THE TEAM
Addict II Athlete Board Members
Head Coach-Board Chair
Blu Robinson, SUDC, CMHC- Blu@addicttoathlete.org
Blu Robinson is a well-known Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) and a Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) and the founder of Addict to Athlete. Blu grew up in a dysfunctional home and struggled with substance abuse and other issues due to the trauma, abuse and neglect he suffered as a child. From a mom getting married at 14 years old to moving about 25 times by the age of 18. He has now been free from mind altering substances since 1996. Blu has turned his mess into a message and now helps others do the same.
Blu specializes in addiction treatment and is passionate about helping others. He has worked in the field of counseling and recovery since 2001, working with youth, adults, and families. Blu is widely known in the recovery community as a pioneer in the addiction recovery field, an inspirational speaker, and an innovator. Blu possesses the ability to motivate people to reach great heights of performance and success in life and recovery. With passion, purpose, a listening ear, and meaning he teaches others to erase negative behaviors and replace that void left behind with the talents of an inspirational athlete. He has raced multiple marathons, ultra-cycling events, triathlons, and ultra-marathons. Throughout each of these experiences, he has learned, that the human spirit is much stronger than we think.
Blu's role in team Addict II Athlete is the head coach. As a licensed clinician he is able to assist athletes on a larger scale from individual to group support with a clinical component. He is a mentor, teacher, counselor, and instructor to the athletes and their families, assisting them in moving to recovery and a healthy lifestyle by providing an action-oriented recovery-based program.
Blu stated, “In 2011, I thought of a way to kick start my career as I undertook a new job as a therapist working with people struggling with addiction and searching for a purpose in their lives. Having a history of addiction and being clean since 1996, I thought back on how I had done it. It was through support, mountain biking, and running, I recalled the relationships built and spirituality found on the trails of the Wasatch Mountains that resulted in erasing addiction and replacing it with a more excellent way of life. I knew that if a non-runner like myself could become such, so could they.”
“I started a free community group called Addict to Athlete, and it quickly gained momentum. As Head Coach of this remarkable team, I began to witness the inner strength these Athletes developed as we put in miles on the trails together.
Schedule an in-person or virtual session with Coach Blu HERE.
Athletic Director-President
Marissa Robinson, TRS, CTRS- marissa@addicttoathlete.org
Marissa Robinson has been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) since 1998. She has worked with individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth as well as adults and families in the mental health populations. She has focused her work into individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders since 2011. Marissa currently serves on the states Opioid Task Force, Opioid Overdose Fatality Review Committee, Utah County Drug Prevention Coalition, Utah County Opioid Community Partners, and the Spanish Fork Active & Healthy Coalition. She has served as executive director of a SUD residential treatment center, outpatient program, and sober living as well as an addiction recovery consultant to other organizations. As the co-founder of Addict II Athlete she loves working along side her husband helping individuals and families realize they can heal from the painful grasp of addiction and mental health issues.
Marissa was a competitive swimmer growing up and was involved in various types of recreation such as soccer, hiking, water skiing and rappelling. She loves being outdoors and trying new things. She loves utilize her recreation degree with her 4 children and husband. She believes that through recreation we are able to find wellness and healing in all aspects of life.
Marissa serves as Addict II Athlete’s athletic director and CEO. Marissa specializes in therapeutic recreation by assisting the athletes in developing appropriate leisure skills and recreating healthily as they transition to athletics and life. She oversees all aspects of the AIIA program, including coaching, scheduling, budgets, promotion, social media, management, and program management.
Utah Recovery Coach-Board Vice Chair
Jed Jensen-jed@addicttoathlete.org
Jedediah Jensen has worked as a union ironworker since 2004. He has been the Race Director for the AIIA 5k-10k since 2012 and has put in countless hours organizing and directing athletes and volunteers. Jed has an artistic talent that Team AIIA has utilized in several community service opportunities including Rally For Recovery, community parades, and the county recovery coalition.
Jed has a knack for leading and helping others. He knows the importance of sobriety as he puts his recovery first and foremost as well as his team. He is the epitome of a peer support specialist. Jed always looks for ways to serve or solve a problem and immediately works at remedying it. Jed has been a team captain for Addict II Athlete and moved up to Assistant Coach in 2017. He continues to amaze us with his willingness to go above and beyond to organize activities or help a struggling athlete by talking them through their thinking errors and ways they can address them. He is an accomplished ultramarathon runner completing several road and trail marathons. Jed was also AIIA’s MVP in 2013.
Jed will continue to lead and direct by example and by voice as the Assistant Coach and Utah County Recovery Coach. He also trains and assists the other recovery coaches and captains in the program so that we can continue to support all our athletes no matter where they are.
Chief Financial Officer- Treasurer
Tim Whipple-twhipple@firstpurpose.com
Tim serves on Addict II Athlete’s non profit board and as CFO. Tim is a genius when it comes to tax efficient investments, wealth transfer, estate and current income tax reduction strategies. His expertise in tax-related issues has led Tim to his passion in establishing and managing philanthropic foundations. Tim has been a Certified Financial Planner since 2001. He loves working with individuals and families to live a more abundant life and improve any and all aspects of their finances.
Tim has never backed down when challenged to play rugby, racketball or pickle ball. Tim is happily married to his wife and has 5 boys and is loving the new stage of becoming a grandpa. You could always start off an interesting conversation with Tim by simply asking what book he has read recently. Tim also serves on the boards of International Aid Serving Kids (IASK) and the Cougar Rugby Foundation.
Board Member
David Matthews-dmmatthews94@gmail.com
David serves as a board member for Addict II Athlete. David graduated from BYU with a degree in Neuroscience with an emphasis in exercise and wellness. He also has an abundant amount of experience in business, marketing and sales. David has participated, donated and volunteering with Addict II Athlete since 2014. He is a great athlete and has joined the team on cycling relays, running and is gearing up for his first half ironman triathlon.
David was forced to navigate the realities of the opioid epidemic when at 9 years old he lost his dad to a battle with addiction. That changed the way he looked at everything in life. Approaching life from that perspective, he found himself chasing questions like "What does it look like when individual accountability and community responsibility collaborate to create meaningful sobriety? What is my contribution to the vision? And maybe most personally relevant, how do I create a life where I can be there for the 9 year old who wakes up to the reality that they never get to tell dad, "I love you" on the phone again, or for the teenager who, no matter how hard they play, always feels the empty seat in the stands, or for the little sister who never gets to dance with dad at her wedding?"
These questions drove David to studying Neuroscience and running a respected research lab focused on the Neurobiology of Addiction. Appreciating mesolimbic systems and dopaminergic pathways exposed him to communities who were just as passionate as he was and even more equipped to approach the challenges ahead from every circuit available for observation. During these years he found himself going to class in the morning, studying in the afternoon and volunteering at night. That's when he found AIIA. He loved the erase and replace approach that didn't identify individuals by negative stereotype behaviors but looked at people as champions in the making, capable of cultivating the skill and will to overcome.
Life has evolved since David first joined the team to now include his wife and two beautiful children. Community contribution and professional pursuits have been meaningful to David. He has found many opportunities to get and stay involved as he truly cares about the road ahead for everyone. “This space (of creating meaningful life and meaningful sobriety) is one that I hope ends up being part of my life legacy. I am very excited and honored to serve in any capacity that I can be helpful in and look forward to always learning and serving the community.”
—Addict II Athelte’s Advisory Committee
Dr. Bob Lynn, Ed.D National & International Professional Clinical Advisor, Professor, Trainer, Researcher and CEO of Addiction and Behavioral Health Alliance LLC
James Childs-Business Development Executive
—AIIA Certified Peer Support Recovery Coaches
Holly Davies is a wife and a mom of three amazing kids. She graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and used to teach 5th grade. She now stays home with her children.
Although Holly has not personally dealt with substance abuse, she was affected by addiction as a child of alcoholics. Holly decided at a young age to break the cycle of addiction in her life. Addict II Athlete has helped Holly find connection, friendship, and healing. Addict II Athlete has become a passion of hers to help those affected by substance misuse and mental health issues.
When not running or attending Addict II Athlete activities, Holly enjoys playing with her children, reading, knitting, crocheting, and baking. Since being on the team Holly has accomplished many goals such as running a half marathon. She also has earned the Heart of Champion award in May of 2022 which has been incredibly important to her. As a Recovery Coach, Holly's goals are to show the importance of connection, friendship, and service.
Utah County Recovery Coach- Holly Davies
Brett Morris is a dedicated coach who has turned personal adversity into a passion for helping others overcome their own challenges. Growing up in an abusive household and enduring significant personal setbacks, Brett has faced many of life’s toughest obstacles, including addiction, physical injuries, and emotional trauma. These experiences have driven him to a life of service, public speaking and coaching, where he shares his story to inspire others to embrace change and achieve their goals.
With a background in personal training and nutrition, Brett believes in the powerful connection between mental, emotional, and physical health. Having run over 1,000 miles this year and completing his first marathon, Brett’s goal-oriented approach helps athletes push beyond their limits and develop the strength to overcome their own struggles. His love of exercise and commitment to health forms a key part of his coaching philosophy, focusing on setting and achieving meaningful, transformative goals.
Brett’s coaching is centered on helping others create a mindset of growth and resilience. He works with individuals to develop clear, actionable plans that encompass all aspects of well-being, from fitness to emotional balance. Whether it’s setting goals for recovery or navigating life’s challenges, Brett’s personal experience, coupled with his certification in personal training, makes him a compassionate and effective guide for those on the path from addiction to achievement.
Cache County, Utah Recovery Coach- Brett Morris
Valerie Glass has been in recovery since 2015. She is a successful graduate of Drug Court and has proven she can face any challenge and over come. Valerie opened the Iron chapter of Addict II Athlete in Cedar City, Utah in 2017 and has been leading and serving her community for many years.
In speaking about AIIA Valerie says, “For me it’s a full recovery of mind, body, spirit, and soul. I do what I have to in order to maintain my recovery and AIIA is a huge part of my life and recovery today.”
Iron County, Utah Recovery Coach- Valerie Glass
Angela Byrd graduated college with a BA in psychology in 2019. She plans to work on her master’s when her kids are a little older. Angela has been part of Addict II Athlete since 2017 and assisted in opening the Iron County chapter. She loves the philosophy behind this organization and has been involved in the recovery softball league in Southern Utah for years. She enjoys seeing the newcomers get excited about fun in recovery. She says, “If it’s not fun, most of us won’t stay. I like joking and having fun and I like that our people here feel safe to come to meetings and get to know other ways of recovery.”
Angela loves gardening and learning new things. She has learned about being self sufficient and herbal remedies. She is creative and enjoys photography, redoing furniture, arts and crafts. AIIA has given her a more and expanded her recovery beyond other support meeting structures.
Iron County, Utah Recovery Coach- Angela Byrd
Jonah Grant Sr AKA PapaBear is the Recovery Coach of the AIIA Ute Strong Chapter on the Uintah & Ouray reservation in Northeastern Utah located in Fort Duchesne. He is a father of three great kids and husband to a very caring, amazing woman. He works on the reservation. He has served as community president representative to help those in his community. He is an NA sponsor and huge recovery advocate in his county. He believes his purpose in life is to spread hope and help those who need a helping hand or someone to talk to. He enjoys his life and those around him. He is grateful and loves all the people he is able to meet and serve.
Ute Strong Chapter- Uintah & Ouray Reservation Recovery Coach- Jonah Grant Sr.
Judy Berrocal's journey in the substance use disorder field began with her completion of the Substance Use Disorder Program at Utah Valley University in 2015. With over nine years of experience, she has held roles such as Peer Support Specialist, Case Manager, Lead Counselor, and Clinical Program Manager of a residential facility in Southern Utah.
As someone in long-term recovery with over 13 years of sobriety, Judy's personal experiences enable her to connect deeply with those she serves. She actively participates in the recovery community, she has served as Secretary on the Utah County Recovery Coalition Board, Board Chair of the Utah County Drug Court Alumni, and currently as Coach for the Washington County chapter of Addict II Athlete.
Judy has organized various recovery-focused events, including a softball tournament and pickleball fundraiser, to foster support among individuals in recovery. She also founded a non-profit grief group for parents who have lost a child and collaborates with organizations to empower others in their healing journeys.
Balancing her roles as a grandmother, mother, and counselor, Judy promotes a healthy lifestyle and inspires those around her to adopt positive habits. Her core belief in the potential of others drives her dedication to providing the tools needed for individuals to find their paths to success. Judy is a vital part of the recovery community, blending professionalism and compassion to create a lasting impact.
Washington County, Utah Recovery Coach- Judy Berrocal
Lizz Ashby is an ambassador coach for team Addict II Athlete. She resides in Salt Lake County and helps chapters from all over. She also works as a Behavioral Health Assistant in an elementary school. She has worked to help children better their lives since 2013.
Coach Lizz has not dealt with substance abuse herself, but was raised in a household with alcohol and drugs. Through hard work and perseverance she has learned to overcome the childhood traumas and share her story in hopes of inspiring others to do the same.
Since 2017, when she first met the team, serving and giving back to the community have been her favorite parts of being a part of AIIA. She also loves to crochet, create boondoggle keychains, hike, attend group runs, and read. When asked why she wants to be a coach, she responded with “I want to help others see the potential in themselves that I see.”
Ambassador Recovery Coach- Lizz Ashby
Tara Butson is a wife and mom of 2 boys. She is a business owner and athlete. In 2024 Tara became a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Colorado. She has been working as a professional guide or instructor in the outdoor industry since 1999. She has worked primarily as a mountain guide as well as for different wilderness therapy programs. Tara’s expertise spans from climbing, skiing, hiking and teaching survival skills. Together with her husband she runs and operates a small adventure company based out of Telluride, Colorado.
Tara has been sober from drugs and alcohol since 2007. After going through acute pancreatitis and then later being diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis she decided she needed to make some changes. She began working with a drug and alcohol counselor while attending 12 step meetings. She met likeminded individuals and developed a community of support that she still relies on. Tara found exercising (running, cycling, climbing or skiing) helped her fight off anxiety and depression. Sharing those experiences with others that struggle with sobriety is one of her main goals as an AIIA recovery coach.
After getting sober, Tara broke her knee twice and had to find a way out of not using while having 4 orthopedic surgeries. Long distance running became a tool she used to build her leg back up as well as rebuild her mind. Self esteem, emotional strength and ability to endure physical challenges are all things she has gained by participating in endurance events. Tara hopes to help others gain these same tools. She recently has gone back to school to get her masters degree in counseling.
Colorado Recovery Coach- Tara Butson
Ginger Carter has five girls, and four grandkids. She struggled with meth addiction but was changed when Child Services took her girls away. That was the last day she used substances, which was in August of 2007. She started attending Addict To Athlete at the inception of the group, when they didn’t even have an official name. AIIA, her family, and the desire to be a stronger person is what helps her stay clean.
In the years of being in Addict to Athlete, Ginger started running again, which helped her accomplish goals she never thought possible at her age. She has run multiple half marathons and countless 5k. What she enjoys the most is supporting the team, by driving the support vehicle and other service work, like volunteering at aid stations and at other Addict To Athletes events. When Ginger is not working or supporting Addict To Athlete you can find her camping, boating, and hiking with her family.
Throughout this process Ginger has learned how to better communicate with others, feel more confident in reaching out to help those struggling, and learn skills to better help others with addiction issues. She decided to become a Recovery Coach to improve her tool box, let others see there is a better way and that anything is possible.
Utah County Recovery Coach- Ginger Carter
Dee Lohse and her husband Ron farm in north central Montana. Dee has four children who are grown and have families of their own now. Two from her first marriage and two from her marriage with Ron. After helping Ron on the farm for several years, Dee transitioned to working with the Federal Crop Insurance program to help bring off-farm income in. She continues to work in that industry in a semi-retired status.
Generational addiction has been a major influencing factor in Dee’s family. She refers to herself as the Grandchild of addiction. Both her parents decided to remove substances in their own family. Despite this great decision, much emotional trauma was left to address generationally. She feels very fortunate to have experienced what she did, and not turn to substances as a way to cope. Dee has felt for a very long time that it was not just the substance that had to be removed, but that new patterns of learning and living are necessary in order to bring healing. Unfortunately, she did not understand this before marrying an addict at a very young age as an escape. After seven years of marriage, she knew that she must make a major course correction to heal herself and give her two children a chance at a better life.
Dee was introduced to AIIA by her oldest son, who struggled with emotional health, which led to addiction in his young teen years. When he connected her to the program, he was very enthusiastic about the program and was able to maintain sobriety for several years. She lost her son to suicide in 2021, and since then she has been looking for the best way to honor him and his life. In a letter sent to Dee while her son was in jail, he encouraged her to never be shy to share his story with others.
Dee feels real compassion for the family members who have a loved one that struggles with addiction. She also feels a real passion for understanding why we do what we do and how to change those things that are not in our best interest. She feels strongly that knowledge is power, and once we understand something, it grants us real power to change.
Dee, throughout her adulthood, has attended Adult Children of Alcoholics, Al-Anon programs, and has devoured every book and piece of information she could find to help her understand what happened to her in her family of origin and how it perpetuated being drawn to an addict in her first marriage. Her deepest desire is to make enough change in her life so that her children would have a step up in life. She finds the AIIA program refreshing and informative in a way that is very exciting. The information combined with physical health feels like the perfect combination.
Dee’s goal in becoming a coach is to share what she has learned in her journey. To offer support in the struggle for understanding and change that must happen within families who are affected by addiction.
Family Systems Recovery Coach- Dee Lohse