Tony Martino: Magnolia Advisory Board of Directors

PALM BEACH, Fla. - March 28, 2016 - PRLog -- With two black hefty garbage bags, Tony Martino began his life over in South Florida almost eight years ago. "It wasn't my intention to come to Florida, get sober and then work in the treatment field. I rolled the dice one day and decided to try it out." The dice rolled in Tony's favor. As a newly appointed Advisory Board of Directors for the Magnolia New Beginnings Advocacy group, Tony has dedicated his communication skills and altruism to Ambrosia Treatment Center since relocating to Florida.

The Philadelphia native attended a 30-day program in Ft. Lauderdale with the primary goal to have a roof over his head. "I wasn't thinking big picture; I just didn't want to be homeless," states Tony. "I Forrest Gumped my way into the field." With his experience in the treatment centers as a client, Tony quickly moved his way up to Regional Marketing Director after years of hard work. As part of the marketing team, Tony has networked and established reputable connections between advocacy groups, such as Magnolia, and also between families of addicted loved ones.

"When I first started my recovery, I didn't believe people got sober. Recovery is such a subculture that is rarely discussed."

Tony managed to connect with other young people in recovery from all over the United States and experience the recovery community.

"I noticed that addiction didn't only affect the lower class who were sleeping on the streets. It affected the upper middle class, people in private schools from all over the world. And it still continues to impact the individual regardless of their socioeconomic background." With this knowledge and insight, Tony began to create an impact on his own.

Tony began connecting with advocacy and educational groups nationwide to inspire and educate the up-and-coming generation. "Those who are currently in the treatment field are on their way to retiring, so I felt compelled to talk to the younger generation who are inheriting these businesses to not only bring knowledge about the nature of addiction but also how to find the proper treatment for their loved one." He is not only passionate about his work, but he also has the vision to break the stigma that surrounds the community. As a member of the Magnolia group, an organization of 40k dedicated members, Tony lends guidance to the families and treatment centers to create the best-fit treatment program for the individual. "I hold my recovery in high regard because, without it, I wouldn't have been able to help the people I've encountered, nor would I have the passion for creating a change in the industry." Tony states.

"We tend to work on the problem right in front of us: the addict. But we fail to work with the families who are recovering just as well."

Ambrosia Treatment Center continues to expand on their aftercare Alumni and Wellness Program, for further treatment of the graduated client but also the family who still is affected by the family disease of addiction. Tony Martino forefronts the initiative to give back to the community by steering the conversation towards all those affected, avoiding the pitfalls of allowing the families to slip through the cracks.

"We are proud of Tony's achievement as a Board Member and how it represents Ambrosia's mission - quality care," exclaims Jerry Haffey Jr., President of Business Development at Ambrosia. "We encourage our team to continue to strive for greater opportunities and create that change."