Days before putting on the biggest recovery event in Denver, I had the honor of photographing some of the truest faces working in the field. Coaches, directors, board members — people whose daily work doesn’t just support recovery, but actively reshapes what it looks like in Colorado.
The session felt more like a gathering of friends than a formal shoot. Many of these advocates I now call my friends, and it was moving to capture their portraits against the anticipation of the Rally for Recovery.
A heartfelt thank you to Tonya Wheeler, whose vision and support brought me into this incredible community. Tonya’s leadership has always lifted others, and I’m deeply grateful she opened the door for me to witness and document this work up close.
Advocates for Recovery Colorado is the state’s first peer-led, peer-run Recovery Community Organization. Their mission is rooted in peer recovery coaching, family support, inclusive meetings, and advocacy that reminds us all: there is more than one way to recover. They are the face and voice of recovery in Colorado — and on this day, I got to help put faces to that voice.
This gallery is just a glimpse — a handful of portraits from a much larger session. Every single person I photographed that day carries a story worth telling, and together they embody the resilience, advocacy, and heart of recovery in Colorado.
And just to make sure you were paying attention — here’s the final shot. Because recovery isn’t only serious work, it’s also joy, laughter, and sometimes even cat claws. Thank you, Advocates for Recovery Colorado, for letting me capture both the strength and the playfulness of this community.
Oh Roxie, YOU ARE AMAZING!!! Your ability to bring out smiles and laughter from people shows all of us why you are such a wonderful photographer & an expert in your line of work. We are so lucky to have you working with our team! The photos are beautiful, and you really bring the best out in the people you photograph. THANK YOU — THANK YOU — THANK YOU!