Our Team
The people running the program
Clinical and house staff, listed with real roles and credentials as they're supplied.
“Who you are isn’t who you were. It’s the standard you live by, the faith you stand on, and the grace that carries you.”
— Phoenix Rising Team
Kristin Penrose
Owner
Kristin co-owns and co-founded Phoenix Rising alongside her husband, Jeff. A mother of seven, she brings a rare combination of strength and compassion to the program.
“Life is a series of hard choices. Choose wisely. Your choices become your life.”
Jeff Penrose
Owner
Jeff co-owns and co-founded Phoenix Rising alongside his wife, Kristin. An entrepreneur who owns multiple businesses, he brings a relentless work ethic and an outsized heart to everything he builds.
“Work hard, enjoy life, and keep your spirit at the center of it all. Choose faith over fear, and trust that Someone greater is always watching over you.”
Ryan L. Evans
Executive Director of Operations
Ryan L. Evans serves as Executive Director of Operations and has been with Phoenix Rising since its early days. With 10½ years of sobriety and a journey through incarceration and addiction of his own, he knows the darkness firsthand, and he shows up every day to help others find their way out of it. He leads with lived experience and heart, and above all, he's a family man.
“Nothing changes if nothing changes. You vs. you — that person staring back at you in the mirror is your only competition.”
Bridger Ogden
Executive Director
Bridger Ogden serves as Executive Director. He's been in the recovery field since 1999 and earned his SUDC in 2010, with a focus on structure and living the standard. A man of faith and a proud dad, he also coaches the Bingham High School girls football team.
“Iron sharpens iron. We are the average of the 3–5 people we surround ourselves with. Protect your circle.”
Terry Begay
LCSW, Clinical Director
Terry Begay, LCSW, serves as Clinical Director. She brings years of experience guiding individuals and families through the recovery process with compassion and expertise. Terry is also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a specialized, evidence-based approach for trauma and PTSD that remains rare among treatment facilities — giving clients here access to a level of clinical care not often found elsewhere.
“We will be known forever by the tracks we leave.”
Courtney Averrett
LSUDC, MSW
Courtney Averrett, LSUDC, MSW, is a mother of ten who has spent years helping women and girls exit human trafficking and advocating for people navigating addiction and homelessness. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between incarceration and recovery.
“What you put before your recovery, will be the second thing you lose.”
Corinne Meikle
LSUDC
Corinne Meikle, LSUDC, has worked across every level of care at Phoenix Rising. A mother first and foremost, she brings the perspective of someone in recovery herself to her work with clients.
“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.”
Jared Banuelos
LSUDC
Jared Banuelos, LSUDC, brings experience in substance use and severe and persistent mental illness to his work, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for recovery. An avid outdoor climber, he's a constant advocate for living a values-based life.
“Would I rather disappoint someone else with my decision, or disappoint myself with theirs?”
Marissa Penrose
Admissions Coordinator
Marissa Penrose serves as Admissions Coordinator, with a background in case management and a degree from Utah Valley University. A travel enthusiast, she's driven by a passion for helping and serving others.
“Moving forward means taking what you’ve learned — not forgetting it, but remembering everything you’ve learned and healing.”
Felipe Ruiz
Case Manager
Felipe Ruiz, Case Manager, is dedicated to the work he does at Phoenix Rising. He's grown alongside the program himself — graduating from Recovery Court and Epic, then coming to our sober living. Today he is a leader of House 4 and part of our staff.
“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.”
Credentials matter here.
Full licensure detail for clinical staff is listed on our Compliance & Accreditation page.