Our Team
David Christenson
Executive Director
David has worked in the mental health and substance use field for over 18 years. He has a passion for helping those in recovery have a safe place to live and the tools needed to succeed. For the last 6 years, David has created substance use programming for individuals in the legal system and transitioning out of jail. He facilitated the local Community Mental Health Coalition in Howard County and has worked hard to create collaborative partnerships between regional service providers.
Matthew Matteson
Clinical Director
Matthew is a licensed clinical social worker with 9 years of experience in behavioral health. He started his career as an outpatient addiction therapist in upstate New York. For the last 3 years, he managed an outpatient behavioral health and addiction service line and looked for ways to expand recovery resources in the region. Matthew is excited to implement a new, collaborative treatment program and provide direct services again.
Laura Brown
Assistant Clinical Director
Laura is a Licensed Social Worker with 28 years of Mental Health and dual diagnosis experience. Specifically, she has 6 years of leading residential services. Laura has worked closely with the Mental Health Court to help coordinate services, including substance recovery programming. Laura is excited to work alongside the team to help build and provide services to those individuals served.
Elisha "Eli" Mancia
Peer Coach Director
Eli is a Peer Recovery Coach and House Manager at The Loft Recovery House. Eli’s role is to ensure that the house's overall culture stays positive and conducive to recovery. He works one-on-one with residents to help them accomplish their goals in early recovery so that they see how truly rewarding life can be when free from substance use.
Robert "Bobby" Susek
Housing Director
Bobby was born and Raised on the West Side of Chicago in Melrose Park, Illinois. He now lives in Kokomo, Indiana, as a House Manager and Certified Peer Recovery Coach at The Loft Recovery. He works in tandem with Eli to help individuals in recovery overcome long-term addiction issues and increase their ability to sustain long-term recovery.
