Executive Board Members
President, Darnell Jennings II
Darnell is an avid spokesperson for individuals and families that have been impacted from mental health ailments and substance use disorders. He is a humble native Detroiter that joined MAADAC to help serve those that share the passion of improving addiction and recovery services through advocacy and providing training for treatment professionals. “I wanted to see a positive change happen in the area that I grew up in, which has been plagued with addiction and limited access to treatment resources. My personal life’s experiences has inspired me to work as a public servant to help bridge the gap between those who provide wellness services, and those who need access to those services and resources the most”. Darnell holds an advanced business degree with a focus in public administration, in addition to an undergraduate degree in social science from Wayne State University.
Darnell is an avid spokesperson for individuals and families that have been impacted from mental health ailments and substance use disorders. He is a humble native Detroiter that joined MAADAC to help serve those that share the passion of improving addiction and recovery services through advocacy and providing training for treatment professionals. “I wanted to see a positive change happen in the area that I grew up in, which has been plagued with addiction and limited access to treatment resources. My personal life’s experiences has inspired me to work as a public servant to help bridge the gap between those who provide wellness services, and those who need access to those services and resources the most”. Darnell holds an advanced business degree with a focus in public administration, in addition to an undergraduate degree in social science from Wayne State University.
Vice President, Ronnie Tyson
- Ronnie Tyson, LMSW, CAADC, CCS-D is Director of Outpatient Services @ Flint Odyssey House and Clinical Supervisor @ Wellness Aids Services Inc. My administrative and clinical roles have increased my awareness how policy makers use structural factors motivate organizational behavior and create sober, safe, and healthy living environments. I have worked in the field of social services since 1990 and become conscious how policy design impacts my professional practice. I have developed an understanding how organizations are required to respond to policy and funding shifts which is really about directing organizational and practitioner behavior.
Secretary, Nicole Stroub
Nicole Stroub, CADC, CPRC, working in the SUD field since 2016 as a Recovery Coach. In 2019, Nicole transferred to Flint Odyssey House, where she was able to acquire supervision for her CADC Development Plan and start counseling clients. Nicole obtained her MCBAP certification for alcohol and drug counseling (CADC) in January 2023. Nicole gained status as a CCAR Recovery Coach Trainer, a Narcan Trainer and Distributor, as well as a Recovery Coach Manager for Outpatient SUD treatment. Nicole excels in individual and group counseling, leadership, providing resources, networking with coaches all across the country, and program development. As the Executive Secretary for MAADAC since October of 2021, Nicole continues to be able to provide advocacy for clients with substance use disorders and provide outreach and resources to Michigan counselors/social workers/recovery coaches. Nicole also contributes to the Board with her lived experience with addiction, wide range of IT skills, and unique perspective as both a clinician and a recovery coach. Nicole is passionate about advocating for Professional Development for recovery coaches through training, mentorship, supervision and support. Nicole is married with 5 kids total in her blended family. Nicole is also a person in long term recovery, with 9+ years free from addiction.
Nicole Stroub, CADC, CPRC, working in the SUD field since 2016 as a Recovery Coach. In 2019, Nicole transferred to Flint Odyssey House, where she was able to acquire supervision for her CADC Development Plan and start counseling clients. Nicole obtained her MCBAP certification for alcohol and drug counseling (CADC) in January 2023. Nicole gained status as a CCAR Recovery Coach Trainer, a Narcan Trainer and Distributor, as well as a Recovery Coach Manager for Outpatient SUD treatment. Nicole excels in individual and group counseling, leadership, providing resources, networking with coaches all across the country, and program development. As the Executive Secretary for MAADAC since October of 2021, Nicole continues to be able to provide advocacy for clients with substance use disorders and provide outreach and resources to Michigan counselors/social workers/recovery coaches. Nicole also contributes to the Board with her lived experience with addiction, wide range of IT skills, and unique perspective as both a clinician and a recovery coach. Nicole is passionate about advocating for Professional Development for recovery coaches through training, mentorship, supervision and support. Nicole is married with 5 kids total in her blended family. Nicole is also a person in long term recovery, with 9+ years free from addiction.
Board of Directors
Tammie Fogal
Tammie L. Fogal, M.A., LLP, CCTP, CMHAIP, is a limited licensed psychologist, certified clinical trauma professional and a certified mental health addiction informed professional. Tammie has been practicing in the field of mental health, neuropsychology, brain injury and rehabilitation, and addictions therapy for over 20 years. She currently runs her own private practice. She provides substance use assessments and treatment, autism and ADHD assessments, and cognitive behavioral treatment for mental health disorders. Tammie worked for Central Michigan University for 16 years. She has also served on nonprofit boards, consulted with multiple businesses regarding hiring and organizational practices, as well as a trainer for law enforcement and correction officers on the prevention of PTSD, trainer for suicide awareness, as well as a variety of psychological and educational topics.
Tammie L. Fogal, M.A., LLP, CCTP, CMHAIP, is a limited licensed psychologist, certified clinical trauma professional and a certified mental health addiction informed professional. Tammie has been practicing in the field of mental health, neuropsychology, brain injury and rehabilitation, and addictions therapy for over 20 years. She currently runs her own private practice. She provides substance use assessments and treatment, autism and ADHD assessments, and cognitive behavioral treatment for mental health disorders. Tammie worked for Central Michigan University for 16 years. She has also served on nonprofit boards, consulted with multiple businesses regarding hiring and organizational practices, as well as a trainer for law enforcement and correction officers on the prevention of PTSD, trainer for suicide awareness, as well as a variety of psychological and educational topics.
Shawn Baker
Shawn Baker BS, CADC, CCS serves as a Senior Regional Operations Director for Great Lakes Recovery Centers. He provides oversite for all of the GLRC programs on the Eastern part of the Upper Peninsula. He began his career at Men’s New Hope House in 1997 and has been working in the field of substance use disorders ever since. He has been privileged to work in and oversee an array of services including prevention, residential, recovery housing, outpatient and recovery coaches. Shawn holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and is a certified alcohol and drug counselor as well as a certified clinical Supervisor. Shawn loves the outdoors and is an avid waterfowl hunter and enjoys spending time with his family.
Shawn Baker BS, CADC, CCS serves as a Senior Regional Operations Director for Great Lakes Recovery Centers. He provides oversite for all of the GLRC programs on the Eastern part of the Upper Peninsula. He began his career at Men’s New Hope House in 1997 and has been working in the field of substance use disorders ever since. He has been privileged to work in and oversee an array of services including prevention, residential, recovery housing, outpatient and recovery coaches. Shawn holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and is a certified alcohol and drug counselor as well as a certified clinical Supervisor. Shawn loves the outdoors and is an avid waterfowl hunter and enjoys spending time with his family.
Elizabeth Guisinger
Beth Guisinger, MA, LPC, CAADC is the Director of Utilization Management at Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health. She has worked for the region 4 PIHP since 2013. After a decade hiatus from college, she returned to school to obtain her BS in Psychology from Western Michigan University, and continued to obtain her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Beth believes that all people should be able to access quality behavioral health services, with the dignity and respect they deserve, no matter their insurance or socioeconomic status. She is an advocate of long-term supportive services that focus on integrated wellness and healing. When not working to try and make the world a better place, she enjoys living life to the fullest with her family, being a PTO mom, and using her passionate voice for those that are unable, or unwilling, to use their own.
Beth Guisinger, MA, LPC, CAADC is the Director of Utilization Management at Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health. She has worked for the region 4 PIHP since 2013. After a decade hiatus from college, she returned to school to obtain her BS in Psychology from Western Michigan University, and continued to obtain her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Beth believes that all people should be able to access quality behavioral health services, with the dignity and respect they deserve, no matter their insurance or socioeconomic status. She is an advocate of long-term supportive services that focus on integrated wellness and healing. When not working to try and make the world a better place, she enjoys living life to the fullest with her family, being a PTO mom, and using her passionate voice for those that are unable, or unwilling, to use their own.
Jennifer Hurst
I am the education and training chair for MAADAC. I have been a member of NAADAC and MAADAC for the past five years. I have worked in the behavioral health field for almost 30 years working in many rolls from administrative support, Behavioral health tech, clinician, and newest roll, clinical supervisor. I have worked in multiple service settings from outpatient to residential, for-profit to nonprofit agencies, and in a homeless shelter working with children, adolescents, and/or adults with both mental health and substance use issues. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor who received a Master of Arts degree from Oakland University. I have presented at a Michigan Counselor Association conference and at a Families Against Narcotics meeting. I am enthusiastic to bring education and training supports to those working in the field in order to provide the best care and treatment available to those in need.
I am the education and training chair for MAADAC. I have been a member of NAADAC and MAADAC for the past five years. I have worked in the behavioral health field for almost 30 years working in many rolls from administrative support, Behavioral health tech, clinician, and newest roll, clinical supervisor. I have worked in multiple service settings from outpatient to residential, for-profit to nonprofit agencies, and in a homeless shelter working with children, adolescents, and/or adults with both mental health and substance use issues. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor who received a Master of Arts degree from Oakland University. I have presented at a Michigan Counselor Association conference and at a Families Against Narcotics meeting. I am enthusiastic to bring education and training supports to those working in the field in order to provide the best care and treatment available to those in need.
Stephen Thiele
Stephen Thiele is a State Certified Peer Recovery Coach. He is a person with Lived Experience with Substance Use Disorder. He has worked or volunteered in the West Michigan Area for the last 5 years. He holds a business degree in Business Marketing and Management from Muskegon Community College. He is also a CCAR Certified Trainer for Recovery Coaches. Stephen believes in Multiple Pathways to Recovery. We all need to work together to support people struggling with Substance Use Disorder. Stephen entered into Recovery in July, 2017 following an intense addiction to opioids, cocaine, and meth. Stephen brings a non-judgemental approach to helping people navigate through their process. He is deeply compassionate and wants to meet people "where they are at" in their journey. Stephen brings a unique skill set to assisting people through the recovery process.
Stephen Thiele is a State Certified Peer Recovery Coach. He is a person with Lived Experience with Substance Use Disorder. He has worked or volunteered in the West Michigan Area for the last 5 years. He holds a business degree in Business Marketing and Management from Muskegon Community College. He is also a CCAR Certified Trainer for Recovery Coaches. Stephen believes in Multiple Pathways to Recovery. We all need to work together to support people struggling with Substance Use Disorder. Stephen entered into Recovery in July, 2017 following an intense addiction to opioids, cocaine, and meth. Stephen brings a non-judgemental approach to helping people navigate through their process. He is deeply compassionate and wants to meet people "where they are at" in their journey. Stephen brings a unique skill set to assisting people through the recovery process.
Peyton Cutting
Peyton Cutting is currently a student at Central Michigan University pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology to then obtain her PhD to become a licensed clinical psychologist. Peyton has a desire to provide therapy for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. Her projected graduation date for her undergraduate studies is Spring 2024. Peyton has made the Dean’ list multiple times and maintains a GPA of 3.50+. She currently resides in northern Michigan and enjoys spending her time outdoors with her boyfriend, family, and her many animals, including her two dogs, Guinea pig, 24 chickens, and ducks. “My animals bring me so much joy. They are very therapeutic for me and someday I hope I can provide the same therapeutic effects through animal-assisted therapy for those with mental health and substance use disorders.”
Peyton Cutting is currently a student at Central Michigan University pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology to then obtain her PhD to become a licensed clinical psychologist. Peyton has a desire to provide therapy for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. Her projected graduation date for her undergraduate studies is Spring 2024. Peyton has made the Dean’ list multiple times and maintains a GPA of 3.50+. She currently resides in northern Michigan and enjoys spending her time outdoors with her boyfriend, family, and her many animals, including her two dogs, Guinea pig, 24 chickens, and ducks. “My animals bring me so much joy. They are very therapeutic for me and someday I hope I can provide the same therapeutic effects through animal-assisted therapy for those with mental health and substance use disorders.”
April Ruthing
My name is April Ruthig and I am a Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist. I also identify as a person in recovery. I struggled with my substance use disorder for 15 years to heroin and crack cocaine, I came into recovery Feb. 27th, 2017. I am also a survivor of human trafficking. I have been working in the addiction field for the last 6 years as a coach here in Michigan and now as a Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist for an online Medicated Assisted Treatment Program for the past 2 years. I am a harm reductionist. I am also a senior at Wayne State University graduating in May 2024 with my Bachelors in Social Work. I am also a AHEC Scholar student and an Ambassador Student, working with other students of other disciples on interpersonal practice. I will be moving onto my Master in Social work in the Advanced Standing Program in the Spring/Summer of 2024. My heart is in fighting for the change that is needed for those who suffer from Substance Use Disorder and eliminating the stigma that surrounds it.
My name is April Ruthig and I am a Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist. I also identify as a person in recovery. I struggled with my substance use disorder for 15 years to heroin and crack cocaine, I came into recovery Feb. 27th, 2017. I am also a survivor of human trafficking. I have been working in the addiction field for the last 6 years as a coach here in Michigan and now as a Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist for an online Medicated Assisted Treatment Program for the past 2 years. I am a harm reductionist. I am also a senior at Wayne State University graduating in May 2024 with my Bachelors in Social Work. I am also a AHEC Scholar student and an Ambassador Student, working with other students of other disciples on interpersonal practice. I will be moving onto my Master in Social work in the Advanced Standing Program in the Spring/Summer of 2024. My heart is in fighting for the change that is needed for those who suffer from Substance Use Disorder and eliminating the stigma that surrounds it.