A YEAR OF PROGRESS.
A FUTURE OF POSSIBILITIES.
BUILT TOGETHER.
Fiscal year 2025 was a year of preparation for significant change and transition. As we reflect on all that was accomplished during this past year, we celebrate the courage and strength of all our staff, providers, stakeholders and consumers. Where fear and uncertainty could have frozen us, our system pushed forward to continue the commitment to inspiring hope and promoting life-enhancing recovery.
During the last year, we celebrated and honored the longstanding service of Maribeth Leonard as the CEO of LifeWays. Maribeth spent 30 years serving and advocating for the vulnerable people in the Hillsdale and Jackson County communities.
LifeWays continued to expand and enhance its Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) services during the last year, increasing not only the individuals served but also the access to timely, effective, and needed services for those we serve. This was reflected well in LifeWays’ achievement of a three year Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation for both new and existing programs.
As we embark into Fiscal Year 2026, we know that the challenges to the public behavioral health system will continue to be immense. We know that our commitment and responsibility to serving the most vulnerable people in Hillsdale and Jackson counties will be tested. But be assured – we are firmly rooted in this work and our commitment to those we serve. We believe in a fully integrated healthcare network that supports individuals in our communities to reach their full potential. We hold that with good people, strong hearts, and open minds, we can accomplish anything.
Thank you to every person and organization who contributes to this work. Thank you to our consumers and their loved ones who choose to put their faith and trust in us. We are deeply honored to work alongside each one of you.
With the deepest gratitude,
Cassandra L. Watson, CEO
Explore the Report
Building the Future of Behavioral Health
Hillsdale Building Update
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Outcomes
PIHP Procurement Advocacy
Crisis Response + Community Safety
Crisis Data
Launched SAFE Program
Mental Health Treatment Court Now Accepting Participants
Improving Assisted Outpatient Treatment Through Court Collaboration
Jail Services
Recipient Rights Data
Supporting Children, Family, + Recovery
Infant Mental Health Services Highlight
Domestic Violence Groups
The Impact of Prevention
Connecting People to Care
People Served Data
Screening Data
Central Michigan 2-1-1 Data
Integrated Health Data
Consumer Satisfaction
Community Impact + Engagement
LifeWays Gives Back
Community Involvement Data
Provider Network Listing
LEADING LIFEWAYS’ VISION
Who We Are
OUR VISION
We envision a fully integrated healthcare network that supports individuals in our community to reach their full potential.
OUR MISSION
To inspire hope and promotes life-enhancing recovery.
2025 Board of Directors
Earl Poleski
2025 Board Chair
Member Since 2020
Mark Wiley
2025 Board Vice Chair
Member Since 2020
Kathleen Schmitt
2025 Secretary
Member Since 2022
Ray Snell
2025 Treasurer
Member Since 2021
Bradley Bohner
Board Member
Member Since 1996
Mellissa Callison
Board Member
Member Since 2012
Christine Carlson
Board Member
Member Since 2019
Bruce Caswell
Board Member
Member Since 2015
Edward Woods
Board Member
Member Since 1989
Elizabeth Sparks
Board Member
Member Since 2025
Jeffrey Peterson
Board Member
Member Since 2000
LIFEWAYS SELECTS NEW CEO
In FY 2025, the LifeWays Board of Directors unanimously selected Cassandra Watson as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, marking a key milestone in a thoughtful, multi-year succession planning process. Watson, who joined LifeWays in 2016 and most recently served as Executive Director of Clinical Services, was chosen for her strong leadership, clinical expertise, and commitment to the communities of Jackson and Hillsdale counties.
“It is an honor to be selected as LifeWays’ next CEO,” Watson shared. “I look forward to continuing our commitment to accessible, high-quality care and working alongside our staff, providers, and community partners to support those we serve.”
The Board’s decision reflects a focus on continuity, stability, and a clear vision for the future. Watson’s selection positioned LifeWays to build on its strong foundation while continuing to advance behavioral health services across the region.