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​​​​Kristen, Certified Peer Support Specialist​

Hello, I am Patricia Parnell. I am honored to be a part of Unlimited Alternatives team. There are many stigmas associated with
mental health that keep many suffering in silence. I look forward to helping eliminate those stigmas. I am excited to use my individual background and firsthand experiences with mental health, to help others on recoveries road. Dealing with mental health has taught me the importance of hope and support. When hope is extended and accepted, no one is beyond help. I received my Associates of Science in Human Service from Cornerstone University. I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in ministry leadership. I love reading, journeying, writing poetry, performing spoken word, singing, people, and serving my community. I look forward to further serving my community.

​Kate, Lead CPSS

My name is John, and I been living with addiction and mental illness for many years. I tried many times to recover from my addiction, and failed. I have been through treatment programs, jail, rehabs, counselors, and NA meetings. Although I would do okay for a while, it never stuck. After a near fatal overdose in December of 2019, I finally knew I had to change things in my life. The first step was addressing and treating my mental health. I have been clean, sober, and my mental health has been stable ever since...three years down, and a lifetime ahead of me. I look forward to helping others in their journey and sharing the knowledge and experience I have gained.  

I grew up in Grand Rapids, MI. I am a certified peer support specialist and the lead peer at Unlimited Alternatives where I've been working for 9 months. I'm also a published poet. I have been a recipient of community mental health services for over 13 years in Grand Rapids and have also been a member of various support groups in this city. As such, I find it a great privilege to get to use my lived experience to help others navigate their recovery journey. I believe in the power of hope.

Neil, Lead CPSS

Bio coming soon

Deanna, Executive Director, MA, Peer Recovery Coach

I have worked as a Case Manager in several non-profits for over 25 years.  Most of my work has been with survivors of physical and sexual violence, including trafficking survivors, and the homeless population.  After my masters level practicum at Gateway Community Services and my service as the executive director of Hannah's House, I knew I wanted to continue working with people affected by addiction and housing insecurity.  I'm excited to use both my professional experience and my lived experience in recovery to further my work in community organizations.

Patty, Assistant Director, Certified Peer Support Specialist​

My name is Kate,  I am 39 years old. I love the outdoors and quiet. I have been called an old soul at times and have always been an advocate for others. I have been a Peer Certified Support Specialist here at Unlimited Alternatives since May of 2022. Everyone has struggles and tough times. Growing up I had a lot of things going on and I had to grow up quickly and didn't have the chance to take care of myself like I needed too. It took a lot of years to give myself the grace that I deserved and I'm still working on it everyday. Recovery is possible and no one should have to do this alone. I may not have the same struggles as you, but I want to do whatever I can to help and support you. We all have a story, whats yours?

I was born here in Grand Rapids, MI to a loving home, but in my teens I fell to the world. I picked up alcohol and drug addiction and my mental health failed. In this time I joined many programs for recovery; I knew I wanted to give back and help others that got lost. I have been at UA since 2020 and am currently a Peer Support Specialist and Recovery Coach. My goal is to help people struggling find their way out. I'm here as proof that transformation is possible.​

Carie, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Certified Peer Recovery Coach

​John, Peer Support Specialist, Peer Recovery Coach

Meet the Team

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Everyone who works at Unlimited Alternatives has lived experience

with mental health and/or substance use concerns.

These experiences shape what we do and how we do it.