Board Of Directors
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
A Community Resource for Recovery
Kelly Armitage
Kelly is dedicated to helping people find and flourish in recovery. She has a BS in Environmental Engineering, an MA in Counseling, and a CAGS Rehabilitation Counseling certification. Kelly works managing an office and as part of a building management team. As the District 5 Representative she has spent countless hours making sure that the gift of recovery is alive and accessible. Kelly is interested in animals and cancer research, and she enjoys outdoor activities, especially scuba diving. Kelly’s generous contribution to YANA helps keep the board informed and partnered and prevents duplication of services.
Ken Bowling
Ken advocates for the presence of YANA in our community to make life-saving opportunities available for “any and all” who embrace the power of recovery. Ken earned a BA in Labor Studies and gave 40 years of service to his local union. He has a BS in Technology Educator and retired after 25 years of service in the high school classroom. YANA benefits immeasurably from Ken’s devotion to lifelong learning and teaching. He volunteers his technical and social skills liberally to afford easy access to information, education, and the experience of recovery.
Ted Cordin
Ted is a founding member of YANA and a driving force behind its mission to provide meeting space for people in twelve-step recovery programs. Ted’s long and successful Sales Career in Food Service has been integral to his effective leadership. YANA was his vision. Ted encourages selflessness and courage as YANA employs those qualities to fend off diseases that corrode hope and community.
Douglas Faulds
Doug’s constancy and steadfastness to YANA’s mission come from his desire to serve as the financial footing as Treasurer. He believes in the need for a safe environment for 12-step recovery groups, health and wellness groups, their meetings, and functions. In addition to keeping the Newport YANA Club on an informed, stable financial footing, Doug enjoys travel, golf, and reading.
Jay Garrett
Jay is devoted to recovery and embraces a lifestyle of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. He is dedicated to YANA’s mission to provide a fun, safe, and supportive community for anyone seeking 12-step recovery. Jay’s educational and professional background brings a broad spectrum of experience in business, marketing, sales, and regulation. His knowledge of health insurance and regulation provides a comprehensive understanding of the Rhode Island health care delivery system and the barriers to services, particularly relating to behavioral health and substance use issues, providing critical support for the strategic growth of YANA.
Cate Meffert
Cate enjoys sharing all of the many benefits & hopes that YANA has to offer. Her former background as an “in-home Hospice volunteer” gives her great empathy to share with those who walk through the doors of Yana. Cate’s past business background was in Real Estate purchase and sales in New York and then in Rhode Island. Cate was also an active member of the Board of Directors at the Pennfield School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Nick Mello
Bruce McIntyre
Bruce McIntyre is a 34-year veteran of Health Care Compliance and Regulation. He began this career at the Rhode Island Department of Health where he was in-house counsel to the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline where he prosecuted landmark cases.
He was asked to start a program integrity department at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services where he served for 10 years. He was President of the RI Bar Association and a Director of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the US.
Bruce has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Suffolk University, Boston, and a Juris Doctorate from New England Law, Boston.
Sharon Solway
Sharon is dedicated to her community and, within that, to the success of YANA as a place where recovery resources are readily available to anyone in need. Retired after 25 years of teaching in high school and middle school classrooms, Sharon considers herself a lifelong learner committed to educating others about valuable community resources provided at YANA. Sharon finds peace in being in nature, walking, bike riding, and hiking. She also practices yoga and enjoys the beach and reading.