Social Services
The Social Services Department is staffed by a team of qualified Social Services Specialists and talented support staff who are involved with the residents in many areas of their lives from admission to daily goals.
As a team, this department encourages the residents to strive for independence to the best of their ability, while offering dignity to direct and promote choice in their lives. This team also acts as a liaison with families and agencies.
The Guanellian staff is called not only to take care of the problems and needs of other persons, but above all to convey and keep their hope alive, helping them to accept positively their circumstances no matter the hardship and suffering.” – With Faith, Love and Competence 54
Kendall Herron
Kendall attended Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI where she majored in Criminal Justice with a minor in Social Work. When starting college Kendall was going for a double major in special education and elementary education. In that first year, she realized she did not enjoy being confined to a classroom but still wanted to be a positive role model for kids and young adults. Before coming to the St. Louis Center, Kendall was working at a Juvenile Detention Center in Adrian, MI as a youth specialist. In that position, she was able to be a positive role model for teens who may not have had the best home life, struggled in school, and were in and out of the facility.
Kendall has enjoyed her time at St. Louis Center so far and hopes to continue to help our residents succeed.
Jenifer Morris
Jen Morris completed her bachelor’s at the University of Maryland in management studies and her master’s at the University of Phoenix in Psychology. She has also completed additional coursework at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary in Mental Health Counseling and Christian Spiritual Formation.
After Jen’s husband retired from the Air Force, they returned to Michigan to put down roots. She began her work in this field as a direct care worker in an adult foster care facility not far from here. She also worked as an in-home care provider and an inpatient behavioral health technician. Jen is grateful to have this experience; it helps her better understand the nature of care our residents need and deserve, as well as the hard work put in by every employee.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside all of you.”
Jen’s work here includes daily interaction with parents and guardians, scheduling and attending appointments, LOTS of documentation, and so much fun! Jen says the best part of her day is “talking with our residents who tell me how grateful they are for their SLC team.”
In her spare time, Jen enjoys Bible studies, spending time with her husband of 22 years and 18-year-old daughter, playing with her two Olde English Bulldogs, and helping out with the ladies’ group at her church.
Alanah McDaniel
Having graduated high school during the height of Covid in 2020, Alanah attended Adrian College to obtain a bachelor’s degree in social work. She was a dean’s list student in college and managed a dense course load consisting of 17-19 credits a semester. Social work is a strong passion of hers and Alanah has always felt a special connection to helping others, no matter the role.
Alanah is the eldest of five siblings, one having ASD, so she’s always had a more protective personality and nature about herself. Before starting her role at the St. Louis Center, she prided herself in the work she’s done with the homeless population as a case manager. Although she’s newly getting familiar with Chelsea and the surrounding area, she’s excited to see where it takes her! Alanah looks forward to continuing her work at the St. Louis Center and is grateful for every opportunity that comes her way!
Thank You!
St. Louis Center is extremely grateful for everyone who works in our Social Services Department. Their commitment to the residents’ growth and well-being is one of the many things that allows us to provide exceptional care. As each employee brings their unique set of skills to the department the residents flourish.
Read the entire issue of St. Louis Spirit here!
