The University of Rochester’s spirit of curiosity and creativity is fueled by the drive of faculty, staff, and healthcare providers who bring new ideas to life every day. At URochester, employees are encouraged to think ambitiously and work purposefully. In the “Living Our Values” series, get to know some of the many individuals who make our lives “ever better” by turning our mission into action each day.
Building Hope, Inspiring Change—Meet members of the Strong Recovery Team
Leah Hill
Substance Use Disorder Counselor 2
Adolescent & Young Adult Program at Strong Recovery
What is one lesson you’ve learned from your patients?
Don’t quit five minutes before the miracle.
People will surprise you! They evolve. They change. They’ll make decisions you never expected. Witnessing the growth process unfold is extraordinary. I continue to be pleasantly surprised and inspired by my patients and their families.
What inspired you to pursue a career in substance use treatment and recovery?
As a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder myself, it was a very natural progression to pursue my CASAC (Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor) after first becoming a CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate). It offered me an opportunity to pay forward the hope and support that was and is so freely given to me in my personal recovery. This career allows me to combine my passion for the recovery process with my natural inclination toward clinical work.
How long have you been a therapist/counselor with the University of Rochester, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I started at the University of Rochester in January 2021, so five years.
A typical day as a therapist is always changing and incredibly dynamic. I spend my days meeting with patients, conducting intake assessments, coordinating with schools and other mental health providers, making outreach calls, collaborating with parents and guardians, and facilitating family or conjoint sessions as needed. I also work as an on-site consultant for a local school district (Fairport) one day each week. There is certainly never a dull moment in this line of work!
What are some common misconceptions about addiction and recovery?
Oh my, I could host a week-long seminar talking about this!
#1 Misconception – “Addiction is a moral failing.” – Society often reduces those with substance use disorder (SUD) to “bad people” due to objectively harmful behaviors symptomatic of active addiction. SUD is a profound moral injury. To have an active SUD is, itself, traumatic.
#2 Misconception – “People can’t recover.” – I categorically and emphatically reject this notion. I’ve seen people in my own life, in recovery communities, and among my patients literally return from the brink of death and go on to build extraordinary lives, families, and communities.
#3 Misconception – “Cutting them off is just tough love.” – Tough love does not mean cruelty. It means healthy boundaries for yourself and the person struggling, as an act of love. I would not be here today without those who loved me unconditionally, even during the pain and chaos of my active use. They believed in who I was and loved me until I could believe it, too.
How do you help patients navigate challenges on their recovery journey?
I focus on helping people build self-efficacy. I’ve worked with some folks for years, and because we’ve built that trust, we can have very candid conversations about their lives. They trust me to give honest feedback, and then they decide what to do with it. I simply walk beside them as a supportive guide and sounding board.
What makes the Strong Recovery team unique?
We’re constantly exploring innovative approaches to improve care. Our Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) team is particularly extraordinary. We specialize in working with 14 to 24-year-olds with SUD. Our collective passion for our work, our folks, and families, and the recovery process is second to none! It is a genuine privilege to work with teammates who are ever ready to advocate for and champion those we serve—and who embody Meliora.
How do different disciplines and Strong Recovery’s innovative programs work together to support patient recovery?
Recovery is far too complex for any one clinician to address, interdisciplinary collaboration is essential. Every patient brings unique strengths, challenges, family dynamics, medical needs, and recovery goals. This approach allows us to support the whole person—not just their substance use.
How does the University and leadership support your professional growth?
The tuition benefits program allowed me to complete my Master of Social Work in 2025. Within Strong Recovery, my leadership, and especially my direct supervisor, have consistently encouraged my curiosity and desire to keep learning. Because of that encouragement, I’ve been able to draw on another part of my professional background: education. Before becoming a therapist, I was a teacher, and I’ve combined that experience with my passion for clinical work through community education, outreach, and relationship-building. It’s been incredibly fulfilling.
Damaris Felix
Rehabilitation Therapist
Strong Recovery
What does compassion look like in your role?
Listening, giving respect, giving a smile, and passing no judgment.
How long have you been a therapist/counselor with the University of Rochester, and what does a typical day look like for you?
I’ve been a counselor for over 29 years and have worked at Strong for almost 11 years as of October 2026. When people ask me what I do for a living, I say, I help people recover their lives. There is never a dull moment. Every day is different. It could be connecting a patient with medical care or providing basic needs, such as food or hygiene products, to help them feel clean, proud, and normal. In my case, I’m bilingual, so I assist a lot of our Hispanic patients by connecting them with services available in our community.
What inspired you to pursue a career in substance use treatment and recovery?
What inspired me to pursue a career in substance use treatment and recovery was a combination of personal experiences and a deep desire to help others. Ever since I was a teenager, I have often found myself in positions where friends and classmates would seek me out for advice, support, or simply someone to listen to them. I realized early on the importance of being present for others during difficult times.
What do you enjoy most about working with patients and families?
I would say witnessing the transformation of our patients when they start making that commitment to their lives and being able to see how those around them are positively impacted as well. Seeing how their self-esteem gets stronger, and they feel empowered to achieve many of their dreams that at one point seemed impossible.
How do you help patients navigate challenges on their recovery journey?
I help patients by meeting them where they are on their journey while encouraging them to see the possibilities ahead. Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process, and every individual comes with unique strengths, challenges, and experiences.
How has your approach to counseling evolved?
My approach to counseling has evolved through experience, continued learning, and collaboration with colleagues from different disciplines. I would describe my style as a blend of traditional counseling principles and modern, evidence-based approaches. It includes elements of holistic care, patient-centered treatment, and harm reduction, recognizing that each person’s recovery journey is unique. Working alongside mental health professionals and other members of our treatment team has broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to support patients in meaningful ways.
How does the University and leadership support your professional growth?
The University has given me the opportunities to participate in a wide variety of trainings that have helped me develop new skills, expand my knowledge, and learn innovative techniques to better serve our patients. One of the things I appreciate most is the encouragement I have received from my supervisors and leadership team. They have often challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and take on new responsibilities or opportunities for growth. There were times when they saw potential in me that I did not yet see in myself, and their confidence encouraged me to keep growing both personally and professionally.