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About
Stronger Together Around Recovery
STAR has more than 30 years of dedicated work in researching recovery organisations. We bring extensive experience in developing and designing recovery-focused models. Our expertise extends to providing valuable assistance in conducting needs assessments, delving into recovery capital models, and assisting in developing frameworks grounded in CHIME-D principles. This approach centres on fostering an environment that cultivates Connection, Hope, a positive sense of Identity, Meaning, and Empowerment, all while recognizing and addressing the inevitable Difficult challenges that may arise along the journey.
Meet the STAR Team
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Professor David Best
Founder/Research Director
David Best is an internationally recognised academic and authority on recovery science and in particular the science of recovery capital.
He was originally trained as a psychologist and then criminologist and has worked in research, policy and practice settings in the UK, the US and Australia.
In the course of the last 12 years he has collected nearly 4,000 recovery stories and has led innovative co-productions including being a founder member of Inclusive Recovery Cities and the College of Lived Experience Recovery Organisations.
He has published in excess of 240 peer-reviewed journal papers, eight books (including the forthcoming Recovery Capital Handbook; see attached) and around 70 technical reports.
He is committed to innovation and co-production in recovery research and practice.
David Best is an internationally recognised academic and authority on recovery science and in particular the science of recovery capital.
He was originally trained as a psychologist and then criminologist and has worked in research, policy and practice settings in the UK, the US and Australia.
In the course of the last 12 years he has collected nearly 4,000 recovery stories and has led innovative co-productions including being a founder member of Inclusive Recovery Cities and the College of Lived Experience Recovery Organisations.
He has published in excess of 240 peer-reviewed journal papers, eight books (including the forthcoming Recovery Capital Handbook; see attached) and around 70 technical reports.
He is committed to innovation and co-production in recovery research and practice.
Sharon Osterfield
Co-Founder/Commerical Director
Sharon has an MSc in Leadership and Management and over 30 years of experience managing complex projects across the NHS and private sectors.
Sharon has overseen large-scale programs, driving organisational transformation and fostering cultural change. Her work often involves developing policies, setting operational standards, and implementing sustainable, long-term improvements across services.
She has a passion for supporting individuals from disadvantaged and marginalised communities, and that inspired her to develop innovative models addressing housing, education, and rehabilitation. Informed by her knowledge of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), she co-founded a project offering integrative support for at-risk individuals.
Sharon is also a trustee for several organisations, including Reframe Coaching, that support individuals post gambling harm.
Sharon has an MSc in Leadership and Management and over 30 years of experience managing complex projects across the NHS and private sectors.
Sharon has overseen large-scale programs, driving organisational transformation and fostering cultural change. Her work often involves developing policies, setting operational standards, and implementing sustainable, long-term improvements across services.
She has a passion for supporting individuals from disadvantaged and marginalised communities, and that inspired her to develop innovative models addressing housing, education, and rehabilitation. Informed by her knowledge of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), she co-founded a project offering integrative support for at-risk individuals.
Sharon is also a trustee for several organisations, including Reframe Coaching, that support individuals post gambling harm.
Shelley Duffy
Senior Research Assistant
Shelley is a STAR Research Assistant and Phd Student, with her research in addiction and recovery on the barriers and support needs of women in recovery, with a particular focus on mothers.
She has many years of experience as a Civil Servant Executive Officer with significant expertise in organisational management, product development, service delivery and broad multi-stakeholder liaison and collaboration. She is talented in research development and review, academic writing, and project management, and highly skilled in the management of complex caseloads and building strong relationships across multiple stakeholders.
Shelley has an unwavering motivation and dedicated work ethic and has recently graduated with a First Class Psychology Masters Degree, despite facing several significant traumatic experiences and personal losses throughout her academic career.
Shelley is in recovery from drug and gambling addiction, and despite having every reason to give up and accept defeat, has fought back to sobriety and achieving success with hard work, determination and the prevailing, deep desire to help others.
Shelley is a STAR Research Assistant and Phd Student, with her research in addiction and recovery on the barriers and support needs of women in recovery, with a particular focus on mothers.
She has many years of experience as a Civil Servant Executive Officer with significant expertise in organisational management, product development, service delivery and broad multi-stakeholder liaison and collaboration. She is talented in research development and review, academic writing, and project management, and highly skilled in the management of complex caseloads and building strong relationships across multiple stakeholders.
Shelley has an unwavering motivation and dedicated work ethic and has recently graduated with a First Class Psychology Masters Degree, despite facing several significant traumatic experiences and personal losses throughout her academic career.
Shelley is in recovery from drug and gambling addiction, and despite having every reason to give up and accept defeat, has fought back to sobriety and achieving success with hard work, determination and the prevailing, deep desire to help others.
Dr Kevin McInerney
Research Assistant
Kevin’s PhD research focussed on an under-researched and ‘invisible’ cohort of older individuals who begin to drink problematically later in life; referred to as ‘late-onset’. Theoretically framed within Viktor Frankl’s theory of meaning (Logotherapy), his thesis found that late-onset problem drinking is linked to late-life events and a lack of meaning and purpose in life (i.e., an existential vacuum). Conversely, his research found that finding or (re)discovering meaning and purpose in life promotes and helps to sustain recovery.
During his PhD, Kevin recruited participants from the NHS. As such, he is familiar with working with NHS R&D departments and the process of gaining Health Research Authority (HRA) ethical approval.
Kevin has an insider perspective on addiction and has been in recovery from problem drinking for 35 years. He is fascinated in the history of recovery, inspired he believes, by his own recovery, which started at Warlingham Park Hospital, which housed the first residential alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation unit in the NHS (1952); a now defunct recovery framework, created and developed by psychiatrist Max Glatt.
He is an active member of the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Register at South London and Maudsley (SLAM) NHS Trust and is involved in a number of ongoing, mental health-related projects.
As well as his PhD in addiction/recovery studies, Kevin has a BSc (Honours) Degree in Psychology and a MSc (Distinction) in Health Psychology.
Kevin’s PhD research focussed on an under-researched and ‘invisible’ cohort of older individuals who begin to drink problematically later in life; referred to as ‘late-onset’. Theoretically framed within Viktor Frankl’s theory of meaning (Logotherapy), his thesis found that late-onset problem drinking is linked to late-life events and a lack of meaning and purpose in life (i.e., an existential vacuum). Conversely, his research found that finding or (re)discovering meaning and purpose in life promotes and helps to sustain recovery.
During his PhD, Kevin recruited participants from the NHS. As such, he is familiar with working with NHS R&D departments and the process of gaining Health Research Authority (HRA) ethical approval.
Kevin has an insider perspective on addiction and has been in recovery from problem drinking for 35 years. He is fascinated in the history of recovery, inspired he believes, by his own recovery, which started at Warlingham Park Hospital, which housed the first residential alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation unit in the NHS (1952); a now defunct recovery framework, created and developed by psychiatrist Max Glatt.
He is an active member of the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Register at South London and Maudsley (SLAM) NHS Trust and is involved in a number of ongoing, mental health-related projects.
As well as his PhD in addiction/recovery studies, Kevin has a BSc (Honours) Degree in Psychology and a MSc (Distinction) in Health Psychology.
Eleonora Chioatto
Project Manager
Ele is a Project Manager at STAR, providing strategic and operational support across the team. With a First Class Honours degree in Criminology with Psychology, and after studying at the Justice Institute of British Columbia in Canada, her background now spans research, data analysis, and trauma-informed practice.
She has worked as a research assistant on cross-cultural lie-detection studies, conducted crime and safety research for Portsmouth City Council, and previously held roles as an Insights Assistant at the University of Portsmouth. She now also works as an Impact and Insight Manager at a charity in Yorkshire, amplifying the community voice.
Ele is a strong advocate for social justice, innovation, and community empowerment. She has volunteered with the Hampshire Constabulary, the Police and Crime Commissioner, anti-trafficking organisations, and addiction recovery services. She also supports operations for the Arukah Project, bringing a values-driven, inclusive approach to all her work.
Ele is a Project Manager at STAR, providing strategic and operational support across the team. With a First Class Honours degree in Criminology with Psychology, and after studying at the Justice Institute of British Columbia in Canada, her background now spans research, data analysis, and trauma-informed practice.
She has worked as a research assistant on cross-cultural lie-detection studies, conducted crime and safety research for Portsmouth City Council, and previously held roles as an Insights Assistant at the University of Portsmouth. She now also works as an Impact and Insight Manager at a charity in Yorkshire, amplifying the community voice.
Ele is a strong advocate for social justice, innovation, and community empowerment. She has volunteered with the Hampshire Constabulary, the Police and Crime Commissioner, anti-trafficking organisations, and addiction recovery services. She also supports operations for the Arukah Project, bringing a values-driven, inclusive approach to all her work.
Enid Osborne
International IRC Development Coordinator
Enid Osborne is the newly named US liaison for STAR to assist cities and communities that are interested in becoming IRCs. She has been involved in the field of substance use for over 35 years.
A recent retiree from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), she served for 15 years as a Public Health Advisor monitoring recovery and treatment grants, advising in strategic program planning and development, and providing technical assistance.
Previously, she directed SAMHSA grants from state, tribal, and non-profit organisations in the areas of prevention, treatment, and recovery. Enid was the Clinician in the first Drug Court started in the Detoxification and Intake Unit in Miami, FL in 1989. She directed a SAMHSA grant from the AZ Governor’s Office for co-occurring offenders released from incarceration into community re-entry.
Enid has been instrumental in developing the City of Richmond, VA becoming the first Inclusive Recovery City in the US. Enid believes passionately that recovery begins in the community. She completed a doctoral degree in Health Education from the University of New Mexico, an MPH from Florida International University, Miami, FL, and an MSW from Barry University in Miami, FL. In her spare time, she enjoys combining her recovery into all her world travels.
Enid Osborne is the newly named US liaison for STAR to assist cities and communities that are interested in becoming IRCs. She has been involved in the field of substance use for over 35 years.
A recent retiree from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), she served for 15 years as a Public Health Advisor monitoring recovery and treatment grants, advising in strategic program planning and development, and providing technical assistance.
Previously, she directed SAMHSA grants from state, tribal, and non-profit organisations in the areas of prevention, treatment, and recovery. Enid was the Clinician in the first Drug Court started in the Detoxification and Intake Unit in Miami, FL in 1989. She directed a SAMHSA grant from the AZ Governor’s Office for co-occurring offenders released from incarceration into community re-entry.
Enid has been instrumental in developing the City of Richmond, VA becoming the first Inclusive Recovery City in the US. Enid believes passionately that recovery begins in the community. She completed a doctoral degree in Health Education from the University of New Mexico, an MPH from Florida International University, Miami, FL, and an MSW from Barry University in Miami, FL. In her spare time, she enjoys combining her recovery into all her world travels.
Adela Bunaciu
Research Assistant
Adela Bunaciu is a PhD Candidate at the University of Dundee, where her PhD focuses on the recovery capital framework at measurement and conceptual levels. She holds a Master’s degree in Health Psychology from the University of St Andrews and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Dundee. In addition to her academic background, Adela has gained experience in applied psychological research as a Research Assistant on addiction recovery projects, including working with recovery organisations from the UK and the US. She also serves as a member of the Recovery Outcomes Institute Advisory Board.
Adela Bunaciu is a PhD Candidate at the University of Dundee, where her PhD focuses on the recovery capital framework at measurement and conceptual levels. She holds a Master’s degree in Health Psychology from the University of St Andrews and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Dundee. In addition to her academic background, Adela has gained experience in applied psychological research as a Research Assistant on addiction recovery projects, including working with recovery organisations from the UK and the US. She also serves as a member of the Recovery Outcomes Institute Advisory Board.
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