Our Story

Blaine Degracia (Board President) is an attorney at RMC and recently received his Juris Doctorate degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. His areas of focus include gaming and intellectual property law.

Mike Mooney (Board Secretary) is the CEO of Choices Counseling Center in Roseville and is a licensed counselor of 25 years.

Michael Burke was the long-term Executive Director of MAPG. He is also a motivational speaker and national lecturer in the field of cross-addiction and compulsive gambling. His book, "Never Enough: One Lawyers True Story of How He Gambled His Career Away" has been published by the American Bar Association.

David Ledgerwood is the Associate Professor and Director - Division of Nicotine and Tobacco Research at Wayne State University. Dr. Ledgerwood’s research focuses on behavioral treatments for substance and behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling disorder), as well as mechanisms of substance use disorders.

Kirtus Thurston is a Peer Recovery Specialist at Maple Grove Rehabilitation Center in West Bloomfield. Having found recovery from multiple addictions, including compulsive gambling disorder, he is dedicated to helping others avoid the trap of cross-addiction.

Karen Gagnon has served the state of Michigan for nearly 40 years and is currently the State Assistant Administrator for the Office of Housing Strategies at MSHDA, where she leads statewide housing initiatives and serves as Tribal Liaison. In recovery from gambling addiction for over a decade, she is dedicated to raising awareness, challenging norms, and building pathways that support individuals from problem gambling to long-term recovery and thriving.

Christine Reeves is the Clinical Director at HFH Maple Grove Center, where she has worked for 16 years, beginning as an intern. A fully licensed MSW with certification in addiction, she is passionate about expanding treatment options in Michigan and strengthening connections to support prevention through legislation and advocacy.

Lori Mello is the Program Manager of the Michigan Gambling Disorder Helpline and Treatment Program, a role she has held since 2010. A Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience in clinical, administrative, and educational settings, she also teaches human services and psychology at Baker College. With a background spanning case management, community education, and leadership in non-profit organizations, she is dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing mental health and addiction challenges.

Amanda McGee- Board Member