Our Addiction Counselors and Professional Staff
THE PEOPLE BEHIND ADDICTION RECOVERY SERVICES’ PROGRAMS
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 25 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.
John Iudice, LICSW, MLADC
CEO
John has worked for over 20 years with 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 the 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 Association. He helped to recreate the curriculum for ARS, making it more evidence-based and inclusive.
Olivia Dupell, CRSW
Alumni Engagement
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 Maranhas, CRSW
IOP Facilitator
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 an 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.
Jordan Buckshot
IOP FACILITATOR
Jordan Buckshot has diverse experience spanning from clinical case management, administering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for individuals with major depressive disorder, and leading substance misuse prevention initiatives for the local public health network. With a special interest in working with individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, she currently serves as the evening Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Facilitator at Addiction Recovery Services.
Jordan’s dedication to behavioral healthcare is matched by a strong commitment to client advocacy, ADEI (antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion), and trauma-informed care—all of which guide her practice and help her to create meaningful change in the community she serves. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Anselm College and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work from the University of New England. Through her work, Jordan strives to empower individuals in their recovery journeys by fostering resilience, strengthening connections, and building healthier, more inclusive communities.
Tracy Vandermerwe
Billing Specialist
Tracy Vandermerwe is the owner of VDM Management Services LLC, where she has spent over 24 years partnering with mental health providers to expertly manage their practices and billing needs. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by behavioral health professionals, Tracy has built a reputation for delivering reliable office management and medical billing solutions that streamline operations and support the financial health of her clients’ practices.
In addition to her work at VDM, Tracy serves as Senior Medical Billing Manager at CDI and as Billing Office Manager for Addiction Recovery Services PLLC in Greenland, New Hampshire. Her extensive experience is grounded in a solid academic background, holding a bachelor’s degree from Salem State University. Tracy’s dedication, industry knowledge, and commitment to supporting mental health providers have made her a trusted resource in the field for more than two decades.
Contact the Team at Addiction Recovery Services.
Serving Northern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire
Contact our admissions line today at 978-228-5853.You may also choose to emailthe team at Addiction Recovery Services.