Music saved our lives.
Now we pass it on.
// Our mission
We amplify the power of music to fuel emotional recovery.
Rock to Recovery helps people heal and transform their lives through the powerful experience of writing, playing, and performing music as a group.
Founded 12/12/12. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 46-2782110) operating in California, Oregon, Tennessee, and Florida — plus international work through the Air Force Wounded Warrior program.
// The founder
Wes Geer built the program he wished he'd had.
Guitarist, songwriter, producer. Founding member of Hed P.E. — signed to Jive Records, touring globally for eight years.
In 2010, after getting sober, Wes joined Korn as touring guitarist, playing to crowds of 80,000 across 42 countries.
He is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC I). In his own treatment he noticed music was missing from the curriculum — so on 12/12/12 he built the program he wished he'd had.
“When I was in treatment for addiction, strumming the guitar was the only thing that would bring me peace. I saw how that connection to music helped others in treatment with me — even people who had never played guitar. That's where the idea for Rock to Recovery was born.”
// Sister company
Rock to Recovery is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 46-2782110) that funds music-session scholarships for underserved communities that could not otherwise access them. Rock to Recovery raises the funds, sets scholarship eligibility and program standards, awards the scholarships, selects recipients, oversees governance, and reports outcomes to donors. Every session is performed by BandJAM LLC, a related for-profit platform co-founded in 2025 by Wes Geer and David Carter that operates the professional musician (“JAM Master”) network, under a written services agreement approved by Rock to Recovery’s independent directors. BandJAM performs scholarship sessions at a reduced rate and provides the operational back end — scheduling, billing, insurance, and recruiting, vetting and paying the musicians. A $325 session is co-funded by a $125 donor gift, $125 contributed in-kind by BandJAM, and a $100 recipient co-pay.
More about BandJAM →// The crew
Board, advisors, and the road team.
Board of Directors
Twelve directors, every one unpaid — including the founder.
Wesley Geer
Founder & President
Sonny Mayo
Brand Ambassador
Sharon Chambers-Gilday
Treasurer
Paul Moen
Board of Directors
Michelle Rose Gilman
Board of Directors
Jen Sugermeyer
Board of Directors
Stephanie Hunt
Board of Directors
Keri Ann Kimball
Board of Directors
Jennifer Gimenez
Board of Directors
Tim Ryan
Board of Directors
Tom Jones
Board of Directors
Laury Martin
Board of Directors
Great Nonprofits — Top Rated
5 of 5 stars · 61 reviews · Arts & Culture category leader
Candid Platinum
Seal of Transparency
Source: IRS Form 990-EZ, calendar year 2024. Rock to Recovery, EIN 46-2782110.
Advisory Board
Anthony Christopher
Advisor
Billy Morrison
Advisor
Eden Sassoon
Advisor
Elenie Reese
Advisor
Erica Krusen
Advisor
Franky Perez
Advisor
Jason Wahler
Advisor
Morgan Freed
Advisor
Shawn Wehan
Advisor
Priscilla Vento
Advisor
// FAQ
The stuff people ask backstage.
When was Rock to Recovery founded?
12/12/12, by Wes Geer.
Where do you operate?
California, Oregon, Tennessee, and Florida — across 100+ partner facilities — plus international work through the Air Force Wounded Warrior program.
Do participants need musical experience?
None. We work with all ages and abilities.
What happens to the songs?
Every session's song is recorded live and published to our SoundCloud catalog — 42,000+ and counting.
Who qualifies?
People in addiction recovery, mental health treatment, eating disorder treatment, co-occurring disorders, at-risk youth, and Wounded Warriors.
Who can receive Rock to Recovery sessions?
We serve nonprofit and government organizations exclusively: treatment centers, VA and military programs, schools, juvenile justice, foster care, and shelters. Corporate and private-pay experiences are offered separately by our sister organization, BandJAM.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — EIN 46-2782110.
Can our nonprofit afford this?
Scholarships are available for nonprofits and state-funded entities — email info@rocktorecovery.org to apply.
- Listed on GuideStar
// Governance
Wes Geer serves as President of Rock to Recovery and CEO of BandJAM. The delivery relationship was approved by Rock to Recovery's independent directors with Mr. Geer abstaining, is reviewed annually, and is documented in a written services agreement at a reduced scholarship rate.