Michelle Beyer, CPS, CPSS, serves as Executive Director for ASCEND Rejevenate.Educate in Stark County.

Michelle’s diverse career path reflects her passion for helping others. Starting as a chef and business owner, she transitioned into radio, co-hosting a Classic Rock morning show with her husband and later developing a radio show on addiction and mental health. Durning COVID, that transitioned into a podcast with a much broader topic, adding on topics that not only Michelle personally dealt with her life, like domestic violence, but human trafficking as well. Her personal and professional experiences led her to earn a Peer Support Certification, work at Heartland Behavioral Health, and organize a large Christmas Eve dinner for the homeless that served between five hundred to seven hundred and fifty homeless and near homeless. Driven by her empathy and understanding of homelessness, Michelle served as a peer support worker at ICAN Housing for six years before becoming the Executive Director of ASCEND, showcasing her dedication to supporting those in need.

Michelle is a seasoned speaker with 15 years of experience sharing her personal journey through addiction and mental health challenges, which includes her experiences with homelessness and incarceration. Recognized as Peer Supporter and Professional of the Year, she actively participates in numerous coalitions and focus groups in Stark County. She uses her voice to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. With a passionate commitment to education and awareness, she is dedicated to speaking wherever possible to inform and inspire others.