Christopher "Cricket" Ronquest

From Hanover County, Virginia, Cricket was first exposed to recovery at the age of 15 when a judge ordered him to attend 12-step meetings because of his addiction. For nearly two decades, he continued to use substances uncontrollably until The McShin Foundation began a substance abuse program in Pamunkey Regional Jail, where he was incarcerated at the time. After having served the majority of his adult life incarcerated as a result of his addiction, he now has the privilege of entering jails and prisons to facilitate the same groups that changed his life. Cricket has found that the easiest way for him to continue on his pathway of recovery is to help others like him.

Since his graduation and release in August of 2015, he has not been arrested, has been a member of a multi jurisdiction re-entry council, has had his civil rights restored, and has traveled the country carrying his message of hope wherever he goes.

Cricket is the proud father of Caden and Colton, identical twins, and gets to enjoy being an active member of his family and community.