Nick Padlo
CEO
Erin Moran, LMHC
Vice President of Clinical Operations/Partner
Erin Moran is a licensed mental health counselor and certified group practitioner who originates from Orange County, New York. She received her Bachelor of Science from SUNY New Paltz and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida (UNF). She began her career as a therapist working at the UNF Counseling Center where her passion for group psychotherapy originated. She has since gained additional experience working as a therapist and clinical manager at a dual-diagnosis residential substance abuse treatment facility and an outpatient eating disorder facility. She opened her part-time private practice in 2016 and worked with adults and older adolescents seeking overall health and wellness in their lives.
Erin has been fortunate to work with people from diverse backgrounds, experiencing a variety of concerns, including various forms of addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, identity conflicts, histories of abuse, and relationship/family stress.
Erin’s therapy style incorporates client-centered, interpersonal-work, emotion-focused, and psycho-dynamic approaches. She believes in treating the whole person and working towards healing the mind, body, and spirit. Erin’s current passion involves establishing a safe and supportive work environment for her team.
Outside her time working as a therapist, leader, and business owner, Erin enjoys snuggling with her dog and cat, practicing yoga, watching Marvel shows/movies, and taking trips to the mountains.
Dr. John Kemerer
Medical Director
Dr. Kemerer is originally from Michigan. He went to college at Michigan State University and majored in chemistry. He earned his medical degree from A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed post graduate training at Michigan State University Bay Medical Center. Dr. Kemerer has an interest in family medicine, emergency medicine and medical treatment of substance abuse.
Dr. Kemerer has thirty years experience in family medicine, with special interest in emergency medicine and urgent care. He has experience with substance abuse treatment utilizing medically assisted treatment in private practice as well as with Ohio Valley Physicians. He has been an assistant professor of family medicine at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and the medical director of Ohio University Student Health Center.
Dr. Kemerer served in the United States Army Reserve. He resides in St. Augustine, Florida and lives with his wife, and enjoys life with his children. He likes biking, fishing and boating.
Veronica Vega, LMFT
Clinical Director
Veronica Vega is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, originally from Bronx, NY, who has called the Tampa Bay area home for over 15 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Ashford University and her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University’s Tampa location. She is also working on a doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Veronica’s experiences are varied. From community mental health, to working with Unaccompanied Immigrant Children, as well as private practice, and residential co-occurring disorder programs. She has worked with clients ranging in age from 5 – 92 years old, from diverse backgrounds, and with a wide array of concerns, including addictions, trauma, mood, and personality disorders, LGBTQIA+, couples and family issues. Though she loves working with individuals, couples and families, Veronica has a special passion for group work as well. She has gained leadership experience at various levels over the last four years working in residential co-occurring disorder facility and youth shelter facility.
Veronica’s therapy style is down to earth, non-judgmental, honest, and interactive. Overall, her approach is eclectic in nature, as she believes the best treatment is tailored to the individual client. Her approach combines humanistic, person-centered, experiential therapies as well as cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, mindfulness based, and narrative therapies.
On her free time, Veronica can be found spending time with family, friends, and her five dogs. She also enjoys reading, listening to music, traveling, and doing various forms of arts and crafts.
Aixa Marrero
Office Manager
Aixa Marrero brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as the Office Manager at Sophros Recovery Tampa. With a background in Marketing and Public Relations gained at Spaulding Decon and executive assistance honed at McKinsey & Company, Aixa is no stranger to the demands of dynamic professional environments.
A dedicated professional and proud mother of two wonderful teen boys, Aixa is passionate about creating positive and transformative recovery environments. Her journey in various roles has instilled in her a deep belief in the power of therapy and healing.
In her spare time, Aixa indulges in her love for suspense novels, continually immersing herself in thrilling narratives. Her curiosity extends to the olfactory world, where she enjoys sampling the latest perfume scents. A food enthusiast, Aixa is always on the lookout for new culinary experiences and loves exploring the diverse offerings of restaurants.
Aixa Marrero’s multifaceted background, coupled with her commitment to personal growth and well-being, makes her an integral part of the Sophros Recovery Tampa team. Her enthusiasm for creating a positive impact reflects not only in her professional endeavors but also in her personal pursuits.
Heather Rohan
Director of Customer Service/Business Development
Heather has been in the Healthcare industry for almost 20 years. Heather started in the Home Health sector helping seniors throughout the Tampa Bay area specializing in the Orthopedic division.
Heather moved into the Mental Health and Substance use disorder sector after experiencing how difficult it was for family members and clients to receive the help they need and not knowing where to begin this journey. Starting with support and getting all the information for the Admission process. Heather will help navigate this process and ensure the client receives the treatment needed. This has become a passion for Heather to assist the process go smoothly. Heather received her Business and Marketing Degree From DBCC.
Heather has one daughter Brooke who has a degree in Child Psychology and is now pursuing her passion in becoming a Corporate Pilot.
Heather is a lifetime Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan during football season and can catch her at the game most Sundays. Being at the beach or boating is one of my favorite pastimes. I also enjoy volunteering at the Tampa Theatre and various charities during the holidays.
Casey Torsey
Registered Nurse
Casey has over a decade of experience in nursing, specializing in inpatient recovery care. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Lakes Region Community College and Western Governors University, her dual expertise equips her to navigate the intricate intersection of healthcare and administration.
Casey is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the transformative journey of individuals struggling with addiction. She aspires to help others regain control of their lives and discover a renewed sense of purpose.
Casey’s commitment to the well-being of others extends beyond her professional life. She is a proud grandmother of 5 wonderful girls and loves family time. In her spare time, she finds joy in entertaining family and friends and creating moments of connection and laughter. She believes in the power of healing not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally. Volunteering at her church is a priority and reflects her dedication to community and service.
Calvin Alardo
Therapist
Calvin Alardo is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern in Florida with a passion for helping individuals recover from addiction, relationships issues, and trauma. Calvin studied psychology at Seton Hill University where he also played college football. Calvin became interested in psychology by his personal experience of seeing his father struggle with alcoholism and family members struggle with major depression.
While at Seton Hill University, he found his passion for the field of therapy after conducting research into adverse childhood experiences. He applied what he has learned in that research experience to his approach in therapy and healing from trauma. He continued his education at Webster University receiving his Masters in Mental Health Counseling. Calvin began his career doing outpatient counseling for non-profits and transitioned his career into residential settings working with clients diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. Through that experience he has gained specialized skills utilizing DBT, CBT, and Gestalt in his therapeutic approach.
Calvin uses his personal experience of being a therapist in long-term recovery and professional experience working in award winning treatment facilities to provide an integrated approach to his therapeutic style. “What you think you become.” – Buddha
Michele Bowers, LMHC
Senior Therapist
Michele is a Licensed Mental Health counselor, originally from Buffalo, NY she obtained her Master of Arts from Medaille College and spent her time working in an co-occurring outpatient clinic before moving to Tampa in 2020. In her time as a therapist Michele has had the opportunity to work with both and adults and adolescents from diverse backgrounds struggling with unique concerns ranging from anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, trauma, high risk youth, addiction, and individuals coping with severe and persistent mental illness.
Michele believes that her number one priority as a therapist is creating a safe and authentic environment to provide individuals with a space for healing and transformation. She draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches to deliver a unique approach that is custom fit to the individual. She enjoys drawing from a variety of holistic approaches and loves to use psycho-dynamic, solution focused and acceptance and commitment frameworks to assist clients in creating transformations that ascend into every area of their lives. Michele’s favorite part of being a therapist is watching her clients put all the pieces together and watching the inner alchemy unfold as they transform their lives and worlds around them.
Outside of work Michele enjoys the beach, trips to Disney World, cooking, watching football (Go Bills!), hiking, kayaking, and being an advocate for Congenital Heart Defect research and peer support as well as having a passion for suicide prevention and advocacy.
Linda Parsons
Business Development
Linda has been in the Healthcare industry for 20+ years, with at least half of those being in the Mental Health/Behavioral Health realm. Linda’s background is diverse, in that she has worked with individuals of all ages, in the foster care, mental health, behavioral health, and home health settings, in the capacities of both Social Work and Business Development.
Linda is excited to be bringing her knowledge and experience to the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder/Dual Diagnosis sector, specifically at Sophros, as she is a believer and proponent of a Holistic approach and the importance and efficacy of treating the whole person for successful outcomes. The alignment of the Sophros treatment model with Linda’s own belief and experience with Holistic medicine, mindfulness and meditation practices will prove a seamless transition into her role with Sophros.
Linda has two (2) adult daughters, ages 24 & 24, with her youngest being a new member of the Space Force and her oldest working on a degree in Behavior Modification. When she’s not spending as much time with her daughters as possible, Linda is an avid reader, enjoys creative writing, is immersed in the amazing Tampa art community and enjoys the relaxation and peace that comes with Yoga, mindfulness practices and medication.
Linda is also a former professional photographer and still spends time behind the lens as much as possible.
