Nathaniel Bailey, Certified Peer Recovery Coach​

Hello, I am Patricia Parnell. I am honored to be a part of Unlimited Alternatives team. There are many stigmas associated with
mental health that keep many suffering in silence. I look forward to helping eliminate those stigmas. I am excited to use my individual background and firsthand experiences with mental health, to help others on recoveries road. Dealing with mental health has taught me the importance of hope and support. When hope is extended and accepted, no one is beyond help. I received my Associates of Science in Human Service from Cornerstone University. I am currently pursuing my bachelor's in ministry leadership. I love reading, journeying, writing poetry, performing spoken word, singing, people, and serving my community. I look forward to further serving my community.

Deanna Arnett Weesner, Executive Director, MA, CPRC, CPSS

Justin Monroe, Lead Peer Support Specialist, CPSS

My passion for the peer recovery field is fueled by my personal journey through addiction and mental health struggles. I believe that my experiences, coupled with my academic background, make me uniquely qualified to support others on their paths to recovery.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Grand Valley State University and an Associate's degree in Business Administration from Jackson Community College. These degrees have equipped me with strong communication and organizational skills, which I can utilize to effectively connect with individuals and create supportive recovery environments.

Beyond my academic achievements, I am an active volunteer in self-defense, finding joy in martial arts, hiking, and engaging with others. My love for my chihuahua mix, Radish, further grounds me and reminds me of the importance of compassion and care. I am eager to bring my enthusiasm, empathy, and lived experiences to the peer recovery field, empowering others to overcome challenges and build fulfilling lives.

My name is Justin Monroe. I come from a small town, called Leslie, where I graduated in a class of 80 students. I then went to Lansing Community College for 3 years and transferred to Michigan State University for 2 years and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History in 2023. I have an interest in education and working in educational environments. This led me to my most recent position as a substitute teacher in the school district where I grew up.  I have years of experience living with high anxiety and deep depression. I hope to share these experiences, combined with my interest in education, with people who may be going through similar struggles and are looking for healthy ways to cope with their mental health.

Patricia Parnell, Program Director, Certified Peer Support Specialist​

Welcome to UA's website. My name is Deanna and I have worked as a Case Manager in several non-profits for over 25 years.  Most of my work has been with survivors of physical and sexual violence, including trafficking survivors, and the homeless population.  After my masters level practicum at Gateway Community Services and my service as the executive director of Hannah's House, I knew I wanted to continue working with people affected by addiction and housing insecurity.  I'm excited to use both my professional experience and my lived experience in recovery to further my work in community organizations.

Meet the Team​​

Everyone who works at Unlimited Alternatives has lived experience with mental health and/or substance use concerns.

These experiences shape what we do and how we do it.

Hello my name is Nate and I attended Bay City Central High School, than Delta College in Saginaw. I have been involved in substance abuse recovery for over ten years and became a certified Peer Recovery Coach in 2022. I have been blessed by many miracles in that time and have an overwhelming sense of gratitude. My life's passion now is helping others get out from under the chains of addiction. I know if I can do it, literally anyone can!

Jay Brown