Welcome to Recovery Alliance Project

Michelle Ryder is a mission-driven community engagement professional and collaborative leader with over two decades of experience in recovery advocacy, public service, and operational management. Throughout her career, Michelle has been a passionate champion for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder, trauma, and syst

Michelle Ryder is a mission-driven community engagement professional and collaborative leader with over two decades of experience in recovery advocacy, public service, and operational management. Throughout her career, Michelle has been a passionate champion for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder, trauma, and systemic barriers, consistently working to advance equity, dignity, and sustainable recovery-oriented systems of care, including vital peer support services.

Most recently, Michelle has served her community in key public governance and legislative roles, including as a Trustee for the Grand Blanc Township Board and as a Legislative Assistant within the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. In these capacities, she has effectively navigated policy development, budget coordination, and strategic partnerships, acting as a vital liaison between government agencies, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to improve public health outcomes and expand access to resources for substance use recovery.

Michelle’s leadership is deeply rooted in both professional expertise and lived experience. As the former Board Chair for Serenity House Communities, she provided strategic governance and oversight to expand recovery-focused programming, drive fundraising initiatives, and foster organizational growth. Her background also includes extensive operational leadership, having spent years as a Director of Operations, where she managed organizational workflows, compliance, human resources, and budget tracking while building accountable, compassionate teams dedicated to supporting recovery efforts.

A recognized voice in advocacy, Michelle sits on the Genesee County Opioid Steering Committee, contributing to critical strategies surrounding overdose prevention, stigma reduction, and equitable care accessibility. She is a skilled public speaker on addiction recovery and community resilience, uniquely adept at balancing rigorous operational oversight with a deeply empathetic, mission-first approach. As Interim Executive Director, Michelle brings the strategic vision, administrative acumen, and community-centered focus necessary to guide the organization forward and deepen its impact.

Tara Moreno-Wallen is a nationally recognized recovery advocate, nonprofit leader, and systems-change strategist dedicated to expanding access to recovery support services and enhancing community engagement around substance use recovery.  

With over a decade of leadership experience in the recovery field, Tara has built and led innovativ

Tara Moreno-Wallen is a nationally recognized recovery advocate, nonprofit leader, and systems-change strategist dedicated to expanding access to recovery support services and enhancing community engagement around substance use recovery.  

With over a decade of leadership experience in the recovery field, Tara has built and led innovative, peer-driven programs that bridge gaps between treatment, recovery, reentry, and community support. As the founding Executive Director of a Recovery Community Organization, she effectively secured approximately $1.7 million in public and private funding, developed sustainable recovery support programs, and established peer support services as an essential component of the continuum of care.  

Tara's work is grounded in the belief that recovery is possible for everyone and that communities flourish when individuals with lived experience are empowered to lead. Her expertise encompasses recovery community organization development, peer workforce advancement, advocacy, grant development, organizational leadership, and transformative systems change.  

She has earned national recognition for her leadership and impact, including being named Advocate of the Year by Faces & Voices of Recovery. Throughout her career, she has championed recovery-friendly policies, expanded peer recovery support services, and worked to reduce stigma while increasing opportunities for individuals and families facing substance use and mental health challenges.  

As Founder and Director of Strategy of Recovery Alliance Project, Tara is dedicated to building a community-led recovery infrastructure that advances equity, strengthens recovery capital, and creates meaningful pathways to hope, healing, and long-term recovery.  

"Recovery is more than surviving—it's about building a life filled with purpose, connection, and possibility."

Theresa Roach blends deeply personal lived experience with over 15 years of professional expertise in community well-being and community engagement. Guided by a passion for healing, 

Theresa has dedicated her career to creating spaces and programming that support mental and emotional health, including peer support services for those in nee

Theresa Roach blends deeply personal lived experience with over 15 years of professional expertise in community well-being and community engagement. Guided by a passion for healing, 

Theresa has dedicated her career to creating spaces and programming that support mental and emotional health, including peer support services for those in need. Her diverse credentials include certifications in trauma-informed yoga and social-emotional learning, mindfulness instruction, and facilitating for the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI). As an ACEs Community Champion, Theresa’s work has left a profound mark on Flint and Genesee County. By championing mindfulness and trauma-informed care, she empowers local residents to navigate life's challenges, heal from substance use and trauma, and build deeply connected communities.

Percy Glover is a respected community leader, author, and national criminal justice reform advocate from Flint, Michigan, whose life exemplifies the power of resilience, redemption, and purpose. In his early twenties, Glover was incarcerated and spent more than a decade in prison; a period that became the foundation for personal transform

Percy Glover is a respected community leader, author, and national criminal justice reform advocate from Flint, Michigan, whose life exemplifies the power of resilience, redemption, and purpose. In his early twenties, Glover was incarcerated and spent more than a decade in prison; a period that became the foundation for personal transformation. Rather than allowing his circumstances to define his future, he committed himself to education, self-reflection, and growth. Following his release, he earned associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in the fields of social work, communications, and leadership, equipping himself with the knowledge and experience to serve others and create meaningful change within his community.

Today, Glover is recognized for his unwavering commitment to restoring hope and expanding opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. He has led impactful initiatives such as the I.G.N.I.T.E. program, helped organize jail-based voting efforts to increase civic engagement among jailed citizens, and serves as the head of the nonprofit F.A.I.R. Voting Alliance, where he advocates for equitable access to voting and meaningful judicial reform. In 2020, he published Concrete Lies & Abstract Truths, a collection of poetry that chronicles his journey from incarceration to redemption while exploring themes of accountability, faith, perseverance, and healing. Through his leadership, advocacy, and writing, Percy Glover has become a powerful voice for second chances, demonstrating that personal transformation can inspire lasting change for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Julie Hall is a dedicated nonprofit professional and strategic leader who is a woman in long-term recovery. She utilizes her lived experience to drive meaningful community change through community engagement initiatives. Currently serving as the Grant Writer for Carriage Town Ministries, Julie secures vital funding to support the organiza

Julie Hall is a dedicated nonprofit professional and strategic leader who is a woman in long-term recovery. She utilizes her lived experience to drive meaningful community change through community engagement initiatives. Currently serving as the Grant Writer for Carriage Town Ministries, Julie secures vital funding to support the organization’s mission of serving those in need, particularly in providing peer support services aimed at enhancing substance use recovery.

In addition to her role in human services, Julie is the Co-Founder and Director of Advancement and Strategic Partnerships for Outreach Optical. This initiative, which she proudly launched alongside her father, a practicing optometrist, focuses on building community partnerships to expand access to essential vision care and improve overall community wellness.

Julie’s personal journey informs her deep commitment to recovery and community engagement. She has a rich history of advocacy and board service, having previously served as the Board Secretary for Serenity House Communities (2016–2017) and contributing her financial oversight skills as the Treasurer for the Recovery Alliance Project. Throughout all her endeavors, Julie remains dedicated to breaking barriers and creating sustainable, impactful support systems for others, especially in the realm of substance use recovery.

Lisa Sanchez Metropoulos is an experienced marketing and communications expert, community leader, and activist primarily based in Flint, Michigan.

She serves as the owner and lead marketing specialist at Metropoulos Marketing, focusing on data-driven business results that will enhance community equity. 

Lisa is heavily dedicated and champio

Lisa Sanchez Metropoulos is an experienced marketing and communications expert, community leader, and activist primarily based in Flint, Michigan.

She serves as the owner and lead marketing specialist at Metropoulos Marketing, focusing on data-driven business results that will enhance community equity. 

Lisa is heavily dedicated and champions representation and educational support for Latinx individuals throughout Michigan, with a focus on supporting professional Latina representation. 

She consults locally on municipal election strategies and neighborhood resource distribution within the city of Flint and throughout Genesee County and the state of Michigan. 

She has been an outspoken advocate for mental health and women's healthcare for over two decades, and continues to raise awareness and the roof, on all of these matters of her heart. 

She resides in Grand Blanc Twp. with the loves of her life- her two children, her Belgian Malinois, and two cats. 

Cole Eckerman is a passionate advocate for nonprofits and community engagement, backed by over 20 years of experience in driving successful fundraising and development initiatives. From grassroots campaigns to leading museum fundraising, her expertise covers the full spectrum of support services, including those focused on substance use r

Cole Eckerman is a passionate advocate for nonprofits and community engagement, backed by over 20 years of experience in driving successful fundraising and development initiatives. From grassroots campaigns to leading museum fundraising, her expertise covers the full spectrum of support services, including those focused on substance use recovery.

Cole founded Eckerhaus Consulting to empower organizations to connect with donors, enhance their impact, and achieve their missions. Her strategic insights and commitment to building meaningful relationships have transformed countless causes. Holding a Master's in Strategic Fundraising and Philanthropy, Cole draws inspiration from her family, her team, and her three beloved dogs.