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.

A former Release client, Charlie found success – and purpose – in recovery by building practical life skills while discovering a spiritual path in sobriety. As a client support specialist, he now uses his vast personal experience to help Release clients on their recovery journey, with a special emphasis on mental health, mediation, and the arts. Charlie is grateful to work with a team of professionals at Release Recovery whom he considers family. Before beginning his career in recovery, Charlie worked in contemporary art consulting and earned his bachelor’s degree from Naropa University.

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.

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.

Fun Fact

Big fan of the beaches in Greece

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.

Marshall is Release Recovery’s full-time adventure coach, leading group trips and adventures – from rock climbing and hiking to snowboarding and kayaking – for Release’s clients, rekindling their connection with nature and other healthy activities. Marshall was a client at Release when he discovered his passion for nature and adventure. Now certified in wilderness first aid and as a wilderness guide and outdoor educator, Marshall is determined to show that a life without alcohol or substances can be fun – one adventure at a time.

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.

As a lead client support specialist, 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.

Fun Fact

Avid skateboarder

Carly is a client support specialist in long-term recovery herself. She lives by the motto “Help, Guide, and Assist,” which fueled her own recovery and shapes the attitude she brings every day to Release Recovery – where she ensures that the women at Release are safe, cared for, and connected.

As a case manager and certified recovery coach, peer advocate, and personal trainer, Laura acts a cheerleader for her clients while simultaneously challenging them to be their best. She’s with her clients every step of the process, checking in often and using big-picture thinking to help clients manage their time, prioritize the present, and grow spiritually, mentally, and physically in recovery and beyond.

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.

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.

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. She has been with Release for four years.

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. Maxwell knows that it can be very difficult to deal with the struggles of early recovery, which is why as HR manager, he is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive place for all Release clients to grow.

As a client support specialist, Pamela is tasked with assisting clients as they manage and maintain their recovery. Before transitioning to Release, Pamela worked in a residential facility caring for those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. But after seeing how fulfilled her husband was by his work for the men’s program at Release Recovery, she felt called to become a part of the Release team. Recovery is not only professional for Pamela, it’s also personal. She has been sober since April 2015 and strives to show her clients that although recovery involves work, it is fun and rewarding.

Howard has served in various capacities within the behavioral health field, beginning his work with Pennsylvania Counseling Services – followed by a long career at Caron Treatment Centers. Now with more than 15 years in the field, Howard’s extensive experience has informed his passion for serving his community and working with clients and families to improve their relationships. His ability to build rapport and connect with patients and families allows him to create an atmosphere of trust and respect. This is mirrored in his approach of leading and building the teams he oversees and supports. Howard’s areas of expertise include managing and developing programs and employees, crisis management, and recovery-informed academic and career coaching.

Rick has worked in behavioral healthcare for the past five years. He has held various roles including working directly with individuals and their families, as well as providing bespoke recovery care. As a business development specialist at Release, Rick is focused on cultivating professional relationships and is passionate about connecting families and individuals to the resources they need to best help them recover.

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.

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 client support specialist 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.

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 client support specialist, 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.

Prior to joining Release as a client support specialist, Emma personally offered services to those in AA and worked with children in art and mindfulness practices. Emma comes to the field with personal experience, as she is in long-term recovery, and knows first-hand the value in recovery and the immense pride in achieving one’s potential. That’s what she strives to help her clients do at Release. Emma is from New Jersey and is working towards getting her CASAC.

Charles Lerner is energized by the opportunity to serve as the director of engagement at Release Recovery and the Release Recovery Foundation. In these roles, Charles’ mission is to establish a resilient and compassionate community dedicated to supporting individuals in their journey through recovery and overcoming addiction. By fostering genuine connections and prioritizing collective well-being, he is focused on creating a nurturing environment that transcends conventional approaches. Most recently, Charles spent six years at Tao Group Hospitality, where he spearheaded the Tao Cares community and employee engagement efforts. A 2014 graduate of Syracuse University, Charles managed the men’s basketball team for 4 years – including a trip to the 2013 Final Four.

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.

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.

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.

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. Alongside his passion for helping others, Chris enjoys an active lifestyle that combines athletics and academics and is currently attending Columbia University studying Sociology and Political Science and looks forward to sharing this valuable knowledge with others.