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 is a former client of the women’s program. Now she manages the social media for release recovery and the foundation. Grace got her undergrad and graduate degree at Southern Methodist University. She uses her past experience in advertising and performing arts to create visually intriguing strategies to increase brand awareness. She manages the content from ideation to the post date and beyond. Grace is passionate about destigmatizing addiction among young women and showcasing that sobriety is 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

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.

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.

Director of Admissions and Outreach

Blake was drawn to Release Recovery for its client-first philosophy. An alumni of the program and an employee since 2018, he knows that seeking treatment, especially in the early days, can be filled with tremendous fear and stress. As admissions director, he takes seriously his responsibility to provide hope, calm, and most importantly, guidance to clients and their families.

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.

Special Services

Mario works in special services at Release, which means he goes to great lengths to answer the call when someone is in need – whether for transportation, sober companionship, or coaching. Mario loves working one-on-one with clients and maintaining long-term relationships with those he supports in recovery. He takes particular joy in receiving FaceTime’s from clients on their one-year anniversaries.

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.

Recovery Associate/Admissions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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/Admissions

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Special Services

Mario works in special services at Release, which means he goes to great lengths to answer the call when someone is in need – whether for transportation, sober companionship, or coaching. Mario loves working one-on-one with clients and maintaining long-term relationships with those he supports in recovery. He takes particular joy in receiving FaceTime’s from clients on their one-year anniversaries.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Recovery Associate

Michael is a proud alum who is now dedicated to paying forward the support he received from Release. With his lived experience and Recovery Coach certification, he’s committed to making a meaningful impact on others' journeys. Striving to be a positive influence and always do the next right thing, he feels truly honored to be part of the Release community.

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.

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.

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.