The Guidance Center Executive and Leadership Team

Ernest Holland, the Chief Executive Officer at The Guidance Center, directs the overarching strategic vision for all mental health and developmental disability programs. Holland architects long-term organizational goals to ensure the non-profit maintains high standards of care for the Southgate community. By aligning clinical outcomes with fiscal sustainability, the Chief Executive Officer fosters partnerships with regional stakeholders to expand service accessibility. Ernest Holland monitors the efficacy of community-based initiatives, ensuring that every resource reaches those with intellectual or developmental disabilities effectively. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine the mission and adapt to evolving healthcare landscapes. Through rigorous oversight of organizational culture and service delivery, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the mission. Ultimately, Holland secures the future of the organization by driving innovation in care models and strengthening the impact of the non-profit across the broader Michigan region.

Laura Huot, the President & Chief Executive Officer at The Guidance Center, manages the executive administration and high-level policy implementation for the organization. Huot drives the expansion of mental health resources, ensuring that the non-profit meets the complex needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. By coordinating with department heads, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes service delivery workflows to maximize community impact. Laura Huot oversees the integration of new clinical standards, maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations while championing the rights of the populations served. This leadership position requires balancing immediate operational demands with the long-term sustainability of the organization. Through strategic planning and community engagement, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the presence of the organization within the regional healthcare ecosystem. Huot ensures that every initiative aligns with the core mission of providing accessible, high-quality support to those requiring specialized care.

Gary Guetschow, the Chief Financial Officer at The Guidance Center, directs all fiscal operations, budgeting, and financial reporting for the non-profit. Guetschow architects robust financial strategies to support the delivery of mental health and developmental disability services. By managing grant allocations and operational expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the organization maintains the necessary liquidity to sustain critical community programs. Gary Guetschow monitors revenue streams and cost-efficiency metrics, providing the Board with transparent data to inform strategic decision-making. This role involves mitigating financial risks while identifying opportunities for investment in new clinical technologies or facility improvements. Through meticulous oversight of the balance sheet, the Chief Financial Officer guarantees that every dollar directly supports the mission of helping individuals with disabilities. Guetschow maintains the fiscal health of the organization, allowing for consistent, high-quality service provision across the entire operational footprint in Michigan.

Jill Blackson, the Chief Operating Officer at The Guidance Center, directs the internal infrastructure and daily service delivery processes. Blackson architects scalable operational frameworks that allow the organization to support individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities more efficiently. By overseeing staff training and resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that clinical teams possess the tools required for high-quality care. Jill Blackson monitors performance indicators across all departments, identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions to improve patient outcomes. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite members to align operational capacity with the strategic goals of the non-profit. Through the optimization of internal workflows, the Chief Operating Officer drives productivity and service consistency. Blackson maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the organization remains a reliable pillar of support for the community while managing the complexities of non-profit healthcare delivery.

Maggie Myers, the Chief Operating Officer & Director, Ccbhc at The Guidance Center, directs the implementation of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic standards. Myers architects specialized programs that integrate comprehensive mental health services with developmental disability support. By managing the specific requirements of the CCBHC model, the Chief Operating Officer & Director, Ccbhc ensures that the organization meets rigorous federal and state benchmarks for care. Maggie Myers oversees the coordination of multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes patient-centered outcomes. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to secure funding and maintain service quality. Through the application of evidence-based practices, the Chief Operating Officer & Director, Ccbhc drives the expansion of accessible care options for the community. Myers ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of behavioral health innovation, consistently delivering high-impact services that address the diverse needs of the population served.

Washburn Child, the President at The Guidance Center, directs the external relations and community outreach efforts for the organization. Child architects partnerships with local agencies and stakeholders to broaden the reach of mental health and developmental disability resources. By representing the non-profit in public forums, the President builds awareness and support for the mission among regional leaders. Washburn Child monitors the social impact of the organization, ensuring that community needs remain the primary driver of all strategic initiatives. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of advocacy and inclusion, which is essential for the success of the non-profit. Through consistent engagement with the public and private sectors, the President secures the necessary support to sustain long-term growth. Child drives the organizational narrative, ensuring that the commitment to helping individuals with disabilities remains visible and effective throughout the entire region served by the organization.