ABOUT CHRIS LESTON
Christopher Leston, Executive Director and Founder
Christopher Leston has been continuously sober since 2006 and began working in the recovery field in 2009, starting in community outreach within a dual-diagnosis program. In that early role, he supported individuals facing the dual challenges of substance use and mental health issues, helping them access care and begin the process of rebuilding their lives. His work was hands-on, heart-forward, and grounded in lived experience—which quickly earned him a strong reputation in the recovery community for his leadership, empathy, and ability to connect.
That reputation led to Christopher being recruited into a residential recovery program, where he went on to spend over thirteen years serving in both direct care and leadership roles. In those years, he walked alongside thousands of men and women in early sobriety—creating structure, leading groups, and helping build the kind of culture where real change could take root.
Now, as the founder of Away Recovery, Christopher offers a deeply personal and flexible path to healing, growth, and empowerment. Away Recovery provides one day and multi day workshops, private, one-on-one retreats, as well as online support for men, designed to help individuals disconnect from daily stressors, reconnect with themselves, and move forward with clarity and purpose. The program integrates recovery principles, mindfulness, nature immersion, somatic work, empowerment practices and personalized guidance , creating a framework that speaks to the whole person—body, mind, emotion, and spirit.
What makes Away Recovery different is its commitment to tailoring every experience to the individual. Some guests come in needing a reset. Others arrive in transition or after treatment, looking to go deeper. Chris meets each man where he is and helps him build something that fits—whether it’s a multi-week stay, a single-day recharge, or online structure to stay connected.
Christopher’s work is built on the core belief that recovery is not just about getting sober, it’s about building a life you’re proud to live.
Outside of his work, he’s a devoted father who values time in nature, creative expression, and being present with his family. The same principles that guide his professional life, patience, accountability, curiosity, and integrity—are the ones that shape how he shows up in his own.
ADVISORY TEAM
Dan Schmader
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Over eight years there, Dan served as Program Director and Outreach Director, introducing innovative programming rooted in relational therapy, including international travel, health and wellness initiatives, and arts and music therapy. He also led bi-coastal marketing strategies as Director of Clinical Outreach, connecting clients with post-acute care services. Most recently, he founded a healthcare agency focused on in-home services for seniors, successfully driving growth through strategic marketing efforts. Dan holds a Bachelor’s from the College of the Holy Cross, a Master’s in Social Work from the University of New England, and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Maine. Based in South Portland, he enjoys outdoor activities that inspire personal growth and connection.
