EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Ron Springel recently retired from medical practice and now engages full-time as a recovery advocate. Formerly a member of the MARR Board of Directors, and Program Manager from 2019-2021, he now serves as the Executive Director for the group.

A long-time advocate of people in recovery from substance use disorder, Dr. Springel has worked with local, state and federal governments to increase opportunities for people with a substance use disorder to achieve contented recovery. He has served as a methadone treatment director, inpatient treatment medical director as well as participated in numerous state and local committees.

His involvement with Recovery Residences dates to 1987 when he opened the first Oxford House in eastern Washington State.

ron@mainerecoveryresidences.com

PROGRAM MANAGER

Madison was born and raised in Massachusetts. After multiple attempts at seeking treatment for alcohol and opiate use disorders, she came to Maine in 2018.

Madison dedicated the first two years of her recovery to managing a women’s recovery residence in Portland. She is passionate about helping others who share the same struggles, as she recognizes how important these experiences were to her in her recovery. Madison started with MARR as a Grievance Facilitator in 2021, transitioned to Assistant Program Manager in 2022, and then got promoted to Program Manager in 2023.

Madison is still involved in her free time with the community of recovery residences that helped her along her journey. She also enjoys playing recreational softball all year, going to fun restaurants with her fiancé Mike, and taking care of her dog Coco. Madison considers Portland home now.

madison@mainerecoveryresidences.com

ASSISTANT PROGRAM MANAGER

Originally from Southeast Massachusetts, Jessica experienced a decade-long struggle with substance abuse. She came to Maine in 2018 after numerous attempts to sustain her sobriety.

Jessica spent her first year in Portland managing a women’s recovery residence, an experience she attributes to the quality of life she has found. She embraced the recovery and volunteer community here in Maine and continues to do so.

She enjoys staying active in the recovery community, volunteering for her local food rescue, and hiking any trail she can find! Jessica lives in Gray with her husband and her dog!

Jessica started with MARR in 2023 and is passionate about spreading hope, opportunity, and advocacy on a wider scale!

jessica@mainerecoveryresidences.com

SPECIAL PROGRAMS MANAGER

Peter Rosasco hails from New Jersey and has been involved in harm reduction since the age of 18. This early commitment to the field has shaped his approach to supporting those on their recovery journey.

Joining the MARR team as the Special Programs Manager on July 1st, 2023, Peter works diligently to contribute to programs that address the needs of the recovery community. In parallel with his role at MARR, he is pursuing an associate degree in IT and cybersecurity, aiming to bring a technological perspective to recovery advocacy.

As he continues on his professional path, his dedication to the recovery community remains at the forefront of his efforts.

peter@mainerecoveryresidences.com

SUPPORT SERVICES MANAGER

Kate is dedicated to mission-specific work, drawing strength from her lived experience. She is a Maine native and holds an associate degree in business administration and management from Central Maine Community College.

Kate has cultivated a solid educational and practical foundation in the nonprofit sector by serving as the Northern New England Divisional grant writer for the Salvation Army, interning at Community Concepts and most recent as the program & outreach coordinator of Sophia’s House. These experiences provided her with insights into the intricacies of managing nonprofit initiatives at a broader organizational level.

What sets Kate apart is her deeply rooted passion for addressing barriers to success for systemically marginalized groups. Her unique perspective as a formerly incarcerated individual in long-term recovery positions her as an asset in advocating for change. Her journey reflects a resilience that shapes her approach to the work and serves as a source of inspiration for those navigating similar challenges.

Her interests include spending time with family, traveling, and continuous self-development.

kate@mainerecoveryresidences.com

PRESIDENT

Scott is a man in long term recovery who got into recovery residence housing as a means to help men and women getting out of jail and prison who want recovery with little or no means.

The idea came to him as he volunteered in the jail in Bangor and the prison in Charleston.

He owns and operates “Fresh Start” which has 7 houses that have opened since October 2018 with more in the works.

He operated a business in Bangor from 1992-2010 which gave him the ability to work with different agencies to help get Fresh Start Opened.

He is a lifelong resident of Bangor with four adult children and several grandchildren.

VICE PRESIDENT

Kerry MacDonald is the Executive Director at Pine Tree Recovery Center and owner of Beacon Sober Living and The Plymouth House Women’s Extended Care programs.

Kerry has worked in the addiction and mental health field for over a decade and has an extensive professional background in clinical nutrition, management and health care.

Additionally, she has opened six women’s recovery residences in the Greater Portland recovery community, two of which were for non-profit organizations. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Portland Recovery Community Center.

Kerry is in long term recovery and is passionate about helping others.

SECRETARY

Joshua came to Portland Maine in November of 2017 to begin his journey. Having been involved with a recovery residence for some time, he became an Assistant Manager for the 12-step based program Portland Sober Living.

In early 2019, he became the Senior House Manager, and began his affiliation with MARR as a meeting leader. Joshua started getting involved in various MARR Committees and Sub-Committees throughout 2019 and 2020. In late 2020, Joshua was nominated and appointed to the Board as the Affiliate Liaison to the Board of Directors.

“To those struggling in any capacity, stay patient and keep looking forward. You will soon discover your path to serenity.”

MEMBER

Jonathan Sahrbeck was born and raised in Cumberland County. Before being elected Cumberland County District Attorney in 2018, Jonathan had an extensive prosecution career in both Maine and Massachusetts. He has called for more prevention and education to fight the opioid epidemic and substance use disorder, a renewed emphasis on stopping domestic violence, elder and child abuse and human trafficking, while also taking a closer look at new programs to help victims, reduce defendant recidivism, and increase diversion from the criminal justice system. Jonathan is passionate about working with community partners on addressing mental health issues and substance use disorder, and educating the public about the effects of adverse childhood experiences and trauma. He is also extremely supportive of the recovery community, specifically helping to find people treatment and reducing stigma.

MEMBER

Catharine MacLaren, Ph.D., LCSW, CEAP has been a licensed counselor for many years and serves as Vice President of Talent & Diversity in Human Resources for Northern Light Health.

She is also an adjunct instructor for Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies.

Catharine is a Past President of the Board of Directors of the Human Resources Association of Southern Maine (HRASM).

MEMBER

Steve has served as the Executive Director for Enso Recovery since 2017. He also holds credentials as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and a Certified Intervention Professional. He is also certified in “Deep Memory Processing” regression therapy and is a Reiki Master Teacher.

Steve has been in the field of substance abuse and mental health treatment since the late 1990’s. His experience with in-patient, out-patient, detoxification, long & short term care with multiple demographics have provided him with the necessary tools to work with any population facing the struggles of mental health and addiction. Steve has held positions on several boards of directors for various non-profit organizations.

In his free time, Steve enjoys riding (and customizing) his Harley Davidson. He also enjoys fly-fishing, camping, and hiking the Appalachian Trail. Steve lives in the Sebago Lake Region with his wife, Jennifer and their three children.

MEMBER

Jamie Lebish is executive director and founder of El Rancho De La Vida. He is also a professional guitar and bass player and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, proud father and grandfather. Jamie has been a performing and recording musician since the age of 13, playing guitar and/or bass from small clubs to 18,000 seat arenas. Jamie found a hometown, in Portland, Maine in 2000. He earned his Associate degree in Mental Health and Human Services in December 2013, and he then earned his Bachelor degree in Mental Health And Human Services with a minor in Addiction Sciences. Awarded; December 29th 2016 Jamie is an experienced IOP, Inpatient and residential substance use disorder group facilitator, and 1:1 SUD Counselor. Jamie is incorporating his years of experience as a person in long term recovery for 23+ years, as a platform to help understand human beings suffering from addictions and co-occurring disorders. Jamie is executive director and founder of Andersson Ranch- a non profit SUD residential treatment facility and MARR certified Level IV recovery residence and Shiller Ranch Recovery Residence a MARR level III recovery residence for Men and women at El Rancho De La Vida -located in Hinckley, Maine. Andersson Ranch and Shiller Ranch are equal opportunity employers and SUD providers-we are always LGBTQ+ friendly. Jamie utilizes his 12+ years of SUD clinical experience to help him to help others in early recovery. His passion lies in his residents' growth and seeing them flourish in their own recovery.

MEMBER

Evan Gleason is an Account Executive with Clark Insurance, A Marsh & McLennan Agency Company, in Portland, ME. Evan’s professional focus has been on social service organizations, healthcare, substance abuse recovery, and non-profit entities. With risk management as an area of expertise, Evan is dedicated to helping those in recovery find safe places to seek help and community. He is also in long-term recovery himself. Evan lives in Topsham with his wife, his son, and two cats.

MEMBER

Niki moved to the Portland area in 2012, where she continued her recovery journey by entering rehab. She quickly became part of the robust recovery community and knew she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others emerging from the darkness of addiction into the light of recovery. She has dedicated her recovery journey to discovering ways to achieve this, gaining experience in coordinating peer support, running and supervising a women’s recovery residence, working in secondary education as a student services advisor, and serving as a community engagement director to help eliminate stigma surrounding substance use disorders. Additionally, she focuses on educating those impacted by addiction and empowering community members to be part of the solution. Currently, her focus is on training Recovery Coaches within the Department of Corrections to further support and empower those incarcerated on their path to recovery.

Niki pours her passion for truth, compassion, and optimism into every project, believing that these values can transform the way we support one another. Her work is about more than just strategies and outcomes; it’s about creating spaces where people feel seen and supported.

When she’s off the clock, Niki doesn’t slow down. You might catch her at a morning CrossFit class, unwinding at CycleBar, or diving into new adventures that challenge her beliefs. It’s her way of embodying the change she wants to see—a life full of energy, challenge, and service.

MEMBER

Don currently works as the Operations Manager for Wayside Food Programs and has been with the organization since 2009. Wayside is a hunger relief agency located in Portland, and distributes food through mobile pantries, community meals, and redistributes food to over 70 other agencies throughout Cumberland County. Through his work at Wayside, Don works with multiple sober houses and provides volunteer opportunities for dozens of folks in recovery on a weekly basis.

Before working at Wayside, Don has owned multiple businesses, has a degree in Culinary Arts, and has worked at multiple restaurants, country clubs, and seafood processors. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time on Sebago Lake with his wife, hiking on the trails with his German Shepherd “Henry”, or fishing any body of water in Maine. Don and his wife share a home in Falmouth with their dog and 3 cats.

MEMBER

Lonny moved to Maine from Massachusetts 30 years ago and has been deeply committed to supporting his community ever since. After overcoming a decade-long struggle with substance and alcohol addiction, he found recovery and has thrived.

A former firefighter for the town of Scarborough, Lonny also served as Vice President of Scarborough Little League for nine years, demonstrating his dedication to service and leadership. Today, Lonny is a certified recovery coach and peer support advocate. He also became a certified umpire for Western Maine Umpires Associates and has a seat on the Board of Directors.

Lonny works as a partnership manager for Better Life Partners, where he specializes in connecting individuals facing substance and alcohol use disorders with critical resources and support.

Lonny takes pride in assisting others on their recovery journey, drawing from his experiences to inspire hope and perseverance. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and friends, meeting others in recovery, attending concerts, and traveling to explore new cultures. 

MEMBER

Chad currently works as a Probation and Parole Officer for the State of Maine.  He works out of the Bangor Office and is assigned to the Penobscot County Adult Treatment and Recovery Court and also supervises all residents of Leading the Way Transitional Living in Bangor.  Chad has been employed by the State of Maine for nearly 24 years, mostly with the Department of Corrections.

Chad works closely with those in the recovery community, specifically in Penobscot County and has a strong desire to support those in recovery. 

Chad was born in North Carolina and moved to Maine nearly 30 years ago.  He has been married to his wonderful wife, Jennifer for 33 years.  When not working, Chad enjoys spending time with his family to include his two cats and dog and enjoy a nice drive with the top down.