Our Team

Meet the Staff

Lauren Gonzales

Interim Executive Director

She/Her/Hers

Mike Tobias, CPC

Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking Program Coordinator
He/Him/His

Ieshia Dawson

Prescription Drug/Opioid Overdose Related Deaths Program Coordinator
She/Her/Hers

Kristine Norton

Communications Specialist & Program Assistant
She/Her/Hers

Sara Kirkpatrick, CPS

PAM and MIHEN Program Coordinator She/Her/Hers

Interim Executive Director

She/Her/Hers

Lauren Gonzales

Lauren received her B.S. in Biology from Alma College and decided to continue her education at Central Michigan university, attaining her Master’s degree in Public Health. While working towards her Master’s degree she served as a reading interventionist and mentor at elementary schools in underserved communities. Lauren has a passion for public health and working to bring health equity to all populations. In her free time Lauren loves to be outside, hike, garden, read, collect vinyl records, and spend time with friends, family, and her cats Junebug and Cricket.

Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking Program Coordinator
He/Him/His

Mike Tobias, CPC

Mike is the Coordinator for the Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (MCRUD) and has been employed with Prevention Network since June 2010. Prior to his employment with PN, Mike was involved with MCRUD for about 10 years and served as chair for some of this time. For leisure he enjoys camping, fishing, reading, attending concerts and sporting events, traveling, and spending time with his family. He has been in long term recovery for over 20 years, has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan, and is a certified prevention consultant.

Prescription Drug/Opioid Overdose Related Deaths Program Coordinator
She/Her/Hers

Ieshia Dawson

Ieshia graduated from Wayne State University with a B.A in Health Education and minor in Community Health. She has a passion for serving the community and has worked as a Diabetes Coordinator, Health Coach, and Family and Adult Prevention Specialist. Ieshia enjoys helping people with health issues, chronic diseases, adults with disabilities, and any related health prevention strategies. In her free time, she loves to be outdoors and camp out and enjoys traveling to hot places. One thing on her bucket list is to visit the Grand Canyon. Ieshia loves being with family. She always finds events to attend to create memories. In her spare time, she calls herself a handyman, as she loves to fix and create projects.

Communications Specialist & Program Assistant
She/Her/Hers

Kristine Norton

Kristine Norton is a seasoned professional with 25+ years of experience in office management, event coordination, and program development across nonprofit, government, and business sectors. She is the Communications Specialist & Program Assistant at Prevention Network, supporting the Executive Director and Program Coordinators with program activities, communications, and admin operations to advance substance misuse prevention in Michigan. Known for her organizational skills and attention to detail, Kristine excels in project management, event planning, and communications. Outside of work, she’s a part-time caregiver for her 81-year-old mother. She enjoys reading fantasy and romance novels, decorating her home, and spending time with family and her cat, Mikah.

PAM and MIHEN Program Coordinator She/Her/Hers

Sara Kirkpatrick, CPS

Sara, a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS), is a CMU grad with a B.A. of Science in Family Studies and Human Development and a minor in Psychology. Sara enjoys working with people and has experience working with just about every population in the human services field with a focus on children and families. She has two young daughters and in her free time enjoys reading, crafting, gardening and camping. Sara is big on family time and cherishes making lasting memories with her daughters and dog, Murphy. Fire up Chips!!

Meet the Staff

Lauren Gonzales

Mike Tobias, CPC

Ieshia Dawson

Kristine Norton

Sara Kirkpatrick, CPS

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