The Connect2Recovery Team

Alan Meister, Program Director

I have over 20 years experience in the field of substance use treatment, with the last five specifically supervising peers and training recovery coaches.  My passion is to have a staff that treats each person as an individual, with dignity and respect, and works to assist those individuals to embrace an independent and healthy recovery.

Dan Foley, Assistant Program Director

I am drawn to help individuals who fall through cracks in the system. I have dealt with my own substance use and mental health issues for over 20 years, and I do believe that this type of lived experience makes me uniquely qualified to provide the support that can be fundamental to someone else’s recovery journey.

Alesha Amato, Recovery Coach

I am passionate about helping others on their recovery journey. I am a person in long-term recovery from substance use and mental health diagnoses. I am no different from the people I support and use that viewpoint to meet and walk with people where they are on their recovery path.

James Boulay, Community Support Program-Justice Involved (CSP-JI) Navigator

I’m a firm believer in the phrase “You can’t keep it if you don’t freely give it away.” I am living proof that we can not only live but thrive in a life of recovery.  My approach is to find ways to safely engage in recovery, find joy in it and empower the individual I am helping.  As a man of faith with previous justice involvement, I truly appreciate “the steps” of recovery. Regardless of the amount of sobriety we may have, in the end we only have the day we are in.

Brooke Burgess, Recovery Coach

Being in recovery, it is my turn to give back and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have the opportunity here with Riverside Community Care.  I believe that community and peer support is crucial to recovery.  I am here to motivate and encourage a recoveree to try new things in a safe and supportive environment, and to be comfortable in the uncomfortable and to ‘be scared, but do it anyway.”

Caitlynn Chesbrough, Community Support Program-Justice Involved (CSP-JI) Navigator

As a person with lived experience of substance use within my family, I came to this work out of a desire to help others on their pathway of recovery.  This firsthand experience helps me to meet people where they are, so that I can help them take the steps necessary to stay on their personal recovery journey.

Meaghan Connell, Recovery Support Navigator

As a woman in recovery from a co-occurring disorder, I am enthusiastic about helping others heal from the effects of substance use. I am compassionate and have a deep understanding of the psychological effects and behaviors that transpire from trauma and addiction. I believe in meeting people where they are while reconceptualizing the thought process,  that recovery is not so “black and white,” and those “grey” areas require an active change in thinking and a shift in perspective.

Michelle E., Administrative Coordinator

As a woman in recovery myself, I’m passionate about supporting others on their road to recovery any way I can.  I have worked in the behavioral health & substance use field in various positions for over five years.  My motivation comes from finding those unique connections with people who seek our services.

Jeff Gilbride, Recovery Coach

As a Recovery Coach my style involves an open-minded curiosity concerning alternative methods of recovery, based on my lived experience and beliefs. Alcohol, substance use, anxiety, depression and focus are areas of interest. Helping others is a way of helping myself and hopefully making the world a better place, one person at a time.

Roger Good, Recovery Coach

I have tremendous respect and compassion for those we work with. My focus is on substance use recovery and those who experience obsessive/compulsive behaviors like gambling. Every individual is different, and we believe that through a collaborative effort we can personalize a wellness plan for everyone.  It takes courage and commitment to enter recovery.  However, there is joy when sharing in the outcome. It allows all seeking long-term recovery “to live their best life.”

Lewis Howe, BHJI Navigator

I was motivated to pursue a career in the recovery field by the dozens of folks who helped me during my early stages of recovery.  I remember how I felt when interacting with case workers, and what I was hoping to achieve.  My focus is on the needs of the people I’m serving,  and making my work with them as beneficial as possible.  I have a special affinity for helping those with alcohol problems, and letting them know that the place where you are today is not your destiny.”

Kristin Long, Recovery Support Navigator

I wake up each day grateful because I’m a survivor of many things.  Kind people have brought me to where I am today.  I’m a wife, a mom, a grandmother, and a lover of life.  I believe it is my mission to provide the same hope that others gave me at some of the lowest points in my life.

Christina Lorenzo, Recovery Coach

Recovery from substance use is a very individual process.  As a person in recovery, I use my lived experience to deepen connections with those I work with and help them find a path that works in their lives.  I am always open to exploring traditional and non-traditional recovery methods: yoga/exercise, meetings, social connections, MAT, employment development, residential programs, spirituality, and more.  Come find what works for you!

Roland Meadows Jr., Recovery Support Navigator

Recovery became a life purpose for me when I lost my brother to an alcoholic seizure.  I did everything I could to help him with his addiction, which led to me helping others.  The road to addiction is unique for each individual and therefore so is the road to recovery.  I believe that success is measured by how much and how many people you have helped who are less fortunate than you.

Patrick Morrill, BHJI Navigator

I am a grateful recovering addict with 26 years of sobriety. I did not do this alone. I know firsthand the pain and stigma of addiction and I now see people through a different lens and meet them where they are – no judgment, just compassion and the desire to extend a hand to bring another forward as many wonderful people did for me.

John Pike,  Recovery Coach

I have a passion for helping others find the pathway to recovery that works best for them by creating a nonjudgmental space. Being in recovery with personal experiences of substance use, recurrence, and recovery, I believe that helping someone find the supports that they need to maintain self-sustained long-term recovery in a trusting supportive environment is important to creating a solid foundation for their recovery.

Jenna Poche, Recovery Support Navigator

As a woman in long-term recovery, I knew I wanted to work in the recovery field to share my experience and show others there is a way out of addiction. I approach everyone with an open mind, understanding that there are many pathways to recovery, and it is not “one size fits all.” I enjoy helping others in early recovery build a strong foundation.

Lisa Roth, Recovery Coach

Recovery is like a puzzle. It takes time, ingenuity, and problem-solving to discover the right pieces to build a fulfilling, sustainable recovery. With a focus on dual recovery, I enjoy getting creative to support recoverees as they find their own unique pieces.

Cassidy Ryan, Recovery Support Navigator

Addiction is all around us, but so is recovery. A positive outlook and the support of others has helped me in my recovery with mental health and substance use issues, and as long as I am on this journey, you will have a person to turn to for support in your recovery, whatever that may look like for you. I would love to be the bridge that helps you identify and achieve your goals.

Carly Steinfeld, Recovery Support Navigator

I came to work in the recovery field because I want to help people rebuild their lives.  I always try to meet everyone where they are, and I believe building trust is key.  I can relate to others because of my past experience building relationships and struggles with mental health. My approach is always collaborative, with a strong sense of empathy.

Chris Summa, Recovery Coach

It is an honor and a privilege to be in a position to help others in their recovery. I wouldn’t be here today if not for others helping me through my own struggles with addiction and PTSD. I firmly believe that there are no failures – just learning experiences and opportunities to grow. No expectations or judgements, just support, genuine interest, and a desire to help in any way I can. Words I live by: Always Improving All Ways!

Rebecca Tobin, Recovery Support Navigator

My lived experience with substance use disorder is through watching and helping those close to me who struggle with substance use.  I want to see a change in how people see those who struggle with addiction and to help how they see themselves.  I have experience in mental health as well as substance use, and love working with adolescents and young adults.