When you feel unreachable, we are here. Reach out.

Staff and Board

Meet Our Team

We are trained specialists.

We love what we do. It’s not always easy, but that’s what makes it so meaningful. Reach’s clinical staff are all licensed masters level therapists, certified advanced alcohol and drug counselors, and are experienced in treating co-occurring mental health conditions and trauma.

Clinicians

Kyle (He/Him) obtained his master’s degrees through the dual-track Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work program at Western Theological Seminary and Grand Valley State University. He became impassioned through his own therapist and colleagues to provide others with the same safe space to engage the deepest questions of life, to learn more about their innermost selves, and to seek relief from the suffering addiction can cause.

Alissa was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University and chose this work because of her passion for people. She enjoys finding ways to overcome life’s challenges and values seeing people find confidence in themselves and strength in their own journey. Alissa’s favorite activity is reading, watching movies, and listening to music. She also enjoys volunteering in her community and has volunteered with Girl Scouts for a number of years.

Allison graduated Grand Valley State University in April 2023 with her MSW and specializes in substance use disorders. One of Allison’s biggest goals as a therapist is to work alongside her clients on their journey to feeling empowered and understood while they battle through their addiction and other mental health disorders. Allison works at Harbor House and will provide a safe, structured environment to recover. Outside of work, you can find Allison lifting weights in the gym, taking walks, and spending time with her fiancée, pup, and kitty at home. 

John received degree(s) from Grand Valley State, Ferris State, and Northwestern Michigan College in Social Work and Paralegal/Business Studies.  He hopes to be a channel of positive planned change for anyone in need.  John is an advocate for social justice designed to build a better future for everyone with no exclusions.  John enjoys reading, writing, and music.

Valerie begins her work with clients by establishing an authentic connection and validating their experiences. She has a focused approach for treating addiction, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, relationship issues, life transitions, and trauma. This includes mindfulness, values clarification, problem-solving, DBT (dialectical behavior therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Internal Family Systems, and body-based somatic experiencing for trauma healing and integration. LGBTQIA+ Ally. She finds purpose and meaning through helping others. Valerie connects with the world by being outside in nature, enjoys running, hiking, disc golf, fishing, and yoga. 
 

Tara received her Masters of Social Work from Western Michigan University and carries with her over 25 years of clinical experience at Reach. There is little that Tara has not seen. Tara believes in meeting people where they are at and recognizes the challenges and the courage it takes for people to reach out for help.

Jordan is a Physician Assistant specializing in Addiction Medicine. She is from Illinois and attended Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Michigan, graduating with a Biomedical Sciences degree and continuing her education with their Physician Assistant graduate program. Becoming a Physician Assistant allowed Jordan to help people lead healthy, fulfilling lives, which is a passion of hers. While she is not working, Jordan loves parenting her two Victorian Bulldogs, Gus, and Panini, and exploring new places with her husband. She also prioritizes staying physically active through walking, hiking, biking, yoga, and CrossFit activities. 

Linda earned her bachelor of science in nursing at Northern Michigan University and attended Grand Valley State University for her graduate degree and nurse practitioner education.  She has been a nurse for more than 40 years and spent most of her career as a provider in an emergency department. She also worked part-time providing medical-forensic evaluations for victims of domestic and sexual violence.  For Linda, providing compassionate care, encouragement and support to this patient population is extremely rewarding. Linda also enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, music, and skiing.

Traci graduated from Western Michigan University in June 2023 with her MSW-clinical with a concentration in substance use disorders. Traci believes that people who live with substance use or mental health disorders deserve to be heard and live life to its fullest. She wants to help at least one or two people find hope that they may not have otherwise. When Traci is not studying or working, she loves to spend time with her husband and daughter watching sports, she is an avid reader and is learning how to paint. 

Jenna has a Master’s degree in Social Work and one of her greatest goals is to empower those she works with to understand their own worth and cultivate a deeper belief in themselves. When outside of work, Jenna enjoys spending time with her new puppy, Piper! Jenna is so excited to get to know you, hear your story, and walk alongside you here at Reach! 

Peter was born in Pontiac, MI, and raised in Grand Haven, MI. He earned both his BSW and MSW at Grand Valley State University School of Social Work. Peter’s hobbies largely consist of outdoor activities such as backpacking, practicing bushcraft skills, and walking with his dog.  In his journey of becoming an Eagle Scout, he had partaken in a great deal of mentoring. He later discovered that social work had a unique branch known as Adventure or Experiential Therapy. His passion for being outdoors and helping individuals had become a dream come true!

Jim Stark has a long history of providing mental and substance use treatment in a variety of settings. Addressing the individual needs of consumers in a holistic manner is always a priority for Jim. He works at the Chester A. Ray Center House where provides a safe, supportive and structured environment.

Meet our Board

Reach is a community supported organization.

Reach for Recovery is governed by a board of directors who are dedicated to providing treatment and the hope of recovery for individuals and families struggling with alcoholism and chemical dependency. If you’re interested in opportunities to serve on our board of directors, reach out to learn more.

Our Board of Directors

Andrew Davenport, Executive Director
Tom Lagone, President
Linda Jacobs, Vice President
Steve Darrow, Treasurer
Chuck Kohlruss, Past President 
Leonard Fazio
Lindsey Gorsline
Bill Paxton
Dr. Mark Stid 
Terrence Taylor