Reilly McCloskey is a program facilitator at Green Hill. We sat down with him to learn more about his background and his experience working in our field.
Could we get some brief biographical info from you? Hometown, previous experience, education, etc.?
I was born and raised in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia, in Chester County Pennsylvania. I grew up in love with sports, video games, classic rock music, and my dogs! In high school, I became obsessed with all types of art mediums, and was the president of my school’s ultimate frisbee club!
I have spent most of my adult life so far working for myself as a freelance photographer. In school, a photography course taught me that my true passion was being creative and taking photos. I have also worked at a country club as a server, bartender, and large event worker. I have also worked numerous construction and painting jobs over the years. In my off time, I work gigs as a camera operator for a live streaming company.
What is one thing your hometown could be known for, and why?
The “MainLine”. It’s kind of a lifestyle I guess. Imagine the OC (drama, high-end parties, big expectations) but in southeastern Pennsylvania.
What made you want to work in this field?
All throughout my sobriety, I have always given back to and helped out younger guys. If I could have gotten sober at 18 or even in high school, who knows how my life would have gone. I am passionate about making sobriety look fun, because it is, and that small misunderstanding keeps a lot of people sick!
What do you believe makes GHR stand out in its field, and why?
I think the community aspect of Green Hill, whether it’s the staff or past residents, makes It special. Everyone wants to help each other, and everyone wants to see everyone else succeed.
What does your ideal day look like?
My ideal day looks like eating super delicious food, walking my dog, playing some sort of sport (really loving disc golf lately) and doing something fun with friends. End the night with an 12 Step Meeting and some video games!
Can you name one role model you have, and why that person has had such an impact?
My biggest Role model is my brother. His dedication to his craft, family and friendships is something I have been trying to impersonate for years.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? How has that advice affected your day-to-day?
Sobriety is a series of surrenders. I’ve had to change so many times in sobriety, and by taking that leap to change and grow, my life gets better and better every time. It’s not easy but the hard work always pays off, and I get to continue to live a happy life.
What is your favorite GHR memory?
The first week I worked there, we played laser tag, golf and even went go-karting! Haha.
What’s one message you wish our clients would always take with them?
My biggest message is that things won’t always be super happy and amazing all the time, but if you stay clean and sober despite the bad times, you’ll have so many more great experiences. I get to choose to have so much fun today if I want to.
Quick hits:
Favorite Movie: Casino
Favorite Food(s): Nothing beats a Ripe Tomato!
Hobbies: House Music Vinyl Collector, Anime, Disc Golf, Golf, Soccer, Video Games, Photography
Favorite sports team: Philadelphia Eagles
Pets: Lunoe, my Rottweiler
Favorite Book(s): Interaction of Color – Joseph Albers
Favorite Album: Random Album Title – Deadmau5
Favorite Podcasts: Office Hours with Tim Heidecker
Dream Vacation: Tokyo
What you wanted to be as a kid: A carpenter like my dad