Byron Wattree

CATC III, IOP Supervisor

My name is Byron Wattree, a Pomona California native. I am currently the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Supervisor with His House New Creation, and an MFT student. I achieved my Bachelors of Sociology Degree at Adam State University in 2019. In addition, I hold a credential of Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor (CATC III).
I am a former gang member and recovering addict. I was engaged in that type of behavior for 30 years, and as a result of my behavior and poor decisions I was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison under the California three-strike law. I served 22 years in prison on that sentence, and while incarcerated I accomplished six associate degrees, a bachelor’s degree, and became a State Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor. I worked as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor in prison before being granted parole in 2019. I have been blessed to maintain my sobriety for the past 19 years.
Upon my release I have continued in the profession of addiction counselor and by no means am I proud of my past. For so many years I was a menace in my community; I knew that I wanted to become part of the answer instead of remaining the problem. I know for certainty, I would not have been able to successfully address my personal underlying issues and addiction struggles, that governed my poor decisions, without the assistance of Counselors, Case Workers, Prison Staff, and Peers. I believe my purpose and direction in life, as directed by God, has led me to use my experiences to assist others in accomplishing a life of happiness that we all deserve and have a right to experience.