
24/7 & Completely Confidential
Helping Hands Recovery Center
A licensed and accredited program for women
specializing in substance use disorders and trauma recovery


Our Staff






Donna Hedgepeth
OWNER, CLINICAL DIRECTOR, MSW, MCAP, ICADC
Donna graduated from The Institute of Addiction Studies in August of 2010. She then went on to graduate from the Union Institute and University in 2012 with a Bachelors of Social Work. Lastly, in 2014, Donna graduated from Barry University with a Masters in Clinical Social Work. Donna founded Helping Hands Recovery Center in 2015 and has enjoyed helping women obtain long term sobriety ever since.
Dave Austin
CEO
David Austin is a retiree of the United States Postal Service and has dedicated his retirement years to giving back to his community. David has had first hand experience with people in addiction and has previously worked with men with substance use disorder and believes he has the knowledge and skills to help those who are suffering with addiction get their lives back on track. As the CEO of Helping Hands Recovery Center, he is committed to overseeing the day to day operations and ensure that Helping Hands provides impeccable treatment for all the clients who enter the program.
Dr. Jose M. Valdivia, MD
STAFF PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. Jose M. Valdivia is a psychiatrist in Miami Beach, Florida and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including North Shore Medical Center-Miami and Mount Sinai Medical Center. He received his medical degree from Universidad de Salamanca and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
Deanna Stone
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Deanna started her career in substance abuse treatment in 2017 as a behavioral health technician. Shortly after starting her job in treatment, she returned to school at the Academy for Addictive Disorders and later became a Florida Board Certified Addiction Counselor. In 2021, Deanna graduated with her Bachelors in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. Deanna began working at Helping Hands Recovery Center in 2018 where she found her passion for helping women achieve long-term sobriety.
Amanda Nelson
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Amanda graduated from Hofstra University in 2010 with a Bachelors of Science in Education. She has worked in several treatment centers as a behavioral health technician, group facilitator, alumni coordinator and outreach coordinator. Amanda has a Recovery Coaching certificate from the Fellowship Foundation which includes 30 hours of education and has met all professional criteria required.
Wayne Brown
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER, CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Wayne has studied under Doctor Jon Connelly to become trained and well versed in RRT (Rapid Resolution Therapy). RRT clears the troubling effects of trauma violent crimes, sexual abuse/violence, fears/anxieties, depression, grief/loss, guilt/shame, and relationships. He obtained his BA from University of Toronto and his MSW from Florida International University. Wayne brings a positive experience to everyone he works with.


Optional Housing Upon Request.
Most Insurance Accepted.