Rashad Hamdan
Executive Leadership, New York Adult & Teen Challenge
Rashad Hamdan serves as the Executive Leadership of New York Adult & Teen Challenge. Rashad has been with Adult & Teen Challenge since 2015. His journey began coming through the doors as a resident in the program. His life had fallen apart, and he lost everything due to heroin addiction. When all hope was lost, and he ruined all relationships within his family, Adult & Teen Challenge was there with open arms. He arrived at the center that day, having lost everything and nothing to his name but the clothes on his back.
He was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his life was forever changed. Through the discipleship process of Adult & Teen Challenge, he realized that God placed a call on his life to share the gospel with others who are struggling with addiction. After finishing the program, he stayed on as an apprentice, eventually joined the staff, went to the New York Ministry Network School of Ministry, married his beautiful wife Katherine in 2019, and now has two young toddlers, Jaxon and Carter.
In 2021, Rashad was ordained and asked to serve as the Director of the Syracuse Center. After several years, he worked into his current position as Executive Leadership, that took effect in January 2026. Rashad says, “What an honor it is to fulfill the call God has given me and to help come alongside other men who are currently struggling with addiction and show them the hope we all have in Jesus! Looking back on my wayward years before I knew the Lord, I never thought I had any future. I thank God daily for this “new creation” I am and this new life he has given me.”
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
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Michael La Pietra
Director, Rochester Adult & Teen Challenge Men
Michael La Pietra entered Teen Challenge in 2016 and is a proud graduate of Long Island Adult & Teen Challenge. After graduating, he faithfully served on staff there for three years before transitioning to Crossroads Worship Center in Matawan, New Jersey. During his six years at Crossroads, Michael served in multiple leadership roles—including Youth Pastor, Young Adults Pastor, and Outreach Director—where he developed a deep passion for discipleship, leadership development, and community outreach.
In 2024, Michael returned to the ministry that changed his life, joining the team at Brooklyn Adult & Teen Challenge, the original Teen Challenge center. He now serves as the Director of Rochester Adult & Teen Challenge, where he is committed to helping men find freedom from addiction, grow in their faith, and discover their God-given purpose. Michael is a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God and is passionate about raising up leaders who will impact their communities for Christ.
Michael is also currently attending Valley Forge University, where he is pursuing a degree in Ministry Leadership to further equip himself for a lifetime of ministry and service.
Michael and his wife, Tyann, have been married for over three years. Together, they are raising their son, Luca, 1, and Michael’s son, Maddox, 15, in North Greece, New York. As a family, they are passionate about building community, serving Christ, and living out the mission to love God and love people. Their desire is to see lives transformed through the hope of the Gospel and the power of authentic relationships.
Carlos Ortiz
Associate Director, Buffalo Adult & Teen Challenge Men
Carlos Ortiz is the Associate Director of Buffalo Adult & Teen Challenge, a faith-based residential recovery program in Buffalo, New York. He is a graduate of the Teen Challenge program, completing it in 2018, an experience that became a turning point in his life and shaped his calling into full-time ministry and leadership. Since graduating, Carlos has faithfully served within the ministry alongside his wife, Morgan, throughout the New York network, beginning in Long Island and later continuing in Syracuse before joining the leadership team in Buffalo. Throughout his service, he has been actively involved in discipleship, resident mentorship, program operations, and staff development. Carlos brings both lived experience and professional ministry leadership to his role, allowing him to connect deeply with those he serves. He is passionate about walking alongside individuals in recovery and helping them build a strong foundation for lasting change.
JAVIER NIEVES![]()
Assistant Director, Long Island Adult & Teen Challenge
JACKSON YOUNG
Associate Director, Syracuse Adult & Teen Challenge Men