Staff Members
Michael Ensing, Director of Operations
Mike's background in shipping and receiving and food service has taught him the importance of hard work, responsibility, teamwork, and treating people with respect. He enjoys being helpful, working with others, and doing his part to make a difference. He is excited to be a part of the Alano Club and the recovery community because he believes in the importance of connection, support, and having a place where people feel welcome and accepted. Mike looks forward to bringing his work experience, positive attitude, and willingness to help to the Alano Club while supporting its mission and the people who walk through its doors. Being part of a community that encourages hope, fellowship, and recovery is something he is truly looking forward to.
C Durbin, Office Administrator
Throughout Carol's postal career, she dedicated herself to hard work, dependability, and serving others. Her years in the postal service helped strengthen her work ethic, build meaningful relationships, and deepen her understanding of the importance of commitment and teamwork. Today, Carol is proud and grateful to be part of the recovery community. Being in recovery has given her a renewed sense of purpose, connection, and hope. She truly enjoys being surrounded by people who understand the journey, support one another, celebrate progress, and encourage growth. The recovery community has shown her the power of shared experiences, compassion, and the reminder that no one has to walk this journey alone. Carol is honored to be part of a community that inspires her to keep growing, give back, and encourage others along the way. Her military upbringing taught her strength, her postal career taught her dedication, and her involvement in the recovery community continues to teach her the value of hope, connection, and a life lived with purpose. She is proud of every chapter of her journey and grateful for the opportunity to keep moving forward while supporting others in theirs.
Antony Robinson, Assistant Kitchen Manager
With years of experience in kitchen management and food preparation, Antony brings a strong work ethic, leadership, and a passion for helping others to his role as Assistant Kitchen Manager at the Alano Club. He takes pride in keeping kitchen operations running smoothly, working as part of a team, and helping create a welcoming environment for everyone.
Doug Luke, Culinary Supervisor
As a child, Doug always enjoyed preparing meals with his grandmother and mother. At the age of 13, he took his first formal cooking class. The following year, he began working at a restaurant called The Copper Kettle. His passion for food continued throughout his life. As an adult, Doug studied recipes as a hobby and watched Julia Child create fabulous dishes. As his knowledge of spice combinations and cooking methods grew, so did the complexity and variety of the food he prepared. When the ALANO Club North decided to reopen the kitchen to provide daily meals, he was eager to volunteer. Doug believes food has a special way of bringing people together and enjoys being part of the sense of community and connection at the Club.
Board Members
Brad Rose, Board Chair
Term ends December 2026
Brad has worked in the lumber industry for 29 years now. He is responsible for roof design and engineering support for one of the largest builders of manufactured housing and modular home in the United States. His role includes engineering support for multiple manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. As part of the industry, Brad has worked hard to communicate technical information in an easy-to-understand format while promoting and implementing safety in the workplace and has served on many technical groups and industry-standard committees. Brad has been in recovery since 2012, beginning at the Alano Club. By serving on the board, he hopes to improve on the existing solid foundation and help ensure that this club is around for years to come. In his spare time, he enjoys staying active in A.A. by attending meetings at the club and in the GR area, cycling, sailing, and relaxing while enjoying the many opportunities sobriety has brought him.
Hannah Chee, Vice Chair
Term ends December 2028
Alano Club of Kent County is the main pillar of Hannah's recovery community. She says it has provided a safe space for personal growth that she had not anticipated when she arrived in early 2021. She is committed to facilitating access to a wide range of recovery options for the alcoholic or addict in need. Her upbringing on the Navajo Reservation and her Navajo Tribal Membership contributes to her unique connection with diverse communities and points of view. Hannah is proud to extend her experience and enthusiasm toward keeping our Club a welcoming and foundational place for people to find refuge and community. During her prior Board Membership, Hannah has extended her food service and management experience towards growing and expanding our community's access to good and affordable food. Hannah plans to continue her support of the Club Cafe and she plans on staying involved in programs that show how sober life is fulfilling, exciting and engaging.
Brittney Engster, Treasurer
Term ends December 2028
Brittney Engster earned her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Northwood University and has spent over a decade at Mercantile Bank, where she leads the Accounts Payable team and ensures accuracy in reporting and compliance. Known for her collaborative leadership style and eye for detail, Brittney brings a strategic approach to financial management and operational efficiency. She has volunteered with the club in the past and is excited to deepen her involvement as a board member. Passionate about community engagement and lifelong learning, Brittney enjoys reading, volunteering, and spending quality time with her family. She believes in the power of strong relationships and is committed to helping the club thrive.
Ashe Rogers, Board Secretary
Term ends December 2026
Ashe grew up in Grand Rapids attending K-12 in Forest Hills along with most of their 8 siblings. After high school, they studied at GRCC before earning their Bachelor Degree in Marketing at Michigan State University. Ashe then graduated magna cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law, earning their Juris Doctorate and Master of Jurisprudence. Ashe has been a practicing attorney since 2016 with a focus on consumer protection litigation and fraud prevention. In addition to being a Member and Director of the Alano Club, Ashe is also a Certified Fraud Examiner and a Member of the Michigan Board of Medicine, appointed by Governor Whitmer through 2029. Ashe enjoys spending free time with their partner and two children.
Michael Spielmacher, Board Member
Term ends December 2026
Michael became a member of the Alano Club of Kent County in 1981 and has maintained his membership ever since. He previously served as Vice President for two consecutive terms on the Alano Club of Kent County Board of Directors. His wife, Michele Moore is also a long-time member of the North Alano Club. Michael was employed at General Motors for over 30 years and retired in 1996. While employed he was a Local 167 union representative. Having fulfilled that responsibility, he became the plant photographer and videographer and served on various committees throughout my employment. After retirement Michael became a volunteer in the recovery community. He was co-chair of a step study group at the Jellema house in Grand Rapids. Later on, he was hired by Wild Boar Harley Davidson for the position of customer service manager. Michael says recovery is the number one thing in his life and serving the recovery community is a top priority.
Bob DeYoung, Board Member
Term ends December 2027
Bob is a long-time (23 years) attendee of meetings and functions at the Alano Club of Kent County and recognizes the value of this organization to the Kent County community broadly, and specifically to those most directly impacted by the diseases of addiction and alcoholism in their individual lives. He supports and believes in the Mission of ‘the Club’ as a place that “Serv(es) those affected by life-threatening addiction,…(and) is a welcoming place supporting meetings and fellowship.” He has experience as a healthcare professional in non-profit organizations that, like the Alano Club of Kent County, must place an emphasis on the best stewardship of limited resources to achieve such important goals. He has also served two terms on the Board of Directors for Guiding Light Recovery in recent years. As a Board Member, Bob would work with the Board, leadership, and members to make sure that those who come to the Alano Club of Kent County continue to find encouragement, safety, empowerment, confidentiality, and respect as the demonstrated foundations guiding the Club’s services, actions, and direction.
Tami Roth, Board Member
Term ends December 2027
Tami has been a sober and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous since April 27, 2014. She has two Home Groups—the Women’s Serenity Group which meets on Sundays at Calvary Church, and the Women’s Keep on Growing Group at the NAC. Tami has been married to her husband, Shawn, for 22 years, and together they have 3 children, 2 daughters in college and a 9-year-old son. Their children have attended Catholic School K-12th grade, and Tami serves as an active volunteer and member of the PTA Board at Assumption School in Belmont. Tami is a graduate of Ferris State University and has worked part-time as a Registered Nurse in outpatient surgery for 23 years. Tami has attended meetings regularly at the North Club since getting sober in 2014. She says her home groups and the North Club have given her a sense of community and belonging, which she didn’t even know she wanted. Tami said the vision statement for the North Club, “Rebuilding lives, healing families, and strengthening communities with the goal of ending the generational cycle of addiction and its devastating impact on society,” encompasses why she would like to serve on the board. She is passionate about sobriety and working with others, especially women with young children. Tami said being sober has changed her life and she’s so grateful she didn’t miss it! Serving on the board would provide the opportunity to give back what has so freely been given within the program.
Regina Salmi, Board Member
Term ends December 2027
Regina works as the Communications Director at Network180 –the Kent County Community Mental Health Authority. Earning an M.A. in English from Western Michigan University and completing postgraduate work at Michigan State University, Regina has 20+ years’ experience in communications, marketing, and public relations for non-profit, and public entities. She also spent 15 years as an adjunct professor teaching Writing and Literature courses at several area colleges and universities. She is skilled in writing, print and web design, audio and video production. She held board positions with Grand Rapids Community Media Center, Grand Rapids Pride Center, and was on the Marketing Advisory Council of Our Hope Association. Having walked through the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous 10 years ago, Regina knows the important role the Alano Club of Kent County fulfills in our community and understands the need to ensure that anyone who “has the desire” is welcomed and offered a seat at the table.
Jena Johnson, Board Member
With a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Public Relations and 15 years of experience in nonprofit and government work, Jena has a background leading communications, community development, marketing, and fundraising. She has significant experience with fundraising, media relations, managing sponsorship programs, serving as an advocate and representative within the community, assisting with long-term and short-term operational and strategic planning, and implementing internal processes that vastly improve capacity for new projects. Jena is a dedicated member of Al Anon here at the club and said she was enthusiastic for the opportunity to serve the club because of her personal experience in transformational change, thanks to the 12-step recovery journey. Jena lives on the west side of Grand Rapids, and in her free time she likes to go hiking or camping with her husband and her dog or spend time soaking up the sun at the lake.
We'll Save A Seat For You!
We are located at: 1020 College Ave NE | Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The Power of Recovery
“The roads to recovery are many, and the resolution of alcoholism by any method should be a cause for celebration by AA members.” — Bill Wilson
Stay Connected
