The Substance Awareness Center’s Committed Staff

Carrie Maynard-Lester, LMHC, CAP
Executive Director

Jenel Hernandez
Director of Finance & Human Resources, Compliance Officer
Bio coming soon

Gina McGirt
Office Manager

Dan Lester
Drug Lab Technician/Peer Support

Jill Amos
Clinical Director

Christina DeFalco
LifeSkills Training Director
She enjoys many volunteer opportunities, including: Board Member- UN Women, East Florida Chapter, Certified Religious Education Catechist- Holy Cross Catholic Church, Eucharistic Minister- Holy Cross Catholic Church, and Lector- Holy Cross Catholic Church. She received her Bachelor’s degree, with honors, from Saint John’s University, Notre Dame College. Mrs. DeFalco is married and has three children. She loves to spend time with family and friends, travel, cook, read, bike ride, and take long walks!

Darleen Medeiros
LifeSkills Training Instructor
Darleen Medeiros is new to Vero Beach moving from Boston Massachusetts in August of 2016. Darleen holds a BA in Sociology from The University of Massachusetts. Prior to teaching Life Skills©, she has worked in both Education and Social Service, along with raising three daughters, including twins. Darleen likes to spend her free time at the dog park with her rescue dog Nina, reading, and traveling.

Jennifer Mobley
Counselor
Jennifer Mobley is a lifelong resident of Indian River County. Jennifer graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services-Addiction Studies from Indian River State College and went on to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Webster University. Jennifer is a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) and an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC). Jennifer is in the process of upgrading these credentials to a Masters Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) and becoming a registered mental health intern for the purposes of becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Jennifer has many years of experience working in the substance abuse treatment. Jennifer enjoys reading, concerts, and travel.

Shelia Firle
Counselor
Bio coming soon

Tony Barcelona
Men’s Assistance Program Manager/Peer Support
Tony was born and raised in Vero Beach. He is working towards a degree in Human Services at Indian River State College. Tony is an active member of Unity Spiritual Center of Vero Beach and enjoys being a Prayer Chaplain there. He also enjoys being a student and group facilitator of an A Course in Miracles study group.

Kathy Jones
Women’s Recovery Assistance Program Manager / Peer Support
Kathy Jones relocated from Central Illinois in 1983. She has enjoyed a long and successful insurance career as a licensed Insurance Agent/Owner. In 2004, she was first introduced to the Substance Awareness Center and their mission. Overwhelmed with gratitude for the organization she feels she has personally benefited from, she feels blessed and humbled to work for the Substance Awareness Center. Kathy has dedicated much of her life to volunteering in her community and to non-profit organizations such as Daughters of Naomi and Women’s Refuge of Vero Beach. She is an active member of St. Helen’s Catholic Church. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends in Vero Beach, and cherishes time with her two adult sons, who reside in Alaska and Georgia. Kathy appreciates the outdoors and fresh air, loves to walk and bicycle, and you will often find her about town.

Suzanne Barkett
LifeSkills Training Instructor
Suzanne Barkett earned her undergraduate degree from Florida State University and her Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law. She is also a graduate of Vero Beach High School. Ms. Barkett feels fortunate to be a Botvin LifeSkill Training Facilitator, and to able to give back to the community and children.

Irene Cauwels
Program Director
Irene Cauwels has worked in many roles in the helping professions. She earned her undergraduate degree in Applied Behavioral Science in 1985 and completed her Masters of Science in Human Services and Counseling in 2005. She has worked as a domestic violence advocate, a clinical supervisor of an addictions partial hospital program, and in private practice. Whether an individual is struggling with mental health, career stressors, substance abuse and/or trauma, she believes that each person has the inherent ability to be healthy, and works to help individuals connect with their personal power while achieving healthy lifestyle changes. She is a National Certified Counselor and Advanced Clinical Heart-Centered Hypnotherapist. She is loves her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother and believes that living in Florida is waking up in paradise every day.

Dr. Marylin Richardson-Pryor, Ed. D.
LifeSkills Training Instructor & ReDirect
Marylin is a graduate of Vero Beach High School and, has worked in education for 17 years. She has worked in various roles in helping youth succeed academically and socially. Marylin earned her undergraduate degree in Professional Studies from Barry University, a Master’s Degree in Administration and Educational Programs, and Doctorate of Education from Nova SouthEastern University. Marylin is married, enjoys time with her family, with her Maltese/Yorkie, Bron~Je, and volunteering.