My name is Jeff West, a person in long-term recovery who struggled with addiction and weight gain. As a Marine combat veteran battling PTSD and depression, I found it challenging to address my unhealthy habits. During rehab, I started walking daily, gradually swapping bad habits for healthier ones like cutting sugar and eating better. Over 4 years, I've shed 200 pounds, making fitness and art integral to my recovery journey. My dream was to create something impactful in Athens, where my recovery began, leading to the birth of Recovery Warriors—a non-profit uniting recovery and fitness. I'm grateful for my experiences, as they've brought me here, thanks to Athens and the potential of Recovery Warriors. - Jeff West
Our Team
Jeff West | Director, Co-Founder
Wesley Martin | President, Co-Founder
My name is Wesley Martin, a person in long-term recovery for 13 years. My faith, family, and fitness have been the keys to my success. I am the co-founder of Athens Recovery Warriors, a non-profit dedicated to helping people stay, get, and maintain sobriety. I spent most of my 20s in prison or rehabilitation facilities, struggling to stay sober. The one thing that kept me and my peers going was group fitness. After every training session, we all felt stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually. We were connecting in ways we didn't even realize at the time. Now, I want to build that connection with as many people as possible. I believe that the opposite of addiction is connection, and that there is hope for everyone. So if you're struggling with addiction, please reach out to us. We are here to help. We offer free classes in fitness, health, and creative arts. We also have many other programs and resources. We need your support to help us create a thriving sober community in Athens.
Sarah Corley | Volunteer Art Leader
My name is Sarah Corley, a woman in long-term recovery. I have been sober since May 2015, and I am grateful for each day that allows me to pour into my own recovery and in turn, pour into others. I am a forensic peer mentor, and I use my art to support others in their recovery. I also work with the criminal justice system to provide art therapy as an alternative to incarceration. I am passionate about helping others find their voice and heal from their trauma. My goals for the future are to move into the next phase of my business, announce the grand opening of the newest portion of Pandemonium, build my first home, and continue to restore my family relationships. My greatest goal is to allow God to use me in whatever capacity He sees fit to impact those I serve.
Brandon Dooley | Volunteer Music Leader
My name is Brandon Dooley and I am a person in long-term recovery. I grew up playing music from 6th grade until I was dismissed from music school my junior year of college due to behaviors stemming from my addiction. For me getting clean was about more than not using. Life without music was something I could not accept. I craved a space for musicians to get together that was recovery friendly and brought a sense of collaboration and community. While I was in treatment Welsey established a boxing class for our gym where he called us "Recovery Warriors". Upon graduation from treatment, Wesley introduced me to Jeff, and from there we brainstormed ways to bring our ideas of creativity and expression that each of us had dreamed of in our recovery. I have been clean since December of 2020 and I support any pathway to recovery that works for anyone. I look forward to what Recovery Warriors can bring to the recovery community of Athens.