Colorado Artists in Recovery
Meet the Team
Want to teach a workshop? Please reach out with your idea to lead others on a creative journey of recovery.
Wil Snyder
Instructor, Board Member
Wil Snyder is our in-house professor of music, having developed and taught a handful of classes including "Speaking the Language of Music & Recovery." In addition to being a key part of our CAiR family, Wil is a musician, teacher & entrepreneur residing in Denver, CO. Wil's sobriety date is Jan. 3, 2016. He grew up in Kansas City and graduated, with honors, from Southern Methodist University in 2013 with degrees in Financial Consulting, Music Composition & Spanish. Wil grew up studying jazz and classical piano from a diverse set of teachers, from around the globe. He now specializes in playing multi-keyboard rigs, as well as being able to sing, play drums, sax, guitar, bass & trumpet. As a composer, producer, arranger & multi-instrumentalist, he utilizes his talents playing in and writing for some great local and nationwide artists [Tula, Verses the Inevitable, Yonosei & Wes Hamil to name a few]. Simply put, Wil is often referred to as a "hired gun" in the music industry because he can play and write any genre. Recently, Wil joined the touring band, Eminence Ensemble and is busy writing his book, "Speaking the Language of Music," while trying to squeeze some free time in to enjoy his affinity for all things Nintendo. He is an honored member along the Red Road and a continuing example of what sobriety can do for one's dreams. He truly tries to be of service to his communities with his craft and everything he does.
Kendall Otis
Instructor
Kendall Otis is a Licensed Recovery Coach (CCAR) and Local Artist. She is currently majoring in Human Services and Substance Misuse and Trauma Counseling at Metropolitan State University of Denver with a focus on substance misuse and trauma recovery. She teaches an art workshop with Colorado Artists in Recovery (CAiR) called “Fuel Your Creative Spirit”. It provides a safe space to discover your creative spark and find a supportive community of creative souls along the way. Being a person in recovery herself she believes that art can be a spiritual tool to use your past, your emotions, your hardships, your achievements, and your LIFE to be catalytic fuel for your creativity and recovery. Her trauma informed approach and personal recovery journey enable her to support her students with a message of inspiration and hope. She teaches her students that true freedom and happiness can only be found within themselves, they just need the courage to open the door.
Quana Madison
Instructor
Quána Madison is an artist, mindfulness teacher, healing arts workshop facilitator and self-leadership coach. She combines inner wellness practices with expressive arts to promote creative expression, community and holistic well-being. A graduate of New York University and Colorado College, Quána holds a MA in Education and a BA in Philosophy. More information is available at www.quanamadison.com and www.linkedin.com/in/quanamadison
Meet the Board
Board President
JK Costello
JK Costello is a person in long-term recovery. At his job as a physician and health care consultant, he develops population health plans for substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery. Inspired by the ongoing explosion of addiction and overdose, he works across medicine, public health, and community organizations to create a community of recovery in publicly-funded treatment systems.
Outside work, JK has served on several nonprofit community boards for organizations focused on education and recovery. He lives in Denver with his dog Willa and enjoys rowing, crossword puzzles, and not using smartphones.