You won’t hurt my feelings.

Who I am, in plain terms

I’ll tell you this plainly: I’m confident in what God has allowed me to learn and to live, but the record matters more than anything I could claim about myself. Here’s the shape of it.

I have the formal training: an A.A.S. in Substance Abuse Counseling. That gave me language and structure for understanding addiction, not as an excuse, but as something we can name and work through honestly.

I have the experience: sober since January 1994, and years of walking alongside men through the same kind of program I’m offering you: honesty, steps, accountability, and faith at the center. I didn’t watch from the sidelines; I did the work, and I’ve helped others do it too.

I have a background that taught me how to show up when things go wrong: Army veteran, and retired fire and EMS officer. Those years trained me to assess a situation, tell the truth about what I see, and stay steady when pressure hits.

By using those tools and working this kind of program, God has been generous beyond what I deserve: I’ve been married to my wife, Shelley, since March of 1991. We have four grown children, all doing well on their own paths. I don’t parade that to boast. I offer it as fruit. Long-term sobriety and a whole family life don’t happen by accident.

I also play hard when life allows it: I have two young grandsons, and I'm known to get down on the floor with them often. Joy and seriousness aren’t opposites. Recovery isn’t only grim determination; it’s learning to live again.

If that sounds like the kind of straight, mutual, Christ-centered work you’re willing to take on, I’d be glad to explore whether we’re a fit.