Meet The Founder

Drew’s journey in behavioral health began long before he even realized it—growing up as a child of a single mother diagnosed with co-occurring medical, mental health, and substance use disorders. When he was nine years old, his mother, Linda, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease and later developed interstitial lung fibrosis. Following her medical diagnosis, she also developed Major Depressive Disorder in addition to preexisting Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Over time, Drew was exposed to her maladaptive coping mechanisms, particularly her struggle with Alcohol Use Disorder.

Throughout his childhood and adolescence, Drew endured significant emotional, mental, physical, interpersonal, and family systems trauma. Without the tools to cope, he began experimenting with alcohol, following in the footsteps of his mother and other family members. This led to early interactions with the legal system, as well as social and academic struggles.

At the age of eighteen, Drew’s mother lost her battle with cancer. They had not spoken for a significant period before her passing. Shortly afterward, Drew’s grandfather also passed away. Still a teenager and working as a bartender at the time, Drew struggled to cope with the trauma, guilt, and shame. He descended into a lifestyle of partying, drinking, and fighting—behaviors that contributed to depression, anxiety, self-harm, and other mental health challenges.

After multiple encounters with the legal system—including county jail and a brief stay in state prison—Drew realized he wanted something more from life. During his final interaction with the legal system, and with the support of his attorney (now a close colleague), Drew agreed to participate in a Department of Corrections Dual Diagnosis Residential Treatment Program. While in treatment, he earned his Associate of Arts in Psychology from the College of Central Florida.

He went on to attend Saint Leo University, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After gaining field experience as a bachelor-level therapist at the very treatment center where he had once been a patient, Drew enrolled in graduate school at Webster University. There, he earned a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.

With over ten years of experience working in various modalities, with various populations and presentations —as both a Primary Therapist and a Program Director—Drew founded Beachside Recovery Interventions + Consulting (BRIC) out of necessity. BRIC was created to help families and their loved ones navigate a system that is often fragmented and difficult to understand. That mission continues to drive Drew and the BRIC team every day.

Thank you for the opportunity to walk alongside you and your family on the path to healing.