Meet Our Team

Derick Growing up in the Sunshine State, Derick knows that even in the brightest places, life can feel incredibly dark. As someone in long-term recovery, Derick doesn’t just understand the clinical side of addiction—he understands the human side. This lived experience fuels their passion for helping others navigate the often-turbulent waters of early sobriety. Derick, who is currently pursuing his Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential, combines a Florida-grown heart with a rigorous commitment to evidence-based care. He believes that recovery isn’t just about stopping a substance; it’s about reclaiming a life worth living.

Samantha Murphy is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over seven years of experience supporting individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders. She is passionate about helping people navigate the challenges of addiction, recovery, and personal growth. Samantha earned her degree in Human and Social Services from Essex County Community College with High Honors and has experience providing substance use counseling, treatment planning, and facilitating both individual and group sessions.

Samantha’s passion for this work comes from her professional experience and her personal understanding of the impact addiction can have on individuals and families. She recognizes the importance of compassion, connection, and creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and empowered. As a mother, Samantha values resilience, hope, and the importance of strong support systems. She is committed to meeting clients where they are, helping them identify their strengths, develop healthy coping skills, and build the foundation for lasting recovery.

John Troche, LCSW, LCADC, CCS, is the Executive Director of Restore Health and Wellness Center, NJ, bringing over 30 years of experience to the New Jersey recovery community. A graduate of Hunter College, John specializes in the vital overlap between 12-step principles and clinical excellence. As a Hightower-trained interventionist and seasoned public speaker, he operates on a core conviction: “I believe in creating positive habits and developing skill sets to help rewire our minds, which, when implemented, amounts to a total psychic change or spiritual awakening.” His leadership ensures that every client at Restore NJ receives a balanced, transformative approach to long-term sobriety.

Liz was born and raised in New Jersey. After graduating from Rutgers University with a B.S. in Animal Science and a specialization in pre-veterinary medicine and research, she spent the next 13 years working in various roles in the animal care field. Inspired by her mother, who was a nurse, Liz decided to change careers- from helping animals to helping people. Having witnessed the effects of addiction in her personal life, she felt a strong calling to support the recovery community. Liz is now following her passion for helping others by working at Restore.

Daniel Erb is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) and a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) dedicated to supporting individuals affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. He earned his Master of Social Work from Rutgers University after previously completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Before entering the behavioral health field, Daniel spent decades working in the pharmaceutical industry, an experience that shaped his understanding of healthcare and ultimately inspired his transition into addiction treatment.

Daniel brings both professional training and personal insight to his work with individuals struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, and other co-occurring challenges. He is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard and respected. Using education and evidence-based approaches, Daniel collaborates with clients to develop insight, strengthen coping skills, and build a foundation for lasting recovery.

Passionate about helping people reclaim their lives, Daniel empowers clients to find hope, restore purpose, and create meaningful change on their journey toward long-term wellness.

Ryan Murphy is a dedicated Treatment Navigator with three years of experience in the substance use disorder (SUD) field. Prior to entering behavioral healthcare, Ryan spent seven years in administrative and office-based roles across a variety of professional settings, developing strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Ryan is passionate about helping individuals navigate the recovery process by handling the behind-the-scenes coordination that allows clients to focus fully on their treatment. Whether assisting with insurance, FMLA, disability paperwork, aftercare planning, or other essential services, Ryan takes pride in ensuring each client has the support they need throughout their recovery journey. One of the most rewarding aspects of the role is being able to walk alongside clients from admission through discharge, helping remove barriers and celebrating their progress every step of the way.

Outside of work, Ryan is a proud parent of two children and enjoys staying active by supporting them in their many sports and activities, including softball and football. Ryan values family, teamwork, and community—qualities that are reflected in both personal life and professional practice.