TREVA SALEEM
RN
Treva is a Registered Nurse with Augustine Recovery medical team. She comes to Augustine Recovery new to addiction medicine, but has many years of experience in an acute care setting. Her desire to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction is what led her to Augustine Recovery. Treva received her Bachelor's degree in nursing from Hampton University, School of Nursing in 1995. She also holds a Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse certification, which she obtained in 2019. In her free time, Treva enjoys oceanfront restaurants, watching movies and minor DIY projects.
Cara Long
LPN
CARA LONG
LPN
Cara Long, LPN . Cara was born in Cincinnati, OH. She became an LPN 15 years ago and moved to North Central Florida. Two years ago, Cara and her family moved to Saint Augustine to be closer to the historical city and beach life. Cara has been married for 15 years and has two sons. She has within the last 5 years of her nursing career found her love for psychiatric disorders and addiction.
Ryan Cremaldi
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
RYAN CEMALDI
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
David Smith
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
DAVID SMITH
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
David is from Newport News Virginia. David spent the better part of fifteen years as a manager in the restaurant industry, particularly focusing on pizza chains. David discovered a zest for sobriety after receiving help from Augustine Recovery. David found that he could apply the skills he had obtained in the service industry toward helping other men find a passion for a new way of living. David considers it to be a great honor and privilege to be entrusted with the care of your loved ones and hopes to make an impactful difference in their lives.
Jess Mateer
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
JESS MATEER
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
Jess grew up outside of Pittsburgh, PA and attended The University of Pittsburgh. He has an older sister and a younger brother. Jess loves snowboarding, wakeboarding, traveling, playing music and going to the beach. Jess is in recovery and having graduated from The Augustine, he experienced firsthand the real work, the realizations, and the healing that take place here. Like many others, Jess’ path to The Augustine was difficult, lonely and included damage to family, friends, and himself. Jess says because of the hard work, accountability, and honesty he honed while here, things are always getting better, not worse now.
Some of his goals include buying a house, learning to kiteboard, becoming a music therapist, and adding to his hot sauce collection, all things which are now possible.
Jess is now able to help others help themselves as well as aiding in his recovery.
Phillip Snyder
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
QUINN PICKETT
LPN
Stuart Perr
GROUP FACILITATOR
STUART PERR
GROUP FACILITATOR
Gina Kans
ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR
GINA KANS
ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR
Quinn Pickett
LPN
QUINN PICKETT
LPN
Cara Long, LPN . Cara was born in Cincinnati, OH. She became an LPN 15 years ago and moved to North Central Florida. Two years ago, Cara and her family moved to Saint Augustine to be closer to the historical city and beach life. Cara has been married for 15 years and has two sons. She has within the last 5 years of her nursing career found her love for psychiatric disorders and addiction.
Jennifer Blazier
WOMEN'S DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
JENNIFER BLAZIER
WOMEN'S DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
Jennifer Blazier views recovery from addiction as the best gift she has ever gotten. The fact that she can now help other women bridge the gap from addiction to recovery is without a doubt one of the best parts of her life. Jennifer works her own recovery program and tries to teach what she has learned. Her plan is returning to school in the spring to finish her degree for drug and alcohol counseling. Jennifer uses her free time to diamond paint. Painting is a way she can relax and recenter herself. She has every intention to be the best asset to this recovery program that she can possibly be.
courtney Bourn
WOMEN'S DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
COURTNEY BOURN
WOMEN'S DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
Jessica Figueroa
WOMEN'S DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
JESSICA FIGUEROA
WOMEN'S DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
Gabrielle Galletta
WOMEN'S DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
GABRIELLE GALLETTA
WOMEN'S DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
Gabrielle is a recovering addict that has found her purpose in helping others like herself. When she is home she spends her time painting, drawing and writing. She has two cats that she crafts toys/hide-outs for and loves dearly. Gabrielle is studying to become a CBHT (Certified Behavioral Health Technician) and looks forward to her future sharing her experience, strength and hope with others.
Jolene Gerald
WOMEN'S DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
JOLENE GERALD
WOMEN'S DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
Rebecca Benjamin, BS
WOMEN'S CASE MANAGER
REBECCA BENJAMIN
DIRECT CARE ASSOCIATE
Rebecca Benjamin is the case manager at The Augustine Women’s Center. She is passionate about helping others to build a strong foundation for perpetual recovery from substance abuse. Her professional role is to take patients through the twelve steps, bridge communication between families and patients, and organize educational groups based on key recovery concepts. As a woman in long term recovery herself, she is empathetic and supportive of women early in their journey to wellness. She studied Biology, Spanish, and Philosophy at Rockhurst University and graduated summa cum laude in 2008. She loves animals, nature, non-fiction literature and art.
Ramonica Flagler
ARNP
