Founder & CEO

Zac is a multi-dimensional business executive with over a decade of professional experience in the Behavioral Health field. As Founder and CEO of Release Recovery and the founding board member for Release Recovery Foundation, he is dedicated to providing comprehensive, innovative, and individualized care to all those in need. Having started in direct client care and quickly evolving into senior leadership positions, Zac has a strong understanding of the many facets of the recovery industry, including the nonprofit sector. His entrepreneurial endeavors, partnered with his commitment to high quality care, continue to expand Release’s growth and impact.

Chief Operating Officer
Matthew is a strategic leader in public health and social impact, specializing in men’s health and stigma reduction. As the founder of MANUAL, focused on raising capital and serving tens of thousands of men before being acquired by Release in 2024. Previously, as Vice President at Shatterproof, Matthew led evidence-based stigma reduction campaigns that reached over 5 million individuals. He has also held key roles at Planned Parenthood  and McKinsey & Company, focusing on innovative strategies and policy development. A Cornell University graduate with dual degrees in Economics and Government, Matthew is excited to leverage his experiences to drive meaningful change at Release Recovery.

Chief Medical Officer

Dr. McCormick is a trained surgeon whose passion for helping those with substance use disorders prompted him to switch careers to addiction medicine, where he now has nearly a decade of experience in Medication-Assisted Treatment, detox, and medication management. During his 8-year tenure at Caron Treatment Center in Wernersville, PA, he served as Medical Director for Signature Programs, led Caron’s Healthcare Professionals Assessment Program, and served as the physician in charge of the Opioid Treatment Program. When working with patients, Dr. McCormick leads with love, tolerance, empathy, and an absence of judgment – guided by his personal experience and drive to help others through what he went through himself.

Chief Technology Officer

Karl Morand is a seasoned engineering leader with over a decade of experience driving product innovation and building high-performing teams. He has successfully grown engineering departments from the ground up—recruiting and nurturing groups of 40+ engineers, designers, and product managers—to deliver products that have reached thousands of users. Karl’s technical expertise spans a wide range of solutions, from e-commerce websites and complex frontend applications to mobile apps and backend APIs, for both consumer-facing and B2B organizations.

Executive Director of Clinical Services

Laura is a NARM® Practitioner specializing in treating complex trauma, substance use, personality and mood disorders. After receiving her Master’s in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University, she discovered her passion for supporting the family unit through the recovery process. By utilizing compassion, intentionality and integrity, Laura brings her clinical expertise and personal experience as a woman in recovery to Release.

Marketing Manager

Grace leads all brand, digital, and event marketing efforts with a passion rooted in personal experience as a former client of the women’s program. With undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southern Methodist University and a background in advertising and performing arts, she crafts compelling, visually-driven strategies to elevate brand awareness and engage diverse audiences. Grace oversees everything from social media and website strategy to merchandise, email marketing, and event promotions—ensuring consistent, authentic messaging across every channel. She is committed to destigmatizing addiction among young women and proving that sobriety is vibrant, empowering, and absolutely not boring.

Director of Residential Services

Stephen has worked in the addiction and recovery field since 2017 and has been in personal recovery since 2015. As program coordinator, Stephen draws on his professional and personal experience to create a roadmap for sustained and fulfilling recovery for all of Release’s clients. Highly skilled in problem solving for clients and their families, Stephen is an expert at working with young people in recovery, navigating college in sobriety, and helping all clients acclimate into Release Recovery’s community.

Business Operations

Hannah focuses on the operations and strategic finance side of Release Recovery. Hannah found Release back in 2021 and is passionate about Release’s approach to recovery through community. Hannah has experience managing the scholarship program on behalf of Release Foundation, in addition to her experience working as an administrator for an inpatient treatment center and as a research coordinator for perioperative pain clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. Hannah graduated Loyola University Maryland with a BA in Psychology and Communication. Hannah is committed to serving others and building community

Business Development & Clinical Outreach

Denisha is a dedicated mental health professional with a Master's in Mental Health Counseling and over five years of experience across community, hospital, and university settings. Specializing in hospital admissions, she has spent the past three and a half years as an Admissions Clinician, where she developed strong relationships and expertise in the mental health care process. Passionate about mental health awareness, Denisha also volunteers with various non-profits to advocate for mental health support.

Marketing Administrator

As a Marketing Administrator at Release Recovery, Nhya specializes in social media and content creation, using digital storytelling to promote awareness and support for those in recovery. Nhya is a Syracuse University graduate with a BS in Advertising and a passion for mental health advocacy.

Operations Manager

From look and feel to cleanliness and security, John ensures that all of our properties live up to the impeccable standards that our clients deserve and have come to expect from Release Recovery. John is particularly focused on making certain that each property runs efficiently, so clients and staff are able to focus on the most important task at hand: recovery.

Partner Success Manager | Release U

Irving Montgomery holds a degree in Business Administration from UNC Greensboro and a Master’s in Higher Education from Appalachian State University. Before joining the Release Recovery team, he led undergraduate engagement efforts at Kappa Delta Rho National Fraternity, supporting student leadership and personal development across the country. Outside of work, Irving serves as a high school wrestling coach!

Men’s Coach | Release U

Ahmad Amusleh is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he earned a degree in Business Administration with a focus in Human Resource Management. During his time at UNC Wilmington, Ahmad dedicated himself to mentoring younger college students and high schoolers, helping them prepare for college and career success. He brings that same passion for guidance and growth to his role as a Men’s Coach with Release U.

Family Services/Admissions

Chris began working in behavioral health in 2013, starting at a residential treatment center. This field quickly became Chris’s calling, leading him to gain extensive experience in various roles such as case management, admissions, and director of professional development. Chris’s diverse skillset encompasses crisis intervention, family coaching, and situational analysis as a consultant. Drawing upon compassion and empathy, Chris establishes meaningful connections with clients and families, providing them with the necessary space to initiate the healing process.

Software Engineer | Release U

Noah earned his B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The Ohio State University and spent three years at Nationwide, starting as an intern and moving into a full-time role. He’s passionate about creating—whether it’s coding, game development, animation, or video editing. Noah also spent over three years teaching kids (ages 8–16) how to code, helping them build projects from simple animations to full games in Roblox and Unity.

Director of Admissions and Outreach

Blake is both a proud alumnus of the program and a dedicated team member since 2018. Drawn to Release’s client-first philosophy, he brings empathy, energy, and firsthand insight to guiding individuals and families through the admissions process. In his leadership role, Blake oversees outreach and referral partnerships—developing strategies to drive growth, strengthen community relationships, and enhance the organization’s presence. He also manages the full admissions pipeline, including operations and family engagement. As a trusted face of Release, Blake’s authenticity and experience allow him to build meaningful connections, lead tours, and provide hope to those taking the first steps toward recovery.

Producer | The Zac Clark Show

Sarah is an Emmy-nominated producer and storyteller with a decade of experience in live news and documentaries. She spent 10 years at CNN and ABC’s Nightline, where she helped bring major national and global stories to life from inside fast-paced newsrooms.

After a decade in news, Sarah shifted her focus to stories rooted in healing and recovery. She’s passionate about creating content that fosters connection and conversation — the kind that makes people feel seen and less alone. She currently produces The Zac Clark Show, a podcast focused on mental health, addiction, and the power of honest storytelling.

Admissions Manager

Jordan worked at Release’s Womens House as a client support specialist and recovery coach before transitioning to the admissions team as the community engagement coordinator. She specializes in program development, special projects, behavioral interventions, community outreach, and sibling support. Sobriety is an important part of Jordan’s life, as many of her relatives are in recovery. Before Release, Jordan worked in non-profit development and behavioral health. She earned a Dual Master’s degree in Social Work and Public Health at NYU and received Bachelor’s degree in Biobehavioral Health and Disability Studies from Penn State.

Human Resources

Margaret began at Release Recovery as a client support specialist in the Women’s House. A former D-1 runner, she found out about Release through a running podcast and has assisted the Release Foundation with its successful New York City marathon fundraisers, as well as with bookkeeping for scholarships. Today, she wears several hats, but mostly assists Founder & CEO Zac Clark and Release with administrative projects. Margaret is a graduate of Stony Brook University with a background in sociology and a focus on substance use and prevention.

Community Manager | NYC Mens

As a lead Community Manager, Soo guides Release’s clients to a healthier lifestyle through exercise, community, and self-discovery. An alumni of the program himself, Soo remembers well the way Release’s dedicated staff helped him reconnect with family and friends and rekindle his healthy passions – which is exactly what he strives to do today for his clients.

Senior Software Engineer | Release U

Katie Stutts is a Senior Software Engineer at Release Recovery, where she leads the development of web and mobile applications that make education and support more accessible. With a background in both psychology and computer science, and professional experience in software development, Katie brings technical expertise and heart to her work. She believes that diverse teams build better products and is committed to creating spaces where everyone feels seen and heard.

Business Development | Release U

Robell began his career in SaaS at Cvent, partnering with colleges and universities to improve student & alumni engagement through innovative technology and data-driven outreach. With a strong foundation in higher education sales and a passion for building meaningful connections, he now serves on the Business Development team at Release University, where he focuses on strategic partnerships and long-term client success in the health and wellness space.

Director of Digital Coaching & Education

Christopher Wilson is the Director of Digital Coaching & Education at Release Recovery, where he leads the organization’s work in digital coaching and education—including the growth and evolution of Release University. With over 18 years of experience, Chris is a national leader in trauma-informed, human-centered design. He has created and scaled CDC-backed interventions, supported organizations in over 30 states, and built culturally responsive systems for underserved and underestimated communities. A certified PMP with a Master of Public Health from UCLA, Chris co-created selfsea.org, a youth-led mental health platform that has reached over 700,000 young people globally. Raised in South Central LA and shaped by his own journey through grief, identity, and recovery, Chris brings lived experience to every system he builds.

Administrative Assistant

With years of sales experience, Jacqueline has always been passionate about helping others. Having close family and friends in recovery, she is deeply committed to supporting those impacted by substance use disorder. After building a successful career in sales, Jacqueline chose to dedicate herself fully to the recovery community, focusing on guiding and assisting individuals and families on their journey to healing.

Director of Clinical Development

Sean Duane is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Northwestern University. He is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist for Individuals and Addictions (CCTSI & CCTSA) and specializes in treating PTSD, Complex PTSD, Developmental Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, and Co-occurring Disorders. Sean is especially skilled at navigating complex family dynamics, developing trauma-informed programs, and providing clinical supervision. His passion, experience, and knowledge help his clients and staff promote trust, safety, autonomy, and a new way of living.

Primary Therapist

Rachel is a Primary Therapist for the Evening Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), where she provides trauma-informed, patient-centered care. With a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University, Rachel has a deep commitment to helping individuals regain control of their lives and sustain long-term recovery. Her journey to working as a therapist was shaped by a personal recovery experience, which fueled her passion and purpose in this field.

Before joining the team, Rachel worked at Sierra Tucson, specializing in trauma and addiction recovery. She has extensive experience facilitating groups focused on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and has been training in Psychodrama,  an experiential therapy that supports healing through action and expression. Rachel held a role co-facilitating a program specializing in work with veterans and first responders, as well as creating programming specific to Women in the recovery process.

Director of Revenue Management

Neal has worked in the behavioral healthcare field since 2012. He has held a range of positions, including as a non-profit behavioral health technician, a client services coordinator, program director, admissions specialist, and admissions supervisor – where he gained deep experience in billing, collections, and revenue retention. Neal brings a passion for supporting the financial goals of Release and believes that a sound financial footing underpins the crucial work of the organization – helping as many clients as possible to receive the quality care they need.

Primary Therapist, LMSW

Justin is a licensed master social worker with his master’s degree from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. He began his career at an OASAS-licensed outpatient program providing substance abuse and mental health services. Over his career, Justin has developed a well-rounded skill set to effectively deliver therapeutic services to individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders. He brings compassion, empathy, and commitment to his work, as well as his own lived experience as someone in recovery. Justin prides himself on providing a safe, warm, and non-judgmental space for all Release clients – and their families – and focuses on collaboratively developing the knowledge and skills needed to promote change and healing in their lives.

Primary Therapist, RDMT, LCAT

Sara is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT), who received her master’s in dance/movement therapy from Pratt University, combining her passion for dance and psychology. Through the power of movement, Sara utilizes this psychotherapeutic approach to help individuals heal and integrate their emotional, cognitive, social, and physical experiences. She includes techniques from her training in Applied Behavior Analysis and Relational Therapy, and is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, allowing her to tailor the therapeutic environment to meet each clients individual’s needs. Her experience ranges from treating those in early childhood to the older adult across various settings, with the past three years focused on adolescent and adult recovery. Sara takes an inclusive approach considering how aspects of identity, including gender, sexuality, culture, religion, and race, shape the way each person experiences the world. 

Primary Therapist, LMSW, CASAC2

Nadine is a licensed master social worker with her master’s degree from NYU Silver School of Social Work. She has extensive experience working with adults and adolescents struggling with substance use disorder, co-occurring mental health disorders, as well as eating disorders and individuals in crisis. Having gained valuable field experience working for a variety of programs in New York, New Jersey, and Florida; she works from an integrative strengths-based, trauma-informed approach, focusing on mindfulness, movement, and the gut/brain connection. She also received her BS in Journalism from Boston University and holds additional certifications in Mental Health Trauma and Addiction Yoga, Plant-Based Nutrition, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

Clinical Administrator, CRPA, MHCP

Caryn received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is a Certified Peer Recovery Advocate, as designated by the State of New York. Her work is guided by a deep commitment to providing exceptional care to individuals dealing with Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders. Her years of personal, professional, and academic experience have allowed her to offer clients and their families comprehensive, holistic support. Her approach is rooted in empathy and empowerment, aiming to create a supportive environment where clients can confidently pursue their recovery goals. Caryn works closely with parents to help them understand addiction, mental health, and how best to support their child. Before getting sober and deciding to pursue a career in behavioral health, Caryn was a catering manager for 15 years.

Recovery Associate

Prior to joining the team, Pamela worked in a residential facility serving individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, and homelessness. Inspired by the meaningful work her husband does with the men’s program at Release, Pamela felt a strong calling to join the organization.

Recovery is both a professional commitment and a personal journey for Pamela. Sober since April 2015, she is passionate about showing clients that while recovery takes work, it can also be fulfilling and even enjoyable. She is honored to walk alongside others on their path to healing.

Recovery Associate

Dorian is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC-T) who leverages her background in special populations, re-entry services, and substance use to support clients through the recovery process. Dorian is proud to act as an advocate for equitable access to proper services for women impacted by mental illness and substance use disorder. She’s currently studying Criminal Justice and Behavioral Science.

Case Manager

Georgia grew up on Long Island, and received both her BA and MA from George Washington University, in Washington, DC. After completing her studies, Georgia spent seven years living and working in the Middle East and East Africa for media companies such as PopSugar Middle East and Vogue Arabia. She returned to New York in 2019 to get sober and has since been an active and enthusiastic member of the local 12-step community. She brings her own experience in recovery to the work that she does supporting Release clients.

Recovery Associate

Patricia is a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), and Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) with extensive experience in wellness and mental health. Combining her background as a life coach, yoga instructor, and fitness trainer, she takes a holistic approach to recovery. Before joining Release Recovery, Patricia provided peer support and guidance in early recovery and operated a yoga and fitness studio. Patricia’s work is rooted in the power of loving-kindness, fostering resilience, self-acceptance, and well-being in a compassionate, client-centered way. At Release Recovery, she is dedicated to creating a supportive space where individuals can reclaim their lives with purpose and dignity.

Executive Chef

As Release’s executive chef, Nichole draws on her experience working in some of New York City’s busiest, most vibrant restaurants to ensure that every Release client has access to nourishing, delicious food. Nichole moved from Baltimore to New York City to begin her career as a health supportive chef who specializes in catering to food allergies with plant-based cooking.

Recovery Associate

Alessandra is a Recovery Associate at Release women’s house, where she supports women on their journeys to sobriety with compassion, structure, and lived experience. As someone in recovery herself, Alessandra brings empathy, authenticity, and a deep understanding to the house community. She believes in meeting each woman where she’s at and walking alongside her in a way that’s grounded in accountability, trust, and hope. Alessandra is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where women can grow, heal, and reclaim their lives.

Recovery Associate

Carly has a professional background in Operations Management but decided to dive into the behavioral healthcare field after getting sober. As an alumni of Release Recovery, Carly understands Release's program intimately and strives to help clients heal & rebuild their lives. She wears a lot of hats at Release doing everything from one-on-one work with clients to assisting the Admissions team.

Recovery Associate

Prior to working at Release, Emma comes to us with experience working with children involving art, mindfulness practices, and personally offering service to those in recovery. Emma herself in in long term recovery and began her journey in this field with the desire to help others achieve their potential. Emma is from New Jersey and is working towards getting her CASAC.

Women's Program Director

Emma – who is in long-term recovery herself – first became interested in a career in the mental health and recovery field after dedicating her own time and service to those struggling with co-occurring disorders and finding success helping to transform the lives of several young women and adolescents. She worked for many years at a long-term treatment facility, and now as a case manager at Release, she is experienced with a range of levels of acuity and chronicity. Emma is a passionate and driven leader who strives to practice what she preaches and to show every client the care and attention they deserve as she offers guidance and the tools needed in order to achieve successful recovery, life skills, and executive functioning skills.

Recovery Associate

Dacia brings more than 20 years of experience in the recovery field to Release where she serves as a support staff specialist, recovery coach and is a Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee. With her observant, responsive, and insightful demeanor, Dacia is dedicated to the needs of Release clients. Prior to her work at Release, Dacia worked at Hazelton Betty Ford doing intakes and serving as support staff.

Recovery Associate

As a former client at Release Recovery, Nathan knows first-hand the life-changing work that the organization does – and it inspired him to pursue this work as a career. Now, as a recovery associate, that’s exactly what he does, helping clients find success in recovery the same way he did – all the while, going to school for addiction recovery counseling. Nathan is determined to help those in need and be a powerful example for those who are struggling.

Case Manager

Sam began his career as a care coordinator at an inpatient residential treatment center for adolescents, where he saw first-hand the importance of family and support systems in recovery. Now a case manager at Release, Sam works closely with clients and their families throughout their recovery journey and enjoys supporting clients as they transition from inpatient settings to becoming self-sufficient in their new lives in recovery.

Recovery Associate

Rodney specializes in overnight care at Release’s transitional living houses where he observes residents, administers daily medications, and makes sure all residents have performed chores before heading to bed. Above all, Rodney ensures that Release Recovery residents are safe and secure at all times.

Recovery Associate

Julian is a dedicated Recovery Associate with experience in client activity reporting. With a strong emphasis on accuracy and compliance, Julian ensures a safe and well-maintained environment while upholding professional standards. Their expertise in maintaining cleanliness and organization contributes to a structured and supportive atmosphere for clients.

Case Manager

Michael supports Release clients in every aspect of recovery, from sober transport and coaching to one-on-one time helping clients maintain sobriety. He is particularly skilled in coaching young adults in early recovery and has prior experience managing the alumni program at a residential treatment center for adolescents. Michael is working toward his professional certification for substance abuse counseling.

Recovery Associate

Once a client of Release Recovery himself, Maxwell works to provide today’s Release clients with the same exceptional experience he had. Since he started in 2019, Maxwell has focused on helping every client understand that by showing up with a positive attitude, believing in yourself, and taking action each day, they too can experience a life of opportunity and joy.

Case Manager

Following a 10-year career in financial services, investment banking, and alternative investments, Mike shifted to behavioral health in 2020. Since that time, he has guided individuals and families through substance use and co-occurring disorders, supporting clients and their loved ones with clinical care and life transitions. Drawing on his business acumen and lived experience, Mike empowers clients to heal, set purposeful goals, restore stability, and pursue sustainable recovery.

Operations Manager

From look and feel to cleanliness and security, John ensures that all of our properties live up to the impeccable standards that our clients deserve and have come to expect from Release Recovery. John is particularly focused on making certain that each property runs efficiently, so clients and staff are able to focus on the most important task at hand: recovery.

Case Manager

A certified addiction recovery coach and recovery peer advocate, Eddie helps bridge the gap for clients between transitional living and their aftercare needs – so that their recovery is well-rounded and that they are set up for success. Eddie’s passion for helping others struggling with addiction stems from his personal battle with substance use. Having begun his journey to recovery in 2008, Eddie – a graduate of the University of Scranton – is keenly aware of the ups and downs of maintaining recovery over the long-term; and he is dedicated to helping Release’s clients see their journey through

House Caregiver

Everyone’s favorite team member and house mom, Lola is a wealth of love and support for Release’s clients and staff. In her role of house caregiver, she cooks meals and ensures the Release Westchester Men’s House is kept in excellent condition. But it’s her huge heart that has the greatest impact. Lola previously worked for 20 years at New York Hospital, where she served as a caregiver for the elderly and focused on mental health.

Recovery Associate

Steve believes that a successful recovery is our bridge back into life. As a member of a 12-step program for the last 36 years, he knows sobriety can give you a life beyond your wildest dreams. And as a recovery associate he works to guide Release clients to focus on their spiritual, mental, and physical well-being to maximize their journey in recovery. Prior to his work at Release, Steve worked in the nutritional/supplement industry for over 25 years, and he believes addiction is a multifaceted disease that requires a holistic approach. Every day, Steve works to equip our clients with the tools they need to move from the problem into the solution and ultimately to realize how remarkable a life in recovery can be.

Community Manager | NYC Mens

As a lead Community Manager, Soo guides Release’s clients to a healthier lifestyle through exercise, community, and self-discovery. An alumni of the program himself, Soo remembers well the way Release’s dedicated staff helped him reconnect with family and friends and rekindle his healthy passions – which is exactly what he strives to do today for his clients.

Recovery Associate 

Kirk has more than 20 years of experience in technical and administrative management roles and five years in the addiction recovery field. He brings to Release a wealth of communication and social connection skills, which he uses in supporting his clients.

Recovery Associate 

After entering recovery at the age of 65 in 2019, Leonard became a certified addiction recovery coach and certified recovery peer advocate. He began at Release in May of 2021, where he loves working with clients at Release’s 6th Avenue residence. Leonard focuses specifically on clients finishing school and pursuing careers in New York City, as he knows first-hand how hard that can be. He earned a Master of Architecture degree from Yale University and practiced as a private residential architect for more than 40 years.