Board President

Shelly is the Lead Case Manager for Jackson County Adult Treatment County and Administrative Manager for Signal 88 Security. She is a life-long resident of Jackson County and has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Spring Arbor University. Shelly and her husband Mike, proudly raise their children in the Jackson community. She is an avid runner and enjoys spending time outside with her family. Having 12 years in recovery from substance use disorder, she has a passion for helping others find their pathway to recovery and assisting them in developing a healthy life style.

Board Vice President

Branden Bennett, from Jackson, is the CEO of Kidz Klothez, a small not-for-profit providing warm coats for under-resourced children in Jackson County. Branden has cerebral palsy. But cerebral palsy has not prevented him from starting his own business and living in his own apartment through a self-determined living arrangement. Branden likes staying active and making a difference through public service.

Secretary & Treasurer

My name is Jan Carter. I spent six years as an Assistant to the Executive Director of a private mental health company working on CARF Accreditation standards, Quality Improvement and Human Relations, as well as chairing the Consumer Advisory Board. During that time, I experienced a brain assault that resulted in a craniotomy in 2009. It is my honor to use my experiences on both sides of the mental health system to help lead ARE. I have served on the ARE Board of Directors since January 2014 and am currently the secretary.