Gulf Breeze Hospital

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Robert Frank, M.D., was appointed medical director for Baptist Hospitals newly renovated stroke unit, located in the hospitals second-floor neurological area. A board-certified neurologist, Dr. Frank is a specialist in treating strokes, a leading cause of disabilities in the United States. He has been a member of Baptists medical staff and involved in the treatment of cerebral vascular disease and other neurological disorders since 1978.

Ben joined the staff 6 weeks after his birthday on Christmas Eve of 2004. He belongs to one of the therapists but spends much of his time at The Friary, greeting new patients and offering unconditional love and acceptance to all. Ben has achieved a Good Citizenship award and is working towards his certification as a Therapy Dog.

With over 20 years experience in working with addictions, George brings a breadth of experience to his position as Program Director. George has worked in a variety of addiction settings and is often called upon to provide training throughout the Lakeview system. He has been instrumental in designing and improving services to dually diagnosed patients. "We meet people where they are at, so they feel in charge of their change process."

Janet is the newest member of our Admissions team. She comes to us with a degree in psychology and experience in mental health and addiction admissions and assessments. "I feel passionate about this work. I want to help others help themselves. Treatment does work."

Melanie's past experience at a community mental health center gives her a broad background in mental health and working with dually diagnosed patients. Her focus on Interpersonal process and Cognitive Behavioral therapy helps patients learn new ways to cope with life. "I see the whole person and not just the problem that brings them here. That's just one part of it. To be successful in recovery, mind, body and spirit all must be addressed."

Penni rejoined The Friary staff after a ten year absence. During this time she worked in Japan as a civilian contractor with the USAF mental health clinic. She then spent 5 years as a team leader at dual diagnosis programs in Memphis and New Orleans. Her position in a New Orleans area psychiatric hospital was lost, along with personal property in Hurricane Katrina. "I have seen addiction affect all aspects of a person's life and feel we must first identify the impact within clients before we begin the healing process."

Rita is our trauma specialist, using Experiential techniques to help patients address core issues. She also conducts the Family Aftercare program and maintains contact with many alumni and their families. "We are all a part of our past experiences. We need to come to peace with our past in order to be comfortable in the present."

Ruth Ward is the Office Coordinator for the Department of Pastoral Services. Ruth has been an employee of Baptist Hospital since 1991, working in the Corporate Administration office and with Properties Management. She came to Pastoral Services in 1998, and has become an invaluable member of our team. She is an active member at Charity Chapel.

Sharon has more than twenty years of experience in counseling individuals with addiction and impulse disorders. She has worked extensively with individuals with co-occurring disorders in both residential and outpatient programs. She has a special interest in women's issues with addiction. Sharon started her journey working in addiction and her love for The Friary in 1982.

Stacy brings to the position experience in individual and family addictions counseling as well as in crisis intervention and aftercare treatment planning. In addition, Aberle has provided victim's assistance counseling.

Tammie Stefanko, RN, BSN, has been selected as stroke coordinator for Baptist Hospital. Stefanko has served at Baptist Hospital for 24 years, most recently as case management supervisor. She worked as a nurse on the neurology floor for more than 18 years. Her certifications include Case Management Certification-Outcomes Case Management and Accredited Case Manager-Hospital Case Management. In her new role, Stefanko will organize, plan, manage and evaluate the hospitals stroke program. Her responsibilities include coordinating stroke education for all staff. Stefanko will ensure the fulfillment of new disease-specific criteria for stroke programs as dictated by the Joint Commission Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations. Stefanko also will serve as brain and spinal cord coordinator.