Meet The Team

Massiel Effron is the – of Legacy Healing Center responsible for leading the operations of our facility. She works closely with senior management to develop a program that is true to her core values which include overall mental and physical health. Massiel earned her BA in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University graduating Summa Cum Laude. For the past decade Massiel has developed a passion for helping alcoholics and addicts find recovery. She is driven to help those suffering with addiction not only find sobriety but create a new future filled with hope. Massiel takes pride in her team’s commitment to carryout Legacy Healing Center’s vision.

Mr. Marc Effron, Founder of Legacy Healing Center is a seasoned financial services professional who spent more than 20 years in annuity and mutual funds sales, training and consulting. He is a renowned motivational speaker and enjoys coaching his sons’ athletic teams, and making an impact in his local community. Mr. Effron, a person who has been affected thru family and friends by the disease of addiction, felt compelled to improve the quality of care, treatment and service in the South Florida behavioral health space. After the birth of his second son he became overwhelmed to act, he thought, “GOD forbid either of my sons needed help, I would not be comfortable sending them to most rehabs in South Florida, as they wouldn’t meet my personal standard.” After numerous accomplishments in the financial field, Mr. Effron, chose to follow his dream. He created a professional behavioral health organization prided on fostering an environment of ladies and gentlemen leading ladies and gentlemen into recovery. Mr. Effron often states, “I want to create a behavioral health company that I would feel confident sending my own children to. Which is why Legacy Healing Center, needs to operate at the highest standard. My vision is to fundamentally operate ethically while providing premier quality of care.” Legacy Healing Center offers a holistic approach to healing through psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, exercise and nutrition. It’s a program that offers an opioid alternative to chronic pain management in the form of physical therapy, acupuncture and massage therapy. Mr. Effron also believes in annual recovery check-ups and uses recovery/sober coaches to help with re-integration into society. Mr. Effron is responsible for the daily operations of Legacy Healing Center and reports directly to the clients he serves.

Mr. Levin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Addiction Professional, Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Mental Health Professional, Certified Daring Way Facilitator and Certified Rising Strong Facilitator. Mr. Levin graduated Summa Cum Laude from Florida Atlantic University in 2004. While at FAU, Mr. Levin completed an internship at The House of Hope, helping dual diagnosed patients released from jail or prison re-integrate into society. Academic excellence continued as Mr. Levin received his master’s degree from Barry University, with a perfect 4.0 G.P.A. While at Barry, Mr. Levin completed an internship at Victim Services Center of Miami, where he was trained in Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR), and assisted individuals afflicted with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder to better cope with their symptoms. Upon commencement from Barry University in 2005, Mr. Levin began his mission of “fighting” the disease of addiction. Mr. Levin has spent the past thirteen years working in residential substance abuse treatment here in South Florida; “I feel extremely grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to help individuals and their families, afflicted with this heinous disease, gain closure with regards to their traumatic pasts, cultivate a recovering identity and develop hope for a brighter future”. Mr. Levin believes that addiction is a primary medical disease not a moral deficiency. “Most individuals and families that I have the privilege of treating typically ask me how or why this happened, and I explain to them that while a genetic predisposition is the number one risk factor in contracting the disease, the environment that an individual grows up in plays an important role as well. Mr. Levin believes in a multi-modal approach consisting of the timely application of psychopharmacology, psychotherapy and 12-step self-help support groups.

Dr. Ashish Bhatt, MD is recognized as one of Florida’s leading physicians, addiction medicine specialists and psychiatrists. He is often sought out to provide lectures, education and trainings regionally and throughout the country, providing expertise on the topics of behavioral health and addiction. He is known to be “exacting and precise”, taking a comprehensive approach to all patient diagnostic assessments and treatment. Dr. Bhatt is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in both Adult Psychiatry as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. This expertise allows him to recognize various illness which occur throughout the lifespan. Dr. Bhatt is also board certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine as well as a Certified Medical Review Officer, (MRO). He completed his fellowship training at The University of Miami at Jackson Memorial Hospital and also served as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami. He has served in many prestigious roles throughout his medical career, from the Chief and Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Inpatient and Emergency Crisis at UM/Jackson Memorial Hospital as well as Director of the Adult Intensive Unit at Jackson Memorial, in addition to extensive administrative and executive medical leadership roles in both the public and private sectors of the healthcare industry.”

Mr. Benfaida is a Florida Board Certified Recovery Support Specialist serving as the Program Director at Legacy Healing Center of Margate while completing his BSW at Florida International University, with aspirations of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Travis’ passion and desire to fight the disease of addiction originated in 2012, when he was introduced to recovery through the South Florida model of treatment for a five-year opioid addiction, stemming from a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained while playing college basketball at The University of Central Florida. Through the grace of God, Alcoholics Anonymous and his personal determination, perseverance and work ethic, Travis will be celebrating five years sober in April of 2017. Having transformed his life from a state of darkness and depression into one full of gratitude and enthusiasm for any, and all opportunities, Travis’ experience, compassion and leadership allow for him to create a successful work environment for himself, staff, clients and their families.

Ms. Gonzalez is the Operations Manager at Legacy Healing Center of Margate. Damaris achieved her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from South University in Palm Beach, Florida. As Operation’s Manager, Ms. Gonzalez oversees the administrative office and is also the first point of contact as intake coordinator when clients admit into the program. “When clients’ arrive they are scared, angry and depressed. I want to welcome them, orient them and let them know that they will be ok. I’ve witnessed family and friends, throughout my life, struggle with addiction, and that was what attracted me to the industry.” Ms. Gonzalez plans on furthering her education and becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor so that she may continue to work with, and have a positive impact on those who need it most. “I don’t believe in giving your past decisions the power over who you are in the future. I believe that anyone can achieve their goals if they give it their all.”

Mr. Perez is a Florida Board Certified Recovery Support Specialist serving as our Director of Case Management. Cody’s drive and passion to helping others can be attributed to living through and surviving a disease, we strive to overcome; Addiction. “I tried several times to get clean and sober, but nothing ever worked until I found God and surrendered to this process. I believe everybody has a chance to become successful and nobody should be left behind.” Having been an addict for nearly 10 years, Mr. Perez was no stranger to the recovery program, but in April 2011 something changed. He accepted God was in control leading him down the path he needed to take but it was up to Cody to take the right path when he came to that inevitable fork in the road. April 2011 was the last time he walked into recovery needing help to get clean. Now his fight is to help others find that path and lead them to success the way he was lead, with support and God on his side. It is through this strength, courage, and passion that Cody is enrolled in school to become a Certified Addiction Counselor and become a Nationally Certified Recovery Support Specialist. No one said the fight would be easy, but it is possible.

Alicia Marlieb, M.Ed is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for the State of Florida. She has received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida Atlantic University. She has assisted in the recovery of many with depression, anxiety, anger, frustration and family conflict. She has specified experiences with those with severe and persistent mental illness including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD and panic disorder. She pursued mental health counseling due to her passion for helping people, her compassionate understanding and comprehensive problem solving skills. She provides a nurturing environment to help clients feel comfortable addressing negativity in their lives to pursue happiness as well as mental, emotional health and wellness.

Tatiana St. Germain is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor here in the State of Florida. She received her Bachelors of Science majoring in Psychology from the University of Florida, and her Master of Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. For the last 8 years, Tatiana has worked with individuals from a diverse population of social, cultural, and ethnic background struggling with substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, spirituality and other issues. Tatiana has a strong belief in empowering individuals to awaken their confidence and live their purpose despite of what has occurred in their lives. She uses a client-centered, humanistic approach which helps in providing individualized treatment tailored to the needs of the person. Besides being passionate to help those in need, she is also passionate to provide guidance and support to those who work one on one with her in the field of substance abuse and mental health.

Hello! My name is Ashley Bayliss, and I’m a soon to be LCSW. I grew up in Melbourne Beach Florida until attending Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. I earned a double Bachelors in Psychology and Social Work, before continuing on to my MSW and licensure. I have always been fascinated by human behavior and neurobiology, and helping others has always been in my nature. I utilize multiple modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and emotion focused therapy, as well as mindfulness, breath work, and expressive art therapy. I believe my compassion and authenticity create a safe environment for my clients to grow and learn about how to live a sober lifestyle.

Eileen Somerville is a licensed mental health counselor and certified addictions professional, who earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Florida International University. Eileen has ten years of experience working with mental health issues of all types and substance abuse addiction. As a therapist, Eileen believes that she is gifted in her ability to empower others to find their truth, use their voice, and actualize their maximum potential. The framework for which this is done, is primarily a humanistic approach that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy. Eileen also utilizes the spirituality component and it’s power in an individual’s life to revive the hope that many are yearning for or have been missing. Eileen is dedicated to fostering a nurturing yet challenging environment for her clients, where the dynamic is supportive yet effective in eliciting change. Through motivation and encouragement via an authentic connection, Eileen is able to help those she counsels who suffer from addiction, to obtain long lasting intimate relationships with themselves and their loved ones. Eileen’s passion is ultimately to make a profound difference in her client’s lives and assist them in establishing a solid relationship with sobriety long term.

Bio coming soon

Bio coming soon

Joe is originally from Cape Cod, MA. He has a bachelors degree in sociology from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY. Joe was also an All-American collegiate football player for Hartwick college as well. Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the legacy team, having served in the public sector as a law enforcement officer for 9 years (K-9, SWAT and Interview Interrogation). Joe has also worked as a Adolescence social worker for the Massachusetts Department Of Family And Children. Joe worked in the private sector for many years as well. First as a clinician in the substance abuse field and for the past 5 years a business developer. Joe has devoted his life to helping alcoholics live a better life and break the stigma of addiction. In fact, the stigma of addiction was the inspiration for Joe’s senior thesis while at Hartwick College. Joe’s core principles are hard work, perseverance and determination. You can hear Joe say daily “everyone loves a comeback” in motivating and implementing hope with people struggling with addiction. In Joe’s current position as Director of Business Development, he has developed tight-knit relationships with alcohol and substance abuse facilities nationwide. Joe has a proven track record in admissions and marketing with 7 years experience in the substance abuse and mental health field. Joe is passionate about assisting clients and their families throughout the recovery process, using his expertise in addiction and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) in an effort to create a life worth living….

Michael DePasquale who is the Director of Business Development was born and raised in East Greenwich, RI. Michael attended the University of Rhode Island where he studied in communication. His addiction started in his early teen years and as it progress he was eventually stripped of everything. Moving to Florida and having to restart he realized the only way out was through God and the twelve steps of A.A. His passion in helping other stems from his own struggles. He has worked in the addiction field for several years. As the Director of Business Development he develops relationships in the community along with other substance abuse facilities nation wide. Michael believes a person finds his or her true self through struggle and overcoming life’s obstacles.

Bio coming soon

Bio coming soon

Bio coming soon

Bio coming soon

Bio coming soon