The River Raisin Clubhouse Advisory Board comprises dedicated community leaders, professionals, and advocates who share a profound commitment to mental health recovery and empowerment. Their diverse expertise and guidance help shape the strategic direction of the Clubhouse, ensuring that our program remains member-driven, sustainable, and impactful. Through their support and insight, the Advisory Board plays a vital role in strengthening our mission to provide a safe and supportive space where individuals can rebuild confidence, develop skills, and achieve meaningful goals within a caring community.
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Chantele Steffens- Board Chair, River Raisin Clubhouse Chantele Steffens is a passionate advocate for mental health, community connection, and creative expression. As the current Board Chair of the River Raisin Clubhouse, she brings a unique blend of leadership experience, trauma-informed care, and relational insight to the role. A longtime educator and relationship specialist, Chantele is committed to building spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. She believes deeply in the healing power of community and the importance of providing purpose, dignity, and belonging to individuals living with mental illness. She is honored to serve the River Raisin Clubhouse and looks forward to continuing to grow its impact across Monroe and beyond.
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Linda Betz- Secretary, River Raisin Clubhouse Linda Betz is a Workforce Development Coordinator with SEMCA Michigan Works! and a stout supporter of mental health services. A local business services professional, Linda, brings her knowledge of workforce trends and needs to the River Raisin Clubhouse Advisory Board to support our members in finding fulfilling and gainful employment opportunities. As someone personally touched by mental health challenges, Linda is proud to advocate for our members and community.
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Karyn Hitts- Treasurer With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, I currently serve as the Banking Center Manager at First Merchants Bank. Throughout my career, I have developed a deep passion for helping individuals achieve financial stability and reach their personal financial goals. My journey began during a challenging time in my life—as a newly divorced single mother of two—when I joined the bank seeking not only employment but a fresh start. Through perseverance and dedication, I advanced through various roles, gaining valuable insights and skills along the way.
My personal experiences have shaped my professional mission: to empower others by sharing practical financial knowledge and offering compassionate support. Financial wellness is a cornerstone of overall well-being, and I find great joy in helping others overcome obstacles and achieve success. In addition to my professional work, I am proud to serve on the board of a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals living with mental illness. This role allows me to combine my financial expertise with my commitment to community service and advocacy. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, especially my two granddaughters. I also have a love for crafting—though I often find myself collecting more supplies than I have time to use! |
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Devan Rucker Devan Rucker is a visual storyteller and community voice in Monroe County. At The Development Group, his team helps local businesses grow through creative marketing content. With the Monroe County Sports Network, his team covers high school sports and local athletes, capturing key moments and interviews. At Monroe County News Network, his team produces video stories on events, business openings, and community news — all with a focus on storytelling that highlights the people and places of Monroe County. Outside of media work, Devan stays actively involved in the community. In addition to serving on the River Raisin Clubhouse Board, He serves as a board member and youth leader at Monroe City Church. When he’s not working, Devan enjoys reading, playing basketball at the YMCA, and riding bikes or taking walks with his wife and their senior adopted pit bull.
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Lisa Young Lisa Young brings compassion, dedication, and experience to her role as a board member for the River Raisin Clubhouse. With a professional background in supporting women in recovery from substance use disorder—many of whom also face co-occurring mental health challenges—Lisa understands the importance of connection, community, and second chances. Her work is rooted in the belief that healing and hope go hand in hand, and she is passionate about advocating for inclusive programs that empower individuals to rebuild their lives. Lisa’s commitment to the Clubhouse model reflects her belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, productive life surrounded by support and purpose. Lisa looks forward to the continued growth of the River Raisin Clubhouse and is honored and excited to be a part of this dedicated board.
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Dr. Julie Everly Dr. Julie Everly is a lifelong advocate for education, mental health, and community wellness. As the Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development for the City of Monroe and former Superintendent of Monroe Public Schools, she brings decades of leadership experience grounded in compassion, vision, and strategic growth. Her career has centered on helping individuals reach their full potential through support, connection, and a focus on lifelong growth and well-being.
Dr. Everly is actively involved in several community boards and is a strong supporter of workforce development, the arts, and youth opportunity. She is a committed advocate for developing networks of support that create pathways for individual and community success. Dr. Everly believes in fostering environments where people feel a sense of membership and have meaningful opportunities to achieve their goals and contribute to their community-- values that reflect the mission and spirit of the River Raisin Clubhouse. |
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Lauren Beaudry Lauren Beaudry brings legal knowledge and a passion to serve her community in her role as board member. For the past decade, Lauren has served the citizens of Monroe County as an Assistant Prosecutor, witnessing firsthand how mental health can intersect with the criminal justice system and other areas of the law. She cares deeply about the Monroe County community and about ensuring each person has the opportunity to live out their purpose in life. Lauren is excited about the opportunity to serve on the Advisory Board and assist in the growth of the River Raisin Clubhouse
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Rebecca Rich My name is Rebecca Rich, and I am a State Certified Peer Recovery Coach with a deep personal and professional commitment to mental health and recovery. I have been in recovery for over six years, and since becoming certified in October 2022, I’ve worked to support individuals facing both substance use challenges and mental health diagnoses. My experience includes work in harm reduction, where I’ve actively challenged the stigma surrounding opioid overdose, and in direct peer support roles, where I’ve met people exactly where they are—emotionally, socially, and in their recovery. I am currently working as a Peer Recovery Coach with the Michigan Department of Corrections at the Monroe County Probation and Parole Office, supporting individuals with co-occurring conditions as they transition and rebuild their lives. I am also pursuing my bachelor’s degree in social work at Wayne State University. I am passionate about ensuring that mental health services are compassionate, accessible, and person-centered. I believe in the power of lived experience to shape policy and improve outcomes, and I’m honored to bring that perspective to the advisory board.
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Dominic BurgantiMember Representative
Hello! My name is Dominic, and I live in Monroe, Michigan. My apartment is conveniently situated just a short walk from the River Raisin Clubhouse. I have been a member of the Clubhouse for five years, and I genuinely value the daily structure it offers. One of the most exciting updates about me is that I recently joined the RRC advisory board. Being part of the board is thrilling, as it keeps me informed about updates and feedback regarding the Clubhouse. I am a dedicated supporter of the River Raisin Clubhouse. In my free time, I actively participate in sports through the Special Olympics, where I have been involved for over five years. My favorite sport is softball. When I'm not working, playing sports, or attending RRC, I love spending time with my family. In addition to my involvement with RRC, I work at the Ford Yacht Club in Grosse Ile, Michigan. My primary responsibility at the yacht club is to ensure that the social gathering area remains clean. I have been working there for three years and truly enjoy my time at the Yacht Club.
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