Management Staff
Ann E. Monroe, BA, CPSS, Chief Executive Officer
Ann E. Monroe 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 Blanton, MA, CPSS, Chief Operations Officer
Amber Blanton 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.
Stephanie Rice, CPSS, Chief Compliance Officer
Stephanie Rice knows ARE! She started as the Business Manager, moved to the Hillsdale Drop-In Center Director position, on to Communications Officer and making a complete circle back – Chief Operations Officer and finally Chief Compliance Officer.
Stephanie has ties to both Jackson and Hillsdale and is filled with ideas to bring new efficiencies and accountability to ARE.
Amanda Crandall-Piper, BA, CPSS, Peer Support 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.
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.
Terrie Woods, Director of Human Resources
Terrie started in the LifeWays Network in July of 1997 as an office temp in the original file room. In October of 1997 when LifeWays was privatized she transferred with the case management department and became one of their clerical staff. Terrie worked her way up through the ranks and went from file clerk to receptionist to office manager to her position with ARE, Inc. as Human Resources Coordinator and Compliance Manager and everything non-clinical in between. Terrie loves working with the individuals we meet daily and helping them live more independent lives.
Christine Kirchberg, Peer Relations Assistant Manager & Parent Support Partner Coordinator
Christine was a stay-at-home mom for fourteen years before joining the team at ARE. She was the first Certified Parent Support Partner hired at ARE, serving in both Jackson and Hillsdale counties and has worked her way up through the ranks. After distinguishing herself as a CPSP, Chris was promoted to Parent Support Coordinator. She recently became the Assistant Manager of the Peer Relations department for Jackson and Hillsdale counties. Christine has been instrumental in starting Parent Support groups. Christine brings a love for people and loves giving back to her community
Destiny Kidd, CPSS, CPSP, 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.”
James R.Tierney, Jackson Drop-In Center Assistant Director
James formerly attended Northern Michigan University. Although James has only worked in the mental health community for a short time, he has risen to leadership with his unique combination of hard work and kindness. He appreciates the opportunity to help people on their journeys every day. James’ favorite quote is from Audrey Hepburn - "To plant a seed is to believe in tomorrow".