Our Staff
Michael Alexander
Nexus Lead and Recovery Court Liaison
Why GreenTree?
At first, I knew nothing about GreenTree, and came from previous job in a clinical setting. I faced limitations in what I could offer because of the clinical focus. Further, I was the Mobile Clinic Coordinator at Winston-Salem State University. I learned the many challenges working with people with little to no income or insurance along with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. Once I got to GreenTree and met the Team and read GreenTree’s Mission Statement, I knew I was where I belonged.
I Bring…
I am not sure what I bring to GreenTree and the Team, but my goal is to provide:
- My lived experience at meeting peers where they are.
- Believe it, you can Change it.
- A Sounding board
- Good leadership
Pet?
I didn’t really have a pet as a child, but my parents had a dog. He was a dalmatian, and the name was very simple (“Spot”).
Cynthia Chisholm
Peer Team and Peer Center Lead
Why GreenTree?
I have been a member of GreenTree Peer Center’s team for five years. My position as a Peer Supporter allows me to work directly with individuals, offer resources, encourage personal growth and well-being, and be part of a team that is dedicated to uplifting others.
I was attracted to GreenTree because it offers individuals a sense of community by promoting personal growth and acceptance. My interest in working with diverse groups and fostering a sense of belonging led me to pursue an opportunity where all individuals can come together, share experiences, feel seen and find support. The Peer Community Center’s focus on collaboration and its impact on individuals’ personal growth and well-being align perfectly with my desire to create meaningful change in the community.
I Bring…
I bring to GreenTree a unique combination of personal experiences, an ability to empower others, the desire to create meaningful opportunities for change in the community and in the life of others, as well as a little bit of grace.
Pet?
My three-year-old Cane Corso, Storm, is my favorite pet. His companionship and unconditional love provided a sense of calmness, safety and emotional support when I needed it most. He played a major role in my healing journey, offering a steady source of comfort and joy as I navigated through personal challenges.
Dedrick Fleming
Nexus Recovery Support
Why GreenTree?
First and foremost, the message of the Vision and Mission statements attracted me to GreenTree. Also, Mrs. Laurie’s compassion with her work and her understanding of her employees.
I Bring…
What I bring to GreenTree is first, a lot of experience and commitment to helping others. I have struggled with mental health and substance in my life before, so helping and empowering people reflects the gratitude that I love sharing with other people. We have such great staff who are really committed.
Pet?
My favorite pet was my love, Rosie, our yorkie. She is no longer with us. But we miss her dearly.
Jaimee Minton
Peer Team Member
Why GreenTree?
I was attracted to GreenTree because of the support and the care they give with everyone who walks in. It is never just a job to the peer supporters: it is a purpose and a love of helping people. I was interested because I wanted to be a part of that team and work together with them to help people find what they need and help them and have a more productive and meaningful life. That’s why I wanted to work at Greentree.
I Bring…
What I bring to GreenTree is my own experience with mental health issues and how I have learned to get through them as well as my compassion for others. I listen and help with whatever they may need that I can help with. I feel I am genuine and open-minded. Because of what I have been through in my life and because I have seen all walks of life, I have the humility to know that at any time I could be (and have been) in a less than fortunate situation. And only grace has gotten me through. I love GreenTree’s mission and I will uphold it because I truly believe in it.
Pet?
I have cats and I love them!
Derek Rennick
Administrative Support and Peer Team
Why GreenTree?
GreenTree provided a chance to work someplace unique. Not only that, I realized that GreenTree’s impending growth would me the chance to grow along with it.
I Bring…
I bring my organizational ability, technical support, and a better understanding of those with more complex diagnoses and their needs.
Pet?
I’m a fan of dogs.
Laurie Coker
Executive Director
Why GreenTree?
I began GreenTree because I had been a mental health nurse and realized that something important was missing in mental health care. I was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder and this fueled my learning about how people can recover meaningful lives and “get beside” their diagnoses so that these labels do not define their lives. Through the years, I realized that peer-to-peer support was one of the most important factors in mental health recovery and recovery from substance use. Recovery arises from hope and having validation from someone who has experienced similar things yet has grown through it is tremendously important! Our mental health is impacted by many factors and distress is not something we treat mainly with medications! We need connection with others and the soul validation that comes with peer support. I wanted GreenTree to be a place where people found comfort and learned to live intentionally toward their well-being and grow!
I Bring…
What I bring to GreenTree is a passion born of my faith as well as the lessons learned from my own mental health issues and from our loss of our son about fifteen years ago. Even as a teen, he had wished for a “safe space” where people “whose minds work differently” could simply go and be people together. This idea of a peer-developed safe social space was born, and our mission and vision came forth as our early participants validated so much of what my son had wished for. I have also brought to GreenTree my ability to reach out to find partners in our local community who can work together to bring solutions that add value to people’s lives. I am thankful to so many local agencies and our City and County governments who share this commitment.
Pet?
Our pet, Olivia (Olive or Ollie) is a demanding, self-advocating rat terrier whose antics keep my husband and me laughing!