Meet Our Team
Jamie Boyle, MBA
President & CEO
Jamie joined the Welcome House leadership team in February 2014, bringing firsthand experiences with substance use disorder (SUD) and as a former resident, combined with extensive professional experience in healthcare, information technology, sales, management, and operations. Under his leadership and over the past decade, Welcome House transformed into a highly respected nonprofit with a structured and robust recovery program that integrates best and evidence-based practices with 12-step fundamentals, achieving outcomes far above national averages.
Jamie professionalized the organization and business, building a highly credentialed team, developing key performance indicators, implementing the systems and data-driven processes that exist today, and creating opportunities for program graduates to become credentialed mentors and counselors. He spearheaded the development and implementation of the Partial Flex, Core and Core+ programs; and led a successful $14.5M capital campaign, the design and construction of the organization’s new 28,000 sq. ft. facility and secured the funding to complete the unprecedented project. His vision, built on the organization’s rich history of service to Kansas City, has solidified Welcome House’s efficacy, relevance and long-term sustainability.
Jamie holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Kansas and an MBA, with an emphasis in Health Services Administration, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He lives in Kansas City with his wife, Stacey, and has four children.
Micah Haen, CRADC, MARS, CPS, MPS
Vice President of Administration
Micah first came to Welcome House as a resident in 2015, where he worked as Kitchen Manager. His time at Welcome House set him on his own path to recovery and inspired him to pursue a new career helping others find the same hope and healing. He began working toward certification as an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor and joined the Welcome House staff in August 2016 as Resident Relations Manager. Today, he serves as Vice President of Administration.
Micah is passionate about his role at Welcome House, where he builds meaningful connections with men in recovery. “It keeps me grounded and reminds me of what is really important in life,” he said.
Micah holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Baker University.
In his free time, he enjoys exploring local farmer’s markets and flea markets, reading, spending time with 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.
Jim Searing, CRADC, CPS, MARS
Associate Director of Program & Facility Operations
Jim is a proud graduate of the Welcome House program and has called Kansas City home for over 35 years since relocating from Los Angeles. He earned his undergraduate degree in business from UMKC.
A firm believer in the A.A. 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,” Jim is deeply committed to giving back and supporting others on their recovery journeys.
In his free time, Jim enjoys volunteering with Wayside Waifs, where he walks dogs in need of care and companionship. He’s also an avid outdoorsman who loves camping, hiking, exploring nature, and traveling to new destinations.
Karena Jensen
Associate Director, Mission Impact & Community Engagement
Dennis Hill, CRADC, CPS, MRSS, MARS
Manager of Resident Relations
Dennis grew up in Seattle, where he developed a passion for music and technology. After moving to Missouri to be closer to family, he earned an Associate Degree in Industrial Maintenance Technology from Ozarks Technical College. He later pursued higher education at the University of Central Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management, a Master of Science in Technology Management, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Technology.
In his free time, Dennis enjoys playing disc golf and has explored more than 70 courses in the Kansas City area. He is also an avid movie enthusiast and a devoted coffee aficionado.
Jason Hoover, CPS
Manager, Food & Nutrition Services
Ryan Hess, MAADC I, CPS
Recovery Support Specialist
Matthew Gies, CPS, MARS
Recovery Support Specialist
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.
Juan Lara, CPS
Recovery Support Intern
Juan Lara is a dedicated Recovery Support Intern at Welcome House, where he brings a passion for helping others navigate the path to sobriety. With over two years of recovery under his belt, Juan uses his own experience and recovery journey to guide and inspire residents. His commitment to giving back shines through as he shares the tools and direction that helped him build a healthier, sober life. Juan believes in the power of connection and support, and he is honored to walk alongside others as they take steps toward lasting recovery.
Gabe Cunning, CPS
Recovery Support Intern
Gabe Cunning, a Kansas City native, came to Welcome House in the fall of 2023, recognizing the need for support on his recovery journey. After successfully graduating from the program, Gabe transitioned into the CORE+ program, where he embraced a leadership role and discovered his passion for empowering others in recovery.
Drawing from both professional training and personal experience, Gabe provides compassionate support, encouragement, and resources to individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. Committed to recovery-oriented principles, he strives to instill hope, inspire positive change, and help others achieve their goals on their journey to long-term wellness.
