Turning Leaf Behavioral Health Services

About Us

Mission Statement

At Turning Leaf Behavioral Health Services, our mission is to enrich the quality of life of the individuals that we serve through rehabilitative and therapeutic services in overcoming their barriers to living as productively and independently as can be realistically expected.

Turning Leaf is a CARF-Accredited behavioral health treatment provider supporting adults within a continuum of residential programs that are outcome-driven and community based. Our treatment programs are designed to provide person-centered support to individuals in their recovery or stabilization as they progress towards an individually-appropriate amount of support. Our continuum includes CARF-Accredited Residential Treatment, Community Housing, Day Treatment and Community Integration programs.

Read the letter from our Director’s desk

Core Values

We hold sacred:

An uncompromising commitment to the physical and emotional health and well-being of the clients that we serve

Dedication to having a creative and productive impact on the lives of the clients that we serve.

Ultimate respect for the uniqueness of the individual.

Empowering our employees to use their creativity and skills to deliver the best services to our clients in the most dignified manner.

We embrace the highest standards of honesty, ethical behavior, and exemplary moral character in dealing with all stakeholders

Our Residents
Family Members
Case Managers

Guardians
Placing Agencies

Employees
Our Community

Meet Our Leadership Team

Sami W. Al Jallad, MPA

Executive Director / Co-Licensee Designee

I have the unique perspective of having been involved with Turning Leaf since my parents began this family company in 1995. Since then, I have held almost every position within the organization including that of Direct Care Staff, Facilities Supervisor, Financial Services Manager and Director of Operations.

Since 2003, I have had the privilege of being Turning Leaf’s Executive Director. I am a proud Michigan State Spartan, attending Michigan State’s Eli Broad’s College of Business and later; earning an MPA with a Health Care Administration concentration from the University of Michigan – Flint. Being able to serve our employees and consumers in a way that holistically improves their lives has been a humbling experience and one that I would not trade. In my spare time I enjoy spending time outdoors with my wife and three sons; our families and friends. Occasionally, I enjoy skiing, playing tennis, golfing, boating, and camping.

Destiny Al Jallad, MA

Director of Operations/Access Manager/Lansing Administrator / Co-Licensee Designee

I joined the Turning Leaf Team in December 2011. I am originally from Flint; a city close to my heart and which shaped who I am today. I moved to East Lansing to attend Michigan State University and have remained in the Lansing area ever since. I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology from MSU and went on to work for the State of Michigan as a Children’s Protective Services Specialist. After gaining valuable experience working with children and families and family/probate court, I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in School and Community Psychology from Wayne State University. I worked as a School Psychologist for several years prior to joining my husband, Sami at Turning Leaf. The decision to work together and combine our passions is one that I will never regret. Every day, I enjoy working with others to assist our consumers in making meaningful change in their lives. However large or small, we celebrate every victory here at Turning Leaf.

Polly Chipman

Human Resources Manager

I joined the Turning Leaf Team in August of 2015 as a Recruiter, and was in the Human Resources Specialist role for several years prior to taking on the Human Resources Manager role. Prior to Turning Leaf, I had 6 years of experience in the talent management role, and I enjoy all aspects of the Human Resource Department. I have gained valuable experience in licensing and contractual compliance and I also work closely with management in building relationships with staff. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family on the lake or traveling up north.

Amy Schafer

Financial Services Manager

I joined the team in January 2023 and work on the Leadership Team and stakeholders to ensure billing and contractual compliance.

Zeta Francosky

Administrator

I joined the Turning Leaf team in November of 2016. I started as an Assistant Program Manager and have since become the Program Director and Administrator for Allegan, Kalamazoo, Kent and Ottawa county programs. I have worked in the behavioral health field for many years, serving a wide variety of individuals – adolescents and adults. I have a passion to help and advocate for others. I moved to West Michigan 10 years ago. In my spare time I enjoy photography, treasure hunting with my best friend and traveling with my husband and our 3 daughters.

Carmen Strong-Levelston

Administrator

I am pleased to say I have been part of the Turning Leaf family since August 2010. I started as a direct care worker and traveled many roads to become the Program Manager in Muskegon. I have served this field for over 16 years. I went to college and obtained a certification in Criminal Justice. I love what I do and the people we serve. In my spare time I love to travel with my husband and spend time with my daughter and grandkids. Reading is also my passion.

Amber Ely Costa

Lansing Program Manager

Based in Lansing, Amber has been with Turning Leaf since 2008 in the role of Direct Support Professional (DSP), later as a Lead DSP, Assistant Manager, Health Care Coordinator and most recently as Lansing Program Manager. Amber has the best interests of consumers/residents, staff and the company in mind at all times – she is highly committed to the mission of our organization.

Kiley Buursma, RN-BSN

Turning Leaf Nurse

I joined the Turning Leaf Team in June of 2022 as a Registered Nurse. I have the pleasure of working alongside our administrative team, staff members and residents to ensure our consumers receive care of the highest quality using a holistic approach. I graduated from Davenport University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Prior to becoming a nurse, I spent many years in a wide variety of roles in health care. I have several years of experience working directly working with and caring for those who have developmental/intellectual delays, traumatic brain injuries, and mental illness. My passion is to be a patient advocate for others, especially those who may not be able to advocate for themselves. In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors, on the water, or with my loved ones and furry friends.

Lisa Mull

Administrator

I have been at the White Oak program since 1994; joining Turning Leaf in July 2019. I attended Baker College in Muskegon and then returned to the Pentwater area. I started out as a part time employee and have moved throughout the years to Program Manager and Administrator. In my spare time I enjoy my husband, two sons and extended family.

Jeffrey Ostrowski

Company Wide Trainer

I joined Turning Leaf in April of 2020 as Program Manager and Company Wide Trainer for our Vicksburg location. I have the privilege of working alongside our residents, assisting them with graduating from high school (or fulfilling GED), applying for college courses, gaining meaningful employment in the community, and volunteering. In addition to working with our residents, I also train staff in Adult First-Aid & CPR, and MANDT. I highly enjoy working with our new/existing staff, as it allows me to help in relating course material to our persons served in a manner that promotes dignity and respect. Prior to working for Turning Leaf, I managed day programming for cognitively impaired adults in Calhoun County. I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University, and in my spare time I love to cook, play golf, and watch sports.

Kenzie Cannarile

Community Integration Coordinator

I am a proud Michigan State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and two minors in Human Behavior & Social Services and Italian. My experience as a direct care and activities support person during my studies has shown me my passion for mental health and wanting to learn more about the diversity in human behavior. I have supported clients in various activities from speech practice, exercise and stretching, creative expressions, foreign language skills, vocational rehab, relationship building, cooking, games, self care, animal therapy and more. I didn’t know how all of my interests would come together until they did so beautifully when I started working at Turning Leaf in August 2020. I began as a Case Manager Assistant but quickly transitioned into facilitating individual and group activities, campus-wide events, community integration, and building trusting and friendly relationships with our residents – this has been the joy of my role! In the past year, I’ve also received a 200 Hr. Yoga Teacher certificate and am currently training towards another 300 hours outside of work. I love bringing my knowledge of yoga, breathing practice, and mindfulness skills to our residents when I can. I also love spending time with my friends, family, and our animals at Hilltop Views Farm (did you meet Aspen? Look for the white fluffy dog on the home page of this website).

Grace Phelps

Case Manager

I joined Turning Leaf in January 2022 as the case manager over the Vicksburg and Lansing locations. I provide services to the residents that include treatment planning, assessments, court compliance, and correspondence with external providers. I enjoy spending time with the residents, learning who they are as people, so I can be the best advocate for them. I am happy to work with Turning Leaf staff who have a heart to help people become happier and healthier, while increasing their independence. Prior to Turning Leaf, I worked as a case manager and as a CNA through my undergraduate years. In 2021, I graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology from Adrian College, while playing collegiate volleyball. I currently attend Spring Arbor University as a graduate student, studying mental health counseling. Outside of work, my time is spent with my family, in the weightroom, or enjoying the outdoors.