Amare = Love in ACTION
MEET OUR TEAM
We’ve brought together a remarkable group of individuals who share a profound connection to the challenges of drug and alcohol addiction. Many of our staff have walked the path of recovery themselves or have supported loved ones through it, giving them a unique, deeply personal understanding of what true healing requires. With more than 70 years of combined long-term recovery, our team offers compassionate, empathetic care grounded in real-life experience—because we don’t just understand recovery, we live it.


Tyrone’s recovery date: April 10, 2019

Alida’s recovery date: December 29, 2011

His own journey includes a powerful story of resilience, healing, and triumph over hardship. Rick openly draws from these lived experiences to inspire hope and to guide others toward lasting change. His strength, empathy, and ability to connect make him an invaluable presence within the Amare community.

In addition to her work with families, Lindsey is also a talented photographer whose creative eye helps expand Amare’s outreach and visual storytelling. Her ability to capture meaningful moments reflects her dedication to uplifting the recovery journey in all its forms.

Samantha’s Recovery Date: February 12, 2022

Andrea’s recovery date: June 21, 2022.

Brooke’s recovery date: October 23, 2023

Brittney’s Recovery date: July 17, 2023

Known for her strong work ethic and genuine compassion, she meets peers where they are and helps them build stability, hope, and connection. Rosalind’s work is rooted in empathy, resilience, and the belief that everyone deserves a chance at recovery and a path toward a better future.
Her presence strengthens our outreach in St. Clair County, particularly in the East St. Louis area, where her community knowledge and relationships help her connect with peers in meaningful and impactful ways.
Rosalind’s Recovery date: October 31, 1991

nonjudgmental support, and helping anyone and everyone in need. Mary’s dedication to healing and her ability to connect deeply with others make her an invaluable part of the Amare team.

She understands that recovery is not one-size-fits-all and recognizes the importance of honoring each individual’s unique path. She consistently meets people where they are, offering support without judgment, and walks alongside them as they work toward building a meaningful and fulfilling life.
She demonstrates a genuine passion for her role and considers it a privilege to be part of each person’s recovery journey. Her ability to incorporate humor into her work allows her to connect with others in a way that makes healing feel more approachable and less overwhelming.
Her personal recovery journey was shaped through 12-step programs. She remains active in Celebrate Recovery and Narcotics Anonymous and built her foundation through Alcoholics Anonymous. Her faith is an important part of her life, and she strives daily to grow and become better than she was the day before.
She values authenticity and leads with hope and honesty, believing that encouragement, connection, and even a little laughter can make a meaningful difference in recovery. She also brings a lighthearted personality to her work, often sharing that she loves dogs more than people—something that helps others feel comfortable and at ease.
nonjudgmental support, and helping anyone and everyone in need. Mary’s dedication to healing and her ability to connect deeply with others make her an invaluable part of the Amare team.
Our Board of Directors

Danne Reinke
President

Linda Kunz
Treasurer

Jean Schram

Ryan Lampert

Tom Caraker (TC)

Zachary George

Shawna Aughenbaugh

Dawn Cordle

Some History
Founded in 2015 by Ty Bechel, Amare emerged from a need for a unified, community-driven approach to addiction recovery. Ty recognized a gap between clinical treatment and 12-step programs and aimed to bridge it through a holistic model focused on recovery, education, and awareness.
Originally called “Enough,” the organization was renamed Amare—the Italian verb for “to love”—reflecting its philosophy of love in action. This belief fuels Amare’s work with individuals, families, and communities through compassionate support, education, and outreach to reduce stigma and promote healing.
Our mission is to educate, empower, and provide compassionate recovery support to those affected by addiction—helping build a healthier, more connected community.
