Meet the Team

Born and raised in Demarest, New Jersey, Patrick’s early years were spent surrounded by two loving parents and a brother who was 10 years older than him. With such a large age gap between them, Patrick often felt like an only child, which could be lonely at times.
Baseball and golf were always his passions growing up. Fortunately, he was able to pursue them in college, but it was at that time that he realized his challenges with learning, confidence and self-esteem. These challenges quickly began to consume him. Patrick was able to develop friendships with classmates and teammates, but it was on the field and the course that he felt most comfortable, by himself. Shortly after starting college, he began taking opioids and over the course of a year, segued to heroin addiction. Constantly lying and stealing money from his family began to take over his life. Patrick was completely losing control. Of course, he didn’t recognize the negative behavior at the time. He wanted to feel GOOD, STRONG, LOVED, and above all, he wanted to “LIKE” himself. Sadly, his addiction gave him a false sense that all of those things were true.
Blessed with two incredible parents, they did everything in their power to help me. This involved a move to Florida where he entered into a treatment center. Taking this first step is what saved Patrick’s life. It was then that he realized he had two new passions in life – recovery and helping others. From that point on, Patrick has been dedicating his life to recovery and helping others cope with and work through their struggles.
With more than 10 years of sobriety, he learned a lot about the process of recovery, and experienced so much growth, both personally and professionally. Nate has been a tremendous mentor to Patrick, along with his close friends that he considers family.
Patrick packed up his clubs and left the warm Florida sunshine because he knew Sandusky needed his help, and he is prepared to help as many people as possible.
As Executive Director, Patrick is involved in every aspect of the daily functions that make the Recovery Institute a loving and productive home. This is where Patrick belongs, and he is excited to bring hope and meaningful change to the area.

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Terri Poulos, a native of Lorain, Ohio, grew up in a loving family alongside her parents and one sister. From an early age, Terri found her passion for both academics and athletics, participating in sports like volleyball, basketball, and track. Her dedication and talent led to her induction into the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame in 2018, a testament to her hard work and commitment to excellence.
Recognizing the invaluable lessons sports taught her—structure, obedience, and teamwork—Terri pursued higher education before transitioning directly into the medical field. With a career spanning over two decades, she has devoted herself to providing compassionate care in Hospice settings, touching the lives of countless individuals and families during their most vulnerable moments.
Despite her professional success, Terri faced personal challenges, grappling with the demands of life and turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. In a poignant reflection reminiscent of Thomas Lerooy’s sculpture, “First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes the man,” Terri found herself caught in a cycle of addiction.  However, her journey took a transformative turn when she sought help at the Recovery Institute of Ohio (RIO). Terri credits RIO with saving her life, providing the support and guidance she needed to reclaim her sense of self-worth and purpose. Inspired by her own recovery journey, Terri now serves as the HR Director at RIO, channeling her passion for helping others into fostering growth and transformation within the organization.  With her wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to recovery, Terri is not only shaping the future of RIO but also giving back to a cause she holds dear. Through her role, she aims to empower individuals on their own paths to recovery, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to rediscover their worth and embrace a life of hope and fulfillment

Zach began his journey at Recovery Institute of Ohio as a client in dire need of a facility that would work for him. As a local resident, Zach had struggled with alcoholism and addiction for 12 years attempting to get help through many other facilities. Zach reached out to Recovery Institute of Ohio on July 25th, 2019 and through hard work, an amazing staff and a great environment for healing he has been clean and sober ever since. Zach left Recovery Institute of Ohio as alumni and took the tools he had learned out into the world. Zach then spent the next 2 years staying involved in the recovery community, helping others like himself at local 12 step meetings and volunteering his time to speak at local treatment centers and recovery housing. At 2 years of sobriety, Zach applied to be a Behavioral Health Technician to gain a sense of giving back to others like him going through the same program that helped him. Over the next 3 years Zach helped countless clients work through obstacles in their recovery by offering his help and sharing his personal experiences in recovery. Starting as an entry level Behavioral Health Technician, Zach absorbed all trainings, advice, direction and showed a dedication to client care that quickly saw him promoted to Lead BHT then BHT Supervisor. Zach remained BHT Supervisor for 1.5 years and worked closely with all Recovery Institute of Ohio staff, learning all he could to be able to provide the highest quality client care and be able to help anyone walking through the doors of Recovery Institute of Ohio. Today, Zach is our Director of Operations. He works tirelessly with the Clinical, Medical, Admissions and BHT teams to continue making Recovery Institute of Ohio a place that gives individuals a fresh start at life.

Alexis embarked on her journey with us as a Behavioral Health Tech in 2019. Motivated by deeply personal experiences—both of her parents have grappled with addiction—she has remained steadfast in her dedication to assisting others on their journey to recovery. In 2022, Alexis attained her CDCA licensure through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board, propelling her into the clinical realm as a Case Manager. In this pivotal role, she offers invaluable support and guidance to clients navigating their recovery paths.
In February 2024, Alexis’s unwavering commitment and outstanding leadership skills led to her elevation to the role of Director of Client Services. Now, she oversees our esteemed case management and intake teams, while also collaborating closely with the Director of Operations and Clinical Director. Her tireless efforts ensure that our clients receive the highest quality of care and support.
Continuing her educational journey, Alexis is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work, aiming to further enhance the level of assistance she provides to clients. Beyond her professional endeavors, Alexis cherishes her role as a devoted family person. Recognizing the significance of a robust support system, she remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals battling addiction.

Katlyn grew up in Port Clinton, Ohio, where she was raised in a loving family. Her journey took a challenging turn at the age of 13 when she began struggling with self-esteem and depression. By the age of 17, Katlyn found herself in the depths of addiction. After various treatment attempts and a long road of active addiction, Katlyn finally embarked on her road to recovery at the age of 20, determined to overcome her challenges and reclaim her life. Today, Katlyn is a dedicated Case Manager with several years of experience in the field of recovery. Having triumphed over human trafficking and through her own personal struggles with addiction and mental health, she brings a unique perspective to her work, drawing from her personal journey of recovery. Katlyn holds a CDCA license and has a deep passion for helping others navigate their own paths to healing and wellness. Through personal experience with mental health and PTSD, Katlyn is committed to raising awareness and providing support to those in need. Fueled by her own journey of healing and transformation, Katlyn speaks sharing her life story within surrounding communities and holds a seat on a board for a nonprofit Anti-Human Trafficking Organization, inspiring others to find hope and strength in their own recovery journeys.

Dorothy’s journey through life has been profoundly shaped by her upbringing in the city of Sandusky, Ohio. Raised by parents who courageously battled addiction and triumphed in their recovery, Dorothy learned early on the transformative power of resilience and perseverance.
From a young age, Dorothy was inspired by her parents’ journey and their unwavering commitment to overcoming addiction. Their experiences instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and a passion for helping others navigate the challenges of recovery.
In 2022, Dorothy embarked on her own path in the field of addiction recovery when she joined the team at the Recovery Institute of Ohio as a Behavioral Health Technician. Guided by her personal experiences and fueled by her desire to make a difference, Dorothy quickly found her calling in supporting individuals on their journey to sobriety.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a dedication to her craft, Dorothy pursued further education and training, earning her certification as a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) in 2023. This milestone marked a significant step forward in her career, empowering her to take on a more active role in guiding and advocating for those in recovery.
Today, Dorothy serves as a Case Manager at the Recovery Institute of Ohio, where she plays a pivotal role in coordinating care and providing support to clients as they navigate the complexities of addiction recovery. Her genuine compassion, coupled with her wealth of knowledge and experience, enables her to connect with clients on a deeply personal level, offering them hope, encouragement, and guidance every step of the way.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dorothy’s most cherished role is that of a mother to her three children. Her experiences as a parent have deepened her understanding of the importance of empathy, patience, and unconditional love. She strives to instill in her children the same values of resilience and compassion that have guided her own journey, fostering an environment where they feel empowered to navigate life’s challenges with courage and grace.
As she continues on her journey, Dorothy remains steadfast in her dedication to making a difference in the lives of those affected by addiction. With her compassionate spirit and unwavering commitment, she embodies the very essence of hope and healing in the realm of addiction recovery.

Kasey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is a licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA). With a passion for helping others, Kasey serves as a dedicated case manager, leveraging her expertise to provide compassionate support to individuals navigating the complexities of substance abuse. Drawing from personal experiences with family members, Kasey brings a unique understanding and empathy to her work, striving to make a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.

Danielle is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. Armed with a Medical Assistant license obtained in 2012, Danielle has been a steadfast in various facets of healthcare. Over the last 8 years, she has passionately contributed her expertise to the fields of substance abuse and mental health.
In 2023, Danielle achieved the Certified Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant (CDCA) designation, further solidifying her commitment to providing comprehensive care. Prior to joining RIO, she served as a compassionate case manager, advocating for clients with unwavering dedication.
At RIO, Danielle serves as the esteemed medical liaison, bridging the gap between healthcare providers and clients with unparalleled empathy and professionalism. Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds immense fulfillment in being a parent to a Daughter in recovery, a journey that fuels her passion for giving back to the recovery community.
In June of 2022, Danielle welcomed a beautiful granddaughter into the world, adding another layer of joy to her life. During her leisure time, she cherishes moments spent with her beloved family, including two cats and a dog, enriching her life with love and companionship.

Charlie DeBold is a group facilitator and group coordinator at Recovery Institute of Ohio. With 3+ years of experience in the field, Charlie is dedicated to providing support, guidance, and a safe space for individuals on their journey towards recovery. Charlie holds a Chemical Dependency Counselors Assistant (CDCA) certificate from the Chemical Dependency Board of Ohio. Through his work he has gained extensive knowledge and understanding of addiction, recovery, and the various challenges individuals face during their healing process. Charlie believes in the power of group therapy as an essential component of substance abuse treatment. By fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment, his aim is to empower individuals to explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and build meaningful connections with others who share similar experiences. In addition to facilitating group sessions, Charlie collaborates closely with the treatment team to develop personalized treatment plans and ensure that each individual receives comprehensive care tailored to their unique needs. Charlie is honored to be a part of the Recovery Institute of Ohio team, where they are committed to providing compassionate care, evidence-based practices, and ongoing support to individuals and their families throughout the recovery process.

Halle is one of our alumnae that completed treatment at our facility in January 2021 and has worked for us for multiple years now. Halle was born and raised in Westlake, Ohio. Halle has dedicated her life to helping others recover using her personal knowledge of addiction, obtaining a CDCA licensure, and currently attending school for a bachelors in social work.
Halle experimented with substances in high school which led her to discovering alcohol at 19 years old. She immediately realized that she did not drink like other people, but used the excuse of “being young and having fun” until it wasn’t fun anymore. She had attempted sobriety several times attending multiple outpatient treatments over the course of 9 years. She was unable to stay sober for longer than 30 days. At the age of 28, she surrendered and decided to find help at an inpatient treatment facility which brought her to us.  Today, Halle has multiple years of sobriety. She gets to be a sister, a daughter, a Godmother, and a loving friend. She uses the tools provided in the recovery program and applies them to her daily life. Halle is now living a life of peace, meaning, and purpose; one that she never imagined was possible of living. She is devoted to helping others find their way in recovery and hopeful that they will discover a new way of life just as she did.

Frank came to RIO for substance recovery treatment and loved it so much he moved to Sandusky and continue his sobriety. Frank was a union member in local 777 for 25 years, he loved It but also brought him to his darkest of days. Frank decided to take a chance and dive into a program of recovery. His passion is now helping support others in there recovery. Frank moved into the role of Alumni Director, on a daily basis Frank checks in on alumni, sets up speakers to talk to current census and plan alumni events. Frank will also help promote and represent Recovery Institute of Ohio in local events and community involvement. Frank is also the proud father of Iceman our Rio emotional support dog!

Jason Thorley serves as a tech supervisor at Recovery Institute of Ohio. Jason brings a unique perspective to his role, as in he was once a client of this facility and has personally experienced the challenges of addiction and recovery.
Jason’s own journey of overcoming addiction has been transformative, and it has given him a profound insight into the struggles and triumphs that individuals face on their path to recovery. Jason understands firsthand the complexities of addiction and the importance of compassionate support, guidance, and understanding.
Having walked the path of recovery, Jason is passionate about helping others navigate their own journeys. As a tech supervisor, Jason is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for both staff and clients. Jason believes in the power of empathy, trust, and collaboration in fostering positive change.
Jason’s role involves overseeing the daily operations of the facility, ensuring that all protocols and procedures are followed, and providing guidance and support to the staff. He is committed to creating an environment that promotes healing, growth, and personal recovery.

Hanna embarked on her journey at Recovery Institute of Ohio, where her passion for helping others flourished. Starting as a Behavioral Health Technician in July 2023, she quickly demonstrated her dedication to the field. In October 2023, she achieved a significant milestone by obtaining her CDCA licensure through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board, solidifying her commitment to making a difference. Transitioning to a role as a Clinical Assistant in April 2024, she now collaborates closely with case management. Her passion for helping others stems from personal experiences, witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by family members struggling with addiction. Driven by empathy and a commitment to support those in need, she aspires to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals battling addiction.