Addicts Fighting Back

JASON DEGRAW

Jason Degraw is a recovered addict and the founder of Addicts Fights Back (AFB). AFB is a nonprofit organization committed to giving recovering addicts a space where they can find support and connect with other individuals in recovery. For years Jason struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues. After nearly facing prison time for criminal offenses, and several failed attempts to get treatment, Jason successfully recovered in 2019, and is now celebrating over 5 years of sobriety. 

During treatment, Jason realized that many individuals, including himself, did not have sufficient support systems outside of treatment centers and consequently, often found themselves back in treatment. Jason understood that while in treatment, addicts were able to build better connections with each other, form communities, and establish lasting relationships. This realization gave Jason the inspiration to create AFB. 

Jason’s educational background reflects his analytical mindset and commitment to professional growth. Despite struggling with substance abuse, Jason obtained his GED and attended technical college to study an electrical trade. Having a criminal record while trying to obtain a license by the State of Utah was its own challenge to overcome. Nonetheless, Jason persisted through each setback and currently, has one year left of school to be certified as a Journeyman. Jason strongly believes in leading by example to let others with addiction and criminal history in their backgrounds know that they can accomplish big things in recovery.

Aside from running AFB and finishing school, Jason works full time and takes care of his fiance and two children. During the first few years of his son’s lives, addiction pulled Jason completely away from his family. But driven by the desire to be a better role model to his own kids, Jason consistently showed up every other week to get his children, made sure they had insurance and on time payments. The discipline required to be a dad supports his continued recovery journey.

Outside of running AFB and raising his family, Jason participates in several community organizations and projects. Jason is the Chair of the Utah County Sober Softball Association which oversees 16 teams in recovery. He is also involved with the Recovery Day Committee in Salt Lake with Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA), where over 10,000 recovery addicts attend. 

As the president and founder of AFB, Jason does a lot of work behind the scenes of the organization, from logistics to finding ways to continue evolving and expanding AFB. For four years, AFB has served as a safe space for recovering addicts to connect and continue building a key support network. AFB aims to not only recover addicts, but entire homes and families. 

Discipline, accountability, and integrity are core values to Jason. He continues to advocate for survivors of substance abuse and is passionate about making a difference in their lives. Jason’s main goal is to heal families, and above all, if one person has gained family, he believes he has served a purpose.

SEAN CASTLEBERRY

Sean Castleberry is the Vice President (VP) of Addicts Fighting Back (AFB) and has served as a board member for five years. A recovered addict, Sean has been in recovery since September 13, 2017, and has dedicated his life to supporting other individuals in recovery and in his community. Despite spending 11 months in prison, Sean terminated his parole successfully in 2020 and graduated from his 18-month intensive outpatient program the same year. Today, Sean’s family and friends are the cornerstone of his continued recovery, and his ongoing journey drives his involvement and commitment to giving back to his community. 

Through recovery, Sean has been able to build an amazing life with his wife and two children. Sean achieved his professional goal of attending an Electrical Apprenticeship at Mtech and is now the lead man at IES residential, one of the nation's largest electrical contracting firms. Outside of work, Sean is active in the Utah recovery community via sports and support groups such as AFB. Sean participated in the planning for Utah County recovery days in 2021 and 2022 and plans to continue supporting recovering addicts in his role at AFB. As VP, Sean is determined to contribute to AFB’s long–term growth and impact within the community.

SHAUNTAE COLLEDGE

Shauntae Colledge is the Secretary of Addicts Fighting Back (AFB). In her role as a board member of AFB for four years, Shauntae has coordinated AFB’s outreach events, helping to bring communities and families in recovery together. Shaunte has worked in the recovery space for seven years through mentor and managerial roles, and continues to demonstrate her commitment to supporting individuals who are facing addiction through her involvement in organizations such as Addict to Athlete (AIIA), Soap2Hope (S2H), and Addicts Fighting Back AFB. 

Shauntae’s educational background and career not only reflects her passion for healthcare, but her administrative expertise. Shauntae’s career began in retail management, before transitioning to coordinating and managerial roles in healthcare companies. Driven by a desire to support and care for individuals in need, Shaunte pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration and Management at Stevens Henager College. She also took a naloxone training course and became CPR certified.

As a mother of three boys, Shauntae is passionate about her role and involvement in organizations dedicated to strengthening and healing families in recovery. With her knowledge of healthcare administration, professional experience, and drive to help those in recovery, Shauntae is poised to maximize AFB’s impact, ensuring that it continues to not only run efficiently, but make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals in recovery.

JANELLE WILKINSON

Janelle Wilkinson is the treasurer of Addicts Fighting Back (AFB). As a board member of AFB for the last five years, Janelle has been a part of the AFB service committee, which focuses on organizing fundraisers to go out each month to feed the homeless and less fortunate. After years of battling substance abuse and addiction, Janelle is now in long term recovery and has been sober for five years. 

Inspired by her recovery journey, Janelle has become a mentor and source of strength for others on their journey to recovery. She enjoys sharing her story and offering service to others. A community advocate, Janelle is constantly looking for needs in the community and ways to involve community members in giving back. 

Janelle’s entrepreneurial spirit and volunteer work in recovery spaces further speaks to her commitment to supporting individuals in need and battling addiction. On top of volunteering at organizations such as Addict to Athlete (AIIA), Janelle is currently a chef at a recovery center for first responders and is building her own catering business. She has appeared on two of AIIA's podcasts, and goes to the local jail to speak about recovery. She is also in the process of getting approved to work in the jail with a recovery program called Rise.

In addition to her volunteer and professional experiences, Janelle also holds CPR and servsafe management certifications. A single mom, grandma, and athlete, Janelle typically spends her time outside of work exercising and taking care of her family. She has talked openly about the hurdles of parenting while in recovery and has learned invaluable lessons during her numerous rehab stays. Keeping active, particularly through the AIIA community, has been foundational to her recovery journey.

Leading with a healthy mindset, Janelle has taught nutrition classes and food prep classes to the recovery community.  As an active board member of AFB, Janelle is passionate about  giving back and supporting individuals on their path to recovery. Janelle’s journey embodies resilience and the power of community support. She aspires to continue to make an impact in the recovery space through her role at AFB.

CODY MARTENSON

Cody Martensen is in long-term recovery and a board member of Addicts Fighting Back (AFB). After years of active addiction, almost going to prison, and bouts with suicide, Cody was faced with the hard truth that he had to change his life or he wouldn’t have a future. Since making a decision to face the man in the mirror and live a life he is proud of, he has developed a deep passion for guiding others towards living a life they love.

Cody’s professional and educational background further highlight his passion for connecting with others and assisting them in achieving their highest potential. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) for over five years, Cody has honed his skills as a transformation and mindset coach. Currently, Cody holds leadership roles at addiction treatment centers, Ardu Recovery Center and Building Beginnings, where he oversees the inpatient and outpatient programs. Additionally, Cody was recently hired as the Utah Valley Circles Coordinator, where he will assist families in transforming their lives to get out of poverty and take better care of themselves and their families.

A hardworking and passionate professional, Cody is dedicated to motivating and inspiring others when they feel there is no hope. Cody is also a devoted husband and dedicated dad to his many children. He focuses on supporting them in living a balanced life. A lover of the outdoors, Cody finds his peace in nature or on the softball field. An appreciation for life, family, and good health support Cody’s continued recovery journey. Cody is committed to making a difference in other’s lives and is willing to figure out ways to make that possible in the community.

WILLIAM HEATH

William Heath is a community advocate, recovered addict, and proud member of Addicts Fighting Back (AFB). After years of battling substance abuse and addiction, William now celebrates 18 years of sobriety. William’s remarkable journey to recovery is a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to personal growth and well-being.

William’s personal and professional experiences do not only reflect his commitment to living a healthy lifestyle, but to making a positive impact in the lives of those around him. William actively engages in community initiatives, through various outreach and support programs, and spends time mentoring individuals who are new to recovery. A survivor of addiction, William is passionate about sharing his personal experiences and offering a helping hand to those navigating early challenges.

An active volunteer and mentor, William is also known for his strong leadership skills and mindset. William achieved a successful and rewarding career spanning 16 years with Dairy Farmers of America, demonstrating expertise, dedication, and professional growth, while contributing to the organization's success. A loving husband and father of three kids, William lends himself to opportunities where he can support and empower youth, particularly in sports. With a passion for fostering the development of young athletes, William contributes significant time and energy to local youth sports programs, and actively volunteers in adaptive sports programs to support and inspire youth with disabilities. 

William prides himself on being a lifelong learner, and continuously seeks personal and professional development opportunities. His drive to learn and grow in ways to better serve his family, career, and community inspires his passion for guiding colleagues and community members towards achieving their full potential. Having a strong commitment to family values, William cherishes family life as a devoted husband and father, balancing personal and professional responsibilities with love and care. 

In his role at AFB, William is determined to continue providing guidance, support, and encouragement to individuals beginning their recovery journey. William prioritizes health and wellness in his life and aspires to continue advocating for others to live a balanced lifestyle. William strongly believes in the importance of maintaining mental and physical health through regular activities and mindfulness practices.

ZACH SCOTT

Zach Scott is an experienced substance use professional and board member of Addicts Fighting Back (AFB). AFB is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting individuals in their journey toward overcoming addiction. Since 2007, Zach has dedicated his career to guiding individuals on their journey to recovery, empowering them to achieve lasting sobriety. 

Zach’s impact has led to the establishment of several collaborations and partnerships within the addiction and mental health industry. With a specialization in substance use disorder counseling, Zach has presented at various conferences and seminars on topics related to addiction treatment and recovery, contributing to the development of best practices in the industry.

Zach’s educational background highlights his commitment to caring for those in need. In 2011, he obtained a certificate in Substance Use Disorders at Utah Valley University, laying the foundation for his understanding of addiction prevention and treatments. Early in his career, Zach seized opportunities in substance abuse and mental health care services, serving as Medical Coordinator Manager, Patient Advocate, Community Outreach Coordinator and other leadership roles. 

Driven by a desire to maximize his impact in addiction and health services, Zach obtained his license as Substance Use Disorder Counselor in the State of Utah in 2016 and earned a degree in Psychology in 2023. During his time as Program Director at Olympus Healing Center, Zach played a pivotal role building a therapeutically effective program schedule for day treatment and intensive outpatient programs. 

Recently, Zach pursued graduate studies in Nursing Science at Eagle Gate College, and will complete his studies in 2025. Throughout his career, Zach has consistently served in leadership roles at recovery and wellness centers. His experiences in recovery centers and health service industries have provided him with invaluable insights into establishing and navigating substance abuse treatment and programs.

Currently, Zach serves as Substance Use Disorder Counselor at Utah Harm Reduction Coalition, ROOTs Transitions, and Active Recovery. In his role, Zach develops and implements curriculum for the substance abuse component of the long-term RTC program, conducts ASAM assessments, aids in case management, and performs individual and group counseling for patients in the PHP and IOP levels of care.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Zach is honored to serve as a board member for AFB, and continues to advocate for individuals recovering from substance abuse. Through this role, Zach actively contributes to strategic decision-making, advocacy efforts, and community outreach programs. 

With his professional experience, and commitment to addiction prevention and treatment, Zach is poised to make a meaningful impact in AFB and the evolving landscape of substance use and mental health services.