Treatment Staff
Clinical Staff
Alumni Relations
Executive Leadership
Management
Kelley Jones, MA
Director of Montcalm School
Kelley Jones is the Director of Montcalm School, formerly the Executive Director of our Van Wert campus. Her Starr career began in 1994 as a Residential Youth Specialist after earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree of arts, specializing in marriage and families, from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
Kelley may be reached directly at 517.630.2325 or by e-mail at jonesk@starr.org.
Kathy Hart, MA
Associate Director of Montcalm School
Kathy Hart is the Associate Director of Montcalm School, overseeing the therapeutic aspect of the program and treatment staff. Ms. Hart attended both The Ohio State University and The Bowling Green State University and attained a bachelor's degree in psychology. After graduating in 1994, she began employment with Starr Commonwealth as a youth specialist at our Van Wert, Ohio location. She has since attained her Master's Degree in Professional Counseling through Liberty University. Her goal is to continue to utilize the best therapeutic tools available to help the students we serve best reach their potential..
Kathy may be reached directly at 517.630.2404 or by e-mail at hartk@starr.org.
Aaron Warren, MA
Associate Director of Montcalm School
Wm. Aaron Warren, MA Associate Director for Montcalm School where he has more than 7 years tenure. His career began as a Teacher/Counselor in 2004 with Newton Cottage and continued with that position for the Structured Transitional Living program. With the growth of Montcalm, there developed a need for an Associate Dean of Students, a role he assumed in 2008. In 2010, Mr. Warren was promoted to Associate Director. His ambition at Montcalm is to increase the excellence of the educational program as well as help students attain their goals both academically and personally. Mr. Warren earned his Bachelor's degree through the University of Michigan and Master's degree from Spring Arbor University. His main goal is to ensure that all students are provided an opportunity to learn. Mr. Warren may be reached directly at 517.630.2338, 800.837.5591, ext. 2338 or by e-mail at warrenw@starr.org.
Treatment Staff
Dana Richards, MA, LLP
Senior Clinician, Outside In
Dana Richards is the Senior Clinician for Montcalm's Outside In program that focuses on students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders or other social challenges. His main responsibilities include developing the treatment direction for each student and providing leadership to the treatment team. He has presented at several national conferences on topics including Asperger's Syndrome, assessment of youth, treatment techniques and teamwork. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and his Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, both from Western Michigan University and is licensed with the State of Michigan as a Limited Licensed Psychologist. Mr. Richards has also co-authored an article entitled "From the Outside In: Meeting the Needs of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders." Dana may be reached at 800.837.5591, ext. 2551 or richardsd@starr.org.
Jenna Copenhaver, MA, LLMSW
Senior Clinician, Mendelssohn Cottage
Jenna Copenhaver is the Senior Clinician for Montcalm's Mendelssohn Cottage. Her main responsibilities include developing the treatment direction for each of her students and providing leadership to the treatment team. Ms. Copenhaver started working at Montcalm School in 2005 as the Senior Clinician for the Crossroads Structured Transitional Living program. After completing her Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Western Michigan University, she attended the University of Michigan's School of Social Work where she received her Master's degree. Working with children and families has always been a passion for Ms. Copenhaver and she finds each day at Montcalm very rewarding. Ms. Copenhaver may be reached at 800.837.5591, ext. 2326 or at copenhaverj@starr.org.
Mark Cavender, MA, LLPC
Senior Clinician, Structured Transitional Living (STL)
Mark Cavender is Senior Clinician for the Crossroads, Structured Transitional Living program with Montcalm School. Mr. Cavender has worked at Starr Commonwealth since 1996, beginning as a Family Service Counselor, a position he maintained for nine years. Mr. Cavender began his professional career after earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and earned his Master of Arts degree from Sienna Heights University in 2000. He may be reached directly at 800.837.5591, ext. 2326 or at cavenderm@starr.org.
Clinical Staff
Caelan Kuban, LMSW
Director of the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children
Caelan Kuban is the Director of the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC) and one of the treatment staff at Montcalm Schools. As a Certified Trauma Consultant-Supervisor, she provides trauma assessment and short-term trauma intervention for students utilizing trauma-informed and evidence-based practices including TLC's SITCAP(R) model (Structured Sensory Interventions for Traumatized Children, Adolescents and Parents). The youth that she works with are engaged in several expressive therapies such as drawing, collage and music during their sessions. The youth also learn effective ways to manage their emotions and behavior as they move from victim to survivor thinking. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology at Cal Southern University. Caelan may be contacted at kubanc@starr.org or for more information on TLC, please visit www.starrtraining.org/tlc.
Sarah Slamer, MA, CTC-S
Assistant Director, The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children
Sarah Slamer, BA, CTS received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Albion College and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Counseling from Western Michigan University. She also has completed the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC) Level-1 Certification and is now a Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS), which allows her to provide trauma-informed assessment and intervention to students. Ms. Slamer began her career with Starr Commonwealth in 2007 as a Youth Specialist, Student Services Coordinator and Senior Clinician for Montcalm School. She may be reached directly at 800.837.5591, ext. 2567 or at slamers@starr.org.
Angela Elkins, RN
Medical Clinic Supervisor
Angela Elkins is the Medical Clinic Supervisor for Starr Commonwealth and Montcalm School. Angela joined Starr in July 2009 after working 10 years in health administration and supervisory positions. Ms. Elkins is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of nursing experience. As the Medical Clinic Supervisor, she oversees all medical and psychological care and treatment for youth on the Albion campus. Angela may be contacted at 517.630.2300 or elkinsa@starr.org.
Jim Longhurst, Ed.D.
Senior Vice President of Clinical Research
Dr. Jim Longhurst, a Licensed Psychologist, has been transforming the lives of children at Starr Commonwealth and Montcalm School for more than 35 years. He serves as Senior Vice President of Clinical Research, overseeing all of Starr's medical and mental health services. Longhurst holds a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology and is an expert in the field of strength-based treatment for children and families. He also is a member of the Michigan Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association and a charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association.
Alumni Relations
Amy Reimann, MA
Alumni Affairs and Development
Amy Reimann serves as the main contact for the school’s alumni population. Having worked at Starr Commonwealth since 2002, originally in the capacity of archivist and historian, Amy connects current students and alumni for events and programming such as Founder’s Day, Family Day and other regional alumni activities. She also directs the organization’s scholarship program, which provides support for post-secondary education. Amy has a Bachelor’s Degree from Albion College and Master’s degree from the University of Michigan. Amy can be reached directly at 517.630.2317 or at reimanna@starr.org.
Executive Leadership
Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D
President & Chief Executive Officer
mitchellm@starr.org
Dr. Martin L. Mitchell serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Starr Commonwealth which provides state, national and international leadership to programs serving children, families, communities and professionals. Founded in 1913, Starr’s philosophy is rooted in seeing something good in every child, which serves as the guiding principle in its strength-based approach. In his nearly 40-year tenure, Dr. Mitchell has served as a youth care worker, teacher, program administrator, vice president, and in 2004 became the fourth president in Starr’s 97-year history. He has trained and written extensively in the areas of teamwork, leadership, and group dynamics. He served as Director of the XII World Congress of the International Association of Workers for Troubled Children held in New York City which involved participants from twenty-three countries. In addition, Dr. Mitchell frequently provides legislative testimony on behalf of youth, and is often interviewed by the media on topics impacting youth and families in today’s society. Marty is co-author of the books:
- “Deep Brain Learning – Pathways to Potential for Challenging Youth”
- “No Disposable Kids”
- “In Whose Best Interest: One Child's Odyssey, A Nation's Responsibility”
- “Connectedness, Continuity, Dignity and Opportunity: Principle-based Action for Kids”
In addition, he is a contributing author to the books: “Teamwork in Human Services” and “Re-educating Troubled Youth: Powerful Environments for Teaching and Treatment." His professional affiliations are many and include serving on the boards of the International Association of Social Educators, the National Alliance for Children and Families, the Michigan Federation of Private Child and Family Agencies, the StarrVista Care Management Organization, and the National Resource Center for the Healing of Racism. Locally, Dr. Mitchell serves on the board of Monarch Community Bank. He and his wife, Shirlee, are the proud parents of three daughters and six grandchildren.
Christopher L. Smith, BBA, CPA
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
smithc@starr.org
Chris Smith has held several roles since joining Starr Commonwealth in 1979. In those 30 years, Mr. Smith has served as Controller, Treasurer and currently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. His responsibilities include the accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, purchasing and investment management for the organization, as well as key support for trust management and personnel benefits administration. Chris also has served as Director of Planned Giving and continues to provide essential support for these services in his present role. Chris has been instrumental in the Healing of Racism initiatives at Starr Commonwealth and in the community. He serves on the Oneness of Humankind Council for the Healing of Racism at Starr Commonwealth and is certified as a facilitator in the Healing of Racism process. Chris is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is a Certified Public Accountant. Chris has also served on the Battle Creek Community Foundation Finance Committee. Chris and his wife, Cathy, reside in Ceresco, Michigan and are the parents of five daughters.
William "Chuck" Jackson, MA
Executive Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer
jacksonc@starr.org
With more than 20 years tenure, Mr. Jackson has served troubled youth and their families in the Detroit metropolitan area for Starr Commonwealth since 1988, and because of that dedication was appointed Executive Vice President & Chief Program Officer in 2008. Chuck has worked in a variety of roles during his service and has been a pioneering staff member for programs in Starr’s Detroit office – Supervised Independent Living and Bridges Toward Responsible Adulthood programs. He also is Executive Director of StarrVista, Inc., a Care Management Organization serving the at-risk and delinquent population of youth residing in the greater Detroit area. In addition to his service at StarrVista and Starr Commonwealth, Chuck has been instrumental and dedicated to the residents of Detroit as board member of the Board of Manhood, Inc. (a male mentorship program), mentor to 4th, 5th and 8th graders in the Detroit Public Schools and co-facilitated seminars for the Institute for the Healing of Racism. Chuck also is a member of the Birmingham-Bloomfield Task Force on Racial Diversity. Chuck is a certified facilitator for Starr’s Healing of Racism. Chuck is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sociology in 1988. He earned his Master’s of Arts degree from Wayne State University in 1994 and is working toward his Doctoral degree in Sociology from Wayne State University. Chuck and his wife reside in Van Buren Township and have a son and a daughter.
Elizabeth A. Carey, MSW
Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy and Administrative Services Officer
careye@starr.org
Ms. Carey joined Starr Commonwealth in 2010 with almost two decades of experience in the field of social and human services. In her new role at Starr, Elizabeth provides leadership and direction for the organization on implementing the strategic plan and achieving a dynamic strategic direction. In addition to the role of chief strategy officer, she helps shape the future of a number of administrative functions such as Starr's talent management initiatives, Information Technology advancements, Risk Management, Accreditation, Evaluation and Research and she spearheads the business strategies for the Starr Institute for Training. She has a comprehensive professional background that includes social work, government relations, statewide and national association leadership and operations. She served as Executive Director of the Michigan Federation for Children and Families, a statewide organization located in Lansing, Michigan for nonprofit social service providers, and most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Alliance for Children and Families, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has contributed on local, state and national issues, boards and committees and presented all across the country on the issues and trends affecting nonprofit human service organizations. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work at Michigan State University, and began her career as a social worker in Michigan. She and her husband, Mike, reside in Jackson, Michigan and have two sons.
Gary Q. Tester, MRC
Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer
testerg@starr.org
Mr. Tester joined Starr Commonwealth in 2011 with an extensive background and experience in the social and health services fields. In his role at Starr, Gary oversees fund development efforts, marketing, public relations, business development and advocacy.
With a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling, Gary began his career with children and families nearly 30 years ago as a juvenile probation officer and later became an adolescent therapist at The Toledo Hospital Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center. He also served for more than five years as Executive Director of Toledo/Lucas County C.A.R.E.S and previously served as Director and Chief of Prevention at the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, Director of Advocacy and Development for St. Anthony Villa, and Executive Director of the Toledo Youth Commission. Gary brings to Starr considerable experience in volunteerism, having given his time and talents to numerous boards and committees since the early 1990s. He currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Federation for Children and Families, which unites private, nonprofit human service providers like Starr and influences funding, programs and operations to ensure the highest quality programs for children and families in the state. Gary and his wife, Lynn, reside in Dundee, Michigan and have six children at home as well as two adult sons and their families.