Meet Our Team
As a non-profit organization, we believe that the successful execution of our mission and growth plans begins with strong leadership
John Narine, DBA, CEAP, CPFS.
CHAIR
Dr. John Narine is a person in recovery. John is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and received his Doctorate in Business Administration by completing a qualitative research study on Leadership Strategies to Prevent Substance Abuse Relapse and Optimize Business Viability. He is also the author of Leading Workplace Addiction, which is heavily based on his research conducted, and founder of Recovery Friendly Leader. As an employee who has struggled with addiction, John understands and can relate to others who constantly live-in fear of being judged or fired while trying to keep up demand. John is a passionate recovery advocate who is wholeheartedly committed to the success of Recovery Friendly Workplaces.
Nick Williams
VICE CHAIR
Nick Williams is the CEO of both R.I.S.E LLC and the American Subcontractor’s Association of Colorado. He has chaired the AGC Mental Health Working Group since 2021. He is a graduate of the Total Worker Health program at the Colorado School of Public Health. His avid passion for improving mental health in construction is rooted in the loss of loved ones, but grown in the calling to enhance and save lives of those that are still with us. He loves travelling the world with his wife and son, is almost always with his West Highland Terriers named Pacey and Joey, and is an avid consumer of all things pop culture.
Cheryl Merriwether, MHR, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CM, CPRC, CRSS
SECRETARY
Cheryl is the Co-founder, Vice President, and Executive Director of the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education (ICARE), a non-profit dedicated to addressing global substance misuse and addiction. With over two decades of leadership in corporate management, wellbeing, HR, adult education, and recovery awareness, Cheryl oversees ICARE’s administration, operations, strategic planning, partnerships, and business development for ICARE Workforce Solutions™, the International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches (IAPRC), and the NET Institute Center for Addiction and Recovery Education. As the Immediate Past President of the Greater Orlando Society for Human Resource Development (GOSHRM), Cheryl led the organization to win SHRM’s Pinnacle Award for training HR professionals on workplace substance misuse. As a thought leader in recovery-friendly workplaces, Cheryl understands the importance of workforce inclusion. With her extensive HR, training, and education background, Cheryl is thrilled to advance the work of Recovery Friendly Leader to transform individual lives and workplaces.
Tim Wackenreuter
TREASURER
Tim Wackenreuter is a seasoned finance and operations professional with over a decade of experience spanning corporate finance, asset management, and early-stage startups. Known for his strategic thinking and hands-on leadership, Tim has built a career driving innovation and operational excellence across diverse industries. Tim is a passionate advocate for autism and the recovery community, leveraging his personal and professional experiences to create a meaningful impact.
Marcie Phillis, Ph.D.
FUNDRAISING CHAIR
Dr. Phillis has worked in the mental health and substance use treatment field for over ten years. Previously, she worked in higher education and nonprofit fundraising. Dr. Phillis holds a Ph.D. in Sociology. Her research focuses on resilience strategies of individuals who have experienced and overcome severe trauma. Her areas of expertise include trauma, resilience, and substance use disorder recovery. She is passionate about connecting individuals and families with the resources they need to achieve lasting recovery and restored relationships. As a person in long-term recovery herself, Dr. Phillis wishes to give back to the community through advocacy and breaking down stigma and other barriers to recovery. She fully supports and is passionate about the work of Recovery Friendly Leader.
Stephen Rotter, Attorney
LEGAL ADVISOR
Stephen Rotter is an Employment Law Attorney who focuses on helping companies create and maintain healthy, safe workplaces. Stephen’s firm, The Workplace Counsel™️, helps clients address company culture, implement progressive policies, and protect their workforce, including legal compliance and employee needs. Stephen regularly assists clients with the review and implementation of policies and practices that address mental health, substance use, and recovery in the workplace. Stephen’s expertise also includes related management training and support, which directly aligns with the work of Recovery Friendly Leader. Stephen is excited and honored to be a part of the organization and strives to effectuate positive change in the workplace for those in recovery or who are facing challenges with substance use.
Team Alumni
Melinda Dorn
Board Member
Jennifer Young
Board Member
Ryan “Willy” Sorila
Board Member
Andrew Chiala
Intern
We are a mission-driven organization empowering leaders with recovery based solutions for businesses to thrive. A Project of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center, operating as a 501(c)(3).
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