The middle of seven children, Don grew up on a farm with hard-working parents who had their own issues from childhood. The farm work led to a scholarship to play football at the University of Missouri at Columbia in 1977-79. He followed that with a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints in 1980. That experience was cut short by a developing problem with alcohol and drugs. A series of childhood tragedies, depression, anxiety, and bouts with addictions led him to an inpatient treatment program in 1986. Don found treatment and recovery such a profoundly gratifying experience that he returned to school, finished two degrees, became a licensed therapist, and for the past 35 years has dedicated himself to helping others find their way out too. The "Thawing the Iceberg Series" was born of all these experiences.
