Harmony Hills Staff

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Leadership

Melinda Marino, LCSW, QS

Executive Director

Melinda Marino, LCSW, is a distinguished mental health professional based in Florida, boasting a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from the prestigious University of Central Florida. With two decades of expertise in the field, and a decade of Licensed Expertise, Melinda’s journey includes a pivotal two-year role at Harmony Hills, where she ascended from Clinical Director to the esteemed position of Executive Director within a year. Her exceptional leadership has not only fostered growth within the team and organization but also exemplifies her unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond her professional endeavors, Melinda finds fulfillment as an avid Cheer Mom, balancing her dedication to her family with her passion for community engagement.

Dr. Eric Kaplan, M.D.

Medical Director

Eric Kaplan, M.D. graduated from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 1986. He completed a residency in Psychiatry at the University of South Florida of Medicine in 1990. Dr. Kaplan was Chief Resident at USF in the Department of Psychiatry.

Dr. Kaplan is a member of the Affiliate Faculty as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of South Florida.

Dr. Kaplan is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, the American Board of Forensic Medicine, and the American Board of Disability Analysts.

He has a private practice in Lutz, Florida where he treats patients who suffer from a variety of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders. In addition, Dr. Kaplan provides psychiatric consultation at NeuLifeRehab (residential rehabilitation facility specializing in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries). Previously, Dr. Kaplan was the Medical Director of Charter Hospital of Pasco, a mental health inpatient hospital.

Dr. Kaplan is the Chief Corporate Medical Officer for Lakeview Health, a company specializing in Addiction Residential and Outpatient Treatment.

He is a Forensic Psychiatrist providing the courts with expert opinions regarding a wide variety of criminal and civil issues.

Dr. Kaplan has participated in phase 3 and phase 4 research studies regarding psychiatric medications. He has published various articles in peer-reviewed journals. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Kaplan has lectured over 100,000 medical professionals, nationally and internationally.

Dr. Kaplan has consulted with various health and disability insurance companies during the past 25 years providing services including peer review, utilization review and quality of care issues. Dr. Kaplan was the Medical Director of Mental Health Services at Saint Augustine Health Care from 1995 to 2000, the first Medicaid HMO to provide carved-in Behavioral Health Services. Dr. Kaplan is currently a consultant for Consolidated Health Plans.

Credentials

University of Miami School of Medicine

University of South Florida School of Medicine

• Field Of Study Psychiatry

Chris Powell, LMHC -EMDR

Clinical Director

Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Law and a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling. Chris is Licensed in the State of Florida, National Certified Counselor, Certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and is attaining her certification in EMDR. Chris’ mental health career was started from parenting an autistic son and grew to a place of leadership in advocating for both mental health clients and those who serve this vulnerable population. Chris has a passion for her clients and therapists and strives to allow them to grow and flourish into the best version of themselves. Chris first came onto the team as a Primary Therapist and was quickly promoted to Lead Therapist after her naturally leadership showed. After spending time as the Lead Therapist Chris’ was promoted to Clinical Director to lead the clinical operations at Harmony Hills.

Kammie Barton

Director of Nursing

Kammie graduated from Ivy Tech in 1995 with her LPN and her RN in 1999. She returned to complete her BSN at Indiana Wesleyan in 2007. After working in a trauma ICU the first several years of her career, Kammie found her strength was in caring for those with mental illness and addictions. For the past 20 years she has done so in many settings including group homes, inpatient, outpatient, assertive community treatment (ACT) team, and residential treatment. She also enjoys working with nursing students and new nurses to educate and encourage them to seek careers in the mental health field.

Kim Jackson

Safety and Engagement Manager

Kimberly Jackson works at Harmony Hills as the Manager of the Safety and Engagement Department including direct are for our guest. I started in the health care field 8 years ago working with kids and adults with autism. Around 5 years ago, came to Harmony Hills and started out as a Behavior Health Tech after a couple of months I go a promotion to a Lead Behavioral Health Tech. My passion in this industry grew stronger and I wanted to get more involved with our guests in their aftercare. A Case Coordinator position became available, I applied for the position and I started my career as a Case Coordinator helping our guest with aftercare planning and appointment setting. About a year and a half later the Behavioral Health Tech Supervisor position became available. I wanted to continue to grow with our wonderful company, serve our guests and work collaboratively with a great team. I am very passionate about the care of our guests and helping them in their journey of life.