January Riggin-executive director

January Riggin is the founder of Soap2Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by homelessness, addiction, abuse, and trafficking. As a survivor of trafficking, domestic violence, and addiction, she is driven by her passion to fight against silence and advocate for victims of abuse who are forgotten. Founded in 2019, January started Soap2Hope to bridge the gap between recovery services and help others navigate resources with survivor peer support and effective case management, meeting people where they're at. The organization connects individuals to detox programs, prevention services, and peer support, empowering them to navigate recovery and regain control of their lives.

In addition to operating Soap2Hope, January serves as Co-Chair of the Victim Services of Human Trafficking subcommittee in Utah, providing a survivor’s voice to help shape local initiatives. She is also a Board Member of Hope on the T.A.P.P., offering mobile outreach and education, and has completed an LSAC program, becoming a peer advocate and certified Harm Reduction Advocate. Through her work, January remains committed to working to raise awareness and offering hope to those suffering in silence. Beyond her professional achievements, she enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, sports, and helping others find their voice.

AMY DAESCHEL

Amy Daeschel is a woman in long-term recovery and a fierce advocate for social change. For the past several years, Amy has contributed to several legislative actions and has worked heavily in substance use treatment settings, specializing in harm reduction, crisis support, client outreach, case management, and peer recovery. She is the Director of Outreach and Clinical Integration for Odyssey House and former Director of Client Services with Rasa Legal where she helped individuals access expungement. She also works with the Haven residential treatment center providing therapy for individuals with substance use disorder. Amy graduated summa cum laude from the University of Utah and holds a Master of Social Work degree. She is also certified as a Clinical Social Worker (CSW) and is Licensed as an Advanced Substance Disorder Counselor (LASUDC). Amy serves on the Advisory Board for Pulse for Good and is a member of Utah’s Opioid Task Force. Throughout her career, Amy has diligently helped to guide and support individuals battling addiction. As a board member of Soap2Hope, she is driven to continue to fight for all survivors of abuse, trafficking, and sexual exploitation.

Chante colvin- myers

Chante Colvin is a Substance Use Disorder Counselor and Client Relations Manager at High Desert Counseling, an outpatient facility in Saint George, Utah. As a person in long-term recovery and survivor of exploitation and trafficking, she is passionate about working with those seeking recovery and a new way of life. Since 2020, she has been working with substance abuse victims and helping others find a creative path to healing from their traumas. Chante strongly believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal from their past and live life through the lens of compassion towards self, and appreciation for that journey. Through Soap2Hope, as a survivor advocate and board member, Chante is honored to help survivors of exploitation and trafficking navigate recovery through healing and finding their own paths.

MELISSA CHENG

Melissa Cheng MD, MOH, MHS, FACOEM is double boarded in addiction medicine and occupational medicine. For the last 13 years she has worked diligently to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for all. She is a proud graduate of the University of Utah School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University.

CHRIS BOWMAN

Chris Bowman is a Program Manager for one of the Haven's residential facilities and has over five years of experience working with individuals battling substance use disorders.Chris Bowman is a Community Operations Director at Brighton Recovery Center with five years of experience working with individuals battling substance abuse disorders. In 2020, Chris received a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Utah and has been on the Soap2Hope Board of Directors since 2021. As a Community Operations Director, Chris is passionate about ensuring that patients in recovery receive the care and support they need to continue their paths to long-term recovery. Having worked in the substance abuse disorder field for several years, Chris understands that recovery communities and access to care are crucial for individuals in treatment. With his experience and drive to support individuals in recovery, Chris is proud to contribute to Soap2Hope’s efforts to help vulnerable community members and survivors of abuse in the Salt Lake City area. Chris is a loving husband, father, and avid outdoor enthusiast who loves backpacking, camping, hiking, and golfing from time to time.

Melissa Welsh

Melissa Welsh has been a dedicated member of the recovery community for over 12 years. Battling addiction, homelessness, and mental illness lit a fire within her to give back to the ashes from which she herself rose. From a young age, Melissa fell in love with helping others in her community and began working with agencies that serve at-risk and underserved youth. At the age of 18, she worked with The Department of Youth Services offering support to youth programs and worked at The Christmas Box House, an organization which helps to improve the quality of life for children, teens, and young adults who are victims of abuse, neglect, trafficking, or are facing homelessness. She began working at Odyssey House of Utah and then helped open 7th Street Treatment Center in 2017. Her true passion came to fruition in 2019 when she was asked to help build and manage Warrior Heart, Skull Valley Behavioral Health's women's program. Warrior Heart symbolizes the gift that women possess to fight and struggle against odds as a resilient Warrior even when the Heart is aching and injured. As a board member of Soap2Hope, Melissa is committed to ensuring survivors of trafficking/sexual exploitation have access to the resources and support they need.inspirational and we can't wait for everyone to hear about the amazing work she's doing now with Soap2hope!

Lauren Moser

Lauren Moser is a Program Manager/Intake Coordinator at The Road Home with over 8 years of dedicated service in the non-profit sector, focusing on serving marginalized communities. Her passion lies in working with the homeless, individuals struggling with addiction, and those who have been trafficked. Throughout her tenure, she has been deeply involved in developing and implementing programs that provide crucial support, resources, and advocacy for these communities. She is committed to driving positive change and shaping policies that address the complex needs of these vulnerable populations. Her ultimate goal is to contribute to a society where everyone has equal access to resources and opportunities, regardless of their circumstances. Lauren brings a passion and strong commitment for helping victims of abuse and trafficking to Soap2Hope and is proud to work with others to end violence and human trafficking in Utah.

heather peterson coates

Heather Peterson Coates is a survivor of sex work and exploitation, a recovery advocate, and the co-founder of Recovery Vibe, a non-profit organization that aims to teach individuals struggling with addiction on how to heal and have fun in recovery. While in recovery since 2018, Heather has been working in the recovery community in roles ranging from support staff to case manager. She is currently at Brighton Recovery Center and began business development for Brighton in May. Having overcome abuse, addiction, and pain in her life on her recovery journey, Heather is driven to help guide others in recovery in building healthy connections with themselves and with others. She is passionate about being a voice for victims of sex trafficking and exploitation and is driven to stop violence on women as a board member of Soap2Hope. Being a mother, traveling, and rebuilding her life with her family drive her continued recovery..