Guiding women to recovery with expertise and experience...

A small and highly-skilled all-female staff adds to the attentive and personalized feel of Our Hope.

Executive Director Carolyn J. Avery, MPA, RHIT, LPN, CADC, CCS-M, received her undergraduate degree in Health Services Administration from Ferris State University and her Master's degree in Public Administration with a Health Administration focus from Western Michigan University.  She is also a Registered Health Information Technician and a Licensed Practical Nurse.  Carolyn is certified as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor and as a Clinical Supervisor in the State of Michigan.  Carolyn brought her extensive experience in mental health care, chemical dependency and administrative and clinical management to Our Hope in August 2011, after working most recently as Program Director of the Addictions Residential Treatment programs for Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services and before that, for Hope Network Behavioral Health Services.  She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Cherry Street Health Services and on the Substance Use Disorder Advisory Council for Network 180.

Director of Marketing and Development Rae Green, MA, LPC, received her undergraduate degree in History from Alma College, then studied at Detroit College of Law, receiving her JD degree in 1987.  After raising her children and volunteering and eventually managing several non-profit organizations, Rae pursued and received a Master’s degree in Counselor Education from Western Michigan University.  She joined Our Hope in her current position in 2009 and has been instrumental in working with the Clinical Team to upgrade Our Hope’s services offering, as well as working to increase awareness of Our Hope among prospective clients and donors.

Our Clinicians are all Masters Level Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors licensed in substance abuse and mental health therapy.

Clinical Supervisor Ann Leasher, LMSW, SPADA, CADC, received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s in Social Work.  She holds a Specialty Certification in Alcohol and Drug Abuse (SPADA) and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor, currently pursuing advanced certification.  Ann joined Our Hope in 1999, following her experience working with families coping with mental health and substance use issues, developmental disabilities and trauma issues.  In addition to serving as Our Hope’s Clinical Supervisor, Ann specializes in the issues of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA), grief and loss, anxiety and depression and family of origin work.

Clinical Therapist Carleen Kormos, LLMSW, received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s in Social Work from Grand Valley State University.  Carleen began as a Clinical Intern at Our Hope while pursuing her MSW and has been in her current position as a Clinical Therapist since receiving her graduate degree.  Carleen has been instrumental in integrating music and other art-related therapy into her didactic groups and individual sessions.

Clinical Therapist Megan Besemer, LMSW, CAADC, ADS, received her Bachelor's degree with a double major in Psychology and Sociology and holds a Master's degree in Social Work.  Megan is a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor and is also credentialed as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist. She provides Acudetox to clients at Our Hope as well as by appointment to women in the community. Megan teaches a Beginners Yoga class at Our Hope, helping to incorporate recovery with the mind, body, and spirit. She is also qualified by the State of Michigan to provide court-mandated Substance Abuse Assessments for women in need of this service. Megan has past experience working in the court system and also currently works as a Therapist at YWCA West Central Michigan helping women and families work through domestic violence and sexual abuse.

Clinical Therapist Heather Wiszczur, LMSW, CAADC, ADS, received her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science with a Health Studies Concentration and Psychology Cognate from Michigan State University and her Master’s in Social Work from Grand Valley State University.  Heather began as a Clinical Intern at Our Hope while pursuing her MSW and on receiving her degree, began as a Clinical Therapist.  Heather is credentialed as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist and provides acupuncture detoxification treatments as part of treatment and by appointment to women in the community.  She is also qualified by the State of Michigan to provide court-mandated Substance Abuse Assessments for women in need of this service.  Heather also developed and will be facilitating Our Hope’s new Parenting Program, which will be offered to both current clients and other interested women.

Our Hope is also supported by a dedicated group of long term staff members, some of whom are in recovery themselves.

Office Manager, Manager of Resident Supervision, and Recovery Coach Valarie Manes has been associated with Our Hope since 2000. Val began as a Resident Supervisor, eventually achieving her current Management position.  Prior to joining Our Hope, Val gained extensive experience as an Executive Assistant, having completed studies in business and administration.  Val is passionate about helping women in recovery and states that she “feels very blessed to see women who have come in broken and hopeless evolve into the individuals they have dreamed of being and watch recovery working in their lives.” 

Administrative Assistant and Recipient Rights Advisor Constance Beatty has served Our Hope since 1978.  Connie began as an Office Assistant.  She has also served as a Resident Supervisor, which she continues to do as a substitute. With her extensive experience, Connie can always be counted on to answer just about any questions about Our Hope’s history and programs.

Health and Safety Manager and Maintenance Supervisor Nancy Long has served Our Hope since 2001. She began by volunteering her services to Our Hope, eventually being hired as Maintenance Supervisor in 2004.  Nancy is also a certified Red Cross CPR/First Aid, Blood Borne Pathogen Instructor and provides health and safety instruction to Staff and clients.

Resident Supervisor Sheila McCarthy has been in her current position at Our Hope since 2007.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and previously served as a Medical Social Worker.

Resident Supervisor Jennifer Arnold joined Our Hope in the Summer of 2011.  She holds an A.S. in Criminal Justice with a focus in Addiction Treatment, as well as CCJP Certification.  Jen also holds a Commercial Drivers License, enabling her to help in the community by transporting people in Treatment Centers to a recovery-based spiritual program called Community Recovery.  She loves what she does, saying, "I am totally invested in helping the women and children in our community who are affected by the disease of addiction and am proud to be a part of the Our Hope team of professionals."

Resident Supervisor Sabrina James has been in her current position at Our Hope since June 2009.  She holds two Associate’s degrees from Grand Rapids Community College, one in Criminal Justice and the other in Youth Services.  Sabrina is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Grand Valley State University and plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work on completion of her undergraduate studies.