ROCovery Fitness Staff Members
Jonathan Westfall - Executive Director
Jon has been heavily involved with ROCovery Fitness since 2017. He started as a volunteer engaging in a Wayne County expansion project, at the forefront of the community/street level outreach pilot project and the annual 5k fundraising event. In July 2018, he started full-time with the organization, which allowed him to marry his love of fitness with his passion for community service. He is also heavily involved in community outreach programs, grassroots recovery community and advocacy events. In his time in the human services field, he has served as a Peer Navigator with Catholic Charities Community Services and the Addiction Recovery Program Manager at Open Door Mission. Jon also serves as ROCovery’s Boxing & Conditioning Coach, Level 1 CKT - IKFF Kettlebell Instructor and Outdoor Program Team Leader. Jon is a NY State Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), CRPA-Family, Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC), a CCAR curriculum trainer. Jon is a proud father of four, a long-time fitness enthusiast, an ultra marathon trail runner, graphic designer and artist (and very soon to be an Adirondack 46'r).
Email: jonathan@rocoveryfitness.org
Jon has been heavily involved with ROCovery Fitness since 2017. He started as a volunteer engaging in a Wayne County expansion project, at the forefront of the community/street level outreach pilot project and the annual 5k fundraising event. In July 2018, he started full-time with the organization, which allowed him to marry his love of fitness with his passion for community service. He is also heavily involved in community outreach programs, grassroots recovery community and advocacy events. In his time in the human services field, he has served as a Peer Navigator with Catholic Charities Community Services and the Addiction Recovery Program Manager at Open Door Mission. Jon also serves as ROCovery’s Boxing & Conditioning Coach, Level 1 CKT - IKFF Kettlebell Instructor and Outdoor Program Team Leader. Jon is a NY State Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA), CRPA-Family, Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC), a CCAR curriculum trainer. Jon is a proud father of four, a long-time fitness enthusiast, an ultra marathon trail runner, graphic designer and artist (and very soon to be an Adirondack 46'r).
Email: jonathan@rocoveryfitness.org
Kara Izzo – Peer Support Program Manager
Kara joined ROCovery Fitness in October 2019. She is a person in long-term recovery and is passionate about supporting others on their own path of recovery. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from LeMoyne College in 1991 and obtained her CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) in 2019. She enjoys going on hikes, watching Buffalo Sabres games, reading, and visiting Alexandria Bay and Florida with her family. She resides in Fairport with her husband Gary, their two sons, Nick and Zach, and their boxer Mickey.
Email: kara@rocoveryfitness.org
Kara joined ROCovery Fitness in October 2019. She is a person in long-term recovery and is passionate about supporting others on their own path of recovery. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from LeMoyne College in 1991 and obtained her CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) in 2019. She enjoys going on hikes, watching Buffalo Sabres games, reading, and visiting Alexandria Bay and Florida with her family. She resides in Fairport with her husband Gary, their two sons, Nick and Zach, and their boxer Mickey.
Email: kara@rocoveryfitness.org
Chelsea Kehrli - Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Chelsea joined the ROCovery crew in the beginning of October 2019, but has been a member since 2017 when she embarked onto her own recovery journey. In early sobriety, she was feeling a lack of purpose and connection. It wasn’t until she started coming to ROCovery workouts with Sean and Yana, that she slowly started to find her place. Today, Chelsea is passionate about supporting others on their path to recovery, and is a true advocate for the work ROCovery is doing. She has earned an Associate’s Degree in Visual Communications & Graphic Design in 2010 and has obtained credentials for her CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) in 2020, and CARC (Certified Addiction Recovery Coach) in 2021. Chelsea loves hiking mountains, spending time outdoors being active, time with family and friends, creating art in all forms (including food), and is still enjoying the recovery ride!
Email: chelsea@rocoveryfitness.org
Chelsea joined the ROCovery crew in the beginning of October 2019, but has been a member since 2017 when she embarked onto her own recovery journey. In early sobriety, she was feeling a lack of purpose and connection. It wasn’t until she started coming to ROCovery workouts with Sean and Yana, that she slowly started to find her place. Today, Chelsea is passionate about supporting others on their path to recovery, and is a true advocate for the work ROCovery is doing. She has earned an Associate’s Degree in Visual Communications & Graphic Design in 2010 and has obtained credentials for her CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) in 2020, and CARC (Certified Addiction Recovery Coach) in 2021. Chelsea loves hiking mountains, spending time outdoors being active, time with family and friends, creating art in all forms (including food), and is still enjoying the recovery ride!
Email: chelsea@rocoveryfitness.org
Lisa Nichols - Peer Learning Community Coordinator
Fitness was a pathway to sobriety for Lisa, and naturally, she found her way to the community at ROCovery which changed her life. She began as a volunteer coach in 2018, bringing her enthusiasm for functional fitness, outdoor adventures, and weightlifting. From there, her love of coaching and gratitude for recovery led to CRPA certification and a role as the Southern Tier expansion manager, community-based Peer, and now as the Peer Learning Community Coordinator. You can find her digging into data or the dirt in the mountains, lifting weights or her pen for some writing, or anywhere there is a smile to be had. She loves her family, people, movement, animals, belly-laughs, all things creative, and the ROCovery community.
Email: lisa@rocoveryfitness.org
Fitness was a pathway to sobriety for Lisa, and naturally, she found her way to the community at ROCovery which changed her life. She began as a volunteer coach in 2018, bringing her enthusiasm for functional fitness, outdoor adventures, and weightlifting. From there, her love of coaching and gratitude for recovery led to CRPA certification and a role as the Southern Tier expansion manager, community-based Peer, and now as the Peer Learning Community Coordinator. You can find her digging into data or the dirt in the mountains, lifting weights or her pen for some writing, or anywhere there is a smile to be had. She loves her family, people, movement, animals, belly-laughs, all things creative, and the ROCovery community.
Email: lisa@rocoveryfitness.org
Jacquelin Janis - Fitness Program Manager
Jacquelin started volunteering at ROCovery in March 2021. After realizing that recovery is not just for individuals with an addiction, but a process affected loved ones go through as well, she wanted to get more involved in the recovery community. With a passion for fitness and all things active, ROCovery was a perfect fit! Spending many years in the CrossFit community showed her just how impactful fitness and community can be in someone’s recovery journey. Jacquelin earned her master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications at Nazareth College, she has been coaching and involved in CrossFit since 2013, and continues to grow in all things fitness and movement based. Jacquelin loves spending time with family and friends, boating on Lake Ontario, playing with her German Shepherd, Moira, and trying new baking recipes.
Email: jacquelin@rocoveryfitness.org
Jacquelin started volunteering at ROCovery in March 2021. After realizing that recovery is not just for individuals with an addiction, but a process affected loved ones go through as well, she wanted to get more involved in the recovery community. With a passion for fitness and all things active, ROCovery was a perfect fit! Spending many years in the CrossFit community showed her just how impactful fitness and community can be in someone’s recovery journey. Jacquelin earned her master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications at Nazareth College, she has been coaching and involved in CrossFit since 2013, and continues to grow in all things fitness and movement based. Jacquelin loves spending time with family and friends, boating on Lake Ontario, playing with her German Shepherd, Moira, and trying new baking recipes.
Email: jacquelin@rocoveryfitness.org
Brian Beckler – Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Brian joined ROCovery Fitness in November 2019. He is a person in long-term recovery and is passionate about supporting others on their own path of recovery. He earned his Associates Degree from Genesee Community College in 2009 in Criminal Justice. Brian obtained his CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) in 2019 and his NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist ) in 2020. He enjoys spending time with his family outdoors, watching Buffalo Bills games, and playing any sport any time anywhere. Brian resides in Penfield , NY with his wife Taylor, Daughter Ava, and puppy son Sammy.
Email: brianb@rocoveryfitness.org
Brian joined ROCovery Fitness in November 2019. He is a person in long-term recovery and is passionate about supporting others on their own path of recovery. He earned his Associates Degree from Genesee Community College in 2009 in Criminal Justice. Brian obtained his CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) in 2019 and his NYCPS (New York Certified Peer Specialist ) in 2020. He enjoys spending time with his family outdoors, watching Buffalo Bills games, and playing any sport any time anywhere. Brian resides in Penfield , NY with his wife Taylor, Daughter Ava, and puppy son Sammy.
Email: brianb@rocoveryfitness.org
Sean Zeck – Senior Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Sean has been a member with ROCovery since 2015 and immediately fell in love with the drive and vision of the awesome people involved. He has been in recovery since 2006 and believes this is a journey which is always growing and changing. Through the support, empathy, and compassion of other like-minded people, Sean believes individual strength and empowerment can be achieved. He is also passionate about the link between nutrition and over-all mental health. Sean enjoys Muay Thai/kickboxing, trail running, hiking, art, music, HIIT training, and functional fitness. In addition to joining the ROCovery team in May 2021, Sean is also working on his certification in permaculture and restorative farming practices. He enjoys playing with his dogs, hanging with his partner, and being active.
Email: seanz@rocoveryfitness.org
Sean has been a member with ROCovery since 2015 and immediately fell in love with the drive and vision of the awesome people involved. He has been in recovery since 2006 and believes this is a journey which is always growing and changing. Through the support, empathy, and compassion of other like-minded people, Sean believes individual strength and empowerment can be achieved. He is also passionate about the link between nutrition and over-all mental health. Sean enjoys Muay Thai/kickboxing, trail running, hiking, art, music, HIIT training, and functional fitness. In addition to joining the ROCovery team in May 2021, Sean is also working on his certification in permaculture and restorative farming practices. He enjoys playing with his dogs, hanging with his partner, and being active.
Email: seanz@rocoveryfitness.org
Keisha Nankoosingh – Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Keisha's relationship with ROCovery goes back to the early days of the very first hikes. She joined the team in June 2021 as an Outreach and Engagement Specialist. Her outgoing and bubbly personality makes working in the community a breeze. She is passionate about helping individuals find their path in recovery and grow their support network.
Outside of work Keisha spends a lot of time with her “tribe” including her Pitbull Samson.
Keisha earned her CRPA and CPS in 2016 and has worked with organizations like SBH (Helio), Catholic Charities Community Services, Catholic Family Center, Specialty Courts, Recovery Support Navigator and The Core.
Email: keisha@rocoveryfitness.org
Keisha's relationship with ROCovery goes back to the early days of the very first hikes. She joined the team in June 2021 as an Outreach and Engagement Specialist. Her outgoing and bubbly personality makes working in the community a breeze. She is passionate about helping individuals find their path in recovery and grow their support network.
Outside of work Keisha spends a lot of time with her “tribe” including her Pitbull Samson.
Keisha earned her CRPA and CPS in 2016 and has worked with organizations like SBH (Helio), Catholic Charities Community Services, Catholic Family Center, Specialty Courts, Recovery Support Navigator and The Core.
Email: keisha@rocoveryfitness.org
Cody Whaley – Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Cody joined ROCovery in August of 2021 to work with the Monroe County Forensic Intervention Team. Cody is a person in long-term recovery who has been working as a peer in the crisis, mental health, and substance use recovery community since 2018. He completed his full CRPA certification in 2021. Cody is passionate about creating safe spaces, building interpersonal connections, and empowering people to find their own path to recovery, continued growth, and overall wellness. He keeps active in his free time on away missions with his #1 cat Riker, playing games at the table with friends, and exploring the outdoors.
Email: cody@rocoveryfitness.org
Cody joined ROCovery in August of 2021 to work with the Monroe County Forensic Intervention Team. Cody is a person in long-term recovery who has been working as a peer in the crisis, mental health, and substance use recovery community since 2018. He completed his full CRPA certification in 2021. Cody is passionate about creating safe spaces, building interpersonal connections, and empowering people to find their own path to recovery, continued growth, and overall wellness. He keeps active in his free time on away missions with his #1 cat Riker, playing games at the table with friends, and exploring the outdoors.
Email: cody@rocoveryfitness.org
Kavita Hogan - Executive Assistant
Kavita joined ROCovery Fitness in October 2021 as Executive Assistant. She comes from a background beautifully influenced by recovery and is on an ongoing journey of personal mental health recovery as well. Her own experience with recovery has shaped her into a compassionate individual, motivated to help the team and community they work with. Kavita has enjoyed her administrative career previously working for the University of Rochester in women’s health and pediatric administration. She earned her Administrative Assisting certificate from SUNY Brockport in 2015 and has been in the field ever since.
Kavita is passionate about the outdoors and exploring all that Upstate New York has to offer. Her favorite pass-times are reading, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and hiking through glens with her friends and family. She lives in Greece, New York with her husband Hank and their three children, Alec, Cole, and newborn Rheia, and her fur babies Maddi, and Bentley.
Email: kavita@rocoveryfitness.org
Kavita joined ROCovery Fitness in October 2021 as Executive Assistant. She comes from a background beautifully influenced by recovery and is on an ongoing journey of personal mental health recovery as well. Her own experience with recovery has shaped her into a compassionate individual, motivated to help the team and community they work with. Kavita has enjoyed her administrative career previously working for the University of Rochester in women’s health and pediatric administration. She earned her Administrative Assisting certificate from SUNY Brockport in 2015 and has been in the field ever since.
Kavita is passionate about the outdoors and exploring all that Upstate New York has to offer. Her favorite pass-times are reading, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and hiking through glens with her friends and family. She lives in Greece, New York with her husband Hank and their three children, Alec, Cole, and newborn Rheia, and her fur babies Maddi, and Bentley.
Email: kavita@rocoveryfitness.org
Mark Taylor - Care Coordination Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Mark joins our peer recovery support services staff as a Care Coordination Outreach and Engagement Specialist (OES) primarily connecting with individuals in the community who are marginalized and/or undeserved due to significant social barriers and lack of connection to resources in Rochester. Much of his time will be spent doing outreach in the community and connecting with other local organizations to strengthen our social safety net for individuals in crisis and need. Mark has been a member and a valuable volunteer with ROCovery for several months prior to accepting a position here, but his work in the human services field dates back to well before our inception, having worked with organizations like Villa of Hope, Transitional Services, Freedom Village USA, and Teen Challenge. Mark has an Associates degree in Substance Use Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He also served proudly in the United States Army. Mark is himself a person in sustained recovery, fully supports multiple pathways and believes in a wholistic person-centered approach to recovery.
Email: mark@rocoveryfitness.org
Mark joins our peer recovery support services staff as a Care Coordination Outreach and Engagement Specialist (OES) primarily connecting with individuals in the community who are marginalized and/or undeserved due to significant social barriers and lack of connection to resources in Rochester. Much of his time will be spent doing outreach in the community and connecting with other local organizations to strengthen our social safety net for individuals in crisis and need. Mark has been a member and a valuable volunteer with ROCovery for several months prior to accepting a position here, but his work in the human services field dates back to well before our inception, having worked with organizations like Villa of Hope, Transitional Services, Freedom Village USA, and Teen Challenge. Mark has an Associates degree in Substance Use Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He also served proudly in the United States Army. Mark is himself a person in sustained recovery, fully supports multiple pathways and believes in a wholistic person-centered approach to recovery.
Email: mark@rocoveryfitness.org