About Us
Cipriano & Johnson Counseling is a Patient Centered Facility focusing on what is best for you!
We are a group of certified and licensed professionals dedicated to your recovery.
You will always be treated with respect and as a unique individual.
Our recommendations and referrals are made with the goal of recovery in mind even if it means recommending a treatment model that we do not provide.
We know that recovery is possible for everyone as we have been there and recovered ourselves.
Our experience, training, and dedication are aimed at coaching our clients into long-term and continued recovery, a recovery lifestyle, NOT simply temporary abstinence.
Meet the Team
Ron Cipriano, MS, CAP
Founder and CEO
Ron brings over 30 years of experience in substance abuse counseling and is a Certified Addictions Professional (CAP). Throughout his career, he has worked with more than 30,000 individuals in the Jacksonville area, making him one of the region’s most seasoned and respected addiction counselors.
He played a key role in launching Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) at several leading treatment centers across Jacksonville, earning the nickname “the Johnny Appleseed” of local IOP programs for his pioneering contributions.
Ron’s areas of expertise include individual and group addiction counseling, medication-assisted treatment support, DUI evaluations (including court-ordered and out-of-state assessments), and training counselors in the Recovery Dynamics treatment model.
Stephen Johnson
MS, CAP, LMHC
Stephen has more than 26 years of experience with substance abuse and mental health. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Certified Addictions Professional (CAP). Stephen specializes in adult IOP, outpatient counseling, mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and dual diagnosis.
Amit Vijapura, MD
Board Certified Psychiatrist
Diplomate, American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM)
Since completing his residency training at Mount Sinai Health Systems, Dr. Amit Vijapura has been practicing as a Board-certified psychiatrist since 1991. He has additional expertise in Addiction Medicine and has been at the forefront in the development and testing of novel delivery systems of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid addiction. He has stayed well-connected with the local community though his role as President of the Jacksonville Psychiatric Society since 2012.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Vijapura has been actively involved as a principal investigator for over 30 clinical trials for the development of novel therapies to help patients struggling with mental illness and addiction. Simultaneously, Dr. Vijapura has made significant contributions to several advisory boards focusing on drug development and disease state education at the national level.
Michael Trebony, MA, RMHCI
Clinical Director of Telehealth Programs
Michael is on a mission to revolutionize the way people heal from mental health struggles, addiction, and trauma. With an unshakable passion for Group Therapy and Individual Counseling, he creates a raw, honest, and empowering space where patients can confront their deepest challenges and reclaim their lives.
As the Clinical Director of Telehealth Programs, Michael designed and launched innovative virtual IOP programs for substance use and mental health treatment. Combining clinical expertise with program development, Michael integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Recovery Dynamics, and trauma-informed care into accessible telehealth platforms.
Michael's message is clear—there is a solution, and a life that can be happy, joyous, and free!
Teresa Halderman
MSW, LCSW, Qualified Supervisor
Twenty years ago I was given the opportunity to turn my life around with the help of trained addiction professionals in a long term residential treatment program.
In response to being given this advantage, I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have dedicated my life to providing addiction and mental health services to those struggling with these issues. I bring my own experience, strength, and hope coupled with solid clinical knowledge and expertise from 20 years of practice in various settings.
I have a firm foundation in 12 step philosophy and
treatment but realize that other approaches are just as valid. I use a variety of clinical interventions with a focus on Mindfulness skills and other evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral and Solution-focused therapy to assist my clients in creating the happiness and health they seek free of addiction and disruptive mental health symptoms.
I am a member of a team of licensed experienced therapists with many years of success in the field of addictions and mental illness who support each other and collaborate in our efforts to help those who seek our services.
Terri Gnann, PhD
Gender Specific Intensive Outpatient Program
Terri is an Addiction Specialist, Adult Outpatient Therapy, facilitator of Gender Specific Women’s groups and has over 15 years of experience in the substance abuse field.
Terri facilitates the Gender-Specific Women’s Program for Cipriano and Johnson’s night Program and has over 20 years of experience working with women.
Having completed her PhD in addictive medicine, Terri is passionate about advocating for continued research in the treatment of the disease of addiction. She is also an active member of the 12 Step Recovery Program. She is also a former President of NFCADA and an active member in Drug-Free Duval, editor of local recovery magazine, Recovery Advocate. Terri is an active member of RCO, a local advocate for Jacksonville, Florida.
Jason Vida
BA, CAC
Jason Vida is a state-certified Addiction Counselor with over 20 years of recovery community service. Currently, he is the men’s evening Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Driver Safety (DUI) Program group counselor. Jason also facilitates a Professionals Group that assists chemically dependent professionals maintaining state licensure and federal medical special issuances through monitoring programs such as PRN, IPN and HIMS (FAA).
He specializes in assessments, group and individual counseling sessions with an emphasis on advancing clients toward autonomy through psychoeducation, cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step based principles, neurobiology of addiction and conflict resolution strategies. Jason is certified as a Kelly Foundation Recovery Dynamics ® Counselor and CENAPS ® CORPORATION
(Gorski) Relapse Prevention Counselor. He has maintained over 20 years of personal recovery
through his active involvement with the 12-step community and remains committed to helping people who suffer with addiction.
Eddie Figueroa
ICADC, CSAC
Eddie Figueroa has over 22 years of experience helping individuals and families overcome addiction. He has worked with teens and adults in residential programs, correctional facilities, and medication-assisted treatment, giving him the tools to meet clients wherever they are in their recovery journey. As a bilingual counselor, Eddie is passionate about making treatment accessible to the Spanish-speaking community and brings a deep understanding of multicultural needs.
At our center, Eddie provides individual, family, and group counseling, as well as court-ordered assessments and evaluations. He is an active part of our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), available in both English and Spanish, online or in person. Eddie’s compassionate approach and dedication to recovery make him a trusted guide for those seeking hope and lasting change.
Paul J. Birnbaum
MS, RMHCI
Paul is a Jacksonville Beach resident, that has been with Cipriano and Johnson since 2022. Paul is married with two grown daughters. Having completed his Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Paul is now a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern (RMHCI) on his path to state licensure (LMHC).
Paul has a passion for helping people. After 35 years in in the logistics field, he is pursuing his dream of working with others in the field of addiction and recovery. He is excited about working with the experienced team at Cipriano & Johnson.
Sakina Bell
M.S. RMHCI
Sakina Bell, M.S., RMHCI is a mental health professional with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals and families in Northeast Florida. She holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a focus on Addiction from Springfield College.
Ms. Bell has extensive experience working with substance use disorders, trauma, court-involved individuals, and diverse populations. Her background includes clinical counseling, group facilitation, case management, and leadership roles within community-based treatment programs. She is certified in areas including HIV/AIDS counseling, trauma and sexual abuse, dual diagnosis, domestic violence, treatment planning, HIPAA compliance, and CPR/First Aid.
Known for her compassionate, client-centered approach, Ms. Bell is committed to helping individuals build stability, resilience, and lasting recovery.
Jeff Deck, CPS, CRC
Business Development
Jeff brings over a decade of experience in the recovery field and more than 12 years of personal sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous. His work has included revitalizing two sober living homes in Jacksonville, serving as Alumni Coordinator at Lakeview Health—where he was recognized as Employee of the Year—and hosting more than 100 community events focused on recovery support.
In addition to his community work, Jeff has extensive experience facilitating family workshops and interventions, helping loved ones navigate the challenges of addiction and recovery together. As a Certified Peer Specialist and Certified Recovery Coach, he is passionate about building connections and expanding access to care. In his role as Business Developer, Jeff continues to advocate for the recovery community and help individuals and families find meaningful pathways to healing.
Natalie Owen
Office & Billing Manager
Natalie is a Jacksonville Beach native and has been with Cipriano and Johnson for over ten years. She was educated in the field of medical billing and insurance, but has a passion for working in the addiction field being in long term recovery, herself. She is responsible for keeping our office running smoothly and overseeing aspects of our administrative support. Her job can ranges widely in duties and responsibilities, from billing, dealing with insurance companies. Her goal is to help clients in getting the coverage and support they need in order to get the treatment they need.
Sara "Saluma" Carroll-Hanner
Administrative Assistant
BIO COMING SOON!
Shivaunn Vida
Administrative Assistant
BIO COMING SOON!
Kelly Licausi
Administrative Assistant
With over 11 years of experience in the behavioral health and recovery field, Kelly brings extensive, hands-on knowledge of the full continuum of care—from detox and residential treatment through outpatient services. She has a strong understanding of how treatment programs operate from both a clinical and administrative perspective, allowing her to support clients and families with clarity, compassion, and efficiency.
Kelly’s background includes insurance verification, intake coordination, utilization review, case management, and discharge planning. Her well-rounded experience enables her to help ensure a smooth admission process while supporting continuity of care throughout a client’s treatment journey.
Outside of work, Kelly is a proud mom of two and a devoted dog lover. She values family, connection, and recovery-focused living—both professionally and personally.