Meet Our Team

Jamie Boyle, MBA

President & CEO

Jamie, originally from Orlando, FL, ventured to the Kansas City area in the late 1980s when his family relocated due to his father’s employment. Reluctantly, he made the journey in his cherished ‘73 baby blue Volkswagen bug, surfboard strapped to the top.

A former resident of Welcome House, Jamie joined the Welcome House leadership team in February 2014. His personal journey through alcoholism and addiction to sobriety and recovery, combined with his extensive professional experience in healthcare (information technology, sales, operations, and management) fortified his role within the organization.

Under Jamie’s guidance and over the past decade, the low-barrier and now highly structured program at Welcome House underwent a complete transformation. By integrating holistic, best and evidence-based practices with the foundational 12 step programs, Welcome House is producing successful outcomes that significantly and consistently exceed the nationally expected averages. Additionally, he has paved pathways for professional growth, enabling program graduates to become credentialed mentors and counselors for future generations. Against the challenges of a global pandemic, Jamie spearheaded the realization of a very aggressive vision: a new 28,000 sq ft, $14.5M facility that officially opened in late July of 2023 – successfully raising over $12M+ to date and securing the funding and financing required to complete the project.

Over the same period and under Jamie’s leadership, the organization was transformed from “well-meaning but underperforming” and “grass roots” to the modern, professional, and highly respected nonprofit business it is today. He facilitated changes and diversification in the governance model, identified key performance indicators and implemented the technology and processes required to manage them. He professionalized the business office, implemented best practices and installed a highly educated, professional, licensed and/ or certified team across the organization. As a result, revenues from operations have more than quadrupled, ensuring the organization’s continued service and long-term relevance, efficacy, and viability.

Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Kansas and a Master of  Business Administration, specializing in Health Services Administration, from the University of Missouri in Kansas City. His professional experience includes leadership roles within nationally renowned managed care, healthcare consulting, and healthcare information technology firms.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Jamie finds fulfillment in his role as a husband to his wife, Stacey, and as a father to their four children: Keira, Kennedy, Greyson, and Emma.

Micah Haen, CRADC, MARS, CPS, MPS

Vice President, Program & Facility Operations

Micah was a resident of Welcome House from February 2015 through August 2016, where he worked tirelessly as Kitchen Manager.

His experience motivated him to change careers and he soon started working towards certification as an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor. Hired as Resident Relations Manager in August 2016, Micah is passionate about his role at Welcome House because it allows him to develop a closer connection with people in need. “It keeps me grounded, and reminds me of what is really important in life,” he said.

His service at Welcome House also provides an opportunity to give back to the program which has given him the most important thing in the world:  a purposeful and meaningful life – a life he never  believed possible.  

In his spare time, Micah can be found at local farmers markets and flea markets, reading a good book, spending time with his family and friends, and trying new restaurants and food.

Jason Hurd, LMSW

Senior Director, Recovery & Support Services

 Jason was born in Kansas City, KS, and is the father of four sons.  He attended culinary school from 2003 to 2004 at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS, and received his Associate of Arts and BSW degrees in Columbia, SC from 2009 to 2015.  Upon his return to Kansas City, he received his MSW at the University of Kansas in 2018.

Jason has been in long-term recovery since 2005.  He’s an active member of the recovery community here in Kansas City and also in other areas of the country including South Carolina and Florida.  

A fun fact about Jason is that for 26 years, he worked as a chef and restaurant manager and has helped to open multiple restaurants in the Kansas City area.

In his spare time, Jason likes to cook and swim with his boys.  His other interests include riding motorcycles and playing racquetball.

Jason Hoover, CPS

Manager, Food & Nutrition Services

Jason is a graduate of the Welcome House program and understands the key role(s) that food and nutrition play in successful recovery. He has experienced it first hand.

A US Navy veteran, he changed careers a half a dozen times before returning home to Kansas City and finding the Welcome House.  With extensive experience in a variety of skilled trades and industry certifications, including commercial transportation, custom home renovation, emergency medical response, and substitute teaching, Jason brings a unique vocational perspective to the Welcome House program. His passion has always remained in the culinary arts and he is committed to continuing the high quality service provided by the WH kitchen.

 

“It is my honor and privilege to, once again, serve the men of Welcome House,” says Jason. “I am extremely proud of the program, residents, kitchen staff, and appreciate the opportunity to keep offering more tools to succeed in recovery.” Beyond food, Jason’s interests revolve around his family and tabletop board games with other brothers and sisters in recovery.  He frequently hosts game nights at his home, often providing a home cooked meal for his guests.

Jim Searing,  MAADC II, CPS

Manager, Resident Relations

Jim is a graduate of the Welcome House program. He moved to Kansas City from Los Angeles and has lived here for over 35 years. Jim received his undergrad from UMKC with a focus on business and has started his MBA program at Park University. He is also working towards his credentialing as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Jim is a firm believer in the pledge, “I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there, and for that, I am responsible.”

He likes to volunteer his time walking dogs for Wayside Waifs, enjoys camping, hiking, traipsing through the woods, and travel.

Karena Jensen

Manager, Mission Impact & Administration 

Karena’s talents and organizational skillsets are integral to the programs and processes at Welcome House. Managing the Welcome House Mission Impact, she works across service lines to help maximize resources and efficiencies to deliver the best possible care to Residents.

As a nonprofit professional with a range of administrative and direct service experience, Karenna has formerly served Newhouse and the Central Exchange in Kansas City. A devoted mom to a teen accordion player, she also is an artist,  photographer, and avid rescuer of dogs. 

Dennis Hill, CRADC, CPS, MRSS, MARS 

Senior Recovery Support Specialist

Dennis grew up in Seattle and has dedicated a lot of time to playing music and learning about technology. After moving to Missouri to be near family, he obtained an Associate Degree from Ozarks Technical College in Industrial Maintenance Technology. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management, a Master of Science in Technology Management, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Technology from the University of Central Missouri.

“I believe technology is a great tool for work, and for play. Incorporating technology into my recovery plan helped to save my life and can be utilized to help others!” Dennis is a strong advocate of spiritual principles and strongly believes in encouraging others to put the H.O.W. (Honest, Willingness, Open-mindedness) into their recovery.

Ryan Hess, CPS

Recovery Support Specialist

A Kansas City native, Ryan’s personal recovery journey has inspired him to give back in gratitude to all who have supported him along the way. With over 2 years of recovery behind him, Ryan has joined Welcome House as a Recovery Support Intern. Drawing from his personal experiences, he brings a mantra that resonates deeply: “Never forget where you come from and prioritize connections within the recovery community.” This guiding principle shapes his every interaction, infused with empathy, understanding, and an unwavering dedication to others’ success.

Beyond his role at Welcome House, Ryan stays active and has a passion for various sports. In his downtime, he may be immersing in a good book or perfecting his craft as a writer. He is excited to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the men at Welcome House.

Matthew Gies, MARS

Recovery Support Intern

Originally from Baltimore, MD, Matthew was at a crossroads in his recovery journey before coming to Welcome House in 2022. Determined to change, he embraced the program wholeheartedly. He later transitioned to the CORE Plus program where he grew as a leader and, along the way, discovered his passion for helping others navigate their own recovery path.

Matthew is dedicated to personal fitness, affirming the relationship between physical and mental well-being. Through his commitment to staying active, he finds clarity, focus, and renewed strength in his own recovery.

Grounded in timeless wisdom such as “One day at a time,” Matthew stands ready to inspire and support a new generation of residents at Welcome House.

 

Adam Gier, CPS, MARS

Recovery Support Specialist

Adam brings a unique combination of personal experience and professional training to support individuals on their recovery journeys. His own path to wellness has taught him the power of resilience and the importance of compassionate guidance within a 12-Step program.

In his free time, Adam enjoys tinkering with cars and working outdoors, finding solace in the hands-on problem-solving of auto repair and the quiet growth of yard work. He is especially passionate about helping those in the early stages of recovery, offering an understanding ear and a reassuring voice drawn from his own experiences.

As a Kansas City native, Adam is on a mission to visit every greasy spoon diner in the KC Metro area. He lives by the mantra, “Keep coming back! It works if you work it!” – a principle he wholeheartedly embraces.

 

Keith Gale,  CPS

Recovery Support Specialist

After multiple attempts at recovery, Keith Gale made a life-changing decision to move from St. Louis to Kansas City for work. This move also brought him to Welcome House, where he found a program that truly resonated with him. After 7 months of dedication, Keith proudly graduated and has now been in recovery for over a year.

Keith is passionate about helping others overcome the same barriers and stigmas he has faced. He draws inspiration from the 9th Step promise: “If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are halfway through.”