Board of Directors
William Deskin, President of the Board of Directors
Mr. Deskin received his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Youngstown State University. He gained more than 40 years of experience in the aerospace industry, primarily with Pratt & Whitney, before retiring as a senior project manager and quality consultant.
He has been a member of the board since November 2011. In his current role as president of the board, Mr. Deskin provides oversight of the Sunset House Charter and supports the development of operational strategy and tactical approaches to maintaining an engaging and effective program for our clients.
Mr. Deskin’s proudest accomplishment of his remarkable life has been raising his family—three children and two step-children—and watching them lead rich and enjoyable lives. Mr. Deskin has had an overwhelmingly positive influence on the success of the mission of Sunset House, helping men in recovery find lasting and joyous freedom from addiction.
Justin K. Rodrigues, Vice President
Mr. Rodrigues is a mathematics professor at Palm Beach State College. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and Master of Science in applied statistics from Florida Atlantic University. His area of expertise is applied statistics in financial markets.
Mr. Rodrigues is most proud of his contribution to the Sunset House mission, helping young men find their path in early sobriety and seeing them realize a life that they didn’t think was possible.
He enjoys teaching all levels of mathematics, as well as motorsports and SCUBA diving. He and his wife live in Jupiter, Florida with their dogs
Robert Mahoney, PA, CPA, Treasurer
Robert Mahoney serves as the Treasurer for Sunset House, where he brings his financial expertise and dedication to the role. Passionate about community service, Robert enjoys working on the board of non-profits, striving to make a positive impact and support various initiatives that benefit the community. His commitment to helping others and his proficiency in managing financial responsibilities make him an invaluable asset to Sunset House and other organizations he is involved with.
Eric Shear, Secretary
As CEO of Behavioral Health Care Consults, Eric has professional business development experience in consulting in the behavioral health industry. With over 20 years of experience in marketing, network development, market research, internet marketing, customer service training, and quality assurance, Eric comprehensively supports Sunset House’s initiatives. Brian Betterman, MBA, Board Member
Brian Betterman obtained his MBA from Regis University and is a private client advisor, senior vice president at Bank of America Private Bank. Brian enjoys golf, mountain biking, hiking, and SCUBA diving. He is most proud of his two sons, Hudson and Mason.
John Anderson, Board Member
After attending San Diego State University and Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology at St. Louis University, Mr. Anderson became an officer in the U.S. Air Force.
After the Air Force, he joined Pratt & Whitney in Florida as a test engineer. Mr. Anderson progressed into the role of program manager for technology development programs at the company. He then became the propulsion division head at Triumph Aerospace in Newport News, Virginia. Moving back to Florida in 2013, he created and lead an office for CEL Aerospace headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Mr. Anderson has been involved in a number of technical committees for various professional societies throughout his career.
Meet Our Staff
Michael A. Gordon, Chief Executive Officer
Michael has been on our staff since 2000 and was the guiding force behind the transition from a halfway house to a state-licensed residential treatment center in 2001.
Since that time, he has overseen numerous improvements to the Sunset House program that include increased fundraising efforts, expansion of clinical services, and campus upgrades.
Michael maintains contact with supporters, donors, and alumni both in the local area and throughout the country to continually improve the Sunset House Program.
Frank Galimidi, CASAC, CAP, CRADC, ICADC, NCAC II, SAP, Chief Clinical Officer
Frank began his professional journey in 2003 at the Phoenix House Career Academy in Brooklyn, New York, where he laid the foundation for his expertise in addiction treatment. From 2004 to 2009, he honed his skills in group therapy, individual therapy, quality assurance, clinical supervision, and administration at Bridge Back To Life in Brooklyn.
In 2009, Frank relocated to Florida, taking on the role of Assistant Clinical Director at Treatment Alternatives in Boca Raton. By 2011, he was instrumental in developing the clinical philosophy and establishing intensive outpatient and outpatient programs at New Beginnings Recovery Center. Over five years, he advanced from Program Director to CEO in February 2016.
In July 2016, Frank shifted to Pax Campus in Lake Worth, Florida, where he crafted the clinical philosophy and oversaw clinical staff as Program Director. In March 2018, he was promoted to Chief Clinical Officer of Pax Behavioral Health, responsible for clinical program development and compliance at both Campus Recovery and Pax Memphis Recovery.
Starting in December 2019, Frank became the Program Director of Sunset House, a well-respected non-profit Residential IV SUD facility in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. In February 2022, he further expanded Sunset House’s legacy by co-founding and leading the Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient programs at The Meadows Counseling Center. Currently, Frank serves as the Chief Clinical Officer of Sunset House and the Executive Vice President of The Meadows Counseling Center, continuing to impact the field of addiction recovery.
Nicholas Sharkey, MS, Program Director, Primary Therapist
Nicholas Sharkey, born and raised in South Florida, received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology before earning a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. With a strong academic foundation and extensive training, Nick has developed a deep understanding of mental health and therapeutic practices. As a dedicated therapist and program director, he combines his expertise with a compassionate approach to support clients in their journey towards personal growth and emotional well-being. Nick is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can explore their feelings, address their challenges, and develop effective coping strategies.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Nick enjoys working on music, finding solace and creative expression in his musical pursuits. His love for helping others extends into all aspects of his life, driving him to continually seek ways to make a positive impact on those around him. Nick’s blend of professional competence and personal passion makes him a highly effective and empathetic practitioner, dedicated to fostering meaningful therapeutic relationships and promoting holistic mental health.
Dr. Duy Nguyen, DO, Medical Director
Dr. Duy Nguyen graduated from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and completed residency training at Palm Beach Consortium for Graduate Medical Education in South Florida.
Dr. Nguyen is board-certified in psychiatry and has experience working in a variety of settings, including inpatient detox and residential substance and alcohol rehabilitation, as well as mental health treatment.
While Dr. Nguyen has been a long-time partner of Sunset House, he officially joined our staff as the Medical Director in 2022.
Bridget Heady, LMHC, Clinical Director
With a Master’s degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University, Bridget’s primary focus is on overseeing, supervising, and supporting the clinical team, ensuring the highest standard of care for all Sunset House clients. In collaboration with our leadership team, Bridget helps optimize the integrity of our program structure and organization. She is a licensed mental health counselor who is passionate about seeing men succeed in finding lasting recovery from substance use and mental health conditions.
Over the last decade, she has worked as a consultant to help behavioral healthcare organizations achieve the highest possible accreditation for safety and quality of care. When she’s not spending her days supporting our clients and mentoring our clinicians, Bridget uses her time to read, travel, and enjoy time with her family.
Jeffrey Jaskiel, CAP, ICADC, CRRA, Director of Admissions
Jeffrey is passionate about helping men find lasting recovery and is an invaluable member of the Sunset House team. His daily work helps clients navigate their personal journey through recovery in a real-world setting, which helps maintain the integrity of our programs. His support of our clients helps to maintain the overall strength of our current client population.
A key to Jeffrey’s insight into the support of the men of Sunset House is his involvement in causes and activities outside the recovery community. As a former commercial diver and professional fisherman, Jeffrey has participated in and won multiple fishing tournaments, even appearing on a few television programs related to fishing and diving. He has helped run a food bank for the local unhoused population, and he is dedicated to furthering his education. Jeffrey holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and is a certified addiction counselor.
Matthew Snyder, LCSW, Primary Therapist
Matthew has dedicated his time to our clients at Sunset House by developing useful tools for long-term sobriety. Matthew has an extensive background in substance abuse counseling and family therapy. He brings a unique skill set to his role as a primary therapist.
Matthew is a licensed clinical social worker intern with the Board of Mental Health and is a certified cognitive-behavioral therapist. Matthew is currently a board member for professional development at the Phyllis & Harvey Sandler School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University.
As a primary therapist, Matthew spends his time working closely with our men and their families, helping them find healing through action and generally trying to lead by example. He is passionate about helping people achieve long-term sobriety. Matthew utilizes out-of-the-box treatment modalities to address substance abuse issues, which include sand-tray therapy, experiential therapies, and evidence-based practices.
Walter Bierschenk, LMHC, EMT-P, Primary Therapist / First Responder Therapist
Walter Bierschenk, a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, is a 23-year veteran of the fire service and spends his off-duty time as a Primary Therapist for The Meadows Counseling Service. In addition to his Firefighter and Paramedic certifications, Walter holds an Associate’s degree in Emergency Medical Services, a Bachelor’s in psychology, and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. He also served as a United States Naval Aircrewman and Rescue Swimmer with deployments covering Desert Shield and Operation Provide Comfort. Motivated by his own experience with the Veterans Administration and the help he received following a Helicopter mishap, Walter understands the difference between the need for solution-finding rather than simple problem solving. Combining a balance of Psychoeducation and Evidence Based Treatments, Walter guides clients into a place of improved coping strategies and resiliency building.
