Dr. Castellon obtained his undergraduate degree in Psychology at The University of Miami. He later attended Escuela Autonoma de Ciencias Medicas in Costa Rica where he received his Doctorate in Medicine. He then returned to the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he completed his Residency in Psychiatry working in veterans affairs for 4 years. Dr. Castellon has worked as an attending physician at Memorial Regional Hospital, Broward Health Medical Center and Broward Health Imperial Point as well as managing a successful outpatient practice. Dr. Castellon specialized in emergency psychiatry, psychiatric consultation liaison, and inpatient psychiatry and addiction medicine. He held the position as Chairman for the Department of Psychiatry at Broward Health Medical Center from 2008 – 2014. Dr. Castellon joined the 1st Step family in 2017 and has served as Medical Director. Dr Castellon is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association, American Medical Association, American Association of Psychiatric Medicine, Association for Convulsive Therapy and American Society of Addiction Medicine.
Shawn Hunsberger, RN is a senior member of the staff and has been with 1st Step family for over 15 years. Shawn came to 1st Step as a client in 2005 and started her journey of recovery. She knew that she was in a special place and wanted to be a part of helping others change their life just as she did. Over time, Shawn has become one of the pillars in our treatment community. She quickly progressed in the company, starting as a Behavioral Health Tech and is now our Director of Nursing. Her continued education, passion and personal experience is what makes her such an integral part of 1st Step. Shawn is responsible for overseeing the nursing staff, collaborating with MDs and APRNS, and ensuring all clients get the proper care to assist in their recovery. Shawn not only takes care of our clients at 1st Step but also takes her care-taking skills home; between her dogs, cats, chickens, and alligators it’s safe to say Shawn is a true caretaker at heart.
Naz Andekian joined 1st Step in 2014 as Director of Program Development. After working 4 years as director of admissions in steps to recovery, Naz brought his expertise and knowledge to First Step Behavioral Health. Naz was a client in 2010 and says he knew this place had the ability to save and change many lives.
“I am grateful to have been given this opportunity to work for the very place that saved my life, and now work with humility as part of a team that helps others to save their own on a daily basis.” Naz is convinced that he works for the best treatment center in the nation, and is proud to be part of such a caring team of individuals who always put the needs of our clients first.
Marge joined the 1st Step Behavioral Health family in 2005 as an administrative assistant and has since become the executive administrator. With a degree in science and as a Certified Medical Professional with over 25 years’ experience in the medical and administrative fields, Marge is a leader for the entire staff. She is chiefly responsible for all financial operations and her fiscal management and budgetary knowledge allows 1st Step to provide all clients the best possible care. In addition, Marge is a hands-on administrator, committed to her staff and an active member of the day-to-day operations.
With over 23 years of human resources experience, Patty is a wealth of knowledge at 1st Step. Patty oversees all facets of Human Resources at the facility. She says she most enjoys working for a company whose staff always puts clients’ needs above all other factors. Patty not only has experience in human resources but is also the staff baker, always prepared to come in with birthday cakes and different deserts for other staff members.
Gus Crocco is the owner and founder of 1st Step Behavioral Health. He has over 25 years of direct clinical experience in the substance abuse and mental health fields. Gus has worked with diverse populations including prisoners in department of corrections, adolescents, and those met through school social work and his work at various psychiatric facilities. He also worked as an adjunct professor teaching group therapy to college students. He has extensive training in Jungian Psychology, Rational Emotive, behavioral modification and Gestalt therapies. He is versed in experiential therapy, drama therapy and performs family sculpting and role reintegration with recovering families. A number of Gus’s specializations include obsessive-compulsive disorders, eating disorders, acute and general anxiety disorders, bipolar and clinical depressions.
