Recovery Action Network of Michigan

Allison Herrst is a Certified Peer Recovery Coach and Master Social Worker with a profound commitment to supporting others on their recovery journeys. As a person in sustained recovery from a substance use disorder and eating disorder, Allison has channeled her personal experiences into a passionate career dedicated to helping others find their path to recovery.

Her journey to recovery has been marked by significant challenges, including homelessness, incarceration, and human trafficking. Despite these barriers, Allison’s resilience and determination to rebuild her life have been truly inspiring. She obtained her macro social work degree from Wayne State University and has since become a powerful advocate for change in her community.

Allison’s professional work as a peer coach is deeply informed by her lived experiences, enabling her to connect with and support individuals facing similar struggles. Her dedication to her clients and her ability to bring about positive change through her education and personal insight have made a significant impact in her field.

Beyond her professional achievements, Allison is a devoted wife, mother, and dog mom. She is also an avid runner, finding joy and strength in both her personal and professional pursuits. Allison’s journey and contributions exemplify the strength and potential of recovery, and her work continues to inspire and uplift those around her.

David Sculati embarked on his recovery journey on June 16, 1989, following a challenging period of substance use and treatment as an adolescent. Drawing from his lived experience, David is dedicated to inspiring others and giving back to his community. In addition to his role with the Recovery Action Network of Michigan, he actively participates in his local recovery community and serves as the Board President of Growth Works, a non-profit organization that aids individuals and families through substance use disorder treatment and justice system involvement.

David’s professional career began in the investment sector with Dean Witter in 1995. Driven by a vision of providing a more holistic client experience, he founded Sculati Wealth Management in 2010. As the firm’s President, David continues to lead with a commitment to personalized financial strategies.

Outside of his professional and community commitments, David cherishes time spent with his wife, Carrie, and their two children, Eleanore and Anderson. He credits his recovery with granting him a life of boundless opportunities, including the accomplishment of completing seven Ironman Triathlons. David’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of recovery and his dedication to living a life of purpose and possibility.

Laurie Gustafson serves as the Director of Community Health and Well-Being for Trinity Health Livonia. In this role, she leads a team that bridges the excellent clinical care provided by Trinity Health with the broader needs of the communities they serve, recognizing that true health extends beyond the walls of hospitals and doctors’ offices. Laurie is deeply committed to living out the Trinity Health mission to “serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities.”

Laurie’s professional journey encompasses a diverse range of experiences, including community mental health, family counseling, workplace wellness, community coalition building, and healthcare administration. These experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to community health and well-being.

On a personal level, Laurie has enjoyed the joys of marriage and raising three sons, building gratifying friendships, and embarking on numerous outdoor adventures. Her passion for helping others find recovery is fueled by her own experiences with the grief of losing close family members and friends to overdose and suicide.

Laurie is grateful for the opportunity to bring her whole self to her role on the Board of Directors for the Recovery Action Network of Michigan, where she supports recovery-related efforts in the community. Her dedication and personal experiences make her a powerful advocate for health, well-being, and recovery.

Jason Schwartz has been in long-term recovery since October 28, 1990. A long-time resident of Livonia, Jason lives with his wife and children and has deep-rooted connections to the Western Wayne Community. His personal recovery journey has inspired a career dedicated to helping others achieve their own recovery from substance use.

Jason’s extensive experience spans various aspects of recovery and mental health services, including inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, long and short-term residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, social detox, community outreach, adult and adolescent outpatient services, corrections outreach, and transitional housing. He currently serves as the Director of Social Work and Spiritual Care at Michigan Medicine, following roles at Trinity Health Livonia and Dawn Farm.

Jason’s commitment to service is a cornerstone of his recovery, and he actively gives back to his community through involvement in several committees and boards. His service activities include contributions to the National Association for Children of Addiction, the National Association of Social Workers, the Livonia Save Our Youth Coalition, the Michigan Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, and Families Against Narcotics of NW Wayne and Washtenaw Counties.

Jason’s dedication to service work not only enriches his own recovery but also strengthens the fabric of his community, reflecting his deep commitment to supporting others on their recovery journeys.

Michele Baldori-Fuhst is a dedicated and passionate advocate for recovery, hailing from Canton, Michigan. As a person in long-term recovery herself, Michele brings a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise to her work. Her journey in the field began as a Certified Peer Recovery Coach, where she discovered her calling in helping adolescents navigate the challenges of recovery.

Michele’s commitment to making a difference led her to pursue a Master of Social Work degree from Michigan State University. With her advanced education and unwavering dedication, she played a pivotal role in the launch of Wellspring Academy, a pioneering recovery high school designed to support young people in achieving and maintaining sobriety.

Currently, Michele serves as a school-based clinical supervisor at Growth Works, where she continues to make a significant impact on the lives of students and their families. Her work involves providing clinical supervision, support, and guidance to ensure that adolescents receive the best possible care and support on their recovery journeys.

Beyond her professional achievements, Michele is a devoted mom and wife. She is also an active member of the recovery community, where she tirelessly advocates for better resources, support, and understanding for individuals in recovery. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and dedication, and she continues to inspire those around her with her unwavering commitment to helping others.

Michele Baldori-Fuhst’s journey is a shining example of how personal recovery can fuel professional passion, leading to profound changes in the lives of many.

Jessica Klotz serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Growth Works, where she has been a dedicated team member for 21 years, starting her journey as an MSW intern. Throughout her tenure, Jessica has become a passionate advocate for recovery support services, playing a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the peer coaching program at Growth Works. This innovative program, established in partnership with local hospitals and public safety departments in Western Wayne County, has provided essential support and resources to countless individuals and families on their recovery journeys.

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a specialization in Community Organization. Recently, she furthered her expertise by obtaining her Doctorate of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California.

A staunch ally for individuals in recovery, Jessica works tirelessly to ensure that those battling addiction receive the support, respect, and resources they need to thrive. Her commitment to advocacy goes beyond her professional responsibilities, as she actively champions the rights and well-being of those in recovery, both within her community and on a broader scale.

In addition to her leadership at Growth Works, Jessica also contributes her talents to the Board of Directors for New Hope Center for Grief Support. This non-profit organization is dedicated to offering hope, healing, and new beginnings to individuals and families grieving the loss of a loved one.

Jessica’s unwavering commitment to helping others and her significant contributions to the field of social work make her a respected and influential figure in her community. Her work continues to inspire and create positive change for those in need.

John Casteel is a person in long-term recovery and a certified peer recovery coach with a deep passion for helping young people find their path to recovery and independence from the criminal justice system. His own recovery journey began as an adjudicated adolescent, and he has since dedicated his life to serving his community and empowering others to achieve lasting change.

A firm believer in the power of service, John considers it a cornerstone of his personal recovery. He is a founding member of Western Wayne’s Juvenile Advisory Council, a mentorship program that pairs individuals with lived experience in the juvenile justice system with youth currently involved in the court system. This initiative reflects John’s commitment to guiding young people toward a brighter future.

John also extends his advocacy efforts as a member of the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform for the State of Michigan, where he brings his lived experience and insights to the table to drive meaningful change in juvenile justice policies.

In addition to his professional endeavors, John is an active volunteer, giving back to his community through his work with Elevate Detroit and the Northridge Church prison ministry. His dedication to service and his tireless efforts to support and uplift others make him a powerful advocate for recovery and justice reform.

John Casteel’s story is a testament to the transformative power of recovery and the impact of dedicated service. His work continues to inspire and create positive change in the lives of many.