Ryan believes that treatment is not one size fits all, and that treatment professionals should work to fit the client, not the other way around. Ryan started his life in the addiction field as a patient. As a “distinguished” alumnus of seven different treatment centers, it is safe to say the Ryan does not have a “one and done” recovery story! Undeniably, part of Ryan’s passion for his work stems from the reality that for the majority of his fight to find recovery he was never afforded a personalized intervention experience customized to his specific needs. This resulted in participating time and again in treatment programs that were not a good fit for him.

Since finding and working for long term recovery, Ryan has made helping others struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges his personal and professional passion. Ryan has worked at every level of the addiction continuum including Intervention and Case Management, helping people in the acute detoxification stage, supporting clients in finding appropriate primary care treatment, and working as a recovery coach. He also held positions as Residential Manager in extended care and transitional living settings, as well as the Director of Admissions for a nationally recognized treatment facility. Ryan truly has a depth of experience that is invaluable to the clients and families he works with.

Ryan thinks that it is important for clients to find connection, joy, recreation and fun in a recovery lifestyle, so he focuses on that when working with them. He believes that it is vital to have “humility, integrity and a thirst for knowledge,” if one wants to remain sober and continue to evolve in a healthy way.

When asked why he wanted to work with us, he shared that no matter what obstacles arose during the treatment episode, our families always got healthier, and this contributed greatly to the client’s success. Ryan also feels that treatment and recovery professionals must prepare clients for life outside of treatment and Brass Tacks Recovery does just that.

In his spare time Ryan loves spending time with his wife, kids and their dogs in the majestic Roaring Fork Valley. His hobbies include: fly fishing, hiking, skiing, biking, and golfing.