Reentry Reframed

Suit & Tie, All a Lie: The Real Nick Casarona

Mirror, Inc.

Nick Casarona, a talented athlete with a bright future ahead, graduated high school with his “ticket out” of Topeka. After accepting a scholarship in Florida to compete on a diving team, Nick eagerly awaited his opportunity to shine and make others proud. Unfortunately, a devastating twist of fate ended his dreams of being a collegiate athlete. From there, Nick pivoted in an entirely different direction deciding he would go to school where he obtained a masters degree in Banking and Finance from U of Colorado. Because he is incredibly intelligent and driven, he excelled in business. Throughout his illustrious career, Nick describes an inner turmoil as he struggled daily with addiction. While his road went further off course as he ventured into some of his darkest days, Nick dreamed of a better life. A life where he could be accepted for him, free of addiction- he longed to be a husband and father. This is a story of devastation and addiction; however, to hear where Nick is today will bring tears to your eyes. When he started seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as hope, not a train coming at him, he started over with a life full of redemption by helping others.