It is the staff at Recovery Revolution that makes our program vibrant and successful. At RR, we take hiring staff very seriously, as we understand that if you do not have staff with high ethics and professional experience, it can put the people we serve at risk.
Most of our clinical staff have been referred to us by another team member and we are confident that we have assembled a highly experienced and diverse team to respond to the needs of our community.
Thomas Kuriakose
BS
Addiction Treatment Specialist
Thomas is a dedicated addiction therapist deeply committed to addressing trauma and supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Trauma Studies at Chestnut Hill College. Thomas also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling Psychology, graduating magna cum laude from DeSales University, as well as an Associate’s degree in Applied Psychology.
In his role as an Addiction Therapist at Recovery Revolution, Thomas employs a trauma-informed approach, drawing from his experience in counseling both at-risk youth and adults. His approach is guided by his studies in different therapeutic modalities as well as his background as a martial artist and former boxer, where he first discovered his passion for helping others through mentorship, while interacting with adolescents at training centers and listening to their internal and environmental struggles, he found a profound sense of purpose in guiding others
Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body..
Seneca
Outside of his professional life, Thomas is an avid learner with a strong interest in sociology and psychology. He stays active through regular workouts and enjoys playing video games. Spending quality time with his family is also important to him, providing balance and fulfillment in his life.
Thomas is inspired by quotes that resonate with his personal and professional philosophy:
- “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” – Seneca
- “You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius
- “The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition.” – Ryan Holiday
He enjoys working at Recovery Revolution because it allows him to make a meaningful impact in the community, help people achieve their goals, and grow professionally alongside a supportive team of peers.
Elianna Aguirre
BSW, CADC
Addiction Treatment Specialist
Elianna is originally from Bergen County, New Jersey and moved to Pennsylvania in 2021. After graduating from Stockton University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s in Social Work, she began her career working with clients experiencing mental health difficulties in the community. The passion to work with clients recovering from addictions came from her experience as a case manager in NYC while helping individuals find treatment options.
When we’re down, we’re not out; we just need someone to help us up.
Elianna Aguirre
In Pennsylvania, she has experience counseling clients in an inpatient and partial hospitalization setting. Elianna is working towards her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor credentials. Most recently, in September 2024, she she received her certified alcohol and drug counselor certificate.
Sheniqua Plant-Mitchell
MSW, LSW
Addiction Treatment Specialist
Sheniqua is originally from New York City. As far back as she can remember she had a love for advocating, counseling & helping others She Moved to Pennsylvania in 2015. Prior to moving to PA Sheniqua worked at the NYC Dept of Ed, in a variety of capacities for 15 plus years. During her tenure at the NYC Dept of ED, her passion for serving the community increased. Thereafter she attended The College of New Rochelle, in New York City, where she received a Bachelor of Liberal Arts. There after attended Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she completed her master’s in advanced clinical social work.
We exist to live rather than living to exist. No matter what happens, Keep Moving, Pushing & Fighting to Live.
Sheniqua Plant-Mitchel
Sheniqua loves working at Recovery Revolution, she feels the environment is holistic, family oriented and healing focused. One of her favorite sayings is “Give yourself Grace, this is just a moment not your forever” and “With each new day you receive new grace to overcome. Beauty will arise out of the ashes”.
Dana Laclair
BS, CADC
Addiction Treatment Specialist
Dana attended East Stroudsburg University graduating Summa Cum Laude. While there, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in science with a concentration in counseling, as well as becoming certified as a Crisis Intervention Specialist. Dana began in this field in 2004 as an intern for a drug prevention program. She later worked as an intake coordinator while earning intern hours to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in NJ. Dana has worked as a clinician for over 10 years in both residential and outpatient treatment. Dana also works for Rutgers University Behavioral Healthcare as a clinical case manager for a substance use community outreach program.
Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.
John C. Maxwell
Dana is a voting member on the LACADA (Local Advisory Committee for Alcohol & Drug Abuse) and PACADA (Professional Advisory Committee on Mental Health/Alcoholism & Drug Abuse) boards in Hunterdon County, NJ. Dana began working at RR in 2020 as a group facilitator and in 2023 began seeing clients individually. In her free time, Dana enjoys spending time with family, reading, and doing anything creative.
Ruthanne Taggart
LSW, MA, CADC
Addiction Treatment Specialist
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, I moved to PA in 1995. I worked as a legal secretary and then became a stay-at-home parent. I initially decided to pursue a degree in psychology and was seeking to become a marriage counselor. I switched to social work because it recognizes the strengths of the individual, but also the impact of society. Life events led me to a focus on addiction and recovery as a family disease. My education includes a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Marywood University, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with a Minor in Social Work from East Stroudsburg University, an Associate Degree in General Studies from Northampton Community College, and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in NJ and PA. Her favorite quote is “Lean into Fear” because she remarked that change can be scary, but it can also be rewarding beyond your imagination.
I love working at Recovery Revolution because there is so much hope for individuals and families.
Ms. Ruthanne Taggart
Working in the field since 2014, I have worked with clients utilizing medicated assisted treatment in NJ, as a family resource specialist, with the Fresh Start program that provided addiction and recovery education to inmates at Northampton County Jail, and with students at Easton High School through Community in Schools. I am passionate about working with returning citizens, adolescents, and families. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to intern at Recovery Revolution for one year in 2017 and was subsequently hired as a counselor in 2018. Ruthanne stated, “I love working with Recovery Revolution because I get to see individuals and families make a change.”
Catherine Grabowski
MSW, LSW
Addiction Treatment Specialist
Katie graduated from Cedar Crest College with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Marywood University with a Masters in Social Work. She currently holds a License in Social Work as she works toward other licensing goals. Katie joined Recovery Revolution in 2018. She has worked in the Human Behavioral Services field for many years, working with children, adolescents, adults, and the senior population as well. She has worked in both Mental Health and Substance Use Dependency, both Inpatient and Outpatient, as well as hospital settings.
I am grateful to work here because I get the privilege of seeing people change and grow.
Katie Grabowski
Katie has been with RR since 2019 and could not be happier with the experience she is having at this treatment facility. Katie enjoys her work here because “I am grateful to work here because I get the privilege of seeing people change and grow.” She enjoys the professionals she works with and believes her passion lies in working in the addiction and substance dependency field. Katie’s favorite quote is from C.S. Lewis: “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”
Melissa Amator
MS, MA, CAADC
Addiction Treatment Specialist
Melissa began working with Recovery Revolution as the full-time recovery center coordinator for A Clean Slate while completing her Master’s in Addiction Counseling. Melissa first interned at Recovery Revolution and was hired as the newest addition to its clinical staff after completing her internship. Melissa believes strongly in the power of community and spirituality to heal addiction’s deepest wounds, that clinical approaches should be person-centered, and that clients are well served when they are able to find their own solutions for living a substance-free life.
I love working with staff; it is a dream team that helps me grow professionally.
Melissa Amator
In her spare time, Melissa works with community-based organizations which promote recovery from substance abuse. She also serves on several committees dedicated to social advocacy across a broad spectrum of community needs, including equitable access to mental health and addiction treatment. Melissa is also an avid cyclist (when she is not eating handfuls of peanut M&Ms), enjoys playing guitar, and loves to travel.
One of her favorites is a quote by Kevin Welch: “There’ll be two dates on your tombstone and all your friends will read ’em, but all that’s gonna matter is that little dash between ’em.”
Our Beloved Staff Who Retired
Ms. Carol Geedman
BA, CAC, CCS
Addiction Treatment Specialist
Carol is a Certified Addiction Counselor, a Certified Clinical Supervisor, and has a bachelor’s in Secondary Education from Marywood University. She has been in the addiction treatment field for 33 years and has worked in detox, long and short-term inpatient programs, intensive and outpatient adolescent treatment programs, and also programs with families. Carol has been with Recovery Revolution for 12 years, working with families as well as the addicted population.
I come to work everyday to make a difference in someone’s life; to educate addicts, alcoholics, and family about the disease of addiction.
Ms. Carol Geedman
She loves spending time with her family and friends, playing scrabble, going on cruises, and just relaxing on her patio with her husband and lab, Lily. Carol says, “I come to work every day to make a difference in someone’s life; to educate addicts, alcoholics, and family about the disease of addiction and send a message of hope that all can get well if they choose the path of recovery. I work here at Recovery Revolution because their goal and mission are the same as mine.” Her favorite quote “When you are in your head, you are out of your mind.”
Ms. L. Mardee Cruts
LCADC
Addiction Treatment Specialist
Mardee has been employed at Recovery Revolution since May 2010. She began working in the addictions field twenty-two years ago. Initially, Mardee worked as a certified prevention specialist, focusing mainly on educating people of all ages about drug and alcohol abuse and the disease of addiction. When provided with the opportunity to work with people afflicted with chemical dependency, witnessing their incredible transition into sobriety, she found her passion. Mardee is a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor. She is also a trained interventionist.
There is too much suffering in this world. I work in this field to help some of it stop.
Ms. L. Mardee Cruts
In her spare time she enjoys being with her family, playing with her dogs, working on a variety of handicrafts and, whenever possible, searching shores for sea glass. Mardee’s favorite quote is by Maya Angelou, “Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant.” She added, “There is too much suffering in this world. I work in this field to help some of it stop.”
Others who have retired from Recovery Revolution: Judy Lawler, MA, and John Geedman, CADC.
