The Begin Anew Crew
Our highly skilled team leans on self-development and ethics as our keys to success.
At Begin Anew we take pride on fast response to all referrals and going above and beyond for our unique participants. Quality over quantity is paramount to our success.
Justin McNeal
Executive Director
Justin serves as our fearless leader and Executive Director, embodying the belief that there is no single "right or wrong" path to recovery. With personal experience in both recovery and the justice systems, he has spent the past six years developing innovative Peer Recovery Support programs tailored for justice-impacted individuals seeking recovery.
Justin’s extensive background includes years of training both the community and the Peer Recovery Support workforce, equipping them with the tools needed for success. His expertise spans justice systems navigation, building strategic partnerships, ethics, harm reduction, and curriculum development, making him a valuable resource for those seeking education and support in justice-involved recovery initiatives.
Rocky DeYoung
Lead Trainer/Sub-Contractor
Rocky DeYoung brings over 30 years of experience working inside both state and federal prison systems as a reentry specialist and advocate. He has dedicated his career to supporting high-risk, justice-involved individuals as they navigate the complex federal reentry process.
Before stepping into the private sector, Rocky spent four years as a Reentry Specialist with U.S. Probation in the District of Minnesota, where he developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by people returning from incarceration.
Today, Rocky serves as Begin Anew’s lead trainer and subcontractor for all curriculum development and delivery, bringing his expertise to trainings such as Peer Recovery Support, reentry, emplyment and Criminal Justice–focused recovery coaching. He also continues his broader reentry work through his social enterprise, Montage Reentry Solutions, helping to bridge the gap between incarceration and successful reintegration into the community.
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Adrienne Hollis
Recovery Navigator
Adrienne is currently serving her second term with the AmeriCorps Recovery Corps program and is the newest Recovery Navigator to join the Begin Anew team. Her recovery journey began during a five-year prison sentence, where she made the courageous decision to change her life. Through determination and hard work, she successfully completed The Challenge Incarceration Program, earning early release.
She then continued her recovery path with a 90-day inpatient program, followed by intensive outpatient treatment with supportive housing. Today, Adrienne is celebrating 37 months of sobriety. She describes this milestone as a profound sense of relief—freedom from her past and the opportunity to embrace a new life.
At Begin Anew, Adrienne’s mission is to let every participant know that they are not alone and that recovery is possible. She is passionate about walking alongside her clients, supporting them in reaching their goals, and helping them believe in their own strength and resilience.
Natalia Mender
Housing Navigator
Natalia is our new Housing Navigator through the Americorps program, Heading Home Corps. This is her first role at a non-profit organization. Coming from a corporate background, previously working in finance, she looks forward to being in a role where she can directly impact and help others.
She has personally dealt with the frustrations and hurdles that come with finding stable, safe, and affordable housing. There are multiple layers to submitting a rental application. We can assist with finding damage deposit assistance, helping clients gather necessary documents, locating potential rentals, and completing paperwork.
Natalia’s goal at Begin Anew is to use her decades of housing research and experience in the Metro area to help others find the home they need.
Angie Barkdull
Recovery Navigator
Angela recently graduated from MN Adult and Teen Challenge and is celebrating 21 months of sobriety from meth and alcohol addiction. Her journey has been one of transformation, filled with challenges, but she has found strength, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose along the way.
Now working as a Recovery Navigator, Angela is dedicated to helping others reach their recovery goals. Her personal experiences have taught her that change is possible, and she is committed to being a source of support and inspiration for those facing similar struggles. Angela believes in the power of community and the incredible process of healing, and she strives to guide others as they work to reclaim their lives and build brighter futures for themselves and their families
Amanda Amundson
Recovery Navigator
Amanda is a person in long-term recovery and is currently serving a year-long term with AmeriCorps’ Recovery Corps program. Her journey from addiction to crystal meth left her feeling lifeless and on the verge of losing her children twice to CPS. Now, as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Amanda has found a deep and indescribable joy in life. She has full custody of her children and manages her mental health without turning to substances.
Amanda’s mission as a Recovery Navigator is to help those struggling with addiction, both in active use and recovery, maintain sobriety and access the resources they need to build healthy, independent lives. She is passionate about her work and is dedicated to offering hope to others, proving that recovery is possible.
William Erhart - Chair
Joe Morris - Vice Chair
Kirk Lundmark - Secretary
