JOHN LESKO
Interim Executive Director & Outreach Coordinator
Practicing as a litigator in Cincinnati, Ohio, between 1994 and 2007, John Lesko represented clients in state and federal proceedings, with venues including Ohio’s appellate courts and the Ohio Supreme Court. In 2008, drawing largely on his own experience as an attorney who had suffered with a debilitating substance use disorder (“addiction”), John began pursuing a new career as a clinician specializing in the rehabilitation of attorneys and other licensed professionals. Operating as both clinician and advocate, John has worked nationally with professionals’ licensing boards and employers, as well as courts and other agencies, to help hundreds of licensed professionals achieve recovery and reclaim their careers and
personal lives. John is convinced that any individual courageous enough to address a substance use or mental health disorder is deserving of a second chance. In 2019, John accepted the position of Outreach Coordinator for Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. (FLA).
At FLA, John provides outreach, including frequent CLE presentations, case management for FLA participants, and direct intervention services for struggling lawyers, judges and law students in Florida. As a Certified Addiction Professional, John has served as a manager of professionals’ treatment programs at nationally recognized facilities. John earned his law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, and his B.A. in economics from UCLA. Born and raised in Cleveland, OH, John remains a life-long (and regularly suffering) Cleveland Browns fan.
LAUREN MORRIS, LMHC
Case Manager
Lauren Morris has been working in the field of substance abuse treatment since 1990, after being personally, and gratefully, engaged in AA in 1984. She is particularly skilled in psychosocial rehabilitation, substance abuse counseling, transitional living, and societal re-entry following incarceration. Lauren has been a group facilitator for FLA for 20 years and a full-time case manager since January 2020. In her free time, she enjoys her feline friends, photography, and travel.
ARIANA H.
Testing Coordinator/Monitoring Program Coordinator
Ariana serves as a key point of contact for participants, monitors, and program stakeholders at Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. She oversees the Monitoring Program, ensuring its effective administration and day-to-day operations. In this role, she assigns volunteer monitors, provides guidance and support to both monitors and participants, and follows up to ensure timely submission of required monthly monitoring reports. She works diligently to maintain consistency, accountability, and clear communication throughout the monitoring process.
In addition to overseeing the Monitoring Program, Ariana coordinates all aspects of drug testing and assists with billing-related questions and concerns.
Known for her approachable and supportive style, Ariana works closely with participants and monitors to ensure clarity, consistency, and smooth program operations. She is always happy to help and is deeply committed to supporting clients as they navigate the recovery process with structure, encouragement, and professionalism.