Executive Team
MARIA ALVAREZ
President and CEO
Maria Alvarez brings more than 25 years of experience and skill to her work with Florida’s leadership team. Her outstanding performance in financial and organizational administration provides exceptional strategic and operational leadership as Phoenix House Florida prepares to meet the challenges of the future.
Ms. Alvarez joined Phoenix House in 2007 as Director of Finance and also served as Sr. Vice President & Executive Director. Prior to that time, she had more than 15 years of accounting and management experience with organizations ranging from start-ups to multi-million-dollar corporations holding roles as Administrative and Finance Manager and Controller. In her current position of President & CEO, she is responsible for the oversight of all programs at Phoenix House Florida. Her tenure at Phoenix House Florida has been a time of growth for the programs, including the expansion and renovation of the Phoenix House Florida campus in Brandon.
Ms. Alvarez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and is fluent in both Spanish and English. Her commitment to the community is demonstrated by her volunteer service as a Guardian Ad Litem, an advocate for children in the court system primarily as a result of alleged abuse or neglect.
SAMANTHA LATIMER
Chief of Staff, Operations
FRANK LAVERDE
Chief Financial Officer
Frank LaVerde joined Phoenix House Florida as Chief Financial Officer in April 2024. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), a Master’s in Science Accounting (MSA), and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Mr. LaVerde is a finance professional with more than 20 years of experience working on financial and executive office services in a variety of roles including CFO, Finance, Planning & Analysis Director, HR & IT Director, General Administrator, and Sr Financial Operations Manager with a deep business acumen.
Leveraging this background, he became an executive member of an international organization, a corporation with multiple operations in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and the US, with the vision of helping the company operations optimize performance and build strong financial infrastructure while aiding the finance teams in reaching their full potential through leadership development. Mr. LaVerde is a strategic business partner for Phoenix House Florida, with a proven track record of delivering significant revenue growth and operational efficiencies.
With demonstrated expertise in FP&A, budgeting, and financial reporting to senior leadership and stakeholders, Mr. LaVerde is known for effectively streamlining HR & IT functions, leading talent management initiatives, and achieving remarkable employee engagement and retention results.
SATARA CARR, MA., Psy.D., LMHC-QS
Director of Residential Services
Satara Carr is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with the state of Florida. She joined Phoenix House Florida as the Director of Residential Services in 2024, bringing a wealth of education and 20 years of experience to share.
Prior to joining Phoenix House Florida, Ms. Carr served as the Clinical Director at the Florida Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Director of Outpatient Services and Eating Disorder Director for HCA Florida, a therapist for the Department of Children and Family, and Counseling Director at Blissful Wellness, as well as time spent serving the Wounded Warrior Project. Her advocacy work extends to improving access for parents of children with Autism and other related disorders, as well as raising awareness about disparities in Black maternal health, and volunteering at local homeless shelters, encouraging the delivery of mental health therapy services for those in need, In addition to mentoring young interns who wish to pursue careers as licensed therapist.
Ms. Carr holds several degrees, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Ashford University, a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Webster University, and a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from Southern California University. Her graduate research focused on improving the Maternal Mortality Rate which showcases her dedication to addressing crucial women’s health issues.
Ms. Carr’s work ethic, leadership abilities, attention to detail, and servant’s heart make her an invaluable asset to Phoenix House Florida. Her dedication to community programs and unwavering compassion align seamlessly with our principles of service.
VARSHA ELLANA
Director of Outpatient Services
Varsha Ellana joined Phoenix House Florida in 2024 as the Director of Outpatient Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and her previous experience includes time spent as a social worker for DaVita Dialysis Center and Brandon Regional Hospital, as well as experience as a Therapist with Tampa Community Hospital, a Substance Use Case Manager for Centerstone in Bradenton, and an Addiction Counselor with DACCO.
Ms. Ellana holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Florida as well as a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Saint Leo University. She is currently pursuing an MBA with a concentration in Health Care Management.
Ms. Ellana has a profound commitment to the well-being of every individual, and is dedicated to fostering a safe and therapeutic environment at Phoenix House Florida, where clients can receive the highest quality of treatment.
MARK ARMSTRONG
Human Resource Manager
Mark Armstrong leverages his 16 years of experience in Human Resources to manage Phoenix House Florida’s team of dedicated staff.
Mr. Armstrong joined Phoenix House Florida in 2024. His previous experience includes serving in the human resources department at Wyndham Garden Hotels as well as 7 years spent as the Organizational Development Manager, Human Resource Manager, and Team Manager for Training & Development at AT&T. He also holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, demonstrating his mastery of process improvement for greater efficiency and profitability within an organization.
Mr. Armstrong holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management & Administration from the College of Central Florida and a Master’s of Human Resource Management from Rasmussen University. He has a tradition of serving the community through volunteering with the homeless every Thanksgiving season. He has even written a book called “A Silent Cry” by Sincere Ronoldi, about a boy struggling with mental health and addiction during his adolescent years.
Medical Director
DR. RICHARD GUSHWA
Medical Director - Outpatient Program
Dr. Richard Gushwa has more than 47 years of experience as a psychiatrist and medical doctor. He is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, and is Board-certified in psychiatry and neurology. Dr. Gushwa joined Phoenix House Florida as Medical Director of our Outpatient programs in 2021.
Throughout his lengthy and prolific career, Dr. Gushwa has worked in a variety of fields and gained extensive experience that has continued to inform his practice. Many of his experiences have included working in inpatient drug detoxification and rehab. He is a retired Colonel, having served 20 years in the Army Medical Corp and practiced military psychiatry for 17 years. He has served as the medical director of a prison hospital, as a locum tenens doctor working in crisis stabilization units, detox units, and ER, and also has 10 years of experience in private practice as a family physician. Throughout his career, Dr. Gushwa has gained experience with various forms of mental illness, addiction, and forensics. He has developed and honed his ability to diagnose, treat, and manage the full spectrum of mental illness and addiction services.
When not practicing medicine, Dr. Gushwa enjoys spending his time golfing and traveling.