Charles “Buddy” Mason grew up on Long Island, New York, in a family where alcohol and drugs had a significant impact on everyday life. Like many who are raised in that environment, Buddy eventually found himself struggling with addiction as well. For years, he experienced the pain, hopelessness, and consequences that addiction brings—not only to the individual but to the entire family.

Everything changed when Buddy made the life-changing decision to become clean and sober. Recovery didn’t just save his life—it gave him a purpose. Through his own journey, he discovered that healing is possible, families can be restored, and people are capable of accomplishing far more than they ever imagined. That experience inspired him to dedicate his life to helping others find the same hope, freedom, and lasting recovery that transformed his own life.

With over 14 years of experience in the behavioral health and addiction treatment field, Buddy holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP), an International Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICADC), and is certified in Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT). Throughout his career, he has worked in residential and outpatient treatment programs and spent four years with the Department of Corrections, serving first as a therapist and later as the Assistant Director of a work-release correctional facility. These experiences reinforced what he has learned through his own recovery: people are not defined by the worst decisions they have made, and with the right support, accountability, and encouragement, lasting change is possible.

Today, Buddy serves as the Clinical Director at Foundations Health Center, where he leads a dedicated team committed to helping individuals and families heal from addiction. While his education and professional experience provide the clinical knowledge to guide others, he believes his greatest qualification is having walked the same path himself.

Buddy approaches every client with compassion, authenticity, and without judgment. He understands what it feels like to believe there is no way out, and he also knows that recovery is possible. His mission is to help individuals reclaim their lives, restore their families, and discover a future filled with hope, purpose, and freedom. Buddy believes that no one is beyond redemption and that recovery has the power to change not only one life—but generations to come.