Abra Smith is a nutritionist, holistic wellness educator, and community advocate. She resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with her two sons, Christian (15) and Carter (12), and is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. Abra earned a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Sonoran University and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ferris State University and is also certified as a health coach, life coach, and trauma & resiliency trainer. She will complete a 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2023.

Through her family’s personal health struggles, Abra became inspired to learn more about the connection between sickness, disease, and nutrition and how to help people heal naturally.

Abra has served her community over the years as an educator in the public schools and community educator, a business owner, family advocate, quality coach, trainer, local wellness collaborator, and board member.

With the support of her “village,” Abra founded Renewed Eating and Living Nutrition Counseling & Wellness Solutions (or R.E.A.L). They offer:

• 1:1 nutrition counseling with personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations;
• A variety of wellness workshops, including hands-on cooking classes;
• Curated wellness-focused events, including stress relief, self-care, and mindfulness techniques.

Erica Hansen, FNP, is a certified family nurse practitioner. She grew up in Stanton, Michigan. She earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, and her master's degree in nursing family nurse practitioner from Chamberlain University of Nursing in Downers Grove, Illinois. Erica is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners.

Erica has worked in many roles in healthcare, including CNA, LPN, RN, and FNP. In her nursing role and role as a provider, she has worked inpatient in the hospital setting, outpatient in a clinic setting, and within patient homes in the community. In all these roles, she has served as a preceptor and has had the opportunity to train and support new nurses to the unit, nursing students, new providers to her department, med students, PA students, and NP students. Her experiences as a preceptor have helped her develop a passion for teaching and supporting those pursuing careers in healthcare. As an FNP, she has worked in Urgent Care and the Emergency Department. In her role in Urgent Care, she was a lead provider in opening the Meijer Walk-In Clinics and Ada Urgent Care for Spectrum Health. During the pandemic, she was a leader in a community-based program, Modern Day House Calls, providing Urgent Care visits in the home to patients with difficulty accessing care. Through these experiences, she has developed a passion for delivering care to underserved and at-risk communities.

Erica has an extensive, blended family of 12. She is a wife and mother to three children, stepmother to seven other children, and dog mother to two bulldogs. When not working, you will find her spending time with her family.

Rachael Gilbert is a fully licensed master's level social worker. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and graduate from Grand Valley State University with over seven years of social work experience, primarily with children and families. She enjoys spending time with friends and family during her downtime, cooking, working out, and traveling.

Rachael's passion lies in working with and treating individuals who have experienced trauma. Currently, she works as an outpatient clinician for Van Buren Community Mental Health, treating various mental health diagnoses in clients of all ages. In her practice, she has witnessed firsthand the benefit of holistic treatment in working with clients. At the core of Helping Hands, we believe in addressing clients from a holistic standpoint. By addressing their physical, emotional, and nutritional needs, we are more likely to improve their overall well-being. Regardless of circumstance, every individual is entitled to the utmost quality care. Rachael is thrilled to be a part of this organization and looks forward to continuing to impact her community on various levels.

Kyle was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and graduated from Comstock High School. He attended KVCC and transferred to Eastern Michigan University as a Psychology major with a minor in African American studies.

After college Kyle moved back to Kalamazoo, Michigan, to start a family. Kyle and his wife Dominique have three sons. Kyle's professional experience includes sales, leadership, and customer service background. Kyle has worked with numerous youth programs throughout Kalamazoo and is passionate about serving his community.

Christine was born and raised in the Lansing area and has resided in the greater Grand Rapids area for over 15 years. From a very young age, she has had a passion for helping people, animal-assisted therapy, and loves being involved in her community. After obtaining her masters of social work from University of Denver, she started her career at the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. After 4 years, she went back to school and earned her Masters of Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University. She worked as an OT for two years at Borgess Pipp hospital. She then took some time off from the work force to dedicate herself to caring for her family. In her free time, you can find her reading books, playing tennis, traveling with her family, and enjoying the outdoors!