About Our Program

Casey Watson, Long Term Program Supervisor

Before I came to Thunder Road my life was a whirlwind of fights, getting arrested, being expelled from school, robbing and stealing, quitting playing sports, constant struggles with my family, and of course abuse of drugs and alcohol. It would be safe to say that my use of drugs and alcohol was the cause of most of these problems. I had no motivation for anything aside from hanging out with friends and getting high or drunk. I had no goals for myself nor did I have any confidence in myself to set any goals. My life was a downward spiral that was picking up speed and heading for the inevitable destination of “jails, institutions, or death.” I had been arrested multiple times and spent some time in Juvenile Hall and had spent 2 months in a Wilderness Program in Southern Utah. I even attended groups and classes at a clean and sober high school. But I still couldn’t find the strength or tools to turn my life around. I arrived at Thunder Road in May of 1993 when I was 16 years old. During my stay there I was still uncertain what I would do with my life, but one thing I did know was that I was tired of going to Jail and going to programs. Thunder Road gave me the tools, the self confidence and motivation to achieve these goals. I was reintroduced to the 12 steps and shown what it takes to build a solid foundation of recovery. I was also able to rebuild the relationship with my parents that I had destroyed while deep in my addiction. I can proudly say that thanks to the tools, the support, and the motivation I got while at Thunder Road, I’ve been clean and sober ever since that day in early May when I was 16. That’s more than half my life. I came back to work at Thunder Road because I wanted to fight the good fight. Rather than work a mindless 9-5 job, I wanted to make a difference in the world, to introduce to these kids tools and a support system that can turn their lives around and keep them on the right path. I believe in treatment and the 12 step program because they’ve worked for me and they’ve worked for millions of others.

Juanik Tenner, Recovery Counselor

I grew up in the system from childhood until a little after my 17th birthday. At the age of 14, I was placed in an adolescent treatment facility. I remained there for 18 months. And believe me, that was not what I expected. For the majority of my stay there I felt like my social worker made a mistake and put me in the wrong place (even though I had been drinking, somehow he put me in the wrong place). Treatment for me was not just about treating the chemical dependency; it was about a group of staff that cared about the teenagers and wanted more for us than we wanted for ourselves. They kept recovery fun for us and when the opportunities presented themselves we went to dances, conventions, or we would have our own in-house dances and anything that would keep us wanting to learn about recovery. Outside of all the fun we were also challenged to grow as people. I learned that people really care for me and I could depend on others to help me. For my entire 18 month stay I didn’t have family support and yes, that would make anyone sad. After about 90 days of being in treatment, my therapist asked me if I would like to go off unit on the weekends while the other clients participated in family visiting. At first I thought she was just trying to think of something nice to say so I would feel better. So I said ok, again not expecting anything. The next thing I knew for the next 15 months of treatment (without fail) Ms. C. Main would come and get me on Saturdays for day passes and little treats and just fun times. This is a very special memory for me because my treatment team came up with a special plan for me and not only did it work but it let me know I was not forgotten. When I told another staff (L.G.) how much I liked her pink sweater she gave it to me. And, if staff thought any client might need or like something, they gave or did it with an open heart. We were all different people treated with fairness and by people who had been in recovery and wanted us to succeed in life. I am thankful for Charlie Jones (the social worker who knew a little more than me and thought enough about me to help save/change my life). I am thankful for my higher power who is always with me. I believe that once you are taught it is your duty to teach. I am very grateful for my experience in treatment and it has definitely given me the empathy to work with teenagers today in their addiction.

Michael Moffrin, Recovery Counselor

I learned how to have a relationship with my family and about my part in relationships. I learned acceptance is key in life and the serenity prayer is the definition of pure acceptance. Life has been a road less traveled with new inspiring goals, hobbies, and relationships. I believe in what Thunder Road stands for as it molded a better way of life for me. I want to share the gift Thunder Road has given me.