About Recovery International

Vision & Mission sign

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

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.

Download a sample of Selections from Dr. Low's Works

Or become a member and receive the entire digital download of Selections from Dr. Low's Works!

Board of Directors

Executive Committee
Celinda Jungheim updated photo 7-22-24

President

Celinda Jungheim
Los Angeles, CA
Fran Goldstein headshot

Vice President

Fran Goldstein
New Orleans, LA
JudiBakke-

Treasurer

Judi Bakke
San Diego, CA
Michelle

Secretary

Michelle Barker
Lockport, NY
Board of Directors
Phyllis-

Phyllis Berning

Glencoe, IL
Nicole-

Nicole Cilento

Rochester, NY
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Ron Mouw

Chicago, IL
Marilyn-schmidt

Marilyn Schmitt

Chicago, IL
John Seney 3

John Seney

Manchester, NH
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Eva Suchow

Irvington, NY
Robin Warner headshot

Robin Warner

San Diego, CA

RI Staff

Karen Hall Cropped

Chief Executive Officer

Karen Hall
Angela Sullivan square

Dir. of Strategic Initiatives

Angela Sullivan
Hina Sowinski headshot

Leadership & Training Manager

Hina Sowinski
Jessica Shurba

Administrative Manager

Jessica Shurba
SteveFerradino

Online Meetings Manager

Steven Ferradino, LPC.
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San Diego
Regional Director

Lisa Garcia
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San Diego
Outreach Coordinator

Eric Gonzalez
Andrew Newman close up

Program Support
and Data Specialist

Andrew Newman
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Administrator
Telephone Groups

Camille Rizzo
Gilda 2024

Administrator Assistant
Telephone Groups

Gilda Marconi

At Recovery

Diversity, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination Policy

Approved by the Board of Directors 9/19/2023

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

Approved by the Board of Directors 7/16/2024

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

Updated and Approved by the Board of Directors 7/16/2024

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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