Advisory Board

Board Members 2010-2011

James Schmidt- Jim is the former executive director of Fountain House, and worked at Fountain House for a total of 38 years before coming to Maine. Jim was a driving force in the starting of our Clubhouse. He worked very hard to write grants for start up costs and to advocate that the State of Maine support a Clubhouse and the opportunities for members the Clubhouse provides. Jim is very active in the Clubhouse and advocates strongly for employment of our members. He is a member of the Maine State Rehabilitation Council and a committee member on the Vocational Work Group for Adult Mental Health Services in the State of Maine, concerning competitive full time employment for people with major mental illness. He has worked closely with former State Representative Marilyn Canavan-(D) and they were successful in securing a Transitional Employment Bill for the Clubhouse. This bill funds our TE program until Vocational Rehabilitation funds can be secured. Jim has been instrumental in starting both the High Hopes Clubhouse and the Capitol Clubhouse in Augusta. Jim is also a member of the Waterville Rotary Club and has assisted the Clubhouse in connecting with area employers. Most recently Jim started a fund “Employment Needs Fund” for people transitioning into full time work. This is a small fund that assists members in the transition period of giving up benefits and setting up a budget of independence. Jim has been successful in bringing in one person of influence into to the Clubhouse on a monthly basis. He has brought in business people, legislators, DHHS administration, and the Court Master to name a few. Jim is also on the Board of Directors for our auspice agency, Kennebec Behavioral Health.

 Mike Roy- Mike is the City Manager of Waterville. As the city Manager, Mike provides a direct link to the Mayor’s office. Mike is a member of the Waterville Rotary Club. Mike supports the Clubhouse with job development, fundraising, advocacy for member needs (such as city heat assistance) and recruitment of new board members.

 Barbara Wilson- Barbara is a family member and active in the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. She and her husband Mal Wilson were instrumental in starting High Hopes Clubhouse. She always has been and continues to be active in fundraising, community awareness and advocating for employment for our members. Our building is dedicated to Mal and Barbara Wilson, as without their efforts there would be no Clubhouse.

 Marisa Griffin- Marisa is an active member of the Clubhouse and has participated in three-week colleague training. Marisa has participated Clubhouse Regional Conferences and workshops. She has worked many TE sites and now works a Supported Employment site. Marisa consistently participates in presentations in the community for local agencies and colleges.

 Anita Anderson- Anita is an active member of the Clubhouse and has worked a group site. She presents in many community presentations, is a lead member in giving Clubhouse tours and presentations. She has attended an International Clubhouse Seminar. 

 Julian Bechard- Julian is a family member and active with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. He is active in advocating for persons with mental illness and is well known in the business community of the Waterville area. Julian has been an important part of Clubhouse fundraising, and community education in the Clubhouse model.

 Wendy Allen- Wendy is an active member of the Clubhouse who now works full time as a Peer Advocate. Wendy is well connected in the Waterville area and knows most of the local State politicians. She attended the Employment Summit in Washington D. C. She presents to local colleges, and agencies in the area. She is a strong advocate for Clubhouse members.

 Donna Mann- Donna is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Supervisor, for the Department of Labor. She is instrumental in a working relationship between High Hopes Clubhouse and Vocational Rehabilitation. She is a strong advocate for our members and provides referrals, and community awareness of the Clubhouse. She has been a great resource to assist the Clubhouse in meeting the employment needs of the Clubhouse members. Donna is dedicated to the members of the Clubhouse and has great involvement with any Clubhouse events.

Rachel Merriam- Our former Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Rachel is now involved with transitioning kids in Waterville Area High Schools. She is a great believer in Clubhouse and is involved in Clubhouse events on a regular basis. As part of her new job she often refers eligible transitioning young adults to the Clubhouse. Rachel also serves as a link between Vocational Rehabilitation and the Clubhouse.

 Duane Wheeler- Is a local business owner, who employs our members in a TE placement. He recently joined the Advisory Board and has been a great asset to the Clubhouse, not only does he provide a TE site, but he has been helpful with connecting the Clubhouse with other area business owners. Duane is also a member of the Waterville Rotary Club.

 Susan Tuthill- Susan recently joined the Clubhouse Advisory Board. Susan is the Director of the Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education. She has assisted our Clubhouse members in starting their educational path to obtaining their GED, connecting with literacy volunteers, and doing career exploration.

 Jim Peacock- Jim is the Career Counselor of Kennebec Community College. Jim has been a part of the Advisory Board for approximately two years. He assists the Clubhouse in advocacy for the members, exploring educational opportunities, and marketing of the Clubhouse program to local business owners, potential members the general public.

Cheryl Davis- Cheryl is the Administrator of Community Services for Kennebec Behavioral Health. Cheryl provides a direct link from the Clubhouse to the auspice agency. She is instrumental in the continuing development of the Clubhouse program within the agency. She is a key person in ensuring that the auspice agency recognizes the needs of the Clubhouse program and the need to be full standards based Clubhouse. She advocates for our independence as a Clubhouse and advocates for the members.