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Division: Aging Services

Christine Walkons

Christine Walkons is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 35 years of experience working in the behavioral health field in both the non-profit and for-profit arenas. She has led business and clinical development as a clinician, administrator, clinical supervisor, and consultant. Christine started her accreditation career in 2001 while working as the Executive Director of an integrated substance use disorder/mental health residential and intensive outpatient program in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After retiring from this position and moving to northern Michigan, she returned to Grand Rapids to assist in the development and management of a new treatment center, focusing on gender-specific residential treatment, outpatient services, inpatient detoxification, and residential and outpatient programs for persons with eating disorders. She has worked in both program and staff development and has guided her organizations through nine successful accreditations.  Christine is a past member of the Michigan Health Professional Recovery Committee, representing the Michigan Board of Counseling. She has assisted in writing curriculum for the Specialty Degree in Alcohol and Drug Abuse (SPADA) for Western Michigan University. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University and has specialty certifications as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS-M).

For the past 22 years, Christine has provided results-orientated consultancy to organizations seeking CARF accreditation. Her reviews have improved the effectiveness of clinical services delivery to CARF accredited organizations throughout the United States. She is passionate about recovery and has worked with various support groups to endorse healing from alcohol and drug addiction and mental health disorders. As a strong supporter of the CARF accreditation process, Christine believes that organizations who earn and live accreditation enhance their services and produce quality outcomes to ultimately improve the lives of the persons served.

Carol Sherer

Carol has 32 years of experience doing CARF surveys. Her work experience includes working with persons with developmental disabilities, persons who experienced Traumatic brain injury, and severe orthopedic injuries. Carol also has knowledge and experience with special populations to include Autism and Dementia. Carol had worked within the foster care system, designed behavioral health program for those with co-occurring diagnosis, early intervention, employment services, and aging service.

In addition, to the areas Carol has a vast knowledge of emergency response for general and catastrophic emergencies. She is FEMA trained and has done FEMA training for first responders in the area of Special Need Populations. Carol has background and expertise in Home and Community based programs for those with disabilities and those who are aged. Carol also has experience in the area of case management. In total Carol has worked more than fifty years in the industry. Her Masters Degree is in the areas of Therapeutic Recreation and Community (non-profit) development.