The Team

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.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Nico graduate as valedictorian with a BA in Psychology from Lipscomb University and with highest honors with an M.Ed. in Human Development Studies from Vanderbilt University, both in Nashville, Tennessee. Nico has held roles ranging from clinical care and admissions to business development and executive leadership, developing multiple young adult programs for residential treatment centers, outpatient treatment centers, and college campuses. He serves on the board for the Young Adult Transition Association, the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers’ conference committee, and gave a TEDx talk. Today, Nico takes incredible pride in ensuring every family Release serves is warmly welcomed into our community. 

CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Elizabeth has 10+ years working in the field previously working as the Men’s Program Manager and Clinical Director for another local treatment center. She is trained in Art Therapy and EMDR. She is passionate about young adult recovery, staff culture, supervision, and empowering clients and staff to discover and fulfill their potential.

During her academic and career growth, she has balanced a personal life that has flourished into a small family. She has improved and maintained relationships with her parents and brothers, watched several extended and direct family members find sobriety, and has enjoyed ongoing personal growth and development. 

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Wes Ward, a founding team member at Release Austin, is responsible for all administrative functions of the company including finance, human resources, and operations. Wes has worked in the addiction treatment field for the past fifteen years and is passionate about helping people get well and go on to lead incredible lives. 

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS AND OUTREACH

Blake is both a proud alumnus of the program and a dedicated team member since 2018. Drawn to Release’s client-first philosophy, he brings empathy, energy, and firsthand insight to guiding individuals and families through the admissions process. In his leadership role, Blake oversees outreach and referral partnerships—developing strategies to drive growth, strengthen community relationships, and enhance the organization’s presence. He also manages the full admissions pipeline, including operations and family engagement. As a trusted face of Release, Blake’s authenticity and experience allow him to build meaningful connections, lead tours, and provide hope to those taking the first steps toward recovery.

DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL CARE

Stephen has worked in the addiction and recovery field since 2017 and has been in personal recovery since 2015. As Director of Residential Care, 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.

Primary Therapist

Emma is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in recovery and well-being. She earned her Master of Education in Counselor Education and a Bachelor of Science in Community, Family, and Addiction Services from Texas Tech University. Her clinical approach is informed by specialized training in Brainspotting, EMDR, and Person-Centered Expressive Art Therapy. Emma's diverse experience includes working in Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers across Texas, Equine Psychotherapy, and providing EAP Counseling. Driven by her personal journey to sobriety, she is deeply passionate about guiding individuals through their recovery process and helping them achieve greater overall well-being. In her free time, she is usually with her Australian Shepherd pup, Bear, or trying her best to keep her growing jungle of houseplants alive!

Residential Manager

Jace helps clients with the life and recovery skills aspect of the treatment process by frequently checking in with them regarding employment, education, and sobriety. Jace has worked in the treatment industry for 6 years in direct care, management, and admissions, and has dedicated his life to helping people achieve and maintain long-term sobriety. Jace lives in Austin with his fiancé Kelsey and their pets.

Primary Therapist

In his role as Primary Therapist, Elijah, leads IOP and PHP groups, facilitates family sessions, conducts individual therapy, and currently oversees the adolescent IOP program. With a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Texas, Elijah brings a wealth of experience to his role. Prior to his current position, he served as a Case Coordinator and gained valuable insights working with at risk youth as a School Social Work Intern at Communities in Schools. Outside of work, Elijah enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking and capturing special moments through photography.

Adolescent Primary Therapist

As a primary therapist, Brenna oversees the adolescent IOP program, meeting with teens and their families and leading IOP groups. She is passionate about helping young people and their families navigate recovery and create full, healthy lives. Brenna started as an intern at Release Austin while getting her master’s in counseling from St. Edward’s University and has since joined the team full-time. When she is not at work, Brenna enjoys practicing yoga and meditation, walks around Ladybird Lake, arts and crafts, and trying new restaurants with friends. 

Recovery Associate

Jason comes to Release Austin with multiple years of experience in the detox and mental health sectors. His responsibilities at Release Austin include helping clients with recovery skills, job placement and day to day life management. He is passionate about finding purpose and happiness in recovery. Jason is an avid motorcycle rider and frequents 12 step meetings around the Austin area. He is also pursuing his Marriage and Family Therapy license next spring.

Marketing Manager

Grace leads all brand, digital, and event marketing efforts with a passion rooted in personal experience as a former client of the women’s program. With undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southern Methodist University and a background in advertising and performing arts, she crafts compelling, visually-driven strategies to elevate brand awareness and engage diverse audiences. Grace oversees everything from social media and website strategy to merchandise, email marketing, and event promotions—ensuring consistent, authentic messaging across every channel. She is committed to destigmatizing addiction among young women and proving that sobriety is vibrant, empowering, and absolutely not boring.

Business Operations

Hannah is the Director of Business Operations & Strategy at Release Recovery, where she supports the organization’s financial planning and day-to-day operations. Since joining the Release community in 2021 as an intern, she has contributed to projects in finance, operations and expansion planning. Hannah also supported Release Foundation’s scholarship program. Hannah is passionate about Release's mission in providing excellent care and building community. Before Release, Hannah worked as an administrator at an addiction treatment center in the Berkshires, MA, and as a research coordinator at a pain clinic in Baltimore. Hannah earned her BA in Psychology and Communication from Loyola University Maryland.

Marketing Administrator

As a Marketing Administrator at Release Recovery, Nhya specializes in social media, content creation, and graphic design. Using her skills, Nhya uses the Release brand to craft physical and digital marketing materials from virtual promotional flyers to educational brochures for the company. Her efficiency in social media has helped grow, rebrand, and promote each branch of Release Recovery with visual storytelling. Nhya is a Syracuse University graduate with a BS in Advertising and a passion for mental health advocacy.

Director of Operations & Facilities

As the Director of Operations and Facilities, John helps oversee the financial, operational, and facility management functions across all Release Recovery locations. With a degree in Accounting and a strong background in project management and construction, John brings a comprehensive and detail oriented approach to organizational efficiency, budgeting and infrastructure planning. He ensures that the organization’s properties and operations run efficiently, safely, and in alignment with Release Recovery’s mission to maintain a supportive and functional environment for clients and staff.

Admissions Manager

Creed went to treatment and got sober at a facility called Discovery Place in November of 2017. Shortly after completing the program, he was hired onto the treatment team, where he worked directly with men in recovery. He was later recruited to join the adolescent program at Cumberland Heights, where he held a clinical position working with boys aged 14–18. and was promoted to a team leader/supervisor role, during which he supported the program’s transition to a new campus and helped launch a new initiative called ARCH Academy.

Director of 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.

Care Strategy & Analytics

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.

Admissions Manager

Moore Woltz is an Admissions Manager at Release Recovery, where he helps individuals and families navigate the path to recovery with compassion and clarity. He is a key member of the Admissions Team, where he supports individuals and their families navigate the admissions process. As someone in recovery, Moore is passionate about Release’s mission and culture, and he finds deep purpose in helping others build meaningful lives in recovery. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder.