Meet the Team
John Gill
Executive Director
John was a client at the Miami Recovery Project before he became an employee. When he was a client, he received peer support services that helped him stabilize his life after several attempts at treatment, and then move into long term recovery.The services he received were instrumental in his journey toward wellness.
Before moving to Miami in 2021 to begin his recovery journey, John had a long career in marketing, communications and IT. He is now excited to put his experience to work helping others find their own individual pathway to recovery.
Richard Taylor
Richard Taylor MS, LMHC, NCC is a Nationally Board Certified (NCC) Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Florida Qualified Supervisor for MHC/MFT Interns. He graduated top of his class from Barry University's (CACREP) accredited MS Counseling in Clinical Mental Health and he also received a BA from Florida International University with a concentration in Psychology. His passion is creating a safe space and therapeutic alliance with clients and their families as they work through issues and discover the best authentic version of themselves. Specializing in but not limited to addictions, substance use disorders, co-occurring issues including anxiety, depression, impulsivity, relationship issues, career counseling and family support, Richard has years of experience working as a primary therapist in all levels of care in several renowned treatment centers in South Florida, with over 20 years working knowledge of 12 step programs including AA/NA/ACA and ALANON. He is also a certified SMART recovery facilitator. He offers people seeking recovery firsthand experience and evidence based clinical knowledge, to help them formulate treatment and aftercare plans that fit their specific needs.
Peer Specialist Supervisor
Douglas Rosales
Douglas is an energetic member of the recovery community, a certified recovery peer specialist with lived experience since 2020. Passionate about social services, he is dedicated to serving his community by offering encouragement and motivation to others as they embark on their recovery journey. Understanding the challenges, he provides peer clients with empowering tools and support throughout their journey as well as relatability and personal lived experience.
Certified Peer Specialist | Case Manager
AustinCole Bruff
AustinCole is a dedicated advocate for recovery and personal transformation, his journey through addiction has fueled a profound passion for helping others navigate their own paths to recovery. AustinCole spends much of his free time outdoors with his beloved canine companion, exploring new trails and enjoying nature. His journey in recovery has deepened his appreciation for meaningful connections and the simple pleasures in life, inspiring him to give back to his community and support others on their paths to wellness.
Certified Peer Specialist | Case Manager
Stephanie Perez
Steph is a person in long-term recovery that understands firsthand the challenges and struggles that come with addiction and mental health. She is a person that loves helping people whenever she can and loves that she is in a position to do so. In her free time, she likes going to meetings, spending time with family, crocheting, and going to the beach.
Certified Peer Specialist | Case Manager
Sebastian Virreira
Certified Peer Specialist | Case Manager | Data Analyst
Sebastian is dedicated to helping others on their recovery journeys, drawing from their own lived experiences to inspire and guide those in need. He believes that personal stories can create powerful connections and offer hope. In addition to their recovery work, Sebastian is passionate about staying healthy and spends time at the gym to maintain physical and mental well-being. He also enjoy software programming, using their technical skills to develop tools that support others. Above all, Sebastian values quality time with family, as these moments remind them of the importance of support and connection in every journey. Through their work and personal passions, Sebastian strives to empower others to embrace their paths to recovery.
Antonia Uribe-Leteinturier
Certified Peer Specialist
Antonia Uribe-Leteinturier is a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS-A,Y) and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200). Antonia discovered yoga as a teenager and found profound healing as a result. She was inspired to share this practice with others and completed her 200-hour certification in 2017. With a focus on mindful movement, breath awareness and alignment, Antonia leads classes that serve students of all levels. She believes in the power of yoga to cultivate serenity and balance, both on and off the mat. Antonia speaks fluent Spanish, French and English and is a Certified Event Interventionist (CEI). She is a person in recovery from substance misuse and co-occurring disorders and offers group peer support at Miami Recovery Project.
Robert Herrera
ARC Case Manager
Robert Herrera is a person in long term recovery from Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders. In April 2019 he began his journey through recovery. At the same time, he graduated from FIU with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. Since his time in recovery, Robert has had the opportunity to serve his community by providing support to the homeless population in Miami-Dade County at Camillus House for three years. During that time, Robert has helped many persons experiencing homelessness to gain access to homeless shelters, treatment centers and housing opportunities. Robert strives to serve his community and give back what was freely given to him, just as when he walked through the doors of recovery and someone Robert didn't know offered a helping hand to a stranger who was sick and suffering. Robert is currently in school again and continuing his education, in which he said before recovery "was something I could never have imagined."
Tom Vega
Peer Specialist | Case Manager
Tom has been an active and dedicated member of the recovery community since 2013. With a successful background in commercial real estate development, he has made the purposeful decision to transition his career to social services, driven by a desire to help others. Tom is committed to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys by providing encouragement, motivation, and practical tools for empowerment. Drawing on his own lived experiences with both long term recovery and relapse he offers a unique combination of relatability and guidance, ensuring peer clients feel supported and understood every step of the way.
Collier Echols
Peer Specialist | Case Manager
Collier is a member of the Miami Recovery Community where he started his personal journey to recovery in 2021. Collier has aided and supported individuals suffering from homelessness, trauma, and substance abuse disorders in many capacities. His love for people, coupled with his interpersonal relationship skills have been key in bridging the gap for those who are looking to walk-free of alcoholism and drug addiction.
In his free time, Collier loves exercising, working with others, and following the capital markets. In 2021, he graduated from the University of Miami with a BS in Finance and is currently on track to graduate with a MS in Finance from Georgetown University. Collier brings a variety of skills in investments, data, and leadership through his roles within the Financial Services Industry. He hopes to segway his experiences by applying his soft skills to helping others as a peer specialist.
Juan Barrios
Special Projects Coordinator
Juan is dedicated to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys by drawing from his own lived experience to create meaningful connections that foster growth and healing. With a background in behavioral analysis and marketing, Juan understands the complexities of behavioral health and uses this knowledge to guide individuals toward sustainable recovery.Before joining Miami Recovery Project, Juan worked as a Case Manager, helping individuals access vital resources and providing evidence-based coaching. Passionate about advocacy and empowerment, Juan actively supports peers through community outreach. He values collaboration, empathy, and personal growth, striving to inspire others to align their recovery with purpose.