COMMUNITY
PSYCHIATRIC
Behavioral Health and
Substance Abuse Treatment
973.673.3342
INSTITUTE
Alan Furst
Excecutive Director
"Start everyday with new hope; leave bad memories behind and have faith for a better tomorrow."
Alan Furst, LCSW, Executive Director
Alan N. Furst, LCSW was introduced to the helping professions by his father, the late William Furst, MD. Community Psychiatric Institute, a dream of Alan and his father was founded in 1972 providing evidence-based psychiatric and addiction treatment. Alan earned his masters in Social Work with a specialization in casework and group work from Rutgers University in 1974.
Alan has steered the course and development of CPI from a small psychiatric clinic in the early 1970’s to a multi-modal comprehensive behavioral health and substance use treatment organization. CPI began with two staff and has grown to over 40 professional and support staff today. Alan developed one of the first free standing mental health partial hospitals in New Jersey for young adults in 1980. He is responsible for the overall management, program development, personnel deployment and for infusing CPI’s spirit and carrying on his dad legacy. Today, CPI is widely recognized and highly respected.
Alan is married and the proud father of 2 children. His daughter, Jill Furst, NP, is a Nurse Practitioner, a recent graduate of Columbia University and has followed in her grandfather and father's footsteps. Jill accepted a position providing psychiatric services and medication management to homeless mentally ill women in New York City.
"Always end your day with a positive thought. Now matter how things are, tomorrow is another chance to make things better."
Douglas Reichert, LPC, Administrative Director
Doug Reichert has over 35 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field. He is a member of the American Counseling Association, has a Master's and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Rehabilitation Counseling from Springfield College (MA), is a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Approved Clinical Supervisor.
Mr. Reichert joined CPI in May of 2019 as the agency's Administrative Director. 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.
Prior to his employment at CPI, Mr. Reichert worked in many levels of behavioral healthcare including inpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, outpatient and in-home services and had been previously employed at several quality organizations including Elizabeth General Medical Center, Fair Oaks Hospital and Catholic Charities.
Ruth Ann Furst, Adminstrator
Ruth Ann is the Administrator at CPI and has been a dedicated member of the staff since 1992. With over 27 years experience in the mental health arena, Ruth Ann has been instrumental in the development, direction and expansion of CPI as a dually licensed mental health and substance abuse treatment facility.
Ruth Ann is responsible for Human Resource protocols, Financial planning, agency wide acquisitions, implementation of the US Department of Agriculture Food program, and overseeing many program functions. Additionally, she supervises all client benefit eligibility issues and is the point person for all agency Marketing and community relations.
Prior to coming to CPI, Ruth Ann worked in the field of banking. She was educated at the Hill Institute as a Court Reporter in the early 90's. She has completed 4 years of training as a Practitioner of New Thought teachings and is a certified Reiki practitioner. Additionally, she currently holds a license as a NJ real estate agent.
Ruth Ann is a devoted animal lover and has rescued and placed dozens of homeless pets found over the years at CPI. She is the proud owner of Mitzi a rescued ShihTzu – Yorkie mix.
George Georgiou, MS, MIS Director
Mr. Georgiou has been with CPI since 1991. He has a Masters of Computer Science from Montclair State University. His experience in computers supports CPI’s extensive computer network system. He is also responsible for CPI’s medical and financial information systems.
George has developed a detailed network of training programs for all new employees and assists in the presentation of a myriad of in-service programs.
"Faith, hope, and patience are the key to things getting better. Just give it another day."
Kayla Ray, LPC, LCADC, Clinical Director
Kayla began her career at CPI in 2016. She earned her Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Columbia College. Kayla has been in the field for several years and has a variety of experience in many areas. She has worked previously in other outpatient programs as well as experience working with both children and adults.
Kayla is responsible for the clinical oversight, programming and clinical staffing at CPI along with participating in the development of the organization. One of her main goals at CPI is to work with Staff so they can help Clients make changes and reach their highest level of functioning.
At CPI Kayla currently provides supervision to staff interns who are pursuing their CADC/LCADC and provides individual sessions for Drug Court, SAI and DCPP clients. In addition, she works with NJSAMS intakes, assessments and LOCI's.
Kayla is the proud mother of 4 amazing kids. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her children, watching football and caring for her cat and dog.
Frank Ostella, DO, Medical Director
Dr. Ostella has been the Medical Director of CPI since 2020. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Montclair State University and a MS in Biology from Fairleigh Dickenson University. He received his DO in General Medicine from Nova Southeastern University in 1995. He is currently also an Adjunct Professor in the Psychology Department at Caldwell University and a Visiting Professor of Human Anatomy at the College of St. Elizabeth. His responsibilities at CPI include psychiatric evaluations, Medication Management and Psycho-education and educating the staff on various mental health protocols. He has extensive experience with co-occurring and SPMI populations and prior to coming to CPI he has provided community based psychiatric management at PACT programs throughout NJ.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Ostella was involved in cancer research studying and evaluating monoclonal antibodies. He enjoys working with patients and staff and always has a warm welcome to everyone at CPI.
Judi Ali, RN Nurse Manager
Judi joined CPI in 2012, fortifying our competence with over 38 years of experience in the medical field. Judi holds an Associate Degree from Interfaith Medical School of Nursing and a Diploma in Spanish language from CEDA (Dominican Republic). Her certifications include Substance abuse CADC (Pending), Forensics (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), FEMA and Red Cross Emergency Management.
Ms. Ali’s background includes Psychotherapy, Substance Abuse, Medical Surgical, Forensic, Public Health and Emergency Management. She has worked administratively at Trinitas Regional Medical and Cornell-Weill in New York City.
Manuel Ramirez, RN, Nurse
"Manny" joined CPI in 2022. He has been in the nursing field for over 24 years and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from St. Elizabeth University as well as an Associate Degree in Psychiatric Technology and an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Ventura College.
Mr. Ramirez has an extensive background and experience working with patients with Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse historys as well as adolescents, adults and geriatric psychiatric populations.
Paige Osborn, MA, Intake Coordinator
Paige began working at CPI in 2021. She has a BS in Cognitive-Neuro Science from Union College and and an MA in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Paige is CPI's key contact for coordinating referrals and intakes. She has experience working with assessments and discharge planning and has a background in completing utilization reviews and working with prior authorizations. She enjoys working with clients to assist in connecting them with community resources. She has assisted homeless individuals in finding shelter and linking them to services which help foster independence and self-sufficiency.
Alyssa Cox, MA, Counselor
Alyssa began working at CPI in 2021. She has a BA in Literature from SUNY Purchase and and an MA in Clinical Counseling from Montclair State University.
In her spare time, Alyssa enjoys listening to music.
Curtis Styles, MS, Counselor
Curtis has been a counselor at CPI since 2018 and has 39 years experience in behavioral health & substance abuse. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Tufts University in Medford, Mass. in 1979 and an MS in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2012. He is currently pursuing his LCADC through NJPN (New Jersey Prevention Network)
Prior to working at CPI Curtis worked at the Beth Israel Medical Center in their Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program in NYC with over 400 clients. He began working as an Addictions Counselor and was promoted and worked as the Clinic Supervisor for over 6 years. Curtis also worked as a Senior Counselor for the Kintock Group for 3 years in Community Corrections at a Halfway House for men where he managed a caseload of 40 clients. In addition, he worked at Care Plus of New Jersey as an Addictions Specialist for the PACT program where he provided outreach counseling, assisted with medication management and social service appointments.
Curtis enjoys working in the Behavioral Health & Addictions field "fulfilling his love for helping others." He is also a professional musician/keyboardist and recording studio owner. He has been able to combine aspects from both careers while achieving his professional goals. At CPI he has taken the initiative to facilitate specific Music Expression groups.
Daniel Feinstein, LSW, Counselor
Dan began working at CPI 3 years ago as a counselor. He has a Bachelor's degree in Communications and a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. In addition, he has completed a pre-vocational training program and as CPI's Workforce Coordinator he assists clients with learning the employment skills necessary to apply for future potential working opportunities.
Previous to working at CPI, Dan worked as a job counselor at Jespy House for 5 years. His prior experience includes working for 5 years as a day program counselor & 5 years as a recreational counselor.
In his spare time, Dan enjoys movies, being outdoors and traveling. He loves music and attending concerts. He is also a sports enthusiast and a big Knicks, Giants and Yankees fan.
Anna Farmer, LSW, Counselor
Anna joined CPI in July of 2018. She has a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from Tulane University and a Master's of Social Work from NYU. She is a primary counselor at CPI where she facilitates groups and conducts individual sessions with clients.
While earning her MSW, Anna interned in a high school setting doing individual counseling as well as at Summit Oaks Hospital in their inpatient department doing group therapy, assessments and discharge therapy. She currently still maintains a position at Summit Oaks Hospital.
Outside of CPI Anna enjoys reading, gaming, attending fan conventions and catching up on Netflix.
Doug Wythe, LSW, Counselor
Doug started working at CPI in 2019. He obtained a Bachelor's of Fine Arts from the University of South Carolina and a Master's of Social Work from Rutger's University.
Prior to working at CPI, Doug interned at The Addiction Institute at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, where he provided individual counseling in the Opiod Treatment Program, led DBT groups, co-led CBT and co-occurring groups in the IOP and In-patient programs. Doug also interned at DCP&P in Plainfield, NJ, assisting in case management. This is Doug's 2nd career. In his earlier work, Doug was an Emmy winning television producer and production company owner.
Doug is a parent, and owner of 2 dogs and a cat and amateur gardener. In what's left of his free time Doug enjoys performing in Cabarets in the NYC area.
Shipra Sinha, MA, Counselor
Shipra began working at CPI in early 2019. She has a BA in Psychology and Anthropology from Lucknow University in India and a MA in Psychology from Vinayak Mission University. Prior to coming to CPI she worked in an array of different psychiatric settings.
She is grateful to work in a field where she can meaningfully impact lives.
In her spare time Shipra enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Joya Thompson, MA, Counselor
Joya began working at CPI in early 2021. She has a BS in Graphic Communications from Kean University and a MA in Counseling from Kean University as well. Prior to coming to CPI she worked as a College Advisor and Counselor.
In her spare time Joya enjoys listening to music.
Dayana Yepez, BS, Counselor
Dayana began working at CPI in 2022 as a Counselor. She has a BS in Psychology from Montclair State University and an Associate's degree in Social Science and Psychology from Essex County College.
Melvin Gattis, LPC
Melvin started working at CPI in January of 2017 as a counselor. He has a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from New Jersey City University and a Bachelor's of Science degree in Health Science with a specialization in Community Health.
In the past, Melvin was employed as an Intensive In Community Clinician for 6 years, as a Mental Health Screener for 6 years and as a Forensic Mental Health Clinician for 8 years. Melvin has worked primarily with the youth population & adults in corrections and crisis settings. He has worked with Big Brother & Big Sisters of Essex County and provided supportive counseling during the September 11th attacks at Jersey City Medical Center Supportive Services. He also provided services for military troops returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom during re-integration processing at the East Orange Veteran's Hospital.
Shanoy Thompson, MA, Counselor
Shanoy began working at CPI in 2021 as a Counselor. She received her BA in Psychology from Rider University and MA in Clinical Psychology from Montclair State University.