Staff

Luis Virella LCSW, LCADC, Co-Founder & Clinical Director

Luis Virella is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of Recovery First. He holds a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University. He is a bilingual psychotherapist in New Jersey and is licensed as both a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC). Luis has over ten years of combined counseling experience specializing in anxiety disorders, grief and loss, and co-occurring disorders. As Clinical Director, Luis serves as the therapist for clients, oversees daily clinical services and drives the overall mission and vision of Recovery First.

Meet Luis and learn more about his treatment approach.

Featured in Psychology Today.

Marie Virella MPP, CPPM®, Co-Founder & COO

Marie Virella is the Co-Founder and COO for Recovery First. She holds a Masters in Public Policy from Rutgers University and is certified by the AAPC with a CPPM in practice management. Marie has over five years of mental health practice executive leadership experience and nearly two decades of combined experience working in several areas such as: health care management and advocacy, public policy, government, budget and finance, research and data, post-secondary education and workforce development. In this role, Marie directs communications and outreach, develops and implements organizational strategies, and manages fiscal and budget operations for Recovery First.