ROCovery Fitness Board of Directors
Zach Harrington
Board President/Chairman
Zach has been on the ROCovery Fitness Board of Directors since October of 2017. He served as the Treasurer from January of 2018 until May of 2023 and currently holds the title of Board President. His favorite part of working with ROCovery is being able to see the improvement in peoples lives that ROCovery provides at no monetary cost.
In his professional life, Zach is a partner and Chief Investment Officer for Rise Advisors LLC., he is a resident of Greece, NY with his family (Wife Mariah, Daughter Isla and dog Gus). He is an avid golfer, community partner and fitness enthusiast.
Board President/Chairman
Zach has been on the ROCovery Fitness Board of Directors since October of 2017. He served as the Treasurer from January of 2018 until May of 2023 and currently holds the title of Board President. His favorite part of working with ROCovery is being able to see the improvement in peoples lives that ROCovery provides at no monetary cost.
In his professional life, Zach is a partner and Chief Investment Officer for Rise Advisors LLC., he is a resident of Greece, NY with his family (Wife Mariah, Daughter Isla and dog Gus). He is an avid golfer, community partner and fitness enthusiast.
Jennifer Faringer, MS.Ed, CPP-G
Director, DePaul’s National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area.
Jennifer has worked in the field of substance abuse prevention since 1988. She has been involved in the development of professional education and awareness presentations for both communities and schools. She was instrumental in the development and subsequent expansion of continuing educational opportunities as well as a comprehensive counselor preparatory program for professionals working the field of addictions which is now in its 29th year.
As director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area, Jennifer oversees multiple programs of NCADD-RA. She is on the Executive Committee of NYS Association of Substance Abuse Providers, the NYS Certification Board, the Executive Committee of the Finger Lakes Consortium of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and past president of the Councils on Addiction of NYS. She also chairs the Opioid Task Force of Monroe County.
Director, DePaul’s National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area.
Jennifer has worked in the field of substance abuse prevention since 1988. She has been involved in the development of professional education and awareness presentations for both communities and schools. She was instrumental in the development and subsequent expansion of continuing educational opportunities as well as a comprehensive counselor preparatory program for professionals working the field of addictions which is now in its 29th year.
As director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Rochester Area, Jennifer oversees multiple programs of NCADD-RA. She is on the Executive Committee of NYS Association of Substance Abuse Providers, the NYS Certification Board, the Executive Committee of the Finger Lakes Consortium of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and past president of the Councils on Addiction of NYS. She also chairs the Opioid Task Force of Monroe County.
Dave Szulgit
Vice Chair
I have been a therapist at the University of Rochester Medical center for the past 17 years. Prior to this I have worked in a variety of mental health setting including group homes, schools, detention centers, and on a mobile crisis team.
I come from a large family with 5 sisters and one brother, and I was raised in the Rochester area, my parents instilled us all with the importance of volunteer work.
I have been a board member for recovery Fitness since its inception and continue to believe it has filled a void in the recovery community. I love how active and vibrant our organization has become across the finger lakes region.
In my free time I am an avid runner, skier, and recently have discovered paddle boarding.
Vice Chair
I have been a therapist at the University of Rochester Medical center for the past 17 years. Prior to this I have worked in a variety of mental health setting including group homes, schools, detention centers, and on a mobile crisis team.
I come from a large family with 5 sisters and one brother, and I was raised in the Rochester area, my parents instilled us all with the importance of volunteer work.
I have been a board member for recovery Fitness since its inception and continue to believe it has filled a void in the recovery community. I love how active and vibrant our organization has become across the finger lakes region.
In my free time I am an avid runner, skier, and recently have discovered paddle boarding.
Brandon Scott
Brandon has been a member of ROCovery Fitness since early 2018, and it was one of the first steps for him in his recovery. His progression has gone from volunteering at the outreach center in early recovery, to spreading the mission and message of ROCovery Fitness through outreach events and presentations, to serving on the Board of Directors. Connecting to others through fitness and recovery is what keeps him motivated, and is passionate about engaging with the community and helping others.
Brandon has been a member of ROCovery Fitness since early 2018, and it was one of the first steps for him in his recovery. His progression has gone from volunteering at the outreach center in early recovery, to spreading the mission and message of ROCovery Fitness through outreach events and presentations, to serving on the Board of Directors. Connecting to others through fitness and recovery is what keeps him motivated, and is passionate about engaging with the community and helping others.
Jennifer Sahrle
Jennifer is the Executive Director of St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center Inc. She was most recently the Senior Director of Operations at Trillium Health—a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-alike (FQHC LAL). With over 15 years of experience in health care, she began her career as a Care Manager for individuals infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. During that time, Sahrle regularly worked with individuals who were struggling with substance use. She was pleased to join the Board of Directors in 2020 and is looking forward to contributing her time, talent, and treasure to the organization’s mission and work in the community.
Sahrle enjoys completing household improvements, spending time with her partner Julie, and advocating for social justice issues in her spare time.
Jennifer is the Executive Director of St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center Inc. She was most recently the Senior Director of Operations at Trillium Health—a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-alike (FQHC LAL). With over 15 years of experience in health care, she began her career as a Care Manager for individuals infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. During that time, Sahrle regularly worked with individuals who were struggling with substance use. She was pleased to join the Board of Directors in 2020 and is looking forward to contributing her time, talent, and treasure to the organization’s mission and work in the community.
Sahrle enjoys completing household improvements, spending time with her partner Julie, and advocating for social justice issues in her spare time.
April M. Hill
Secretary
April is a native of Rochester, New York who began her professional career as an Employee Relations Representative with Dow Jones & Company/The Wall Street Journal. She later relocated to Atlanta, GA where she became a Recruiting Specialist for the technical contract placement industry. She then transitioned her Human Resources knowledge and recruiting experience and worked as a Career Services Director within Atlanta’s vocational education sector.
After nearly 20 years in Atlanta, April relocated back to Rochester in 2013, and served as Assistant Director of Human Resources at Monroe Community College and Director of Human Resources at Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York (PPCWNY). She is currently the Director of Human Resources at Villa of Hope.
April is the proud parent of a 6-year old tortie (cat) named Chrissy. She enjoys reading John Grisham novels, watching Alfred Hitchcock and Marvel Cinematic Universe movies as well as classic film noir, and appreciates traveling (whenever possible). Ms. Hill is also a member of Lollypop Farm’s Development Committee and has been actively engaged with United Way of Greater Rochester’s African American and Latin Leadership Development Programs’ promotion and recruitment activities.
Secretary
April is a native of Rochester, New York who began her professional career as an Employee Relations Representative with Dow Jones & Company/The Wall Street Journal. She later relocated to Atlanta, GA where she became a Recruiting Specialist for the technical contract placement industry. She then transitioned her Human Resources knowledge and recruiting experience and worked as a Career Services Director within Atlanta’s vocational education sector.
After nearly 20 years in Atlanta, April relocated back to Rochester in 2013, and served as Assistant Director of Human Resources at Monroe Community College and Director of Human Resources at Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York (PPCWNY). She is currently the Director of Human Resources at Villa of Hope.
April is the proud parent of a 6-year old tortie (cat) named Chrissy. She enjoys reading John Grisham novels, watching Alfred Hitchcock and Marvel Cinematic Universe movies as well as classic film noir, and appreciates traveling (whenever possible). Ms. Hill is also a member of Lollypop Farm’s Development Committee and has been actively engaged with United Way of Greater Rochester’s African American and Latin Leadership Development Programs’ promotion and recruitment activities.
Alex Bernier
Treasurer
Alex has served on the ROCovery Fitness Board of Directors since June of 2023, where he currently holds the title of Treasurer. The support, community and mentorship that ROCovery provides to the greater Rochester area are just a few of the reasons Alex prides himself in working with ROCovery. Alex currently works as a Portfolio Manager at The QCI Team of Wealth Enhancement Group, he lives in Spencerport with his wife (Maricatherine) and two children (Cristiana & Dino). In his free time, Alex is a dedicated fitness enthusiast, spending time playing soccer, golfing and training.
Treasurer
Alex has served on the ROCovery Fitness Board of Directors since June of 2023, where he currently holds the title of Treasurer. The support, community and mentorship that ROCovery provides to the greater Rochester area are just a few of the reasons Alex prides himself in working with ROCovery. Alex currently works as a Portfolio Manager at The QCI Team of Wealth Enhancement Group, he lives in Spencerport with his wife (Maricatherine) and two children (Cristiana & Dino). In his free time, Alex is a dedicated fitness enthusiast, spending time playing soccer, golfing and training.
Lizz Ortolani
(she/her)
Lizz joined the board of directors in 2024. She comes to ROCovery with many years of experience in board leadership and development, mission-based management, and service to her community. Following a 15-year career in medical social work, Lizz founded Ortolani Services Inc, an independent insurance brokerage in Rochester, New York, specializing in benefits planning for people on Medicare, individuals, sole proprietors, contract workers, retirees, and small businesses. Social work practice areas included care management, hospice, traumatic brain injury, HIV, mental health, substance use, and health care administration. Volunteer experiences span over 25 years in Rochester, most recently as a yoga instructor at Yoga 4 A Good Hood and ROCovery.
(she/her)
Lizz joined the board of directors in 2024. She comes to ROCovery with many years of experience in board leadership and development, mission-based management, and service to her community. Following a 15-year career in medical social work, Lizz founded Ortolani Services Inc, an independent insurance brokerage in Rochester, New York, specializing in benefits planning for people on Medicare, individuals, sole proprietors, contract workers, retirees, and small businesses. Social work practice areas included care management, hospice, traumatic brain injury, HIV, mental health, substance use, and health care administration. Volunteer experiences span over 25 years in Rochester, most recently as a yoga instructor at Yoga 4 A Good Hood and ROCovery.
Gabriela Girona Wolfe
Ms. Wolfe graduated cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 2016. Thereafter, Ms. Wolfe came to Rochester for a two-year law clerk position with the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department. Upon completion of the clerkship, Ms. Wolfe joined the Buffalo-based law firm of Phillips Lytle LLP as a commercial litigation associate in their Rochester Office until the COVID pandemic brought about a change of heart. In 2020, Ms. Wolfe decided to pursue her true passion for indigent legal defense and joined the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office as an Assistant Public Defender. In this role, Ms. Wolfe represented clients facing criminal misdemeanor and non-violent felony charges in state local and superior court. In April 2024, Ms. Wolfe accepted a position as an Assistant Federal Public Defender with the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Syracuse, New York, and hopes to spend the rest of her legal career representing indigent clients facing federal criminal charges.
Aside from her legal career, civic involvement is also important to Ms. Wolfe, who serves her community wherever she can. Most recently, Ms. Wolfe joined Central New York United Way’s Book Buddy Program, and volunteers to read to school-age children for one hour a week. Ms. Wolfe joined the Rocovery Board in July 2024, and looks forward to supporting and growing our incredible program.
Ms. Wolfe graduated cum laude from Syracuse University College of Law in 2016. Thereafter, Ms. Wolfe came to Rochester for a two-year law clerk position with the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department. Upon completion of the clerkship, Ms. Wolfe joined the Buffalo-based law firm of Phillips Lytle LLP as a commercial litigation associate in their Rochester Office until the COVID pandemic brought about a change of heart. In 2020, Ms. Wolfe decided to pursue her true passion for indigent legal defense and joined the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office as an Assistant Public Defender. In this role, Ms. Wolfe represented clients facing criminal misdemeanor and non-violent felony charges in state local and superior court. In April 2024, Ms. Wolfe accepted a position as an Assistant Federal Public Defender with the Federal Public Defender’s Office in Syracuse, New York, and hopes to spend the rest of her legal career representing indigent clients facing federal criminal charges.
Aside from her legal career, civic involvement is also important to Ms. Wolfe, who serves her community wherever she can. Most recently, Ms. Wolfe joined Central New York United Way’s Book Buddy Program, and volunteers to read to school-age children for one hour a week. Ms. Wolfe joined the Rocovery Board in July 2024, and looks forward to supporting and growing our incredible program.