Our Team

At Beachway New Jersey, our strength lies in the dedication and compassion of our team. Each member of our clinical and support staff brings deep expertise, a commitment to evidence-based care, and a genuine passion for helping individuals heal. From licensed therapists to case managers and wellness professionals, our staff works together to create a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for every client. Get to know the people who make our outpatient treatment center a place of trust, growth, and meaningful change.

Julia Ferris

Clinical Director

Julia is a graduate from Rutgers University-New Brunswick for both her BASW and MSW; she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Julia has been in the addiction field since 2018 and has worked in all levels of care, from detox to outpatient private practice. These experiences have cultivated a sense of gratitude and humility in working with addiction and mental health populations in her and she brings these principles into her clinical practice. Julia utilizes an eclectic approach to treatment which includes Motivational Interviewing, CBT and DBT skills, solutions-focused strategies, and trauma-informed mindfulness skills. Julia is additionally trained in EMDR. She is passionate about providing client-centered care that prioritizes compassion, empathy, and healing.

Jeffrey A. Berman, M.D.

Medical Director, Beachway NJ

Dr. Berman is a board-certified expert in Addiction Medicine and Psychiatry with over 30 years of experience. A Distinguished Fellow of ASAM, he has held key leadership roles including Chief Medical Officer at SOBA New Jersey and Medical Director at Marworth Treatment Center.

A 22-year Army Reservist, Dr. Berman’s military service informs his trauma-focused, individualized approach to care. He has helped develop national standards for addiction treatment and mentors clinicians in evidence-based practices.

At Beachway NJ, he leads a team dedicated to compassionate, personalized care for clients, including veterans.

Donna Saunders

Clinical Program Director

Donna is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Licensed Social Worker and Certified Clinical Supervisor in the state of New Jersey with 20 years of experience working with those struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. Donna is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She brings this experience to Beachway as the Clinical Program Director of Substance Use. Donna received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kean University located in New Jersey as well as her master’s in social work from Kean University. Donna is a lifelong New Jerseyan. Donna brings honesty, openness, empathy and compassion to all of those she works with.

Beth Pensabene

Executive Director

Beth brings over 15 years of experience in management and organizational leadership to her role at Beachway. She holds an MBA from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA, and has a strong background in strategic planning, operations, and team development. For the past three years, Beth has been an integral part of the Beachway team, helping to expand the organization’s reach by leading the development of a satellite outpatient program in New Jersey—an extension of Beachway’s flagship facility in Florida. Her passion for creating accessible, high-quality care continues to drive innovation and growth across Beachway’s services.

Jewelya Tramontana-Stires

Primary Therapist

Jewelya, LAC, NCC, a licensed associate counselor and nationally certified counselor, earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The College of New Jersey. She has experience working with a wide range of populations, including children, adults, couples, families, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those navigating addiction.

Jewelya is passionate about client advocacy and supporting each person’s autonomy throughout the therapeutic process. She integrates approaches such as Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients explore their stories, challenge unhelpful patterns, and move toward meaningful change. She also has extensive experience facilitating group therapy, including DBT-focused groups, creative expression groups, and trauma-informed care settings.

Jewelya believes that during moments of vulnerability, individuals have a unique opportunity to rebuild independence, strengthen social relationships, and reconnect with their sense of self. She prioritizes creating a safe, natural, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can express themselves openly and engage in their recovery with confidence and support.

Nassir Black

Recovery Advocate

Nassir Black is a compassionate and dedicated Recovery Advocate who works closely with clients to coordinate services, monitor progress, and ensure they have the resources and support needed at every stage of their recovery. Through consistent guidance, advocacy, and motivational communication, Nassir helps foster the supportive, respectful environment that defines the Beachway NJ approach to lasting recovery.

Toy Burks

Recovery Advocate & CADC Intern

Toy Burks is a Recovery Advocate and CADC Intern at Beachway NJ who brings a unique perspective shaped by her experience as a domestic violence survivor, advocate, speaker, and innovator. Before joining Beachway, Toy served at Womanspace/Younity, where she developed impactful programs and initiatives that empowered survivors and strengthened community response.

Her background in advocacy enhances her work at Beachway, where she facilitates groups, supports clients with compassion and integrity, and contributes to program development. Toy is known for her ability to combine professional expertise with lived experience, creating environments of safety, respect, and empowerment. She is passionate about honest communication, collaboration, and helping to build systems that uphold clinical integrity.

At Beachway, Toy continues to champion transparency, resilience, and empowerment—values that guide her both personally and professionally.