Our Staff

Administration

Joe Bryan

CEO and Executive Director

Joe Bryan began working at the Beachcomber in 1980, shortly after the Beachcomber opened. He followed in the path of his father, James Bryan, who founded the facility in 1976 and whose career spanned decades of leadership in the field of alcoholism and addiction treatment. Joe has held all positions at The Beachcomber and is now the owner and CEO. Joe has a degree in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University and is currently in school pursuing a degree in Nursing. His expected graduation date is 09/2019.

Joe has been an active advocate for the recovery community and has organized numerous functions to better the community and bring awareness to the horrendous affliction that addiction has on individuals, families and the community. Joe believes treatment centers have a responsibility to do more than just treat patients; they need to be a positive part of the community and start taking leadership roles. Joe has had numerous positions in the recovery community beginning as treasurer for the local chapter of South Florida Employee Assistant Program in 2001-2002. He also held numerous positions at the Employee Behavioral Health Network of Florida (also known as EAP of Florida) including acting President for 2007–2009 and President from 2009 – 2011. Currently, Joe serves as the Vice-President. Joe started a non-profit FATC to help those who have addiction problems and promote the best treatment centers in Florida. Most recently, Joe has offered support by serving on the board of the Care Hope College of Nursing.

Joe has been awarded for his tireless effort to support the recovery community. He received the prestigious Clinician of the Year Award in 2011 for Palm Beach County bestowed by Bob Bozzone, Executive Director of CARP (Comprehensive Alcoholism Rehabilitation Programs). In January 2019, Joe was awarded the FMHCA award for outstanding community service.

Andres Cobas

Chef de Cuisine

Andres Cobas was born in Medford, Oregon and resided in South Florida for most of his youth. He joins The Beachcomber with nearly twenty years of culinary experience. Accomplished in food preparation across a wide range of ethnic and regional cooking, Andy established his reputation with “home-style” meals. Since our Beachcomber menus are best described in exactly such terms he has quickly found popularity with residents, visitors and employees. His willingness to accommodate patients with special dietary requirements and his broad knowledge of appealing dishes has further advanced this important aspect of residential treatment. Appealing menus at the Beachcomber are legendary and often a key to long-term health in recovery according to former residents.

Paul Ratchuk

Night Manager

Paul started his road to recovery in a small town south of Buffalo, New York. He has worked in the addiction recovery field since 1999. At that time he was developing an employee assistance program for his employer. Paul then worked at a substance abuse treatment center in Delray Beach, Florida. Paul left that center to serve as night manager at the Beachcomber.

Gina Demestre

Housekeeping

Gina Demestre has been with the Beachcomber for 10 years and runs our housekeeping department. This includes working with our outside linen supplier and ensuring the Beachcomber facility is always clean and comfortable for the clients. Gina makes a special effort to ensure each new client feels at home, their room is properly supplied and ready for their arrival.

Ian Bryan

Director of Admissions

Ian Bryan, grandson of our founder, is one of the third generation Bryans that are learning the recovery field at the Beachcomber. Ian grew up close to the Beachcomber visiting his grandfather, Jim, who lived and worked on the property and later his father, Joe, who currently lives and works on the property. He worked for many summers at the Beachcomber through his school years in between summer sports of surfing and skim boarding which he enjoyed at the ocean only a few steps away. Ian is graduate from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in Engineering in Physics.

Medellin Cruz-Santiago

Part-time Chef

Medellin Cruz-Santiago is originally from Philadelphia and moved to Florida in 1979. She has been cooking since she was 8 years old, and developed a skill in cooking with a Latino flair. Medellin has been working at The Beachcomber as a part-time chef since 2016. She is able to cook all types of foods and desserts to any client specification based on dietary necessity. Medellin is a graduate of The Beachcomber and has been sober since 2013. In her spare time, Medellin enjoys reading and spending time with her friends and family.