Nick Padlo
CEO
Nick Padlo is a small business leader, entrepreneur, and native of Jacksonville Florida. He received his undergraduate degree from the United States Military Academy (West Point), where he served as the Chairman of the Honor Committee. After West Point, Nick served for 5 years in the United States Army. Where he spent 27 months in combat operations between Afghanistan and Iraq, earning the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge. He attended Stanford University for business school, and later went on to become CEO of an Inc1000 growth company. His move into substance abuse treatment is a result of his personal battle with depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder. After getting treatment himself, Nick defined his personal mission as helping others through similarly dark times. He believes that everyone can find their way back, regain their lives, and live a life free of suffering. Sophros was designed to be just that place, where clients across North Florida can develop a set of tools that can help them establish their own personal road to recovery.
Erin Moran, LMHC
Vice President of Clinical Operations / Partner
Erin Moran is a licensed mental health counselor and certified group practitioner who originates from Orange County, New York. She received her Bachelor of Science from SUNY New Paltz and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida (UNF). She began her career as a therapist working at the UNF Counseling Center where her passion for group psychotherapy originated. She has since gained additional experience working as a therapist and clinical manager at a dual-diagnosis residential substance abuse treatment facility and an outpatient eating disorder facility. She opened her part-time private practice in 2016 and worked with adults and older adolescents seeking overall health and wellness in their lives.
Erin has been fortunate to work with people from diverse backgrounds, experiencing a variety of concerns, including various forms of addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, identity conflicts, histories of abuse, and relationship/family stress.
Erin’s therapy style incorporates client-centered, interpersonal-work, emotion-focused, and psycho-dynamic approaches. She believes in treating the whole person and working towards healing the mind, body, and spirit. Erin’s current passion involves establishing a safe and supportive work environment for her team.
Outside her time working as a therapist, leader, and business owner, Erin enjoys snuggling with her dog and cat, practicing yoga, watching Marvel shows/movies, and taking trips to the mountains.
Dr. John Kemerer
Medical Director
Dr. Kemerer is originally from Michigan. He went to college at Michigan State University and majored in chemistry. He earned his medical degree from A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed post graduate training at Michigan State University Bay Medical Center. Dr. Kemerer has an interest in family medicine, emergency medicine and medical treatment of substance abuse.
Dr. Kemerer has thirty years experience in family medicine, with special interest in emergency medicine and urgent care. He has experience with substance abuse treatment utilizing medically assisted treatment in private practice as well as with Ohio Valley Physicians. He has been an assistant professor of family medicine at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and the medical director of Ohio University Student Health Center.
Dr. Kemerer served in the United States Army Reserve. He resides in St. Augustine, Florida and lives with his wife, and enjoys life with his children. He likes biking, fishing and boating.
Elaine Simpson, MBA
Senior Director of Customer Relations/Business Development
Elaine Simpson is a seasoned professional, with over 30+ years in the Healthcare industry. She spent part of her career as an Assisted Living Administrator, working for Hospice and Marketing in the Jacksonville market. Her background and expertise consist of: Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Sales, Marketing, Admission’s, Administrative, Management, Team Building and Customer Service just to name a few. She works actively with Physicians, Psych, LMHC and patients.
Elaine has a MBA degree in Business administration and a BS degree in Healthcare Administration.
She was born in Portland, Oregon, moved to Cuba when she was 6 months old. Moved to Jacksonville, FL when she was 3 years old where she has lived all but 3 years of her life.
She has 1 son who is 21 years old. His name is Garret. They love to watch sports together. She is an animal lover and her hobbies include being a season ticket holder for the Jacksonville Jaguars since the very beginning. Her favorite things are sea turtles and travel.
Linsey Mizic, MS
Assistant Clinical Director
Linsey Mizic is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She received her Bachelor of Science from The Pennsylvania State University and her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lock Haven University. She began her career as a mobile crisis counselor and transitioning into a Family Based Therapist. Linsey relocated to Florida in 2019 where she began her journey in substance use therapy at a residential dual diagnosis facility.
Linsey’s therapy styles incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness therapy. She utilizes her to work to provide support and guidance in encouraging good mental, emotional, and physical health. She uses varying tools in her therapies related to the mind, body, and soul connection to gain a better understanding of not only ourselves, but the world around us. Linsey has a deep passion for promoting a space of safety and healing for her clients during their time in treatment.
Outside of her work, Linsey enjoys to spend time with her animals, family, playing sports, and learning how to cook and grill new meals.
Dexter Galang
Office Manager
Dexter Galang is a native of Jacksonville FL and graduated from University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health. His Minor Degree is in Leadership and Disabilities in Society. He has an interest in helping to put people’s diversity into perspective and professionally communicate with respect.
Dexter has experience serving people in all walks of life at UF Health Shands Hospital, Heartland Hospice, and Trinity Rescue Mission Homeless Shelter. Dexter is passionate about driving his community forward by helping people feel valued and growing them into their best selves.
During his free time, Dexter likes to teach downhill skateboarding and play spontaneous games of chess.
Melissa Barker
Administrative Assistant / HR
Melissa is originally from Dallas, Texas but has lived in Jacksonville most of her life. She graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in public health and a minor in Disabilities in Society. She enjoys connecting and empathizing with clients when they first walk into Sophros, regardless of their background. Melissa has experience in finance, childcare, individuals with disabilities, and administrative duties. She has volunteered with UF Shands Hospital, Heartland Hospice, the Humane Society, the YMCA and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her fiancé, finding new places to eat, and spending time with her dog Zoe.
Carrie Phillips, RN
Registered Nurse
Carrie Phillips is a registered nurse and has been in the healthcare industry for 24 years. She received her Bachelors of Science from the University of Florida.
Carrie has a diverse nursing background which includes working at the following: Mayo Clinic in outpatient surgery, Shands Hospital as a labor and delivery nurse, and in legal nurse consulting.
Carrie has a passion for recovery and volunteers in the community. She enjoys collaborating with physicians and therapists at Sophros to create a customized plan of care for clients.
When she is not working, she has fun with her blended family, including 5 teenagers. She and her family like to travel, kayak, bike ride, and spend time in nature. Being a certificated reiki master and lifelong yogi, she shares her wholistic approach to recovery with clients. Her purpose is to help those in active addiction to regain their health and lives.
Patricia James, RN
Registered Nurse
Patricia was born in Bogota Colombia and moved to Jax at age 7. After graduating from University of Florida with bachelor’s in nursing she moved to Los Angeles to work for the department of Mental health. She received her master’s degree in behavioral health from California State Dominguez Hills.
Patricia has worked with clients struggling with chronic and severe mental health and substance abuse providing mental health treatment and medication management. She was part of the crisis response team for Los Angeles county until she retired in 2021 after working with department of mental health for 27 years.
Patricia moved back to Jacksonville in 2021 where she continues to utilize her experienced nursing skills at Sophros and enjoys seeing clients thrive. Her hobbies include attending concerts, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and going to the beach.
Jackie Ivey, MS
Senior Therapist
Jackie Ivey is a registered clinical mental health intern from Baltimore Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Science from The Pennsylvania State University and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She began her clinical work as an eating disorder therapist and relocated to Florida in 2021. Jackie began her career in the substance abuse field at Sophros Recovery and utilizes a diverse range of modalities to meet each individual client’s needs.
Jackie utilizes a holistic framework to integrate spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional facets of well-being. She helps aid growth and assists individuals in developing a deeper understanding of themselves and their needs. Jackie prioritizes integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, and mindfulness interventions while creating a safe, empowering, non-judgmental therapeutic space. Jackie values collaboratively working alongside her clients to foster a genuine therapeutic alliance. Jackie works to cultivate and strengthen individuals’ sense of self while working alongside the client to meet their needs.
Outside of her work, Jackie enjoys going to the beach, exercising, and travel.
Wilhelmina Kohn, MA
Therapist
Wilhelmina was awarded her Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Webster University. Her degree concentration was Mental Health and School Guidance. Wilhelmina received her undergraduate degree from Edward Waters University with an emphasis in psychology.
Wilhelmina has over a decade of experience in the field of child-welfare, mental health diagnosis and substance abuse treatment. She began her career working at Gateway Community Services in Jacksonville, FL. Wilhelmina has experience in performing assessments, facilitating educational groups, and providing clinical care to clients in a residential treatment setting.
Wilhelmina’s therapy styles incorporate integrative or holistic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. She believes in encouraging clients to exercise their capacity to make rational choices and develop their maximum potential. She offers a genuine concern and unwavering support for her clients during their process of treatment.
When Wilhelmina is not working as a therapist, she enjoys DIY projects, a great laugh, and being amongst family and friends.
Faith Ponti, MS
Senior Therapist
Faith Ponti, a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, received her two Bachelor’s degrees (BA in Sociology and BS in Psychology) from the University of Tampa and her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. As a therapist, she has worked in a variety of settings including school-based counseling for adolescents, nonprofit counseling for the working uninsured, general outpatient mental health for children and adults, and dual diagnosis IOP/PHP.
In her work as a therapist, Faith leverages her authenticity to encourage her clients toward vulnerability and limitless self-compassion. She works to maintain a safe space for clients to experience growing pains, make mistakes, take accountability, and forgive themselves and others. In this effort, Faith utilizes a combination of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems techniques, mindfulness, and inner-child work.
In her free time, Faith enjoys watching scary movies, snuggling with her son, listening to podcasts, and thrift shopping.
Taylor Santioni, MS
Senior Therapist
Taylor Santioni obtained a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida in August 2022 and is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in the state of Florida. She additionally received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of North Florida.
Her therapy style includes incorporating strengths-based, solution-focused, humanistic, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. She believes in a holistic approach and strives to empower her clients to discover and utilize their inherent strengths to grow and learn throughout the therapeutic process.
Taylor’s passion for working with clients who have experienced stress and trauma led her to obtain training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidenced-based form of psychotherapy that utilizes rapid eye movements, CBT, Gestalt, psychodynamic approaches, guided imagery, and metaphors to help clients address problems such as depression, anxiety, phobias, and post-traumatic stress. She is currently a Certified Basic ART practitioner and plans to pursue advanced ART training in 2024.
Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Taylor is passionate about serving the needs of the local community and fostering the mental health and wellness of diverse populations. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog as well as hiking many of Jacksonville’s beautiful nature trails.
Terry Kirton, MS
Therapist
Terry Kirton, a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, received both her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. As a therapist, she has worked in a variety of settings including college-based counseling, general outpatient mental health for adolescents and adults, and dual diagnosis IOP/PHP.
Terry is passionate about providing a holistic approach to support the whole person (i.e., physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing). Terry’s style involves creating warmth and safety for clients to show up as themselves and cultivate growth. She strives to meet clients where they are to best understand their perspective, while also challenging them to explore how their personal experiences have influenced the lens in which they view themselves, others, and the world. To do this, Terry balances a Person-centered approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy.
Terry spends her free time enjoying all things outdoors, traveling to hike, running, reading, and spending time with her daughter and loved ones.
Kayleigh Ratashak, MS
Therapist
Kayleigh moved from Raleigh, North Carolina to attend the University of Florida and graduated with her undergraduate degree before completing her M.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. She has a background in healthcare and health education, specifically in cancer care and working with those impacted by health disparities.
Kayleigh utilizes a trauma-informed approach to treatment and uses various modalities such as Internal Family Systems, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Inner Child work. Kayleigh works to provide therapy through a feminist and liberation framework. They believe in taking a holistic, person-centered approach to the therapeutic process, and that treatment, recovery, and self-acceptance is not a “one-size fits all” process.
In her free time, Kayleigh enjoys exploring the thrift stores of Jacksonville, exercising, and reading on the beach.
Hannah Johnson, MS
Therapist
Hannah graduated from the University of North Florida with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As part of her clinical electives, Hannah worked with horses in a therapeutic setting and subsequently received a certificate in Animal-Assisted Therapy and Interventions.
Hannah incorporates cognitive-behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy into her practice. She believes healing can be found by treating clients holistically and by helping clients recover their authenticity and identify personal values.
Hannah prides herself in being the “cool Tia” to her nieces and nephews and enjoys spending time with family and friends. A true Florida girl, she spends much of her time in the sunshine and at the beach.
John Craycraft, MS
Therapist
John Craycraft obtained a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling from Jacksonville University in 2023. He is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern working toward licensure. He received a Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy and Religion from Shawnee University. John is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps infantry.
John has a passion for existential and cognitive behavioral therapy viewed through a trauma focused perspective. He is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which incorporates a somatic approach to therapy. He also believes in the importance of holistic well-being, mindfulness, nutrition, and movement.
John resides in Jacksonville, Florida. He enjoys exercise, spending time in nature, reading, and playing video games.
Gracie Bowden, MS
Therapist
Gracie Bowden is a Primary Therapist working towards licensure in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, having graduated from University of North Florida with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is also working towards certification to become a specialist in Advanced Grief Counseling and has a background working in youth development and family counseling.
Gracie works through a strengths-based, person-centered lens of counseling, believing deeply in the power of community, unconditional positive regard, and instillment of hope through sources of strength.
Gracie is originally from Savannah, Georgia and has lived in Jacksonville since 2019. She enjoys cooking, fishing, playing video games, spending time with family and friends, and exploring Jacksonville’s state parks.
Jasmine Flowers
Intake Coordinator/Alumni Coordinator
Jasmine Flowers is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, model, and speaker. Jasmine believes strongly in active listening and creating a safe space for clients to share a glimpse into their journey as our assessment coordinator.
Jasmine was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio but has lived in numerous places ever since she was a young adult. These places include: Miami, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Indianapolis, all before planting roots in sunny Jacksonville.
As a survivor and person in recovery, Jasmine believes that we can always find ways to relate to one another and build community to facilitate strength in numbers. Jasmine is currently attaining a bachelor’s in human services with the goal of becoming a licensed mental health counselor. She believes that recovery happens within the mind, body, and soul. In early recovery Jasmine was gifted with the powerful healing tool of Breathwork and later became a Certified Breathwork Facilitator.
Jasmine is deeply grateful to have the opportunity to live a sober, beautiful life one day at a time. In her free time, she enjoys live music, yoga, improv, and simply being outside with her children at the park, the pool, or the ocean.
Jaclyn Linzer
Group Facilitator / Wellness
Jaclyn Linzer is originally from Long Island, New York where she studied at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and the Yoga Polarity School in Long Island. Together, her experience as an integrative nutrition health coach and yoga instructor enabled her to develop a comprehensive wellness practice, helping others to achieve balance in both mind and body.
After several years as a nutrition coach and yoga instructor, she decided to flex a different muscle and became a medical sales representative for a health and wellness company, helping others elevate their health and well-being by providing access to a proprietary network of board-certified doctors and providers at affordable rates. Jaclyn has devoted her life to helping others heal, develop healthier lifestyles, and maintain a state of peace and balance. With 10+ years as a health and wellness professional, she is warm, insightful and dedicated in her approach, always striving to make her clients feel safe, heard and not alone.
Jaclyn’s personal journey in treatment and recovery 11 years ago continues to inspire and motivate her to help others find sustainable health solutions for their body, mind and spirit. She has helped facilitate recovery meetings all throughout Long Island, NY and Jacksonville, FL ever since, supporting others along their own unique recovery journeys.
Today, she is a proud member of the Sophros family where she teaches yoga, meditation and a healthy living course in addition to assisting with business development. She strongly believes that divine intervention led her to Sophros, where her passion, professional, and personal experiences intersect, allowing her to be a valuable part of the most healing community she has ever known.
Olivia Springer
Intake Coordinator
Olivia is originally from Philipsburg, Pennsylvania but moved to Jacksonville in 2023 to complete her internship at Sophros Recovery. She graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies and plans on continuing her education for her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her goals are to become EMDR certified as well as working towards becoming a certified trauma therapist.
Olivia always knew that when it came to her career, she wanted to be in a profession where she would be helping individuals. Growing up she always looked up to her family, she watched as they always helped those around them. She chose to go down the path of becoming a therapist after her personal experiences with her own therapist changed her life and ultimately drove her to wanting to help others as she had been helped. She prides herself on being empathetic, ambitious, adaptable and honest. Olivia strives to show up every day as her authentic self and allow individuals to meet her where they are, while also pushing them to be the best they can be.
Olivia is a proud big sister and loves to spend time watching her little brother play sports and being surrounded by her loved ones and her dog. In her free time, she loves to go fishing, hunting, exploring and loves to relax by the ocean. No matter if she is in snowy Pennsylvania or sunny Florida, you will always find her watching the sunrise or sunset.