Dancing with the Recovery Stars

Just like dancing, “…life doesn’t go our way all of the time.” – Recovery Star, Matthew

Going through recovery from mental health struggles, trauma, or addiction requires perseverance and resiliency.

Tune in as Matthew explains how dancing is similar to recovery.

Meet our host!

Stephen has a sobriety date of Nov. 2022. He enjoys riding motorcycles and is a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. He also enjoys cooking meals for those in recovery. We can’t wait to have you as our MC entertainment!

Highlights from DWTRS 2025

Meet the dancers from 2025!

Mwanza (Knox)

Mwanza is 45 years young and grew up in an area of South-Central Africa called Zambia. He has been sober since Nov. 15, 2024. He had dreams of becoming an accountant and graduated with an associate’s degree—a degree in which his addiction robbed him of utilizing. Mwanza has enjoyed dancing and performing since a young age and has rediscovered his passion during his sobriety.

Tiffany S.

Tiffany proudly accumulated 12 years of sobriety and is a passionate advocate for God and recovery. Drawing from her personal experience with trauma and addiction, Tiffany remains closely involved within the recovery community. She is excited to begin her educational journey in the fall of 2025, pursuing a CACDC license. Tiffany has been reunited with her long-lost passion for dancing through Sheathed. She describes the transformative power of dance as a powerful tool for individuals to process their experiences, rebuild their self-worth, and reconnect with their bodies.

Jaimo (Cherrelle) F.

Cherrelle was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She is the first person in her family to graduate from college, earning her second degree in May 2025. This summer marks year 3 of sobriety. She endeavors to start her own business and travel the world! Cherrelle discovered she has a green thumb and has recently started an indoor garden. Her passion is to be of service to God’s people, all people, and make their lives a little better.

Austin H.

Growing up, Austin had an unstable home life. He has lived in many areas of the country, including Arizona for 7 years. He has been sober for 1 year. He enjoys working out at the gym and learning how to Waltz. He is in the process of pursuing a degree in Construction Program Management.

Darren J.

Darren, 43, is a proud recovering addict with a sobriety date of Feb. 24, 2021. Having battled and overcome methamphetamine and heroin addictions, Darren has transformed his life into purpose and service. He is a dedicated father to his son and an active leader in the recovery community. Darren serves on the Board of Directors for a transitional living facility, where he works tirelessly to walk alongside others during their own journeys. Spending more than a decade incarcerated, Darren has overcome significant adversities. Darren has chosen to leave his criminal life behind him and is dedicated to proving that recovery and resiliency is possible through mentorship.

Zachary S.

Zach is 37 years young and has been sober from heroin for 10 years. In his youth, he lost his mother to cancer, leaving a lasting impact on his mental wellbeing. Zach tussled with his addiction in his 20s as he attempted to self-medicate. Not long after sobriety, Zach was hit by a car as a pedestrian, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Over the next several years, Zach learned new coping mechanisms—dancing being one of his favorites! Today, he is on the Board of Directors for the Fort Wayne affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Rhonda

Rhonda Sue is 54 years young. She considers herself an ‘orphaned adult’ as she is alienated from her family. She lost her precious son to suicide when he was only 16 years old. She has struggled with substance use for several years; however, her sobriety date is May 12, 2024. She has a passion for helping those reintegrating into the community after incarceration, as well as community outreach. She loves rocks and has a unique rock collection. She is excited to be a part of the women’s formation dance. 

Katie

Katie’s journey to sobriety began in January 2020—just two months before the world hit pause. Little did she know, while everything else was shutting down, her life was finally opening up. Dancing has always been Katie’s heartbeat. It’s where she feels most alive, most free. It’s also how she met her husband—on a dance floor, where their story truly began. Today, she shares her love of dancing with her three adult daughters and three granddaughters, believing wholeheartedly that “A family that dances together stays together.” Katie now works as a Crisis Recovery Specialist at the Northeastern Center, following her time as a Peer Recovery Coach with Hickory Recovery. Along her own recovery path, she discovered a powerful truth: numbing the pain only keeps you stuck in it. Her passion now is to help others unlock their own freedom—to break the chains of substance use disorder, to remind them they are never alone, and to inspire them to choose change. But Katie knows: every step forward begins with one person—the one in the mirror.

Danielle

A devoted mother and loving wife, she finds her deepest joy in the world of the arts—where movement, music, and emotion intertwine. Her passion has led her to join a vibrant women’s performance group, where creativity and camaraderie flourish. Now, she’s preparing for a powerful appearance in the event, a celebration of resilience and healing through dance. With every step, she honors her journey and the strength of those around her, using the stage not only to express herself but to inspire others. Her performance is more than choreography—it’s a testament to the transformative power of art and community.

Sockie Phommachanh

Sockie Phommachanh is a street dancer and instructor from Fort Wayne, IN, specializing in the art of Popping. He teaches at Neustalgic Grooves, a local community hip-hop program, and is dedicated to preserving, educating, and advancing street dance culture in Fort Wayne. He has been dancing for 17 years and has trained across many styles such as locking, salsa, and house. Through free events, battles, and workshops, Sockie works to uplift and empower others to pursue their passions and live joyfully through creativity. Outside of dance, Sockie volunteers for an organization for burn survivors ages 8 to 18 known as Hoosier Burn Camp, is an active member of an all styles street dance crew called ICNH, and is pursuing his doctorate in occupational therapy. You can learn more about him on Instagram at sockie_260.

Jesus’ Rosario

Jesus’ is passionate dance instructor

specializing in Latin and Ballroom genres,

he brings fiery passion and elegance to every

step. His classes are a whirlwind of energy,

where students learn not just the steps, but

also the soulful expression behind each

movement. Jesús’ dedication to his craft

and his infectious enthusiasm make him

a beloved figure in the dance community.

He currently sits on the boards of s

several organizations, where his passion for

people and building meaningful connections

continues to shine. His love for community

makes him an invaluable part of every team

he joins

Ticket information for 2026 will be announced soon!

General Admission

Stay tuned for 2026 ticket info!

Sponsorship Packages

Bronze Table

Sponsorship includes a reserved table seating 5 and a special acknowledgement at the event.


Silver Table


Gold Table

Platinum Table


We have options to get involved!

  • Volunteer
  • Become a virtual sponsor
  • Host a resource table
  • Submit a photo for our moment of silence and remembrance