Andrew Keown

Andrew serves as a Group Facilitator, Peer Coach, and Transportation Coordinator at Untethered Recovery. He is currently completing his Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) credential and pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Psychology.

Andrew's passion for recovery is rooted in his own lived experience. Having struggled with addiction since childhood and surviving multiple life-threatening medical crises related to addiction and untreated diabetes, Andrew understands what it means to fight for a second chance. Those experiences ultimately led him to take recovery seriously and dedicate his life to helping others do the same.

For Andrew, recovery is about much more than simply removing substances. He believes in treating the whole person—mind, body, spirit, relationships, and purpose. As he often explains, at one point substances were not the problem; they were a solution to deeper pain and challenges. Once substances are removed, healing can begin, and individuals need support, coping skills, and healthy tools to build a life they no longer want to escape from.

Before joining the recovery field, Andrew had experiences with peer support that left him wanting more for people seeking help. He saw programs that focused on numbers rather than relationships, and that inspired him to become the kind of mentor and support person he wished he had encountered himself. What began as a desire to give back has grown into a genuine passion. Today, standing in front of a room full of people in early recovery is one of Andrew's favorite places to be.

Andrew is especially energized by watching clients experience breakthrough moments—when the light bulb comes on and they begin to recognize their own potential. He believes recovery is never one-size-fits-all and works hard to meet each individual where they are. His approach combines accountability, authenticity, compassion, and a deep respect for every person's unique journey.

If Andrew had to choose a recovery power word, it would be "Integrity." He believes that everyone deserves recovery, everyone is worthy of recovery, and lasting change begins when people are willing to be honest with themselves and others.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his recovery community, attending church, and supporting clients through faith-based opportunities such as community involvement at local churches. His faith is a central part of his life and something he strives to live out every day—not just on Sundays. Many people are surprised to learn that before recovery, Andrew was also a professional fighter.

One of Andrew's favorite sayings is, "If nothing changes, nothing changes." It serves as a reminder that growth requires action, and that transformation begins when we are willing to do something different.

When new clients walk through the doors of Untethered Recovery, Andrew wants them to hear one simple message: "Welcome home. Welcome to the family. The hardest part is over."