The Team of Addiction Instructors at the Academy

The Academy for Addiction Professionals has grown by leaps and bounds and we now boast over 6 teachers and administrators. We encourage you to read their bios below and get to know them before you arrive at class.

 

Ben Brafman, MS, LMHC, CAP – Director

Ben is the director of The Academy for Addiction Professionals, supervising and training others to be certified in the field of addiction. He is also the President and CEO of Destination Hope. Destination Hope is a drug rehab and treatment facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that specializes in substance abuse and dual diagnoses for both Men and Women. He is the founder of 2 non for profit organizations: The Evan Glugeth substance abuse and relapse prevention fund and Rx Angels.

Ben has also been the clinical director of different addictions programs in the South Florida area. Ben has been awarded the spirit of the community given to those who excel in helping others in the local community. Ben has helped families all over the country from Georgia to California break free from the dangers of addiction. He is a published author in the area of dual diagnosis and chemical dependency.

Ben resides in Plantation, Florida with his wife Suzanne and his 3 children Abigail, Jacob and Eli. Ben has also completed 2 marathons – One as recently as January 7, 2007.

Ben is the winner of the prestigious 2008 Robert Koch, Therapist of the Year Award.

 

Alton Smith – Vice President of Operations

Alton Smith is Vice President of The Academy for Addiction Professionals as well as one of its lead instructors. He is also Vice President of Operations at Destination Hope treatment center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Alton is a dedicated, highly professional clinician who brings a wealth of experience and integrity to our team.

Alton has been in the field of behavioral health for over 30 years in various roles including clinical, administrative needs assessment and business development. He has been integral in the development and operations of many treatment centers throughout the United States – from New Mexico to Florida.

He holds two post-graduate degrees – in Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology.

Alton is well known and well respected in the community for his professional, caring attitude in helping individuals in need. His forte is in developing and maintaining relationships and bringing together professionals from various backgrounds. In class, Alton promotes a sense of community and inquisitiveness – both very useful for counselors in the treatment field.

 

Shira Ackerman – Program Director

Thomas Sibilia, CAC – Instructor

 

Dr. Juliana Fiore – Instructor