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. 

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.

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

Amanda has a passion for making art and finding beauty in life led her on a path to helping individuals with addictions and the loved ones of those with addictions. Amanda creates art, finds ways to be in the Texas sunshine, and researches magic, monsters, and life with partner and her 9-year old daughter.

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. 

Case Manager

Dantley Robison leads the Case Manager Program, which assists clients in accomplishing their academic, financial, and employment goals. He enjoys traveling the globe with his wife and daughter, trying to figure out crossword puzzles and maintaining a healthy body & mind. Dantley and his family live in Austin, TX.

Admissions Manager

Moore Woltz is the Admissions Manager at Release Austin, where he helps individuals and families navigate the path to recovery with compassion and clarity. He is a key member of the Admissions and Marketing Team, where he supports individuals and their families as they navigate the admissions process. Moore is passionate about Release Austin’s mission and culture, and he finds deep purpose in helping others build meaningful lives in recovery.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.