About Recovery International

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.



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



Acting President
Nicole CilentoRochester, NY



Treasurer
Hal CaseyMaplewood, NJ



Secretary
Michelle BarkerLockport, NY



Marilyn Schmitt
Chicago, IL


Judith Bakke
San Diego, CA


Phyllis Berning
Glencoe, IL


Dianne Clar
Honeoye Falls, NY


Ron Mouw
Chicago, IL


Eva Suchow
Irvington, NYRI Staff



Chief Executive Officer
Karen Hall


Office Administrator
Everlean Pelt


Project Manager
San Diego
Lisa Garcia



Administrator
Telephone Groups
Camille Rizzo



Online Meetings
Manager
Steven Ferradino, LPC.



Director of
Special Projects
Angela Sullivan



Administrator
San Diego Office
Valerie Blanco



Administrator Assistant
Telephone Groups
Gilda Marconi
Testimonials