Our Staff
Ruth Ann Furst
Executive Director
Ruth Ann Furst has been a dedicated member of the CPI staff since 1992 and was recently promoted to be the agency’s Executive Director. During her 31 years at the CPI she has been instrumental in the continued expansion of CPI from being a small psychiatric clinic since its founding in 1972 to the multi-modal comprehensive behavioral health provider it is today.
Prior to her promotion Ruth Ann served many years as CPI’s Administrator with varied responsibilities including human resource protocols, financial planning, agency wide acquisitions, implementation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food program, building operations, community relations and overseeing client benefit eligibility issues.
Prior to coming to CPI, Ruth Ann worked in the field of banking and currently holds a license as a N.J. real estate agent. She was educated at the Hill Institute as a Court Reporter in the early 90's, completed four years of training as a Practitioner of New Thought teachings and is a certified Reiki practitioner.
Outside of CPI Ruth Ann treasures her time with her husband Alan Furst, L.C.S.W. who just retired after serving as CPI’s Executive Director for 51 years. She is a devoted animal lover, a TRN advocate and a supporter of wildlife.
Administrative Staff
Douglas Reichert, LPC, Associate Director
Doug Reichert was hired by CPI in 2019 as the agency’s Associate Director. It his role he is primarily responsible for the agency's day to day operations as well as ongoing regulatory compliance with all State and Federal agencies. With his clinical background Doug is routinely working to ensure that CPI is providing only the highest quality of services based upon evidence based practices.
Mr. Reichert earned his Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Springfield College (MA) in 1987, has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2008 and is a member of the American Counseling Association. He has over 38 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field and has held leadership positions in multiple organizations including Fair Oaks Hospital and Catholic Charities.
Outside of CPI Doug runs a private practice called Mainmont Counseling, does consulting work with other behavioral health organizations and enjoys family time as well as cheering on the Jets during the football season.
Amy Amadeo, LCADC, CCS, Director of Substance Abuse Counseling Services
Amy Amadeo is the Director of Substance Abuse Counseling Services at CPI and holds credentials as an LCADC and Certified Clinical Supervisor. With more than twenty-five years of experience in addiction treatment, she has served as the Clinical Supervisor of a detox program and as the Executive Director of a Medication Assisted Treatment program, roles that deepened her commitment to compassionate, client-centered care. At CPI, Amy is committed to enhancing client engagement by integrating educational presentations, community resource partners, and peer recovery groups into the program, which broadens client awareness and strengthens recovery outcomes.
Outside of CPI, she enjoys reading non-fiction, time with her family, and playing with her dog, River.
"Start everyday with new hope; leave bad memories behind and have faith for a better tomorrow."
George Georgiou, Management of Information Systems Director
George Georgiou was hired at CPI in 1991 soon after completing his Bachelor’s degree from Kean College in computer science and is an invaluable member of the leadership team at CPI. He is responsible for maintaining and protecting our computer network as well as for facilitating all billing activities at the agency. While at CPI George has constantly updated his technical skills and while working here full time completed his Master’s degree in computer science from Montclair State University in 2000.
Outside of work George enjoys spending time at home with his family, swimming and relaxing in the summer and having frequent contact with his extended family all over the world.
Melvin Gattis, LPC, ACS, Program Director
Melvin Gattis was hired as a Counselor at CPI in January of 2017 and has served as the Program Director of the Mental Health Partial Care program since March 2023. In this role, Mel oversees the day-to-day operations of this program, which regularly services over 125 adults each day.
Mel earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from New Jersey City University in 2002 and is a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as an Approved Clinical Supervisor.
Before his employment at CPI, Mel was employed as an In-Community Clinician, a Mental Health Screener, and a Forensic Mental Health Clinician. He worked with Big Brother & Big Sisters of Essex County, provided supportive counseling during the September 11th attacks at Jersey City Medical Center Supportive Services, and has provided services for military troops returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom during reintegration processing at the East Orange Veterans' Hospital.
Outside of work, Mel enjoys spending time with family and friends and looks forward to the good summer weather when he can ride his motorcycle.
Christopher Sivic, LPC, Assistant Program Director
Christopher Sivik first joined CPI in 2021, where he passed the National Counselor Examination (NCE) while working under the supervision of Melvin Gattis. During his time with CPI, he received training in trauma-informed care and developed a client-centered approach focused on understanding the whole person.
After leaving CPI, Christopher gained experience working with a variety of populations, including children, adolescents, adults, seniors, couples, and families. He also continued his training in trauma treatment using both verbal and non-verbal approaches.
Following a leave of absence, Christopher returned to CPI in June 2026 and is excited to continue serving clients as part of the CPI team.
Christopher earned his AA from Rutgers- Psychosocial Rehabilitation, BA from Kean- Psychology, MA from Capella.
Outside of work, Christopher enjoys spending time with his son and is known for always having a dad joke ready to help brighten someone's day.
Judi Ali, RN, Nurse Manager
Judi Ali was hired as a staff nurse at CPI in 2012 and has served as the Nurse Manager for many years. She is a wonderful nurse with a wealth of professional experience and her previous jobs have included a medical surgical staff nurse, a managed care specialist and a research supervisor. Judi is a Registered Nurse and a Certified Sexual Assault Examiner and as such she works part-time with the Union County Prosecutor’s office. She is also bilingual and nearly every year travels to different countries to volunteer her services where they are needed.
CPI has such high regard for Judi that she was bestowed the agency’s highest form of recognition. In 2022 Judi was named the first recipient of the William Hurst MD Lifetime Achievement Award for “displaying qualities of altruism and professionalism while caring for our clients’, with this award named after CPI’s founding psychiatrist.
Outside of work Judi enjoys creative activities, visiting museums and spending time with her very kind and talented family.
Kristen Minichiello, MA, Director of Admissions
Kristen is the leading member of the admissions and intake department, facilitating the client intake and insurance process. She was hired for CPI’s Mental Health Partial Care program as the Intake Coordinator in February of 2025 and has served as the Director of Admissions since March 2026.
She received her BA in Psychology from Kean University in 2010, and her MA of Forensic Psychology from Chicago School of
Professional Psychology in 2014. She is also currently pursuing her PhD in Forensic Psychology from Walden University.
Prior to employment at CPI, Kristen has worked with diverse populations across school, case management, jail diversion, and private practice settings for 15 years. Kristen values honesty, compassion, dedication, and genuine investment in each client's journey, believing that growth often comes through facing life's challenges with courage and support.
Her personal philosophy is simple: embracing difficult and uncomfortable experiences can foster resilience, build character, and create opportunities for lasting transformation.
In her free time, she values spending time with her two children and taking her family on trips and adventures.
Carmen Cioffi, MA, Assistant Administrator
Carmen Cioffi started working at CPI as an intern in 2018. Since then, he has been diligently working to understand CPI and its clients better. He currently oversees the maintenance staff and reports to Doug and Ruth Ann.
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Carmen earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Delaware in 2022 and his Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Louisiana State University in 2024.
Outside of work, Carmen enjoys spending time with his Fiance and cat Weasley. Carmen finds fulfillment in attending mass and enjoys playing Golf in his free time.
Amiy'Ra Mayweather, Office Manager
Amiy’Ra Mayweather started at CPI in 2014 and for many years has supervised all of the agency’s support departments including reception, transportation, kitchen services, security and medical records.
Outside of work Amiy’Ra volunteers her time working with the homeless as well as local youth groups and enjoys being with family and friends.
Clinical Staff
Susan Adams, APN, Advanced Practice Nurse
Susan Adams has been serving as an Advanced Practice Nurse at CPI since 2022.
Susan earned her bachelor’s degree at Glassboro State College in 1978. She became a Registered Nurse in 1987 and graduated from Monmouth University with a master’s degree in nursing in 2008. Susan is Board Certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center as an Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Susan has worked in several capacities, including Direct Care Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, Nurse Consultant, Nurse Educator, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with a variety of employers, including Fair Oaks Hospital, Princeton House, Trinitas Hospital, and Hackensack Meridian Health.
Outside of CPI, Susan enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends
Tracy Pitman, CADC, Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Tracy Pittman is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) here at CPI with more than 15 years of experience walking alongside individuals and families affected by addiction. Over the years, she has had the privilege of working in many different treatment settings—methadone programs, residential treatment, Mommy & Me programs, and outpatient substance abuse centers—and each has shaped how she shows up for the people she serves.
Her style is down‑to‑earth, honest, and rooted in the belief that recovery is possible when people feel seen, supported, and understood. She is passionate about helping clients rebuild their lives, reconnect with their strengths, and work through the realities of addiction with compassion and accountability.
When she is not working, you can usually find her spending time with her family, traveling, or cooking, all the things that keep her grounded and reminded of how important balance and joy are in the healing process.
Adriel Castor, MA, Intake Counselor
Adriel started working at CPI in November 2025 and is the counselor of the Newcomers group and a part of the intake team. Adriel currently oversees the new clients and helps adjust them into program services by discussing groups, schedules, and rules throughout the day.
Adriel received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Ramapo College in 2014. Adriel also has a master's degree in counseling psychology from Felician University in 2019.
Outside of work, Adriel runs his own volleyball league and plays a few days a week. Adriel also likes to travel, ballroom dance, and spend time with family.
Curtis Styles, MS, CADC, Primary Counselor
Curtis Styles has served as a Primary Counselor in the adult mental health partial care program since his hire at CPI in 2018. He has nearly 40 years of experience in the behavioral health field, and his specialty is helping clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues.
Curtis earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Tufts University in Medford, Mass., in 1979 and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2012. He is currently pursuing his LCADC.
Outside of CPI, Curtis is a professional musician/keyboardist and recording studio owner. He has been able to combine aspects by facilitating talent shows and music expression groups at the facility.
Crystal Nieves, MA, Primary Counselor
Crystal Nieves has been serving as a Primary Counselor in the adult mental health partial care program at CPI since 2024.
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Crystal earned here Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Bloomfield College in 2018 and her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology at Felician University in 2020.
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Outside CPI you can find Crystal around her friends and family as support systems are important and; leisure time includes singing and doing anything creative.
Caroline Boyle, MA, Intake Counselor
Caroline Boyle is the Intake Counselor for the adult mental health partial care program. She assists the Director of Admissions and the Primary Counselor for new clients to ensure and encourage acclimation to the program.
Caroline earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Monmouth University in 2024 and her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Montclair State University in 2026.
Outside of CPI, Caroline loves learning new languages, activities such as cooking and fitness, and spending time with friends and family.
Marie-Marthe Brillant, BA, RN, Nurse
Marie-Marthe Brillant has been serving as a Registered Nurse in the adult mental health partial care program since she was hired at CPI in 2021.
Marie-Marthe earned her Bachelor’s degree in French and English at Montclair State University in 1986, became a Registered Nurse in 1999, and completed her BLS and ACLS certificates in 2004.
Reshaping positive outlooks
"Our vision is to be the community based behavioral health care organization of choice. Services are delivered in a proactive, flexible and consumer driven fashion."