International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. Today, and every day, we celebrate the incredible women who make IBH Addiction Recovery a vibrant and successful place to work.
Throughout the day, we will be highlighting a few of the many talented women who inspire us every day. Follow us on our social media channels to learn more about the incredible women who make a difference at IBH Addiction Recovery.
Jess Rist, Chief Operating Officer
Dedicated Community Servant, Advocate, Ally
Your Education/Training: Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration with a minor in Business from Kent State University. Master of Public Administration candidate at Ohio University.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about making the world a better place. I believe it's important to leave people better than you found them and I make it my mission to do that every day.
What are you most proud of? I'm most proud of my unwavering commitment and dedication to causes that are important to me and my community. I have been raising funds and awareness for the National MS Society since my mom was diagnosed in 2003 and have participated in Bike MS several times, completing 75 or 150-mile routes. I'm also pretty proud I summited Mt. Elbert!
What boards do you serve on or where do you volunteer? I am currently the Board President of Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem for the Summit County Juvenile Court, and Co-Chair of the Akron Public Schools NIHF-STEM Middle School Academy. I've previously volunteered as a coach for Girls on the Run and served on the Akron Zoo's PAW Committee and in leadership roles with the Association of Fundraising Professionals board.
Why do you think it's important to inspire inclusion? Everyone deserves to feel loved, respected, heard, appreciated, and valued.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Reading, weightlifting, kayaking, and spending time with my family and pets.
Hailey Harris, Peer Recovery Supporter
Passionate, Artist, Safe-Person
Your Education/Training: National Honor's graduate of Coventry high school 2014, licensed peer recovery support person, stark state student of human services and counseling
Your role at IBH Addiction Recovery in your own words: My role at IBH is to educate others using my own lived experiences and walk with them on their journey of self-discovery.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about self-expression. I work the way I do because I am grateful to be alive and excited to be here doing what I do.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of becoming the mother that I have become in recovery. My greatest accomplishment happens every day when I wake up and I choose not to use.
Honors You've Received: I have not received any honors, but I've had the honor of watching people change their lives.
What boards do you serve on or where do you volunteer? I volunteer within the 12 step recovery community as well as working for the REACH department which is all volunteer work.
Why do you think it's important to inspire inclusion? I think it is important to inspire inclusion because I can't do anything alone, no one can! We need each other.
What do you like to do in your spare time? In my spare time, I like to make art and music!
Melanie Korman, Development and Marketing Director
Problem-Solver, Helper, Optimist
Your Education/Training: I graduated from Copley High School and received a bachelor of arts degree in Mass Media Communications from The University of Akron
Your role at IBH Addiction Recovery in your own words: I’m essentially a charitable investment counselor. My role is to help match our donors' and future donors' charitable interests and passions to the needs of IBH Addiction Recovery. I also write grants, work on the upcoming capital campaign, manage our marketing efforts, plan the annual golf outing, and sit on the history committee.
What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about helping the most vulnerable people in our community. I've known since a very young age that I care about people deeply and I've always enjoyed helping others. I'm honored and humbled to have this purpose in my life. My hope is to make a positive difference in our community, one person at a time.
What is your greatest accomplishment? Getting the fitted sheet on the bed.
Honors You've Received: I use to perform in community theater and won two Chanticleer awards from Weathervane Community Playhouse. One was for Lead Actress in a Play, and the other was for Best Supporting Actress in a Play.
What boards do you serve on or where do you volunteer? I volunteer at Grace House and for Catholic Charities.
Why do you think it's important to inspire inclusion? I believe it's important to create an environment where everyone has a voice and what they say is valued. Everyone has something to contribute and everyone should feel like they belong.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Genealogy, see plays, decorate my house, connecting with friends and family, baking things that are gluten free but no one can tell, and dancing.
Jamie White, Client Educator
Artist, Recovery, Advocate
Your Education/Training: Graduate from Hudson High School and CDCA.
What are you passionate about? Finding creative ways to integrate recovery into every day life. I want to help guide others out of the darkness of addiction. IBH and recovery gave me the way to take my life back, and I intend to bring as many people as I can with me!!!
What are you most proud of? Finding myself again... and learning to love my journey.
Honors You've Received: Employee of the month and murals on campus.
Why do you think it's important to inspire inclusion? Because EVERYONE deserves the to feel accepted and valued.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I create art, play with my dogs and read all the sci fi fantasy books I can get!
Libby Coleman, Care Advocate
Thoughtful friend, Care Advocate, Compassionate Clinician
Your Education/Training: Bachelor of Arts in Peace & Conflict Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Akron.
Your role at IBH Addiction Recovery in your own words: My title here is a Care Advocate, which means I advocate for our clients to receive continued care if they need it and also have the opportunity to meet with clients for individual sessions and group sessions.
What are you passionate about? I’m passionate about advocating for clients to receive the care they deserve at a time when they need it the most.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my academic accomplishments and of my time as a person in long-term recovery.
Honors You've Received: In my Masters program, I was a member of the Opioid Workforce Expansion Program-Interdisciplinary Training Initiative (OWEP-ITI) and was awarded the School of Counseling Dr. Katie Murdoch Memorial Scholarship.
Why do you think it's important to inspire inclusion? I think it’s important to inspire inclusion because everyone deserves to feel accepted.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Hiking the Metroparks, traveling, spending time with family, working out, and playing video games.
Melody Ruffin Ward, Director of Spiritual Care
Committed, Chaplain to Uunderserved Populations, Arts Advocate for Justice
Your Education/Training: Graduate of Spelman College (BA in English & Dance) University of Michigan (MFA choreography & performance) Andover Newton Graduate Theological School (MDiv focus in Pastoral Care & Chaplaincy)
Your role at IBH Addiction Recovery in your own words: To join people where they are on their terms, and to help them make use of their available resources for their healing process.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about opening new pathways for people to experience the sacred & the divine in ways that are embodied rather than disconnected. I do the work that I do because it brings me immense joy!
What are you most proud of? Raising 2 beautiful daughters alongside my husband & my greatest accomplishment was being their mom, watching them develop into young women who are making their mark on the world!
Honors You've Received: Sister Ignatia Hope Award.
What boards do you serve on or where do you volunteer? The UCC's Discernment Working Group, mentoring young pastors/chaplains in the ordination process. (Living Water Association) Former board member of the Heartland Conference NE Ohio UCC.
Why do you think it's important to inspire inclusion? It is the only way I see the world enacting justice for all of vs. the few.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Read, Travel, Spend time with family... & ride my stationary bike
Ann Jarvis, Residential Supervisor
On Fire for Recovery, Mother Above All Else, Sober and Saved
Your Education/Training: Working on my peer support & CDCA.
Your role at IBH Addiction Recovery in your own words: Residential supervisor, more than just someone who sits behind the desk. A true example of how recovery can work and change your life. I love my clients & play no games when it comes to my girls. Working at IBH has been everything to me. I come from community corrections, which in some ways offer treatment but I quickly realized I was more about the recovery side, not corrections. I love coming to work every day. I love my girls. It's not just a job, it's my calling. I'm so excited to see what the future holds for me here.
What are you passionate about? RECOVERY! I recovery out loud every single day, to ensure nobody around me suffers or dies silently.
What are you most proud of? Getting sober & getting married. I never imagined either would ever be an option for me but through God recovery and aa it's been made possible.
What boards do you serve on or where do you volunteer? Volunteer at the dry people's club.
Why do you think it's important to inspire inclusion? Everyone is not made to be a fit all cup of tea, but we all should uplift each other and support each other, no matter differences in life, or walks of life.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Braiding hair has always been a passion of mine, service work for AA & anything that involves my kids.
Tara Crouso, Counselor
Determined, Passionate, Zealous Social Worker
Your Education/Training: Master's of Social Work from Cleveland State University. Bachelor's of Social work from Bowling Green State University. I am currently a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW). I am a Certified Specialist in Anger Management (CSAM) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
Your role at IBH Addiction Recovery in your own words: For the last 3 1/2 years, I have had the privilege of being a counselor in the residential and partial hospitalization program at IBH Addiction Recovery. The work I do here allows me to provide compassion and understanding to individuals struggling with addiction. Residential treatment allows them the opportunity to heal in a safe and sober environment. Every day I get the honor to be a part of someone’s recovery journey. I get to help others find meaning and purpose in their life again.
What are you passionate about? I never envisioned a path for myself that did not involve helping others. When I began my career as a social worker, I planned to work for Children’s Protective Services. I quickly learned that it was not the field for me. During an internship at a correctional treatment facility for adults suffering from addiction, I was able to witness the beautiful journey of recovery. Since then, I have focused primarily on substance use, mental health and crisis intervention. About 3 years ago, was the first time I lost a client to an overdose. Her death shattered me. It was difficult to wake up and go to work every day. But each day, I was surrounded by support and compassion from my co-workers. I never felt alone. I think that is an important lesson in life - No matter what you may be facing, you do not have to do it alone. When I feel stuck or burnt out, it’s a reminder of why I continue to have passion for this work. Even though some are unable to find recovery and fall victim to the disease. For the time they are in treatment, I can help remind them that there are people who care, who will walk alongside you through darkness and light. I want to help others find a life worth living - in whatever way that looks like to them. This work is so important because people are dying more and more every day from this disease. I want more people to know that recovery is possible.
What are you most proud of? One thing that I am proud of is my ability to cultivate independence for myself. I have been blessed with opportunities that allowed me to be the first person in my family to attend college. Majoring in social work helped create integrity and a work ethic that have only added value in my life. I am proud of being able to create a life worth living for myself.
What boards do you serve on or where do you volunteer? I currently coordinate the Family Education Program at IBH Addiction Recovery.
Why do you think it's important to inspire inclusion? I believe it is important to inspire inclusion because of the exact work that I do. A lot of individuals whom I have worked with have felt a sense of exclusion from others or just society for one reason or another. Providing a space where others feel safe to express themselves openly and without judgment can only strengthen their spirits. Recently a colleague shared a quote with me, it says “Love in such a way that the person you love feels free." I feel that this quote holds true to the idea of inclusion. Providing genuine care and compassion for everyone who crosses your path helps them feel comfortable in being who they are. Everyone deserves the right to be who they are.
What do you like to do in your spare time? In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my dog Kai (who drives me crazy sometimes). I love to go hiking and spend time in nature. I spend a lot of time with friends, going camping, traveling to new cities/states or just trying new restaurants. I am also a huge Marvels fan!! For the past year and a half, I have also worked as a social worker at Stark County Jail on the weekends. I primarily do crisis intervention for patients currently incarcerated. This involves assessing and intervening with suicidal or homicidal patients to ensure safety for them and others in the jail.
Carmesha Neal, Residential Supervisor
Caring, Ambitious, Dedicated
Your role at IBH Addiction Recovery in your own words: To provide a safe space for anyone in need of care love.
What are you passionate about? I love working with people I love to make a different in peoples lives. I love doing community work. I love working here at IBH because not only am I'm helping I'm also being apart of someone journey to greatness.
What are you most proud of? Staying sober becoming more true to self.
What boards do you serve on or where do you volunteer? I have been a member at Ohio Organizing collaborative were we worked on Issue 1 2018 Reclassifying possession of controlled substances offenses from felonies to misdemeanors did canvasing for the women's rights for Ohio also worked with Freedom Bloc for Akron Ohio.
Why do you think it's important to inspire inclusion? Because a strong woman understands that the gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strength are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Hang with my kids watching new movies also shopping.
Kali Beane, Quality Compliance Coordinator
Outgoing, Thoughtful, Determined
Your Education/Training: Bachelor's degree in public health from University of Mount Union. Master's degree in public health (health policy and management) from Kent State University.
Your role at IBH Addiction Recovery in your own words: I transform forms and processes to make them easier for the day to day work! I am a staff advocate to make work lives easier! I also make sure we are compliant with all the rules and regulations.
Why do you do the work you do? I do the work I do because I love to make things better for other people.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of the growth I have made while working at IBH and I cant wait to grow even more!
Why do you think it's important to inspire inclusion? I think it is important because everyone should feel they are included and important no matter where they go or what they do.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I watch a lot of TV, listen to music, hang out with my friends and family and my pets!