Our Team

Scott Welcome, Director of IT Delivery, joined in 2014 and has more than 30 years of experience with information technology including network design and maintenance, technical support, and process and system improvements. Scott is responsible for leading start-up deployment technology, providing continuous IT support, and developing training materials. Scott previously served as the MIS Supervisor at our Treasure Coast Forensic Treatment Center and has served in various IT Manager and Project Manager roles. Scott holds six-sigma certification for both white and yellow belts and also served in the United States Coast Guard as an E2-Seaman Apprentice and Network Administrator in the System Engineering Division.

Thomas Pangburn, MD, Chief Clinical Officer, joined in 2026 and brings more than 10 years of experience serving in Chief Medical and Chief Clinical Officer roles across complex healthcare organizations. Prior to joining Recovery Solutions, Dr. Pangburn served as Chief Medical Officer for a multihospital and community healthcare system and previously held executive medical leadership roles within outpatient and urgent care organizations. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives focused on clinical quality, telehealth, quality and risk reporting, patient experience, and care for at-risk and vulnerable populations. Before transitioning into healthcare administration, Dr. Pangburn practiced Emergency Medicine. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College and his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Scott Dever, Chief Information Officer, joined in 2025 and is a seasoned IT executive with over 20 years of experience leading technology transformation for multi-location enterprises. He has directed enterprise initiatives in analytics, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and IT service management, using AI and data-driven strategies to improve care delivery and operational efficiency. Scott’s background spans healthcare, hospitality, and retail, with a strong record of building compliant, scalable systems and predictive analytics capabilities. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and is a multi-time recipient of national technology innovation awards.

Staci Lynn, PMP, Chief Operating Officer, joined in 2026 and brings more than 19 years of operations and executive leadership experience. She has a proven record of advancing operational excellence, strategic growth, acquisitions, financial performance, organizational development, and team effectiveness across complex, multi-state organizations. Prior to joining Recovery Solutions, Staci held executive and senior leadership roles in the senior living and healthcare services industries, where she built scalable operating platforms, led large-scale integrations and transformation initiatives, and strengthened enterprise systems and infrastructure. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida, is a certified Project Management Professional, and has completed an executive leadership program through Cornell University.

Peter Jakuc, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, joined in 2025 and brings over 25 years of experience in healthcare, finance, and corporate strategy. He has a proven record of driving large-scale growth, developing high-performing teams, and collaborating cross-functionally to create and execute strategic plans, delivering significant growth through both organic initiatives and corporate development activities. In his previous roles with leading national payor organizations, Peter served as Senior Vice President and most recently as Chief Development Officer, where he led all corporate development activities, helping lead the company’s significant growth in revenue and earnings, overseeing strategic growth initiatives including market and product development, community engagement, proposals, competitive intelligence, strategy, and M&A. Peter also previously worked as an investment banker and served as a U.S. Naval Officer and Aviator.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Science in Management from Troy State University while in the Navy. Peter is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and active member of the CFA Institute.

Justin “JT” Scalise, JD, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel, joined in 2025 and brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience in health care law, compliance, and strategic operations across both public and private sectors. His legal and administrative career spans correctional health, hospital systems, Medicare and Medicaid programs, and military health care through the U.S. Department of Defense. JT has led complex legal and strategic initiatives within national healthcare organizations, startups, and public sector partnerships, offering a unique blend of legal acumen and administrative expertise. He earned his Juris Doctor from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst – Isenberg School of Management, and his bachelor’s degree in political science from The Pennsylvania State University. JT is licensed to practice law in Tennessee, the District of Columbia, and Ohio.

Erin Herda, MBA, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition, joined in 2022 and has over 20 years of global recruitment experience in an array of industries. She has an established track record for effectively executing talent acquisition strategies and reducing contract labor spend. Erin has strategically developed and executed recruitment strategies that have maximized organizational effectiveness and optimal talent decisions. She is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to maximize talent attraction, business contribution, and workforce excellence. Her role provides oversight for defining and positioning scalable, effective, and proactive recruitment strategies, managing the start-up process for new business opportunities, as well as leading high performing teams in cultivating talent, engaging candidates, enhancing the candidate experience, and process improvement. Erin earned her bachelor’s in aviation management from Florida Institute of Technology and went on to pursue a Master of Business Administration from Webster University.

Rebecca Jackson, PhD, Vice President, Mental Health joined in 2011 and previously served as Clinical Director at Florida Civil Commitment Center and Corporate Director of Clinical Programs before assuming her current role in 2020. She previously served as an Associate Professor and Director of the Forensic Psychology Ph.D. program at Palo Alto University. In her current role, Dr. Jackson supports all the Recovery Solutions’ treatment programs and provides guidance to ensure care is evidence-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered. Her published works include numerous peer reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and the textbook, Learning Forensic Assessment. Dr. Jackson is a past recipient of the American Psychological Association’s Theodore Blau Award for Early Career Contributions to Clinical Psychology and past President of the Sex Offender Civil Commitment Programs Network. Dr. Jackson received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia University and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Texas. She completed her residency at the University of Washington School of Medicine’s Public Behavioral Health and Justice Policy program.

Cassandra Newkirk, MD, MBA, Chief Psychiatric Officer, joined in 2005 and provides psychiatric leadership and clinical oversight across Recovery Solutions’ programs. Dr. Newkirk is a Board-Certified Forensic Psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience in direct and administrative mental health services. She has held both clinical and administrative roles across diverse settings, including community and state hospitals, private practice, and educational institutions. Dr. Newkirk currently serves as an Adjunct faculty member at Morehouse School of Medicine. She is active in the Florida Psychiatric Society, as well as the American Psychiatric Association where she has earned the distinction as a Distinguished Life Fellow. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of North Carolina, served as Chief Resident in Psychiatry at Emory University and completed her Master of Business Administration from Regis University. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute and other organizations promoting the improvement of community psychiatric services for all.

Jon Carner, Director of Security and Safety Operations joined in 2000 and previously served as Facility Administrator at Florida Civil Commitment Center before assuming his current role. Jon started his career as a security/safety staff and has served in various progressive security/safety operations and supervisory roles over the years to include providing additional subject matter expertise in security/safety, management, and emergency response. Jon has assisted with multiple new site implementations, site assessments, and performance improvement planning over the years. Jon is focused on providing evidence-based and best practice solutions for each of Recovery Solutions’ various treatment environments. Jon is a certified security/safety professional and continues to support a safe and therapeutic milieu for all Recovery Solutions facilities.

Karen Galin, PhD, Senior Vice President of Mental Health joined in 2002 and oversees behavioral health services, providing clinical support and training to the Clinical Directors and mental health professionals at the facilities. Dr. Galin is a licensed psychologist with 40 years of experience in the treatment of individuals who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness and expertise in psychological assessment, forensic evaluation and treatment, behavior planning, treatment planning, expert witness testimony, and training of interns and staff. Beginning her career as a psychologist, she has served in various clinical and administrative roles in different settings, including forensic facilities, civil hospital, veteran’s hospital, and pain clinic. Dr. Galin received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Emory University and her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Alabama. Dr. Galin successfully partnered with the Colorado Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office to implement the first detention-based competency treatment program in the State of Colorado.

Gina Alexander, Interim Chief Financial Officer, joined in 2026 and brings more than 15 years of CFO and senior financial leadership experience across multi-site healthcare organizations. Her experience spans behavioral health, tele-behavioral health, pharmacy services, outpatient care, and emergency medical transportation. Throughout her career, Gina has helped organizations navigate periods of growth, transition, and transformation, with expertise in financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, revenue cycle management, capital planning, and strategic decision-making. She has also supported acquisitions, due diligence, refinancing initiatives, and private equity transactions while partnering closely with executive teams and boards to strengthen financial performance and position organizations for continued growth. Gina earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University.

Diana Acosta, MS, Senior Director of Operations and Performance Improvement, joined in 2007 and is an operations, performance improvement and compliance professional with more than 16 years designing and implementing quality improvement and regulatory compliance systems within healthcare delivery systems. She has extensive experience leading administration, operations, and critical projects to achieve successful outcomes. Diana assists with restructuring processes to enhance operations and care delivery, as well as ensuring risk management strategies, contract requirements and accreditation standards in hospitals and healthcare systems are always met. Diana previously served as Forensic Liaison and Aftercare Coordinator at South Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center (SFETC) and has previously partnered with regulating agencies such as the Florida Department of Children and Families, The Joint Commission, Agency for Health Care Administration, and The Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities. During her time at SFETC, she also served as Council member of the Adult Mental Health and Substance Abuse Planning Council for the Southern Region from 2007-2012. Diana served six years in the 11th Judicial circuit of Miami Dade County in the Mental Health Administrator’s Office and was dedicated to assisting our Mental Health population through the Diversion Project lead by Judge Steve Leifman. She earned her bachelor’s from Carlos Albizu University and her master’s in business ethics and compliance from New England College of Business.

Kerry Mangold, MBA, Senior Vice President of Operations, joined in 2013 and has over 10 years of experience in project management, relationship building, and operations support. She oversees operational support for all Recovery Solutions’ facilities’ processes, as well as the development and maintenance of performance, efficiency, quality, and safety/security initiatives with a focus on process improvement, patient and client materials, and consistency with data collection and reporting. Kerry also manages client negotiations for program implementations and supports continued retention of our valued client partnerships. She assures that all facilities have systems and processes necessary for maintaining a safe, secure, and functional patient care environment and coordinates resources necessary to support and implement facility strategic planning activities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a Master of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University.

Teresa Koeberlein, Chief Strategy Officer, joined in 2020 and handles all governmental affairs and building strategic partnerships to support continued growth of the organization. She also oversees all communications and marketing. In her current role, Teresa identifies and develops new opportunities, manages governmental affairs, and promotes effective strategies that are aligned to our clients’ needs. Prior to joining our team, she spent eight years on Capitol Hill, serving as Chief of Staff to Congressman Diane Black, Chairman, Budget Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. Teresa also spent 10 years as the Executive Director for the American Cancer Society of Greater Nashville. She received her bachelor’s in political science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Rebecca Jackson, PhD, Vice President of Mental Health joined in 2011 and previously served as Clinical Director at Florida Civil Commitment Center and Corporate Director of Clinical Programs before assuming her current role in 2020. She previously served as an Associate Professor and Director of the Forensic Psychology Ph.D. program at Palo Alto University. In her current role, Dr. Jackson supports all the Recovery Solutions’ treatment programs and provides guidance to ensure care is evidence-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered. Her published works include numerous peer reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and the textbook, Learning Forensic Assessment. Dr. Jackson is a past recipient of the American Psychological Association’s Theodore Blau Award for Early Career Contributions to Clinical Psychology and past President of the Sex Offender Civil Commitment Programs Network. Dr. Jackson received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia University and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Texas. She completed her residency at the University of Washington School of Medicine’s Public Behavioral Health and Justice Policy program.

Jeremy Barr, President & Chief Executive Officer, joined in 2011 and has been a committed leader in expanding Recovery Solutions’ impact and services. He has led the growth of this organization from 6 locations in 3 states to 70+ locations in 11 states. Prior to assuming his current role in 2018, Jeremy served in various partnership development roles. He also serves as a board member for East Nashville Wellness Center, a non-profit mental health and substance use clinic committed to restoring the wellness of Nashvillians through improving mental health, curbing addiction, and helping find the music again. He received his master’s degree in communications studies from Florida Atlantic University and his bachelor’s degree in communications studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Katherine O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, Senior Vice President of Operations, joined in 2018 and brings over 20 years of clinical and healthcare administration experience. She oversees operations across our Eastern Region and previously served with the Massachusetts Department of Correction as Director of Behavioral Health and Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Clinical Services. Kathy has also held senior roles in the private sector leading psychiatric services and multi-site operations. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and special education from Boston University and a Master of Social Work from Boston College, and she serves as the executive director of Judy’s Angels, a nonprofit that supports graduate-level nursing students experiencing financial hardship.

Genna Marx Brisson, LCSW, Senior Vice President of Compliance, joined in 2007 and has more than 25 years of behavioral health experience, having served in a variety of leadership roles including Vice President of Operations and Director of Contract Compliance. She has been certified in healthcare compliance by the Health Care Compliance Association since 2011. Genna received both her MBA and MSW from Florida International University. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Florida, and she holds a Certificate of Health Services Administration from Florida International University. Genna was appointed as a member of the City of Boca Raton Community Advisory Panel in 2023.

Donald Sawyer, PhD, MBA, Senior Vice President of Operations, joined in 2011 and oversees all operational functions at our inpatient and residential treatment facilities. He manages budgeting and financial planning for facilities, optimizes resource allocation and cost efficiencies, and monitors financial performance. Dr. Sawyer  previously served as Facility Administrator and Clinical Director at the Florida Civil Commitment Center. Prior to joining our team, Dr. Sawyer was CEO of Central New York Psychiatric Center, the sole provider of inpatient and outpatient mental health services to nearly 65,000 individuals in New York State prisons, including a 300-bed forensic psychiatric hospital. Dr. Sawyer is a past President of the National Association for Rural Mental Health, the author of several publications, and former Assistant Professor of Psychology at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. Dr. Sawyer holds a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Ottawa and a master’s in business administration from Syracuse University.

Jennifer Diaz, CCHP, Senior Vice President of Operations, joined in 2005 and has built a distinguished 20‐year tenure marked by progressive leadership roles—including Health Services Administrator, Regional Director of Operations, and Regional Vice President of IST Operations. Jen was pivotal in launching innovative initiatives such as the Early Access and Stabilization Service (EASS) program, and her strategic leadership during the COVID-19 crisis was spotlighted in the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice as a best practice in pandemic management. Her outstanding contributions have earned her multiple accolades, including the Local Detention Facility of the Year Award (2017 and 2019), the Culture of Caring Award (2019), and the Hope and Healing Award (2022). In her current role, Jen directs operations in the West, overseeing key programs such as the Kern County AES Center, our California RISE Programs, and the EASS Program. She holds an MBA in Healthcare Management and a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management, both earned with Summa Cum Laude honors.