Our Team

As the Founder and CEO of Arch to Freedom since 2013, Neill Timmons has guided the program to its esteemed Level 3 FARR accreditation, ensuring the highest standards of care for men seeking sobriety, stability, and personal growth. His passion for this work stems from his own journey of recovery—a transformation that not only changed his life but gave him a purpose beyond anything he could have imagined. Neill’s leadership is defined by a commitment to excellence, ensuring that every facet of the organization reflects a dedication to long-term success.

Neill has also played a vital role in shaping the broader recovery landscape through various leadership positions. From 2019 to 2022, he served as Vice President and Standards Chair of the North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences, where he was committed to upholding ethics and implementing higher standards for recovery residences across the state. In 2024, he joined the board of PivotPoint WNC, supporting its mission to provide diversion and prevention programs for youth through outdoor therapeutic experiential work.

At the heart of everything Neill does is his family. He is a devoted husband and father of two children, and his life today stands as a powerful testament to the impact of recovery, resilience, and service. The life he leads now—one truly beyond his wildest dreams—is one he is deeply passionate about helping others discover for themselves. Through his ongoing work at Arch to Freedom, Neill continues to foster an environment where men can reconnect with their purpose and build a sustainable future.

As the Chief Program Officer at Arch to Freedom, Jason Peak brings a unique blend of operational excellence and heartfelt clinical care to the leadership team. His professional journey began in the corporate sector, where he honed his skills in managing logistics, team building, and service excellence while overseeing the opening and management of a Walmart. This rigorous foundation in operational leadership prepared him for a successful transition into the healthcare field, where he has since made a lasting impact on the recovery community.

Before stepping into his current executive role, Jason served as a Case Manager at Arch to Freedom, working directly with individuals battling addiction. This hands-on experience reinforced his deep empathy and unwavering commitment to those navigating the early stages of sobriety. Having achieved his own sobriety in October 2015, Jason’s personal transformation fuels his passion for service, allowing him to guide others toward healing and recovery through the foundational principles of the 12 Steps.

Often described as the backbone of Arch to Freedom, Jason is dedicated to elevating the guest experience to new heights. His leadership and compassion are consistently reflected in testimonials from guests, families, and community partners who praise the positive impact he has had on their lives. By combining his background in operational management with a wisdom born of personal experience, Jason ensures that Arch to Freedom remains a beacon of hope and a place where individuals can truly reclaim their lives.

Alishia Timmons is a Co-Owner of Arch To Freedom, where she previously served as the Director of Case Management Services from 2022 to 2025. A visionary leader in the recovery field, Alishia founded and developed the organization’s comprehensive case management plan during her tenure as Director. Her foundational work included the creation of specialized educational tools and the implementation of group training sessions designed to equip new case managers with the skills necessary to provide high-level, empathetic care.

With a Master of Social Work from Western Carolina University, Alishia brings a deep academic and clinical foundation to her leadership. She is a dual-licensed professional, holding credentials as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate (LCASA), and is a Certified Recovery Resident Administrator (CRRA). Her clinical expertise spans evidence-based treatment modalities including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Though she has transitioned into her role as Co-Owner and Consultant, Alishia’s impact remains central to Arch To Freedom’s mission. She remains dedicated to the principles she established: helping clients navigate the complexities of long-term sobriety through in-depth assessments and person-centered goals focused on recovery, employment readiness, budgeting, and overall wellness. Her career continues to be defined by a commitment to bridging gaps in community resources and fostering environments where sustainable change is possible.

As the Director of Case Management Services at Arch To Freedom, Dr. Christina Raphael focuses on providing the clinical guidance and mentorship necessary to empower the case management team. While she does not provide direct client therapy in this specific role, her mission is to ensure that every resident who enters the program receives care that is deeply compassionate, ethical, and trauma-informed. She believes firmly in treating the “whole person”—moving beyond the management of symptoms to address the vital emotional, relational, and spiritual aspects of the healing journey.

Dr. Raphael’s professional approach is rooted in the creation of environments that foster stability, accountability, and personal growth. By combining her extensive clinical background with a systems-based perspective, she helps cultivate a culture where both staff and residents can truly thrive—not only within the structure of sober living but well into their lives beyond the program’s doors.

With a dedication to excellence in behavioral health, she is passionate about empowering others to heal, grow, and reconnect with their true purpose. It is a profound honor for her to support this mission every day through the transformative work she performs at Arch to Freedom, ensuring residents have the foundation they need for a sustainable and fulfilling future.

As the Director of Admissions and Outreach at Arch to Freedom, Paul Marianovsky serves as a vital bridge between individuals in crisis and the resources necessary for life-saving transformation. Before joining the team, he worked extensively in intake and admissions for both adolescent and adult treatment programs. Paul has a proven track record of collaborating with families, New York State judges, probation officers, and the criminal justice system to help those struggling with addiction find a clear way forward. A dedicated advocate for education and prevention, he has led over 100 speaking engagements at public high schools, detox centers, and hospitals, training hundreds in Narcan administration.

Paul’s professional journey is uniquely rooted in both science and deep human connection. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology before becoming a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) and a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) in New York. Currently pursuing his Master of Social Work (MSW) with a targeted graduation in 2026, he blends advanced clinical knowledge with real-world experience to help families navigate the complex path to long-term recovery.

Paul operates under the firm belief that “rock bottom” isn’t a place, but rather the moment an individual chooses to stop digging. Having seen firsthand that no one is ever “too far gone,” he is driven by the unshakable conviction that the right conversation at the right time can change the entire course of a person’s life. His work at Arch to Freedom is defined by the belief that with the right support, any breakdown can be transformed into a breakthrough.

Joseph Prete serves as the Logistics/Operations Coordinator at Arch to Freedom, bringing a level of discipline and leadership forged through nearly a decade of military service. Before enlisting in the Army at 18, he was active in football, wrestling, and the Boy Scouts. As an infantry squad leader, Joseph led junior enlisted soldiers on multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and attended advanced leadership schools. He concluded his military career in Washington, D.C., where he participated in ceremonies at the Pentagon, President Obama’s second inauguration, and thousands of Army funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.

After transitioning to civilian life, Joseph faced personal challenges that led him to confront his own struggle with alcoholism. By seeking treatment and embracing a spiritual solution, he discovered a renewed sense of purpose. Since 2018, he has been deeply dedicated to the recovery field, helping others navigate their own paths to healing. In his current role, he ensures the seamless execution of the program’s daily functions—overseeing operations, maintenance, repairs, and supplies—while staying directly involved in the care of the residents.

Joseph is known for his behind-the-scenes dedication and his unwavering commitment to the community. His ability to manage complex logistics while maintaining a heart for service makes him an invaluable asset to the Arch to Freedom team. By blending his background in high-stakes military operations with his personal experience in recovery, he helps create a stable, well-maintained environment where residents can focus entirely on their own transformation and growth.

Robert Pick serves as the Client Care Coordinator at Arch to Freedom, bringing a diverse professional background and a deep-seated passion for service to the leadership team. Before transitioning into the recovery field, Robert spent over a decade working in animal care, which included three years as the owner of a boarding kennel. His professional journey also involved studies in culinary arts and Information Technology, though his true calling eventually emerged in the field of social work. Currently, he is actively pursuing his education to become a professional social worker specializing in Substance Use Disorder.

Robert’s personal journey through addiction and his subsequent recovery have provided him with invaluable insight and empathy. Having experienced the progression of the disease firsthand, he possesses a profound understanding of the obstacles individuals face when seeking a new way of life. As an Alumnus of Arch to Freedom, Robert credits the program with fundamentally transforming his life, a lived experience that he now uses to offer guidance and hope to current residents navigating their own paths to sobriety.

Today, Robert is deeply dedicated to the mission of Arch to Freedom, focusing his energy on helping others, serving his faith, and giving back to those in need. His commitment to the community is evidenced by his transition from resident to staff member, where he ensures that every individual receives the compassionate care and support necessary for long-term success. His presence is a constant reminder of the resilience and transformation possible through the program’s dedicated approach to healing.

Laurie Daniels serves as the essential force behind the scenes at Arch to Freedom, bringing years of expertise in mental health administration to the team. Her professional background includes extensive experience as an Admissions Coordinator and Administrator within various treatment facilities, where she honed her unique ability to streamline complex processes, manage resources, and facilitate clear, effective communication between families and care providers.

In her current role, Laurie is responsible for managing virtually all administrative operations, ensuring that the organization runs with precision and care. She is integral to both internal and external communications, maintaining a standard of excellence by keeping the entire staff up to date with the latest procedures, policies, and best practices. Known for her meticulous nature, Laurie supports the entire team—often joking that her unofficial role is keeping the leadership in line—ensuring that no detail is overlooked in the daily functioning of the program.

Laurie’s unwavering commitment to the mission of Arch to Freedom is evident in her organized approach and her dedication to supporting both staff and families. Her ability to blend administrative excellence with a deep understanding of the recovery landscape makes her an invaluable part of the team, providing the stability and structure that allow the clinical and operational departments to focus on the healing and growth of every resident.

Mete Tahoaglu serves as a Recovery Advocate and Case Manager at Arch to Freedom, bringing a deeply personal and culturally rich perspective to his work. Born in Manhattan and raised in Westchester County, New York, Mete remains fluent in Turkish, honoring his family’s heritage. While he originally pursued a career in marketing at Bentley University, his true calling emerged within the recovery field. Today, he utilizes his personal journey to help others discover their own strength and sense of purpose.

As an Alumnus of Arch to Freedom, Mete provides a unique and invaluable perspective to case management and client care, having once been on the receiving end of the very services he now delivers. This firsthand experience allows him to connect with residents on a profound level, making him an exceptional asset to the team. Known for his sharp wit and warm presence, he has a natural gift for fostering laughter and genuine connection, even in the midst of the challenging work of recovery.

Mete entered recovery at the age of 45, a milestone that gave him a deep appreciation for the power of therapy and continuous personal growth. Outside of his professional role, he finds fulfillment in supporting his mother following the passing of his father. A natural entertainer with a true heart for service, Mete embodies the principles of resilience, authenticity, and balance, demonstrating through his own life that it is never too late to build a meaningful and transformed future.

Brian Neale serves as a Recovery Advocate and Adventure Coordinator at Arch to Freedom, bringing a powerful personal narrative and a passion for the outdoors to his role. After battling addiction for 15 years, Brian achieved a life-changing transformation and has maintained sobriety since March 5, 2020. For the past four years, he has immersed himself in the recovery and mental health fields while simultaneously pursuing specialized education in Addiction Studies, ensuring his lived experience is backed by a strong academic foundation.

In his unique capacity as Adventure Coordinator, Brian facilitates experiential outings every two weeks, leading residents in activities such as kayaking, fishing, surfing, and biking. He utilizes his own enthusiasm for the outdoors to introduce those in early recovery to healthy, vibrant ways of living. These excursions are designed to help individuals reconnect with nature, build physical and mental confidence, and rediscover a sense of joy and wonder that is often lost during active addiction.

Driven by his own journey and a deep-seated commitment to the success of others, Brian continues to make a profound impact both within the treatment setting and in the community at large. By bridging the gap between clinical recovery and experiential growth, he helps residents see that a life of sobriety is not just about abstinence, but about building a life of adventure, resilience, and purpose.

Pete Thunem serves as a Case Manager and Personal Trainer at Arch to Freedom, bringing a unique blend of clinical support and physical wellness to the recovery process. Drawing inspiration from the mentors who guided his own spiritual growth, Pete began his career as a Behavioral Health Technician at a residential treatment center. His innate talent for building strong rapport with clients allowed him to transition quickly into case management, where he now provides invaluable support to residents in sober living environments. Pete is driven by a deep sense of fulfillment derived from fostering lasting connections and facilitating the personal and professional development of others.

With a creative background in Film and Music paired with his active involvement in the local fitness community, Pete possesses an incredible aptitude for engaging residents in their recovery journeys. He is a Qualified Recovery Support Specialist with a CCAR Certification and is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. These credentials allow him to bridge the gap between mental health and physical vitality. Outside of his work at Arch to Freedom, he leads group fitness classes for a local non-profit organization that specifically caters to adults in recovery who aspire to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

Pete’s ultimate objective is to establish meaningful connections throughout the South Florida community, ensuring that everyone seeking support can access the resources they need to thrive. He lives by the motto, “the least effective way to move through life is by yourself,” a philosophy that underscores his commitment to mentorship, community building, and the power of shared experience. By integrating fitness and fellowship, Pete helps residents at Arch to Freedom build a strong foundation for a balanced and sustainable life in sobriety.

Stephen Rector serves as a Recovery Advocate at Arch to Freedom, bringing a powerful combination of lived experience and advanced clinical study to his work with the community. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Addiction Counseling, driven by a deep calling to help individuals find freedom from substance use and experience lasting transformation. As an active and dedicated member of a 12-step recovery program, Stephen sponsors men on their personal journeys, offering guidance, support, and accountability that is firmly grounded in both professional knowledge and personal compassion.

Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Stephen is a devoted father to his two sons, Noah and Elijah. He strives to live a life marked by integrity, purpose, and empathy, qualities that define his approach to recovery advocacy. Whether he is engaging in formal counseling, one-on-one mentorship, or community advocacy, his mission remains clear: to help others reclaim their lives and build a sustainable future rooted in hope and healing.

Bryan Buxton serves as a Case Manager at Arch to Freedom, bringing a powerful combination of academic rigor and high-stakes operational experience to his role. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Barry University and is currently nearing the completion of his graduate studies at Florida State University. Before transitioning into behavioral health, Bryan spent nearly a decade as a Correctional Officer, a role that provided him with a foundational expertise in accountability, healthy boundaries, and the nuances of supporting individuals within complex, high-stress environments. Additionally, he brings leadership experience from his tenure as a supervisor with the Martin County Parks and Recreation Department, where he managed state and federal grant funding for local operations.

For the past five years, Bryan has served as a Lead Case Manager, working closely with men navigating addiction to help them build the structure and confidence necessary for sustainable recovery. His approach is fundamentally shaped by his deep lived experience with addiction—both personally and through his family. He is driven by the firm belief that true change occurs when individuals are treated with dignity, provided with a clear framework for growth, and held accountable by a mentor who believes in their potential for success.

A devoted husband and father, Bryan is heavily involved in his community, including a three-year commitment to the Adopt-A-Road program. An avid sports fan, he enjoys basketball, football, and baseball, as well as staying active through paddleboarding and competitive games of pickleball. Looking forward, Bryan’s goal is to complete his clinical social work degree to open a private practice alongside his wife to serve families in need of healing. A lifelong student, he continues to prioritize growth through education, with the future goal of pursuing a doctoral degree.

Jose Ordeix serves as a Case Manager at Arch to Freedom, bringing a reputation for providing compassionate care and highly effective therapeutic interventions. Throughout his career, Jose has progressed through various high-impact roles within treatment centers, crisis intervention teams, and community outreach programs. He spent a significant and formative portion of his career at Caron Renaissance, where he honed his specialized skills in long-term treatment and complex case management. His experience working with a diverse range of individuals—from those navigating chronic addiction to those managing co-occurring mental health disorders—has shaped his holistic, patient-centered approach to care.

As a dedicated professional, Jose has contributed to various training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of emerging professionals in the field. He is a firm believer in the power of education and continuously advances his own expertise by staying current with the latest research and best practices in mental health and addiction care. This commitment to clinical excellence ensures that the residents he supports receive the most effective and informed guidance available.

Beyond his professional life, Jose is deeply passionate about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He finds that the discipline, resilience, and mental fortitude cultivated on the mat align closely with the core principles of personal growth and long-term recovery. He integrates these values into his work at Arch to Freedom, helping individuals develop the internal strength and perseverance needed to rebuild their lives. His ability to blend clinical experience with a philosophy of grit and resilience makes him a vital asset to the team and the residents he serves.

As the Director of Spirituality at Arch to Freedom, Brian Ritter helps individuals achieve profound transformation by shifting mental patterns, aligning the nervous system, and making sustainable lifestyle adjustments. With over a decade of experience leading healing practices, he possesses an incredible ability to meet any guest exactly where they are, providing the grounding and supportive guidance necessary for their overall well-being.

Drawing from nine years of specialized experience in recovery work, Brian blends holistic modalities to facilitate deep healing. His personal journey in mastering impulse control and finding internal balance, combined with his deep connections to the recovery community, grants him profound insight into the mechanics of addiction and transformation. He believes that those in recovery possess a unique awareness of altered states of consciousness and an urgent need for change, making them especially receptive to deep healing and personal growth.

Through years of facilitating both one-on-one and group work, Brian has refined his ability to guide individuals through major life transitions. As a certified ATCQG Level 3 Tai Chi Instructor and a Gamma Breathwork Facilitator, he seamlessly integrates multiple modalities into his therapeutic approach, fostering a safe space for clients to explore personal growth and lasting change. Brian is committed to empowering those on their journey to recovery by helping them transcend their struggles and embrace a life of purpose.

Steve Brenner serves as a Therapist at Arch to Freedom, bringing over 13 years of experience in some of South Florida’s leading treatment programs. After completing his Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at Lynn University, Steve became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. For the last nine years, he has held significant leadership roles within the clinical field, utilizing his expertise to guide both organizations and individuals toward higher standards of care.

Specializing in the treatment of client and family trauma, addiction, and family dysfunction, Steve is dedicated to helping individuals and their loved ones overcome unhealthy relational patterns. His clinical approach is designed to foster stronger, healthier, and more functional lives by addressing the root causes of behavioral struggles. Throughout his 12 years of honing his skills within leadership teams and his own private practice, he has developed a profound ability to understand the complex systems within which individuals function.

Steve utilizes his innate empathy, rigorous training, and extensive education to help clients focus on achieving their goals of a more complete and healthy life. By bridging the gap between clinical theory and practical, real-world application, he provides a supportive environment where sustainable transformation is possible. His commitment to the healing of the entire family unit makes him an invaluable asset to the Arch to Freedom clinical team.

Dr. Bonnie Berman serves as the Family Coaching Specialist at Arch to Freedom, specializing in addiction recovery and family coaching. With more than three decades of extensive experience across rehabilitation hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and medical facilities, she brings a profound level of understanding and compassion to her work with families affected by addiction. Her career has been dedicated to navigating complex care environments and providing a steady hand for those in need of guidance and support.

Dr. Berman’s professional expertise is enriched by her personal experience with addiction within her own family, offering a unique blend of lived insight, empathy, and clinical professionalism. Her coaching philosophy is firmly grounded in a pro-dependence approach, which moves away from traditional labels to emphasize connection, understanding, and empowerment. This perspective allows her to meet families where they are, validating their experiences while providing the tools necessary for sustainable change.

At Arch to Freedom, Dr. Berman partners with families to foster healthy boundaries, renewed confidence, and deeper connection through every stage of the recovery journey. She believes that the family unit is an essential component of the healing process and works tirelessly to bridge communication gaps and rebuild trust. Her mission is to empower families to move beyond the crisis of addiction and into a future defined by resilience, clarity, and shared purpose.

Shari Thomas brings over 30 years of extensive clinical expertise to the team as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Throughout her distinguished career working with children, young adults, and families, she has maintained a steadfast belief in the inherent capacity of every family to heal and grow, even when navigating the most challenging circumstances. Her approach is defined by a unique blend of professional insight and profound personal experience as a parent of a young adult in recovery from addiction.

This dual perspective allows Shari to offer both deep empathy and practical, real-world tools to the families she coaches. Rather than simply managing a crisis, her work is dedicated to empowering families to rediscover hope and rebuild the vital connections necessary for long-term healing. She is passionate about helping families move beyond “survival mode” and take meaningful, positive steps forward together.

At Arch to Freedom, Shari’s focus on fostering resilience and connection is paramount to the recovery process. By providing a safe space for growth and utilizing her decades of clinical training, she ensures that families have the support they need to navigate the complexities of recovery and emerge stronger and more united.