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

President
Celinda JungheimLos Angeles, CA

Vice President
Fran GoldsteinNew Orleans, LA

Treasurer
Judi BakkeSan Diego, CA

Secretary
Michelle BarkerLockport, NY

Phyllis Berning
Glencoe, IL
Nicole Cilento
Rochester, NY
Ron Mouw
Chicago, IL
Marilyn Schmitt
Chicago, IL
John Seney
Manchester, NH
Eva Suchow
Irvington, NY
Robin Warner
San Diego, CARI Staff

Chief Executive Officer
Karen Hall
Dir. of Strategic Initiatives
Angela Sullivan
Leadership & Training Manager
Hina Sowinski
Administrative Manager
Jessica Shurba
Online Meetings Manager
Steven Ferradino, LPC.
San Diego
Regional Director
Lisa Garcia

San Diego
Outreach Coordinator
Eric Gonzalez

Administrator
Telephone Groups
Camille Rizzo

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.
Testimonials