About Compassion Behavioral Health

Ryan attended college at the Ohio State University and the University at Buffalo, receiving degrees in Sociology. His background and experience in the healthcare space has led him to his role as a managing partner at Compassion Behavioral Health. Ryan demonstrates a strong ability to identify project needs, formulate strategies, maintain good practice quality assurance, and manage a team to deliver the highest standard of client care and professionalism.

Matthew comes to Compassion Behavioral Health with experience as a director of operations, program director, director of compliance, therapist, case management, as well as starting off in this field as a behavioral health technician. Working in this field since 2015, Matthew has been a part of creating and implementing new programs and facilities across the country, as well as overseeing and ensuring the utmost client care. Matthew received his degree in psychology and sociology from FAU and is also a Certified Addictions Counselor.

During his 30+ years as a Human Resources professional, Joe has set up and managed HR departments for South Florida companies in a variety of industries: healthcare, software tech, construction, retail, and currently, mental health and addiction treatment. His skills and experience encompass many components of HR and include recruitment, on-boarding, benefits, payroll, HRIS, compliance/policies, employee relations, management coaching, and training.

Joe has notable success meeting large volume staffing needs for rapidly growing companies as well as staffing new locations for initial launch in multiple states. Always interested in improving processes and efficiencies, during his career Joe has performed the role of Project Manager implementing HRIS/Payroll systems.

After achieving his SPHR, Joe was an instructor for the SHRM Learning System PHR/SPHR Certification prep class at Florida Atlantic University for three years. Early in his HR career, while managing HR departments in the healthcare industry, Joe held positions of Vice President and then President of the South Florida Healthcare Human Resources Association (SFHHRA). Joe and his HR Team were awarded the 2018 HR Department of the Year by the Society for Human Resources (SHRM) Palm Beach Chapter.

Joe believes that his role as a Human Resources Professional is to work closely with his organization’s owners and senior executives to help them achieve growth and create and maintain a great place to work.

Originally from Long Island, NY, Paul uses his personal battle with addiction to help others. He dedicates his career to supporting individuals with substance use and mental health issues, focusing on aftercare and recovery programs. He passionately shares his journey to inspire and assist clients in their recovery.

Psychiatrist

Lisa is a licensed mental health counselor with nearly 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field in various roles such as Case Management, Therapist, Clinical Director, and Executive Director. She has a diverse background working in various settings, such as in communities, schools, hospitals, substance abuse, and mental health treatment, as well as with various populations, ranging from children to adults.  Lisa’s extensive experience and passion in working with individuals struggling with severe and persistent mental illness has solidified the foundation to effectively treat various diagnoses. She possesses exemplary conceptualization skills to individualize client experience and takes pride in working amongst an interdisciplinary team and leading the clinical department in delivering quality care while meeting the unique needs of each client.

Matthew comes to Compassion Behavioral Health with experience as a director of operations, program director, director of compliance, therapist, case management, as well as starting off in this field as a behavioral health technician. Working in this field since 2015, Matthew has been a part of creating and implementing new programs and facilities across the country, as well as overseeing and ensuring the utmost client care. Matthew received his degree in psychology and sociology from FAU and is also a Certified Addictions Counselor.

Case Manager at Residential Facility in Hollywood, FL

Ana, bilingual in Spanish and a licensed mental health counselor, serves as the Clinical Director at Compassions Behavioral Health. With a rich and passionate background in helping others, Ana pursued a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting individuals grappling with life’s toughest challenges, including suicide, trauma, severe mental illness, and substance use disorders. Ana integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Gestalt therapy, and mindfulness practices into her approach, aiming to ensure that all her clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to overcome the challenges they face.

Heather Brathwaite has been a distinguished Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse in Florida since 1991 and holds a board certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her educational journey includes a BSN from Florida International University in 1991, an MSN/APRN from the same university in 1996, and a doctorate in nursing from Barry University in 2016. With extensive expertise in treating psychiatric disorders across various settings and age groups, Brathwaite adopts a holistic approach to care, emphasizing the importance of tailored, comprehensive patient care. Her clinical focus lies in consultation, treatment planning, and care coordination for outpatients with psychiatric conditions and co-occurring disorders.Beyond her clinical endeavors, Brathwaite contributes to nursing education as a full-time faculty member at Miami Dade College and has led the psychiatric mental health course. With 24 years in academia, she has also taught at several other universities and is involved in multiple professional organizations. Her dedication to nursing extends globally, as evidenced by her efforts to support nursing education in Ghana by distributing textbooks and supplies to various institutions.

Matthew comes to Compassion Behavioral Health with experience as a director of operations, program director, director of compliance, therapist, case management, as well as starting off in this field as a behavioral health technician. Working in this field since 2015, Matthew has been a part of creating and implementing new programs and facilities across the country, as well as overseeing and ensuring the utmost client care. Matthew received his degree in psychology and sociology from FAU and is also a Certified Addictions Counselor.

Joseph Aragona, is the Operations Manager for Compassion Behavioral Health. He provides oversight and leadership to the operations at the facility. He assists in the development and implementation of patient treatment programs. Joseph demonstrates expertise in working collaboratively with the clinical, medical, and admissions teams, which is imperative to effective operation. Originally from New York, Joseph began his recovery journey when moving to South Florida.

In 2015, he started in the industry as a behavioral health technician and eventually housing director. He continues to exhibit his leadership abilities and knowledge of legal rules and guidelines in the role of Operations Manager. When he isn’t working, Joseph enjoys recreational time with his family outdoors, including watersports, fishing, and boating. He is a dedicated Father with a passion for spending quality time with his daughter and son.

Cameron is the Lead Case Manager at Compassion Behavioral Health. With extensive experience in the behavioral health field, including roles as a Behavioral Health Technician and Intake Coordinator, she is deeply committed to supporting clients in achieving their goals. Currently, Cameron is furthering her expertise by pursuing a degree in Social and Human Services with a focus on Addiction. She is known for creating a positive and supportive environment for clients, leveraging her strong interpersonal skills and empathy. Outside of work, Cameron enjoys her passion for music and spends quality time with family and friends. She is honored to be a part of the Compassion Behavioral Health team and is dedicated to positively impacting the lives of their clients.