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

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.”

Matt Weinhold

Recovery Coach & 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

Community 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.”

Macklin Cosgrove

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.

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Logan was born and raised in Maryland but found his way to New York when he began his own journey of recovery. Logan lived at the Release house in Westchester until he decided to go back to school and continue his education. He is a student at Fairfield University where he studies Psychology and Business Management in hopes of continuing a career in addiction recovery. He has a passion for helping others and wants to give others what was given to him at Release Recovery.

“Living at Release and being a part of the community has changed my life. I want to show other young people trying to get sober that it is possible”

Logan Miller

Client Support Specialist

Biography

Luis Carrillo is a Native New Yorker who has been working in the Addiction Field for 3 years providing Recovery Support for individuals who are chemically dependent. Luis Carrillo has been working with vulnerable populations, such as the Homeless, Domestic Violence Survivors, and SUD individuals with Co-Occurring Disorders for 14 years; providing these populations with direct care supportive services. As being in recovery for 14 years, Luis is passionate about providing Recovery Support to people suffering from the affliction of addiction. Luis obtained his (CASAC) 350 – hour requirements and is currently pursuing a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor License.

“Recovery is a process of change whereby individuals improve their health and wellness, to live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential”

Luis Carrillo

Client Support Specialist

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

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

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

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

Jeff grew up in North Branford, Connecticut. He attended Quinnipiac University where he got a Bachelor Of Science Degree in Psychology. He is currently pursuing his Masters In Social Work at Quinnipiac University in the fall. His main goal is to get his LCSW and eventually become a therapist.

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -Nelson Mandela

Jeff Dryzgula

Client Support Intern

Biography

Ally is a graduate student at the University of Minnesota. She will be earning her Masters in Integrated Behavioral Health, a dual licensure program for addiction and mental health counseling. Although she has had a passion for this field for as long as she can remember, she took some time exploring the best way to get involved. She worked in customer service and corporate events until the pandemic gave her the nudge she needed to go back to school. Ally is excited to dive in at Release Recovery to put her innate abilities, passion for helping others, and the skills learned in the classroom into practice to support in anyway possible.

“Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness of people.”

Ally Bauer

Client Support Intern

Biography

Originally from Mexico and Panama, Esther is a full time student of Psychology and Sociology in New York City, which she now calls her home. She is passionate about learning and helping people, and is looking forward to doing both at Release Recovery. She is just starting her career in the psychology field and is confident that being a part of the Release team is the right way to do it.

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step in your life”

Esther Atri

Client Support Intern

Biography

Heather grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut. Heather currently attends Montclair State University where she is studying to become a music therapist. Piano, guitar, and singing has been a vital asset in Heather’s own journey, and she is excited to utilize music and her individuality in this wonderful position .Being able to be a part of a safe space for growth and opportunity for clients will motivate her to keep going forward!

“I am thrilled to be a part of something beautiful! And I am optimistic about where this opportunity might take me in pursuing my career”

Heather Wright

Client Support Intern

Biography

Hannah is a rising senior studying psychology and communication at Loyola University of Maryland. Hannah previously worked at an inpatient rehabilitation facility that evoked her interest in the recovery world. Hannah currently is a second reader for research regarding occupational resilience and a member of another research team studying sleep patterns of youth in juvenile detention centers. She looks forward to working in the Johns Hopkins Psychiatry Chronic Pain Clinic next year. Hannah intends to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. She is so grateful to be a part of the Release Recovery team for the summer as she is feels there is so much to learn from the clients and staff.

“Wherever you stand be the soul of that place” -Rumi

Hannah Flynn

Client Support Intern

Biography

Haley is currently an elementary school teacher in New York City and previously graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Psychology and Sociology. While at Georgetown University she had a passion for mental health and worked at an outpatient facility and a performance coaching start up. While off for the summer, Haley decided she wanted to re-immerse herself in the field while she had the summer off as she plans to apply to graduate school to get her master’s in social work next year.

Haley Shea

Client Support Intern

The Whole Squad!

Biography

Zac Clark & Justin Gurland

Biography

Neil Harman

Biography

Guy Rella

Biography

Joe Zappone

Biography

Matt Weinhold

Biography

Dorian Bess

Biography

Macklin Cosgrove

Biography

Denean Dixon

Biography

Rachelle Commodore-Dixon

Biography

Stephen D’antonio

Biography

Mario Diurno

Biography

Steve Fraum

Biography

Jeffrey Habel

Biography

Thomas Grace

Biography

Max Jones

Biography

John Kourtessis

Biography

Lola Paz

Biography

Blake Porter

Biography

Marshall Rogers

Biography

Soo-Hwan Saxton

Biography

Lucy Rorech

Biography

Caryn Rude

Biography

Kirk-Patrick Wilson

Biography

Craig Sears

Biography

Logan Miller

Biography

Luis Carrillo

Biography

Jordan Saunders

Biography

Leonard Woods

Biography

Lauren Tierney

Biography

Dacia Wright

Biography

Jeff Dryzgula

Biography

Ally Bauer

Biography

Esther Atri

Biography

Heather Wright

Biography

Hannah Flynn

Biography

Haley Shea

GIVE THANKS. LIVE LIFE. RELEASE.

Rachelle
Commodore-Dixon