Our Addiction Counselors and Professional Staff

THE PEOPLE BEHIND ADDICTION RECOVERY SERVICES’ PROGRAMS

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Meet the ARS Addiction Counseling & IOP Staff

 

Addiction Recovery Services Portsmouth Salem NH

George Nowak, MD

Medical Director

 

George Nowak, MD is the medical director of Addiction Recovery Services. Dr. Nowak created Addiction Recovery Services to provide comprehensive and innovative treatment for individuals with substance abuse and mental health disorders.

Dr. Nowak also has a private practice in affiliation with Chestnut Hill Associates in Portsmouth and Dover, NH. Previously, Dr.Nowak was employed at Portsmouth Regional Hospital and was director of the dual diagnosis unit. Dr.Nowak has over 30 years experience working in the field of addiction medicine and psychiatry.

Dr. Nowak completed his psychiatry residency at Yale University. He is board certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry and is the only physician on the Seacoast with such credentials.

Addiction Recovery Services Portsmouth Salem NH

John Iudice, LICSW, MLADC

Clinical Supervisor

John has worked for over 20 years wwith people with substance use and mental health issues in a variety of settings including inpatient detox programs, residential programs, outpatient, intensive outpatient and medication-assisted treatment facilities. He has in depth knowledge of the behavioral healthcare system and various treatment options and settings available to people.

John is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of New Hampshire Master of Social Work (MSW) program. He  has taught courses on Treatment of Addiction and Assessment of Addiction for the UNH Substance Use Disorder Graduate Certificate Program. He also teaches advanced counseling courses for UNH’s MSW program.

John has a particular interest in decreasing the stigma of substance use disorders while improving access to various treatment options for all those impacted. He is the past president of the New Hampshire provider’s aassociation. He helped to recreate the curriculum for ARS making it more evidence based and inclusive.  

 

 

 

Sharissa Stout

MSW, ARS Program Clinician

 

As a Social Worker, Sharissa has provided services to a diverse community of individuals with complex trauma histories and co-occurring disorders throughout the State of New Hampshire when serving as a direct victim service provider to survivors of human trafficking from 2017-2019. Sharissa is an advocate for trauma-informed therapy with self-empowerment and harm-reduction approaches. Sharissa began her work with ARS as an MSW intern in 2019. She began her clinical career with ARS in October 2021 after completing a second clinical internship with Goodwin Community Health Center and earning her Master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire.

Sharissa’s passion for supporting individuals in recovery began when providing services to survivors of human trafficking whose co-occurring disorders created barriers to overcoming their cycle of trauma. She firmly believes in meeting clients where they are and being creative in the service options offered to meet a client’s needs. She is excited to be a part of the solution to reduce barriers for individuals seeking treatment by being a provider on a team that offers a harm-reduction approach with medication-assisted treatment options at ARS. Outside of work, Sharissa exercises in CrossFit and outdoors, farming, reading, and making memories with family and friends.

Olivia Dupell

Olivia Dupell, CRSW

Alumni Engagement Coordinator


Olivia graduated with a business degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2012. Her passion for addiction recovery guided her to complete the recovery coach academy in January 2016. Olivia helped to stand up Safe Harbor Recovery Center and served as a dedicated volunteer between March and September 2016. She was then hired by Granite Pathways to help implement the Regional Access Point Services contract where she provided crisis management and treatment referrals to individuals calling the NH Statewide Addiction Crisis Line. During that time she earned the credentials of Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW). In July 2017 Olivia joined the Seacoast Public Health Network as their Substance Misuse Prevention Coordinator where she deployed a “multiple intervention” approach through collaboration with regional partners and resources to develop and build strong community resiliency to address the effects of substance misuse within the region. Olivia helped launch the Governor’s NH Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative in 2018 and continues to serve on their Advisory Board. She recognizes the value of community involvement and support in one’s recovery. Olivia is thrilled to be joining the ARS team. She believes in the importance of strengthening one’s resilience in order to sustain their recovery and supports all pathways to recovery. 

 

Drew is a CRSW

 

Drew Maranhas, CRSW

Certified Recovery Support Worker

Drew is a CRSW (Certified Recovery Support Worker) and a person in long term recovery.  Drew has a passion for working with people living with substance use disorders and mental health challenges and aims to support others through his lived experience and utilizing ongoing guidance from coworkers, mentors, and formal education.  Drew started his career at SOS Recovery Community Organization where he earned his CRSW and worked as a NH Recovery Friendly Workplace coordinator, care coordinator, homeless outreach and peer support specialist. 
Drew has also worked in community mental health on the Seacoast as a case manager and outreach specialist where he got valuable experience working with people who have a wide array of needs for mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders.  When outside of work Drew can usually be found at the beach attempting to surf, playing with his awesome dog, and valuing spending time with his family. Drew believes that recovery involves far more than not using substances, and shares the same vision as ARS that recovery is unique for every individual, a lifelong process, and very possible for those who seek it.

 

 

Gil Colon

Director of Admissions and Business Development

 

As a person in long-term recovery and a native of New Hampshire, Gil battled with addiction throughout his life thinking there was no way out. His last glimpse of hope came from a local treatment facility which showed the possibility of a better life. Through understanding and compassion, Gil brings his dedication and devotion to the community as our Director of Admissions and Business Development. Wanting to give back to his community, Gil pursued his passion with a career change and entered the recovery field. Having previous experience as a House Manager for a dominant Sober Community, Regional Outreach Manager, and Clinical Outreach Manager, Gil is well-equipped to handle all admission needs. He brings his experience, strength, and hope across the state by sharing his story with the community while building lasting relationships with hospitals, treatment centers, sober living, and industry professionals. Gil is always only a call away and ready to help anyone start their personal journey in recovery.

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Contact the Team at Addiction Recovery Services.

Serving Northern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire

Contact our admissions line today at 978-228-5853You may also choose to email the team at Addiction Recovery Services.

Addiction Recovery Services

Intake & Admissions:  (978) 228-5853
Greenland Office Phone: (603) 433-6250
Fax: (603) 433-6350

 

Telehealth support services are available throughout New Hampshire for those who are unable to physically make it to our in-person IOP. Please inquire for more information on remote support options.