Joseph began working in the recovery field after joining the Continuation and Development Team, with the Recovery Alliance of El Paso, the recovery community organization that assisted him in his own recovery. Joseph celebrates the commencement of his recovery on October 2, 2005. 

As a distinguished graduate of the 2009 Leadership Institute for Recovery Support Service Emerging Leaders, Joseph has championed local, state, and national peer-based initiatives through active mentorship and servant leadership. In addition to his work within the recovery community, Joseph is committed to reaching out to LGBTQIA+ communities to eliminate homophobia and heterosexism. 

As a person living with HIV since 2003, his courage lends a face and voice for individuals with HIV & AIDS, as well as the millions of Americans living with substance use disorders. A passionate advocate for recovery, Joseph inspires others to view systems of care through a lens of hope and change, always embracing his personal mission statement, “To Inspire Positive Thinking and Forward Movement through Motivation, Education and Empowerment.”