The BHI Professional Staff

Each of the members of our Professional Staff is a licensed and well-trained clinician with a wealth of experience in the mental health field. All of our staff are experienced in treating the problems often encountered by people in our society, such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulties Managing Stress
• Adjustment to Life Events
• Relationship Issues

The following is a brief introduction to the BHI Professional Staff. Included is a summary of their training and professional activities, the age groups they serve, as well as their clinical specialty areas.

If you have any questions about whether a particular clinician works with a problem that you need help with, please call our office at
954-340-0888.

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Eleanor Nelson-Wernick, Ph.D.
Clinical Director of BHI
Florida Licensed Psychologist #PY3595

• Ph. D. – University of North Texas, 1980
• Clinical Psychology Internship + 2 year Fellowship in Behavioral Medicine and Health Organization Development, Medical University of South Carolina, 1977–1980
• National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology since 1983
• Assistant Professor, College of Arts and Sciences, and Student Counseling Center, University of Saskatchewan, 1980–1985
• Clinical Associate Professor and Co-Director of Behavioral Sciences, University of Florida/North Broward Hospital District Family Practice Residency Program, 1995–2000
• Member of American Psychological Association
• Member of Florida Psychological Association, and the Broward Co. Chapter
• Crisis Intervention Training
• Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Counselor
• Social Investigation and Parenting Plan Recommendation Certification
• Guardian ad Litem – Certified by 17th Judicial Circuit Court of FL, Broward Co.
• Member of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
• Staff Privileges at Coral Springs Medical Center
• Private Practice in Broward Co. since 1985

Populations Served: Adolescents, Adults and Seniors

Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive-Behavioral/ Integrative

Specializing in:

Behavioral Medicine / Health Psychology Coping with Medical Illness Stress-Related Disorders Managing Chronic Pain Clinical Hypnosis

End of Life Issues Grief/Bereavement Adjustment to Separation/Divorce Separation/Divorce Parenting Services

Dr. Nelson-Wernick also provides Consultation to Businesses and Organizations, including Critical Incident Debriefing, Staff Training, and Teambuilding.

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Robert L. Wernick, Ph. D.
Managing Director of BHI
Florida Licensed Psychologist #PY3626
Fellow, American Psychological Association

• Ph. D. – University of North Texas, 1980
• Clinical Psychology Internship + 2 year Fellowship in Behavioral Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 1977–1980
• National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology since 1983
• Assistant Professor, College of Medicine and College of Arts and Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Director of Outpatient Psychological Services, University Hospital, 1980–1985
• Clinical Associate Professor and Co-Director of Behavioral Sciences, University of Florida/North Broward Hospital District Family Practice Residency Program, 1995–2000
• Member of American Psychological Association, the Division of Health Psychology, and the Division of Independent Practice (Board of Directors 2005–2008)
• Member of Florida Psychological Association (Board of Directors, 1992–2002); and the Broward County Chapter (President 1998, Board of Directors and Continuing Education Chair, 1990–2006)
• Florida Psychological Association Distinguished Psychologist Award, 2001
• Broward County Psychological Association Lifetime Achievement Award, 2005
• Crisis Intervention Training
• Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Counselor
• Social Investigation and Parenting Plan Recommendation Certification
• Guardian ad Litem – Certified by 17th Judicial Circuit Court of FL, Broward Co.
• Member of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
• Affiliate Member of the Florida Bar Family Law Section
• Staff Privileges at Coral Springs Medical Center
• Private Practice in Broward Co. since 1985

Populations Served: Adolescents, Adults and Seniors

Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive-Behavioral

Specializing in:

Behavioral Medicine/Health Psychology Coping with Medical Illness Adjustment to Separation/Divorce Separation/Divorce Parenting Services

Independent Medical Evaluations Couples Counseling Smoking Cessation Managing Chronic Pain

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Richard David, M.A.
FL Licensed Mental Health Counselor #MH1924

• M.A. – San Jose State University, 1976
• Director of Case Management, South County Mental Health Center, 1985–1991
• Executive Director, American Day Treatment Center, 1992 –1994
• Director of Outpatient Services for University Pavilion Hospital, 1996–1999
• Member, Broward Co. Interagency Network, 1998–present
• Program Director, Palm Beach County Crisis Line, 2000–2001
• President, Kiwanis Club of Delray Beach, 2004–2005, 2009–2010, 2010-2011
• Honored as the Kiwanian of the Year, 2004
• In private practice since 1988

Populations Served: Adolescents, Adults and Seniors

Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive-Behavioral/ Reality/ Integrative

Specializing in:

Men’s Issues Work-Related Problems Couple’s Counseling Stress Management Mood Disorders

Parenting Issues Anger Management Thought Disorders Substance Abuse/Addiction

Mr. David has been a valued member of the BHI Clinical Staff since 1994.

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Frederick M. Kravitz, Ph. D.
Florida Licensed Psychologist #PY4047

• Ph. D. – Northwestern University, 1981
• Internship and Residency in Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 1977–1978
• Adult Services Coordinator, Mercy Hospital, Chicago, 1980–1988
• Clinical Director, Outreach Broward, Ft. Lauderdale, 1990–1994
• Social Investigation and Parenting Plan Recommendation Certification
• In private practice since 1982

Populations Served: Preschool, Children, Adolescents, Adults and Seniors

Theoretical Orientation: Integrative/ Psychodynamic/ Cognitive-Behavioral

Specializing in:

Coping with Medical Illness Managing Chronic Pain Family Therapy Couple’s Counseling Substance Abuse/Addiction Psychological/Psychoeducational Evaluations Evaluation for Bariatric Surgery Adjustment to Separation/Divorce Separation/Divorce Parenting Services

Play Therapy Separation Anxiety Phobias Attention Deficit Disorders Asperger’s/Autism Social Skills Training School-Related Problems Work-Related Problems Parenting Issues

Dr. Kravitz has been a valued member of the BHI Clinical Staff since 1995.

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Melissa Harrison, Psy.D.
Florida Licensed Psychologist #PY5938

• Psy.D. – Nova Southeastern University, 1997
• Clinical Psychology Internship – Nova Southeastern University, 1996–1997
• Clinical Residency, 45th Street Mental Health Center, 1998–1999
• Served as a School Psychologist and District-Wide Administrative Position for the Department of Psychological Services, The School Board of Broward County, 1999-2005
• Served a Supervisory Role for School Psychology Interns 2002-2005
• Adjunct Faculty Member, School Psychology Program, Nova Southeastern University, 2003–2004
• Red Cross Mental Health Volunteer
• Member of Florida Psychological Association and the Broward Co. Chapter
• Member of Florida Association of School Psychologists, Executive Board 2003-2007
• Social Investigation and Parenting Plan Recommendation Certification
• Member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
• Affiliate Member of the Florida Bar Family Law Section
• In private practice since 1999

Populations Served: Preschool, Children, Adolescents, Adults and Seniors

Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive-Behavioral/Integrative

Specializing in:

Learning Disabilities Family Therapy Separation Anxiety Parenting Issues Asperger’s/Autism Social Skills Training

Psychological/Psychoeducational Testing School-Related Problems Attention-Deficit Disorders Play Therapy Adjustment to Separation/Divorce Separation/Divorce Parenting Services

Dr. Harrison has been a valued member of the BHI Clinical Staff since1999, and is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of SUCCESS Psychological Services, a division of BHI.

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Monica Pedemonte, Psy. D.
Florida Licensed Psychologist #PY3876

• Psy. D. – Nova Southeastern University, 1985
• Clinical Psychology Internship, West Side Veterans Administration Medical Center, Chicago, 1984–1985
• Director, Outpatient Rehabilitation Program, Biscayne Rehabilitation Institute, 1996–2000
• Director, Clinical Training, Biscayne Rehabilitation Institute, 1996–2000
• Staff Psychologist, Children’s Psychiatric Center, 1988–1990
• Staff Psychologist, Metro-Dade Department of Children and Families, 1985–1987
• Member of American Psychological Association
• Member of Florida Psychological Association and the Broward Co. Chapter
• Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Counselor
• Volunteer Psychologist. Light of the World Clinic/Clinica Luz del Mundo – free health care clinic, 2001–present
• Honored as a Broward County Hispanic Woman of Distinction, 2005
• Social Investigation and Parenting Plan Recommendation Certification
• Guardian ad Litem – Certified by 17th Judicial Circuit Court of FL, Broward Co.
• In private practice since 1987

Populations Served: Adolescents, Adults and Seniors

Theoretical Orientation: Psychodynamic/Integrative

Specializing in:

Bi-Lingual/Bi-Cultural Therapy (Spanish) Coping with Medical Illness Managing Chronic Pain Vocational Rehabilitation Psychological Testing Evaluation for Bariatric Surgery

Couples Counseling End of Life Issues Grief/Bereavement Minority Issues Adjustment to Separation/Divorce Separation/Divorce Parenting Services

Dr. Pedemonte has been a valued member of the BHI Clinical Staff since 2001.

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Anne E. Davies, Psy. D.
Florida Licensed Psychologist #PY6038

Dr. Davies is currently on sabbatical.

• Psy. D. – Florida Institute of Technology, 1998
• Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Internship, Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center, 1997–1998
• Lee County Early Intervention Program, 1999–2001
• Adjunct Psychology Professor, Florida Atlantic University Honors Campus, 2002
• Member of American Psychological Association and the Division of Health Psychology
• President of Broward County Chapter of the Florida Psychological Association, 2004-2005
• Advisory Board, Transitional Independent Living Center of Broward County, 2006-2007
• Broward Health Community Affairs Board, 2005-2008
• Broward County “Kids in the Kitchen” Children Nutrition and Fitness Community Outreach, 2007-2008
• Social Investigation and Parenting Plan Recommendation Certification
• Certification in Yoga
• In private practice since 1998

Populations Served: Preschool, Children, Adolescents, Adults and Seniors

Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive-Behavioral

Specializing in:

Behavioral Medicine/Health Psychology Stress-Related Disorders Clinical Hypnosis Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Attention Deficit Disorders Separation Anxiety Psychological/Psychoeducational Evaluations

Learning Disabilities Phobias Family Therapy Play Therapy Social Skills Training Parenting Issues

Dr. Davies has been a valued member of the BHI Clinical Staff since 2001.

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Elaine Karbonik, Psy. D.
Florida Licensed Psychologist #PY6992

• Psy. D. – Nova Southeastern University, 2002
• Clinical Psychology Internship, Health South Sunrise Rehabilitation Hospital, 2001–2002
• Fellowship, International Assessment Systems, 2002–2004
• Forensic Examiner Training
• Crisis Intervention Training
• Member of American Psychological Association
• Member of National Organization of Victims’ Assistance
• Member of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
• Social Investigation and Parenting Plan Recommendation Certification
• In private practice since 2004

Populations Served: Children, Adolescents, Adults and Seniors

Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive-Behavioral

Specializing in:

Neuropsychology Forensic Psychology Competency Evaluations Post Traumatic Stress Disorders Psychological/Psychoeducational Evaluations Evaluation for Bariatric Surgery End of Life Issues Separation/Divorce Parenting Services

Grief/Bereavement Sexual Abuse Survivors Coping with Medical Illness Learning Disabilities Play Therapy Parenting Issues Domestic Violence Adjustment to Separation/Divorce

Dr. Karbonik has been a valued member of the BHI Clinical Staff since 2007.

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Todd D. Giardina, Ph.D.
Florida Licensed Psychologist #PY7562

• Ph.D. - University at Buffalo-SUNY, 2006
• Clinical Psychology Internship – New Jersey Veterans Administration Healthcare System, Lyons, NJ, 2005-2006
• Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Health Psychology, Miami Veterans Administration Medical Center, 2006-2007
• Adjunct Professor, Barry University, 2008-present
• Member of American Psychological Association and the Divisions of Health Psychology, and Independent Practice
• Member of Florida Psychological Association, and the Broward County Chapter
• Social Investigation and Parenting Plan Recommendation Certification
• Guardian ad Litem – Certified by 17th Judicial Circuit Court of FL, Broward Co.
• In Private Practice since 2008

Populations Served: Adolescents, Adults, and Seniors

Theoretical Orientation: Integrative/Cognitive-Behavioral/Gestalt/Feminist

Specializing in:

Biofeedback Stress Management Health Behavior Change Coping with Medical Illness Insomnia Managing Chronic Pain Mood Disorders Couples Counseling Behavioral Medicine/Health Psychology

Psychological Evaluations Group Therapy Anger Management End of Life Issues Grief/Bereavement Veterans Issues Post Traumatic Stress Disorders Adjustment to Separation/Divorce Separation/Divorce Parenting Services

Dr. Giardina has been a valued member of the BHI Clinical Staff since 2008.

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Jackie Polsky, Psy.D.
Florida Provisionally Licensed
Psychologist #PPY 165

• Psy.D. – Nova Southeastern University, 2011
• Clinical Psychology Internship - Center for Group Counseling,
  Boca Raton, FL, 2010-2011
• Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Behavioral Health Institute, 2011-2012
• Recipient of Dean’s Leadership Award - Nova Southeastern University, 2007
• Member of American Psychological Association
• Member of Florida Psychological Association, and the Broward County Chapter
• In Private Practice since 2011

Populations Served: Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Seniors

Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive-Behavioral/Integrative

Specializing in:

Learning Disabilities Social Skills Training Stress-Related Disorders Psychological/Psychoeducational Evaluations School-Related Problems Oppositional Defiance Mood Disorders Group Therapy

Dr. Polsky has been a valued member of the BHI Clinical Staff since 2011.

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Leslie Brodbeck, B. A.
Office Manager of BHI

• B.A. in psychology – San Francisco State University, 1979

Leslie Brodbeck has been the Business Office Manager of BHI since 1999. She is responsible for supervision of the Administrative Staff, and works hard to ensure that our office runs smoothly and professionally.

If you have any questions or concerns about our office, billing or insurance coverage, Leslie or one of the Administrative Staff will be happy to help you.