About Us
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.
Cipriano and Johnson is a Patient Centered Facility focusing on what is best for you.
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 contented recovery, a recovery lifestyle NOT simply temporary abstinence.
Ron Cipriano, MCAP
Founder and CEO
Ron has more than 30 years of experience in substance abuse counseling. He has a Masters Level CAP (Certified Addictions Professional). Ron has seen more than 30,000 patients in the Jacksonville area. He is one of the most experienced addiction counselors in Jacksonville. He also started Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in some of the best treatment facilities in Jacksonville and is known as the “Johnny Appleseed” of local IOP programs. Some of Ron’s specialties include individual and group addictions counseling, drug replacement therapy, counselor instructor and trainer in the Recovery Dynamics treatment model, court ordered DUI evaluation and out of state DUI evaluations.
Stephen Johnson, LMHC, MCAP
Stephen has more than 26 years of experience with substance abuse and mental health. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Master’s Level CAP (Certified Addictions Professional). Stephen specializes in adult IOP, outpatient counseling, mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and dual diagnosis.
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.
Amit Vijapura, MD, Board Certified Psychiatrist
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 at this location 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.
Teresa Halderman, 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.
Federico "Rocko" Bravo II, MCAP
Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program
Rocko Bravo holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the Florida State College at Jacksonville, earned his Master’s of Social Work from The Florida State University, and is currently in the process of becoming a registered intern with the State of Florida with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Rocko has been involved in the Northeast Florida recovery community for over twelve years, is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist, and began his career in substance abuse counseling in 2017. Rocko has worked in many facets of the substance abuse field, such as Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), recovery residences, and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). Both of Rocko’s personal and professional experiences allow him the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the client’s individual needs and assist in creating person-centered treatment & maintenance care plans to aid in a client’s long-term success.
Jason Vida, BA, CAC
Addiction Counselor Jason 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.
Pam Soto, BA, CRSS
Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program
Pam is a mother, grandmother, and a very family oriented individual. Originally from California, Pam has lived in Jacksonville, FL for the past six years. Pam holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California Coast University, and achieved a vocational certification in Drug and Alcohol studies from San Bernardino Valley College in California. Pam has worked in many areas of the recovery field including women & children, detox centers, criminal justice system, as well as IOP level of care. Pam has achieved over 30 years of personal recovery, and has been a counselor in the field since 1999. Pam achieved her certification as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist in Florida, and has a passion for helping individuals recover from their disease of addiction and aid in the process of reuniting families.
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.
Michael Trebony, MA
Clinical Director of Telehealth Programs
Psychotherapist – 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 at Cipriano & Johnson Counseling, 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 is proud to join Cipriano & Johnson Counseling. His message is clear—there is a solution, and a life that can be happy, joyous, and free!
Paul J. Birnbaum, MS, RMHCI
Therapist / Counselor – 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.
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.
Patricia Mazza
Administrative Assistant
Patricia, originally from Brazil, has been part of Cipriano & Johnson Counseling since 2021. In her role as Administrative Assistant, she focuses on verifying benefits, managing prior authorization requests, and ensuring every client receives exceptional service. Known for her organization and problem-solving skills, Patricia is dedicated to keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes. She is passionate about helping others and takes pride in providing reliable, detail-oriented support for both clients and the team.