Lakota Panella found sobriety in 2017 at 21 years old through the FullCircle Program in Arizona, where he grew up. His journey began years earlier as a participant in the Pathways Program in 2012, before entering FullCircle as a participant in 2014. These experiences shaped not only his recovery but also his calling to help others find hope and healing.
Lakota has worked across multiple areas of the recovery field, serving as a recovery house manager, residential staff, and IOP counselor before returning to FullCircle as staff. He has held several roles with the Denver Older Group, including 90-Day Staff and now Senior Staff, where he provides support for young adults ages 18–26.
Known for his crisis intervention skills, empathy, and steady perspective, Lakota is someone people naturally turn to for guidance, encouragement, and practical recovery tools. His commitment to recovery is deeply personal, rooted in the belief that helping others discover hope is life’s most meaningful work.
Lakota and his wife, Cassidy — whom he met through the program — now live in Colorado, where they are building their life together.
