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.

Mr. Caruana has been the Administrative Director at CPI for over 15 years. Previous to his employment at CPI, he held several administrative positions at the Saint Barnabas Healthcare System in Livingston, New Jersey.

Patricia Alagna, LCSW, CCS, Clinical Director
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Vincente Lim, MD, Medical Director

George Georgiou, MS, MIS Coordinator  Mr. Georgiou has been with CPI for over 20 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 20 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, Senior Counselor  Ms. Chapka has over 20 years of substance abuse and mental health experience. She has been employed at CPI for over 15 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, LSW, Mental Health Associate

Krystina Pazoga, BA, Mental Health Associate

Mauricio "Max" Rodriguez, MSHS, Counselor  Mr. Rodriguez has over 10 years in the healthcare profession, the last 4 years being a counselor at CPI. Beside providing case management for the clients, he faculitates group couseling which includes several specialty groups, such as, a Bi-lingual Spanish Culture group and a Pre-Vocational group.

Prior to his working at CPI, Max worked for several other ogranizations in the Human Services field including ICMS, Mount Carmal Guild/ Catholic Charity Services and the Division of Aging in Union County. 

Mr. Rodriguez holds a Masters Degree in Human Services and Administration and a Bachalors Degree from Drew University.

Vanessa Denotaris, BA, Counselor

Tiffany Barthelemy, BS, Counselor

Brian Pytlik, Counselor

Bilal Simms, BA, CADC, CCS, Substance Abuse Counselor

Margaret DiPietro, Counselor

Thomas Mickens, Mental Health Associate   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, MA, Counselor

Judi Ali, RN,

Gift Horn, RN