Our Staff
Administrative
Alan Furst, LCSW, Executive Director
Richard Caruana, MPA, FACHE, Administrative Director
Mr. Caruana has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare field with the last 20 years being dedicated to behavioral health. Mr. Caruana holds a Masters in Public Administration from Seton Hall University, with undergraduate degrees from Cornell University and Downstate Medical Center. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He has been the Administrative Director at CPI for the past 12 years. Previous to his employment at CPI, Mr. Caruana held several administrative positions at the Saint Barnabas Healthcare System in Livingston, New Jersey.
Jerry Fuller, LCSW, LCADC, Clinical Director
Mr. Fuller has over 16 years of experience as a social worker. Mr. Fuller holds a Masters of Social Work from Fordham University, with an undergraduate degree from Indiana University. He is a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed chemical addictions drug counselor. He has been employed at CPI for the past 9 years and has been the clinical director for the past 4 years. Before coming to CPI, Mr. Fuller had worked with developmentally disabled adults and was the director for Homeless Solutions.
Pankaj Bhandari, MD, Medical Director
George Georgiou, MS, MIS Coordinator
Mr. Georgiou has been with CPI for over 18 years. He is responsible for CPI’s medical and financial information systems. Mr. Georgiou has a Masters of Computer Science from Montclair State University.
Ruthann Fuchs, Administrator
Ruthann has worked at CPI for over 18 years. Prior to coming to CPI, Ruth Ann spent 8 years in the financial banking sector. She has an educational background in Court reporting and is a licensed real estate agent. Through her real estate experience, she assisted CPI in relocating to its new facility.
Throughout her tenure, Ruthann has been instrumental in CPI's organization, expansion and development. She is well known in the mental health community and is highly respected by clients and professionals alike.
Ruth Ann is deeply committed to her work at CPI and to improving the lives of the mentally ill and substance abuse population. In addition to CPI’s administration, she has developed an expertise with assisting clients in many critical areas such as budgeting, housing and financial entitlements. She can often be seen out in the community helping individuals in supportive housing and homeless shelters.
Ruth Ann’s door is always open. She greets clients and staff with a welcoming smile and a sincere desire to help.
Clinical
Jamie Chapka, CSW, Mental Health Associate
Ms. Chapka has over 20 years of substance abuse and mental health experience. She has been employed at CPI for over 12 years as a MICA counselor. Before coming to CPI, Ms. Chapka worked for Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health System as a substance abuse counselor.
Ruth Homer
Amy McCree, MSW, Mental Health Associate
Ms. McCree joined CPI in January of 2009. She holds a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University with and undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University. Ms. McCree has previous experience working at Mountainside Hospital on the psychiatric unit and at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women.
Michael Nwfar, BA, Mental Health Associate
Mr. Nwfar has over 12 years experience in behavioral health with 8 years dedicate to Substance abuse treatment. Mr. Nwfar joined CPI in 2007. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from New Jersey City University.
Edward Ramirez, BA, Mental Health Associate
Mr. Ramirez joined CPI in 2004. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University.
Marje Evans
Thomas Mickens, Mental Health Associate 2
Mr. Mickens has over 9 years working with the mentally ill. He has been working for CPI since 2005. Prior to his employment at CPI, Mr. Mickens worked as a counselor at community, a partial care program. He has also worked as a manager at a residential boarding home.
Keith Rich
Nancy Lawson, RN, Head Nurse
Ms. Lawson has worked in the behavioral health field for over 25 years. She has worked for CPI for 16 years as the head nurse. Ms. Lawson has a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Adelphi University.
Dionne Willerson, RN Nurse