Our Staff
We have a unique blend of experience and training. Our staff includes some
of South Florida's best known and most respected Board Certified or Board Eligible
Physicians, Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists,
Mental Health Counselors and Massage Therapists, all of whom are licensed in
Florida. Some of our professionals are also licensed in New York State, where
we have a mid-town Manhattan location.
We now offer acupuncture,
chiropractic care and massage therapy!
Who We Are:
Ira Kaufman, LCSW, ABECSW (email)
Executive Director
Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work
Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker SW6213
NYS Certified Social Worker PR018148-1
Ira Kaufman has had 30 years of clinical experience working with children,
adolescents, adults, couples & families. In addition to maintaining private practices in
both New York and Florida, he spent many years as an administrator in the public sector.
Working initially as the Assistant Director of The Linden Hill School, he became Director
of the Hawthorne Cedar Residential Treatment Facility under the auspices of the Jewish
Board of Family & Children Services. He later served as the Director of Training and
Staff Development, Director of the Division of Development Disabilities and the Director
of Foster Home Division for the Jewish Child Care Association.
Mr. Kaufman received his MSW from New York University in 1976. He continued his post
graduate training at The Center for Modern Analytic Studies in New York City. He has
published several articles and has made many presentations at national conferences.
Mr. Kaufman has been frequently consulted with by local newspapers and magazines and
has appeared on radio talk shows.
The comprehensive and holistic approach practices at The North Star Centre has always
been Mr. Kaufman's vision and he is proud to serve the Boca Raton and surrounding
communities.
Ella Faye Chazan, MPS, DAPA (email)
Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor MH4044
Diplomate, American Psychotherapy Association
National Board Certified Counselor
Ms. Chazan has years of clinical experience with individuals having
psychological and psychophysiological disorders. She has been certified by the
Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety for the management of agoraphobia, panic
disorders, anxiety and depression. Additionally, she has special expertise in
geriatric counseling, brief problem focused psychotherapy as well as, marital,
family and divorce issues.
Daniel E. Chervony, MD (email)
Adult and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr. Chervony received his medical degree in 1984. He interned at
Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia and completed a residency in 1988 at The
University of Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital and Veteran's Administration Hospital.
He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Dr. Chervony has been the Medical Director of University Pavilion Psychiatric Hospital
since 1996. He was the Chief of Staff of the Department of Psychiatry at University Hospital
from 1996-2002 and returned to that position in 2006. He has been in private practice since
1988. He specializes in Adult and Adolescent Psychiatry. He is currently affiliated with
University Hospital and Medical Center, University Pavilion Psychiatric Hospital and
HEALTHSOUTH Sunrise Rehabilitation Hospital
Dr. Chervony will evaluate, provide medication and follow-up for patients of all
diagnostic categories. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Jenny Frank, LCSW (email)
Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker SW8816
NYS Licensed Clinical Social Worker 070717-1
Jenny Frank is a graduate of Fordham University School of Social Work.
Drawing upon several theoretical modalities, Jenny specializes in individual counseling,
family treatment of children with exceptionalities and parent coaching. A subset
of her practice includes observing children for other practitioners and parents
on an as needed basis. Jenny's work focuses on a systems approach and a strength
based model for both children and adults.
Ms. Frank has been active in several professional organizations. Most recently,
she was on the Executive Board of the Westchester Chapter of the New York State
Society of Clinical Social Workers on its Conference and Student Affairs committees.
In line with her commitment to children with exceptionalities, Jenny has done
significant fundraising for children related institutions. She published a newsletter
for several years called Special Parenting Matters of Westchester and continues to
write articles on a periodic basis for the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
Having recently relocated to South Florida, Ms. Frank is very enthusiastic about
the opportunity to bring her unique experience and skill set to children and families
in her new community.
Bonnie Goldman, LMHC (email)
Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor MH9212
Board Certified Professional Counselor (APA)
Bonnie Goldman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor practicing in
south Florida for over twenty years. She received her Master's degree in Counseling
Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 1984. Mrs. Goldman was the Director
of Psychotherapy at Coral Ridge Psychiatric Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. While
there, she developed the internship program for Nova Southeastern graduate students.
Mrs. Goldman also was the founder and creator of the adolescent program focusing on
behavior modification and supportive psychotherapy.
Mrs. Goldman has extensive experience working in a psychiatric hospital setting,
schools (Pre K-12) and private practice. She specializes in counseling children,
adolescents and families. She also has experience working with dually diagnosed,
psychotic, mood disorder, Alzheimer, adult and adolescent patients with drug and
alcohol addiction. Her areas of specialty are life change issues, marital issues,
children/adolescent issues, stress/anger management and conflict resolution.
Lauren S. Heit, LCSW (email)
Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker SW 8637
New York Licensed Clinical Social Worker LCSW-R 070015
Lauren received her Master’s in Science with a concentration in Clinical Social Work,
emphasis on Families and Children, from Columbia University. She has many years of
experience working in the mental health field, as a direct care worker, therapist,
and supervisor. Lauren has 10 years of direct clinical experience treating adolescents,
adults, families, and couples. She had provided ego-supportive solution focused
therapy to individuals in residential programs, outpatient clinics, and private practice
in New York. Lauren recently moved to Florida, and continues working in both private
and corporate clinical arenas.
Lauren utilizes an eclectic approach of skills with the common goal of “helping people
learn to better help themselves”. She has particular interest and post graduate
training in the treatment of anxiety, trauma, mood disorders,and behavioral issues.
James C. Kauff, LCSW (email)
Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker SW6892
Member, National Association of Social Workers
James C. Kauff is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has practiced
in the mental health care field for more than 25 years.
Mr. Kauff received his masters degree in social work in 1987 from Adelphi University.
He also holds a psychology degree.
His extensive experience includes counseling families,couples and individuals. He
provides psychotherapy for clients who suffer from various types of psychological
disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress.
Mr. Kauff's particular interests include working with children of single parents as
well as geriatric clients. He also treats people who are coping with eating
disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse and addictions.
Jody Kaufman, LCSW (email)
Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker SW6177
NYS Certified Social Worker R036776-1
Jody Kaufman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing
for over 21 years. Ms. Kaufman received her Master's degree in Social Work from the
Hunter School of Social Work in 1987. She received additional clinical post-graduate
training at The Riverdale Center for Modern Psychoanalysis. Prior to her relocation to
South Florida in 1999, she worked as a clinician in large mental health agencies in New York
while maintaining a private practice in Westchester County specializing
in the treatment of children, adolescents, adults and seniors.
Ms. Kaufman has particular interest and extensive experience in the treatment of
depression, anxiety, post partum depression, issues specific to seniors, addiction,
recovery, and the children of alcoholics.
Ms. Kaufman also supervises Social Work Interns to meet their state requirements for
their licensure and LCSW's who are interested in furthering their training.
Barry Jay Kirshner, Ph.D. (email)
Florida Licensed Psychologist PY6158
National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
Senior Fellow, Biofeedback Certification Institute of America
Voting member, Aetna Credentialing and Performance Committee
Consultant/treatment supervision
Dr. Kirshner has been providing mental health services in both the
public and private sectors for over 25 years. Before relocating to Florida in
1998, he had a private practice in Bethesda, Maryland where he specialized in
psychotherapy for adults, sexual dysfunction, neuropsychological evaluations and
the treatment of headache, chronic pain and other psychophysiological disorders.
Dr. Kirshner also served as a consultant for several public agencies in the
Washington, D.C. area, performing disability evaluations and treatment.
Both local and national press have consulted him. He has written several articles
for professional and popular publications and has been featured on radio and
television.
Garrett E. Krause, AP (email)
Florida Licensed Acupuncture Physician AP2154
Dr. Garrett Krause is a graduate of The Atlantic Institute of Oriental
Medicine, with a Bachelors of Health Science and a Master of Oriental Medicine. He
is a Board Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture, practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine
and Auriculotherapy. He is trained in and utilizes nutritional, Chinese herbal, and
homeopathic medicine. Dr. Krause also works part time at the University of Miami's
Division of Complimentary Medicine where he is conducting a shoulder pain research
study at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.
Dr. Krause specializes in pain management techniques, sports injuries, anxiety, stress,
depression, addictions, stomach ailments, and infertility. Additionally, his techniques
are highly effective in the treatment of tension headaches, migraines, and for symptom
relief from PMS.
Robert Lawrence, MEd, DC, DACBN (email)
Florida Licensed Chiropractic Physician CH4328
Diplomate: American Clinical Board of Nutrition
Dr. Lawrence has been in practice since 1983, utilizing nutrition and
gentle chiropractic care. A former instructor at the National University of Health Sciences,
he has also served as a consultant in Functional Medicine and Diagnostic Laboratory Testing.
Dr. Lawrence has completed an extensive post-doctoral course of study on "Applying Functional
Medicine in Clinical Practice" through The Institute of Functional Medicine.
He holds
degrees in Science Education (Temple University), Chiropractic Medicine (National University),
Clinical Nutrition and is a Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition. He has
a special interest in nutritional approaches to digestive disorders (Crohn's/Colitis, IBS,
GERD) and rheumatoid diseases.
Malorie K. McCaughan, Psy.D (email)
Florida Licensed Psychologist PY7518
Dr. McCaughan received a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pacific
University in 2003. She is a skilled and versatile clinician who is dedicated to promoting
the social, emotional and physical well-being of others through individual, family and group
psychotherapy. Her specialized training includes certification in Dialectical Behavioral
Therapy (DBT), Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP), and Critical Incident
Stress Management.
She is an experienced leader who is skilled in program management, public speaking outreach and prevention.
Eric Mundt, LMFT (email)
Florida Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist MT2162
Eric Mundt earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and his Master of
Arts degree in Marriage and Family therapy at Fairfield University. He has over 15
years of training and experience working with children, and over 5 years experience
working with families and adults. He specializes in working with child and adolescent
issues, trauma, divorce, family conflict and communication, parenting education, and
stress management. His orientation is to work with the entire family.
Through ongoing continuing education, Eric continues to enhance his knowledge with regard
to latest treatment methods. He has advanced training in sand tray therapy, filial therapy,
and play therapy.
Mr. Mundt is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and
the Association for Play Therapy.
Jeffrey S. Nelson, Ph.D., L.M.H.C., C.Ht. (email)
Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor MH1970
Certified Hypnotherapist
In 1995, Dr. Nelson earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Transpersonal
Psychology from Maimonides University. He holds an advanced post-masters degree in
Mental Health Counseling from The University of Florida. In 1981, he was granted a
Master of Science degree by The University of North Florida.
Dr. Nelson has more than ten years of experience as a psychotherapist and professor.
He is a certified hypnotherapist. He has a long and successful history of working with
individuals, families and groups, both in the public sector and in private practice. He,
furthermore, has significant expertise in working with issues of addiction and recovery.
Rosemary Periera, DC (email)
Florida Licensed Chiropractic Physician CH9132
Dr. Rosemary Periera is a licensed Chiropractic physician in the State of
Florida. She specializes in therapeutic massage, chiropractic care and sports-related
injuries. She has had numerous post-graduate course hours completed and is currently
completing a comprehensive study in naturopathic medicine.
Dr. Periera is also a public speaker and will be giving health topic presentations
throughout the year in Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach.
Muriel M. Scher, Ed.D. (email)
Florida Licensed Psychologist PY6126
Certified Addictions Specialist
Dr. Scher has been a practicing psychologist for the past 20 years.
She has a special certification from the American Psychological Association in
the evaluation and treatment of alcohol and substance disorders. She has been a
preferred outpatient treatment provider for several large corporations. She is
particularly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals who have a dual
diagnosis of a mood disorder and addiction.
Among Dr. Scher's other interests, are the delivery of goal-oriented brief
psychotherapy to individuals and therapeutic work with couples and children. She
has published several articles and makes frequent presentations to professional
organizations.
John A. Shwed, Ph.D., LCSW, (email)
Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work
Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker SW4248
Dr. John Shwed received a PhD in Social Work from The Ohio State University,
in 1982. He holds a Masters Degree in Family Sociology from The University of New Hampshire
and a Masters of Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.
Dr. Shwed has had a wide range of clinical, supervisory and administrative experience in
the mental health, family advocacy and family medicine areas of practice. He is a seasoned
clinician with expertise in individual, couple and group treatment modalities utilizing brief,
solution focused, motivational and cognitive-behavioral approaches
Lorraine Winkler, LCSW, ABECSW (email)
Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work
Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker SW2424
Certified Hypnotherapist
Certified Sex Therapist
Ms. Winkler received a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University
in 1980. Prior to that time, she had spent 13 years as a registered nurse with experience
in both Med/Surg and ICU work.
She has worked for twenty-six years as a direct service practitioner, team member,
supervisor, coordinator and director. She specializes in treating trauma victims,
particularly sexual trauma. She has significant experience and interest in working with
substance abusers, the dually diagnosed and patients who present with eating disorders.
She, additionally, has developed a sub-specialty of work with the gay and lesbian
population. Ms. Winkler also has a passion for work with adolescents and their families.
Office Staff
Left to Right:
Shelly Golden, Receptionist
Marcia Kirshner, Billing Administrator
Jean Iaderose, Office Manager
Randi Katz, Administrative Assistant
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