Raritan Bay inpatient team
LeoDante Ognibene
Chief Executive Officer RCA at Raritan Bay
As Chief Executive Officer at Raritan Bay, LeoDante Ognibene, leads Recovery Centers of America at Raritan Bay’s day-to-day operations, overseeing all aspects of the facility, including both inpatient and outpatient services.
Ognibene joined RCA in 2019 as the Corporate Director of Nursing – medical detox/mental health/residential. In this position, he was responsible for the management of all nursing and nursing ancillary personnel. Ognibene supported and directed daily operations of 10 inpatient acute facilities, four medication-assisted treatment (MAT) locations and outpatient services to include intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP) programs servicing thousands of patients daily.
His extensive experience across the health care spectrum, including in acute care, behavioral health, and substance use disorder settings, has prepared him to meet both the center’s operational goals and RCA’s standard of excellence.
Ognibene’s dedication to serving the community and state extends into his role as a commissioned officer as a Clinical Nurse in the New Jersey Air National Guard.
Ognibene earned his registered nurse (RN) degree from Temple Northeastern Hospital School of Nursing and his Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) from Thomas Edison State University. He is expected to earn his Master of Science in nursing (MSN) from Thomas Edison State University in 2025.
Tacy Flora
Administrative Manager, RCA at Raritan Bay
Tacy Flora has more than 25 years of experience in administrative and office operations. Tacy oversees all administrative functions and ensures that daily operations are performed in a timely and efficient manner. As part of her responsibilities, she serves on the employee engagement committee and assists in patient art groups and event planning. Tacy joined RCA at Raritan Bay in 2019 as an administrative assistant. As its first hire, she was responsible for helping build the center from the ground up and has experience working across multiple departments.
Tacy is deeply committed to RCA’s mission to save lives, having helped a close family member with their own addiction battle. Her compassion for those struggling with substance abuse set Tacy on the path to obtain her certification as peer recovery specialist. She has a “pro-patient” mindset and remains an advocate of maximum-length treatment.
Patricia Pugliese
HR Business Partner, RCA at Raritan Bay
Patricia Pugliese has 16 years of experience working in the human resources industry.
Patricia joined RCA at Raritan Bay in 2021. Previously, she worked in various HR roles across the retail and IT industries. Patricia is passionate about helping people, engaging teams, and giving back to her community. She enjoys being part of a dedicated, mission-driven team that allows her to use her background to support a company devoted to saving lives.
Patricia earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers University and is a Society for Human Resource Management certified professional.
Danielle Rivera
Admissions Director, RCA at Raritan Bay
Danielle Rivera has 12 years of experience working with individuals who have mental health and substance use disorders. Her day-to-day focus includes case management as well as program development and implementation. As admissions director, Danielle ensures that all patients feel welcomed and supported, and she assists in removing any barriers to treatment. Danielle joined RCA at Raritan Bay in 2022. She previously managed an opioid overdose response program in Philadelphia.
Danielle has a life-long passion for helping others. As the child of someone in recovery, RCA at Raritan Bay’s mission is very personal to her and it inspires her tireless work to help patients access the care they need.
Danielle earned her undergraduate degree in correctional administration and addiction counseling from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health.
Phillip Palmer, BSN, RN-BC
Director of Nursing, RCA at Raritan Bay
Phillip Palmer brings more than 12 years of acute care experience to RCA at Raritan Bay, working within the inpatient psychiatric, detox, and telemetry units. As director of nursing, Phillip directs, plans, and coordinates the activities and education of more than 65 nursing personnel in addition to ensuring regulatory compliance and high-quality clinical care.
Phillip joined RCA at Raritan Bay in 2022 and brings a wealth of experience in the behavioral health field from top-tier healthcare facilities in New Jersey. Phillip recently served as the director of an acute adult psychiatric unit and emergency department crisis center. He previously worked as a manager, staff nurse, and acute nurse. He is a member of the American Nurses Association, New Jersey Nurses Association, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and National Association of Health Services Executives. In his spare time, he is a volunteer firefighter and mentor.
Phillip earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Rutgers University. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in nursing education at American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University.
Ashley Natale
Nurse Training Manager
I was born a caretaker. From my late teens, I served as an EMT learning all about emergency care on every level. My next stop in my journey was moving to California and starting nursing school. During this, I worked in the Naval hospital caring for the Active-duty military on a med-surge unit. Amid all of this, I gave birth to my first-born daughter. Through caring for her I then started caring for expectant mothers throughout their pregnancies, birth, and postpartum as a Nurse Doula and lactation consultant. My next feat was nursing in correctional healthcare in a woman’s prison and a men’s state prison. With this experience, I soon found my passion in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing. In 2019 when the opportunity arose at RCA I was compelled to apply for the position as a staff nurse. I started shortly after with RCA and fell in love with the opportunity and professionalism of this company. After a short time of working as a staff nurse, I was promoted to a Nurse Case Manager and then to a Nurse Training Manager. My goal is to grow with Recovery Centers of America and to “save a million lives.”
Stephanie Lupo
Utilization Review Supervisor
Stephanie earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Monmouth University and has worked with many different populations within the mental health field. Stephanie joined RCA in 2019 and began as a UR coordinator. She quickly found her passion in UR and has recently stepped up as Manager of UR and Finance at Raritan Bay.
Marguerite Warner
Senior Alumni Coordinator at Raritan Bay
If you would like to get in contact with Marguerite regarding alumni volunteer opportunities, events, or meetings for RCA at Raritan Bay, please email [email protected].
Marguerite has worked in treatment for 9 years and joined the RCA team at Raritan Bay in May of 2019 as 12 Step Recovery Instructor. Educating patients on how to effectively work a program of action, treating the Mind, Body and Spirit. Marguerite’s passion for recovery and understanding of the importance in developing a strong sober network is what led her to the position of Regional Alumni Coordinator where she can support patients and their families throughout their journey to achieving long-term recovery.
What do you hope to accomplish as an Alumni Coordinator?
As Raritan Bay’s Alumni Relations Coordinator, my hope is to guide our patients, alumni, and their families through the process of building a strong support network. While recovery does require work and commitment, we cannot lose site of the joy that comes with embracing a new way of life and having fun along the way.
In your opinion, why do you believe an alumni program is so important for those who want to achieve long-term recovery?
We can do together what we cannot do alone. Addiction breeds isolation, connecting with others focused on their recovery produces Hope and provides the needed strength along the way. Getting involved with Alumni activities and volunteer opportunities builds a strong foundation in recovery.
What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?
Having the opportunity every day to make a difference in another person’s life is what I enjoy the most about my work. Planting the seed of hope and watching it begin to grow is the greatest gift.
What is your favorite quote, and why?
My favorite quote is – “Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” Carl Jung
This quote reminds me to look within each day and to live with an awakened Spirit.
Sharon Cartwright
Clinical Director
Sharon is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor and National Certified Counselor with over ten years’ experience in a variety of treatment environments including detoxification, residential, halfway house, and intensive outpatient treatment. Sharon earned her master’s degree in Counseling at Kean University where she is currently an adjunct professor in their Counselor Education Department.
Sharon employs a person-centered counseling approach utilizing evidenced-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Mindfulness Based Interventions rooted in cultural competency to ensure the best possible client care.
Dr. Andrew Youssouf
Medical Director
Dr. Andrew Youssouf is double board certified in both Addiction Medicine and Emergency Medicine. He was a frontline ER doctor for over a decade, witnessing and treating the fallout from addiction. These experiences inspired him to come to RCA to lead the medical team and join the fight to help patients and their families get their true lives back.
Joe Parisano
Facilities Manager
Joseph A. Parisano has over 20 years experience in law enforcement as an officer and supervisor. He has over 10 years experience working in the substance abuse field, working in security management.
His combination of personal and professional experience and passion to help others works exactly with RCA’s mission to save 1 million lives. He started with Lighthouse as the Black Car Driver, then to Transportation Supervisor and ultimately to his new role as Facilities Manager. He earned his degree in Criminal Justice along with many other law enforcement courses and programs. He is a longtime homeowner and 5-year resident of Atlantic County.
