Jaywalker Lodge

11/22/2025

Our men are taking full advantage of the beauty that’s right outside our back door. Today’s Jaywalker activity led us deep into the majestic Glenwood Canyon for a full-scale canyoneering experience — hiking rugged trails, rock climbing along breathtaking canyon walls, and rappelling into narrow slots carved by centuries of rushing water.

In the midst of towering sandstone and the sound of the river echoing below, the men were challenged physically, grounded mentally, and uplifted by the simple power of nature. These adventures aren’t just about the adrenaline — they’re about connection, confidence, camaraderie, and finding strength in places you didn’t know it existed.

Another unforgettable day in the valley we’re grateful to call home, and another reminder that healing and growth often happen step by step, rope by rope, moment by moment.

11/18/2025

Jaywalker Partner and Co-CEO Stefan Bate, MA, LAC, CCTP, was recently invited back onto Sam Quinones’ YouTube channel for another in-depth, thought-provoking conversation. This marks Stefan’s second appearance with the acclaimed journalist and author, underscoring the respect and credibility he brings to the national dialogue around addiction, recovery, and systems of care.

In this latest interview—“Just Like Drugs: Gambling Apps, P**n Sites, and Our Legal Economy of Addiction”—Stefan joins Sam to explore the expanding landscape of behavioral addictions and how today’s digital environment fuels compulsive patterns. Together, they unpack the neuroscience, the cultural forces, and the human impact behind these modern addictions, offering insight that is both clinically sophisticated and deeply grounded in real-world experience.

It’s a powerful conversation and a meaningful platform for the work we do at Jaywalker.
Watch the full interview here.

My second conversation with Colorado drug-rehab counselor Stefan Bate.

11/12/2025

Last night, on 11/11, the skies over Jaywalker lit up with something truly magical — the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis!

A rare geomagnetic storm painted the Roaring Fork Valley in waves of green, pink, and red light, reminding us just how awe-inspiring nature can be. From the mountains above Carbondale to the quiet streets below, the northern lights danced across the sky — a breathtaking moment of beauty and serenity we won’t soon forget.

For many of us in recovery, 11/11 holds deep meaning — a symbol of alignment, awakening, and spiritual connection. It serves as a gentle reminder to pause, stay present, and trust the path of transformation. Much like recovery itself, it represents renewal and the beauty that comes from surrender and connection to something greater.

Moments like this remind us to pause, look up, and stay connected to the wonder that surrounds us every day.

10/24/2025

The Jaywalker Expedition: Moab
From canyoneering through deep red rock canyons to scaling sandstone cliffs, hiking the arches, and tearing down world-class desert singletrack — our crew took on everything Arches National Park has to offer.

But what makes these trips truly special isn’t just the adventure — it’s the transformation that happens along the way. Out here, surrounded by raw beauty and challenge, our men learn to trust one another, to push past fear, and to experience connection in its purest form.

Each month, we take our guys on an expedition like this as part of our Primary Care Program — to remind them that recovery isn’t confinement, it’s freedom. It’s brotherhood. It’s rediscovering life, one adventure at a time.

10/16/2025

It’s Family Program Week at Jaywalker!

Led by Director of Family Services Kevin Petersen, MA, LMFT, our Family Program is a vital part of the Jaywalker experience—rooted in the belief that lasting recovery begins with the family. Drawing on over 30 years of experience supporting families impacted by addiction, Kevin has built a program that blends education, therapeutic support, and real-world action.

Alongside Kevin, our incredible team—Chandra McLaughlin, LMFT, and Alicia Paredes, MS—brings compassion, expertise, and a deep commitment to family healing. Together, they guide families through a 12-week curriculum focused on rebuilding trust, improving communication, and understanding the dynamics of addiction and recovery.

Through weekly individual and group therapy sessions and a 4 day family program, our families gain insight, connection, and the tools to heal—together.

10/07/2025

Fall in the Roaring Fork Valley never disappoints. It’s easy to see why this is our favorite season of the year. The air turns crisp, the aspens light up the mountainsides in gold, and every day feels like an invitation to get outside and explore.

At Jaywalker, we embrace this time of year as a reminder of change and renewal — both in nature and in recovery. Each day offers a new adventure and a chance to connect with ourselves, each other, and the beauty that surrounds us. From hiking the Rim Trail in Snowmass to taking in the breathtaking views at the iconic Crystal Mill, the guys continue to find inspiration in every step.

And for those who prefer two wheels over two feet, the valley’s endless miles of mountain biking trails deliver pure freedom and the simple joy of moving through the mountains. Whether on the trail, in the rooms, or sharing gratitude around the table, fall reminds us that growth happens in every season.

Soon enough, the first snow will fall, and we’ll trade our hiking boots for skis — but for now, we’re soaking up every golden moment of autumn in the Roaring Fork Valley.

09/25/2025

You are invited to our Special SOHL Coaching Training Seminar on Monday, September 29th, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm EST.

We’re excited to share this experience with you and hope you’ll be joining us!

Details:
✨ Using Attachment Styles to strategically build alliances in Companion work
👤 Hosted by Dennis Ballinger, MA, LMFT, Chief Clinical Officer, Jaywalker Lodge
📅 Monday, September 29th | 7:00 - 8:30 pm EST
💻 90 minutes on Zoom
Cost: Covered by SOHL

This event is open to SOHL coaches, fellow coaches, and anyone curious about or exploring the world of coaching.

👉 Register for "Using Attachment Styles to strategically build alliances in Companion work" HERE!

09/20/2025

We can’t wait to welcome our friends, alumni, and families back to Carbondale for our favorite weekend of the year!

This one is extra special as we celebrate Jaywalker’s 20th Anniversary, enjoy the legendary Boondoggle, and tee it up for the 17th Annual Serenity Scramble.

Mother Nature is setting the stage with a picture-perfect weekend — see you soon!

09/11/2025

The Jaywalker crew just wrapped up another incredible expedition—this time in the beautiful mountains of Buena Vista, Colorado.

Every month, our men head out on a four-day journey designed to challenge the body, refresh the mind, and strengthen the spirit.

Led by our wellness and activities team, the days are filled with mountain-based activities, mindfulness, and time in nature that opens the door to self-discovery. These expeditions are about much more than hiking or pushing limits—they foster resilience, connection, and joy that stay with our men long after they return.

At Jaywalker, we believe recovery is most powerful when it’s active, intentional, and filled with adventure. Buena Vista delivered on all fronts, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to share these transformative experiences together.

09/09/2025

The Jaywalker team had an incredible week down in the Lone Star State! 🇨🇱

We kicked things off at the TAAP Conference, where we connected with so many amazing colleagues, old friends, and new faces who share our passion for helping others.

KC and Rachel got to soak up some Texas spirit at the UT home opener 🤘🏼—what a game and what a way to experience the pride of Austin!

To top it all off, Jaywalker Co CEO Stefan Bate made the podium at Decafit Austin 💪.

Texas, you never disappoint—we’re grateful for the hospitality, the memories, and the chance to share what we love with so many. Until next time! 🤠

09/08/2025

At Jaywalker, we believe every staff member has the opportunity and the responsibility to make a direct and positive impact on our men’s treatment experience.

On Thursday, National Director of Clinical Outreach Rachel Miller presented at the TAAP Conference and reminded us how vital it is to keep purpose and mission alive in everything we do. That’s not just true in marketing, it’s true in every corner of Jaywalker. Whether you are working in direct care, facilities, accounting, admissions, or clinical, your efforts create the environment where recovery happens.

The truth is, much of what makes healing possible here is invisible, done behind the scenes by those who never step into a therapy group but who set the stage for our men to do the hardest work of their lives. Every phone call, every maintenance repair, every van ride given, every late night conversation, every UA test, every note in the chart, every budget review- it all matters. It all ripples outward. Everything you do here is sacred.

Our men and their families are changed because of the recovery environment you help create. And when even one man finds lasting recovery, the impact extends to families, communities, and future generations. The ripple effect is immense.

Thank you for remembering that every role here carries the power to heal, and thank you for everything you do!

Let’s start this week with that sense of purpose!

09/02/2025

Jaywalker’s clinical program is supported by a team of 18 licensed clinicians. This depth of expertise allows us to provide individualized, comprehensive care for every man who walks through our doors. From one-on-one therapy to group process, family work, and specialized modalities, our clinicians bring both heart and skill to the recovery journey—ensuring a strong foundation for lasting change.