Ron Schnese (he/him) is a person in long term recovery and has lived experience with substance use, mental illness, HIV, homelessness, incarceration, and much more.

He was diagnosed in 2015 while in the Nevada Department of Corrections, High Desert facility and was offered no resources for HIV care or any other services when he was released in October of 2015. He has made it his life's work to be a resource to the Las Vegas community and connect those seeking care. As a certified peer recovery support specialist, he is able to provide one-on-one coaching for anyone struggling with substance use, mental health, HIV, and many other areas with which he has had direct experience. He currently works as the Linkage to Care Lead at The LGBTQIA Center of Southern Nevada and is also pursuing a degree in social work.