Primary Therapist

MHC-LP

Peter is a Primary Therapist having graduated with his Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University and experience in working with a wide range of age groups and presenting concerns related to trauma, mood disorders, insomnia, anxiety, depression, addiction, and grief. He has experience providing care across levels of treatment. His work is grounded in creating a structured, supportive, and clinically sound therapeutic environment where clients can safely explore symptoms, patterns, and underlying emotional processes.

His approach is integrative and evidence-informed, drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Treatment is tailored to each client’s needs and goals, with attention to both cognitive and physiological experiences of distress.

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

Shana is a licensed master social worker with her master’s degree from NYU Silver School of Social Work. Shana has experience working with individuals and groups navigating substance use disorders, trauma, and co-occurring mental health struggles, and is especially passionate about utilizing group therapy to foster connection and healing. Shana draws from modalities including experiential therapy, DBT, EMDR, psychodrama, and creative arts therapies, with a style that’s creative, direct, and grounded in empathy. She believes in meeting clients where they are and helping them access their own inner wisdom and strength.

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, MHC-P

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.

Primary Therapist

LMSW

As a recent graduate of Fordham University Lincoln Center where he attained his MSW, Andre looks forward to beginning his journey as a clinical social worker with Release Recovery. Prior to going back to school, Andre spent four years living and working in the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley of Western Colorado. His journey west began with his desire to become a professional ski instructor, the job that ultimately led him to become a social worker. He also worked various other jobs (as mountain people often do) including as a bike/ski shop employee, restaurant worker and children's mountain bike coach, all of which he credits as character-building experiences. Andre views himself as a true New Yorker; he grew up in the tri-state area and has spent most of his adult life in NYC where he currently resides. He is looking forward to combining his people skills, love of outdoor activities (especially mtn biking and skiing!), and natural empathy to assist the clients of Release and form new professional relationships with the team.

Registered Nurse

Anne Marie has 47 years of nursing experience, she started her career as an emergency room and critical care nurse in New York City. She brings with her over 40 years of management experience which included starting the HIV/AIDS unit at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital in NYC where she also began working in substance abuse. Anne Marie also has psychiatric nursing experience working with adults and adolescents with eating disorders. Anne Marie brings a holistic approach to her nursing practice.