The journey to recovery is one of trust—trust in the process, trust in yourself, and most importantly, trust in the people guiding you. At The Palms Recovery, our most valuable asset is our team. We have brought together a dedicated group of highly qualified and deeply compassionate professionals who are united by a single purpose: to provide the highest level of care and support to every individual who walks through our doors.
Our leadership team combines decades of clinical experience with a genuine passion for helping people heal. They provide the expert guidance and ethical oversight that ensure our programming remains at the forefront of addiction treatment.
CEO
Jim founded The Palms Recovery and currently serves as the CEO. Formerly, his career began at Deloitte & Touché in Atlanta after graduating from The University of Florida with a Master’s degree in Accounting.
From there he transitioned his career to commercial insurance where he currently serves as the Vice President of one of the largest privately held agencies in the country.
Like he has successfully done in his career previously, Jim founded this treatment center with a client/patient first mentality. His vision for The Palms is to provide a treatment center of excellence and employer of choice.
Director of Business Development
Originally from Alexandria, VA, Ian Shaw relocated to South Florida in 2017 to begin his own recovery journey. His personal experience ignited a deep passion for helping others find sobriety, purpose, and self-improvement.
As the Director of Business Development at The Palms Recovery, Ian is dedicated to advancing the center’s mission of providing exceptional care and support to individuals seeking recovery. His work is driven by a commitment to service, growth, and the principles of sobriety, fostering meaningful connections and linking people to the resources they need to thrive.
A firm believer in the power of second chances, Ian is focused on creating an environment where individuals can rebuild their lives and discover their best selves. With genuine compassion and dedication, he is proud to contribute to a team making a lasting difference in the recovery community.
National Outreach Director
Lee Spade is a Pittsburgh native who began his recovery journey in 2013. After several attempts and reaching a low point, he was given the opportunity to come to South Florida—a move that transformed his life.
Through taking responsibility and committing to personal growth, Lee discovered a new direction and purpose.
At two years sober, he began working in the treatment field, guiding other men on their recovery journeys—a calling that quickly became his passion. That passion ultimately led him to The Palms Recovery, where he found the perfect environment to thrive.
Surrounded by a dedicated team, Lee is energized by the fellowship, brotherhood, and purpose-driven culture at The Palms. For him, the most rewarding part of his work is witnessing men find healing and freedom from addiction.
Alumni Coordinator
Chris Kloboves was born and raised in Northeast Ohio, where he battled addiction for many years. His life took a turning point in South Florida, where he found the opportunity to embrace recovery and transform his future.
Since beginning his journey in 2017, Chris has dedicated himself to helping others discover the same freedom and fulfillment he has experienced.
Over the years, he has worked across multiple levels of care and in various roles within the recovery field, gaining the experience, strength, and hope needed to truly guide others on their own path to healing.
Human Resources
Born and raised in Florida, Victoria “Vicci” brings both professional dedication and personal insight to our company.
Vicci found her calling in helping others, particularly those navigating the challenges of substance use disorder within her family.
Vicci is a business owner, and cofounder of The Palms Recovery. Vicci comes from a finance & business background.
She assists in business and marketing strategies for The Palms Recovery. Vicci helps with all the behind the scenes aspects of The Palms Recovery including new hires, Human Resources, onboarding, as well as website management and social media. In addition, she handles the client space interior designs and resource management. She is involved with community outreach and new business developments.
Born and raised on the peninsula of Virginia, he grew up struggling with the disease of addiction for most of his life, until he was given an opportunity to change for the better. An alumni of The Palms himself, he knows what it’s like to take a chance on oneself for the better.
Months after leaving The Palms, he was given an opportunity of employment. From that point forward, he found purpose in giving guys the same care and direction he was once given. Helping guys day in, day out gives him fulfillment nothing else ever could.
His main focus is to help men walk over obstacles and show them their past is just the story of their success. Along his journey, he has realized that any dream is possible as long as a person never gives up on themselves.
Dr. Matthew A. D’Urso obtained his Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lynn University in 2019. Dr. D’Urso earned a 4.0 GPA throughout the program and received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence.
During his clinical internship, he worked with the severely and persistently mentally ill client population, providing individual and group counseling services to those with psychotic and mood disorders.
Dr. D’Urso then entered the Doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision at Florida Atlantic University, earning a 4.0 GPA and publishing his dissertation on 12-step knowledge and opioid use disorder counseling. Dr. D’Urso has worked in the substance use treatment space since 2015 and recently celebrated 10 years of sustained recovery.
Dr. D’Urso believes it his life’s purpose to assist men with mental wellness, abstinence from alcohol and drugs, and building a life that aligns with core values and that is worth living.
Dr. D’Urso uses his academic knowledge and lived experience to identify and resolve client problems that perpetuate substance use patterns.
Clinical Manager
Michael is a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) through the Florida Certification Board and holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Samford University.
With over 12 years of experience, Michael has dedicated his career to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
As Clinical Manager, Michael leads the clinical team with a clear focus on service, compassion, and integrity.
He is EMDR-trained and integrates trauma-informed approaches into the treatment process, ensuring that care is both individualized and evidence-based. Michael’s leadership emphasizes collaboration, clinical excellence, and the creation of a safe, healing environment for clients and staff alike.
Committed to client-centered care, Michael brings both expertise and heart to his role, guiding clinical operations in a way that upholds dignity, fosters resilience, and promotes long-term recovery.
Physician Assistant
With more than 25 years of experience in emergency medicine, family practice, and dual diagnosis treatment, William Agocs is a dedicated healthcare professional committed to advancing patient care.
He blends decades of clinical expertise with a compassionate, evidence-based approach, particularly in the fields of substance use and mental health.
William earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Madonna University and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Detroit Mercy. Both institutions, grounded in Catholic values, influenced his holistic, patient-centered philosophy of care.
Today, William focuses on supporting individuals in recovery by integrating medical knowledge with empathy and personalized treatment strategies, helping patients achieve lasting wellness.
Case Manager
My name is Crystal, and I am a Case Manager at The Palms Recovery. Every day, I have the privilege of walking alongside individuals as they take some of the hardest and most courageous steps of their lives.
Being able to witness people discover hope, strength, and purpose in their recovery journey is not just a job for me, it’s my calling. I know firsthand how challenging the road to recovery can be, because I am a person in recovery myself. My own experiences have given me both the empathy and determination to support others with compassion and understanding.
Currently, I am pursuing my education to become a licensed social worker. Education is not just about furthering my career; it’s about sharpening the tools I need to serve people in the most impactful way possible. Through my studies, I am learning how to better advocate for those who may feel voiceless, how to provide meaningful support to individuals and families, and how to address the many barriers that people face when seeking help. My ultimate goal is to combine my professional training with my lived experience so I can be a source of strength, encouragement, and guidance for those in need.
What drives me most is passion. I am deeply passionate about helping others because I know what it feels like to struggle and to wonder if things will ever get better. I also know the freedom, joy, and fulfillment that comes when recovery becomes a reality. This passion fuels me every single day—it pushes me to listen a little deeper, to care a little harder, and to go the extra mile for the people I serve. I believe everyone has the capacity for change, and I want to be a part of showing them that their lives are worth fighting for.
Working in recovery is not always easy, but it is always meaningful. It is an honor to stand beside people as they learn to rebuild their lives, rediscover their worth, and embrace a brighter future. My journey has shaped me into someone who refuses to give up on others, because I know that no one is ever too far gone.
This is more than my career, it’s my purpose.
Admissions
Jessica is a passionate advocate for recovery and wellness, drawing strength and purpose from her own lived experience with addiction. Now celebrating one year clean, she is committed to helping others find the same freedom and hope that transformed her life.
Today, Jessica channels her personal experience into her work in the substance use field. She thrives on building connections with others in recovery, offering empathy, encouragement, and accountability. Her ability to relate to those still struggling allows her to meet people where they are, offering both hope and practical support. Jessica believes that recovery is not only possible, but sustainable through compassion, community, and perseverance.
Her professional interests include counseling, peer support, and community outreach, and she is dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding addiction. Jessica hopes to expand her knowledge and skills to better serve individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder, while continuing to inspire others with her own story of resilience.
Outside of her professional work, Jessica prioritizes self-care, growth, and nurturing positive relationships. She celebrates milestones, big and small, and finds joy in supporting others as they discover their own strength.
Primary Therapist
I am a substance use therapist specializing in the treatment of addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. My clinical orientation integrates psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), and person-centered approaches.
Over the past two years, I have facilitated group therapy at the detox, residential, and partial hospitalization (PHP) levels of care, with a strong focus on supporting individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.
My groups have emphasized DBT distress tolerance and emotional regulation, CBT cognitive reframing, and the brain science of addiction. I am also experienced in meditation and mindfulness practices, which I incorporate into therapy to promote grounding, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.
Prior to entering the mental health field, I spent nearly a decade in Human Resources within the financial services and pharmaceutical industries, gaining valuable experience in supporting individuals through professional and personal transitions. I graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Florida and am on track to complete my Master of Social Work (MSW) in May 2026.
My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based, with an emphasis on helping individuals build resilience, develop practical coping skills, and create sustainable recovery.
Primary Therapist
Josiana is a dedicated therapist who is passionate about supporting individuals on their path to recovery and helping them build fulfilling, balanced lives. She earned her Honors Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto, where she developed a strong foundation in psychological theory and research.
Following her undergraduate studies, she moved to Scotland to complete a Master’s degree in Foundations in Clinical Psychology, further deepening her knowledge of mental health and therapeutic practice.
Her professional experience is diverse, having worked with children and families facing cognitive disabilities as well as individuals coping with substance use. These early roles gave her valuable insight into the many ways that mental health challenges impact not only individuals but also the systems of support around them. Over time, Josiana discovered her passion for working with adults, where she could focus more closely on the unique needs of those navigating substance use and recovery.
Josiana’s therapeutic approach emphasizes compassion, collaboration, and evidence-based care. She draws from modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based strategies, and trauma-informed practices to meet each client where they are in their journey. She believes in creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel empowered to process their experiences, build new coping skills, and move toward sustainable recovery. With an understanding that healing is not a “one size fits all” process, she values the individuality of each person and works to honor their strengths, resilience, and goals.
Originally from Wisconsin, Josiana has made Florida her home and enjoys the balance of nature, wellness, and community it provides. In her free time, she enjoys paddle boarding, practicing krav maga, and playing music.
Josiana is committed to walking alongside clients with empathy and respect, helping them rediscover hope, develop healthier coping strategies, and cultivate meaningful lives in recovery.
Effective treatment requires a collaborative approach. Our addiction treatment team is composed of specialists from various disciplines who work together to create a seamless and holistic recovery plan for you.
Licensed Therapists and Counselors: Our masters-level clinicians facilitate individual, group, and family therapy sessions. They are experts in evidence-based modalities like CBT and DBT, helping you develop healthy coping mechanisms and address underlying issues.
Medical and Nursing Staff: Our dedicated medical team provides 24/7 care, managing the detoxification process and addressing any physical health needs to ensure you are safe, comfortable, and stable.
Case Managers and Client Advocates: Your case manager is your personal guide through the treatment process. They coordinate your care, help you set and achieve goals, and assist with aftercare planning to ensure a smooth transition back to daily life.
Holistic and Experiential Specialists: We believe in healing the mind, body, and spirit. Our specialists in mindfulness, meditation, and other holistic practices provide complementary therapies that reduce stress and promote overall wellness.
Beyond the degrees and certifications, every member of our team shares a core belief: recovery is possible for everyone.
We are committed to treating every client with the dignity, respect, and empathy they deserve.
We take the time to listen to your story, understand your unique challenges, and honor your personal journey.
This culture of genuine care is the foundation upon which all our treatment is built.
Choosing to seek help is a courageous step. Choosing the right team to support you is a critical one. We invite you to experience the difference that a dedicated, compassionate, and expert team can make. Contact us today to speak with an admissions specialist and learn more about the people who will be by your side, every step of the way.
