As the temperatures drop and the mountains turn quiet, we’re reminded of what this season is all about: gratitude, reflection, and connection. November gives us space to slow down and take inventory of all we’ve been given: the men who continue to show up for their recovery, the staff who lead with heart, and the community that surrounds Jaywalker with unwavering support. Each day, we witness growth—not just in sobriety, but in brotherhood, service, and the willingness to begin again. | | The Jaywalker Family Experience | | |
At Jaywalker, we know that recovery doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s a family journey. Addiction impacts every member of the system, and true healing requires everyone to be part of the process. That’s why our Family Program is designed to bring families back into connection through education, shared experience, and honest communication. Each family receives a dedicated 1:1 weekly therapy session, a weekly small group session, and an immersive four-day in-person Family Program while their loved one is in our Primary Program. These touchpoints create a consistent rhythm of healing and hope, allowing families to rebuild trust and learn new ways to support recovery—together.
Jaywalker’s family program stands apart as one of the most comprehensive in the country, especially for those navigating dual-diagnosis treatment. No other program invests this level of time, energy, and clinical expertise into the family system. Our goal is simple yet profound: to help families not only understand addiction and mental health but to experience their own transformation through it. When families heal, recovery deepens—and that’s what makes the Jaywalker difference.
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Young Adult Transition Association
San Diego, CA
| | The Jaywalker team headed west to San Diego for the annual YATA Conference! It was an incredible opportunity to connect with colleagues, build new relationships, and dive into the learning, collaboration, and energy that this event is known for. Stefan presented “The Science of Friendship and Fun,” a core element of Jaywalker’s model of care and a driving force behind the meaningful connections we build in recovery. | | Recovery Cup, Streamsong Resort | | Team Jaywalker traveled to the 6th Annual Recovery Cup at the world-class Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green, Florida, held October 19–22. Jaywalker Founder Bobby Ferguson represented Team Liberty, while Jaywalker Partner and CMO KC Gooding teed it up with Team Freedom — who ultimately brought home the Cup! 🏆 | | Rachel Miller, Jaywalker’s National Director of Clinical Outreach, attended the annual CARE Breakfast in Dallas, Texas, an inspiring event that brings together leaders and advocates in the recovery community. The morning was filled with powerful stories of hope, connection, and service—values that align deeply with Jaywalker’s mission. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect with colleagues, support the incredible work CARE continues to do in North Texas, and celebrate the shared commitment to helping individuals and families heal. | | Welcome to our Playground | | The men at Jaywalker Lodge are an active bunch and the Roaring Fork Valley is our playground. Situated in the western slope of Colorado, our location offers a wide variety of different outdoor activities that provide an unmatched experience for our men. The activities offered at Jaywalker Lodge are world class and focus on physical, mental health and well-being. | | |
As autumn settles into the heart of the Colorado Rockies, the men of Jaywalker are leaning into the season with purpose and presence. From hiking trails lined with golden aspens to casting lines on crisp mornings by the river, each day brings fresh opportunities for growth, reflection, and camaraderie.
At Jaywalker, these outdoor experiences are far more than recreation—they’re an essential part of recovery. By weaving nature, movement, and adventure into daily programming, we create space for connection, clarity, and lasting transformation.
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Fall in the Roaring Fork Valley is a season of transformation—and our men are embracing it fully. From crisp hikes among golden aspens to reflective moments by the Crystal River, each outdoor adventure is more than just fresh air—it’s a chance to deepen recovery, strengthen connection, and find joy in the journey. At Jaywalker, the changing seasons mirror the growth we see every day: resilience, renewal, and purpose.
We’re proud of these men. This is what recovery looks like.
| | Jaywalker Expedition Moab | | |
The Jaywalker Expedition: Moab
From canyoneering through deep red rock canyons to scaling sandstone cliffs, hiking the arches, and tearing down world-class desert singletrack — our crew took on everything Arches National Park has to offer.
But what makes these trips truly special isn’t just the adventure — it’s the transformation that happens along the way. Out here, surrounded by raw beauty and challenge, our men learn to trust one another, to push past fear, and to experience connection in its purest form.
Each month, we take our guys on an expedition like this as part of our Primary Care Program — to remind them that recovery isn’t confinement, it’s freedom. It’s brotherhood. It’s rediscovering life, one adventure at a time.
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Winter is coming at Jaywalker, and we couldn’t be more excited!
Soon, we’ll be spending our days on the mountains in Aspen and Snowmass, carving fresh lines through the snow, and our evenings soaking in the healing waters of the Glenwood Hot Springs.
There’s something truly special about winter in the Roaring Fork Valley—the crisp mountain air, the camaraderie, and the reminder that recovery and adventure can thrive side by side.
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After a busy season of travel, conferences, and connections, the Jaywalker team is taking a much-needed month at home here in the Roaring Fork Valley and respective homes. This time of year offers a welcome pause—a chance to reflect on all that we’ve experienced and to prepare for the year ahead. We’re leaning into gratitude, local service, and time spent with our men, our colleagues, and our community.
As the holidays approach, we wish you and your families a wonderful season filled with community, connection, and rest. Thank you for the continued partnership and trust you place in us. We’re deeply grateful for the relationships that make this work so meaningful—and we look forward to seeing you again soon in the new year.
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Winter Leadership Summit
Sun Valley, ID
March 8th-11th 2026
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We’re headed to Sun Valley!
We are thrilled to announce that the 5th Annual Winter Leadership Summit will take place March 8–10, 2026 in the stunning mountain town of Sun Valley, Idaho.
This unforgettable gathering of behavioral health professionals and thought leaders continues to grow each year—and we can’t wait to elevate the experience in 2026.
Limited sponsorship opportunities are available for next year’s summit. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this inspiring, collaborative, and adventure-filled event.
Registration opens November 15th!
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Recovery Open
Cabot Citrus Farms
April 5th-7th 2026
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We’re thrilled to announce that registration for the 2026 Recovery Open is officially open! Get ready to experience one of the premier events in the industry, hosted at the stunning Cabot Citrus Farms in Florida — a world-class destination known for its breathtaking courses and unforgettable atmosphere.
Join 80 professionals from across the nation for three incredible days of competition, connection, and celebration. The Recovery Open isn’t just another tournament — it’s where business, recovery, and camaraderie come together in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
Next year’s event is shaping up to be our best yet, featuring:
- Championship-level golf across Cabot Citrus Farms’ courses
- Exclusive networking events, dinners, and receptions
- Opportunities to connect with leaders from across the country
- Special giveaways, prizes, and unforgettable experiences
But don’t wait — spots are limited and going fast!
Only 15 teams remain, and once they’re gone, that’s it.
Secure your spot today and be part of something truly special.
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Lonestar Collective
Austin, TX
May 12th-15th 2026
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We’re excited to announce that registration is officially open for the 3rd Annual Lonestar Collective — an education and marketing forum designed to empower behavioral health professionals across the nation.
Join us in vibrant Austin, Texas, from May 12–15, 2026, for an immersive experience that blends knowledge, networking, and innovation. The Lonestar Collective is where leaders, marketers, and administrators in behavioral health come together to share ideas, strategies, and inspiration.
This year’s event will focus on empowering professionals with comprehensive knowledge and profound insights to inspire, motivate, and foster professional growth within behavioral health’s administrative and marketing domains.
What to Expect:
- Expert-led sessions covering the latest in behavioral health marketing and management
- Engaging workshops and interactive discussions
- Opportunities to connect and collaborate with industry peers
- Fresh ideas and strategies to take your organization to the next level
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this powerful gathering of minds and mission-driven professionals.
| | Todd Herrmann MSW, Aftercare Counselor | | | Todd Herrmann’s journey with Jaywalker began in 2021—not as a staff member, but as a client. During his time in treatment, he discovered a calling to support others walking the same path toward recovery. After completing the program, Todd joined the Jaywalker team and began pursuing his Master of Social Work through the University of Denver’s Western Colorado program. With the full support of Jaywalker, he was able to complete his internship while working full time, blending education, lived experience, and professional development into a powerful foundation for his work.
Today, Todd serves as a therapist in Jaywalker’s outpatient programs, working primarily with men who have achieved early stability in recovery. His role combines clinical insight with practical life skills—helping clients strengthen executive functioning, rebuild confidence, and find purpose beyond addiction. For Todd, the most rewarding part of his work is seeing men he once met at their lowest point now thriving in their recovery and contributing meaningfully to their communities.
Reflecting on his own transformation, Todd shares, “It’s been four and a half years since I showed up as a client … I’ve gone from being a trainwreck of an alcoholic to living a life that I love, and if I can do it, they can, too.” His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and doing “the next right thing”—one step at a time.
| | The Johnny Bear Fund - The Jaywalker Promise! | | |
Recovery is not a journey that anyone should embark on alone. The Johnny Bear and Jaywalker Lodge Scholarship Fund is designed to empower our alumni community to act and provide resources in that critical moment when a fellow alumnus needs help or additional support, without having to rely on the family. This also empowers the individual to seek the help he needs without fear or hesitation. The Johnny Bear Fund was established to ensure that every alumnus who has completed the Jaywalker program and has proven to be a valuable member of that community has a much-needed safety net to ensure his best outcome for recovery. It is equally intended to change the conversation from stigma and shame to connection and affirmation with community investment.
Join us in our mission to provide hope, support, and a brighter future for all Jaywalker alumni and their families. Together, we can break the cycle of addiction and foster a community where recovery is always possible.
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Geoff Shea
Admissions Coordinator
gshea@jaywalkerlodge.com
970-632-2632
Geoff Shea brings a wealth of personal experience and a deep commitment to serving others to his role as the Admissions Coordinator at Jaywalker Lodge. A man in long-term recovery, Geoff is a continuous learner with a passion for giving back to others. His journey in recovery has equipped him with invaluable insights and a genuine empathy for those seeking help.
Geoff's professional background spans various roles in the behavioral healthcare field, including recovery coach, case manager, and business development at organizations across the East Coast. He is a certified recovery coach, with notable positions such as Recovery House Manager at Nexus House and Recovery Advisor at Aware Recovery in Connecticut. Prior to his involvement in the behavioral healthcare field, Geoff worked in institutional sales for esteemed firms such as Lehman Brothers, Paine Webber, and UBS.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Geoff is an active lover of the outdoors, embracing all aspects of mountain lifestyle through activities such as mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and more. He finds solace and inspiration in nature, and these outdoor pursuits play a significant role in his own personal wellness and recovery journey.
Above all, Geoff is a loving father of two girls, a role that brings him immense joy and fulfillment. His dedication to his family and his commitment to helping others find hope and healing make him a valued member of the Jaywalker team, where he continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those he serves.
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Jay Propp
Admissions Coordinator
jpropp@jaywalkerlodge.com
970-212-7924
Jason Propp, better known as “Jay,” has spent most of his adult life in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he graduated with a BS from Colorado State University. He embarked on a career as a Software Engineer, which he pursued for seven years before facing significant personal challenges with both alcoholism and drug addiction at the age of 30. His life reached a turning point at Jaywalker Lodge, the first and only rehabilitation program he attended, which he credits with saving his life and helping him find purpose and meaning.
Embracing his experience at Jaywalker and engaging in a twelve-step program with a desperation to live, Jay discovered a new life of happiness, joy, and freedom. This personal rebirth ignited a passion in him to assist others struggling with alcoholism and addiction. Today, Jay is a fervent advocate for recovery, inspired daily by the successes he witnesses within the program. He is firmly committed to helping others find the light in the darkness of addiction, truly believing in the possibility of recovery for everyone.
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"Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends, this is an experience you must not miss."
-Alcoholic's Anonymous P.89
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