Management Staff
Ann E. Cole has been the CEO for ARE Inc. since 2009. She is active in the recovery community and is a regular presenter at recovery events on subjects including Person-Centered Planning, Peer Respite and Grant Writing. She chairs the Michigan Peer Recovery Coalition and consults frequently with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She has worked in the mental health field since 1988.
Amber Tierny, MA, CPSS, Chief Operations Officer
Johanna Nicolia-Adkins, MSW, MBA, CPSS, Chief Compliance & Operating Officer
Johanna is a leader in Michigan peer recovery. Aside from her duties as ARE’s CCO/COO, she serves as the president of DBSA Metro Detroit, Treasurer for the National Coalition for Mental Health Recovery, Vice President of Michigan Peer Recovery Coalition, and treasurer for Michigan Peer Specialists United. Before joining the team at ARE, Inc., Johanna worked in the field as a case manager, a Certified Peer Support Specialist and ran her own Drop-In Center in the Detroit area.
Yamma Kofflin, Jackson Drop-In Center Director
Yamma Kofflin is the Director of the Jackson Drop-In Center. Yamma has come up through the ranks at ARE, starting her career teaching the JDIC staff and members to dance the Thriller! She has also worked as our group’s driver, a Center Peer Specialist and the JDIC Assistant Director. Yamma has been instrumental is the development of our food program. She is an amazing chef having worked in numerous food service establishments. She can take donated food and create magic! Yamma brings a love of people and a talent for encouraging teamwork both with staff and members.
Ann E. Cole, BA, CPSS, Chief Executive Officer
Amber Tierny has a Master’s Degree in the area of counseling. Amber has both personal and professional experience in the areas of mental health and substance abuse.
Prior to her work at ARE, Amber worked for over 10 years with children ages 6-18. She has worked with families of juvenile delinquents, families effected by addiction, and children with learning disorders, cognitive disabilities, and emotional disturbances.
Amanda Crandall-Piper, BA, CPSS, Case Management Director
Amanda came to ARE as a college intern working towards her Bachelors in Human Services from Baker College. She was an instant “hit” with the members and staff at the Hillsdale Drop-In Center and was hired as a Certified Peer Support Specialist. Again, Amanda was a “hit,” working with people one-on-one with their recovery goals and facilitating support and recovery groups at both centers. Amanda was hired to be the Hillsdale Drop-In Center Director in August 2017 and moved to her current position in 2021.
Jennifer Smith, Peer Relations Assistant Manager & Parent Support Partner Coordinator
Jen started at ARE as a Parent Support Partner (CPSP). A mother of a special needs child, she uses her unique lived experiences to lead both the CPSPs and the Youth Peer Support Specialists, CYPS, as they assist children and families to navigate the public mental health system. In addition to her management duties, Jen assists Amber Tierney with overseeing all of the “people part” of operations at ARE, Inc.
Toni started in the ARE business office in 2016. A retired Consumers Energy employee, Toni brings a world of experience and knowledge to her position. Toni is known for her hard work, kindness and compassion. When ARE employees are “sent to HR,” they have a pleasant experience with Toni at the helm.
Toni Dungy, Director of Human Resources
Katrina Bowen, CPSS, Hillsdale Drop-In Center Director
Destiny started working at ARE, Inc. in 2015. She was hired as a peer specialist in the Jackson Drop-In Center. During her time working with ARE, Inc. Destiny has maintained two years of sobriety, has become a Certified Peer Support Specialist and a Certified Parent Support Specialist. She has grown significantly throughout her career and has recently moved from Assistant Director to the Hillsdale Drop-In Center director. Destiny states: “this organization has allowed me to grow to become a better person and I have achieved many goals that I thought were only dreams.”
Betty Sauceda joined ARE, Inc. in 2014, as one of the first people to receive peer support services. Almost immediately Betty decided that once she advanced in her mental health recovery journey, she wanted to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist herself. Not only has Betty become a CPSS, but she is also now the Director of Peer Services. Betty brings an incredible recovery story, a kind heart and an amazing work ethic to her position.
