Meet Robb Wessells: Team Leader and Pickleball Pro

This National Volunteer Week, we’re talking to the people turning recovery into a movement, one event, one conversation, one community at a time. 

In Asbury Park, NJ, that’s Robb Wessells. A Volunteer Team Leader with The Phoenix, Robb is helping spark something new in New Jersey: a growing network of volunteers, game nights with soul, and open mics where people really show up. His role? Rally the crew, build momentum, and create meaningful connections that fuse fun with purpose and heart. 

We sat down with Robb to talk about what leadership looks like in real life, how volunteering became a way to give back and move forward, and why the future of recovery in Monmouth County is looking pretty electric. 

The Phoenix (PHX): Why do you volunteer with The Phoenix?  

Robb Wessells (RW): I wanted to give back in any way that I could because The Phoenix does so much for the community. Our New Jersey volunteer manager Kim Bradle would always be at the events I attended and would always make suggestions to consider volunteering. She made it super easy and guided me in the right direction. I’m not a yoga instructor or a certified CrossFit instructor, but she encouraged me to participate by greeting and checking members into their events, or volunteering at table and tent events. I even had the opportunity to guest lecture at Monmouth University to students pursuing a career in recovery or social services. 

PHX: Why did you choose to step into a leadership role with The Phoenix as a volunteer (being a Volunteer Team Leader)? 

RW: I saw an amazing opportunity to help support and grow this community that has helped me and so many other people. I knew right away that this was something I wanted to pursue, and I'm grateful for the chance to be part of something bigger than myself. 

PHX: What do you get out of your role as a leadership volunteer at The Phoenix? 

RW: It brings me a great sense of joy to know that as a team leader we help provide a safe place for people to recover and have a chance to rediscover themselves. 

PHX: Do you want us to share anything about you professionally?  

RW: I spent the last 11 years in the clean energy field helping homeowners transition to clean energy (solar) for their homes. It has been a pretty rewarding career. I also work at an indoor pickleball facility called One Love in Ocean Township, NJ. It's amazing for so many reasons—mostly because I get to play quite a bit of pickleball at work .   

PHX: Do you want us to share anything about you personally? 

RW: I myself am in recovery, and I am extremely grateful for that. I am really into sports. I play a lot of pickleball as I mentioned. I play a lot of beach volleyball as well. I always loved to skate, but nowadays I just cruise around on a longboard at a very nice leisurely pace. I have a great network of sober people that are like family to me. We go to Six Flags, movies, vacations and all types of fun activities.