Our dedicated team brings extensive knowledge, experience, and compassion to mental health, substance use, and developmental disability services. From psychiatrists and therapists to peer support specialists and case managers, our staff is committed to supporting your journey toward wellness and recovery.
Executive Administration
- Carol Mills, MBA, MPA – Executive Director
- Jeff Labun, MBA – Chief Operations Officer
- Denise Russo-Starback – Director of Clinical Services, LMSW, QIDP, QMHP
Medical Clinic
- Robert Poehl – Physician Assistant, Certified, Psychiatric Physician Assistant
- Josh Vander Lugt – Doctor of Medicine, Physician
- Whitney Cummings – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Psychiatrist
- Kaitlyn Hounshell – Doctor of Medicine, Psychiatrist
- Hussein Jabre – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Psychiatrist
- Bruce Baker – Medical Director, Doctor of Medicine, Physician
Office of Recipient Rights
- Jill McKay – Recipient Rights Officer
Newaygo County Mental Health Workforce Composition Description
Newaygo County Mental Health (NCMH) maintains a multidisciplinary workforce designed to ensure the effective delivery, oversight, and support of high-quality behavioral health programs and services. The composition of the workforce reflects our commitment to person-centered, recovery-oriented care that meets the diverse needs of the individuals and families we serve.
1. Direct Service Providers
These staff members are directly involved in delivering clinical and support services to individuals. They include:
- Licensed Master’s-Level Clinicians
Licensure/Certification: LMSW, LLMSW, LPC, LLPC, LP, TLLP
Provide assessments, individual and group therapy, treatment planning, and crisis intervention. - Case Managers/Supports Coordinators
Licensure/Certification: Bachelor’s degree minimum; QMHP, QIDP, CMHP designations as applicable
Facilitate person-centered planning, resource navigation, and care coordination. - Registered Nurses (RNs)
Licensure/Certification: Michigan RN License
Provide nursing assessments, medication administration, and health education. - Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
Licensure/Certification: BCBA certification; Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) if applicable
Conduct behavior assessments, develop ABA plans, and supervise behavior technicians. - Behavior Technicians
Licensure/Certification: High school diploma minimum; Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) preferred or required
Deliver Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services under BCBA supervision. - Peer Support Specialists
Licensure/Certification: MDHHS Certified Peer Support Specialist
Offer recovery-focused mentoring and support based on lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery. - Community Health Workers (CHWs)
Licensure/Certification: MDHHS Certified Community Health Worker Connects individuals and families to health and social services, provides education and support, and helps reduce barriers to care. - Youth Peer Support Specialists
Licensure/Certification: MDHHS Youth Peer Support Specialist Certification
Assist youth in navigating the mental health system and achieving personal recovery goals. - Parent Support Partners (PSPs)
Licensure/Certification: MDHHS Certified Parent Support Partner
Provide peer-to-peer support and system navigation assistance to parents and caregivers raising children with serious emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.
2. Clinical Oversight and Supervision
This group ensures clinical quality, adherence to best practices, and compliance with standards of care:
- Program Supervisors and Managers
Provide day-to-day oversight, supervision, and performance monitoring of direct service staff.
- Clinical Directors/Program Coordinators
Ensure program fidelity, quality assurance, and integration of evidence-based practices.
- Medical Staff
Psychiatrists, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners deliver psychiatric evaluations, medication reviews, and prescribing.
3. Administrative and Support Personnel
These staff ensure infrastructure, coordination, and regulatory compliance across all areas of the organization:
- Executive Leadership
Executive Director, Clinical Director, and Chief Financial Officer set strategic direction and oversee operations.
- Human Resources
Responsible for recruitment, onboarding, training coordination, credentialing, and workforce compliance.
- Finance and Billing Staff
Ensure fiscal integrity, accurate service billing, and compliance with funding requirements.
- Quality Improvement and Corporate Compliance Director
Coordinate audits, performance measurement, incident reporting, and accreditation activities.
- IT Support and Data Analysts
Manage electronic health records, technology systems, and data reporting.
- Clerical and Reception Staff
Provide administrative support, appointment scheduling, document processing, and customer service.
4. Volunteers and Interns
When utilized, volunteers and students from partnering universities support specific projects or services under the supervision of qualified staff. They contribute to program enhancement and may support outreach, administrative tasks, or service delivery learning opportunities.