We understand the importance of our staff and how they relate to our clients'. We take great care and pride in hiring qualified and sensitive individuals. We are state licensed and CARF accredited. Our counselors and therapists are state certified and are committed to continued education and training to provide the highest quality treatment.
Our staff has a proven track record and equally as important our clients' are comfortable with our team. HTC Outpatient Services guarantees our staff will always treat patients' with respect, privacy, integrity and compassion.
Christine Daugherty, MPA, BA, RN
Christine is a health care professional with over 15 years of experience. She is adept at start-ups and the development of community-based health care services for the underserved and minority populations. She also provides face-to-face health and counseling services.
In the past, Christine worked as a blood donor room nurse at Children's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts and as a Community Health Nurse/Educator at the North American Indian Center (NAICOB). At NAICOB her duties included health education and leading the nursing station.
Most recently Christine was the initial Health Director for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians in Michigan, where she developed an integrated community health/medical care and combined substance abuse/mental health counseling services program.
Christine received her training under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and participated in the development of the Band's multi-disciplinary team, where she served as the served the ICWA children and families working towards reunification. She also, monitored the development of prescription eyewear and dispensing pharmacy services.
Christine has a Masters' degree in Public Administration with concentration in Health Care Administration from Western Michigan University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Simmons College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Michigan State University.
Not only is Christine well-educated and brings along a wealth of experience; she is also a Registered Nurse and has an AODA Counselor Development Plan registered with the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction.
Darryl J. McElroy, RDP
Darryl is serving in the capacity of Counselor for HTC Outpatient Services and has a Registered Development Plan with the State of Michigan.
Darryl is a former police officer for the City of Chicago and is trained in cultural awareness, conflict resolution and drug awareness. Darryl is knowledgeable in human behavior and performance, individual differences in abilities and personality traits.
He is active in Christian ministry (over 17 years' experience) and has served as a full-time pastor for the past ten years in the Three Rivers and Benton Harbor, Michigan areas. His ministry includes Pastoral Counseling, including marriage/family and parental counseling.
His ministry also addresses individuals and couples as it relates to their personal, spiritual, professional and emotional needs.
Darryl is continuing his education and is currently preparing for state of Michigan certification testing.
Kenneth Orlich, LMSW, LMFT
Ken is a Licensed Master Level Social Worker, in Clinical and Macro psychology. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a co-member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers.
Ken spent 20 years with the Department of Human Services (DHS) where he was a Child Welfare Specialist.
After receiving his MSW degree, Ken worked for a variety of clinics in Genesee County CMH. He served in the mental health and addiction areas honing his expertise; his scope of patients ranges from people suffering with chemical dependencies, gambling and sexual addictions.
Ken's approach to treatment is systematic. Even when working with individuals, he often uses Family Therapy ideas. He is a pragmatist at heart and his philosophy is: "If it works, he will try it."
Within the mental health arena, Ken has worked with developmental mentally disabled adults and children.
In short, Ken has been a social worker for 48 years and has worked with the addicted and mentally ill for 27 years.
Vineesha Rathnam, MA, LLPC, RDP
Vineesha Rathnam is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Michigan; she received her Master's Degree in Counselor Education from Western Michigan University and a Specialty Graduate Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Abuse (SPADA). She completed her Undergraduate Studies at Western Michigan University where she received her Bachelor's of Science degree, majoring in Blind Rehabilitation. She completed her Internship at Forest View Psychiatric Hospital, where she received extensive supervised training in individual and group counseling, trauma, PTSD, Domestic Violence, eating disorders, substance abuse, co-occurring for adults and adolescents, suicide prevention and working with veterans.
Vineesha's previous work experience includes the Safe Shelter, in Benton Harbor, MI where she was employed as a children's advocate. She also worked at The Berrien County Health Department, where she served as an interim Director for the Community Alliance Against Substance Abuse addiction prevention services. In addition to working at the Well of Grace Ministries in Stevensville MI, where she was employed as a Case Manager for young women ages 18-24 in a Christian Centered residential treatment setting while at the Well of Grace, Vineesha gained a passion for working with young women diagnosed with Eating Disorders.
Her work experience also includes time at the Capstone Family Center in Benton Harbor, MI where she was employed as a Program Director for the 0-3 Ready, Set, Grow Program, and she worked extensively with all Berrien County Hospitals providing services to new birthing families and educating the nursing staff. Vineesha has worked for many years as an Assistant Home Provider for her family owned Adult Foster Care Home, in Berrien Springs. She has extensive experience working with Adults who have been diagnosed with Schizophrenia, manic, Bipolar and other mental disorders.
Not only is Vineesha well-educated, she brings a wealth of experience with her to HTC Outpatient Services. She believes in meeting clients where they are and spends much time and energy learning therapeutic skills and models that are beneficial to those seeking answers /solutions to addictions and other life problems. Vineesha has a Developmental plan in place with MABAP and is working toward her Certification in Advanced Addiction Counseling (CAAC); in addition she plans to pursue her PSYD in the future.
Cedric Scott, MA, LLP, CAC-R
Cedric is a Limited Licensed Psychologist in the State of Michigan. His credentials include a M.A. degree in Counseling Psychology and Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice — both degrees obtained from Western Michigan University.
In addition to the above credentials, he is certified by the State of Michigan as a Substance Abuse Counselor - Reciprocal.
With over 12 years of substance abuse counseling Cedric is currently the Program Coordinator for HTC Outpatient Services. Overall he has over 20 years experience counseling juveniles in various institutions and has provided private counseling services to area school districts for the past ten years, where he addresses various behavioral problems.
Cedric has a vast amount of knowledge and experience working with individuals with varying degrees of disabilities, cognitive disorders, oppositional defiance and conduct disorders.
Although Cedric has counseled clients ranging in age and with varying disorders he mostly enjoys working with young people; however he is just as effective with adults.
Cedric provides psychological testing to aid in diagnoses of individuals with ADD, ADHD, learning disabilities, cognitive and emotional impairments.
Some of his work has included counseling individuals who suffer from mental health disorders such as depression, bi-polar, sexual dysfunction, substance abuse/dependency, intermittent explosive disorders and generalized anxiety disorder.
Cedric's education and training is an on-going process as his spectrum for services continues to expand.
Darien L. Smith, BA, RDP
Since 2005 — the inception of HTC Outpatient Services in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Darien Smith has been the Executive Director.
Darien is a graduate of Cornerstone University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Currently he is attending Western Michigan University, where he is studying for his Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology.
He has 16 years of experience within the realm of community service. Darien is devoted to building stronger communities, families and lasting relationships. He has spent the last ten years honing his skills within the substance abuse treatment and prevention arenas.
From the onset, Darien's vision for HTC Outpatient Services was to become interwoven within the healing and rebuilding process for the community and our society at large. With a strong belief in communities and a commitment towards helping others Darien leads his team to strive for a healing and rebuilding process; starting with one person at a time.
With the above understanding HTC Outpatient Services mission is "To encompass individuals and their families; to help them beat the habit of using or abusing illicit drugs and to rebuild their lives one person and one family at a time." In doing so, we will also build one unit and one community at a time together.
Leon Smith, D.O.
Dr. Smith is the Medical Director of Eastside Substance Abuse Clinic (Muskegon, MI), Eastern Clinic (Grand Rapids, MI) and HTC Outpatient Services (Benton Harbor, MI).
Dr. Smith's credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan) and a doctoral degree in Osteopathic studies from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Smith enjoyed an illustrious career as a Family Medical Doctor which began in 1972 until his retirement in 1991. Throughout his career as the primary physician at his Family Medical Practice, Dr. Smith was an active medical staff member of the Muskegon General Hospital. He was also an Associate of Family Practitioner and the American Osteopathic Association, in addition to continuing post-graduate CME training yearly as required by the state medical board.
After working part-time in the field of addiction medicine, Dr. Smith was drawn to assisting people battling substance abuse and therefore he embarked on a full-time career in Addiction Medicine.
As a direct result of the Muskegon County Health Department, Dr. Smith founded the Eastside Substance Abuse Clinic in 1988. For many people battling their addiction to opiates; this clinic was viewed as a "last-result" in their recovery and Eastside Substance Abuse Clinic was also instrumental in the development of Eastern Clinic (Grand Rapids) and HTC Outpatient Services (Benton Harbor, MI) both of which are successful in battling substance abuse.
Throughout the years the medical industry has changed and Dr. Smith has remained on top of the latest trends in science and technology. As Medical Director, he worked with the clerical, medical and clinical staff to develop a paperless addiction software system; currently used in all three clinics.
Dr. Smith found his true calling in the field of addiction medicine. He has been essential in patients seeing past the fog of substance abuse and entering into a lifetime filled with hope, happiness and dreams.
Michelle L. Warren, MA, LPC, CAAC
Michelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Michigan; she received her Master of Arts degree in Counselor Education from Western Michigan University. She completed her undergraduate studies at Central Michigan where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Psychology, with a double minor in Sociology and Substance Abuse Education; Prevention, Intervention and Treatment.
In addition to her education, she is recognized by the State of Michigan as a Certified Advanced Addictions Counselor. Michelle also has a Developmental Plan in place with MCBAP to work towards her Certified Clinical Supervisor designation.
Michelle's previous experience includes Berrien County Health Department, where she was employed as a Prevention Specialist and Team Leader for the entire Prevention staff. That position afforded her the opportunity to provide psycho-educational programming in schools related to drug prevention. Michelle acquired knowledge related to different coalitions and organizations as she served as the Coordinator for the Berrien County Tobacco Reduction Coalition and the Designated Youth Tobacco Use Representative. Michelle also gained experience facilitating group sessions for both youth and adults related to smoking cessation.
In addition to working at the Health Department, Michelle was employed in a small private practice for several years. The majority of her cases involved young adults with substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Michelle also co-facilitated both men and women groups involving patients with a numerous life problems and mental health issues.
Michelle has training in cognitive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing and clinical supervision. Additionally, she has undergone training specific to Department of Transportation (DOT), Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and she has completed the Substance Abuse Evaluations certification for the Secretary of State.
Michelle has over ten years of experience in the field of substance abuse related to prevention, education, and treatment and is currently the Program and Clinical Director at HTC Outpatient Services.
