About Us
From Support to Solidarity
Since 1997, we’ve offered trauma-informed, recovery-oriented support rooted in lived experience. We honor each person as the expert of their own life and, through radically new perspectives, create spaces for all to explore their unique vision of wellness.
Click here to learn more about SOAR's history.
Mission
To promote individual and community healing by providing services that offer radically new perspectives, respect individual choice, and center the voice of lived experience.
Vision
SOAR envisions a community where:
- Mental health, substance use, and community-based services are co-created for and by people with lived experience.
- Community-based services are holistic, inclusive, culturally relevant, and fully voluntary.
- All people are empowered to define their lived experiences, create their own meaning, and explore their unique vision of wholeness and well-being.
- Advocacy is a catalyst for social and systemic transformation in mental health services.
We do this by:
- Meeting people where they are.
- Promoting harm reduction practices.
- Uplifting human rights and social justice advocacy.
- Advancing peer-led alternatives to traditional crisis response.
- Respecting each person as the expert of their own life.
- Centering collaboration, compassion, and growth in the services we provide.
Core Values
- Lived Experience : We believe those who’ve been there should lead the way.
- Autonomy : We honor self-determination. Services are voluntary, personalized, and guided by each person's goals and voice.
- Wellness : We provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed support for mind, body, and spirit.
- Community : We create spaces for belonging, mutual support, and shared growth. We grow and heal through relationships and belonging.
- Justice : We challenge injustice. We confront systemic barriers and encourage equity in mental health services and beyond.
Meet the Team
SOAR is equipped with a team of trained and compassionate professionals who are prepared to support individuals in need of supportive services, including therapy, collaborative psychiatry, and peer support, while navigating systems of care.

Executive Director of Clinical Services: Jessica Armbruster, LCSW

Executive Director of Peer Services: Nze Okoronta

Communications & Development Manager: Riley Hays, BA, CPS

Solstice House Program Manager: Rylee Jenich, CPS

Psychiatrist: Dr. Shelia Thakor, MD

Nurse Practitioner: Kellie Trepton, NP
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Lead Case Manager & ISDE Provider: Heather Andresen, MS
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Lead Case Manager: Miranda O'Rourke
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Case Manager: Lauren Jacobs

Case Manager: Mark Mattes

Case Manager: : Carrie Schmit, MS
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Case Manager: Olivia Zizzo

Office Assistant: Peggy Michaelis