The Whole Squad!
Biography
“When there’s breath there’s hope. When the lights go on, there is nothing better.”
Zac Clark & Justin Gurland
Our Founders
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 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
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
Ben began his career in addiction treatment working in Sober Living residences throughout New York City providing peer support to residents before moving into Recovery Coaching and Case Management. While leading a non-fatal opioid overdose response team with the New York City Department of Health, Ben earned his Master of Social Work Degree from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. After graduating, Ben moved into a Primary Therapist Role and Director of Recovery Coaching at New York Center For Living, a premier New York City based outpatient substance abuse center. Ben comes to Release Recovery filled with gratitude to be part of the team with a deep desire to meet each client where they are at and be a guide on their journey of self-discovery.
“There is no greater privilege than to be a guide in a client’s corner as they break through and become the individual they have always meant to be”
Ben Mushlin
Program Director
Caroline Park
Director of Business Development
Biography
Laura Sorte
Program Director – NYC Women’s
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 & Alumni Coordinator
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
Community Manager
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
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
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
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
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
Mack Cosgrove grew up in Chatham, New Jersey. After graduating college from Susquehanna University with a degree in Corporate Communications, Mack pursued a career in marketing and technology. However, after beginning his own journey in recovery, which found him at the Release Recovery House, he discovered his true passion for helping others.
“Release will always hold a special place in my heart. It taught me how to be truly happy in recovery, and the importance of helping others. I am grateful to be a part of this team.”
Mack Cosgrove
Client Support Specialist
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
Jordan Saunders was born and raised in Harlem, NY. He graduated from Providence College with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. During his time at PC, Jordan’s growing passion to learn about and help others become their best selves motivated him to become a writing tutor and Resident Assistant. Jordan’s desire to provide young adults with academic support and personal development skills blossomed into pursuing his master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration. Jordan plans to become a psychologist and open his own practice to continue helping the youth live out a healthy and fulfilling life despite life’s obstacles.
Jordan Saunders
Client Support Specialist
Biography
Javier is a native New Yorker who has been working with people recovering from substance abuse for the past nine years. As a licensed acupuncturist he has worked with both people who are newly sober to mitigate withdrawal symptoms as well as people who have been sober for many years in his pain clinic in NYC. Javier graduated with a BA in religion and ecology from Hunter College and then went on to earn a Master of Arts Degree from Union Theological Seminary. Today he teaches several classes in the Religion Program at Hunter College. Javier’s approach to recovery is a holistic one – an approach that focuses on mind, body and spirit. He is thrilled to be joining the team at Release Recovery!
Javier Picayo
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
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
Case Manager
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
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
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.
Denean Dixon
Client Support Specialist
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
Client Support Specialist
Biography
Laura Swanson
Client Support Specialist
Biography
I’m proud to be part of Release. It gives me the chance to share my own experiences and challenges in sobriety. Throughout my recovery I have rekindled my passion of helping others, and it is inspiring to see when clients change and find their own voice.
Lauren Tierney
Client Support Specialist
Biography
Laura Paddock
Client Support Specialist
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
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
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
An Oklahoma native, Leonard received a Master of Architecture degree from Yale University, and pursued a long career as an architect in New York City. After beginning his own recovery journey, Leonard’s career path shifted to addiction recovery. He is a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach and a Provisional Certified Addiction Peer Advocate.
“I have found that being a part of a caring community dedicated to addiction recovery is a meaningful and rewarding experience, for which I am deeply grateful.”
Leonard Woods
Client Support Specialist
Biography
Elazar moved to NYC, from St. Paul, MN, to attend art school and get a degree in painting. Alongside his art practice, he has worked with children, as an after school and summer program specialist. Elazar also works with seniors, finding working with people to be both fulfilling and meaningful. His compassion and patience, and personal experience with recovery, drew him to Release Recovery, where personal growth happens at every level. Working with clients in this crucial environment gives Elazar a sense of purpose, and enjoyment as well.
“Saving one life is like saving an entire world” – Talmud, Sanhedrin 37a
Elazar Hoch
Client Support Specialist
Biography
Sam Pickard grew up in Dayton, Ohio. Having worked toward a career in music since he was a teenager, it wasn’t until he gained some time in recovery that he ultimately realized he wanted to help people in their sobriety professionally. After graduating from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, he decided to pursue a career at Release amidst his work as a musician.
Sam Pickard
Client Support Specialist
Biography
Jeffrey was born and raised in the Westchester NY area. Following a diverse path of travel with extensive experience in culinary and hospitality avenues, in 2019 he found himself back home with “Release Westchester”. As a previous client he learned how to share the beauty of his recovery through a love of cooking and the warmth and healing that heathy food can bring.
“Watching the clients grow, their lives brighten, and just being able to be a part of helping that healing take place, fills my heart with a loving joy and a deep connection to those at Release sharing this journey together. Our family dinners here are a special time of bonding and relief in the day, and it’s a privilege and a gift to be a part of that”.
Jeffrey Habel
House Chef