MECOSTA & OSCEOLA
COUNTIES
On a cold evening in February of 2021, social worker Erin Clark listened intently as a Families Against Narcotics team member shared her story and her passionate involvement in FAN. Following the event, Erin spoke with a member of the Central Michigan Recovery and Education Network (CMREN), host for the event. She inquired why there was not a local FAN chapter, as she saw such a need in her line of work. CMREN, a HRSA RCORP-I-funded coalition, had plans to start a local FAN chapter if community interest embraced the concept. Learning this, Erin approached her employer, Community Mental Health – Central Michigan; with their support, plans for the Mecosta-Osceola FAN chapter began. Erin remains active, championing the focus as the inaugural president of the Mecosta-Osceola FAN Chapter. Under her leadership, the chapter has grown to include community members from a wide variety of organizations. The FAN chapter will help the community through services that support recovery, peer and family coaching, programs such as Hope Not Handcuffs, and community education. All services and opportunities focus on reducing stigma and supporting the needs of those with substance use disorder, their families, and friends.
MONTHLY MEETING
2nd Tuesday of the Month
4:30 pm
College of Health Professions
200 Ferris Drive
VFS 419
Big Rapids, MI 49307
EXECUTIVE BOARD
ERIN CLARK
President Term Exp. 12/24
Erin is a licensed social worker, holding a bachelor’s degree in social work and an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University. She has been working in the field of social work for more than 7 years, during which time she has worked with some of our population's most vulnerable people. Currently a case manager for Community Mental Health for Central Michigan, Erin works with individuals who are experiencing severe and persistent mental illness to optimize recovery.
WENDY LENON
Vice President Term Exp. 12/24
Wendy Lenon (DNP, RN) is the chair of the School of Nursing at Ferris State University. She has worked in healthcare and nursing for more than 20 years and obtained her Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) from Grand Valley State University, a Master of Science in nursing from Ferris State University, and a doctoral degree in nursing practice from Chamberlain University. As a nurse, Wendy has worked in many areas, including trauma, orthopedics, medical/surgical, emergency department, surgical services, leadership, and education. She has a passion for helping others and a strong desire to make a difference in people’s lives and the community. In her spare time, Wendy loves spending time with her family, boating, camping, traveling, and skiing. She is honored to serve on the board for FAN.
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GAIL BULLARD
Secretary Term Exp. 12/24
A faculty member in the College of Health Professions for Ferris State University, Dr. Gail Bullard (DHEd, RN) serves as the program coordinator for the Master of Healthcare Administration program and as the project director for the Central Michigan Recovery and Education Network (CMREN), a HRSA-RCORP-Implementation grant funded collaborative at Ferris State. Gail has lived, worked, and volunteered in Mecosta County for the past 26 years, with a passion to strive for maximizing health in rural spaces. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
MICHAEL MENDENHALL
Treasurer Term Exp. 12/24
Mike Mendenhall is an associate professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Ferris State University. In 2008, he became a police officer with the city of Madison, Wisconsin. In that role, Mike learned that addiction is a complex problem that requires a multi-faceted response from many different departments and agencies within a community. In 2021, Mike completed his PhD in public administration from Western Michigan University. Feeling privileged to be on the board of FAN in Mecosta County, Mike hopes to, in part, take what he learns from this group into the classroom to better prepare future criminal justice professionals.
BOARD MEMBERS
SHEILA MacEACHRON
Director Term Exp. 12/24
Sheila MacEachron has been a professor in the College of Health Professions at Ferris State University (FSU) since 1994. She currently serves as the department chair for the Health Administration and Health Information Department and is also the radiation safety officer for the university. Sheila was the program coordinator and taught in the nuclear medicine program for 23 years. Honored with the FSU Distinguished Teacher Award in 2002 and the College of Health Professions’ Teacher of the Year Award in 2014, Sheila is active on campus, in professional organizations, and in the community. She is excited about being a director for Families Against Narcotics and bringing this opportunity to the west Michigan area.
NICOLE ALEXANDER
Director Term Exp. 12/24
Nicole holds a master's degree in forensic psychology and has been working in the social work field for more than 10 years. During her years of service, she has worked with some of the most vulnerable individuals in the community. She is currently the executive director of Our Brothers Keeper Shelter, working with individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, to help guide them to self-sufficiency.
ADVISORY BOARD
Jestine Garcia
Northern Michigan Regional Coordinator
Families Against Narcotics