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New Jersey's Premier Residential Treatment & Sober Living Campus

Insurance Accepted | 800-575-6343

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Eating Disorder

Ways to Help Stop Emotional Eating

By Web Dev | July 30, 2021 | 0

When dealing with overwhelming emotions or trauma, it can be easy to self-medicate in various ways to cope. Whether it is through substance use, emotional eating, or under-eating, these kinds of self-soothing mechanisms can have dangerous and even deadly effects if they are ignored and not carefully managed and treated. Because of perceived stigma and…

Common Signs of Bulimia

By Web Dev | June 4, 2021 | 0

Bulimia is a progressive condition that has the potential to create serious health risks, including some that are life-threatening. A person with this condition eats in secret, often binging large amounts of food as they feel a loss of control. Then, they purge that food to remove the calories from their bodies. Done over and…

Signs of Anorexia

By Web Dev | April 20, 2021 | 0

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a fear of gaining weight. It comes from a distorted sense of body proportion. Anorexia and other eating disorders are life-threatening due to malnutrition and other health conditions that develop as part of the diseases. At Alina Lodge in New Jersey, we offer an eating disorder treatment…

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Jim Clutter

Business Development Manager

Jim is the Business Development Manager at Alina Lodge. He has been actively involved in the field of substance abuse and recovery since 2016. Most recently, prior to joining Alina Lodge, Jim was a Business Development Representative for an outpatient facility that offered partial care, intensive outpatient and regular outpatient programs.

Jim’s career in business development and marketing spans over a 30 year period of time. He has held similar roles in logistics, pharmaceuticals and property & casualty insurance.

Jim is an avid fan of the NY Yankees, the NY Giants, the NY Rangers and Notre Dame football. He loves the beaches of New Jersey (especially Brigantine Beach) and the beaches of South Carolina.

Jim’s favorite song lyrics are “Yes there are two paths you can go by but in the long run; there’s still time to change the road you’re on.” Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven.

Chris Peters

Director of Business Development

Chris has worked as a business development professional in the addiction treatment industry since 2009. During that time Chris has always aligned himself with treatment programs that have done excellent work for those struggling with substance use disorder. He has had the privilege of working in a variety of geographic regions and levels of care. He truly enjoys the satisfaction of helping people and their families find the program that will best suite their clinical needs, giving them the best chance at successful outcomes.

“I am proud to be able to represent Alina Lodge, excited to go out into the community and tell our story! It’s an exciting time for us as we are making this storied program accessible to a larger audience than we have in years past.”

Aaron Garner

Marketing and Business Development Director

Aaron has over 30 years of experience in marketing, strategy, leadership and business development . Aaron is an energetic and results driven marketing professional with the experience and qualifications to lead sales, marketing and business development activities. Skilled at developing and executing sales and marketing strategies as well as recruiting, training and motivating high performing sales teams.

Aaron spent the first 20 years of his marketing career in financial services as a Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing with Sovereign Bank. He traveled the country for 10 of those years working as a banking consultant teaching large banks how to acquire new customers.

In 2010, Aaron transitioned into behavioral health with Caron Treatment Centers. At Caron, Aaron was the Corporate Business Development Director responsible for creating national visibility substantiable revenue growth and training of the business development team. Aaron was also a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Caron Treatment Centers.
Aaron joined Alina Lodge as the Director of Marketing and Business Development in August of 2020.

Fun Fact: Aaron enjoys spending time vacationing at the beach with his wife Holly and their three sons and he enjoys fitness and coaching football.

agarner@alinalodge.org

Bobbi Bolcato

Registered Dietician, Health Coach

Babette received her Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Saint Elizabeth. Babette recently joined the Alina Lodge team. She brings with her 25+ years of experience working in the mental health field including eating disorders and substance abuse.She is passionate about the importance of nutrition during recovery, overall good health and for relapse prevention. In addition to seeing students individually she provides monthly nutrition lectures and shares up to date nutrition information to enhance the quality of life of our students.

babetteb@alinalodge.org

Joi Honer, BA CADC CCDP

Alumni Coordinator

As a professional in the treatment field for over 32 years and a person in long-term recovery for over 40, Joi Honer is committed to providing support services for those who seek recovery from the impact of substance use disorder. She holds certifications in addiction and co-occurring disorder counseling and a bachelor’s degree in addiction studies. Joi’s first 17 years of practice were devoted to clinical work, research, and clinical leadership, but over the last several years she has focused on cultivating alumni and family engagement. Her experiences include development of niche support groups, spiritual retreats, Alumni apps, recovery toolkits, wellness workshops and public recovery advocacy. In addition to providing life-enriching programming, she recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for those in recovery to express their gratitude by giving back to others, the gifts of recovery they have received. Joi’s goal is to support our alumni and community by offering resources for connection, personal growth, fellowship, and fun!

joih@alinalodge.org

Leila Rojas

Admission Coordinator

With a heart for helping others, Leila comes to us with over 6 years of experience working in the treatment industry. Leila holds a BA in Communication from Auburn University and has held a variety of roles in a few different substance abuse facilities over the years. These roles include Volunteer Coordinator, Patient Technician, Resident Advisor, and Admissions Coordinator. She has held these positions in different levels of care such as detox, short term residential, long term residential and women’s transitional living facilities.

Of the time she has worked in the industry, more than half has been dedicated to Admissions work, which is where she excels. Leila’s deep empathy for those suffering from substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, as well as her compassion for their family members and loved ones, is the motivating force behind her work. She understands that taking that next step is a difficult one and welcomes guiding others on this journey.

leilar@alinalodge.org

Deb Keltz

Business Development Officer

Deb has over 30 years of experience in the addiction field including marketing, business development, admissions, and as an operations consultant to addiction treatment and healthcare organizations. Formerly, Deb was the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and executive responsible for marketing, admissions, and research for two of the nation’s most respected addiction treatment providers. In these positions, she was responsible for creating national visibility, substantial revenue growth, a positive shift in payer mix, and establishing a sales force.

Deb’s involvement with both non- and for-profits organizations on both the East and West Coasts gives her a knowledge of treatment and options around the country. Her passion is helping clients and families find the best treatment options to meet their individual needs as they embark on their journey to long-term recovery.

Fun Fact: Deb loves spending time with her family and enjoys her six-year-old grandson Travis and welcomes travel whenever the opportunity arises.

debk@alinalodge.org

Rebecca Shaak, MBA, CHFP, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Becci has been working in the addiction treatment industry in both the financial and operational areas for almost 20 years. After spending 7 years in public accounting and the private sector, Becci joined Richard J Caron Foundation as their Controller in 2000. She earned a Master’s in Business Administration concentrating in Executive Medical from Alvernia University in 2004 while working as Caron’s Corporate Director of Finance. Later, she became the Vice President of Finance for Caron and earned the Certified Healthcare Financial Professional designation through the Healthcare Financial Management Association, of which Becci is an active member.

In 2017, Becci formed her own consulting firm, Shaak Consulting LLC, and began providing financial and operational consulting to several addiction treatment clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It was at this time Becci became affiliated with Little Hill Foundation in August of 2017 as its acting CFO. While maintaining this relationship, Becci took on the role of EVP of Operations from January 2018 to July 2019 for Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge. In October 2019, Little Hill Foundation named Becci Shaak Chief Financial Officer. In 2020, Becci became licensed as a CPA through the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy.

Donna Pittala MA, LCADC, CCS, AAT & Jackie O.

Counselor

Canine Assisted Therapy: CAT TEAM
Donna received her Master’s in Addictions Counseling from Marywood University in Pennsylvania. She has been passionate about working in the field of Mental Health, Addictions and Family Therapy for over 30 years. Donna was the Director of Family Services at Alina Lodge for the past 21 years and although officially “retired” today is part of our clinical team with her Canine Co Counselor and partner, Jackie O.

Donna’s love of working with animals extends back many years to when she grew up training and showing horses in her local 4H Chapter and nationally. She is certified as an Animal Assisted Therapist and is excited to help spread awareness on the benefits of animal-assisted therapy and support more people than ever before through programming, outreach and community engagement.

Jacqueline Kennedy, Jackie O, is a 3 yr. old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Jackie received her Canine Good Citizen Certification from the AKA and is a Certified Therapy Dog. Jackie O graduated from C.A.T.dogsinc a premier pet therapy organization in Ft Lauderdale dedicated to improving the lives of those in need. Jackie O has provided companionship to assisted living facilities, addiction treatment centers, veterans’ groups and holds a special place for her work at Holy Cross Hospital Cancer Infusion Center. Donna and Jackie are certified as a Canine Assisted Therapy Team CAT team and Mental Health and Trauma Response (MHTR) team.

Jane Smith, MA

Counselor

Jane received her master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Centenary University in 2022. While attending her master’s program, she worked with substance use disorders at the partial-hospitalization and intensive-outpatient levels of care prior to completing a five-month clinical internship at Alina Lodge. She joined the clinical team as a full-time counselor in June of 2022. Prior to her transition into the field of counseling, Jane worked for 10 years as a licensed massage therapist. Her first career was in animal training and behavior following her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut in 2008. Jane strives to combine her knowledge and experience from her prior careers and education to provide the highest level of care to Alina Lodge’s students and families as a member of the clinical team.

janes@alinalodge.org

Bill Rust

Counselor

Bill began his Alina Lodge career in 2011 as a Facilitator and decided to pursue a CADC after seeing Students’ lives transformed over the course of their stay in treatment. As part of his internship, Bill also worked at The Center for Prevention and Counseling in Newton, New Jersey. There he was tasked with overseeing their Intensive Outpatient Program as well as providing classroom instruction for the Sussex County Intoxicated Driver Resource Center program, a court-mandated class for DUI offenders. Bill is currently completing the final requirements for CADC licensure.

Bill attended Boston University and is a veteran of the US Air Force. Besides his passion for Recovery, Bill has a love for music performance, and he is delighted to bring musical ensembles to perform at the Lodge for staff and students. Bill’s favorite quote: “The meaning of life is to find your gift, and the purpose of life is to give it away.”

billr@alinalodge.org

Eileen Reuter, LCADC, LPC, CTT

Counselor

Eileen started working at Alina Lodge in 2003. She was first a facilitator, and then a driver. In 2007 she worked at Haley House as an Resident Assistant for two years. As a driver, she enjoyed talking with the students one on one and decided to go back to school to finish her BA in Sociology and her LCADC. After leaving Haley House for two years, she started working on her Masters in Pastoral Counseling. She returned in 2011 as an eating disorder counselor. When she graduated with her MAPC in 2013, Michael Hornstein asked her to be a Primary Counselor for the female community. Alina Lodge sent her to Eating Disorder Conferences at Renfrew ED Treatment Center. She was also given the opportunity to become a Certified Trauma Therapist through the Spirit to Spirit program with Judy Crane at The Refuge in Ocala, Florida. She worked as a Primary Counselor at Alina Lodge until 2021 when she decided to retire. Recognizing that she would not be happy being home all the time and not seeing her colleagues, she has been working part-time as a trauma and eating disorder counselor for both the Men and Women’s communities.

Benny McKinney, CADC

Counselor

Benny entered the field of addiction in 2009 as a Residential Aid at Straight and Narrow in Paterson NJ. In 2011 he accepted a position as Residential Aid at Endeavor House North in Kearney NJ, where he was promoted to Senior RA Supervisor. In the years that followed Benny accepted a supervisory role where he trained Lead Behavior Health Technicians at Serenity at Summit, before transitioning to an Intake Counselor position and obtaining his CADC, which opened the door for him becoming a Primary Counselor. In 2020 he became a Clinical Manager with Brookdale Recovery Center and in 2022 accepted his current position as Primary Counselor at Alina Lodge.

bennym@alinalodge.org

Reverend Robert Griner

Spiritual Advisor

The Spirituality Program at Alina Lodge is led by The Reverend Robert Griner. Robert received a degree in Psychology from Drew University and studied Theology at the University of Oxford before completing a Master of Divinity degree at Yale University. After 911, Robert was hired by FEMA as a Crisis Response Counselor. He also held the position as Director of Psychiatric Services in a Jersey City Center. He has been serving as a parish priest for over 30 years.

Robert’s goal is to help our students develop skills through meditation and prayer to cope with where their lives are, find moments of grace in their lives now and to change their perception of the future where hope abounds. He strives to show them that spirituality can elevate the joy of living.

“Recovery is hard. We all need assistance and there is a wellspring of help through the maintenance of a spiritual relationship.” -~Robert Griner

robertg@alinalodge.org

Michelle Cilibrasi, CADC

Counselor

Michelle came to us in February of 2022 after she relocated her residence from Bergen County. She has been working and serving in the addiction field for over 12 years. Her roles include – Lead Detox Counselor at the largest detox hospital in the State of New Jersey (New Bridge Medical Center – formally Bergen Regional) – Patient Care Tech at Bergen Regional Medical Center’s emergency room and psychiatric unit – Private Sober Coach (Mahwah, NJ). She has assisted the launch of New Jersey’s Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Program by being one of the first to be trained and certified to work alongside the Bergen County Police Departments to meet overdose victims and families at the emergency room. She and her husband share a passion for people suffering from substance use and work alongside a street ministry called “Desire 4 Hope” which addresses addiction and homelessness on the street with a “boots to the ground” intensity. Michelle earned her CADC Credentials at Bergen County Community College. She is proud to be part of the team at Alina Lodge.

michellec@alinalodge.org

Alexander Kudryk, MD, ABIM, ABAM, FASAM

Medical Director

Dr. Alexander Kudryk is a graduate from Manhattan College in Biology and St. John’s University in Pharmacy. Dr. Kudryk completed his residency, was Chief Resident and instructor in Internal Medicine at St. Barnabas Internal Medicine Residency Program. Currently, he is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is active in General Internal Medicine, ICU coverage at Robert Wood Johnson/Barnabas Health/Somerville campus.

Dr. Kudryk is also an Urgent Care Physician for Atlantic Health Group and holds an American Board of Addiction Medicine certification. He has been the Medical Director at Alina Lodge for more than twenty years.

Megan Hein, MA, LCSW, LCADC

Senior Lead Clinician

Megan received her BA in 2006 from the University of Mary Washington in Virginia. She received an MA from Montclair State University in 2007 and an MSW from Monmouth University in 2012. Megan is a Licensed Social Worker for the state of New Jersey.

Megan has been a member of the Alina Lodge family for many years, serving as an intern in 2011, and joining the Clinical team full time in January of 2012. Prior to coming to Alina Lodge, Megan was the Senior Case Supervisor for Passaic County Court Appointed Special Advocates.

meganh@alinalodge.org

Carol Bauder, MA, LAC, NJ-DRCC

Director of Family Services

Carol is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) specializing in the treatment of persons with substance use disorders. She serves as the Director of Family Services. In that role, she works with family members to help them understand the role they play in the recovery of a family impacted by addiction. She believes that family members have the biggest influence upon the student’s efforts for sustained recovery.

Carol presents regular lectures to the community, focusing on integrating concepts from the science of addiction, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Al-Anon, and Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention with the student’s 12-step recovery efforts. She hosts weekly Zoom sessions with the family members of current and past students to help normalize their experiences and to provide a space where group members share their experience, strength, and hope. Carol also facilitates the multi-day Family Intensives Program for family members and students who demonstrate change and commitment to recovery.

Carol received her BA in Management and Marketing from Montclair State University. After many years in the private sector, she changed the focus of her life’s work after a significant event occurred that affected a close friend. She obtained a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Centenary University and has pursued further training in ACT, MBRP, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Carol also has received certification as a New Jersey Disaster Response Crisis Counselor (NJ-DRCC).

carolb@alinalodge.org

Renée Harman, CFRE

Director of Philanthropy

Renée graduated from Dover Business College, and prior to her employment at Little Hill Foundation, she was Director of Publications at Kinsley Associates, Inc.

Renée began her career with Little Hill Foundation in August of 2004 as the Development Assistant, was promoted to Director of Philanthropy in 2011 and obtained her CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) credential in 2022. Her duties include donor relations, overseeing philanthropic support through implementing the annual fundraising plan, major gifts, grant writing and special events.

She enjoys interacting with alumni, families, and donors to build relationships that create meaningful change. “No act of kindness is too small.” ~ Aesop

reneeh@alinalodge.org

Gerry Gunnels, LCADC

Senior Clinical Advisor

Gerry is an LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor) and the Senior Clinical Advisor to the Clinical Director of Alina Lodge. He brings more than thirty years of counseling experience to the clinical team, the students, and their families. Gerry began his career with Alina Lodge in September of 1983 and most recently served as Clinical Director.

Gerry worked under Geraldine Delaney for many years, learning first-hand the formula of success for addiction treatment that has made the Lodge a leader in treatment for more than 57 years. He passes on the time-honored traditions of Alina Lodge: self-discipline, spirituality, surrender, family education, the 12 steps, and the tincture of time, as well as helping to guide a team of credentialed clinicians with vast experience in addictions and co-occurring issues. Gerry participates in family interventions, educating families in helpful methods that support the recovery process, strengthening and uniting them in this process.

gerryg@alinalodge.org

Heather Ferris, BA, BRI-C

Director of Admissions

Heather Ferris began working in the mental health field in 1997. She started out at a non-profit psychiatric facility where she was involved in residential services, crisis unit, and detox services. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from FAU she assumed the role of case manager where she excelled in working with the dual diagnosis population.

Heather transitioned into the substance abuse field in 2012 where she began her career in referral relations and the admissions aspect of the industry. She has also trained in several models of intervention training and education over the last 8 years and has been a candidate member of the Association of Intervention Specialists since 2012. Heather is currently pursuing her CIP through the Pennsylvania Certification Board.

hferris@alinalodge.org

Jackie Ré, MACC, LCADC, CCTP

Director of Haley House

Having graduated from St. John’s University in 1990 with a BA in Psychology, Jackie began her career in Human Resources and Office Services/Training. She had a strong desire to help others and work with people. Her journey led to a change in the industry, and Jackie began her career at Haley House in 2011 as Resident Advisor. She was promoted to Resident Advisor Supervisor and Counselor in 2013.

In 2017, Jackie accepted the position of Program Director. Her positive approach focuses on providing appropriate and specific services, keeping the needs of each individual in mind. She has a passion for helping women in recovery and has her BA, CCTP (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional), her CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) and Anger Management Specialist, Level 2. She is currently working towards her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and LCADC.

jackier@haleyhousewomen.org

Jennifer Moye, RN

Director of Nursing

Jennifer has been a Registered Nurse at Alina Lodge since 2015. She assumed the role of Director of Nursing in 2018. Jennifer brings over 25 years of nursing experience to the Lodge ranging from public health to corporate health.

On a daily basis, Jennifer covers many roles within the nursing department, none more important to her than the health and well-being of each and every student.

jenniferm@alinalodge.org

Rebecca Shaak, MBA, CHFP, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Thérèse Smerklo, MA, LPC, LCADC

Clinical Director

Thérèse is now the Clinical Director at Alina Lodge. She has been a counselor on the women’s team at Alina Lodge since 2014. Thérèse received her Master’s degree in Counseling from Montclair State University in 2013 and holds a post-Master’s certificate in Advanced Counseling from Montclair State University. Before joining Alina lodge, Thérèse completed a year-long internship at New Jersey AIDS Services in Morristown, New Jersey where she worked with HIV/AIDS clients who presented with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Thérèse is both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) with the state of New Jersey. In addition, she is a Grief Recovery Specialist® and a Nationally Certified Counselor. Thérèse currently facilitates the Grief and Loss, and Sex and Relationship specialty groups offered at Alina Lodge.

Prior to changing careers into the counseling field, Thérèse worked in the investment and securities field for over 20 years in sales, management and compliance, and supervisory roles.

thereses@alinalodge.org

William Robbins, LCSW, CCS

Executive Director

Bill is a licensed clinical social worker having earned a master’s degree from Columbia University’s school of social work in 1996. His early career began at The Educational Alliance in New York City as a staff therapist and later director of a residential treatment program for adults suffering with substance use disorders (SUD). During this period Bill opened his own private psychotherapy practice specializing in treating individuals with SUD’s, as well as anxiety and depressive disorders. Bill eventually left NYC and after a brief time of working in an intensive outpatient setting here in NJ, joined the clinical staff of Alina Lodge in 2012. After working with our men’s clinical team for 7 years he was promoted to Executive Director in January 2019. Bill has been married to his wife Laurie for 20 years and they have two adolescent children, Kayin and Annika, as well as a household of pets.

“There is nothing more meaningful than to be a part of someone’s journey from the despair and loneliness of active addiction to the joy and connection in recovery.”

wrobbins@alinalodge.org