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Sony Perlman didn’t just build The Village. He built the philosophy behind it. Educated at The New School for Social Research and with a Masters in Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University, Sony has spent 28 years at the forefront of addiction treatment, developing an approach that has quietly revolutionized how the field thinks about recovery.
That approach has a core tenet: “love works.” Where other programs lead with clinical structure and behavioral compliance, Sony leads with something simpler and more demanding. The prerequisite to all healing, he believes, is human connection. Building that foundation requires outlasting the test: “Anyone suffering from addiction will put you through it,” he explains. “The approach is to overcome that testing with unwarranted, unexpected love and trust.” It’s not a technique. It’s a conviction, and 28 years of results stand behind it.
Sony has become a sought-after voice in the addiction treatment world, speaking to audiences across the country and fielding requests for guidance from practitioners and families around the globe. His expertise is recognized not just in what he has built at The Village, but in how widely others have sought to learn from it.
What he wants every Villager to know? “They are enough.”
His message to struggling families draws on everything those 28 years have shown him: “I have seen thousands of ‘lost cases’ succeed spectacularly. I am starting to believe that it’s the rule, not the exception.”
Sony Perlman didn’t just build The Village. He built the philosophy behind it. Educated at The New School for Social Research and with a Masters in Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University, Sony has spent 28 years at the forefront of addiction treatment, developing an approach that has quietly revolutionized how the field thinks about recovery.
That approach has a core tenet: “love works.” Where other programs lead with clinical structure and behavioral compliance, Sony leads with something simpler and more demanding. The prerequisite to all healing, he believes, is human connection. Building that foundation requires outlasting the test: “Anyone suffering from addiction will put you through it,” he explains. “The approach is to overcome that testing with unwarranted, unexpected love and trust.” It’s not a technique. It’s a conviction, and 28 years of results stand behind it.
Sony has become a sought-after voice in the addiction treatment world, speaking to audiences across the country and fielding requests for guidance from practitioners and families around the globe. His expertise is recognized not just in what he has built at The Village, but in how widely others have sought to learn from it.
What he wants every Villager to know? “They are enough.”
His message to struggling families draws on everything those 28 years have shown him: “I have seen thousands of ‘lost cases’ succeed spectacularly. I am starting to believe that it’s the rule, not the exception.”
Eli came to this work through his own experience as an at-risk youth, and spent 8 years as a founding member of Minyan Shelanu in Lakewood before joining The Village as COO. A Life Coach, Chaplain, and Integration Specialist, he oversees all operations while never losing sight of what the work is actually about.
What drew him to The Village was Sony’s philosophy: that feeling safe and worthy of healing isn’t a step in the process. It’s the prerequisite. “They are worthy,” is what Eli wants every Villager to know, and he leads with that conviction every day.
His most treasured moment? Holding one of their clients’ babies at his bris. Outside The Village, he loves to cook and feed the people he cares about. His message to struggling families: “Everybody already has what they need in order to succeed. It is our job to remind them.”
Eli came to this work through his own experience as an at-risk youth, and spent 8 years as a founding member of Minyan Shelanu in Lakewood before joining The Village as COO. A Life Coach, Chaplain, and Integration Specialist, he oversees all operations while never losing sight of what the work is actually about.
What drew him to The Village was Sony’s philosophy: that feeling safe and worthy of healing isn’t a step in the process. It’s the prerequisite. “They are worthy,” is what Eli wants every Villager to know, and he leads with that conviction every day.
His most treasured moment? Holding one of their clients’ babies at his bris. Outside The Village, he loves to cook and feed the people he cares about. His message to struggling families: “Everybody already has what they need in order to succeed. It is our job to remind them.”
Rabbi Berger has spent ten years supporting people in recovery, bringing a genuine, unguarded love for people and a long track record of showing up for them at the hardest moments. “I love Jews, I want to help, and I know I can make a difference,” he says of what drew him to this work. What sets him apart in this role is straightforward: he puts the person before the religion. “Although I’m a Rabbi, I accept everyone,” he explains. “I’m non-judgmental.” Villagers feel that immediately.
His specialty is helping people connect with their higher power, on their own terms and in their own way. When the stakes have been at their highest, he has been there, having successfully helped individuals step back from the edge of suicide on multiple occasions.
His message to struggling families reframes the entire journey: “The fact that you made it till now shows your inner strength.”
Rabbi Berger has spent ten years supporting people in recovery, bringing a genuine, unguarded love for people and a long track record of showing up for them at the hardest moments. “I love Jews, I want to help, and I know I can make a difference,” he says of what drew him to this work. What sets him apart in this role is straightforward: he puts the person before the religion. “Although I’m a Rabbi, I accept everyone,” he explains. “I’m non-judgmental.” Villagers feel that immediately.
His specialty is helping people connect with their higher power, on their own terms and in their own way. When the stakes have been at their highest, he has been there, having successfully helped individuals step back from the edge of suicide on multiple occasions.
His message to struggling families reframes the entire journey: “The fact that you made it till now shows your inner strength.”
Sholom brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his role as Clinical Director. He holds an MSW from NYU with five years in addiction treatment, plus five additional years of volunteer work, he specializes in trauma, addiction recovery, mental health, and 12-step facilitation. In addition. Sholom is a practitioner and a Certified Mindfulness Teacher and Facilitator.
What sets Sholom apart is his ability to help Villagers see what he knows to be true: “They’re not sick getting better. They are whole and think they are fragmented.” As someone in recovery for over 11 years, he connects with Villagers through real conversation and genuine care, helping them recognize their inherent worth.
Sholom’s approach is simple yet profound: “Just smiling, connecting, and remembering that love conquers all.” When he’s not at The Village, you’ll find him with his wife and three children, and occasionally enjoying spa days with the staff.
Sholom brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his role as Clinical Director. He holds an MSW from NYU with five years in addiction treatment, plus five additional years of volunteer work, he specializes in trauma, addiction recovery, mental health, and 12-step facilitation. In addition. Sholom is a practitioner and a Certified Mindfulness Teacher and Facilitator.
What sets Sholom apart is his ability to help Villagers see what he knows to be true: “They’re not sick getting better. They are whole and think they are fragmented.” As someone in recovery for over 11 years, he connects with Villagers through real conversation and genuine care, helping them recognize their inherent worth.
Sholom’s approach is simple yet profound: “Just smiling, connecting, and remembering that love conquers all.” When he’s not at The Village, you’ll find him with his wife and three children, and occasionally enjoying spa days with the staff.
Yocheved’s unique life experience and training in Psychology and coaching, as well as her diverse background allows her to handle everything from coordinating with parents to job placement, overseeing recovery plans, and most importantly being there for the residents.
What drew her to The Village was witnessing Sony and Eli’s “unbelievable organization,” their unique philosophy based on “the underlying ability to heal and move forward, as well as the love and sensitivity in which they go about every day.”
“I listen...a lot. Without judgment. With humor. With interest and care,” describes Yocheved’s approach. She was unusually shy as a child, something that helps her connect with Villagers who struggle with confidence and self-worth.
Her precious moments include seeing sad residents crack up with laughter: “Those are the precious moments...the smile, the glimmer of joy, of laughter...of connection.”
To struggling families, Yocheved offers this insight: “Your children are of the most sensitive, intuitive, empathic neshamot. That’s a big part of why they suffer so much. When they learn that feelings are safe, all that magnificence will shine forth in ways you never imagined.”
Yocheved’s unique life experience and training in Psychology and coaching, as well as her diverse background allows her to handle everything from coordinating with parents to job placement, overseeing recovery plans, and most importantly being there for the residents.
What drew her to The Village was witnessing Sony and Eli’s “unbelievable organization,” their unique philosophy based on “the underlying ability to heal and move forward, as well as the love and sensitivity in which they go about every day.”
“I listen...a lot. Without judgment. With humor. With interest and care,” describes Yocheved’s approach. She was unusually shy as a child, something that helps her connect with Villagers who struggle with confidence and self-worth.
Her precious moments include seeing sad residents crack up with laughter: “Those are the precious moments...the smile, the glimmer of joy, of laughter...of connection.”
To struggling families, Yocheved offers this insight: “Your children are of the most sensitive, intuitive, empathic neshamot. That’s a big part of why they suffer so much. When they learn that feelings are safe, all that magnificence will shine forth in ways you never imagined.”
Ziggy’s journey to The Village began when he needed help to stop using drugs. Today, as a certified Peer Specialist with two years in the recovery field, he brings the power of lived experience to his work with Villagers.
“Just being their friend,” is how Ziggy describes his approach to building trust. “Not trying to approach any circumstance like I’m better than it or smarter. Just understanding, cause I’ve been in that boat before.” His natural ability to motivate and encourage participation has created countless moments where Villagers “always come out with a smile.”
When he’s not at The Village, Ziggy can be found playing guitar, surrounded by music and friends. Despite his outgoing nature at work, he’s actually a homebody who “would prefer a staycation over vacation almost always,” something many Villagers find surprisingly relatable.
His message to struggling families reflects his core belief: “Everything gets better with time. It’s not in your control. Just trust the process.”
Ziggy’s journey to The Village began when he needed help to stop using drugs. Today, as a certified Peer Specialist with two years in the recovery field, he brings the power of lived experience to his work with Villagers.
“Just being their friend,” is how Ziggy describes his approach to building trust. “Not trying to approach any circumstance like I’m better than it or smarter. Just understanding, cause I’ve been in that boat before.” His natural ability to motivate and encourage participation has created countless moments where Villagers “always come out with a smile.”
When he’s not at The Village, Ziggy can be found playing guitar, surrounded by music and friends. Despite his outgoing nature at work, he’s actually a homebody who “would prefer a staycation over vacation almost always,” something many Villagers find surprisingly relatable.
His message to struggling families reflects his core belief: “Everything gets better with time. It’s not in your control. Just trust the process.”
Mendel brings five years of recovery field experience rooted entirely in lived experience. His philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: “It’s not professional. It’s humans to humans loving each other at their core.
”Known for being “aggressively authentic,” Mendel’s superpower lies in making every Villager feel that “I’m on your level.” His approach has created meaningful moments, like talking someone through a crisis at 2 AM, helping them make it one more day.
What makes Mendel especially relatable? He gets annoyed by little things, just like everyone else. This honesty creates genuine connections and helps Villagers see that recovery doesn’t mean becoming perfect. It means becoming real.
His message to families captures the mystery and hope of recovery: “In all cases it seems hopeless and impossible to change. It never makes sense, but we are surrounded by hundreds of miracles.” Nature recharges him, reminding him of the natural healing that’s always possible.
Mendel brings five years of recovery field experience rooted entirely in lived experience. His philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: “It’s not professional. It’s humans to humans loving each other at their core.
”Known for being “aggressively authentic,” Mendel’s superpower lies in making every Villager feel that “I’m on your level.” His approach has created meaningful moments, like talking someone through a crisis at 2 AM, helping them make it one more day.
What makes Mendel especially relatable? He gets annoyed by little things, just like everyone else. This honesty creates genuine connections and helps Villagers see that recovery doesn’t mean becoming perfect. It means becoming real.
His message to families captures the mystery and hope of recovery: “In all cases it seems hopeless and impossible to change. It never makes sense, but we are surrounded by hundreds of miracles.” Nature recharges him, reminding him of the natural healing that’s always possible.
Shlomo’s path to helping others began with his own recovery journey. After years as a client and brief experience as a tech in Florida, he discovered his calling: giving back and helping others find the family and safety they’ve never had.
With his characteristic humor (his credentials include “driver’s license”), Shlomo’s strength lies in small conversations and vulnerability. He shares his own life experiences to build trust, helping Villagers see they’re not alone in their struggles.
“Unconditional love” is what Shlomo wants every Villager to feel when working with him. His approach embodies The Village philosophy perfectly: “By being present, not judging, and showing empathy toward another’s pain.”
His advice to struggling families is simple yet profound: “Love and accept them for they are, not what you want them to be.”
Shlomo’s path to helping others began with his own recovery journey. After years as a client and brief experience as a tech in Florida, he discovered his calling: giving back and helping others find the family and safety they’ve never had.
With his characteristic humor (his credentials include “driver’s license”), Shlomo’s strength lies in small conversations and vulnerability. He shares his own life experiences to build trust, helping Villagers see they’re not alone in their struggles.
“Unconditional love” is what Shlomo wants every Villager to feel when working with him. His approach embodies The Village philosophy perfectly: “By being present, not judging, and showing empathy toward another’s pain.”
His advice to struggling families is simple yet profound: “Love and accept them for they are, not what you want them to be.”
Mendy brings a unique perspective as both Village alumnus and Program Director of The Neighbors. Currently completing his MSW (graduating May 2026), he combines lived experience with formal social work education and clinical training through his internship.
“What brought me to The Village is that I’m an alumni, so it means a lot to me personally,” Mendy explains. “Being able to come back and support others through the same environment feels meaningful and full circle.”
His specialization lies in community-based programming and building genuine connections through relatability. What sets him apart is his commitment to staying connected with alumni long after they leave, watching them build stability and take pride in their lives again.
When he’s not working, Mendy recharges by spending time with his wife and friends. His approach embodies “love works” by using it as his moral compass: “It guides how I speak to people, how I show patience, and how I respond even when things are messy.”
His message to struggling families: “There really is a light at the end of it, even if you can’t see it right now. The miracles are here, and change can happen one step at a time.”
Mendy brings a unique perspective as both Village alumnus and Program Director of The Neighbors. Currently completing his MSW (graduating May 2026), he combines lived experience with formal social work education and clinical training through his internship.
“What brought me to The Village is that I’m an alumni, so it means a lot to me personally,” Mendy explains. “Being able to come back and support others through the same environment feels meaningful and full circle.”
His specialization lies in community-based programming and building genuine connections through relatability. What sets him apart is his commitment to staying connected with alumni long after they leave, watching them build stability and take pride in their lives again.
When he’s not working, Mendy recharges by spending time with his wife and friends. His approach embodies “love works” by using it as his moral compass: “It guides how I speak to people, how I show patience, and how I respond even when things are messy.”
His message to struggling families: “There really is a light at the end of it, even if you can’t see it right now. The miracles are here, and change can happen one step at a time.”
Eve combines her own recovery journey with psychology studies to create meaningful connections at The Village. Currently working toward a degree in psychology with goals of becoming a social worker, she brings both lived experience and academic knowledge to her role.
“I was drawn to this field because of my own recovery journey and everything it’s taught me about struggle, resilience, and growth,” Eve explains. Her approach centers on honesty, consistency, and empathy, often sharing from her own experiences when appropriate.
What makes Eve special is her ability to create hope through storytelling. After sharing a story about finding her higher power during overwhelming times, a Villager later reported having a similar spiritual experience. “There is no better high than seeing hope in the eyes of people you care about.”
Outside work, Eve focuses on her own recovery through therapy, enjoys nature, hiking, and yoga. Her relatability shines through her honesty: “Even as someone who works in recovery, I’m human. There are moments when I honestly don’t know what to say or do.”
Her message to families: “Change is possible, even when it feels impossible. Recovery isn’t a straight line, but with patience, support, and a willingness to keep showing up, healing can happen.”
Eve combines her own recovery journey with psychology studies to create meaningful connections at The Village. Currently working toward a degree in psychology with goals of becoming a social worker, she brings both lived experience and academic knowledge to her role.
“I was drawn to this field because of my own recovery journey and everything it’s taught me about struggle, resilience, and growth,” Eve explains. Her approach centers on honesty, consistency, and empathy, often sharing from her own experiences when appropriate.
What makes Eve special is her ability to create hope through storytelling. After sharing a story about finding her higher power during overwhelming times, a Villager later reported having a similar spiritual experience. “There is no better high than seeing hope in the eyes of people you care about.”
Outside work, Eve focuses on her own recovery through therapy, enjoys nature, hiking, and yoga. Her relatability shines through her honesty: “Even as someone who works in recovery, I’m human. There are moments when I honestly don’t know what to say or do.”
Her message to families: “Change is possible, even when it feels impossible. Recovery isn’t a straight line, but with patience, support, and a willingness to keep showing up, healing can happen.”
Serel brings a unique combination of lived experience and holistic healing to The Village. In recovery since 2021, she’s an experienced yoga teacher whose work centers on self love and inner healing, currently pursuing her degree to become a mental health counsellor.
“I was drawn to this field out of a deep desire to give back and support others who are struggling,” Serel shares. Her yoga training allows her to incorporate mindfulness, movement, and breathwork into recovery support, helping Villagers with emotional regulation and overall well-being.
What sets The Village apart, according to Serel, is “the deeply caring and individualized approach taken with each resident...Every woman is treated as a whole person, not just as someone in recovery.”
A recent meaningful moment captures what this work means to Serel: While sitting with a group of residents, a simple conversation suddenly erupted into deep belly laughter that filled the room. “We were laughing so hard, just being human together,” she recalls. in that moment Serel felt a deep sense of joy and knew this was exactly why she chose to be a part of The Village.
Outside of work, Serel loves getting “playful and adventurous,” traveling, camping, swimming, creating art, and spending time with family and friends. Her relatability comes through her honesty about having bad moods and lonely moments, showing Villagers that recovery includes the full spectrum of human experience.
Serel brings a unique combination of lived experience and holistic healing to The Village. In recovery since 2021, she’s an experienced yoga teacher whose work centers on self love and inner healing, currently pursuing her degree to become a mental health counsellor.
“I was drawn to this field out of a deep desire to give back and support others who are struggling,” Serel shares. Her yoga training allows her to incorporate mindfulness, movement, and breathwork into recovery support, helping Villagers with emotional regulation and overall well-being.
What sets The Village apart, according to Serel, is “the deeply caring and individualized approach taken with each resident...Every woman is treated as a whole person, not just as someone in recovery.”
A recent meaningful moment captures what this work means to Serel: While sitting with a group of residents, a simple conversation suddenly erupted into deep belly laughter that filled the room. “We were laughing so hard, just being human together,” she recalls. in that moment Serel felt a deep sense of joy and knew this was exactly why she chose to be a part of The Village.
Outside of work, Serel loves getting “playful and adventurous,” traveling, camping, swimming, creating art, and spending time with family and friends. Her relatability comes through her honesty about having bad moods and lonely moments, showing Villagers that recovery includes the full spectrum of human experience.
