About Recovery International
![Vision & Mission sign](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/istockphoto-687045774-612x612-1-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/istockphoto-687045774-612x612-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/istockphoto-687045774-612x612-1-300x300.jpg 300w)
Vision:
Recovery International will be the world’s premier provider of self-help training for mental health and wellness available to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Mission Statement:
The mission of Recovery International is to use the cognitive-behavioral, peer-to-peer, self-help training system developed by Abraham Low, MD, to help individuals gain skills to lead more peaceful and productive lives.
![Dr. Low photo](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dr.-Low-photo-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dr.-Low-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dr.-Low-photo-300x300.jpg 300w)
History
Recovery was founded in 1937 by neuropsychiatrist Dr. Abraham Low and his patients who sought to re-enter society after hospitalization, to talk about their conditions, and to eliminate the stigma of mental illness.
The Recovery method wasn’t invented overnight—it was the result of more than 25 years of cognitive behavioral work. As the organization grew, Dr. Low realized that he needed to train others in his methods. Because he knew how overworked and understaffed many psychiatric hospitals were, he also realized the need to develop a consistent approach that could be replicated by nonprofessionals. Thus evolved the peer-led self-help model we know today.
Board of Directors
![Celinda Jungheim updated photo 7-22-24](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Celinda-Jungheim-updated-photo-7-22-24-150x150.png 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Celinda-Jungheim-updated-photo-7-22-24-800x800.png 800w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Celinda-Jungheim-updated-photo-7-22-24-300x300.png 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Celinda-Jungheim-updated-photo-7-22-24-100x100.png 100w)
President
Celinda JungheimLos Angeles, CA
![JudiBakke-](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/JudiBakke--100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/JudiBakke--150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/JudiBakke--300x300.jpg 300w)
Treasurer
Judi BakkeSan Diego, CA
![Michelle](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Michelle-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Michelle-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Michelle-590x597.jpg 590w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Michelle-600x597.jpg 600w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Michelle-590x597.jpg 590w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Michelle-300x300.jpg 300w)
Secretary
Michelle BarkerLockport, NY
![Phyllis-](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Phyllis--100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Phyllis--150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Phyllis--300x300.jpg 300w)
Phyllis Berning
Glencoe, IL![Nicole-](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Nicole--100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Nicole--150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Nicole--300x300.jpg 300w)
Nicole Cilento
Rochester, NY![Fran Goldstein headshot](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fran-Goldstein-headshot-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fran-Goldstein-headshot-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fran-Goldstein-headshot-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fran-Goldstein-headshot-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fran-Goldstein-headshot-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fran-Goldstein-headshot-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fran-Goldstein-headshot-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fran-Goldstein-headshot-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fran-Goldstein-headshot-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fran-Goldstein-headshot-600x600.jpg 600w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fran-Goldstein-headshot-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fran-Goldstein-headshot.jpg 2097w)
Fran Goldstein
New Orleans, LA![Ron Mouw headshot sm](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Ron-Mouw-headshot-sm-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Ron-Mouw-headshot-sm-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Ron-Mouw-headshot-sm-300x300.jpg 300w)
Ron Mouw
Chicago, IL![Marilyn-schmidt](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Marilyn-schmidt-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Marilyn-schmidt-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Marilyn-schmidt-300x300.jpg 300w)
Marilyn Schmitt
Chicago, IL![John Seney 3](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/John-Seney-3-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/John-Seney-3.jpg 100w)
John Seney
Manchester, NH![Eva Suchow photo cropped](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Eva-Suchow-photo-cropped-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Eva-Suchow-photo-cropped-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Eva-Suchow-photo-cropped-100x100.jpg 100w)
Eva Suchow
Irvington, NY![Robin Warner headshot](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Robin-Warner-headshot-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Robin-Warner-headshot-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Robin-Warner-headshot-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Robin-Warner-headshot-100x100.jpeg 100w)
Robin Warner
San Diego, CARI Staff
![Karen Hall Cropped](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Karen-Hall-Cropped-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Karen-Hall-Cropped-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Karen-Hall-Cropped-100x100.jpg 100w)
Chief Executive Officer
Karen Hall![Angela Sullivan square](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Angela-Sullivan-square-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Angela-Sullivan-square-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Angela-Sullivan-square-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Angela-Sullivan-square-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Angela-Sullivan-square-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Angela-Sullivan-square-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Angela-Sullivan-square-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Angela-Sullivan-square-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Angela-Sullivan-square-600x600.jpg 600w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Angela-Sullivan-square-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Angela-Sullivan-square.jpg 1684w)
Dir. of Strategic Initiatives
Angela Sullivan![Hina Sowinski headshot](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hina-Sowinski-headshot-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hina-Sowinski-headshot-1080x1080.jpeg 1080w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hina-Sowinski-headshot-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hina-Sowinski-headshot-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Hina-Sowinski-headshot-100x100.jpeg 100w)
Leadership & Training Manager
Hina Sowinski![Vera Kramer headshot professional](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Vera-Kramer-headshot-professional-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Vera-Kramer-headshot-professional-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Vera-Kramer-headshot-professional-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Vera-Kramer-headshot-professional-100x100.jpeg 100w)
Development Manager
Vera Kramer![Jessica Shurba](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jessica-Shurba-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jessica-Shurba-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jessica-Shurba.jpg 200w)
Administrative Manager
Jessica Shurba![lisa new headshot650](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/lisa-new-headshot650-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/lisa-new-headshot650-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/lisa-new-headshot650-300x300.jpg 300w)
San Diego
Regional Director
Lisa Garcia
![Eric’s Gonzalez cropped](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Erics-Gonzalez-cropped-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Erics-Gonzalez-cropped-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Erics-Gonzalez-cropped-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Erics-Gonzalez-cropped-100x100.jpg 100w)
San Diego
Outreach Coordinator
Eric Gonzalez
![SteveFerradino](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SteveFerradino-300x297.jpg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SteveFerradino-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SteveFerradino-600x594.jpg 600w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SteveFerradino-300x297.jpg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SteveFerradino-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SteveFerradino-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SteveFerradino.jpg 643w)
Online Meetings
Manager
Steven Ferradino, LPC.
![Cam-3-2-1portrait](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Cam-3-2-1portrait-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Cam-3-2-1portrait-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Cam-3-2-1portrait-300x300.jpg 300w)
Administrator
Telephone Groups
Camille Rizzo
![Gilda 2024](https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gilda-2024-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gilda-2024-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gilda-2024-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.recoveryinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gilda-2024-100x100.jpg 100w)
Administrator Assistant
Telephone Groups
Gilda Marconi
At Recovery
Diversity, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination Policy
At Recovery International, we believe that everyone should have access to quality mental health care, tools and support. We strive to be a diverse, inclusive and equitable organization. We want all our members, volunteers, meeting participants and employees to feel valued and respected. It is our vision to have self-help training for mental health and wellness available to anyone, anywhere, anytime. We welcome all adults to our meetings, regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, religion, education, culture, socio-economic status or other dimension of diversity, and do not discriminate, including in provision of services, selection and advancement of leadership, and employment. We expect all leaders, meeting participants, volunteers and employees to be respectful and tolerant of others in their interactions. Together, we can work for the elimination of discrimination and stigma related to mental health, and for the well-being of all to live more peaceful lives.
Recovery International Podcast Policy
The podcasts that people create to share stories of their own mental health journeys can be powerful tools to benefit others. These broadcasts can help break the stigma associated with mental health challenges and help others know they are not alone. Recovery International embraces the use of all technologies as appropriate to support others in achieving better mental health.
Bylaws of Recovery International
Recovery International is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organized and operated exclusively as detailed in U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
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