MEET OUR TEAM

Welcome to Amare, where we have brought together a remarkable team of individuals who possess a profound connection and a deep understanding of the challenges associated with drug or alcohol addiction. Our staff comprises individuals who have personally experienced the impact of addiction, either through their own personal journeys or by supporting loved ones through recovery. This unique personal perspective empowers us to offer a level of care and support that is truly empathetic and compassionate; we have over 60 years of combined recovery with our staff that identify as a person in long-term recovery.

Ty A. Bechel, MNM, CPRS
Ty A. Bechel, MNM, CPRSExecutive Director & Business Development
Ty, Founding Executive Director, holds his Bachelor’s in Communication, Master’s in Nonprofit Management, and is certified through the State of Illinois as a National Recovery Coach. He hosts and produces Recovery Uncensored, an interview-based podcast and the live radio show on 107.1 FM, Recovery Uncensored LIVE!.
Melissa Hassen
Melissa HassenRegional Recovery and Community Care Coordinator
Melissa has a 15+ year history in the mental health field and was a past business owner of a vegan restaurant in Alton, IL. She has the family lived experience and is passionate about getting individuals and families the care and support they need.
Rick Richardson, CPRS
Rick Richardson, CPRSRecovery Coach
Rick is an Illinois Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and is no stranger to adversity and his passion and humility makes him one of the best recovery support staff anyone could ask for.
Tyrone Hill
Tyrone HillRecovery Coach
Tyrone is one of the most honest men anyone could meet and his passion for recovery and helping others is top-notch because of it. He is also a recovery coach for Oxford Houses in the metro-east.
Jaime Armstrong
Jaime ArmstrongFamily Recovery Coach
Jaime is Amare’s newest staff member to help provide evidence-based recovery support services to families that have loved ones that have been impacted by a substance use disorder or dependency.
Nikki Smith
Nikki SmithRecovery Coach - Jersey County
Nikki is a believer in helping those that others have casted aside as hopeless. She works as our recovery coach for the partnership Amare has with the JCH MAT Clinic.
Danielle Galbreath, CPRS
Danielle Galbreath, CPRSRecovery Coach
Danielle is a supporter of MAT for those that may need additional support when in early recovery and is Certified Peer Recovery Specialist The mother of two works hard to be example of other mothers struggling with substance use.
Heather Thompson
Heather ThompsonRecovery Coach - Jersey County
Heather is a passionate and caring coach with a love for assisting those in the county she grew up in find healing and recovery of their own.
Alida Barela, CPRS
Alida Barela, CPRSRecovery Manager
Alida is a Recovery Navigator, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and has a passion for helping individuals find recovery and healing.
Samantha Cunningham
Samantha CunninghamRecovery Navigator
If you had just 5 minutes to sit down and hear Samantha’s personal testimony, you would not leave tearless. She is a true survivor of more than just addiction.
Bonnie Goodwin
Bonnie GoodwinRecovery Coach & Site Supervisor - Christian County
Bonnie loves recovery and helping people find their own path.
Katie McKenna
Katie McKennaRecovery Coach - Christian County
Katie has four years of continuous recovery and has had many challenges but stayed the course. She provides recovery support services to Christian County residents.
Kari Rodney
Kari RodneyMedical-Based Recovery & Outreach Specialist
Kari has inspired to work as a peer worker since finding recovery and is the mother of a 13-year-old son who lost his father to an accidental drug overdose.
Mary Mullins
Mary MullinsExecutive Administrative Assistant
Mary has a rich history working with youth, counseling with her CADC, and being supportive and caring towards those that have been impacted by drug and alcohol addiction.
Cindy Manos
Cindy ManosVolunteer Marketing & Outreach Assistant
Cindy has a special place in her heart for those that have struggled with addiction and has brought her skills to Amare to help with her field of expertise.
Teresa Kelley
Teresa KelleyVolunteer Peer Intake Specialist
Teresa has over 30 years in recovery and has decided to use her professional skills and lived experience to assist Amare and our drop-in center with peer support and intake needs.