Understanding Who We Are
Madison Sullivan
With a strong educational foundation Madison earned an Associate’s degree in Physical Therapist Assisting from Niagara County Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Cleveland State University. She further advanced her expertise by obtaining a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Lake Erie College. Madison’s dedication to the field is deeply personal. After losing a cousin to addiction a decade ago, she channeled their grief into purpose, making it her life mission to support others battling substance use disorders. This personal connection fuels her work, inspiring hope and resilience in those she assists.
Professionally, Madison works as a Physician Assistant in critical care, bringing a wealth of experience and compassion to patients in high-acuity settings. Her commitment to providing care extends beyond the hospital, as she has been actively involved in addiction recovery support for nearly two years. Holding a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CDCA) certification, Madison serves as a group counselor and facilitator at Wellbrook Recovery (formerly Prosperity Haven), where she guide individuals on their journey to sobriety. In addition to her professional endeavors, Madison founded the WellBrook Recovery Run Club, fostering community and wellness among individuals in recovery through running. An avid runner herself, she is currently training for her third half marathon. Madison also contributes to the development of young athletes as a college basketball coach, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
ABW INC
Since 2020, A Better Way (ABW) has been a leader in peer support and recovery services across Northern Ohio. We are dedicated to improving access to effective treatment, supportive housing, and recovery resources for adults living with opioid, alcohol, and stimulant use disorders.
Our Approach
ABW embraces the social model of recovery, placing a high value on lived experience. As residents in treatment and sober living environments progress in their recovery, they are encouraged to take on leadership roles. We believe in the power of peers helping peers offering guidance, building accountability, and modeling positive recovery behaviors.
While we strongly support the social model, we also recognize that every recovery journey is deeply personal and unique. What supports one person may differ for another especially for those navigating co-occurring behavioral health challenges. That’s why ABW ensures access to a broad continuum of care, including clinical services, therapeutic counseling, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) through trusted partnerships. Our integrated approach meets individuals where they are and supports them in achieving sustainable recovery on their own terms.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
ABW is also committed to raising public awareness of the drug and alcohol crisis impacting our communities. We support and conduct nonpartisan research, education initiatives, and public information campaigns to reduce stigma, inform the public, and encourage community action. Additionally, we collaborate with foundations, grantmakers, and corporate giving programs to share data and highlight the needs of organizations working within the recovery ecosystem. Through these efforts, we advocate for safe, affirming, and recovery-oriented living environments that help individuals thrive.
What We Offer
Our Mission
Our Vision
At ABW, our mission is to empower individuals on their recovery journey to discover their best selves and live with purpose. We are committed to delivering high-quality, personalized, and evidence-based behavioral health services and recovery housing to individuals struggling with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Through compassionate care, peer support, and holistic recovery solutions, ABW helps individuals build a foundation for lasting change and renewed hope.
ABW aspires to expand its high quality impact to serve more individuals in the recovery arena over a broader geographical footprint over the next three years. We will diversify our treatment protocol to include innovative healing modalities providing a sustainable recovery trajectory for our clients over the long term.
Designing and Implementing ABW Recovery Plans
ABW currently uses a social model of recovery. This model focuses on empowering the individual throughout their recovery process. As residents in treatment and sober living facilities undergo their recovery they develop into leaders. We encourage individuals to see themselves as examples for those who are newer to recovery and understand the importance of modeling positive recovery behaviors for others.
ABW wishes to continue using this approach yet it is important to recognize that recovery journeys vary from person to person. There is no “one shoe fits all” program in the field of recovery. It is because of this reality that ABW is looking to provide access a greater variety of treatment options.
A primary focus of expanding ABW’s service delivery will be creating partnerships with other communities and organizations to refer residents to trauma informed care and EMDR. ABW already provides linkages to post recovery education opportunities which has proven vital. Expanding upon ABW’s ability to connect residents with organizations providing individualized care is the main goal of expanding our service delivery.
Furthermore ABW wishes to increase our client base. Currently, our sober living facility has a constant queue of clients looking to obtain a bed. It is our goal to increase the number of beds available to our clients by ten beds a year over the course of the next ten years.
Lastly, we are looking to diversify our serviced population to include women. ABW’s sober house is a men’s facility however through expanding our infrastructure ABW is looking to include women in our resident population.
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
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DAVID PINES
BSW, LCDC III, PR-S. QMHS 3
David Pines is a dedicated leader in the field of substance use recovery with over 15 years of experience providing addiction services and recovery housing support. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Cleveland State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. David is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDC III), a Qualified Mental Health Specialist +3 (QMHS +3), and a Peer SupportSupervisor.
David’s leadership philosophy is grounded in servant leadership, empowerment, and transformative change. His work is defined by humility, empathy, and a deep commitment to those he serves—whether clients, team members, or the community. Through collaboration and accountability, he works tirelessly to drive meaningful outcomes for individuals impacted by substance use and mental health challenges. As someone in long-term recovery, David believes that an individual’s greatest weakness can become their greatest strength, and he brings that perspective to every aspect of his work. Passionate about creating inclusive and supportive environments, David specializes in serving diverse and marginalized populations with compassion and purpose.
M.Ed. LPC, Counselor
Jerome Cash
Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cleveland State University and completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, at the University of Akron. Jerome has experiencewith children, adolescents and adults who struggle with trauma, depression, addiction, anxiety, parenting, autism, relationship issues, etc. Jerome’s client population consists mostly of high school students, college students, and adults. Jerome appreciates assisting and collaborating with clients in achieving their greatest potential and providing access to resources that will benefit individuals and families.
Jerome is a community coordinator and volunteer through East Mount Zion Baptist Church, where he is active in the inner city and involved in the Lifeline Services, which serves and provides needs for families in their natural environments. East Mount Zion is also in the works of beginning a Sunday teens support group every fourth Saturday of the month, as well as continuing to connect with those in the city to build a better relationship with Christ and have a safe place to fellowship and network. Jerome has worked in community agencies as a mental health case manager, residential treatment facilities for children with special needs, the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court, and private practice settings. He has collaborated with Cleveland State University for Teen Mental Health Summits and the Kevin Love Fund; an event hosted yearly at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse that supports high school students in Northeast Ohio. Jerome also is a part of a mental health program, Peel Dem Layers Back, where the mission is to culturally educate, empower and equip Black Men and Boys with essential tools necessary to live a mentally healthy life through a Hip-Hop lens
Shaun Meier
MPA
Shaun Meier's academic journey laid a strong foundation for his career in the field of behavioral health. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kent State University, where he developed a deep understanding of human behavior and the complexities of the human mind. His thirst for knowledge and desire to create positive change led him to pursue a Master of Public Administration from the prestigious Voinovich School of Leadership at Ohio University. This advanced degree equipped him with the skills and expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of the nonprofit sector and to lead with vision and purpose.
Shaun's career in behavioral health began in 2012, and he has since worked tirelessly to address the needs of individuals struggling with mental health challenges and homelessness. His extensive experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors has provided him with a holistic understanding of the issues faced by those he serves. His work has been characterized by a deep sense of compassion, an unwavering commitment to social justice, and a keen awareness of the vital role that community support plays in the lives of individuals facing adversity.
Trenton Wallace
Trenton Wallace Business Major History Minor. Career in Telecommunications. Currently General Manager Recovery First and Peer support Specialist at Frontline Services. I love working and sharing in the MH Substance Disorder industry. Investing in the lives of people has become my passion.
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Stormy brings over 15 years of experience in healthcare operations and leadership, with a specialized focus on mental health and substance use services. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for underserved populations and a committed partner to agencies driving systemic change. Her expertise lies in aligning organizational goals with community needs.
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Stormy excels in team development, performance improvement, and fostering inclusive, mission-driven cultures. She is an active participant in community initiatives and resource panels, where she lends both her knowledge and her voice to advance mental health and recovery support systems.
Stormy holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from King University and an Associate of Science in Social Services from Hocking College. Residing in Marietta, Ohio, with her husband Justin, she is a proud mother of five, a devoted grandmother to her grandsons Jaxson and Jayce, and shares her home with their family dog, Harley. Her personal and professional life is guided by a deep belief in service, community, and the power of connection.
Amber Schuetzman joins us with a unique background that began in hospitality management. She is a retired Executive Chef from various resorts and restaurant groups throughout the United States. Her career in hospitality provided Amber with extensive experience in business management, leadership, and team development. Life changes prompted a transition from hospitality to the healthcare sector in 2021. Today Amber is a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv) at a local hospital system. Through personal experiences and both her previous and current career, Amber has grown increasingly passionate as an advocate for persons with mental health and substance abuse issues. Amber takes pride in advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. This has become even more important to her since becoming a parent. Amber is not hesitant to take the steps needed to build a future in which her child and others will be able to find assistance for mental health and substance abuse issues without fear of the stigma often associated with it today. She is a regular volunteer with various community groups throughout Northeast Ohio. She holds an Associate of the Arts in Business Management through the University of Phoenix and an Associate of Science from Lakeland Community College. Amber is also currently enrolled in the Nursing Program at Lakeland Community College.
