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Our Team at The Palms Recovery

Meet the dedicated, compassionate professionals who guide men through recovery with qualified care, real support, and a belief in lasting recovery.
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Meet Our Team: The Heart of The Palms Recovery

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.

Leadership That Built This Place on Purpose

The Palms Recovery was founded on a simple belief, that men deserve addiction treatment that is personal, honest, and built to last. Our leadership keeps that belief at the center of everything we do.

Jim Lopker

Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Jim founded The Palms Recovery and serves as its CEO. His career began at Deloitte and Touche in Atlanta after he earned a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Florida, and he went on to become vice president of one of the largest privately held insurance agencies in the country. He built The Palms with a client-first mentality, with a vision for a treatment center of excellence and an employer of choice.
Victoria Lopker | The Palms Recovery | Recovery from Addiction in Palms Springs Florida

Victoria Lopker

Human Resources and Co-Founder
Born and raised in Florida, Victoria, known as Vicci, is a business owner and co-founder of The Palms Recovery. She found her calling helping others navigate substance use disorder within her own family. She guides business and marketing strategy and handles much of what happens behind the scenes, from hiring, human resources, and onboarding to website and social media management, client space design, and community outreach.

Dr. Jeffrey M. Bishop, D.O.

Medical Director

Dr. Jeffrey M. Bishop is a highly accomplished board-certified physician in both Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, bringing over four decades of clinical and executive leadership to The Palms Recovery. As Medical Director, Dr. Bishop provides expert clinical oversight, ensuring our programs remain at the forefront of evidence-based addiction treatment and patient safety.

Dr. Bishop’s career is defined by a deep commitment to medical excellence and education. He holds a Doctor of Osteopathy from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and has served in numerous high-level leadership roles, including Chief Medical Officer of Wellington Regional Medical Center. His extensive background spans hospital governance, medical education, telemedicine, and clinical research, giving him a unique, comprehensive perspective on patient care.

In the field of addiction medicine, Dr. Bishop is a dedicated advocate for compassionate, interdisciplinary treatment. Since 2014, he has provided medical leadership for substance-use disorder treatment programs, focusing on detoxification, outpatient rehabilitation, and the integration of medication-assisted treatment with holistic behavioral support. Beyond his clinical work, he is passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare providers, currently serving as the Medical Director for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program at South University.

Dr. Bishop is deeply rooted in the Florida community, having served on the Board of Directors for multiple hospice organizations and as a Trustee for the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce. His leadership is guided by a philosophy of patient-centered care, quality assurance, and the belief that clinical expertise, when combined with genuine compassion, is the key to lasting recovery. At The Palms Recovery, Dr. Bishop ensures that our clinical protocols, including regenerative services and comprehensive addiction therapies, are delivered with the highest standards of safety and professional integrity. We are honored to have his wealth of experience guiding our medical team and supporting our clients as they reclaim their health and their lives.

The Palms Recovery

Clinicians Who Treat the Whole Person

Dr. Matthew A. D'Urso

Dr. D’Urso earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lynn University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence, then completed a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Florida Atlantic University, where he published his dissertation on 12-step knowledge and opioid use disorder counseling. He has worked in substance use treatment since 2015 and recently marked 10 years of sustained recovery. He sees it as his life’s purpose to help men find mental wellness, freedom from alcohol and drugs, and a life built around what matters to them.

Austin Pohle, LMHC

Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Medical Director
As Lead Therapist for the Mental Health track, Austin provides clinical leadership and oversight for individuals navigating complex psychiatric and co-occurring challenges. He facilitates evidence-based group and individual therapy, supports treatment planning, and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care across levels of treatment.
In this role, he helps guide program structure specific to the mental health track, supports other clinicians in delivering high-quality care, and maintains a steady therapeutic environment focused on stabilization, skill-building, and long-term recovery. Austin brings a calm, grounded presence to both patients and staff, with a focus on practical interventions, emotional regulation, and sustainable progress.
Austin is a licensed mental health counselor with a passion for helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, and life transitions. With nearly a decade of clinical experience, he is known for his thoughtful, grounded approach and his ability to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients to explore challenges and build meaningful change.
Outside of his clinical work, Austin enjoys creative pursuits such as piano and music composition, as well as staying active through sports like tennis and running. He values balance, personal growth, and maintaining a steady, reflective approach to both his professional and personal life. On Saturdays, Austin roots for the Gators.
Jazarae

Dr. J.K. McCormick

Ph.D., M.S.Ed.
Dr. J.K. McCormick is a dedicated advocate for individuals with exceptional needs and a leader in the field of behavioral health. With a career spanning over two decades, she brings a wealth of clinical, academic, and research expertise to The Palms Recovery, where she serves as Clinical Director.
Dr. McCormick holds a Ph.D. in Special Education from Florida Atlantic University, a Master of Science in Education in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Miami, and a Master of Science in Child and Family Studies from Boston University. Her clinical foundation is rooted in her experience as a Child and Family Therapist, where she provided direct intervention and support to families navigating complex developmental and emotional challenges.
Throughout her career, Dr. McCormick has been deeply committed to bridging the gap between research and practice. She has served as an educator at the university level, training the next generation of professionals in special education, assessment, and family systems. Her research, published in journals such as the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, focuses on improving outcomes for individuals with disabilities and enhancing the efficacy of educational and therapeutic interventions.
Beyond her clinical and academic work, Dr. McCormick has an extensive history of community service and leadership. She has served as an ADA Specialist, a grant reviewer for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and a mentor to doctoral scholars. Her approach to treatment is holistic and evidence-based, focusing on empowering individuals and their families through collaboration, integrity, and clinical excellence.
At The Palms Recovery, Dr. McCormick oversees the clinical direction of our programs, ensuring that every client receives high-quality, compassionate, and effective care. She is passionate about fostering an environment where individuals can overcome obstacles, develop essential life skills, and achieve long-term recovery.

Dr. Magda Natalia Ariza

Dr. Magda Natalia Ariza is a bilingual medical professional and physician with a Doctorate in Medicine and General Surgery, bringing extensive experience across healthcare, behavioral health, patient care, clinical research, and care coordination. Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to helping individuals navigate complex health challenges while providing compassionate, patient-centered support.
With previous experience as a Mental Health Case Manager, Dr. Ariza has worked collaboratively with physicians, mental health professionals, patients, and families to develop treatment plans, coordinate multidisciplinary care, connect individuals with community resources, and facilitate access to appropriate services. Her behavioral health experience includes supporting patients in navigating multiple systems of care and coordinating services designed to promote continuity and progress throughout the treatment process.
Today, Dr. Ariza brings this behavioral health foundation together with her extensive medical background to support individuals affected by substance use disorders and mental health challenges. She understands that recovery requires more than addressing symptoms, it requires an individualized, compassionate, and coordinated approach that recognizes the whole person.
Her clinical background includes direct patient care, medical assisting, case management, clinical research, and intravenous therapy. She has also worked within highly regulated healthcare environments, including the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she supported clinical research, patient eligibility assessments, informed-consent processes, patient documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Ariza is passionate about contributing to substance use treatment, behavioral health, mental health services, and recovery-oriented care. She believes in treating every individual with dignity, empathy, respect, and without judgment while supporting a collaborative environment in which patients can work toward meaningful and sustainable recovery. Her combination of medical knowledge, behavioral health experience, care coordination skills, and dedication to patient-centered care allows her to bring a unique perspective to the recovery and mental health field.

Brianna Dustin, PA-C

Ph.D., M.S.Ed.
Brianna is a board-certified physician assistant with a diverse clinical background and a strong commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with minors in Biology and Dance from the University of Delaware before completing her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at South University in West Palm Beach, where she graduated with honors.
Originally from New York, Brianna began her healthcare career as an emergency room technician at New York Presbyterian. This early experience sparked her interest in caring for patients in fast-paced, high-acuity environments and shaped her ability to remain calm, attentive, and responsive during challenging clinical situations. After becoming a physician assistant, she began her career in inpatient critical and intensive care, caring for critically ill patients with complex medical conditions in an underserved community.
Her experience in critical care strengthened her clinical decision-making skills and taught her the importance of collaboration, empathy, and clear communication. Caring for patients and their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives reinforced her belief that excellent medical care extends beyond diagnosis and treatment, it requires trust, compassion, and a genuine understanding of each individual’s experience.
Brianna developed a particular interest in addiction medicine during her clinical training and throughout her career. Her personal experiences with loved ones further deepened her understanding of the challenges surrounding addiction and mental health, strengthening her commitment to providing care that is individualized, compassionate, and free of judgment.
Outside of medicine, Brianna enjoys spending time with her husband and son, chasing after her two fur babies. She is excited to bring her clinical experience, warmth, and genuine passion for helping others to every patient she has the privilege of caring for, working towards meaningful and lasting recovery.

Kathleen Simervil

PA-C, CAQ-Psych
Kathleen Simervil, a native of Delray Beach, has dedicated her career to the field of psychiatric medicine, where she combines clinical expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. Since graduating from PA school, Kathleen has worked tirelessly to address the complex needs of individuals facing mental health challenges and substance use disorders. Her commitment to this specialty was solidified by completing a rigorous board examination, earning her certification in psychiatry and ensuring she remains at the forefront of advances in mental health care.
Before fully immersing herself in psychiatric and addiction medicine, Kathleen built a strong foundation in family medicine. In this role, she provided care for patients across all stages of life, managing a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. This experience broadened her medical perspective, enabling her to adopt a well-rounded approach that integrates both physical and mental health.
Kathleen’s passion lies in helping individuals navigate the challenges of addiction and mental illness. She believes that recovery is not just about treating symptoms but involves fostering hope, resilience, and empowerment. Her goal is to provide patients with a safe, non-judgmental environment where they feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their healing journey.
Kathleen brings extensive experience across a variety of care settings, including detox programs, residential facilities, partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and traditional outpatient care. This broad clinical exposure has given her a nuanced understanding of the recovery process from detox through long-term outpatient management.
In addition to her clinical work, Kathleen remains committed to ongoing professional growth and education. She finds fulfillment in building meaningful connections with her patients and being part of their transformation and recovery.

Recovery Support From People Who Have Been There

Getting well takes more than clinical hours. It takes people who can look you in the eye and say they have walked this road, and mean it. Several members of our team came to The Palms through their own recovery, and now they help other men find the same freedom. This is the part of the team that keeps you connected, guided, and reminded that this is possible.
The Palms Recovery
The Palms Recovery

Matthew P. Collins

Operations Director
Born and raised in Southeastern Connecticut. I have lived in Connecticut, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida while working in sales. In 2021, I moved to South Florida to be closer to my mother and escape the Connecticut winters.
After struggling with addiction for more than 15 years and losing many of the people and things that mattered most to me, I finally surrendered in early 2023. I came through The Palms Recovery as a client, where I was given the opportunity to begin rebuilding my life.
Nearly two years into my recovery, I returned to The Palms Recovery as a Behavioral Health Technician, wanting to give back what had been given to me. Working with men in early recovery gave me a renewed sense of purpose. Watching clients regain hope and begin to see the possibility of a better life is something I consider a true privilege.
Today, I am grateful to continue serving others as the Operations Director and helping create an environment where those in recovery can find hope, purpose, and a path forward.

A Team That Works Together on Your Behalf

Real treatment is a team effort, not one person handing you a worksheet. At The Palms Recovery, specialists from different backgrounds work together to build one coordinated, whole-person plan for you, so nothing about your care is left to chance and nothing falls through the cracks.
Licensed Therapists and Counselors
Our master’s-level clinicians lead individual, group, and family therapy using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, helping you build healthy coping skills and address what is underneath the addiction.
Case Managers and Client Advocates
Your case manager is your personal guide through treatment. They coordinate your care, help you set and reach your goals, and build your aftercare plan, so the path back to daily life is clear and supported.
Medical Support
For men in outpatient detox and medication-assisted treatment, medical oversight helps keep withdrawal safe and manageable, so the early days are handled with real clinical care rather than left to willpower.
Wellness and Experiential Specialists
We care for the mind and body together. Our specialists lead mindfulness, meditation, and other wellness practices that lower stress and support your recovery as a whole.