Meet Our Team
Reuel Hunt
CEO | Founder
Reuel has been helping people to get out of their own way and into recovery for over two decades. His own journey with addiction has been long and, like most, fraught with trauma and loss. Very early on, he was exposed to and began to use drugs. This would keep him in and out of the juvenile justice system for most of his adolescence. He was in a shoot out on I-25 with the highway state patrol resulting in him serving twenty years of a forty-eight year sentence with the Colorado Department of Corrections. While on the inside, Reuel was introduced to “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” He applied these principles, and after seeing how the practice changed his life, he began learning how to help others. He joined a 7 Habits’ group in the prison and quickly became a core member. Reuel is now a certified Franklin Covey facilitator and continues to teach the 7 habits. This work led to creating and implementing several programs inside the walls, including an inmate run and published newspaper. Reuel has also created and implemented a program based on Weldon Long’s New York Times bestselling book “The Power of Consistency,” which focuses on the law of attraction and manifestation. Weldon was so impressed with Reuel’s work on the inside that, upon his release, he hired him. They are still good friends today. Reuel uses his own life as an example of how this concept has helped him to manifest his own plans and goals. Reuel continues to teach this course for people who have been recently released and/or people in recovery who want to manifest the realization of their own dreams. Since his release, Reuel has become an entrepreneur, and an asset to his family and community. He founded Transcendence Recovery after watching so many people from his past die from overdose. He felt the need to do something. His passion and skills meet in helping people pursue and sustain their recovery from addiction through manifestation and consistency.
Cat Ewert
Clinical Director
Hi, I'm Cat! I have been working in both inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment centers as a therapist and Clinical Lead for the last 5 years. After being in therapy myself for several years to learn to deal with my own trauma, I was inspired to become a therapist so that I could help others create change and find healing for themselves. It sucks to feel alone in what you are experiencing, not have the words to describe how you're feeling, and continue to utilize unhealthy, habitual coping skills to try and avoid what is going on deep down. I am proof that being vulnerable, embracing every aspect of my life that has made me who I am, and learning to face the darkest parts of my story is not impossible and is extremely fulfilling in the end. I love anything outdoors, trying out new coffee shops and restaurants, and continuing to create and find adventures everywhere I go. I have a super loud laugh, a big personality, and I love talking to anyone and everyone and listening to their stories. I cannot wait to walk alongside you as you discover who you are and start your journey towards healing and loving the person you are today.
Adam Hatfield
Head Peer Coach
My experience ranges from Crisis Intervention/Special Operation Tactical Response as a Hostage Negotiator/ex-law enforcement, Founder and Co-Founder of two successful non-profit organizations, Vice President of a large commercial construction company with years of leadership and project management experience and finally lived experience as CO-Founder and CEO of Better Addiction Treatment Services. My mission is to guide individuals toward depositing Recovery Capital by connecting them with powerful resources, setting clear goals, and holding them accountable with compassion and structure. I bring a strategic mindset, a heart for service, and a proven ability to lead teams and programs that drive meaningful outcomes.
Clinicians
Kara Barranger
Clinician
My name is Kara Barranger, and I am a certified addiction specialist with over eight years of experience helping individuals in recovery. Originally from Paola, Kansas, I have lived in Colorado Springs for the past decade. I am married with three children, and my greatest joy comes from spending quality time with my family. I also enjoy hiking, working out, reading, and going to my amazing church. My work in the recovery field has spanned various roles, each deepening my appreciation for the courage and resilience of those I have had the privilege to support. I believe that true freedom begins when we slow down and look inward facing the hidden dialogue and unspoken pain that often resides deep within us. While it’s easier to focus on the external world, real healing happens when we turn inward. When we do this work, the changes we seek on the outside will naturally follow. During my own healing journey, I was told, “Kara, you will learn to love the work you do.” Those words have stayed with me, and now I fully understand their meaning. Healing isn’t just about change—it’s about embracing the process with love, courage, and a deep connection to oneself. I don’t believe we are meant to live in constant struggle. It is possible to walk in peace, even in the midst of chaos. We were created for connection, to love and to be loved. It’s an honour and a responsibility I hold close to my heart to walk alongside others on their path to healing and growth. I am humbled by the opportunity to witness the transformation in those I meet and to support them in embracing their unique journey toward peace and freedom,
Jack Flamgletti
Clinician
Jack Flamgletti, a licensed therapist since 2016, is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s most challenging moments. With a background as a Clinical Director in a treatment center for substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, Jack brings a compassionate, holistic approach to therapy. He has extensive experience working with children, teens, adults, and families, developing therapeutic programs focused on the healing process and training future therapists to provide impactful care. Guided by the belief that no one is alone and that everyone is worthy of healing, Jack’s approach blends empathy with evidence-based practices, creating a safe, empowering space for growth and recovery. Outside of work, Jack enjoys hiking, climbing, reading, board games, motorcycles, and aquariums.
Theresa Jacobson
Clinician
My name is Theresa Robin Jacobsen, and I am an Colorado Addiction Specialist with a dedicated career that spans over four decades. I began my journey in this field in 1979 after earning my bachelor's degree in psychology and rehabilitation and social-related services, from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Growing up in Salida, Colorado, I developed a deep appreciation for the community, which has shaped my commitment to helping others. Initially, I started my career in juvenile corrections, where I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that addiction had on young lives. It didn’t take long for me to realize that addiction was often a common thread linking various behavioral issues. This realization fueled my decision to shift my focus toward substance use, allowing me to address the root causes of many challenges faced by individuals. Throughout my career, I have been passionately involved in the community. I have had the honor of advocating for change, successfully supporting the passage of two bills aimed at improving the lives of those affected by addiction. My dedication to this cause has also led me to appear on renowned platforms such as 20/20 and the Montel Williams Show, where I shared insights on Inhalant Abuse and addiction treatment and recovery. As a proud mother of five and a grandmother of fourteen, my family serves as my greatest inspiration. Balancing my professional responsibilities with family life has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, love, and the importance of supporting one another through challenging times. My ultimate passion lies in witnessing the transformation of individuals who have been given a second chance. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the joy and satisfaction in their eyes when their hard work pays off, and they bloom into successful members of society. Each story of recovery reinforces my belief that every individual has the potential for change and growth, and I am here to support them on that journey. I am committed to continuing my work in addiction recovery and rehabilitation, ensuring that my community and the people I serve receive the compassion, understanding, and resources they deserve. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for those struggling with addiction.
Joseph Iovino
Clinician
Hey! I'm Joseph! I have been a mental health and addictions counselor for a little over 3 years now, licensed since March 2025. Before that, I spent 4 years as a music therapist working with children and adults of all abilities. As a counselor, I am very grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside my clients in their journey. I have learned so much from all of the people I have had the pleasure of working with. I really honor when my clients are willing to open up, be vulnerable, and allow me to be present with them in their lives. The key to a successful experience in counseling is a strong therapeutic relationship. This involves building rapport, trust, and understanding. This is a focus and priority in my practice. I have had the opportunity to live across the US, originating from New Jersey, and living in Seattle, Nashville, and Louisville. However, I have spent the majority of my life in Colorado Springs. I love to spend time with my family and our dog, Ned, and cat, Homer. Outside of work, I spend most of my time playing guitar, riding bicycles, motorcycles, and dirt bikes.
Kristin Puls
Clinician
My name is Kristin Puls and I am a licensed clinical social worker with nearly a decade of experience supporting individuals impacted by trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people as they navigate the complex journey of self-discovery, healing and recovery. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, and shaped by the belief that genuine connection, respect and compassion are essential to meaningful change. I view therapy as working collaboratively with people to connect to their strengths, build insight, and move forward with intention. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space. I don’t believe therapy is about “fixing” people—it’s about facilitating them in reclaiming their stories and rediscovering what’s already within. It’s an honor to be part of this work, and I’m deeply passionate about helping people heal, grow, and find resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, watching sci-fi B-movies, going to live shows and abstract painting.
Jason Capp
Clinician
Hello! My name is Jason Capp, and I am a pre-licensed mental health counselor (LPCC) and addiction counselor (ADDC). Before this, I worked in Tokyo, Japan for many years helping those in difficult situations. I have a heart for addictions counseling because of my family background, where both sides of my family struggle with addiction, and I have lost too many loved ones to the struggle. My undergrad degree is in psychology, and my masters is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, specializing in Addiction Treatment and Recovery. I hope to continue growing from my learnings as I connect with other professionals in the field who have been doing this longer than me. I consider myself a forever student, so I am constantly finding new information to absorb and how I might possibly apply it to my life and practice. I believe in the power of encouragement and empowerment, and alongside other peer-reviewed techniques and skills, my goal is to help others to believe in their ability to grow and change one pivotal step at a time.
Peer Coaches
Simon Rubick
Peer Recovery Coach
Simon is a native of Colorado born and raised in a small town on the western slope. He made his career in the hospitality industry and has a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University with a focus on health and nutrition. He was exposed to drugs and alcohol at a young age, quickly realizing he was not a casual user, and admitted himself to a rehab at 17 years of age where he began gaining knowledge about his addiction. Sobriety was brief at this point and after graduating high school he moved to Grand Junction where he was charged with three DUI’s between the ages of 19 and 23, experiencing short periods of recovery from his addiction but never anything that stuck. Simon established himself in the drug trade to support his habits and lifestyle and in 2005 he was charged with possession with intent of a schedule 1 substance and faced his first period of incarceration in DOC. This time provided him with enough clarity to shift his focus in life but upon release he never established any connection to the recovery community for support. In 2015 Simon was charged with two more DUI’s and sentenced to 5 more years in DOC. He served 3 of these and found the TC program at Arrowhead before being released in 2018. After this Simon still made the attempt to go it alone and found himself in a hospital bed on June 10 th of 2022 from an overdose with nothing left from any of his pursuits in life. It was at this point Simon sought out the help of the recovery communities here in Denver and made his way to Transcendence Recovery where he finally surrendered the idea of facing his addiction alone. He eventually went on to gaining certification as a peer coach through the CCAR training and his focus is bringing people that are still struggling with addiction into the communities he found that saved his life. As part of the Transcendence team Simon uses his knowledge of health and nutrition to provide life skills training to those who are seeking long-term recovery from the destructive behaviors of addiction.
Rowen Foster
Peer Recovery Coach
Rowen found themselves in a home with a parent in active addiction for most of their early life. After falling into addiction themselves, they began their recovery journey and have since focused on internal, emotional, and psychological work to achieve their goals and work through past traumas. They believe that anything is possible if the person is willing to put in the work, and has dedicated themselves to gathering every resource they can to assist others along the way. After working in the Psych field for about a decade - three of those years being in recovery, specifically - Rowen uses their Forensic Psychology degree and knowledge of SMART Recovery and esoteric teachings to help those around them discover their purpose, become their true self, and achieve the life that individual has always wanted. Their spiritual beliefs allow Rowen to hold to the idea that any pathway is the right one as long as it's healthy and productive, and they have centred their coaching style around being people-focused with a concentration on diving into the deeper parts of addiction and how it affects a person mentally, not just their life and choices.
Cody Sjoerdsma
Peer Recovery Coach
I've struggled with my own addiction for about 25 years. It started as many others—as simple experimentation in high school and progressed through all the substances eventually ending up in heavy Fentanyl and Methamphetamine use. In that time I gave away everything to my addiction: my friends, family, jobs, my freedom, shelter, anything precious in my life basically. I eventually hit the very bottom and decided I could either just end it all or make the choice to give it my all. I didn't just want to help myself though, I wanted to be of service to anyone who has fought through the pain and shame that is a life in addiction. I worked towards getting my peer support specialist and crisis professional certifications and afterward started in this line of work. I have since worked with the homeless and substance use populations and I have never felt so rewarded and proud of what I have now chosen to do with my life.
Tamara Hagen
Peer Recovery Coach
Hello! My name is Tamra. I’m a Denver native, but I've covered many miles in every direction but down…and some may even argue that. I'm a “Jill” of all trades, but a master of none. I am Gen X through and through…
My journey through addiction and into recovery has given me a unique perspective on the path to healing. As a peer support professional at Transcendence Recovery, I am dedicated to using my lived experience to guide others toward their own recovery. My mission is to provide unwavering empathy and support, creating a safe space for individuals to explore their challenges and discover their inherent strength. My purpose is to walk alongside my peers, offering hope, validation, and a testament that a life of purpose and fulfillment is not only possible but within their grasp.
Frankie Dorado
My motivation to serve as a Peer Support Specialist is deeply rooted in my personal journey of recovery and resilience. After the loss of my mother in 2016, I entered a prolonged period of active addiction, which was compounded by trauma, homelessness, and involvement with the justice system. My turning point came on August 30, 2023, when I made the pivotal decision to seek help, entering a 75-day rehabilitation program directly from the streets of Denver. Since establishing my sobriety, I have been committed to personal and professional growth. Having experienced the profound challenge of not knowing where to begin the recovery process, I am now passionate about serving as a guide and a testament to the possibility of change. I believe my lived experience provides a unique and credible perspective to connect with and empower individuals who feel recovery is out of reach. I am eager to bring my empathy, resilience, and firsthand understanding of the recovery process to a professional Peer Support role, helping others find their way to a sustainable and healthy life."
Peer Recovery Coach
Brandon McAllister
Brandon McAllister is a Peer Recovery Coach at Transcend who knows firsthand what it takes to rebuild a life from the ground up. After going through his own journey of addiction and recovery, he’s made it his purpose to walk beside others as they find their way back. Brandon brings real-life experience, honesty, and heart into his work—helping people see that recovery isn’t just possible, it’s worth it.
Peer Recovery Coach
“Today expect something good to happen to you no matter what occurred yesterday. Realize the past no longer holds you captive. It can only continue to hurt you if you hold on to it. Let the past go.”