Meet Our Co-Founders

Yeng Moua is a person in long-term recovery or “Y”, as he prefers to be called, has a passion for helping others, especially his fellow members of the Hmong community and people who have been justice-involved. He is grateful that his faith and his recovery have enabled him to be a husband, a father to his two sons, and a role model and mentor for others recovering from Substance Use Disorders. He is also one of the Co-Founder of KOOM RECOVERY.

As a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and co-founder of Koom Recovery, Xianna Mouayang leverage her lived experience with mental health and substance use disorders to support others on their recovery journeys. Xianna's own struggle with depression and substance use taught her the importance of addressing mental health to achieve lasting sobriety.

Now, as a mother in recovery pursuing a degree in Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Xianna is dedicated to helping others find their path to healing. Xianna believes in the principle, "In order to keep what you have, you must give it away," in which she strives to maintain her sobriety by aiding her community in overcoming the challenges of addiction.

Mai is a dedicated professional in business and leadership. With a Bachelor of Science in Business, Mai has worked in various roles, spending the last 13 years in upper management. Mai combines a strong educational foundation with practical experience to drive impactful results in leadership and organizational growth. Known for her strategic mindset and passion for developing others, Mai continues to inspire and lead in her professional endeavors.

Beyond her professional experience, Mai has personal experience with substance use disorder and the recovery process. She is passionate about providing a safe place for healing, and because she can pull from her own experiences, she is uniquely qualified to connect with the population we strive to serve. Based in Minnesota, Mai is committed to building meaningful connections and empowering the Hmong community through collaboration and shared success. 

Kia Lee, MSW, LICSW, MBA, is a proud Hmong woman, mental health professional, educator, and fierce advocate. Shaped by her intersecting identities and the refugee experience, Kia approaches life with passion and grit. Her practice, teaching, and research focus on holistic and integrated connections. 

As a Hmong woman navigating the complexities of culture, generational trauma, and disconnection to finding community and healing, I understand the importance of collective wellness rooted in knowledge and community care. Being part of KOOM allows me to contribute meaningfully to this vision. Healing happens in relationships, and I am committed to co-creating belonging, joy, and healing for individuals, groups, and communities. 

My professional background is rooted in community engagement, mental health services, and nonprofit programming, where I’ve had the privilege of leading initiatives that foster connection and empowerment for individuals on their recovery journeys.

I’m passionate about equity and wellness, and I believe in creating inclusive spaces that support healing and growth for underserved communities. My work has focused on substance use prevention, youth education, and building stronger, more connected communities.

I am committed to ensuring survivors of trauma and systemic inequities have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy helping others, diving into topics like psychology and spirituality, and engaging in conversations that inspire and challenge me. I believe that community and connection are the keys to creating lasting change, and I strive to embody that in all that I do.

Xai /Sai/Yang, LMSW  (He/Him/His)  is a Hmong Mental Health Social Worker born in Minnesota, living in New York City. Xai leverages a diverse background in union and political organizing, child welfare, substance abuse treatment, crisis intervention, public policy, clinical expertise, and social justice advocacy. Xai aspires to be part of a movement to help those struggling with addiction through healing, inner child work, treatment, and peer support. 

Xai struggles with addiction and wants a world where we can heal and talk about our vulnerabilities and stop numbing ourselves. That is WHY Xai Joined Koob Recovery. 

Xai's roots lie in the vibrant Hmong community. Xai is a son, uncle, and brother to 9 siblings. Mother is Tooj and father is Paj Txoo. They hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from St. Cloud State University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University. Xai has 25+ houseplants and enjoys biking and checking off his (never-ending) Wanderlust.