TEAM
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Dr. Karla Mitchell
Dr. Mitchell is the Executive Director of C.L.A.S.S. and is known for challenging the irreverent sides of public health and conventional medicine. Dr. Mitchell leads with passion and focuses her efforts on four objectives: eliminating health disparities, building healthy and safe community environments, empowering people to make informed health choices and expanding quality care in both clinical and community settings. Dr. Mitchell first served the organization as a board member for several years before becoming its Executive Director in 2017.
Erika Vanalstine
Erika is the Lead Certified Peer Recovery Mentor at C.L.A.S.S. She has served as a recovery mento for 2 years and prior, gained leadership experience as a monitor in the women's unit at SHAR Macomb Treatment Center. Erika is a survivor of human trafficking and a grateful recovering addict with 5 years clean from drugs and alcohol. Her lived experience motivated her to seek a career that would allow her to help others achieve a better quality of life. Erika leads the organization's recovery support services by helping to remove those barriers that most freqently hold individuals back from making progress.
Nykia Tate
Nykia is the Certified Prevention Specialist at C.L.A.S.S. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor in psychology. She created the youth-led podcast, “Sober Sounds”, here at C.L.A.S.S. Currently, Nykia focuses on giving young people a safe haven to express themselves but also learn new skills and tools to better equip them as they advance to adulthood. She is the facilitator for our Botvin Life Skill program. Outside of work, she advocates again poverty and oppression.
Vanessa Coleman
Ms. Coleman provides administrative and operational support to ensure the smooth delivery of program services. Her role supports program staff by coordinating activities, tracking program outcomes, managing data entry, and maintaining relationships with clients and external partners. She plays a crucial role in assisting with program logistics, documentation, and compliance to meet the organization’s objectives effectively.