Our Team – RELEASE | Sober Living, Transitional Living in NYC & Westchester

The Whole Squad!

Biography

Zac Clark and Justin Gurland founded Release Recovery in 2017 with the goal of helping people reclaim their lives from addiction. They are an unlikely pair: Zac is a former college athlete who intended to pursue a career in sports; Justin obtained a Masters Degree in Social Work from Hunter College. When they met seven years ago, they discovered a shared conviction that the message of recovery is one best conveyed through simple language. Drawing from their years of experience in the recovery field—as well as from their own personal journeys in recovery—Zac and Justin have made it their life’s work to share the gift of recovery with as many people as possible.

“When there’s breath there’s hope. When the lights go on, there is nothing better.”

Zac Clark & Justin Gurland

Our Founders

Biography

Neil began his career providing patient support at Ashley Addiction Treatment—one of the nation’s leading addiction treatment centers. After relocating to New York, Neil worked under Release cofounders Justin and Zac as a house manager, intake specialist and client services manager. With over seven years of experience in the recovery field, Neil has earned a reputation among his colleagues for the extraordinary honesty and compassion with which he comes to each and every client.

Contact Neil at Neil@releaserecovery.com

“Saying it’s an honor to play a part in these guys lives would be an understatement. This isn’t one of those, ‘I’ve got to’ jobs… This is an ‘I get to’ one.”

Neil Harman

Director of Men’s Services

Biography

As Client Manager, Guy Rella is charged with assisting client progress through Release’s Development Program. With a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, Guy is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling as well as a CASAC credential. He has forged partnerships with local charitable organizations such as the American Cancer Society, where Release clients volunteer their time each week.

Contact Guy at Guy@releaserecovery.com

“It’s an honor to guide our clients through our Release Development Program and a privilege to keep in touch when they transition out of our community. The gift is seeing them return to Release to celebrate milestones in their recovery.”

Guy Rella

Program Director

Biography

Joseph “Big Joey” Zappone supervises daily operations at Release Recovery. He has been a member of the Release Team since day one, overseeing the myriad moving parts in constant play at any given time. An Albany native, Joey has years of experience in the recovery field, as well as a past career in property management. He raises money to support addiction treatment by running the New York City Marathon.

“I fight with them to fight for them. When they come out the other side, the fight is worth it every single time. If they do not come out the other side, the fight is worth it every single time.”

Joe Zappone

Director of Operations

Biography

As a Community Support Specialist at Release Recovery, Dorian helps women identify their next steps in transitional living. She is an advocate for women’s needs, and has been an outspoken voice in her community for those who cannot speak for themselves. She is currently obtaining her CASAC at Hostos Community College and is a certified Victim’s Advocate and a Certified Career Development Specialist. Dorian’s passion is to empower women toward self-care and self-love.

“I walk in Love. I stand in Peace. I fight for what my life should be. I rise above all adversities. Self love, self care, is my destination.”

Dorian Bess

Community Support Specialist

Biography

Denean is a New York native, born and raised in Staten Island. She has always had a passion for helping others. She attended school for forensic science, but ultimately changed paths to pursue her true passion of guiding women in recovery. Her main goal is to empower women. This is Deanean’s first time working in the recovery field and it has been a beautiful experience. The most important thing to Denean is to continue to grow and set a positive example for clients daily.

“I am passionate about what I do. It is a good feeling knowing that you did something to help someone’s recovery, even if it is just lending a listening ear.”

Denean Dixon

Client Support Specialist

Biography

Rachelle attended John Jay College with the intention of becoming a defense attorney. After losing friends and family to the disease of addiction, she was moved to change direction. She is now a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, Certified Recovery Coach, certified in Mental Health First Aid, and is currently procuring an Emotional Intelligence Certification. She is a native of New York.

“The best part of my job is watching the women develop their own voices build healthy friendships and discover life in sobriety.”

Rachelle
Commodore-Dixon

Community Manager

Biography

Steve graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He began his career in the addiction field working for Caron Treatment Center – one of the nation’s most prominent addiction treatment facilities. He worked as a counselor assistant in the Young Adult Men’s Program before transitioning to the research department at Caron. Recently, he completed a year-long brain imaging study in collaboration with Stanford University. Steve draws on his own personal journey as motivation to help others in early recovery.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out” – Robert Collier

Stephen D’antonio

Client Support Specialist

Biography

Mario has worked in the recovery media/entertainment field since 2013. In this time he has helped produce a number of recovery-focused documentaries (Generation Found, The Anonymous People), organized a recovery benefit concert (“Unite to Face Addiction”), and travelled to over 80 correctional facilities to share his love of music and the message of recovery.

“What I love about Release is that we really do provide individuals with a custom plan. No two residents are alike, so why should their paths of recovery be? Release is here to help soften the landing, get you game-ready, and then let you fly!”

Mario Diurno

Client Support Specialist

Biography

Steve spent 40 years running a business in New York City before deciding to commit himself to helping others fulltime. He is a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, and a CCAR Recovery Coach. He combines behavioral therapy and the principles of the 12-Steps to guide clients toward a life of wellness.

“Don’t ever stop wanting, don’t ever stop dreaming. It can be achieved as long as you believe.”

Steve Fraum

Recovery Coach & Client Support Specialist

Biography

Born and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey, Robert had a successful career as a pastry chef and baker; managing and overseeing restaurants and production plants for 17 years. Four years ago, Robert decided to change careers. He began working at Four Winds Hospital in Katonah, New York helping kids with autism and schizophrenia. Eventually, Rob became the assistant program director of a well known rehab in Connecticut. Currently, he is pursuing his RN license.

“I realized my passion in life was not working in the hospitality industry, but giving back to those in need. Working at Release is an honor. The team is always hard at work to help the clients. It’s such a positive work environment. The clients come first and I love that.”

Robert Gonnerman

Client Support Specialist

Biography

Tom began his career in Federal Law Enforcement. From there he entered the Financial Services Industry, where he enjoyed a long career. Ultimately, he felt called to help people recover from drug and alcohol abuse. He is a Certified Recovery Coach with years of experience in the recovery field.

“It is such a treat to see the sparkle in the eyes of the guys as they embrace their respective recoveries. I can’t think of any other way to spend my time.”

Thomas Grace

Client Support Specialist

Biography

Max’s career in customer service, combined with his own personal recovery, has awarded him the experience necessary to offer excellent client care on a daily basis. A dedicated recovery professional, Max is a Westchester native with a love of history, fashion and music.

“One of the best parts of the Release Recovery program is the sense of community. The community of clients and the way they work together to recover; the community of staff and how we work together to make that recovery happen; and both communities coming together to create better lives. That’s what Release Recovery is all about for me.”

Max Jones

Client Support Specialist

Biography

John “Greek” Kourtessis was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelors degree in Accounting, but following his own experience living at Release Recovery Westchester, discovered a new passion helping fellow addicts and alcoholics help themselves.

“I love release, they saved my life. Now I get to share my love for this place with other people. I am truly blessed.”

John Kourtessis

Client Support Specialist

Biography

Lola has dedicated her life to taking care of others. After a 20-year career at New York Hospital, she changed course to become a home-caregiver for the elderly and children with special needs. She has been a part of the Release team since day one. A native of beautiful Carnota in northwestern Spain, Lola now calls New York home.

Lola Paz

House Caregiver

Biography

After growing up in Adams, New York, Blake went to college at Paul Smith’s College and eventually began a career in Golf Course Management where he gained valuable insight into interpersonal relationships. Blake parlayed that experience into a career in real estate but eventually made a shift in his life and decided to seek a higher purpose, which was to help others recover from addiction. Blake has a deep love for family, golf, music and dogs. He is a welcomed addition to the team as he truly embodies the culture of love and connection that exists at Release Recovery.

“Release is a place where I learned what it meant to be a part of a community. I learned how to be honest and how to help myself through helping others. Doing this work is the most fun I’ve ever had and the most rewarding. I am so grateful to be a part of this team.”

Blake Porter

Admissions and Alumni Coordinator

Biography

After obtaining a Business Degree from Saint Michael’s College, Marshall discovered his true calling as a recovery specialist. An avid outdoorsman, he has found that nature can facilitate healing and foster joy in recovery. In addition to his work at Release, Marshall is a guide for Adventure Recovery in Connecticut.

“The Release Recovery community provided me a safe place so I could discover what my passions were in this life. I found a love for the outdoors and now live a meaningful life of sobriety and happiness. Once you enter the Release family, you are always in the family.”

Marshall Rogers

Community Manager

Biography

After a long career on Wall Street, Lucy’s passion for physical, mental, and emotional health inspired her to acquire certification as a Recovery Coach and Recovery Peer Advocate. She offers tailored sobriety support that focuses on the capabilities of each individual client. She also serves on the board of Run4Fun, a charity that brings free running programs to impoverished schools. Lucy lives with her family and two dogs in Brooklyn.

If “All the world’s a stage,” then our Release clients are the stars of the show. Playing a supporting role in their recovery as they grow and find their true paths in life is my joy and privilege.

Lucy Rorech

Case Manager

Biography

Caryn’s own journey through recovery inspired her to help others who are struggling with addiction. She is a Certified Professional Life Coach (CPC) through the International Coaching Federation, and has completed the CCAR Recovery Coach Academy. She offers her clients the skills, hope and compassion for a better way of life.

“Working with Release Recovery is one of the greatest gifts I have received. Seeing women encourage, support and empower other women in recovery is a beautiful thing. I am honored to be a part of their lives and journey.”

Caryn Rude

Community Support Specialist

Biography

Soo-Hwan grew up nearby, in Westchester. He recently obtained a Personal Training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Soo has a passion for helping others and loves seeing people reach their goals. Recovery helped him rekindle his passion for skateboarding.

“In order to reach what’s in front of you, you need to let go of what is behind you.”

Soo-Hwan Saxton

Client Support Specialist

Biography

Craig comes to Release from Danbury, Connecticut where he graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelors Degree in Education. After spending 8 years working at Amplitude Marketing Group as their Operations Manager, he began working in the recovery field at Turnbridge addiction treatment center. Craig is a Certified High School Coach, having coached softball for the last 15 years on the high school and summer AAU circuit. He is passionate about physical activity, and how it coincides with recovery and well being
What it means to be working at Release:
“From day one, I have felt a family atmosphere at Release. This feeling has a trickle-down effect from staff to the residents and it’s something I am excited to be a part of. In life, it’s all about personal relationships and I find a great amount of pride in getting to build those with the people I work with, especially the residents. Building trust is key and critical to what we do each and every day.”

“How do you go from where you are to where you want to be? And I think you have to have an enthusiasm for life. You have to have a dream, a goal, and you have to be willing to work for it.” – Jim Valvano

Craig Sears

Client Support Specialist

Biography

A Native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Matt attended the Pennsylvania State University to pursue a degree in Security and Risk Analysis. His career path shifted from the cyber security space to addiction recovery, following his own personal journey in recovery. He works primarily for the Release NYC Men’s program as a client support specialist; and also has experience as a Recovery Coach, Safe Transport Specialist, and Sober Companion. Matt is committed to pursuing a healthy lifestyle and helping others to find passion, laughter, structure, and balance in recovery.

“Release Recovery gave me the tools I needed to discover my passion for helping others, and it also became my family along the way. The community and staff dynamic at Release is unparalleled. The opportunity to support clients wherever they are in their journey is truly a gift.”

Matthew Weinhold

Client Support Specialist

Biography

Kirk-Patrick “KP” Wilson a seasoned technocrat in the healthcare sector. KP is a native of Jamaica and is an adopted New Yorker. He was drawn to the recovery field after gaining knowledge and understanding of the disease of addiction. His ultimate desire is to bridge the cultural gap of within the addiction world. KP has a calming spirit and finds ways of connecting with clients naturally through his Caribbean culinary flavors.

KP recently completed his certification as a recovery coach / peer advocate and is pursuing his certification as a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. KP’s plans for the future include pursuing his dream of becoming a LMSW to further his work in recovery.

“I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It’s gonna be a bright, bright, bright, bright sunshiny day.”

Kirk-Patrick Wilson

Client Support Specialist

Biography

Dacia started her own journey 1987, when she was introduced to recovery.
Dacia joins Release with 20 years of experience working in the field of addiction. She has her Casac-T, is a Certified Recovery Coach and has trained in Non-violent Crisis Intervention.

“My goal is to help women to become free from active addictions.”

Dacia Wright

Client Support Specialist

Biography

Pamela George

Program Director – Women’s NYC

The Whole Squad!

Biography

Zac Clark & Justin Gurland

Biography

Neil Harman

Biography

Guy Rella

Biography

Joe Zappone

Biography

Dorian Bess

Biography

Denean Dixon

Biography

Rachelle Commodore-Dixon

Biography

Stephen D’antonio

Biography

Mario Diurno

Biography

Steve Fraum

Biography

Robert Gonnerman

Biography

Thomas Grace

Biography

Max Jones

Biography

John Kourtessis

Biography

Lola Paz

Biography

Blake Porter

Biography

Marshall Rogers

Biography

Lucy Rorech

Biography

Caryn Rude

Biography

Soo-Hwan Saxton

Biography

Craig Sears

Biography

Matthew Weinhold

Biography

Kirk-Patrick Wilson

Biography

Dacia Wright

Biography

Pamela George

GIVE THANKS. LIVE LIFE. RELEASE.

Rachelle
Commodore-Dixon