Get to know our Executive Director
-
Hunter Shurtleff Executive Director
720-891-0746
I was born in Denver, Colorado on 8/3/1995 he has a beautiful family including his girlfriend Kayla and his two kids Grayson and Avery.
My mom will tell you that I was always a handful growing up, between always causing trouble with the people around me to ultimately falling into drug dealing and addiction. Through all of that I still kept my big heart and care for others around me and I would give the shirt off my back for anyone but as most know you have to be able to help yourself before you help others.
I graduated high school in 2012 and immediately went to college, but after some time I realized that I no longer wanted to be in school and not long after that I got into drug dealing. I got my first drug possession charge in August of 2015, I got diversion for 2 years due to the fact it was my first charge. I was in diversion for about 6 months before getting revoked for non compliance. After that I got transferred over to regular probation in Jefferson County before ultimately getting revoked again, catching another possession charge and getting one last chance in a program called recovery court.
At first, recovery court for me was difficult due to the number one thing being honesty, which I have always struggled with being honest about my addiction due to guilt and shame. It took me awhile to accept the fact that the team on recovery court was there to help me through recovery, not put me in jail. I still couldn’t stop using so I got sent to the halfway house for 3 months before getting out and getting kicked out of two sober livings before ending up at Summit Healing as a last chance effort to keep me out of jail..
I found a home at Summit Healing, I loved the family vibe that surrounded it and the closeness it brought me to others who were like me that could relate to me.I found a brotherhood with these guys and I never wanted to lose that. Not long after I started my journey I started battling some serious depression, anxiety, and wondering if I wanted to continue to be sober. Luckily for me I had other factors keeping me going, for one I had to prove my wonderful Probation officer right. She always believed in me and my recovery and would always have my back and I know I needed to show her she bet on the right horse. Also at that time, I had started seeing my amazing girlfriend Kayla,. Most are told not to date early in recovery and most of the time that’s true but sometimes things happen unexpectedly and I met the girl of my dreams going through recovery and never wanted to let her go. During the times I was really battling some inner demons and wanted to give up, I knew I had her to fall back on, that she would catch me, I also knew in order to keep her using wasn’t an option. With the strength I got from her during that time I pushed through the hard part and started reaping the benefits of being in recovery!
I started going to EMDR trauma therapy to help me deal with some of my traumas, I got a car and got offered a wonderful opportunity to get enrolled in peer recovery coach training. I took that class for 6 months got my peer coach certificate and not long after found out my girlfriend was pregnant with our son Grayson! Not long after that I started working at Summit Healing and quickly progressed to Operations Director before becoming Executive Director.
My life has been filled with ups and downs, I have continued to fight on my journey and never gave up and I have got many blessings because of this. My sobriety, family and my recovery comes first in my life. I am happy to say that I have built stability from recovery and it has continued to bless my life for the better. This program helped save my life and to be in a position to give back to it and hope to make a difference on someone else’s life means everything to me!
-
Jono O’Neal
Director of Operations
I was born In Denver, on February 16, 1987. I am the husband to my beautiful wife; Jami O'Neal and father to my beautiful daughter Lyriq Michele O'Neal.
I grew up in Aurora Colorado and Graduated from Gateway High School. I have 2 years of college in Business Management. My life early life was great
I played semi pro baseball and matured as a musician. I had amazing success as vocal musician, which included opening for Jason Mraz in Honolulu, HI. As was also a part of the Coco-Cola 2012, official Christmas song, as well as being a vocal instructor at the Denver School of Rock.
But with all those great things, there was this shadow over my life; addiction. I was an addict for 15 years. Not so I am no longer addicted and by the grace of God I am no longer in active use.
At the point where my life was overshadowed by addiction and crime, I lost a lot. Numerous arrests, countless crimes. Became gang affiliated and my life spiraled. I was in a low and in a very dark place.
At what I thought was my lowest, I got shot. After that point my only course of action was to destroy everything. Where I thought there was no hope and no light, I got arrested.
Now I'm not sure why this arrest was any different from any of the others but this one was different and it was the last. In jail for 5 months, I took my life back. Only by the grace of God and the support, strength and firmly set boundaries of my then fiancé, I turned my life around.
I received the opportunity to participate in the recovery-based probation program, offered by Jefferson County Courts. Upon getting out of jail, I went from the steps of the jail to the steps of Summit Healing.
I was a client there for 7months. Within that time I established a firm footing in my recovery, I got married and unbeknownst to me found my purpose as an advocate for recovery!
My sobriety now takes precedence over all else with the exception of my faith in Christ. I am proud to say, I am a father, I am a husband, and I am in recovery!
Luis Ovalle
Director of Administrative Services
Luis brings invaluable expertise and wisdom to the organization. From managing our electronic health record system mTreatment (mTx) to refining billing strategies and procedures, Luis plays a pivotal role in ensuring operational excellence. As a trusted leader and expert consultant, he is instrumental in driving Summit Healing's success and strategic growth. Luis’s ability to streamline processes and implement efficient systems has significantly enhanced Summit Healing’s administrative operations. His dedication to excellence and attention to detail ensure that both staff and residents receive the highest level of support. With a deep understanding of the organization’s mission, Luis continues to be a driving force in achieving Summit Healing’s goals and advancing its impact in the recovery community.
Aaron Johnson
Grants Manager | PSS
Born in Long Beach, California, Aaron moved to Denver as a teen with his family after the 1992 L.A. riots. His lived experience fuels his passion for supporting others on their recovery journey.
As Grants Manager and Peer Support Specialist at Summit Healing, AJ oversees Grant Writing, Full-Cycle Grant Management, Program Evaluations and Reporting, and Fundraising while also contributing to the Branding, Digital Media, and Public Relations at Summit Healing. His expertise spans Graphic and Web Design, Video and Audio Engineering, and Advocacy in Mental Health and Recovery.
Aaron also plays a key role in Policy Development and Administrative Operations as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Aaron is also a dedicated member of the Peer Coaching lineup at Summit Healing, facilitating Individual and Group Peer Coaching sessions, Resource Navigation, and House Management.
“Recovery is adaptation, improvisation, and evolution. With a body, you get a life; with a life, you get a journey; and with a journey, you get some wrong turns. Reaching your destination is what's truly important.” AJ is a proud father to his daughter Aaliyah Jonae and embraces his heritage as an AAPI Pacific Islander American of Samoan and Native Hawaiian descent. His leadership and commitment have been instrumental in expanding Summit Healing’s impact and outreach.
Austin Devall
Peer Advocate | PSS
Austin serves as a Peer Advocate and Peer Support Specialist at Summit Healing, where he plays a vital role in providing peer support, mentorship, and structured guidance to individuals navigating their recovery journey. His responsibilities extend beyond emotional support, as he also facilitates crucial transportation for clients, ensuring access to essential services, treatment appointments, and court obligations that are pivotal to their long-term success.
Originally from the great state of Louisiana, Austin enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring the Colorado wilderness. Having experienced the transformative impact of Summit Healing in his own recovery, he is passionate about supporting others as they begin their journey toward sobriety, accountability, and integrity.
Tyler Totsch
Peer Advocate
Tyler is a dedicated Peer Advocate and house leader at Summit Healing, overseeing the Tier 1 recovery residence, which serves as the gateway for clients entering the program. Often working with individuals transitioning from incarceration or early in their recovery journey, Tyler provides essential guidance, structure, and support. His compassionate leadership plays a critical role in providing stability and growth for Summit Healing’s most at-risk population. Tyler provides critical support to new residents, helping them adapt to sober living with a balance of empathy and accountability.
Mikey Hayes
Peer Advocate
Mikey is a Peer Advocate at Summit Healing, bringing a compassionate and understanding approach to his role. With personal experience in recovery, he is dedicated to guiding residents as they navigate the challenges of sober living and work toward long-term stability.
Mikey’s empathetic leadership encourages a supportive, inclusive environment where residents feel empowered to grow, heal, and reclaim their independence. He actively engages in peer guidance, and resource navigation to ensure individuals receive the support they need. His ability to connect with others through shared experience makes him a trusted mentor and advocate within the Summit Healing community.
Mikey’s dedication reflects the organization's mission of promoting recovery and resilience through peer-driven support, helping residents build meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
Each one of us can make a difference. Together we make a change.