
Kayla MacDonald
Chief Executive Officer
Kayla MacDonald is an experienced professional in the behavioral health industry, with a career spanning since 2012. Throughout her journey, she has held various job positions, in most departments in the treatment realm, leading to her current position as Chief Executive Officer. Kayla joined United Recovery Project in 2018 and continues to play an instrumental role in expanding the organization. Kayla’s expertise lies in developing staff, departments, and quality assurance measures to enhance efficiency and maintain the highest standards of care according to the state and federal regulations, payor guidelines and accrediting agencies. Her passion for operational functions in behavioral health treatment stems from the positive impact it has on the patient experience, staff and the organization as a whole. With a strong emphasis on team collaboration, Kayla strives to create a work environment that fosters positivity and fun, ultimately leading to high-quality substance abuse and mental health treatment services. Additionally, Kayla is personally invested in the healing process, having been in long term recovery herself. Her drive to make the most of second changes in life further fuels her commitment to her work. When Kayla isn’t working you can find her at a sporting event with her partner and two kids.
Kayla MacDonald
Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Emilio Mantero-Atienza, MD, Ph.D, MPH. Board Certified Psychiatrist
Medical Director
Dr. Mantero as he likes to be called is a graduate of University of Sevilla School of Medicine in Sevilla, Spain. He graduated Medical School in 1981 and commenced afterwards his career as Medical Professional. Subsequently Dr. Mantero earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Biochemistry and a Master’s in Public Health & Epidemiology at the University of Miami Medical School. He was a faculty for over 15 years at the University of Miami School of Medicine/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He also served as a leader in the Behavioral units at different local hospitals in Miami including Cedars Hospital, Mercy hospital, Kendall Regional Hospital, Southernwind Hospital where he concentrated in General Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine (Addictionologist). Dr. Mantero serves as our Medical Director for all our levels of care including detox and PHP/IOP/OP programs and oversees the entire medical staff including APRN’s, RN’s and LPN’s.
Dr. Emilio Mantero-Atienza, MD, Ph.D, MPH. Board Certified Psychiatrist
Medical Director

Charlie Hite
Client Care Specialist
Charlie joined United Recovery Project as an Admissions Coordinator in early of 2018. Soon after that, he was promoted to Client Care Specialist, whose responsibilities include assisting the clinical team with client care, coordinating the admissions process, liaison between clients and families, and making sure all clients enter our facilities safely. Charlie is a born and raised South Floridian who is an active member of the recovery community. He is genuinely vested and passionate about helping others whom struggle with substance abuse. As a native South Floridian, Charlie is an ardent Miami Hurricanes fan.
Charlie Hite
Director of Business Development

Anzelika Ivleva
Director of Finance
Anzelika Ivleva is a dedicated and accomplished finance professional with a diverse and rich career spanning over 20 years. As the Director of Finance at United Recovery, she brings her wealth of experience, unwavering commitment, and a deeply personal connection to the organization’s mission.
Anzelika’s journey in the world of finance began with a transformative internship at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) in the audit department in Vilnius, Lithuania. This early experience laid the foundation for her career, instilling a commitment to precision, integrity, and diligence that continues to define her work today.
Over the years, Anzelika’s passion for accounting led her to explore diverse industries, perfecting her skills in various financial roles. Her dedication to continuous learning and adaptability has allowed her to excel in each new undertaking.
What truly sets Anzelika apart is her personal connection to the mission of United Recovery. Having overcome her own challenges and experienced the recovery process firsthand, she understands the importance of compassion and support in the journey to healing. This unique perspective fuels her commitment to the center’s mission, providing her with a profound sense of purpose and belonging.
Anzelika Ivleva
Director of Finance

Rocky Millwood
Admissions Supervisor
Rocky joined the United Recovery Project as an Admissions Coordinator in February of 2023. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Admissions Supervisor. Rocky is a dedicated professional with an extensive background in the behavioral health field, spanning back to 2017. He prides himself in being an advocate for clients as well as their families throughout each step of the intake process. He utilizes a unique approach to help streamline intake based on each client’s individual needs. Rocky is an expert in the logistics of the admissions process. He works to strongly motivate the admissions department in an effort to ensure each client safely makes it to the facility. Born and raised in North Carolina, Rocky instills his Southern Charm and hospitable nature into every client interaction. Having had his own successful experience in long-term recovery, Rocky has chosen to dedicate his life to helping those struggling with substance abuse and mental health disorders. When Rocky isn’t working, he loves spearfishing, going to the gym, and cooking with friends.
Rocky Millwood
Admissions Supervisor

Noah Meneely
HR Generalist
Noah Meneely has worked for United Recovery Project for over two and a half years and has worked in the HR Generalist role for over one year. Noah is a passionate and empathetic person who finds working with URP to be deeply rewarding. Noah began working in the alcoholism and substance abuse disorder treatment field as a Behavioral Health Technician five years ago. He quickly became Lead BHT with his first employer, managing a halfway house on the weekends as he obtained an Associate’s Degree. He currently attends Florida International University, working towards a B.S. in Psychology.
Noah contributes to various processes of Human Resources such as onboarding and organization of employee certifications. He is also an HR point of contact for the wonderful URP team. He enjoys reading, weightlifting, watching anime, and traveling with his wife during his time outside of work. Noah brings cheerful optimism and warmth into the office. His objective is to ensure a positive and healthy work environment, building a harmonious foundation to serve our patient base effectively.
Noah Meneely
HR Generalist
Hollywood, FL – Staff

Ashleigh Repko, LCSW, CAP
Clinical Director
Ashleigh Repko brings over a decade of substance abuse treatment experience to United Recovery Project. Ashleigh completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Keene State College, master’s in clinical social work at Florida Atlantic University and specialized addiction professional training at the Academy for Addiction Professionals. Ashleigh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in multiple states and a Qualified Supervisor in the State of Florida. Ashleigh’s responsibilities as VP of clinical operations include oversight and continued improvement for clinical services at all United Recovery Project Locations. Ashleigh’s main goal is to continue to improve services related to evidenced based interventions, continued education and client care. Ashleigh firmly believes that each individual struggling with addiction is capable of recovery and makes sure that patients know that they are cared for, believed in and worthy of a new start.
Ashleigh Repko, LCSW, CAP
Clinical Director

Micah Goldstein, LCSW
IOP Primary Therapist
Micah B. Goldstein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He brings to the United Recovery Project family over 30 years of experience practicing the art of social work in a variety of locations and with a diverse client population. Micah received his BSW from the University of Kansas in 1985 and his MSW from Yeshiva University in New York City in 1989. There he worked in Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn with chronic multi problem families. In 1990 he had his first experience in the field of addiction working in two different residential treatment programs, Contact Pride Site in the East Village and Phoenix House on Wards Island. In 1994 he moved to Miami Beach, FL and took a job as a clinical social worker on the geriatric psychiatry unit of the then Miami Heart Institute. He became an LCSW in 1995. In 1996 he began facilitating group psychotherapy in numerous partial hospital programs and intensive outpatient programs. He also received his certification as a qualified social work supervisor. In 2000 he opened his own private practice on Miami Beach specializing in, among other things, the treatment of mood disorders. He then returned to facilitating groups at the partial hospital program of Larkin Community Hospital in Miami. In March of 2017 he was hired as a group facilitator at United Recovery Project. In August of 2018 he was offered an opportunity to increase his role and responsibility at URP and became a primary therapist in the Intensive Outpatient Program.
Micah Goldstein, LCSW
Group Facilitator

Michael Mandragona
Behavioral Health Technician
Michael Mandragona is Behavioral Health Technician at our facility, committed to helping individuals achieve sobriety, mental wellness and emotional stability.
Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Iona College, with a focus on social issues and criminal justice reform.
With three years of experience in the field, Michael has worked with diverse populations, providing support for individuals facing a wide range of substance abuse and mental health challenges. His expertise in implementing interventions and creating a safe, empathetic environment has made a positive impact on our clients.
Michaels unwavering dedication to our clients and his commitment to improving substance abuse and mental health issues make him an invaluable member of our team.
Michael Mandragona
Behavioral Health Technician
Lake Worth, FL – Staff

Yuta Varma
Directory of Operations
Yuta was born in Buffalo, New York and moved to South Florida as a child. He began his journey of recovery in 2010. He brings to United Recovery Project his experience of working in the field of addiction in multiple facets of operations over the previous years. He graduated from the Academy of Addiction Professionals in 2013 and since then has used his passion for recovery to help the next sick and suffering addict or alcoholic.
Yuta Varma
Director of Operations
BH

Kendra Cemoin
Director of Operations
Kendra Cemoin is a highly accomplished professional with a strong background in operations management within the mental health industry. With extensive experience in overseeing the daily operations of mental health facilities, she possesses a deep understanding of the unique challenges and complexities involved in providing quality care to individuals in need.
Kendra is a certified Recovery Residence Administrator, demonstrating her commitment to promoting recovery-oriented services and providing a safe environment for individuals on their journey to mental wellness. This certification equips Kendra with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage residential facilities and support individuals in their recovery process.
With her exceptional leadership abilities, innovative mindset, and comprehensive industry knowledge, Kendra Cemoin continues to make a positive impact within the mental health sector. She is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals struggling with mental health challenges and is committed to creating a compassionate and nurturing environment that fosters healing and growth.
Kendra Cemoin
Director of Operations

Amanda Gerpe, M.S.
Primary Therapist
Amanda, received her Master of Science, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, FL. Amanda has worked in the field of mental health and substance use counseling and shows her commitment to the field of counseling by acquiring extensive trainings in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Resilient Therapy. Amanda’s dedication to helping others is highlighted through her desire to help in individual counseling as well as family and relational systems.
Amanda Gerpe, M.S.
Primary Therapist

Kasha McCloud, MS, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Primary Therapist
Kasha McCloud is a Mental Health Therapist who encourages, empowers and uplifts patients through the practice of individual, couples and family therapy. Kasha strong believes everyone should have access to supportive services and to be informed about troubling mental health diagnoses that impact individuals ability to live a fully functioning life.
Kasha has served the community for the past five years through servitude, volunteering and empowering individuals. Her greatest work will always be leaving an impact on people. Kasha empowers people to reflect on their past experiences and process them in order to create a life of acceptance and power. Kasha empowers people to write their own story and narrative of the life they want to live, the life that they are deserving of living. Currently she is working towards enhancing her skill set by taking continuing education courses. Kasha’s ultimate goal is to always create a safe environment for individuals to always be their authentic selves even when the world opposes their truth.
Kasha McCloud has a masters degree in counseling, specializing in Mental Health Counseling. One of Kasha’s greatest accomplishment is graduating from high school with 86 college credits.
When she is not empowering patients in therapy. Kasha can be found reading historical and modern fiction books. Kasha can Also be found sharing their favorite beauty products and sharing makeup tutorials while sending a message about beauty that has to be found within.
Kasha McCloud, MS, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Primary Therapist

Chris Ross
Case Manager
Christopher has dedicated over six years to the field of mental health and substance use. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and is currently working towards his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology in order to extend his passion of helping others into a career as a primary therapist. Christopher is invested in working with individuals and families to give them hope and an individually curated plan for a pathway to success.
“It is my goal to make sure that every patient is listened to and is given a tailored plan that has achievable outcomes in order to live a more fulfilling life.”
Chris Ross
Case Manager

Guerline Benoit
Operations Manager
Guerline Benoit is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in the mental health field and operations management. With 10 years of experience in the mental health industry and 20 years of experience in operations management, Guerline has developed a well-rounded skill set that enables her to effectively address the needs of individuals struggling with mental health issues.
Guerline’s passion for helping mental health patients is a driving force in her career. It fuels her determination to provide compassionate care, support, and resources to those in need. She believes in the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment that promotes healing and recovery. Guerline’s dedication to her work stems from the knowledge that her efforts can truly make a difference in people’s lives, helping them regain their sense of normalcy and achieve overall well-being.
With her extensive experience in operations management, Guerline also possesses strong organizational and leadership skills. These skills allow her to effectively manage programs, resources, and teams to deliver high-quality mental health services. She understands the importance of efficient operations in providing effective care and strives to optimize processes to ensure the best possible outcomes for her clients and the organizations she works with.