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
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
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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out” – Robert Collier
Stephen D’antonio
Client Support Specialist

Biography
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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
“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 Paz
House Caregiver

Biography
“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
“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
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
“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
“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
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
“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
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 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