OUR STAFF

Meet the Experts at Tikvah Lake Recovery

David Nesenoff, DD, MA | CEO

Dr. David Nesenoff has been a counselor for over 30 years working with individuals, couples and families concerning a multitude of issues and disorders.

Dr. Nesenoff is an international motivational speaker who has inspired thousands with his clear call to action messages and poignant humor.

Jeff Allen, PhD, CAP, CMHP | Clinical Director

Dr. Jeff Allen’s credentials along with his over two decades of experience managing large facilities, with proven results, certify his ability to truly help individuals struggling with a myriad of addictions as well as mental health issues. Along with his professional team,

“Dr. Jeff” has the unique ability to provide unprecedented compassionate daily attention to each individual.

Jennifer L. Wickham, MS, ARNP | Nurse Practitioner

Jennifer Wickham is an experienced Nurse Practitioner with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. She holds professional credentials of ARNP and a Master of Science degree allowing Jennifer to provide primary, acute, chronic, and specialty care.

Dr. Edward Barias, MD | Psychiatrist

Dr. Barias specializes in Addiction Psychiatry, General Adult Psychiatry and Dual Diagnosis disorders. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and also the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry.

Byron Wickham, MA | Therapist

Byron Wickham was a previous director of a co-occuring substance abuse facility. He is a noted innovator and developer of Anger Management programs specific to substance abuse. He received grants to develop programming and facilitate mental health patients, including co-occuring diagnosis of trauma, grief, autism and addiction. Additionally, Byron’s extensive therapy management experience with correctional facilities provides him with a healthy balance of preparedness and comradery.

Dr. Melody Clancy, DOM, AP

Acupuncturist, Health and Wellness Coach

Dr. Clancy is a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician in the state of Florida and a health and wellness coach.

Until 2015 she served as the Chair of the Board of Acupuncture for the state of Florida, (serving for 7 years) an appointment by the Governor of Florida.

She specializes in working with individuals suffering from PTSD, TBI and pain. She has been through challenging life experiencies which give her a unique perspective on many health situations. Her goal is to take a whole person approach, mind, body and spirit, in her work.

Chef Jason Shenefield

House Manager / Executive Chef

Chef Shenefield brings more than 30 years of culinary expertise to Tikvah Lake. Having worked extensively with world-renowned chefs, Shenefield gained top-notch perspective at notable Walt Disney World Resort establishments including Victoria & Albert’s, Le Cellier, and Coral Reef Restaurant. Additionally, he has accomplishments including Certified Executive Chef and Certified Culinary Educator from the American Culinary Federation, Certified Hospitality Educator from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, Advanced Level Sommelier from the court of Master Sommelier and a 10 years in Culinary and Hospitality Education as a Chef Instructor at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando, Fla.

Karen Beerbower MS, RD, LD, CEDRD, F. iaedp

Licensed Dietician, Certified Eating Disorder Dietician

Karen Beerbower is a licensed registered dietitian and a certified eating disorder dietitian. Karen is the president of Nutritional Guidance, Inc. and is the past owner and present consultant for Blue Horizon Eating Disorder Services, LLC. Karen presently serves on the Senior Advisory Board of The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp) and is an iaedp Approved Supervisor. She strives to bring her experience and expertise of more than 20 years to others through clinical service and education. A primary focus of her work is on the training of residents and physicians in the treatment of those suffering with eating disorders. Karen directs her professional dedication towards innovative and compassionate leadership in patient care.

Valerie Smith

Therapist at Tikvah Lake Recovery

Valerie Smith teaches a host of Psychology courses at Florida Southern and Polk State Colleges, in Lakeland. She has a BA in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz, an MA in Social Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, and four further years of graduate coursework and teaching under her belt.